“Have you arranged a place to stay in Duluth?” Sedgwick asked. “I’m certain my parents would be pleased to extend you a room until you were better situated.”

“I have a brother in Duluth. I figure to stay with him and his wife. The baby’s due any day now, and I look forward to spoiling my niece or nephew.”

The thought of his brother being a father brought a smile to Luke’s face. Scott had always been a tenderhearted person. Luke could still recall times when Scott had rescued damaged baby birds or wounded rabbits. He was always seeking to help those in need. When he’d first married Sally, Luke had thought the situation was no different. Sally’s mother had been ill, and when it became obvious that she was dying, Scott stepped in to offer comfort. The love born of their time together seemed natural. At least to Luke. Their father saw it as nothing more than a boy’s dalliance with his father’s servant.

Sedgwick frowned. “I didn’t realize you had family in Duluth.”

“Well, it’s not a bad thing, Sedgwick, so cheer up.”

This seemed to startle the older man. “I . . . it wasn’t my intention to frown. I suppose I just have a great deal on my mind.”

“Are you looking forward to seeing your parents again?”

Theodore nodded. “It’s been some time. I do fear, however, that I might find them ill or in a bad way. We haven’t kept in touch as I would have liked. My father was distressed that I was unsettled in my youth. I fear I was a disappointment to him, despite my college education and war service.”

“I doubt he is that disappointed. Perhaps miscommunication has caused you both unnecessary concern? This will be the perfect opportunity to set matters straight, don’t you think?”

Sedgwick nodded. “I do hope that will be the case.”

They didn’t stay long at White Bear Lake. Once the train had taken on water, they were soon on their way to Forest Lake, where the lake was even bigger and the fall colors even more beautiful, if possible.

Luke noted that the land grant given to the railroad was a perfect route, as far as he could tell. There were already towns sprung up along the way. Some had been there prior to the railroad’s arrival, and the path had been chosen because of the settlement. However, usually towns had come into being with the encouragement of the railroad, which offered incentives and free land. There would be even more towns by the time the railroad was complete.