car. They would have a drawing room for the rest of the trip. Amanda was holding Abby on her lap, and pointed to her school as they passed. The rest of Elmira slid past. They were bound for New York City, where they would transfer to the Transcontinental Train.
Abby had her two dolls in her lap and held them close to the window as the train rolled on. “Sarah likes trains,” she said to Amanda.
Amanda said “This is new for Mary. She hasn’t been anywhere.”
“Sarah won’t let her get lost,” Abby said.
As the train sped toward New York City, the enthralled Amanda turned from looking through the window to her new husband. “This is all so exciting. Just think, I’ve never been anywhere before, and I’ll be in New York City in a few hours.”
Rance smiled at her excitement. His only experiences of traveling consisted of trips to Laramie, prior to his journey to get acquainted with Amanda.” I know exactly what you mean,” he said. “Before this trip, I had only been to Laramie, and we’ve already gone further than that this morning.”
When the train pulled into the terminal called Grand Central Station, the sight overwhelmed Amanda. “However will we find our next train? How do we get our luggage to the next train?”
“First, we only have to worry about the bags we brought on ourselves. We won’t see the trunk again until we get to Cheyenne. The Transcontinental Train won’t be hard to find, we’ll just ask the conductor or one of the agents when we get there.”
“All the same, I’m glad I’m not doing this by myself. I might wind up in Georgia,” she said.
“I’m glad we’re with you then. I wouldn’t want you in Georgia,” he said.
The transition went smoothly and the Transcontinental pulled out of Grand Central for the trip west.
Restaurants and cafés were never a big thing in Elmira. With her limited experience in dining out, the elegance of the dining car on the train impressed Amanda. “I can’t believe this,” she said as she looked around the car. The menu contained several things she had never tried before. When the porter brought her dinner, she inhaled deeply. “Heavenly,” she said. “I have never eaten in such beauty before.”
Later that evening…
As the train sped through the twilight and early evening hours, they left the drawing room to allow the porter to convert it to the sleeping configuration. When they returned, there were two beds. Rance demonstrated the toilet facilities and Amanda got Abby dressed for bed. Then she changed into her nightgown.
“Ready for your bedtime story?” she asked Abby.
“Yes,” Abby said.
“May I listen too? I’ve never had a bedtime story,” Rance said.
“Yes, you may, good grammar by the way. You get an A+ for that.” She got her fairy tale book, and said, “I think you will really like this one, Abby.” As the story of Thumbelina unfolded, Abby was caught up in the story and the animated interpretations by Amanda.
“Did you like it?” she asked. “It’s always been one of my favorites.”
Abby nodded, and Rance said, “I liked it too,” He patted Amanda’s hand. “That was a good story.”
“Now kiss me good night,” he said. “I’m going to get ready for bed too,” he said.
When he returned, Amanda was looking out the window. “Penny,” he said.
“What,” Amanda answered. “Oh, I was just thinking about all of the changes happening, and how happy I am.”
“I’m glad,” he said, and got into bed.
Amanda pulled the shade on the window, got in the bed, and snuggled up to him. She raised her chin expectantly for the kiss she wanted. He kissed her on the forehead, and the cheek. He moved to the sensitive area of her neck, increasing her level of desire. He massaged her lips with his, tracing the outline with the tip of his tongue. Her lips parted. The touch of his tongue to hers was electric, causing shocks to course through her body. She began moving against him.
He fumbled with the