As Ian made his way back from the bathroom – having changed his outfit back from the porter’s uniform to the vagrant fashion – he heard voices bleeding through the cracked door to Nellie’s sleeping compartment. Curious, he pushed the door open with a finger and peered into the compartment. Inside he saw a blonde woman who had a gorgeous smile but no idea how to use it. The lady was sitting on the desk chair, her hands clasped in her lap. Even though she was wearing a thick skirt, it was obvious that she was tapping her foot impatiently.
Ian’s eyes scanned to the left and saw Nellie standing at the bed, packing her belongings. She was chattering about the assignment that she was going to work on in San Francisco when she heard the door creak open. Turning and spotting Ian, Nellie said pleasantly, “Mr. Hunter, I’d like you to meet Ms. Selina Coburn. Ms. Coburn, Ian Hunter.”
“I think this is where I’m supposed to say charmed,” Ian said as he walked over and awkwardly kissed Selina on the hand. “And what is it that you do?”
“I’m a woman, because the world won’t allow me to be anything else,” Selina said flatly, put off by Ian’s abrupt question.
Ian snorted, mistaking Selina’s bitterness for wit. Before Nellie had a chance to clarify, Ian said brightly, “But you’re so much more than a woman. You’re a maid also – well, you were a maid.”
The women looked at him, surprised, and Selina cried out, “Am I really that obvious? What gave it away? Was it my dress, the way I look, the way I talk?”
Ian shook his head. “Ms. Bly here already told me your story.”
“Then why would you ask?” Selina wondered.
“I was interested in hearing your answer. I had a feeling that you would lie, and you can learn more about a person when they’re lying than when they’re telling the truth.”
Selina huffed, not enjoying being made light of. Ian either didn’t notice or didn’t care, because he then proceeded by saying, “Where’s your husband at?”
“I’m not sure, actually. When we were having dinner, he said he wanted to step outside for a minute and get some fresh air. I must admit, it was pretty stuffy in the dining car. I haven’t seen him since. I thought that he may have come back here to lie down.”
“Don’t worry – I’m sure he hasn’t run away,” Ian offered helpfully. “I mean, it is common for newlyweds to have buyer’s remorse, but he wouldn’t have jumped off the train, not at this speed anyway.”
“I do appreciate your help, Mr. Hunter,” Selina said sarcastically. “I really do.”
“You’re welcome,” Ian replied, tone-deaf. Nellie had to stifle a giggle as a mangled cough. It was all too much for her. It was obvious that Selina couldn’t have cared less about Ian, but if anything, Nellie’s appreciation for Ian only grew. It was refreshing to find someone who had no time for society’s absurd logic, who was as brutally honest as an ax. But then she remembered reading Jane Eyre, and how she found the character Edward Rochester to be so tiresome. She hoped that at least Ian had the ability to evolve.