Chapter 9
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - April 1874
The coach lurched violently, jolting Gabrielle from her position. A groan escaped her lips as she clutched her stomach, a familiar wave of nausea washing over her. Unlike Violette, who sat across from her, wide-eyed and chatty, Gabrielle loathed traveling. The train ride, thankfully, had been tolerable, but this bumpy coach was a different beast entirely.
Before the coach could even come to a full stop, Gabrielle was scrambling out, the nausea threatening to turn into full-blown dizziness. She took deep breaths, willing the contents of her stomach to stay put.
"Brie, are you alright?" Violette was by her side in an instant, a worried crease appearing on her forehead. Wrapping a supportive arm around Gabrielle's waist, she helped her navigate the uneven boardwalk.
"I… I'll be fine," Gabrielle gasped, handing Violette a handful of coins. "Just tell the driver to bring the luggage to the hotel."
A wave of exhaustion washed over her. By the time they reached the room, Gabrielle was already sprawled across the bed, fast asleep. Violette hovered for a moment, torn between the urge to explore the new town and the knowledge that Gabrielle would be furious if she found out. With a sigh, Violette decided exploration could wait.