When I decided my hero in Doctor in Petticoats needed to attend the blind school in Salem, OR, I had to find out about means of transportation across the state in 1889. After sending several e-mails to a reference librarian, she hooked me up with an expert on the railroads of Oregon. Through his information and references he sent me, I was able to piece together a trip from Salem to Baker City, OR.
My characters had to take a five hour trip with many stops from Salem to Portland on the Oregon California line. They boarded the Oregon Rail and Navigation Company in Portland at 7 PM and arrived in Baker City by noon the following day. The fare ranged around $20 plus a $2 charge if they stayed in a sleeping car.
At the time Pullman Palace cars, the most luxurious of sleeping cars were being used. These cars had berths for 48 people. The glass doors were decorated with etched glass. Ornamental chandeliers, mirrors, black walnut paneling, and wainscoting decorated the elaborate cars. The seats faced one another and were made into a top and bottom bunk at night by the attendants. The cars were heated and had hot water in the men's and women's lavatories.
Some trains had dining cars for small fare, like drinks, sandwiches, and baked goods. The train stopped at Bonneville and Meacham for the occupants to purchase $1 meals at the railroad owned restaurants.
A portion of my book takes place on the train trip from Salem to Baker City. My characters joined the 1889 version of the "mile high club" in the men's lavatory.
Blurb for Doctor in Petticoats
After a life-altering accident and a failed relationship, Dr. Rachel Tarkiel gave up on love and settled for a life healing others as the physician at a School for the Blind. She's happy in her vocation--until handsome Clay Halsey shows up and inspires her to want more.
Blinded by a person he considered a friend, Clay curses his circumstances and his limitations. Intriguing Dr. Tarkiel shows him no pity, though. To her, he's as much a man as he ever was.
Can these two wounded souls conquer outside obstacles, as well as their own internal fears, and find love?
Excerpt
“Slip your undergarment and dress back up. Someone’s knocked on the door twice.” He kissed her forehead and helped her into the top half of her dress.
Clay ran water into a basin and steadied his racing heart. If not for the man wanting in here, he would have taken her the first time in a washroom. He grimaced at his lack of control.
Rachel slid off the counter. Her clothing rustled, and when he deemed she was put back together, he handed her a wet cloth and buttoned his shirt.
“Thank you.” She took the rag and kissed his cheek. “For the rag and the wonderful ride.”
A knock sounded louder.
“I think we better head back to our seats.”
Walking out of this room with him would be embarrassing for Rachel. He wouldn’t see the looks and leers, but she would. Once again he’d let his body overrule his head. “I-I hope you don’t get ridiculed for this.”
She tucked her arm in his. “Let me worry about that.
They walked to the door, a wooden slat slid, and she pushed the door open.
“Excuse me, sir, could you step back. My husband is blind, and I don’t want him tripping over you.” Rachel tugged on his arm. “Thank you.” They walked the fifteen steps to their compartment.
Her hat bumped against his shoulder. “See, nothing to it. Not a snide remark or over-calculating look.”
Clay shook his head and smiled. After the way he’d ravaged her in the washroom, she should have been blushing and fumbling about, but his Rachel could handle any situation.
Blog Tour Contest
Today is my fourth day on my fifteen blog/twelve day tour. Leave a comment and follow me to all the blogs on my tour and you could win an autographed copy of my June release, Doctor in Petticoats, a B&N gift card, and a summer tote filled with goodies. To find out all the places I'll be, or have been, go to my blog- http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com to find the list.
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