No Ocean Too Wide

by Carrie Turansky

  His brow creased as he scanned Grace and Katie. Then he took his wife’s arm and guided her down the row to look at the other girls.

  Katie released a deep breath, and tingles raced down her arms. They had not been chosen. She stared after the couple, unsure if she was relieved or disappointed.

  “They didn’t like us?” Grace’s voice quavered as she looked up at Katie.

  “Don’t worry.” Katie slipped her arm around Grace. “I’m sure there are more families coming in soon.”

  The couple walked up to the table and spoke to Reverend Fuller in low tones. The reverend looked around the couple at the girls. He lowered his gaze to the list and pointed to something written there. The woman smiled at the man and nodded. They turned back to Reverend Fuller. He spoke to them again, then passed a paper to the woman seated next to him. She looked it over and wrote something across the bottom. She rose from her chair and walked over to speak to Miss Delaney. The escort nodded a few times as she listened, then walked toward Katie and Grace.

  Katie’s heartbeat sped up again. The couple wanted them after all.

  Miss Delaney approached. “I’d like you to come with me, Grace.”

  Katie gripped Grace’s hand. “Why? Where are you taking her?”

  “That couple would like to talk to her.”

  Grace looked up at Katie, her eyes filled with questions.

  Why were they asking to speak to Grace and not to both of them? Maybe they were allowed to talk to only one girl at a time, and they had decided to start with the youngest. Yes, that was probably the reason. Everything was all right.

  “Go ahead, Grace.” Katie released her sister’s hand. “Just be sure to tell them I’m your sister and we have to stay together.”

  Grace nodded. “I will.”

  Miss Delaney sent Katie an impatient glance, then guided Grace across the room to where the couple waited.

  Katie bit her lip, praying they’d like Grace, then call for her to come over as well. Surely once Grace told them she had a sister, the couple would take them both.

  The well-dressed woman sat in a chair and smiled at Grace. She took her hand, leaned closer, and spoke to her in a voice so low and soft Katie couldn’t hear what she said.

  Grace lowered her head and looked reluctant to answer. Katie’s stomach tensed. This was not good. Grace needed to look up and speak to the woman or they might think she was shy and difficult. The man stood nearby, turning his hat in his hands and looking as though he wished the conversation would hurry along.

  Mr. Rook crossed to the door again and let in the next couple. The man who entered was short and wiry with a grizzled face. He walked with a limp, and his plain clothes and straw hat made him look like he was a farmer who lived in the country. The woman with him was plump with straggly brown hair. Her gray dress was stained around the ragged hem, and she carried an empty basket over her arm. They started down the row, slowing to look at the older girls, but neither smiled nor made any comments.

  Katie looked down at the floor as they came closer. She did not want them to think they could choose her. She was going with the first couple as soon as they called for her.

  “Look at me, girl.” The woman’s voice sounded dry and raspy, as though she yelled too often.

  Katie slowly lifted her head.

  The woman squinted at her. “This one looks old enough.”

  “She looks a mite thin to me.” The farmer scanned her from head to toe. “Not sure she could do much work.”

  Katie’s face heated, and she lowered her head again. How could they be so rude and talk about her like that?

  A cry rang out across the room. Katie’s head jerked up.

  The man in the bowler hat tugged Grace toward the far door. Grace writhed and tried to pull away from him, but it was no use.

  “Wait!” Katie started across the room. “Where are you taking her?”

  Miss Delaney caught up with Katie and grabbed her arm. “Where do you think you’re going?”

  “Stop them! They’re taking my sister!”

  “Of course they are. That’s the reason we’re here.” Miss Delaney gave her arm a rough shake. “Now stop this foolishness and get back in line.” Katie tried to pull away, but Miss Delaney held on with a viselike grip.

  “But Mrs. Stafford said we could stay together!”

  Miss Delaney marched Katie back toward the wall. “You misunderstood. She would never say that.”

  “You’re wrong! She did!” A sob caught in Katie’s throat. “She promised!”

  “That’s enough! Settle down and mind your manners.”

  “Please, let me go with Grace! I’ll do whatever kind of work they want.”

  “They don’t want house help. They’re here to adopt a young girl, and Grace caught their eye.” Miss Delaney leaned closer to Katie’s face. “You should be happy for your sister. They look like a fine family. I’m sure they’ll treat her well.”

  Katie squeezed her eyes shut, but tears leaked out at the corners.

  “Now, unless you want to be the very last girl chosen, I suggest you hold your tongue and wipe those tears off your face.”

  Searing heat pulsed through Katie. She clenched her jaw and turned her face away. This wasn’t right! They should not separate her from her sister!

  The other girls all looked on with somber gazes. One or two watched with sympathetic expressions, but no one spoke to her or offered any words of comfort.

  Katie lowered her head and closed her eyes as another painful round of tears clogged her throat. First they had taken Garth away, and now Grace. She was all alone—no one to care for and no one who cared for her.

  The next hour passed in a daze as one by one girls were chosen and taken away. Katie’s tears dried, and she felt numb all over as she watched each girl walk out the door with a new family. Finally, only Katie and two other girls were left.

  A tall, thin man in a rumpled suit walked in and approached the girls. He had a long, hawk-like nose and small dark eyes. A black beard covered the lower half of his face, but it couldn’t hide his sour expression.

  He slowed for only a moment to look at the other two younger girls, then stopped in front of Katie. “How old are you?”

  She swallowed. “Fourteen.”

  He studied her with a frown as though he didn’t believe her. “Do you know how to cook and clean?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Open your mouth.”

  Katie blinked. “What?”

  “I said, open your mouth.”

  She parted her lips an inch while the other girls stared at them.

  “Tip your head back and say ‘ah.’ ” He stepped closer. “Open wider.”

  She did as he asked but felt mortified. What was he looking for?

  “Hmm, good teeth.”

  She snapped her mouth closed. How dreadful! Did he think she was a horse?

  “Have you had the measles and mumps?”

  “I don’t know…I think so.”

  He glared at her. “Did you have them or not?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  He snorted. “I can’t take a chance on spreading disease to my wife and children.”

  Miss Delaney approached. “Is there a problem, sir?”

  “I’m a doctor, and I want to know if she’s healthy. I’d like to see her medical records before I decide if I’ll take her.”

  Miss Delaney glanced at Katie. “I have her file. It will give you some information, but I can guarantee she is in good health. Each girl has a medical exam before they leave England and again when they arrive in Canada.”

  Katie recalled seeing the doctor in England, but when she arrived in Quebec City, a medical officer had asked her only a few questions after she left the ship. She wouldn’t really call that a medical exam, but i
t didn’t matter. She didn’t have any diseases.

  “Come with me, sir, and I’ll check her file.” Miss Delaney led the man to the table at the front of the room. She opened a folder on the table, shuffled through a few papers, and pointed out something to him.

  The man lifted the paper from the file and scanned it closely. Finally, he nodded. “I’ll take her. Where do I sign?”

  Katie’s heart plummeted. How could she go with that man? He might be a doctor, but he didn’t seem to have a compassionate bone in his body. He hadn’t even asked her name.

  “Come along, Katherine.” Miss Delaney motioned her to join them at the table.

  Her feet felt like weighted bricks as she slowly crossed the room. She glanced around, looking for any way she might escape, but she had nowhere to go and too many people who would stop her if she tried.

  “Katherine, this is Dr. Thomas Richardson. You’ll be going home with him.”

  Katie stared at Dr. Richardson as he signed a document and passed it back to Reverend Fuller. “I’ll give the girl a trial. But if I’m not happy with her work, I’ll send her back.”

  Reverend Fuller nodded. “You have that option if things don’t go well, but I expect she’ll work hard and be helpful to you and your wife.”

  “She’d better be, or I’ll ask for my money back.” He started toward the door.

  Katie stood there, too numb to move.

  The doctor turned and looked over his shoulder. “Come along, girl. I have patients to see and no time to waste.”

  Katie blew out a breath and forced herself to take the first step. She had no choice. She had to follow him.

  Mrs. Abernathy’s eyes clouded as Katie walked past.

  Miss Delaney waited by the end of the table. She lifted her chin, her expression firm. “Do your best, Katie, and everything will be fine.”

  She couldn’t answer. Words wouldn’t come. She felt hollowed out, empty of thoughts and feelings. Grace and Garth were gone. Her hope was lost. Not one of these people really cared what happened to her.

  * * *

  Andrew clasped his hands behind his back and strolled down the promenade deck of the Parisian. He lifted his gaze to the clear blue sky overhead and pulled in a deep breath. “What a beautiful day. I can’t believe the weather has been so clear and calm.”

  Henry smiled. “It certainly makes for smooth sailing.”

  “I’m grateful for that.” It was their second day at sea, and Andrew had felt only a slight wave of seasickness that morning. Fortunately, it faded quickly and he had been able to enjoy his breakfast in the luxurious first-class dining room.

  They walked past a row of people resting in deck chairs, reading books, and soaking up the midday sunshine.

  As they strolled on past several lifeboats, Henry shifted his gaze toward the water. “I’m always inspired when I see the ocean. Who could observe such a wonder and not believe in the Creator?”

  Andrew gave a thoughtful nod. The ocean certainly was a wonder with its vast size, and they could see only the surface. Another world thrived beneath the shimmering water.

  “The ocean is an amazing reflection of His awesome wisdom and creative power,” Henry added. They exchanged a smile and continued around the deck.

  They’d spent the morning poring over their notes and discussing how they ought to outline the first section of their report on child emigration. After the introduction, they decided to tell how children came into the care of the homes, then how they were selected and prepared for emigration to Canada. After that, they would describe the accommodations at the homes, discuss the qualifications of the staff, then comment on the health and fitness of the children they’d observed. They also wanted to include information about the children’s schooling, training programs, meals, and medical care.

  The breeze picked up, and Henry lifted his hand to his hat. “I’m pleased with the progress we made this morning.”

  Andrew nodded. “It’s a good start.” His thoughts shifted to the group of girls he’d seen come aboard the ship yesterday morning. “It would be helpful to see how the children are cared for on the voyage.”

  “Yes, we’ll want to include that in our report.” Henry’s expression sobered. “I’ve heard the steerage area of the ship can be rather dank and unhealthy.”

  “That doesn’t sound like good accommodations for children.”

  “No, it doesn’t. But this is a newer ship. Perhaps it’s not as bad as I’ve been told.”

  “Why don’t we go down and pay them a visit? Then we can see how the children are faring.”

  “We may not need to. It appears they’re coming to us.” Henry nodded down the deck, and Andrew followed his gaze.

  Six young girls, all dressed alike in green print dresses, walked toward them. He studied them as they drew closer and guessed they were between the ages of six and twelve. They looked to be in good spirits and none the worse for their time in steerage.

  He lifted his gaze to the two women caretakers walking behind them, and his steps faltered. The woman on the right looked like Laura McAlister or her identical twin sister.

  Henry glanced his way with a lifted brow. “Something wrong, Andrew?”

  He shook his head as the truth became clear. That was his mother’s lady’s maid. There was no mistake about it. What in the world was she doing on the Parisian overseeing a group of girls on their way to Canada?

  Laura looked his way, and her eyes flashed. She lowered her head and turned her face away.

  The other woman smiled at them as they approached. “Good morning, Mr. Dowd.”

  “Miss Carson.” Henry tipped his hat and smiled. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

  His friend certainly had an excellent memory. Andrew remembered meeting the petite brunette teacher, but he didn’t remember her name.

  Miss Carson’s eyes sparkled as she looked up at Henry. “We’re happy to see you as well. I hope you’re enjoying the voyage.”

  “Yes, we were just saying what a lovely day it is and how grateful we are for the smooth seas.” Henry glanced at Laura.

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Miss Carson turned to Laura. “Let me introduce my friend. This is Miss Mary Hopkins. She is also one of the escorts for the girls from Hughes.”

  Andrew stared at Laura. Mary Hopkins?

  Her startled gaze darted from Rose to Henry. Her face had gone pale, and she seemed unable to gather her words. Finally, she looked at Andrew, her eyes begging him not to question her about her name.

  He hesitated a moment, then lifted his hat. “I’m pleased to meet you, Miss Hopkins. My name is Andrew Frasier. I’m Mr. Dowd’s associate.” He would play along for the time being, but he would get to the bottom of this questionable behavior.

  Relief filled her face. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Frasier.”

  Henry grinned at the girls. “Now I’d like to meet these young ladies.”

  Miss Carson introduced the six girls, and they offered shy smiles and polite responses to Henry’s questions. The youngest, six-year-old Anna May, had big brown eyes and a sweet set of dimples that would surely melt some man’s heart when she was older.

  “As you know,” Henry said, “Mr. Frasier and I are gathering information for a report about child emigration, and we were wondering if you might show us the girls’ accommodations.”

  Miss Carson smiled. “We would be happy to show you our cabins.”

  “It would also be helpful to see where they take their meals. And we’d like to hear your thoughts about the journey and any suggestions you might have for groups coming on future voyages.”

  She glanced at Laura, then smiled at Henry again. “We’d be very pleased to answer your questions.”

  Henry nodded. “Thank you. That would be most helpful.”

  “Our cabins are this way.” Mi
ss Carson motioned down the deck, and Henry stepped up to walk beside her. The girls fell in step behind them.

  Andrew walked beside Laura. She stared straight ahead, pretending to ignore him, but her stiff posture and the twitching muscle in her cheek gave away her embarrassment.

  “There are fifty-two girls in our party,” Miss Carson continued. “We have ten cabins for our group, with six beds each. Miss Hopkins and I each have five of the youngest girls with us in our cabins. An older girl is assigned to oversee the girls in the other eight cabins.”

  Henry held the door open, and their group entered the passageway. They started down the stairs with Miss Carson leading the way and Henry behind her. The six girls clattered down the metal steps after them, and Laura and Andrew followed.

  When the group of girls rounded the corner and started down the next flight of stairs, Andrew slowed and stepped closer to Laura. “So, it’s Miss Mary Hopkins now, is it?” He kept his voice low enough so no one but Laura could hear.

  Her cheeks flushed bright pink. She lifted her chin and walked on without answering.

  “What kind of game are you playing, Miss McAlister?”

  “It’s not a game!” Urgency filled her hushed voice.

  “Then why are you pretending to be someone you’re not?”

  “I can’t explain right now, but I assure you I have a very good reason for what I’m doing.”

  “Ha! That’s what every criminal says when they’re caught in the act.”

  Her eyes flashed. “I am not a criminal!”

  “Then you had better tell me your very good reason, or I’ll have to put an end to your charade.”

  “Please, I can’t tell you right now. Not here!”

  He studied her as she hurried after the girls. She was obviously trying to put some distance between herself and him, but he easily caught up again. “If you won’t tell me now, then meet me on the promenade deck at nine tonight. And you had better be prepared to give me an honest explanation, or I will speak to Miss Carson and tell her what I know about you.”