A warning flashed through her, and her stomach tensed.
He tipped his head and scanned her from head to toe. “Now, why would a pretty young woman like you want to see a lawyer?”
Laura stiffened. “That is something I want to discuss with Mr. Frasier.”
The man rose from his chair and walked around the desk. “Mr. Frasier is not in. But I’m sure I can help you.”
She stepped back. “No, thank you. When do you expect Mr. Frasier to return?”
He sent her a slow, suggestive smile. “He’s going to be out of the office for several hours.”
A tremor traveled through Laura, but she did her best to mask her discomfort. “Then I’d like to make an appointment to see him as soon as possible.”
“He’s a very busy man, but I work closely with Mr. Frasier. Why don’t you step into our inner office, and we can discuss your…situation?”
No way was she was going anywhere with this man. “No, thank you. I want to make the appointment with Mr. Frasier.”
He stepped closer. “He can’t help you. I’m the one you want.”
Alarm flashed through her, and she spun away.
He grabbed her arm. “Come on. You don’t have to be afraid of me.”
She jerked away and lunged toward the door.
But he dashed around and blocked her path. “You’re a feisty one, but I like a challenge.”
Panic throbbed in her chest. Her gaze darted around the room, looking for another way out, but she saw none.
Grinning, he reached for her again. But she grabbed up her skirt and kicked him hard. Her foot landed a powerful blow just below his belt.
He yelped, groaned, and bent forward, muttering a curse.
She ran around him, yanked open the door, and dashed into the hall. With her heart hammering, she charged down the steps.
Footsteps pounded on the floor above. “Wait! Come back!”
She nearly flew around the landing and ran down the next flight of stairs. Once she reached the main floor, she shoved open the front door and ran down the street. People stared as she passed, but no one stopped her or asked if she needed help.
Jumbled thoughts tumbled through her mind, and her throat clogged. How could this happen again? What was wrong with her? Did she wear a sign around her neck that said, I’m young and defenseless. Do whatever you’d like to me?
She must never, ever put herself in that kind of situation again!
7
Katie knelt on the floor by the large wooden trunk at the foot of her bed. She brushed her hand across the top, then traced her finger over her name painted there in white letters.
Tonight they would pick up her trunk, and tomorrow morning she and Grace would board a ship called the Corinthian and sail across the ocean to Canada. She had no idea how long the trip would take or how difficult the journey might be. She’d never been on a ship before or even ridden in a rowboat.
Closing her eyes, she sat back on her heels, trying to fight off the sick, lonely feeling knotting her stomach. She should be excited to finally be on her way, but she had not seen Garth since she arrived at the Hughes Home in Liverpool. Only girls stayed here. She didn’t know where the boys were sent, and though she’d asked, no one had been willing to tell her. She shifted her gaze to the window and dark sky outside.
Was Garth nearby in Liverpool, or had he already left for Canada? Would he be aboard the Corinthian? Was there still a chance they would find each other and make the trip together?
She pulled in a deep breath, trying to calm her fears. The journey and the future held so many unknowns, but the staff at Hughes had not been harsh or unkind. She’d been given three meals a day and some time outdoors after lessons and chores. The weather had warmed, and she was not cold at night. And most important of all, she and Grace had been able to stay together.
Please, Father, help me be grateful and not weighed down with worries and cares.
She rose up on her knees and lifted the lid of her trunk. Reaching inside, she adjusted the stacks of new clothing. Everything was neatly pressed and folded, ready for the journey. She gazed at the paper attached to the inside of the lid and read it once more.
Girls Outfit List: One nicely trimmed dress and straw hat for Sabbath wear; Two print dresses for summer; Two warm dresses for winter; One dark felt hat for winter; Two white aprons; Two print aprons; Three nightgowns; Two chemises; Two pairs of drawers; Two cotton petticoats; Two flannel petticoats; Two pairs of boots; Five pairs of stockings; One warm overcoat for aboard ship; One jacket with hood; One scarf; One pair of gloves; One hairbrush and comb; One sewing kit with needles, pins, thread, and worsted for darning; Writing materials; One Bible; One hymn and prayer book; One copy of Pilgrim’s Progress.
They said she had everything she needed for her new life in Canada…everything except Garth and Laura.
She reached up and touched the cross necklace Mum had given her on her twelfth birthday, only a few weeks before her father died. Life had been so different then. Oh, how she wished she could go back in time and make her father stay home that day. If only he’d not taken that train. If only…
“What are you doing down there on your knees? You’re not praying, are you?” Jenny’s haughty tone scraped across Katie’s nerves.
She quickly glanced away. “No, I’m just looking through my trunk.”
Jenny glared at Katie. “I don’t know why they’re letting you go to Canada before the rest of us. It’s not fair.”
Katie knew why. She was ahead of other girls her age in schooling, and she could cook, clean, sew, and care for children. Her parents had taught her to be respectful to adults and considerate of others, and the staff at Hughes had taken notice. Most of the other girls would spend weeks or months catching up on basic skills and manners before they would be ready to go.
Katie had been surprised when they told her she’d be leaving with the next group, then panicked, fearing Grace would not be allowed to go with her. She’d pleaded and assured them she would take good care of her sister. Finally, the matron agreed Grace could join Katie’s group. She’d been so relieved she’d almost cried.
“Did you hear what I said?” Jenny moved closer and stood over her.
Katie rose and faced Jenny. “Yes, I heard you.”
“Well then, I want to know how you got them to put your name on the list ahead of everyone else.”
Katie couldn’t very well tell Jenny it was her ignorance and rude behavior that were keeping her at Hughes. That would cause a fight for sure. She met Jenny’s gaze. “It wasn’t my decision. If you want to know more, you can speak to the matron.”
Jenny huffed. “She’d never listen to me.”
“You won’t know unless you try.”
Jenny’s face reddened. “She doesn’t care about us. To her we’re all nothing but dirty street rats, and she can do whatever she wants with us.” Her chin trembled, and she quickly folded her arms over her stomach.
Katie’s heart softened as she watched Jenny. The girl had been mean and spiteful since the first day they met, but she looked so miserable Katie couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Jenny had lived on the streets of London before she came to Grangeford. And as far as Katie knew, she had no family, no one who cared what happened to her. And now she faced an unknown future that would take her far away from England.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Don’t you believe me?” Jenny’s voice rose. “I heard the matron talking to one of the teachers, and that’s exactly what she called us—dirty street rats!” She spun away and paced across the room. “That old witch! I bet she only took this job for the money. She doesn’t care what happens to us! I’ve a mind to go down to her office right now and tell her what I think of her.”
“That might not be the best idea.”
“Why not?” Jenny demanded.
Jenny’s face crumpled, and she sank down on the nearest bed. “I’ll be stuck here in Liverpool longer than anyone else. You’ll all go on and start new lives and forget all about me.”
Katie sat down beside her. “I won’t forget you, Jenny.”
The girl swiped a tear from her flushed cheek.
Katie wanted to help Jenny, but she wasn’t sure what she could do. Then an idea struck and she turned toward her. “I think I know how you can move up the list.”
Jenny sniffed and looked up. “What do you mean?”
“If you want to go with the next group, then you have to show the matron you’re ready.”
“How am I supposed to do that?”
Thoughts rushed through Katie’s mind. How could she condense all her parents had taught her since she was a little girl? Their kindness, love, and training had given her a great advantage over Jenny and many of the other girls. Even though her parents were gone, their example and instruction were still with her.
How could someone like Jenny understand what she had never experienced? She had nothing to draw on but what she had learned from other children who had grown up in the same sad circumstances. Still, that didn’t mean she couldn’t learn and change. Perhaps a bit of practical advice would help—if she was willing to listen.
Katie faced Jenny. “The staff is watching how you treat them and the other girls. You can show them you’re ready by following the Golden Rule.”
Jenny frowned. “What’s that?”
Surprise rippled through Katie. How could Jenny not know the Golden Rule? But Jenny had probably never attended church or Sunday school until she arrived at Grangeford.
She focused on Jenny again. “The Golden Rule is part of Jesus’s teaching. He said you should do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Jenny gave a slight shrug. “That doesn’t sound too hard.”
“It might sound simple, but it can be a challenge, especially when others don’t treat you the way you would like.”
Jenny pondered that for a moment. “So, you think if I start treating others the way I want to be treated, the matron will let me go to Canada with the next group?”
Katie nodded. “You have to show her you know how to get along with others, and following the Golden Rule will help you with that.”
“I’m not sure how to start.”
“You want to be respected, right?”
Jenny nodded.
“Then you need to show respect to others. You wish people would speak kindly to you. Then you need to speak to others with kindness. It means putting others first and doing what’s best for them even when they’re not doing the same for you.”
Jenny’s brow wrinkled. “I suppose I could try to do that.”
“It will help you now and when you stay with your new family in Canada.”
Jenny clasped her hands in her lap. “Do you really think there’ll be a family who’ll want me?”
Katie leaned her shoulder against Jenny’s. “Of course. You’re strong and determined, and I’ve seen how hard you can work when you want to. You’ll be a great help to a family.”
“They said we’ll most likely go to families who have farms. But I don’t know anything about living in the country or doing farm chores. I can’t imagine how you milk a cow or collect eggs from chickens.”
Katie grinned. “I don’t know how to do those things either, but I’m sure they’ll teach us.”
Jenny sighed, lines still creasing her forehead. “I suppose so. I just wish I was going on the same ship as you.”
Katie pondered Jenny’s comment for a moment, then realized she also wished that were true. She crossed to her open trunk and reached down to the bottom. Pushing aside her nightgowns, she found her new Bible and lifted it out. She walked back to the bed and held it out to Jenny. “Here. I want you to have this.”
Jenny took the Bible and looked up at Katie. “Won’t you want to take it with you?”
“I’ll ask for another. I’m sure they’ll give it to me.”
“I’m not much of a reader.”
“That’s all right. Just start with the book of John. That tells about Jesus. That’s the best part.”
“All right.” Jenny’s fingers grazed the smooth black cover. Then she looked up. “Thank you, Katie.”
Katie smiled. She had won a friend. And she had a feeling Jenny was well on her way to building more friendships and winning a spot in the next group going to Canada.
She glanced at the Bible in Jenny’s hand, her heart warming. If she found Jesus in the pages of that Bible, she would have a friend who would never leave her side…and that was what she needed most for the journey ahead.
* * *
Laura wrapped her arm around Mum’s waist, supporting her as they slowly made their way toward the Grahams’ front door. Mum hardly ever coughed anymore, but her strength was still lacking. It had been a long, exhausting day of travel across the city, and Laura was eager to help Mum settle in with the Grahams.
The door opened, and Ruby Graham stepped out, followed by Mr. Graham, Jacob, and their five young daughters.
“Oh, Edna, it’s so good to see you. Please come inside.” A caring smile wreathed Mrs. Graham’s face as she ushered Mum into the house and helped her take off her coat.
“Thank you, Ruby. It’s kind of you to let me come.” Mum’s voice faltered.
“Of course. We’re glad to have you.” She motioned toward the hallway. “Let’s all go into the kitchen and have a cup of tea.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
Jacob glanced at Laura, a warm welcome in his eyes as he helped her slip off her coat. “I’m glad your mum is doing better.” He hung her coat on a peg by the door, and they started down the hall toward the kitchen.
“She’s not fully recovered.” Laura kept her voice low. “But I’m glad she is well enough to leave the hospital. I think she’ll improve more quickly now that she’s here.”
He nodded. “My mum will take good care of her. I can promise you that.” Jacob ushered her into the kitchen.
Laura’s gaze followed her mum as she slowly lowered herself into a chair at the kitchen table. How long would it take for her to regain her full strength? Thank goodness the Grahams had said she could stay with them as long as needed.
Mrs. Graham set the teacups on the table. “So, what news do you have about the children?” She looked across at Laura. “Were you able to see them today?”
Laura hesitated and took a seat. She hadn’t told Mum about her visit to Grangeford that morning. But now that her mum had the support of her friends, it was time she told her the truth.
Mum watched her carefully. “Laura, what is it?”
She steeled herself and met Mum’s gaze. “The children have been moved to Liverpool.”
Mum’s eyes widened. “Why would they send them there?”
Laura glanced around the table. “Apparently, there was some kind of misunderstanding and they assigned them to a child emigration group going to Canada.”
Mum’s hand flew up to cover her mouth. “Oh no!”
Jacob’s face grew ruddy. “How could they do such a thing?”
Mr. Graham banged his fist on the table. “Blasted busybodies! Why can’t they leave well enough alone?”
“Albert, please!” Mrs. Graham turned to Laura’s mum. “Don’t worry, Edna. We’ll send word. I’m sure they’ll return the children as soon as they learn about the mistake.”
“What if it’s too late?” Tears filled Mum’s eyes. “What if they’ve already sent them across the ocean?”
Ruby rose and placed her arm around Mum’s shoulders. “Now, Edna, calm yourself.” She took a handkerchief from
her apron pocket and handed it to her. Then she nodded to Laura. “Tell us what they said at the home.”
Laura relayed her conversations with Miss Richter and Mr. Peterson, but she didn’t tell them about her visit to Andrew Frasier’s office. It hadn’t helped matters, and hearing those details would only make Mum more distressed.
Jacob leaned forward. “I think you should go to the police.”
“But they’re the ones who took the children away!” Mum sniffed and blotted her cheeks with the handkerchief. “I doubt they’d want to help us.”
“I’m afraid Edna is right,” Mr. Graham said. “Especially now that the children have left London and gone to Liverpool.”
“What should we do?” Mum’s voice trembled. “I can’t just let them take my children away to Canada!”
“No, of course not.” Mrs. Graham’s gaze darted toward her husband, but he gave a slight shrug and looked away.
The pain in Mum’s face was too much for Laura to bear. “I’ll go to Liverpool and bring them back.”
Mum gasped. “You can’t go all the way to Liverpool by yourself!”
“I’ll be all right. I’m used to taking the train between St. Albans and London. It can’t be much farther than that.” Laura willed confidence into her voice, though she didn’t like the idea of traveling to Liverpool on her own.
Mr. Graham folded his arms across his chest. “It’s at least three hours by train. You’d be hard-pressed to make it there and back in a day.”
Jacob turned toward her. “I’ll go with you.”
“No, son. I’m afraid you can’t do that.” Mr. Graham’s voice was firm. “You risk losing your job if you miss a day’s work, and we can’t afford to let that happen.”
“But Laura shouldn’t have to go by herself. This is important.”
“Laura will be all right,” Mrs. Graham said. “She’s a clever young woman, and she knows how to take care of herself.” She focused on Laura. “My cousin Dorothy lives in Liverpool. I can give you her name and address and a note from me. If you need help, just go see Dorothy. And if you have to stay over, I’m sure she’ll give you a meal and a bed for the night.”
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