Walk Away West: Journey of Cornelia Rose, #2

Copyright

www.EvolvedPub.com

To make sure you never miss out on any important announcements related to our books, special promotions, etc, please subscribe to our newsletter at the address below. And fear not, we’ll not spam you, nor will we share your information with anyone else.

Subscribe to the Evolved Publishing Newsletter

~~~

WALK AWAY WEST

Journey of Cornelia Rose – Book 2

Copyright © 2020 J.F. Collen

~~~

ISBN (EPUB Version): 1622536363

ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 978-1-62253-636-8

~~~

Editor: Kimberly Goebel

Cover Artist: Kabir Shah

Interior Designer: Lane Diamond

~~~

PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

At the end of this novel of approximately 81,382 words, you will find two Special Sneak Previews: 1) PIONEER PASSAGE by J.F. Collen, the next installment (Book 3) in this multiple award-winning Journey of Cornelia Rose series, and; 2) SOUL OF THE ELEPHANT by Pam Laughlin, the award-winning first book in The Kind Mahout series of historical fiction adventures set in South India more than a century ago. We think you’ll enjoy these books, too, and provide these previews as a FREE extra service, which you should in no way consider a part of the price you paid for this book. We hope you will both appreciate and enjoy the opportunity. Thank you.

~~~

eBook License Notes:

You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

~~~

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously. Additionally, the dialogue in this book accurately reflects life speech in the 1850s. The language and terminology used by the characters has been only moderately censored and does not reflect the opinions, sensibilities, or culture of the author or publisher.

Books by J.F. Collen

~~~

THE JOURNEY OF CORNELIA ROSE

Book 1: Flirtation on the Hudson

Book 2: Walk Away West

Book 3: Pioneer Passage

Book 4: The Path of Saints and Sinners [2023]

Book 5: Bit o’ Heaven Ranch [2024]

~~~

www.JFCollen.com

What Others Are Saying

~~~

"Collen creates an outstanding synthesis of history and personal experience that bring readers into a world that moves from a comfortable one to one which, by choice, embraces austerity and adventure. Where is home for the suddenly-nomadic Nellie; and can love survive the journey? Readers looking for a fine stand-alone story of a venture out West and the characters’ motivations for both undertaking the unknown and remaining and growing as a couple will find Walk Away West an invigorating novel of change and challenge. It works well either as a follow-up to Nellie’s previous adventure [Flirtation on the Hudson] or as a stand-alone historical novel for newcomers." ~ Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer

~~~

"J. F. Collen pens this historical tale, Walk Away West, with a passion for adventure. A masterful wordsmith, Collen has an ability to describe the wonders of the time period with historic accuracy. The realism continues with the captivating and often humorous dialogues that resound with dialects and the language of the era. Furthermore, her creativity in illustrating the sights and sounds, fear and pain, wonder, and excitement immerse the reader in the setting of the story. Character-driven, the life of the main character, Cornelia Rose, takes center stage. The young protagonist is more than just a pretty face. She is intelligent, well-informed on current events and historical facts, making her a stimulating conversationalist. Her character is honed and shaped by her clever and prestigious husband, motherhood, and the challenges of life. However, there are parts of her demeanor that remain stifled; her flirtations continue to get her into trouble. At times you love her strength and courage, and others, you want to jump into the scene and slap her silly as my mother would say. However, as this leg of her journey comes to an end, you sense there is much more waiting for Cornelia Rose in the West. J. F. Collen’s Walk Away West leaves you desiring more of this adventurous saga." ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Cheryl E. Rodriguez (5 STARS)

~~~

"Walk Away West was like a breath of fresh air. As a lover of historical fiction, I was entranced not so much the journey, but by the social constructs and mores of the time. It is so rare to find an author prepared to so thoroughly invest themselves in an era that the reader is transported instantly to that time and place and feels an integral part of everything. Author J.F. Collen paints a picture with words that is both captivating and entrancing. One can truly imagine the beauty of the Hudson Valley at the time through Cornelia Rose’s eyes and the sheer desolation and loneliness of the trip on the Erie Canal. The language, for me, was the key to this tale. The use of the common vernacular of the time and the social mores and constraints, especially on women, sang through the narrative unashamedly. I particularly loved the two sides of Cornelia Rose and her relationship with Obadiah. In many ways, she was a modern, crusading suffragette who did not buy into this idea of a ‘woman’s place’ and the constraints placed on women of the time to hold their tongue and not involve themselves in matters that were beyond their ‘delicate’ minds. Yet, she still longed for the simple, comfortable life of the middle-class, city-dwelling housewife that she saw in her mother. Conflicted and scared, Cornelia Rose still chooses to follow her husband into the unknown with courage and forbearance. This is an absolutely fantastic story and one I can highly recommend. I need to know what happens next, so will definitely be reading the next book in this series. Kudos to the author for generating such a need in this reader." ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Grant Leishman (5 STARS)

BONUS CONTENT

We’re pleased to offer you not one, but two Special Sneak Previews at the end of this book.

~~~

In the first preview, you’ll enjoy the First 2 Chapters of PIONEER PASSAGE, the next installment (Book 3) in this multiple award-winning Journey of Cornelia Rose series.

~~~

~~~

OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!

FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:

THE JOURNEY OF CORNELIA ROSE Series at Evolved Publishing

In the second preview, you’ll enjoy the First Chapter of Pam Laughlin’s SOUL OF THE ELEPHANT, the award-winning first book in The Kind Mahout series of historical fiction adventures set in South India more than a century ago.

~~~

~~~

"Rather like the man-eating tiger (perhaps a man-tiger) who insidiously patrols the opening chapters of Pam Laughlin’s novel, Soul of the Elephant, this book excels at sneaking up on its reader, solely intent on devouring him whole. Which, piece by piece, chapter by chapter, increasingly ravenous, it does... Within an intensely engaging, dramatic, compelling narrative, choreographed meticulously well by Ms. Laughlin, many delicious morsels are provided for meditative savoring. These include the formidability of the natural world, how humans relate to their parental world (and each other, and their animal brothers), and, wondrously, how our relationship to spirit flavors each of these interactions. ...a well-told, truly captivating story." ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Joel R. Dennstedt (5 STARS)

~~~

OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!

FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:

THE KIND MAHOUT Series at Evolved Publishing

Table of Contents

Copyright

Books by J.F. Collen

What Others Are Saying

BONUS CONTENT

Table of Contents

Dedication

WALK AWAY WEST

PART ONE

Chapter 1 – When We Get Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 2 – No Ordinary Love

Chapter 3 – Sailing

Chapter 4 – I’m in Heaven When You Smile

Chapter 5 – Seems like Old Times

Chapter 6 – In the Air Tonight

Chapter 7 – Help!

Chapter 8 – The Long Day Is Over

Chapter 9 – My Blue Heaven

Chapter 10 – That’s the Way of the World

Chapter 11 – Stand by Me

Chapter 12 – What a Wonderful World

Chapter 13 – An Innocent Man

Chapter 14 – Top of the World

Chapter 15 – Magic Time

PART TWO

Chapter 16 – Cornelia Street

Chapter 17 – I Would Do Anything for Love

Chapter 18 – No Woman No Cry

Chapter 19 – We May Never Pass This Way Again

Chapter 20 – What a Difference a Day Makes

Chapter 21 – Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay

Chapter 22 – It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

Chapter 23 – There’s No Place like Home for the Holidays

Chapter 24 – I Try to Say Goodbye and I Choke

Chapter 25 – I Don’t Know Where I’m Going but I’m on My Way

Chapter 26 – Stranded

Chapter 27 – Stop! In the Name of Love

Chapter 28 – Bright Side of the Road

Chapter 29 – Southern Man

Chapter 30 – Escape

Chapter 31 – You’re My Home

Special Sneak Preview: PIONEER PASSAGE by J.F. Collen

Acknowledgements

About the Author

More from J.F. Collen

More from Evolved Publishing

Special Sneak Preview: SOUL OF THE ELEPHANT by Pam Laughlin

Dedication

To my band of hardy travelers, thank you for your love and support. May we continue to grow in number.

PART ONE

Chapter 1 – When We Get Behind Closed Doors

Sing Sing, New York, February 1852

Ouch! Startled by a loud thud, Cornelia Rose pricked her finger on her needle. Tarnation that smarts, she thought, tossing her darning egg, with the stocking still dangling over it, onto her table and putting her finger in her mouth. What urgent matter shatters the blissful quiet of this late morning?

Bang, bang, bang!

Mercy! It sounds like a foot hitting the door. Nellie sprang to the entry hall and opened the heavy front door. The posterior of a workman greeted her. Bent over a large object, the man backed his way into the newly created opening, tracking snow and mud from his dirty work boots onto her rug.

Mercy! What in the world...? asked Nellie, forced to step aside, and flatten herself against the wall, as the man, followed by a large piece of furniture, and a second red-faced man with bulging biceps, passed in front of her.

"Es machts nichts, it doesn’t matter." Her mother’s authoritative voice floated over the velvet upholstery, and the two men who carried it, to Nellie’s ear squashed against the wardrobe’s door.

I have purchased this settee designed by the acclaimed Prussian furniture maker, Julius Dessoir.... Mrs. Gertrude Entwhistle’s stout figure filled the doorway at the tail end of the men holding the sofa. It complements the carved rosewood armchairs you inherited from your Aunt Elizabeth Dowling. Consider it my little gift to the newlyweds.

Another gift among so many? Nellie extended her arm to hug her mother, but the woman charged through the alcove so briskly the gesture became a mere pat on her shoulder.

Nellie followed her into their formal room. I do so adore the carved birds and flowers that adorn the sofa’s lavish Louis XIV’s form, she gushed. What a stylish parlor you have helped me fashion around our extravagant marble fireplace. Nellie forced herself to ignore the trail of dirty footprints and admire the intricately wrought figures in the curved rosewood back and arms of the sofa.

"Now you simply must purchase the sideboard and étagère to complete the suite," proclaimed her mother, arms crossed, scanning the bare walls of the parlor.

One of the workmen leaned, adjusted the carpet under the couch and straightened, a groan escaping his lips.

Mr. McNamara, cried Nellie. What ails you?

Jist me back, he said in his thick Irish brogue, a smile lighting up his broad, wrinkled face. ‘Tis a occupational hazard, ‘tis.

I have just the thing! Tarry a moment, please. Nellie ran to the larder, shouting, Midwife Rafferty and I have perfected the recipe for a poultice curing muscle strain: mustard seed stirred into rye and boiling water. She was back in a whirl of petticoats and handed him a neatly wrapped white parcel.

You must dip this entire packet, bound as it is in the linen, in boiling water, just until it is warmed through. Apply it to the aggravated area, Nellie prescribed.

Mr. McNamara took it with his thanks. I know’d from t’ moment I saw ye, a wee colleen, hanging around t’ diggin’ o’ t’ Croton Aqueduct, way back in ‘42: yer were a Lady and there warn’t no flies on ye. Sure n’ begora, I could tell ye had t’ markings. Ye must be the apple o’ yer proud fadder’s eye. Right capable ye are.

Nellie blushed and gave a little curtsey. Give my best regards to your wife, and that whole brood of McNamaras you call your children. I fondly recall, I was there, assisting Midwife Rafferty, when the last one of them was born.

Mebbe not the last, laughed Mr. McNamara.

Nellie’s blush deepened at his implication. Quite the droll rogue! The men turned to leave, wiping their feet on the doormat on their way out.

Nellie laughed out loud.

Her husband, Obadiah, appeared in the open doorway, glanced at the retreating deliverymen, wiped his feet, and approached the parlor. He greeted both women with a perfunctory kiss and fixed his look on the sofa, his aspect betraying disapproval.

To whom do we owe the debt of gratitude for this marvelous piece of furniture? he asked, forcing a smile on his face.

I decided you simply must have a Dessoir settee to create the appropriate ambiance in your parlor, proclaimed Mrs. Entwhistle.

Obadiah took her hand and bowed over it. My gratitude is yours. We will be the most fashionable newlyweds in town. A luxurious sofa in our humble abode will cause the entire dwelling to aspire to further greatness.

Mrs. Entwhistle looked confused, but Nellie laughed.

"Mutter, you must acclimate yourself to Mr. Wright’s sense of humor. There are few men in Sing Sing, nay few men in the whole metropolis of New York, as witty as my new husband."

Now it was her mother’s turn to look disapproving.

Obadiah quickly tried to make amends. You and Mr. Entwhistle have graced us with truly a most generous gift. We shall cherish every moment spent reposing on such a fine piece of furniture.

Obadiah coughed. I have but a short time for my noon repast.... He bowed and turned toward the hallway. If you will pardon my hasty retreat to the kitchen?

Tarnation! said Nellie, picking up her voluminous skirts and scurrying past her mother into the kitchen.

Be mindful of your vocabulary, Cornelia. Have you still not broken yourself of that vile habit? ‘Tis a word most unsuitable for the lexicon of a woman of your upbringing....

Nellie gave her mother a quick but enthusiastic hug and a warm kiss on her way past.

Mrs. Entwhistle called, "I shall see you anon at Mass on Sunday. Do not neglect the sauerkraut for our family dinner—cooking it is your responsibility this week. We anticipate twenty-two, not counting Agnes’ new little one, of course. Be sure to simmer it until the cabbage is soft and succulent—not crunchy! The last time our menu included your sauerkraut, it was a bit too al dente for my liking.

"And mind, do not forget we depart for the theater promptly at noon on Saturday next. Good day to you both!"

In the kitchen, already ladling oxtail soup, Nellie risked further disapproval from her mother by shouting, "Fret not, Mutter, I shall comply with your detailed instructions. Toot-a-loo!"

"Cornelia, do not corrupt the French expression á tout á l’heure, or I shall not desire to see you at a later time. Gott im Himmel, God in Heaven...." Mrs. Entwhistle’s retreating voice found its way back to Nellie’s kitchen.

Nellie shrugged and took her seat at their small kitchen table, chattering away as she and her husband enjoyed their noontime dinner.

Suddenly, Obadiah pushed back his chair and declared, I will not have our treasury frittered away on a matching suite of parlor furniture made by anyone, Julius Dessoir notwithstanding. He paused at Cornelia’s thunderstruck look.

Come, come, my dear bride, do not look so deluded. I am merely cognizant of conserving funds for our newly booked and ticketed honeymoon. Obadiah’s face lit up with a huge grin.

Nellie shouted and leapt into his arms, bumping into the table, sloshing soup everywhere. Her surprise and joy erupted in fervent kisses.

Come, come, said Obadiah again, but this time with an entirely different tone in his voice. He disentangled himself from her arms. Nellie opened her mouth to protest, but Obadiah laughed. I simply defer to the more practical side of my nature. He tapped his head. If you carry on in this passionate manner, my subject of communication shall be wiped clean from my mind, and replaced by a subject of an entirely different nature.

Nellie blushed bright crimson, but Obadiah did not notice, for he had taken her by the hand and led her to their newly acquired couch.

We depart Thursday next, he began.

But what of your obligations to Judge Urmy? Nellie interrupted.

I have arranged for a sabbatical of two weeks’ time, Obadiah rubbed his hands together with satisfaction. To begin, I have booked tickets on the Hudson Day Line for a luxurious and leisurely cruise up your beloved Hudson River, to the flourishing capital of our fair state, Albany. At this destination....

How long do we stay? interrupted Nellie again.

Obadiah laughed, and playfully clamped his hand over her mouth. "You are teasing us both with your constant interruptions. May it please the court, I continue? he looked at her with mock severity. I promise I will quickly sketch our agenda and then permit you free rein to pepper me with all the inquiries you can contrive. Interrogate me to your heart’s content. Here, look at the dossier I have prepared; you can see it is quite specific."

Nellie examined the paper covered with Obadiah’s fine penmanship as he pointed out each delightful detail.

"People’s Line day cruise up the Hudson River, on the New World." Obadiah moved her finger to the next line.

"Two nights stay at Albany’s finest: The Mansion House Hotel, en suite breakfast, dinner, and dancing." He tapped the next line.

"Item three—sight-seeing in historic Albany—including a tour of the Orange Improvements. At six o’clock on the nose, we set sail, returning south on the most well-appointed and opulent of the Hudson Night Line Ships the Daniel Drew. This is the crown jewel of shipbuilder Thomas Collyer. Anticipate if you will, dining in the finest of restaurants, dancing the evening away to the music of a superlative band, retreating for a moonlit view of the Adirondacks, only to retire in the grandest suite money can buy, as we steam toward New York City."

Nellie pressed her lips against Obadiah’s cheek in delight.

"How is it that our fare is a mere fifty cents for our northward journey, and we travel up the river on the People’s Line and return on the Hudson Night Line, you may ask? Why the now infamous Supreme Court case decided by our scholarly and constitutionally discerning Mr. Justice John Marshall enabled this convenience. Brilliantly argued by the great orator Daniel Webster himself, on behalf of Mr. Gibbons, and of course Mr. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Gibbons versus Ogden holds that New York State had no authority to grant a monopoly of shipping rights to Mr. Ogden. Transport, and verily navigation itself, on the mighty Hudson River is interstate commerce, regulated solely by Congress. Therefore, my dear Lady, the free market reigns. The price of our ticket has been reduced, due to the fierce competition for passengers, and we are free to buy one-way tickets without fear of pecuniary penalty."

Nellie, bursting with pride over this display of her husband’s acumen and knowledge, exclaimed, Your facility with the law is as impressive as your perspicacity! For this, my husband, I commend you with a single, laudatory kiss. Nellie kissed Obadiah on the cheek and jumped up to curtsey low in front of him.

At his surprised look, she burst out laughing and sat down on his lap. A flurry of excited kisses followed, Nellie sprinkling them all over his face, and finishing with a nibble on his ear.

I warned you, growled Obadiah, kissing her fully and passionately on the mouth.

Nellie giggled, kissing him back.

A second later, the precious itinerary thrown carelessly on the floor, Obadiah swept her into his arms and carried her to their bedroom.

Mercy! What of the agenda? whispered Nellie into his neck with a laugh.

Obadiah, laughing, responded by licking her ear and slowly sliding his tongue down her neck. He whispered, My humble apologies, Madam. Howsoever, I have just become aware of a situation that takes precedence over any and all outstanding agendas. Protocol simply requires it be elevated to the top of the list.

Unwilling to resist the delightful shivers running down her spine at his touch, and the fire flaming in her soul, Nellie reclined on the bed and turned her full attention to the passion welling within her.

Chapter 2 – No Ordinary Love

Sing Sing, New York, March 1852

Nellie removed her boiled wool cloak and tossed it on the Dessoir sofa. Thank the Lord I took my heaviest cape.

The wind whipped up the Hudson River, thrilling me with white-capped waves, chilling me to the bone. The joyful lilt of Nellie’s voice bounced off the ornate stone of their grand fireplace as Obadiah, kneeling in front, worked to ignite the kindling. It is quite fortuitous that my brother Patrick, captain extraordinaire, commanded the helm, for surely our craft would have tossed and turned in the wind all the more with a lesser sailor steering.

A most chilling temperature for this time in March, I do concur, responded Obadiah in a chipper tone, as he bent to his task. Most unusual that we shall require a fire for our evening repast.

Mayhap it is due to the dearth of heat in the house, empty for two nights while we luxuriated at the Astor House and hobnobbed among the elite at the theater. Most gay socialites are we, said Nellie. Mercy, I am weary! But what an excellent adventure we just concluded.

The next time we overnight in The City in March, we shall stay at the Saint Nicholas, Obadiah said, routing in the kindling by the fireplace for a large log. I read an advertisement in this morning’s paper touting that fashionable establishment’s central heating. The inventive system’s pipes force warm air from a central boiler into every guest room.

Nellie smiled her agreement. Although, she said, with a coy expression on her face and moony, love-filled eyes. There is no warmer or cozier feeling than two people under an eiderdown in a chilly room watching the last embers of a fire dwindle.

Obadiah laughed, with a low, masculine sound that made Nellie’s knees wobble. He turned to her and winked. Come to think of it, you are correct, our passion generates a fair amount of its own heat.

Nellie blushed, the knee wobble turning into a toe tingle. Giggling, she changed the subject. It tickles me when I contemplate our last night’s evening entertainment. The Niblo Opera House! How grand. Nellie waltzed over to her husband and practically sang her effusive praise. My handsome Mr. Wright hosts a sumptuous meal, at an intimate table for two, in the fine dining refreshment hall of the Niblo Saloon. After a most tasty and satisfying repast, I am treated to the theater’s finest entertainment.

Parading around the room, Nellie paused and lowered her voice to a whisper for better dramatic effect. Is this fine lady seen at an Italian opera? No. Mayhap an evening of song with famous singer Jenny Lind, or perhaps the more conventional tones of the Hutchinson Family Singers? No. Only the highest society has the sophistication and taste required to appreciate the entertainment we viewed: a comedic burlesque. Nellie laughed out loud, and plopped down on the couch in a most unsophisticated, vaudevillian manner.

Shhhhh! Nellie picked her head up off the couch, put her finger to her lips and leaned forward to again whisper. "Do not tell Mutter the grand Niblo Opera proffered a farce instead of an Italian Opera! She sank back down, the merry melody of her laugh overlaying the crackling of the now roaring fire. We were party to a travesty, in all its bawdy grandeur. She shook her head. Mutter will deem it a most inappropriate form of evening entertainment."

Obadiah rose and in one long step, pulled her up from the couch and folded her into his arms. I must make one fact certain in your mind. He drew his eyebrows together and assumed a very serious expression.

Whatever troubles you? questioned Nellie, pulling back from his embrace.

"Comedy and humor are never inappropriate! He threw back his head and laughed. His arms tightened around her. Cornelia Rose, life is full of joy and mirth with you, my fair Lady. He kissed her with such ardor Nellie felt the now familiar tingles and thrills running from her lips to her nether regions. Obadiah looked her in the eyes. Wherever in the world we are, I find my refuge in you," he said, tucking her stray hair behind her ear and sliding his fingers tantalizingly down her neck.

We are right here.... Nellie smiled back up at him. ...in our cozy new home.

Obadiah leaned in, planted a kiss on her nose, scooped her into his arms, and carried her into their bedroom.

What of the fire? whispered Nellie. All your hard work for naught.

Later, Obadiah whispered in her ear. We shall return to its dying embers. The fire, having done its duty, will have warmed the room, making the perfect venue for you to appear, wearing naught but your green velvet robe....

I could wear my gingham dress, offered Nellie. Her sisters, Anastasia and Agnes, her friend Augusta, and even her mother shrieked in alarm.

"Gingham is never appropriate on a honeymoon tour, neither day, nor especially, night," counseled Augusta, her fashionable friend.

Especially in June, seconded Anastasia, with a frown. The ladies sat in Nellie’s parlor, working on their embroidery.

Cornelia’s mother voiced her opinion. "You simply must have the dressmaker concoct two new dresses for your honeymoon trip. You’ll need a more fashionable day dress for travel. I cannot abide the thought of my daughter traveling on the People’s Line dressed in gingham, much less the thought of being observed in a theater box in The City in a reworked gown.

Furthermore, for the ship’s evening of dining and dancing, as well as for the dancing at Coney Island House, you must have new apparel, wrought in silk, Mrs. Entwhistle decreed.

Pshaw, such extravagance. New silk is far too costly. I must learn the art of husbandry, commencing immediately. I can make do with re-trimming my organdy, Nellie stated.

Tsk, tsk, these are not the standards I raised you to uphold. Your sister’s husband has managed to keep her finely and stylishly dressed, in spite of the strain on the pocketbook engendered by their new baby. Mrs. Entwhistle’s speech strayed from direct to hurtful.

"Mutter!"