No Ocean Too Wide

by Carrie Turansky

  She stopped and turned to him, her blue-eyed gaze betraying her fear. “I don’t know if I can get away at that time.”

  “You had better find a way.” He was giving her a chance to do what was right, and he would not listen to any excuses.

  Her shoulders sagged. “All right. I’ll do my best to meet you at nine.”

  Disappointment tightened his chest as he watched Laura descend the steps. When he’d met Laura McAlister at Bolton, he’d thought she was an honest, caring young woman in need of his help. Did she even have a mother who was ill in London? And what about her claim that she had three siblings who had been taken away to a children’s home? Was any of that true, or was it all a lie?

  He abhorred dishonesty. And he wasn’t about to let her take advantage of his family, those in charge of the Hughes Home, or even more importantly, these girls.

  If she did have some explanation—though he couldn’t imagine one that would justify her actions—he would listen. But if he wasn’t persuaded, he would expose her lies to those in charge of her party tomorrow morning.

  11

  Laura leaned over Anna May and listened closely. The girl’s slow, steady breathing assured her she was fast asleep. She glanced around at the other four girls who rested quietly in their bunks, then tiptoed to the cabin door. She waited there, listening to be sure they didn’t stir. When all remained quiet, she cracked open the door and looked out. With no one in sight, she slipped out and closed the door softly behind her.

  She hurried down the long passageway but slowed as she passed Rose’s cabin. Would her friend be upset with her for leaving the girls alone, or would she understand? Laura’s girls had all slept peacefully the night before. She prayed the same would be true tonight and Rose would never know she’d left the cabin to go up on deck.

  Her thoughts raced ahead to her meeting with Andrew Frasier. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs and pressed her hand over her heart.

  Lord, I need Your help. I know I am not worthy to ask for it when I’m deceiving Rose and the others, but still, I’m asking for Your mercy. Please help Andrew Frasier understand this was my only choice.

  Her prayer faltered, and the weight of those thoughts pressed down on her.

  Was that true? Could she have found some other way to travel to Canada and right the wrongs that had been done to her family?

  Oh, Lord, please help me out of this mess!

  She waited on the bottom step with her eyes closed and her stomach churning. Sorrow and shame battled in her heart. Of course God wouldn’t answer her prayer. Why would He listen to someone who knew the right thing to do yet didn’t do it?

  Her only option was to climb those stairs, face Andrew Frasier, and hope she could convince him not to tell anyone the truth about her.

  She gripped the railing and started up the steps. When she reached the level of the promenade deck, she crossed to the door and looked out. Andrew stood at the railing, a dark figure against the backdrop of the silver sea. Her heart sank to her toes. She had hoped he might not come and she wouldn’t have to face him tonight. But there he stood, waiting for her.

  She summoned her courage and pushed open the door. The cool evening breeze ruffled her skirt and blew a few strands of her hair into her face. She brushed them away, approached the railing, and claimed a spot a few feet down from him.

  He turned toward her. Moonlight shone on the smooth planes of his face, outlining his strong jaw. He was a handsome man, but that only made her more certain she shouldn’t trust him.

  She glanced around the empty promenade deck, and a shiver traveled down her back. There was so much she didn’t know about Mr. Frasier. She would have to be on her guard.

  He cocked one eyebrow. “I wondered if you’d come.”

  “You didn’t leave me much choice.”

  He acknowledged her statement with a slight tip of his head. “You can imagine my surprise when we were introduced today. I was under the impression your name was Laura McAlister and you were employed as my mother’s lady’s maid. But now I find you bound for Canada, overseeing a group of young emigrants, and going by the name Mary Hopkins. I think that requires an explanation.”

  She couldn’t look at him any longer, so she turned away.

  “So, which is it really—Laura McAlister or Mary Hopkins?”

  She straightened. “Laura McAlister, but I have a good reason for using the name Mary Hopkins.”

  “All right.” He faced her and crossed his arms. “What’s your story?” Was it his training as a solicitor that made him respond in such a cool, logical manner?

  She called her practiced explanation to mind and began. “When I left Bolton, I fully intended to return and resume my duties. But my mum’s condition was very serious, and I knew I would need to stay in London longer than I expected. My mum was very concerned about my brother and sisters, and she urged me to visit them at the Grangeford Children’s Home.”

  “They’re at Grangeford?”

  “They were for a time, but when I tried to see them, the matron refused to allow it. She said a visit would be too upsetting, and it would keep them from settling into the routine at the home.” Laura gripped the railing, the memory of the woman’s dismissive attitude stirring her anger. “I told the matron I was ready to accept responsibility for the children and take them with me, but she refused that as well. She said she wouldn’t release them unless I could prove guardianship and pay their fees.”

  “What fees?”

  “If a family wants to reclaim their children, they have to pay for all the food, clothing, and care they received while they were at the home. Of course those fees are outrageous, and that makes it nearly impossible for anyone to recover their children.” Bitterness tinged her voice, but she wasn’t sorry. It was a dreadful, unjust rule.

  “Are you sure about that?” His tone revealed his doubt.

  “Yes, the matron made it quite clear.”

  He pondered that for a moment, then met her gaze. “What did you do after that?”

  “I spoke to our clergyman, Reverend Bush. He offered to help me find work in London, but he said guardianship was a legal matter. He wrote a letter for me, and my mum did as well, but by the time I took them to Grangeford, Katie, Grace, and Garth had been put on the list for Canada and sent to Liverpool—all without my mother’s knowledge or consent.”

  Andrew frowned. “I find that hard to believe. There must have been some kind of mistake. Surely, if they’re not orphans, the home must have permission from at least one parent to emigrate the children.”

  “They never contacted my mother. We have no idea why they were put on the list, and we definitely didn’t want them sent to Canada.”

  He was listening now, and his serious, concerned expression gave her hope.

  “As soon as I learned their fate, I took the train to Liverpool. But when I arrived at Hughes, I learned they only allow family visits once a month and I had just missed visitation day. I had to find out if they were still there, so when I heard the matron was conducting interviews to fill some staff positions, I applied.”

  He gave a slight nod. “I thought I saw you there the day we toured Hughes.”

  She remembered seeing him and Mr. Dowd and gave a slight nod.

  “And you were hired as an escort?”

  “Yes, but I was too late.” Her throat tightened, and she had to swallow before she could continue. “My first day working at Hughes I learned my sisters had already left for Canada, and my brother had been sent as well.”

  “Your mother never received an emigration notice from the home?”

  “I don’t believe so. I wrote and told her I was following them to Canada with the next group, but I left Liverpool before I received her reply.”

  He looked out across the ocean, a frown still creasing his forehead.

  “I wro
te to your mother as well and explained why I couldn’t return to Bolton. I told her I’d pay back the money you gave me as soon as I’m able, and I intend to keep my word.”

  He looked her way, and his expression softened. “There’s no need.”

  “But I know you gave it to me thinking I was coming back.”

  “I did, but my main intention was to help you and your family.”

  “It helped a great deal, and I’ll always be thankful for your kindness.”

  His mouth pulled up on one side into a slight smile. “I’m glad to hear it.”

  The tension in her neck and shoulders eased a bit. She seemed to have gained his understanding and perhaps even his sympathy.

  “You still haven’t told me why you’re using the name Mary Hopkins.”

  That was the sticking point. Somehow she had to convince him her reasons were justified. She looked up and met his gaze. “The matron at Hughes made it very clear she would not see any family members asking for a visit. I watched her send one poor mother away in tears. And I was afraid if she realized I was looking for Katie and Grace, she’d send me away as well. So I used my middle name and my mother’s maiden name to come up with Mary Hopkins.”

  “Why didn’t you just tell the matron the truth? Surely if you explained there’d been a mistake and your mother didn’t want them sent to Canada, she would’ve listened. You had the letters from your clergyman and your mother to substantiate your claims.”

  “I don’t believe she would’ve listened.”

  He sent her a doubtful glance. “You didn’t try.”

  “You don’t understand.” Her voice became more insistent. “The people overseeing those homes don’t value family connections. In fact, they seem to do everything in their power to break all ties between children and their parents.”

  His frown returned, and he leaned on the railing. “It’s not fair to paint every organization helping poor and orphaned children with such a broad stroke and especially to imply they all intend to separate families. Most of the children’s homes were started by sincere Christians who saw children living on the streets, begging and stealing to survive. In the last fifty years they’ve rescued thousands of children from desperate situations and given them an opportunity to build new lives.”

  “But do they have to send them across the ocean to do it? Why can’t the children stay in England so they at least have a chance to be reunited if their family’s situation improves?”

  He tipped his head. “I see your point, but the homes face a number of significant challenges. With the changes in society and so many people moving into the cities, the number of poor and abandoned children continues to increase. Caring for all of them is very costly, and most of the homes don’t have sufficient funds. If the children remain in England, their opportunities for the future are limited. Many believe emigration to Canada is the best solution.”

  “But is it what’s best for the children?”

  “That’s what Henry and I hope to learn through our investigation.”

  She’d listened patiently to his explanation, but she was not convinced. “Here’s an important point you may want to include in your report.” She took a step closer. “No one should have the right to take children away from parents who love them and are able to care for them.”

  He watched her with a steady gaze.

  “My family is suffering greatly because some people believe their solution is best, and they couldn’t be bothered to listen to the truth of our situation. I’ll tell you this: my family may not be rich, but we love each other. And no one should have the power to separate us.”

  Silvery light shone in his eyes. “I understand what you’re saying, and I see why you’ve gone to such great lengths to follow your brother and sisters to Canada.”

  His open expression spurred her on. “So…will you help me?”

  “What are you asking?”

  “I’m asking you not to tell Rose who I am or that I’m searching for my siblings.”

  He frowned and glanced away. “I don’t believe hiding your identity or intentions is the best way to go about this.”

  “I’m not hurting anyone by using the name Mary Hopkins. I’m carrying out my duties as an escort and looking after the children just as I promised I would.”

  “But what happens when you arrive in Canada? Will you desert them to take up your search?”

  “No, I won’t desert them! I’ll stay and care for them as long as I’m needed.”

  “And what then? How do you propose to find your siblings?”

  She lifted her hands. “I suppose I’ll start at the home and learn where they’ve been sent. Then I’ll go there and find a way to take them back to England.”

  “Just like that?” He sent her an unbelieving look, making it clear he thought she was foolish and naive.

  Her face heated. “I don’t know exactly how I’ll accomplish it, but I’m not giving up. I have to find them. My mother is depending on me, and I won’t let her down.”

  He blew out a long breath. “Even though I believe a mistake was made in sending your siblings, it could be a complicated process to find them and secure their release. You can’t do it alone. You’ll need legal help.”

  She looked up at him, hope and expectation making her rise up on her toes. “I’m sure you’re right.”

  He looked away, obviously pondering all that was involved in her request. Finally, he turned back to her. “I can only take this on if you’re willing to drop the charade and use your real name.”

  She gasped. “I can’t do that!”

  “You’ll have to if you want my help. I can’t mislead Henry or jeopardize our investigation.”

  She opened her mouth to reply, but a loud, clanging bell cut her off. She lifted her hands and covered her ears. “What is that?”

  Andrew stiffened, and his gaze darted around. “It’s an alarm. Come with me!” He set off down the deck.

  “Where are we going?”

  “We have to find out what’s happening.” He pushed open the door and strode inside.

  “But what about my girls? I should go down to them.”

  “Let’s see what the problem is first. Then we’ll decide what to do.”

  The bell continued to clang as they hurried down the upper passageway. People stepped out of their cabins and looked around with questioning expressions. Some called out, asking about the bells.

  “It’s a fire alarm!” one man shouted.

  Dread raced through Laura, chilling her to the bone. They were trapped on this ship. Could the crew fight the fire and get it under control, or was their ship doomed and all the passengers with it?

  Andrew pushed open a cabin door, and Laura followed him inside.

  Henry Dowd stood in the center of the large cabin, buttoning his shirt. His eyes widened. “I wondered where you were.”

  “Someone said that’s a fire alarm.”

  Henry nodded. “I believe they’re right. Remember the drill. Grab your important documents and life jacket. Then we’ll head up to our emergency station.”

  “I have to go down to my girls.” Laura turned toward the door.

  “Wait! I’m coming with you.” Andrew grabbed his papers and life jacket from the closet.

  Henry shoved his arms into his suit jacket sleeves. “I’ll come as well. You’ll need help managing them all.” He grabbed his life jacket from the bed and slung it over his shoulder.

  Andrew jerked open the cabin door, and they set off down the passageway with the alarm bell still ringing and people milling around them.

  Laura scanned the air and sniffed. There was no sign of smoke on this deck, but what about down in steerage? She picked up her pace.

  As they rounded the corner and started down the stairs, she felt as though she was swimming upstream against t
he swarm of passengers trying to reach the promenade deck where they’d all been told to report in case of an emergency.

  “Make way!” Andrew shouted, forging ahead and moving people aside so they could continue down. Laura stayed close behind him, and Henry came behind her.

  Finally, they reached steerage level, and Laura’s heart clenched. Several of the girls stood in the passageway, clutching their life jackets. Some were in tears, and others clung to their friends with pale faces and fear-filled eyes.

  Rose stepped out of one of the cabins and rushed down the passageway toward them. “Thank heavens you’ve come!” Laura was about to explain and apologize, but Rose went directly to Henry.

  He placed his hand on her arm. “How can we help?”

  “We have to make sure every girl has a life jacket before we start upstairs.”

  “Let’s divide the group.” Andrew motioned toward the girls. “You have ten cabins, correct?”

  “Yes.” Rose watched him eagerly.

  “You and Miss Hopkins take five cabins,” Andrew continued. “Henry and I will oversee the other five. Have the girls line up against the wall so we can be sure everyone is accounted for.”

  Rose gave them the cabin numbers, and Laura hurried down the passageway to collect her girls. A few were ready and waiting inside the cabin, but she had to help the youngest find their life jackets under the bunks and put those on.

  “Line up out in the hall and wait for me there.” Laura rushed into the next cabin. Only two girls sat together on one of the bunks. “Where are the others?”

  Tears streamed down nine-year-old Lilly’s face. “They ran out, looking for you.”

  Pain pierced Laura’s chest. Her girls needed her, but she’d left them on their own to face this frightening night. How could she have been so selfish and irresponsible? She forced those condemning thoughts away. She was here now, and she would do all she could to make sure they were safe.

  She pulled in a breath to steady her nerves. “Let’s be calm and do as we practiced in the drill.” She bent down and pulled their life jackets from under the bunk. With trembling hands, she helped the girls don their life jackets. She took their hands and led them out to the passageway and told them to stand with the others.