Dr. Richardson stomped through the doorway, his eyes ablaze. “What is going on?”
Ned let go of Alice, and his little sister fell to the floor, taking Katie with her. Ned pointed an accusing finger at Katie. “She was hurting Alice, and she pushed Timmy off the bed!”
Katie’s mouth fell open. “I did not! You’re the one who grabbed Alice. And you knocked Timmy off, not me!”
“Get up off the floor!” Dr. Richardson pointed his shaking finger at Katie. “I knew the minute we turned our backs you would lash out at my children. You can never trust a home child!”
Katie rose, her legs trembling. “I didn’t hurt Alice. I promise, I was just—”
Dr. Richardson sliced his hand through the air, cutting off her words. “I never should’ve taken you in! You’re more trouble than you’re worth!”
Katie blinked and stared at him. How could he say such awful things?
“We’re done with you!” He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her toward the door. “First thing tomorrow morning, you’re going back to the home.”
“But it’s not my fault! The boys wouldn’t listen. Ned was the one who knocked Timmy off the bed, and he’s the one who grabbed Alice.”
The doctor’s face grew mottled. “Liar!” He lifted his hand and slapped Katie across the face.
She gasped and fell back, her cheek stinging.
“That will teach you to speak evil of my children! You’re nothing but a street rat! And I will not have you polluting our home with your wicked ways!” He shoved her in the direction of the back stairs. “Go pack your trunk! And don’t let me hear one more word from you tonight.”
She stumbled down the hall, a sob rising in her throat. How could he be so cruel? She had tried so hard to please him and his wife, but it was impossible. Now she would have to go back to the home and carry their bad report with her. She’d probably be reprimanded there as well.
Swallowing back her tears, she started down the stairs. Oh, Father, this is too much to bear. I’m so tired and worn out. I’ve tried to do what’s right, but it doesn’t matter. They don’t want me.
A terrible wave of homesickness rolled over Katie, and tears coursed down her cheeks. What Dr. Richardson said wasn’t true, and he never should’ve struck her. No one should be treated so unkindly even if they were an orphan and a home child. That didn’t make them evil. What a terrible thing to say!
She didn’t bother going back to the kitchen. Mrs. O’Leary wouldn’t give her anything to eat, not after she heard what happened upstairs. She entered the pantry and unfolded her cot in the corner. The old pillow they’d given her was nothing more than a flour sack stuffed with rags. She took it down from the shelf, then shook out the old stained blanket and laid it and the pillow on the cot.
She lifted her hand to her hot, throbbing cheek and gently ran her fingers across the tender spot. She could fetch a cool cloth from the kitchen, but then she would have to face Mrs. O’Leary, and she didn’t want to risk being told she had to finish the dishes and clean the kitchen. That could wait until morning.
She stilled and replayed Dr. Richardson’s words. Tomorrow morning he was taking her back to the home. She would leave this house, and she wouldn’t have to answer to Dr. and Mrs. Richardson or Mrs. O’Leary anymore. Maybe it was a good thing they were sending her back. The next family might be kinder, and they might even have a girl close to her age who could be her friend. She bit her lip, and another round of tears filled her eyes.
Oh, to have a friend would be so heavenly. It wouldn’t be the same as being with Garth, Grace, and Laura, but a friend would help ease her loneliness and partially fill her longing for her family.
Thoughts of Garth and Grace made her heart ache even more. What had happened to them? Were they happy in their new homes, or were they suffering the same kind of harsh treatment Katie had received at the Richardsons’?
Dear Father, please watch over them and keep them safe. Help me find out where they’ve been sent. If I could only have a letter and know they’re well cared for, I’d be so relieved.
Her prayer rose and faded away like mist rising off the river. She sighed, slipped out of her clothes, and pulled her nightgown over her head as quickly as she could. It was cold in the pantry, so she left her stockings on and climbed onto the cot.
Pulling the blanket up to her chin, she closed her eyes and thought of her family and home in London. She could picture Garth and Grace, but when she tried to recall Mum, Dad, and Laura, their images were a little fuzzy. A surge of stinging sadness filled her.
She must never forget her family and who she truly was. No matter where she was sent or how long they were apart, one day she would find her brother and sister and they would make their way home.
* * *
Andrew strode down the promenade deck past the first-class lounge with Laura beside him and a little treasure in his arms. Even in the dim lantern light, several girls from Hughes saw him coming and jumped up. When he came closer and they realized he carried Anna May, a cheer rose from the group. Rose Carson sent him a grateful smile and hurried toward them.
He carefully lowered Anna May to the deck as her friends called out to her and gathered around. Some patted her on the back, and others bent to ask how she had become separated from them. Rose knelt and gave Anna May a tender hug.
Laura watched Rose and the girls with a soft smile on her lips. Earlier that evening, when she’d confessed why she was using a false name, he’d wondered if she had accepted her position only to gain free passage to Canada, but her true character had shone through tonight. She cared deeply about every one of these girls, and he regretted questioning her commitment to them.
She glanced up at him. The soft glow of the lantern light reflected in her eyes. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I’m grateful for your help.”
He stilled, caught by her gaze. Was that gratitude reflected there or something more? Pleasing warmth rose in his chest. “I’m glad Anna May is safely back where she belongs.”
Her steady gaze remained on him as though she was searching past his words to understand his thoughts. He wished they had time to talk privately and he could learn more about her and her family and the events that had separated them. Her actions tonight had made him more certain he wanted to help her search for her siblings. But first he had to convince her to trust him and drop the charade.
Henry walked toward them from the other end of the deck, holding up a lantern to light his way. Rose met him, and they spoke quietly for a moment. Then they both walked over to join Laura and Andrew.
Henry lowered his voice, his gaze intent. “I’ve spoken to a crewman. He told me the fire is in the boiler room.”
Laura shot a questioning glance at Andrew.
Andrew turned to his friend. “Can they get it under control?”
“So far they’ve managed to keep it from spreading, but one of the boilers has been destroyed. There are three others, and there’s still a chance they can put out the fire and save those.”
Rose lifted her hand to her heart. “So, we won’t need to abandon ship?”
“It doesn’t look like it, but we won’t know for sure until the fire is completely under control and they can assess the damage.”
Rose nodded, and her worried glance shifted to the huddled children sitting around them. “I’m concerned about the girls. The temperature is dropping, and with this wind it feels even colder.”
Henry nodded. “I’ve asked one of the stewards to bring us some blankets. He assured me he’d do what he could.”
Rose peered up at Henry. “Thank you. That was very kind.”
“I want to do whatever I can for you…and for the girls. I’d like to speak to them if I may.”
“About the fire?”
“I’ll mention that, but mainly I want to encourage them and pray for them, with
your permission of course.”
A warm smile lit Rose’s face. “That would be most appreciated.” She turned toward the girls and lifted her hand. “Girls, look up here, please.”
The girls quieted and turned toward Rose.
“I want to introduce Mr. Henry Dowd. He has asked to speak to you, and I’d like you to give him your full attention.”
Henry stepped up next to Rose. “Thank you, Miss Carson.” He turned his gaze on the girls.
Andrew’s jaw tightened as he looked at their young, upturned faces. Most had already faced great losses that put them in a position to emigrate to Canada, and now they were spending a cold night on the deck of a ship with the threat of the fire on their minds. If he believed in luck, he would say they had little. But through Henry’s friendship and example, Andrew’s faith had grown stronger. Now he believed God had not forgotten any of them, and He was unfolding His plan for each of their lives even through this tragic series of events.
And with that belief, a strong conviction filled his mind. He must do everything in his power to see these girls were safely conducted to Canada, where they could begin new lives and enjoy all God had planned for them.
Henry waited until every eye was on him. “I want to commend each of you for your quick action and bravery tonight. It’s no small matter to hear an alarm, don a life jacket, follow directions without question, then spend time up on deck on a cold night like this.”
Some of the girls smiled, and others exchanged glances with their friends.
“I know some of you may feel frightened by what has happened tonight. That is natural, and there is no need to be ashamed of those feelings. We all go through times when we feel afraid. And when we do, we can ask the Lord for faith to trust Him and help us overcome those fears.
“He loves each one of you, and He has promised to send His angels to watch over you. His Spirit is also with us to comfort us and remind us of the wonderful promises in God’s Word.”
Rose clasped her hands beneath her chin as she listened to Henry. It seemed his friend had won the respect and admiration of the kind escort.
“I want to share one of those promises with you now. It comes from the book of Isaiah. I memorized it when I was young, and it’s been a great help to me.” Henry paused a moment, then scanned the girls’ faces once more. “ ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’ ” He lowered his head for a moment, letting those words settle in, then began again. “When I remember God is with me and has promised to give me strength, I know I can face anything that will come my way.”
Laura watched Henry with careful attention, emotion shifting across her features. Andrew wished he knew what she was thinking. Did his friend’s words give her courage and comfort, or was there more Andrew ought to say to her?
Henry looked around the group once more. “I’d like to lead you all in a prayer. Please bow your heads and close your eyes.”
Andrew lowered his head, his throat tightening. They were facing a dangerous night, but the Lord was near.
“Dear heavenly Father,” Henry began, “we come to You tonight and ask You to watch over us and keep us safe. Please help those fighting the fire to put it out quickly. Thank You that You are always with us and that You have promised to give us Your help and strength. Thank You that we don’t have to be afraid but can entrust ourselves into Your care and know You will do what is best for us. Help each of us to put our full faith and trust in You tonight and in the days ahead. We are grateful You hear our prayers, and we can depend on You to comfort and strengthen us. I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
A sense of peace seemed to settle over the group. And as they lifted their heads, Andrew could see it reflected in the girls’ faces.
A steward rolled a cart piled high with gray wool blankets out the door of the first-class lounge. Henry called the adults together. They passed out blankets to the girls and encouraged them to wrap up and sit close together. As they finished distributing the blankets, Henry gave the last one to Rose, his hand resting on hers for a moment. She looked up and thanked him. Henry kept his eyes on her as she settled on the deck close to some of the girls and then took his seat not far from her.
Andrew couldn’t help smiling as he observed their interaction. It seemed the events of this night had helped their acquaintance grow into a friendship. Would the same be true for him and Laura? He turned and searched for her.
She moved through the group of girls, tucking blankets tighter around some and kissing others on the head as she reassured them. Several of the girls huddled together and leaned on each other. A few of the younger girls had already fallen asleep. Laura checked on each one and made sure all of them were well covered.
Andrew’s appreciation deepened as he watched her. Finally, when they were all settled, she took her own blanket and found a spot by the wall of the ship at the edge of her group.
He picked up his blanket and walked over to her. “May I join you?” His request sounded a bit formal for their current situation, but he didn’t just want to plop down beside her without saying something.
She smiled and nodded. “Of course.”
He wrapped the blanket around his shoulders and settled in on the hard deck next to her.
She tugged her blanket up a bit higher and shifted slightly away. Her movements made it clear she wanted to keep a respectful distance between them. He’d meant only to block the wind and provide some added warmth, but he supposed she wanted to guard her reputation even on a night like this.
He leaned back and looked out across the railing to the dark sea beyond. The cool, salty breeze ruffled his hair, and he wished he’d taken time to grab his hat. The ship dipped and then rose, still moving ahead at a slow pace. Please, Lord, keep us all safe tonight. He pulled in a slow deep breath and reminded himself of the promise and prayer Henry had spoken over them. The sense of calm returned, and he lifted his eyes to the sky.
Laura looked up as well. “I can’t believe how many stars you can see out here at night.”
“It’s quite different than the usual view of the night sky in London.”
“Hmm, yes, it is and very beautiful.” Her voice sounded soft and wistful.
He glanced her way, watching as she scanned the glittering expanse.
“Is that the Milky Way?” She gazed up at the broad stripe of stars cloaked in misty clouds, arcing across the sky.
“Yes, I believe it is.”
“I’ve read about it but never seen it so clearly before.”
The lantern light cast shadows over her face, but it highlighted her slender straight nose and her softly rounded cheeks. Her wavy blond hair had come loose and now tumbled over her shoulders in an appealing manner. She was a lovely young woman, even lovelier than the starry night sky.
He blinked and shifted his gaze away. Where had that thought come from? He had better keep his mind on track and not let himself get carried away by thoughts that were most likely inspired by the dramatic events of the evening. Still, he couldn’t help but appreciate her attractive appearance and her devotion to her family and the girls in her care. The fact that she was a former member of the Bolton staff should’ve been enough to squelch thoughts of how appealing she was, but somehow it didn’t.
“I’d like to hear more about your family and what caused your siblings to be separated from you and your mother.”
She glanced his way. “Why would you want to know that?”
“I need to understand the situation if I’m going to help you in your search.”
She sat up straighter. “You’re going to help me?”
He considered his words carefully. “I’d like to, but first I want to know the background and understand what happene
d.”
“All right.” She sounded eager now. “Where shall I start?”
“Wherever you’d like.”
She thought for a moment. “I suppose our troubles began about two years ago when my father died from injuries sustained in a rail accident. That’s when everything changed for our family.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. My father was a good man—hardworking and kind. But he didn’t expect to leave us so soon, and there wasn’t much money set aside. That put us in a difficult situation, and we all had to find work. My mum is an excellent seamstress, so she took a position at a dressmaker’s shop. My brother, Garth, worked as a delivery boy for a butcher after school, and my sister Katie and I helped Mum with the sewing. But even with all our efforts, that didn’t bring in enough money to cover our expenses.
“So it was decided I should go into service. I found a maid’s position, working for a family in London, but…” She stopped and looked down. “I had to leave there a few months later, and that’s when I came to Bolton and began working for your family.”
Her hesitation and serious tone stirred his curiosity. “Why did you leave your position in London?”
Her expression fell, and she looked away. “I’d rather not say.”
Had she done something dishonest or improper and been dismissed? He hoped not, but he had to ask. “If I’m going to represent you, I need to know your character is not in question.”
She shot him a hot look. “It was not my character that caused the problem—the opposite in fact.”
“What do you mean?”
She pressed her lips together for a few seconds, then said, “A young man came to stay at the house where I was working. He was their nephew, and he…” Her voice faltered, and even in the lantern light he could see the pain in her eyes. “He was not a gentleman. I had to leave for my own safety.”
His anger surged, and he had to swallow before he could speak. “I’m sorry.”
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