An Improper Derailment Chapter Nine

Where Mary writes to Janey…

My Dearest Janey,

What was Grandfather thinking? Sending the brute to escort me back to San Francisco?

My honor and reputation would have been better served had he demanded I travel alone.

The accommodations are atrocious. I was promised a private stateroom, and that man expects me to share what little space I have been afforded with him. And it’s hardly even a room!

I guess I should be more grateful I am not traveling in the public cars, but still.

The train has stopped in Council Bluffs to add extra cars, or something. Marshall Hunt said my accommodations should improve. I don’t know what he means, he isn’t particularly forthcoming.

I was left to my own devices to seek out a meal.

Janey, this will just not do. I am distraught and beside myself.
I wish Grandfather had left well enough alone. I feel certain I had been days away from a proper proposal from Pythagoras.

Oh, the suffering I am forced to endure. I had to purchase this small letter kit along with the postage. All of my belongings are packed away in my travel trunks. And in the baggage car! I don’t even have my belongings with me. It’s so uncivilized.

The only consolation I have is thank goodness for the speed of steam engines. I will be able to safely call San Francisco my home again within the week, and then I can put all of this unpleasantness behind me.

Why couldn’t Grandfather have found me a more suitable travel companion and guardian?

Janey his behavior is scandalous, and I couldn’t be more mortified. Good fortune has it that there is no one of means traveling on this train, and I do at least have a private, well away from the view of others, means of travel.

I must post this immediately. Mr. Hunt is threatening to have the train leave me behind if I do not “get a move on” post haste. The way he speaks to me.
I will write as soon as I possibly can.

Pray for me.

Your loving sister.

Mary.

Keep reading with the next installment…