The Cogan Legend Read Free Page A

Philadelphia and away from her temptations.  He also realized that he didn’t know for sure if her threat to run away was real or not.  Several days later he announced his decision.  “I’ll double Rachel’s wages and pay her expenses.”  He studied his daughter’s dancing eyes and knew he’d made the right decision.  “Go tell Rachel,” he announced.  “And tell her to pack plenty of warm clothing because it gets much colder at the lodge than it does here in Philadelphia.”
    Sudden realization made Charles pull a sheet of white letterhead from the rollup desk and dip a quill into ink.  The letter informing Mary Lentz, the lodge’s housekeeper, would get there in time for her to prepare for an extra place at the table.
    The next day Ann again practically beat Rachel in the door of the dress shop, she was so excited and overjoyed at her father’s decision.  She could barely contain her emotions as she hugged Rachel.  “He agreed!”
    â€œReally?”  Rachel responded in surprise.  
    Ann gave Rachel her father’s instructions, telling her to pack lots of warm clothes.  “Just bring your personal belongings, don’t worry about food.  We will be leaving next Tuesday sometime around eight o’clock in the morning, and we’ll pick you up at your house.”  
    Rachel crossed her arms.  “Ann, I told you I can’t leave on such short notice, I owe the shop owner a notice so she can fill my position.”  
    â€œI’ll beg my father to postpone for a week.  I’m positive I can convince him,” Ann promised.
    Still in shock, Rachel asked, “How long will it take to get to the lodge?”  
    â€œThree days,” Ann replied.
    Â Rachel rolled her eyes.
    â€œPlease don’t be like that,” Ann begged.  “I can’t wait to go!  And, I’m going to find out as much as I can about the area.  Maybe we can talk my father into letting us do some traveling.”
    â€œI hope so,” Rachel replied.  “It’s going to be an awfully long stay if we can’t leave the lodge.”
    â€œI do know that there is a town – Sunbury, I think – that’s not too far from the lodge. Perhaps we can go there.”
    With that comment, Rachel who had never before traveled out of Philadelphia, gave a half-hearted smile.
    â€œWe’ll make the best of this trip, Rachel,” Ann promised.  “I know it’s going to be hard for you to leave Tom and your mother, but we’ll have fun, I promise!  This will be an adventure for both of us.”  She turned to leave.  “I’ll let you know in a few days if we’ll be leaving in two weeks.”  
    Rachel smiled doubtfully.  She really didn’t want to go if it meant leaving Tom and her mother.  Even though she was sick with worry and fear, she couldn’t bring herself to cancel the trip.  Tom did his best to calm her fears, but the one thing that worked was Tom’s promise that they would get married when she came home.  
    The day of departure came quickly.  When the carriage pulled up at her house, both Charles and Ann got out of the coach.  Rachel introduced Charles to Mrs. Miller, and Ann gave her a hug.  Charles told her, “We’ll have your daughter back in short order, safe and sound, Mrs. Miller.  I’m just very glad she is going with us.”  
    Rachel hugged her mother and with tears in her eyes climbed into the coach.  As Lewey put her bags in back of the coach, Rachel waved goodbye to her mother.  
    â€œLet’s go, Lewey,” said Charles.   
    Ann grabbed Rachel’s hands.  “We’ll be back soon,” she promised.

 
    CHAPTER 2
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    The ride started off quietly.  Charles knew this was hard for Rachel, so for quite a distance he didn’t say anything