Orphan Train Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 4 Read online

  Orphan

  Train Series

  ~~ Complete Series ~~

  ∞∞∞

  WENDY MAY ANDREWS

  ISBN - 978-1-989634-14-1

  Sophie

  ~ BOOK 1 ~

  Orphan Train Series

  ∞∞∞

  Wendy May Andrews

  Sparrow Ink

  www.sparrowdeck.com

  Copyright © 2018 Wendy May Andrews

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced, transmitted, or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  www.wendymayandrews.com

  She’d happily give him her heart … if only it wouldn’t cost her the only home she’s known

  Sophie Brooks thought she had everything she could want in life. Friends, loved ones at the orphanage where she was raised, a job that gives her purpose, and a chance to help children every day … what more could she need? But a chance encounter with a handsome stranger has her wondering if a life—and love—outside the orphanage might be exactly what she never knew she needed.

  Renton Robert Rexford III has never wanted for anything. Until he meets Sophie. The charming, intelligent beauty draws him like no other. But, thanks to a disapproving benefactor who threatens to pull the orphanage’s funding, his pursuit of her could cost Sophie everything she holds dear. She’s all he wants in the world, but how can he ask her to give up so much when all she’d get in return is his heart?

  It’s not long before Sophie is forced to weigh her loyalty to the only home she’s ever known against the needs of her heart. Can love prevail—or is the cost simply too high?

  Dedication:

  To all those yearning for a better life – May you find the happy ever after you’re searching for.

  To Mum and Dad for being excited about my orphans and heroines and helping me round out my stories.

  To Marlene and Suzanne for being such great critiquers.

  And last, but certainly not least, to Mr. Andrews for being the very best always.

  Chapter One

  New York City, spring 1854

  "S ophie! Wait up!”

  As she heard the familiar voice, her heart rate picked up, but so did her feet. Without turning to acknowledge his call, Sophie did her best to hurry away. Of course, hampered by her layers of skirts to ward off the chill and her much shorter legs, her effort was wasted. He quickly caught up to her.

  “Good morning, Sophie. How are you this morning? I called out for you, but you must not have heard me.”

  “Good morning, Mr. Rexford,” she acknowledged politely, not slowing her pace.

  He paused in his stride but then hurried to catch up to her. “Sophie, are you trying to get away from me? What’s going on with you this morning?”

  She wanted to tell him that yes, she was trying to get away from him, but that would only raise more questions from him. She needed to be wily, she reminded herself. He mustn’t find out the truth.

  “Of course not, everything is just fine,” she finally answered him, trying to infuse her voice with as much sincerity as possible, even though she couldn’t quite meet his eye. “I’m just in a bit of a hurry. It’s my turn to collect the donations from the bakery for the children today, and I’m afraid I’m going to be late.”

  “Well, then I’ll come with you and help you carry it. That way it will be easier for you, and then we can talk as we walk.”

  His deep voice, obviously trying to sound reasonable, made her breath catch in her throat, and Sophie had to will the tears to remain behind her eyelids where they belonged. He could not sense her emotions or it would spoil everything. She cast him a tight smile. “That’s kind of you to offer, Mr. Rexford, but I really cannot tarry. I will wish you a good day.” She offered him a small nod before picking up her skirt and willing her legs to move even faster without actually breaking into a run.

  Thankfully, her primness had gotten through to him sufficiently that he stopped in his tracks. She could feel his gaze on her back but managed to control herself so that she didn’t turn back to glance at him or wave or in any other way indicate the turmoil churning in her chest.

  Sophronia Brooks, Sophie to her friends, finally stopped to catch her breath, leaning wearily against the corner of a building and pulling her skirts in around her to prevent them from being brushed by the bustle that continued on around her. Renton, that is, Mr. Rexford, would have been useful to have with her. She would have felt safer, for one important thing. And with his much larger build, he would have been of great assistance to her in carrying what was sure to be a large gift from the bakery. But she needed to dismiss the thought, she reminded herself. Mr. Renton Robert Rexford the Third was not for her. And no matter how much she enjoyed his company or how much he seemed to enjoy hers, he was never going to be for her, and she needed to get that realization through her thick skull.

  With that determination, she stepped away from the wall, straightened her shoulders, raised her chin, loosened her grip on her skirts, and strode purposefully toward her destination. Besides, she reminded herself, she didn’t need a man’s company in order to accomplish her task. She was out at the safest time of the day and was marching along the safest route possible. Nothing about her would proclaim her as a likely target for anyone. There was nothing for her to fear, and even though his company would have been nice, she was good enough company for herself. She didn’t need Mr. Rexford, or anyone. She, Sophie Brooks, was all she needed. And don’t you forget it, she reprimanded herself.

  Before long, she arrived at her destination. She quickly glanced at her reflection in the glass of the neighboring shop. Despite the accumulated grime on the window, Sophie was able to see that her cheeks were rosy from her brisk walk and the crisp air but that her speed hadn’t disrupted much of the tight knot she had twisted her unruly chestnut curls into. She looked sufficiently neat and tidy, despite the pink that tinged the tip of her nose, not to cause offense to the shopkeeper who was being so generous to the orphanage.

  Stale doughnuts wouldn’t be most people’s idea of a treat, but the children at the orphanage would be delighted when they found them served that evening. Sophie wished she could hold her breath while she was at the bakery; smelling all that sweet deliciousness only made her wish for what could not be. But such was life. She braced her shoulders once more. She hesitated for a moment, though. Should she go to the front door or the back? She had forgotten to ask when Mrs. Parker had sent her on this errand. She glanced at her reflection once more. There was nothing terribly off putting about her appearance, so even if she ought to be at the back, she doubted it would offend the shopkeeper if she came in the front. At least she certainly hoped not. It was tricky business receiving charity.

  With a polite smile pinned to her face, Sophie hoped for the best and opened the door, inhaling deeply of the sweet, doughy aroma permeating the bright shop. It just couldn’t be helped. She stood still for a second, taking another deep, appreciative sniff but then stepped to the counter. She was fortunate, there was an obvious lull in the shop’s business, and there was only one customer being cared for at the moment.

  “Can I help you, miss?” The shopkeeper turned to her as his customer stepped away.

  “Good morning, I’m Sophie from the Foundling Hospital.” She kept her smile polite and her gaze unwavering even though the man’s expression
changed from being eager for new business to disappointment.

  “Fine. Come through here. We have a sack prepared for you.” He eyed her speculatively. “You going to be able to manage on your own? Should’ve sent a man for this.”

  Again, Sophie kept her smile polite and in place. She was quite used to being underestimated. And there were never enough men to help with the work that needed to be done. This was probably going to be one of the less onerous assignments she had been given, so she didn’t bother replying. When she saw the sack he indicated, she worked hard to fight her dismay. She only wished it were bigger, even if it would have been harder to carry. From the looks of it, they wouldn’t be able to offer each child a doughnut of their own. With a mental shrug, she decided half a doughnut would please the children almost as much.

  Sophie grabbed the sack and nodded to the man. “Thank you for your generosity, sir, the children will be delighted.”

  The baker merely grunted in acknowledgement before frowning and demanding, “You sure you can manage? Looks to me like you’ll blow away with the wind. I’m not sure I should be sending my product off with you.”

  Now Sophie was starting to get irritated. Part of her wanted to stamp her foot and use colorful language, but she struggled to keep her face serene. “I’m quite certain I shall be fine, sir. I appreciate your concern. Good day.” Without waiting for any further doubts to be uttered by the obtuse man, she turned away and exited through the conveniently propped open back door. She could have told him the bag was only half full so it wouldn’t be any trouble at all for her to manage, but she had been told a myriad of times by Mr. Brace and the directors of the Children’s Aid Society that they could never look a gift horse in the mouth. She always needed to be grateful for whatever was offered to them, no matter how she might wish otherwise.

  With a sigh, as soon as she was away from the shop, Sophie swung the sack up over her shoulder, making it a simple task to carry it. She understood that she looked small. It had always been the bane of her existence. Being small was forever causing people to underestimate her. Of course, that could, on occasion, work to her advantage, but it was usually a pain rather than a pleasure. But it didn’t matter today. Her size wasn’t much of a factor. And the size of her bundle would prevent any undue attention to be drawn toward her. She should be able to return to the orphanage without any trouble at all. As long as she didn’t run into Renton again. That had been unnecessarily awkward. Sophie sighed again as she failed to suppress her memories of the first time she had met Renton.

  It was the Winter Formal that Mrs. Rexford, Renton’s mother, had planned in her continued efforts to raise money for the Foundling Hospital. Mrs. Rexford was one of the Children’s Aid Society’s biggest donors. Since the Society was such a new organization, Mr. Brace was dependent on the woman’s generosity. Mr. Brace had invited Sophie to join a few of the other staff members at the event. She had been beside herself with excitement and had spent hours with some of the older girls at the orphanage planning her clothes and hair for the evening. It had been such a joy to share it with the children. Even though they couldn’t attend, they had been nearly as excited as Sophie herself.

  Sophie’s heart clenched as she remembered how even the most sober of the girls had giggled along with her as they helped her pin up her hair in what was surely the most elegant style her curls had ever managed. It had been like a fairy tale. If only they would all get their happily ever after. Her musings continued.

  Sophie arrived in the center of the cluster of staff members who would be attending. She had to exert considerable effort to keep her jaw from dropping open as she gazed about at the most beautiful room she had ever seen. Mrs. Rexford was standing ready to greet her guests as they entered. Always polite, Sophie approached her to express her appreciation.

  “Everything looks so amazing, Mrs. Rexford. Thank you for including us in your evening.”

  Mrs. Rexford’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, but Sophie didn’t pay it much heed at the moment.

  “Of course, Sophie, I’m sure you’ll have an enjoyable evening.”

  Sophie was a little confused as to how to reply to those words. She nodded and dipped a slight curtsy before turning away, trying not to allow a frown to form on her brow. She understood she needed to represent the orphanage well.

  She was just pinning what she hoped was a gracious smile back onto her face while scanning the gathering crowd, looking for the rest of her group, when her gaze collided with that of the most handsome man she had ever seen. His blue eyes were so clear and bright, they reminded her of the Atlantic on a sunny day. His dark hair was almost black and was clipped short. It looked as though it would have a tendency to curl if he had not controlled its length. His square jaw and high cheekbones should have looked fierce, but his lips quirked up in the corners as though he had a propensity for smiling or laughing. Sophie’s breath caught as she tried to take it all in and once again found herself hoping her mouth wasn’t hanging open.

  He strode toward her, as she was frozen in place. There wasn’t much space separating them, so he was beside her in a few paces.

  “Good evening, miss. I haven’t had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. I just saw you talking with my mother.”

  Sophie blinked and almost turned to look behind her before she remembered that she had just been speaking with Mrs. Rexford. Feeling a blush stain her cheeks, Sophie tried to achieve coherent speech, but nothing intelligent came to mind so she merely offered him a slight curtsy like she had done with his mother.

  “Oh no, let’s not be formal, I beg of you.” His words surprised a laugh out of Sophie. She was even more surprised by the embarrassment that stained his cheeks as his grin turned rueful. “Are you laughing because my mother has called this event a Formal? And now I’m begging you not to be formal?”

  Sophie just smiled at him. She still didn’t have any words to offer. He didn’t seem to mind her silence. He caught her hand and tucked it into his elbow.

  “It’s getting a bit crowded in here. I could escort you to your table.”

  Finally, Sophie’s brain became unfrozen. Even though she didn’t pull her hand from his elbow, she offered a half-hearted protest. “I couldn’t possibly occupy your time, Mr. Rexford. Surely you have others you need to be speaking with.”

  “Not at all, my mother has everything under control. All I need to do is show up to these things.”

  “Does your mother host parties like this regularly?” Sophie couldn’t even imagine it.

  “Certainly. It is her greatest” —he paused almost imperceptibly before finishing— “joy.”

  Sophie was fascinated by his hesitation but didn’t feel brave enough to question him. She allowed her gaze to circle the room once more. “Her experience has paid off. She is certainly very skilled. Everything is beautiful, and everyone seems to be happy to be here.”

  “Are you happy to be here?”

  “Absolutely.” Sophie’s reply was filled with conviction. She doubted she would have the opportunity again and was determined to wring every drop of enjoyment she could from the experience. The man at her side returned her grin.

  “How rude of me, I haven’t introduced myself,” he said, turning the subject. “I’m Renton Rexford, of Rexford and Associates.”

  Sophie nodded graciously in acknowledgement. “I’m Sophie Brooks.” She hesitated for a second before adding, “Of the Foundling Hospital.”

  His eyes widened in surprise, but his reception of her hadn’t noticeably cooled, much to Sophie’s surprised relief. “Are you one of the orphans? You don’t look like a child, I must say.”

  Sophie grinned. “Thank you, kind sir. I am an orphan, or I guess you could say I was. Mr. Brace has allowed me to stay on and work there now that I am grown.”

  Mr. Rexford didn’t ask any more questions just then. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Brooks. Are you seated with the rest of Mr. Brace’s group, then?”

 
; “I would imagine so. I stopped to speak with Mrs. Rexford, and the others went ahead without me.”

  “That was rude of them,” he observed.

  Sophie giggled softly. “Not at all. They probably didn’t notice I had stopped. And surely I cannot get lost in one large open room.”

  He patted her hand where it sat in the crook of his elbow and then left his hand covering hers. Sophie’s stomach fluttered at the contact. She was torn between relief that she was wearing gloves and a desperate wish that neither of them had their hands covered so that she could get the full sensation. It was a ridiculous thought since she would not have been considered properly attired if she had not worn gloves and thus would not have been allowed entrance.

  Sophie tried to stem the flow of these vivid memories. They caused such a cacophony of pleasure and pain as she thought back to that exquisite evening.

  He took her the long way around the room, even though he professed to know where Mr. Brace’s group had been seated. When they reached one corner of the room, Sophie allowed her gaze to scan the room and was surprised to see Mr. Brace in the direct opposite corner, the farthest away possible.

  “Oh Mr. Renton, I do apologize. I believe my group is quite far away.”

  He grinned at her. “Why would you apologize?”

  “Well, if you are truly going to escort me all the way, that is surely going to occupy your time needlessly.”

  “Like I told you, I know exactly where Mr. Brace has been seated.”

  Sophie frowned at him. “Are you perfectly sure?”

  “Yes, and we will get there in due time.” He must have noticed her puzzled frown because he gave her a lopsided grin that made the flutters in her tummy start up again. “I didn’t think you were in a rush, and I wanted to enjoy the pleasure of your company a little while longer.”