the meeting
Summer 1865. The town of Wiskayok Nebraska was a growing bustling one. Which was strange for Laura Lee. She had moved here with her father when the mayor put out a call seeking a pastor for their newly minted church.And that was twenty years ago now.Back when it was just a general store, a few homes and the church.
The bustling no doubt due to the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Bringing in folk from all over to work on it.
It was a lovely Wednesday morning as Laura Lee strolled down the street towards the church of St.Joseph. Her bible open in one hand as she contemplates her lesson plan for tonight. It was hard work teaching the children while their parents attended service.Plus all those little faces raising their voices for the Lord was just so adorable!
With her eyes tracing the bible verses Laura Lee was admittedly distracted. Barely registering the shout called out as suddenly a stagecoach whizzes past and knocks Laura Lee to the ground.
She lands on her back with a thud. Bible flying away. Her eyes closed in pain. “Whoa there ma’am.” she can hear a voice say. She picks up on the sounds of footsteps. “Are you alright?” At that Laura Lee blearly brings her eyes open. A stranger now standing over her with their right hand outstretched to help her up.
“I’ve been better.” Laura Lee says trying to reach her hand out to the stranger but missing.
The stranger picks up the hint and stretches their hand out further towards Laura Lee’s to help. Their hands finally connecting as with a mighty hoist the stranger brings Laura Lee to her feet.
As she’s finally back on her feet her eyes allow for a good look at the stranger. Noting their forest green two piece suit. A bowler hat upon their head.and..the most brown eyes Laura Lee has ever seen.
Laura Lee goes to brush some of the dirt off of her dress. “Thank you for helping me Mr?” fishing for a surname from the stranger.
The stranger was quick to take a bow as they doffed their cap. A mess of reddish brunette hair spilling out. Laura Lee’s wide as the stranger straightens up from their bow. A woman?! How did Laura Lee not catch the slightly feminine features until she continues to stare.
“Shipman. Shauna.” the woman says. “I am fresh in town.”
“I should think so,” Laura Lee says. “I can’t say I've seen you around these parts.” and she’d definitely remember someone like Ms.Shipman.
“I have just arrived to help work on the railroad.” Shauna explains “I only wish we had met under better circumstances Miss?”
“Whitlam.” Laura Lee says. “My father runs the local church. I pray I shall see you in attendance.”
With that Shauna grins. “Pleasure to meet you Miss.Whitlam.” she reaches for Laura Lee’s right hand to gently take it in her fingers. Gingerly bringing Laura Lee’s hand to her lips. Planting a tender kiss on the knuckle.
Laura Lee blinks and she swears Ms.Shipman is taking a whiff of her hand.
“Very nice to meet you.” Shauna’s voice grows lower. Promptly letting go of Laura Lee’s hand. “I’ll see you around Miss Whitman.” with that Shauna places her hat back on her head as she walks in the direction of the shopping district.
What a curious woman this Ms.Shipman is. In any case Laura Lee finally remembers her bible as she searches the ground for it. Taking her a few moments until she finds it flipped over by an apple peddler’s cart. Quickly picking it back up and heading for her destination.