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her aunt stated, it was just a small one, and she had longed for a new place to start life over, so why not California? Yes, she’d miss Kaye, but she’d be married soon, and their friendship would have to play second fiddle even if Mariah stayed in Philadelphia. In reality, she was a bit afraid of making such a bold move. Having never had to negotiate life on her own, she didn’t know if she had what it took to do so. However, the offer seemed to call out to her, and she was at a point where something in that vein was needed. Moving such a long distance wasn’t something to take lightly, but she decided to give it a bit more thought and revisit the idea in a few days.
    But two days later, her aunt entered the bedroom she’d allowed Mariah to turn into a sewing room and handed Mariah a narrow envelope. “Your train ticket to California.”
    Stunned, she looked from the ticket to her smiling aunt. “But I haven’t sent the telegram.”
    “I did. I didn’t want this opportunity to pass you by.”
    “Sounds more like you’re trying to get rid of me,” Mariah countered with amusement.
    “Sounds more like having a niece I can train out to visit in California.”
    “What did you tell Mrs. Yates about me?”
    “That you are young and strong, educated, and lost your husband in a carriage accident. I also touted your sewing skills, and called you one of the best needlewomen in the city, which is the truth. I also told her you’d been employed by me for the past two years and are an excellent employee.”
    Mariah was a bit overwhelmed.
    “She has given you thirty days to get your business affairs in order here, and will expect you in Sacramento at the end of next month.”
    She was even more overwhelmed. “But Kaye’s gown.”
    “I suggest you get it finished because you are on your way to California, dear niece.”
    Mariah spent the next week putting the finishing touches on the wedding gown. She was glad she’d started it early because once it was done and presented to the bride to be, she had time to whip up a few new serviceable skirts and blouses for herself as well.
    On the day before she was due to leave, she gathered her courage and went to pay a call on her mother to say good-bye. If her new life in California worked out the way she hoped, Mariah had no inkling as to when she might return to Philadelphia, if ever.
    The familiar tinkle of the bell above the shop’s door announced her arrival. Her mother hurried out to greet what she thought would be a customer. Her smile faded at the sight of Mariah. “What do you want?”
    “I’m traveling to California in the morning to take a job as a housekeeper, and I’ve come to say good-bye.”
    “Then go on with you, you ungrateful bitch.”
    She spat the last words as if they were fire and they burned Mariah as if they were. Taking in a deep breath while reminding herself this might be the last time they’d ever speak, she said quietly, “Aunt Libby told me the truth about my father—that he didn’t die.”
    “He did die!” she snapped. “He was swept overboard on one of those ships and left me here alone to raise his lazy, witch-eyed git who was more trouble than she was ever worth.”
    “I’m sorry for your pain, Mother.”
    “Be sorry for yourself. Go on to California or wherever the hell you’re going and don’t ever come back here again. You understand?”
    “Yes, I do.”
    For a short moment they stared into each other’s eyes. Mariah had no idea what her mother saw reflected in hers but in Bernice’s, Mariah saw anger, pain, and what appeared to be grief and loss. “If you ever need—”
    “I’ll never need anything from you. Now, get out!”
    Mariah didn’t have to be told twice.
    Outside, she climbed back into Libby’s carriage and saw the concern lining her aunt’s face. Taking a moment to wipe at the tears forming in the corners of her eyes, Mariah whispered, “That certainly went well.”
    “At least you tried,” Libby