Chapter 8
Baltimore, Maryland - March 1874
Violette slumped on her bed, a picture of dejection, as Gabrielle methodically unpacked the bags she had just filled. Of course, in her eagerness to make a good impression, Violette had crammed every fancy dress and piece of jewelry she owned. Now, she watched helplessly as Gabrielle systematically replaced them with more subdued outfits.
"We'll miss the train if you keep this up, you know," Violette grumbled.
Gabrielle shook her head, surveying the overflowing trunks. "Honestly, Violette, you packed more than the Queen herself."
"But I want to look nice!" Violette protested.
"There's a difference between looking nice and overdressing," Gabrielle countered.
"Why can't I bring my best dresses?" Violette pouted, her voice laced with disappointment.
"For one," Gabrielle explained, "we're traveling by train. Nebraska isn't Baltimore, Vee. It's a frontier territory – rough and dusty. Those delicate dresses wouldn't last a day."
"Can't I pack a couple of nicer outfits, then?" Violette pleaded.
"Secondly," Gabrielle continued, firmly shutting a trunk and pushing it aside for Horace to collect, "we don't want to draw attention to ourselves. Two women traveling alone – flaunting wealth is a recipe for trouble."
A slow understanding dawned on Violette's face. "Oh," she murmured, the practicality of her sister's words sinking in.
"And that goes for talking about our background, too," Gabrielle added, her gaze turning serious. "You know the whispers about Father marrying Mother for her money, right?"
Violette nodded curtly.
"I don't want people to make similar assumptions about us," Gabrielle continued. "We need to appear unassuming, for your safety and mine."
"But the money isn't mine." Violette shrugged.
"You know it might as well b.," Gabrielle conceded, raising an eyebrow. "We both benefit from it."
Violette let out a nervous chuckle. "Do you think someone might kidnap me for ransom?"
"It sounds ridiculous now," Gabrielle admitted, pulling her sister into a hug, "but in that kind of situation, the humor would be lost."
"You must get tired, thinking so much about everything," Violette teased.
"Just trying to anticipate any potential dangers," Gabrielle replied. "What if your brother…" she faltered for a moment, searching for the right words. "What if he's only interested in getting close to you for what you have? Wouldn't you want to be sure his intentions are genuine?"
Violette's playful demeanor vanished. "You're right, Brie," she sighed. "As always."
"A compliment at last!" Gabrielle exclaimed a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Don't get too full of yourself," Violette countered with a playful roll of her eyes. But a thoughtful expression lingered on her face, a testament to the weight of her sister's words.