Page 41 of Because I Could Not Stop for Death

I was certain my plain dress and the fraying edge on my cloak, which I had mended countless times, made it clear I was not a relative of the Dickinson family.

“This is our maid, Willa Noble,” Mrs.Dickinson said. “She will be accompanying us to the capital.”

“Oh,” the conductor said. “I would think that the Dickinson family would need some help with traveling. Should I show her to the second-class cabin?”

“No,” Emily said quickly. “Lavinia and I would like Willa to stay with us. We don’t know when we will be in need of her services.”

Mrs.Dickinson frowned as if she didn’t like this idea at all, but she didn’t want to argue with her daughter in front of a stranger. “Austin and I each have our own cabin. The girls are sharing.”

The conductor removed a piece of paper from the pocket of his coat. “Ah yes, I see that right here. Your cabins are prepared if you are ready to board. I know ladies like to get settled before we leave the station.”

“I would like to board,” Mrs.Dickinson said. “I tire from standing too long.”

“Yes, of course,” the conductor said and took the small case that she was holding from her hands. “Let us get you settled, and I will come back for the younger Miss Dickinsons.”

The family agreed.

When the conductor and Mrs.Dickinson disappeared into the train car, Emily asked, “Where is Austin? If he is not careful he will miss the train.”

“He is probably with Susan, spending every last moment he can, until this train must depart,” Miss Lavinia said.

Emily looked as if she didn’t like this idea in the least.

“He was quite sour that Father didn’t allow her to come on this trip,” Miss Lavinia went on and glanced at me. “It is hard for me to understand that a maid is permitted on this trip, but Susan, who will be a member of our family in a year’s time, is not.”

Before Emily could answer, the conductor reappeared. “Ladies, your mother is all settled. Let us find your cabin on the train as well.” He took the cases that the two sisters held from their hands and gestured to them to get on the train.

Both Emily and Miss Lavinia lifted their skirts and climbed aboard.

Before I could follow, the conductor turned to me. “You’re last name is Noble, correct?”

I nodded.

He looked me in the eye. “You would not be related to Henry Noble, would you?”

“Henry is—was my brother.” I held back a wince, afraid that this man was going to tell me how Henry had stolen or outsmarted him in some way.

He nodded. “He was a fine young man.”

I wanted to ask him more about how he knew Henry, but the whistle on the train blew with a warning that it would soon be time to leave.

“Time to board,” he said.

Holding my carpetbag to my chest, I climbed onto the train. On the way to the cabin I would share with the Dickinson sisters, the space was close. There was not enough room for two people to walk by each other. If another person wanted to pass me, I had to turn and press my back flat to the wall. This was certainly a time that my large size for a woman was unwelcome.

Emily and Miss Lavinia, both small women, glided through the corridors like they were made for them.

“This is your cabin,” the conductor said, pointing at cabin number seventeen. He slid the pocket door open, and Emily and Miss Lavinia went inside.

Miss Lavinia looked around the empty cabin. “And our trunks and cases?”

“Those are in the luggage compartment and will be delivered to your hotel just as soon as we arrive. In all likelihood, they will beat you to your rooms. Porters at the Washington station are as quick as light.”

“Thank you,” Miss Lavinia said. “Please take care of them.” She put a coin in his hand.

“Of course, miss,” the conductor said with a nod and stepped out of the cabin.

“Willa, don’t just stand there looking like a statue. Have a seat,” Emily said, removing her bonnet, tossing it on a shelf, and sitting up by the window.

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