No Ocean Too Wide

by Carrie Turansky

  Katie’s hopes rose. If they went to church on Sunday, she’d be free from her chores, and she might be able to meet those other home children the reverend had mentioned. She leaned forward and strained to hear Mr. Hoffman’s answer.

  “I don’t think Ella is up to going to church. Just tending to the baby seems to tire her out something awful.”

  The reverend tapped his chin. “Here’s a thought. Why not start the preparations on Saturday evening? Let Katie give the children baths and set out their clothes. Then she can prepare a simple breakfast on Sunday morning, and you’ll all be ready in time for church.”

  Mr. Hoffman sent the reverend a doubtful glance.

  “I think you’ll find worshipping the Lord and gathering with friends will improve your wife’s outlook and encourage everyone.” When Mr. Hoffman didn’t reply, the reverend’s optimistic expression faded. “But if your wife is not up to going, you could come with the children. That would give your wife a quiet morning’s rest.”

  “I’ll think about it.” Mr. Hoffman stepped back, making it clear he wanted to end the conversation.

  “All right, then.” The reverend took hold of the reins. “Please give my regards to your wife.”

  Mr. Hoffman nodded, but he didn’t say anything else.

  “Good day.” The reverend clicked to the horse and set off down the road.

  Katie watched him go and determined she’d work extra hard and do all she could on Saturday so she could attend church on Sunday. Just the thought of singing hymns and meeting new friends filled her with longing.

  Mr. Hoffman trudged back toward the house, muttering under his breath.

  Mrs. Hoffman pushed open the screen door and stepped out on the porch. “What did he want?”

  “He was just snooping around, trying to get us to come to church.”

  “What did you tell him?”

  “Nothing.”

  “I saw you talking to him. You must have said something.”

  “I told him you were feeling poorly and weren’t up to going anywhere.”

  Her mouth puckered into an angry line. “Don’t blame me for us not going to church. That’s all your doing.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “You’re the one who said the reverend is just a loud-mouthed Bible thumper and you don’t want to waste your time driving into town on Sundays.”

  Mr. Hoffman cursed and stomped up the steps. “Hush up, woman!” He strode past his wife.

  She turned away as the screen door slammed after him.

  Katie sank down on the ground and lifted her hand to cover her stinging eyes. So much for the hope of leaving the farm for a few hours and meeting new friends at church. Would she have to stay here forever with no hope of seeing her brother or sister and no way to make any friends?

  16

  Laura leaned over Anna May and searched her flushed face. She slept now, but fitfully. Laura placed her hand on the girl’s forehead, and heat radiated into her fingers. She bit her lip as worry wove around her heart.

  Anna May had suffered with a fever and sore throat for the last two days. The little girl felt so miserable she didn’t want to rise from her bunk or go to meals with the other girls. Laura had stayed with her, taking only a few short breaks to eat a quick meal or sleep for a few hours while someone else watched over Anna May.

  The ship’s doctor had visited each day. He suggested they keep Anna May cool with sponge baths and give her plenty of liquids. He arranged for the other four girls in their cabin to move to new accommodations to prevent the illness from spreading. Other than that, he said they just needed to let Anna May rest and wait for her to get well.

  Laura smoothed the sheet across Anna May’s chest. She closed her eyes, knowing she wasn’t worthy to pray, but where else could she turn?

  Please, Lord, comfort Anna May and heal her. She has had such a rough start in life and has already suffered so much.

  The cabin door opened, and Rose walked in carrying a bucket. “Here’s some more water and another washcloth.” She placed the bucket on the floor beside the bunk and handed the cloth to Laura.

  “Thank you.” Laura reached up and rubbed her tired shoulder. She could feel a slight headache building at the base of her neck.

  Rose leaned closer and peered down at Anna May. “I’m glad she’s sleeping. That should help. Why don’t you go and have some dinner? I’ll stay with her.”

  “I’m not hungry.”

  “Mary, you have to keep up your strength. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day.”

  “What will we do if she’s not well when it’s time to leave the ship?”

  Rose’s eyes clouded, and she shook her head. “They won’t allow her past immigration if she has a fever.”

  Laura sat on the floor, closed her eyes, and leaned back against the side of Anna May’s bunk. Would she have to split off from the group and stay behind with Anna May? Would the immigration authorities end up sending them both back to England? She had no way of knowing what would happen tomorrow, but worrying wouldn’t change anything. Perhaps Rose was right. She should go and have dinner with the other girls.

  A knock sounded at the door.

  Laura looked up. “Come in.”

  The door opened, and a steward held up an envelope. “I have a message for Miss Mary Hopkins.”

  Laura rose and crossed to the door. She accepted the envelope and glanced at her name written across the front. Who had sent her a message? She thanked the steward. He nodded and set off down the corridor.

  Laura tore open the envelope and unfolded the stationery. She glanced at the bottom first and read Andrew’s signature there. Her heartbeat sped up, and she lifted her gaze to read from the beginning.

  Dear Miss Hopkins, I was very sorry to hear Anna May is unwell. I will keep her in my prayers and trust the Lord will give her a speedy recovery.

  Since we will be landing in Quebec City tomorrow morning, and it seems unlikely we will have time to speak to each other before then, I wanted to inform you of our plans and assure you that I am willing to help you as I promised.

  Relief washed over Laura. After she’d failed to tell Henry and Rose her real reason for traveling to Canada, she thought Andrew might not speak to her again. But it seemed he intended to keep his end of the bargain even though she had not fulfilled hers—at least not yet.

  Henry and I will take the train to Montreal and stay there for a few days to meet with immigration authorities and visit two children’s homes. Then we plan to continue on to Kingston and Belleville. I’m not sure how long that will take, ten days or possibly a bit longer.

  I understand from speaking to Miss Carson that you and your party will be taking the train directly to the receiving home in Belleville. I’m sure you are eager to see your girls settled in their new homes as well as continuing with the project we discussed.

  How thoughtful Andrew was to write as he did and keep her plans a secret in case Rose or someone else read his note.

  I want to urge you to wait until I arrive in Belleville before you discuss that project with those in charge there. I think it would be wise to have legal counsel present when you explain your situation and make your request. I will contact you at the home as soon as we arrive in town. We can then make arrangements for that meeting.

  I want you to know that I take this matter very seriously and will do all I can to help you. Until then I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

  Yours sincerely,

  Andrew Frasier

  Rose watched as Laura folded the note and slipped it back in the envelope. “Is everything all right?”

  “Yes, everything’s fine.” Laura bit her lip and tucked the letter in her skirt pocket. What was the point of keeping the note private? Rose was obviously curious to know who had written, but she was
too kind to pry. Laura met Rose’s gaze. “The message is from Andrew Frasier.”

  Rose’s eyebrows arched. “Really?”

  Laura nodded. “He wanted me to know he’ll be coming to Belleville in about ten days.”

  She smiled. “He hopes to see you then?”

  “Yes.” For just a moment she savored Rose’s assumption that a romance was blossoming between her and Andrew, but reality came rushing back and she silently scolded herself for her foolishness. At least she could tell Rose the truth about Andrew. “I’m sure he doesn’t have romantic intentions. He simply offered to help me with a legal matter…for my family.”

  Rose’s brow creased, and she sent Laura a questioning look.

  That was all she could say for the moment. Andrew didn’t want her to reveal her identity to those in charge in Belleville until he was present, so she couldn’t very well tell Rose.

  She turned back to Anna May and rested her hand lightly on the girl’s forehead. Her skin felt cooler now, and her face seemed much more peaceful. “I think her fever has broken.”

  Rose came closer and laid her hand gently against the little girl’s cheek. “I believe you’re right.” Her expression brightened. “What a wonderful answer to prayer.”

  Laura gently brushed Anna May’s damp hair back from her forehead, thankful the little girl was improving. “If you’re still willing to stay with Anna May, I think I will take you up on your offer.”

  “Please do.” Rose settled on the bunk across from Anna May’s. “And when you’re finished with dinner, why don’t you take a walk?” Rose’s smile returned, and her eyes twinkled. “Perhaps you’ll see Mr. Frasier on the promenade deck.”

  Laura reached for the comb and small mirror in her travel bag. “I’m sure he’ll be at dinner for quite some time, and I need to finish packing tonight.”

  Confusion filled Rose’s eyes. “You don’t want to see him?”

  Laura released a deep breath. Of course she wanted to see him, but that wouldn’t change anything. “I admire Andrew Frasier. He is a fine, honorable man, but there’s no point in hoping for something that can never be.”

  Rose’s lips parted, and confusion filled her eyes. “You mean there is no possibility of romance because he’s from an upper-class family and you’re not?”

  Laura nodded. At that moment it dawned on her that Rose was thinking of her own feelings for Henry and the differences that separated them. Laura reached for her hand. “But it’s different for you and Henry.”

  “Do you really think so?”

  She didn’t want to raise Rose’s hopes too high when neither of them knew for certain what the future held, but she didn’t want to discourage her either. “I can tell he’s very fond of you. Has he said anything about writing to you or seeing you after the voyage?”

  Rose’s dreamy expression dimmed. “Not yet. I was so hopeful after our dinner the other night that he might say something, but he didn’t.”

  “Then perhaps you’re the one who needs to take a stroll later and see if he’s on deck.”

  Rose smiled. “Do you really think I should?”

  “Of course. Being in the right place at the right time can’t hurt.”

  “But what about you and Mr. Frasier? He certainly seems to enjoy your company. Are you sure he doesn’t think of you in a romantic way?”

  She hesitated, weighing her words. She might not be able to tell Rose the full story, but she could at least reveal part of it. “I’m quite sure all we’ll share is friendship. You see…I used to work for his family.”

  “What?” Rose stared at her.

  “I was his mother’s lady’s maid for a few months, but when my mum became ill, I had to leave Bolton and go to London to care for her.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me before?”

  Laura lifted her hand and rubbed her eyes. The headache she’d been fighting now pounded behind her eyes. “It’s complicated. And when he didn’t say anything about it when we were introduced, I decided not to mention it as well.”

  “You’re not ashamed of working in that position, are you?”

  “No. It was quite a step up for me, and I’m grateful for my time at Bolton. The Frasiers are a fine family. I wouldn’t have left unless my family needed me.”

  Rose nodded and clasped Laura’s hand. “Well, don’t worry. You have many fine qualities, and I’m sure, in time, the right man will pursue you.”

  “You’re very kind, Rose.” Laura had to force out those words. She might have some good qualities, but at the present she was caught in a web of deceit, leaving her feeling confused and guilty. There was no way she could consider a romance with Andrew or anyone else until these matters with her family were resolved.

  Her friend leaned toward her and wrapped her in a gentle hug. “Why don’t you go and have some dinner with the girls? And when you’re finished, I think I will take that stroll on deck and see if Mr. Dowd is there.”

  Laura nodded and turned away, surprised by the tears that stung her eyes. Rose might dream of romance and a future with Henry Dowd, but there was no hope for her to ever be more than friends with Andrew, if she could even hold on to that.

  * * *

  A misty fog hung over the harbor the next morning as the ship pulled in next to the dock at Quebec City. Andrew stood at the railing on the promenade deck, waiting with Henry and the other first-class passengers while the crew tied up the ship and prepared to lower the gangplank. The hum of cheerful conversation rose around him. It seemed everyone was eager to step ashore in Canada and be off on business or pleasure.

  Henry shifted his briefcase to his other hand and looked down at the dock. “It shouldn’t be too much longer now.”

  Andrew followed his friend’s gaze and watched as the first few passengers at the head of the line descended the gangplank and entered the immigration sheds. He glanced to the left where the other line of second- and third-class passengers waited. Rising up on the balls of his feet, he scanned the crowd, searching for Laura.

  She hadn’t replied to the message he’d sent to her cabin last night, though the steward had confirmed she’d received it. Did she assume he didn’t expect a reply, or was she upset that he wanted her to wait until he arrived at Belleville to ask those in charge about her siblings? Either way, there was nothing more he could do now. Still, he searched the crowd, wishing he could speak to her once more before they left the ship.

  “Who are you looking for?”

  Andrew’s neck warmed. He considered ignoring the question, but there was no point in hiding the truth from his friend. “I was hoping to speak to Miss Hopkins once more. I haven’t seen her since we dined together the other evening. I believe she’s stayed below since then to take care of one of her girls who was unwell.”

  “Yes, Miss Carson mentioned that last night.”

  Surprise rippled through Andrew. “You saw Miss Carson last night?”

  Henry nodded, looking pleased. “I went out on deck after dinner, and I happened to find her there.” He glanced away, but that didn’t hide his smile. “We had a very pleasant conversation and walk in the moonlight.”

  “Are you planning to see her again?”

  “Yes. We’ve agreed to meet in Belleville.”

  That was good news. Henry’s plans to meet Miss Carson would make it easier for him to arrange a meeting between Laura and Henry, then with those in charge of the receiving home at Belleville. But would she wait for him as he’d asked? Her friendship with Miss Carson might be the key. “How long does Miss Carson plan to stay in Belleville?”

  “At least three weeks. She wants to see that her girls are properly settled, and she’d like to visit some of the girls from her previous trips. I suggested she might accompany us on some of our visits if the timing is right.”

  Andrew’s thoughts shifted like puzzle pieces sliding
into place. Perhaps Laura would join them, and they could all search for her siblings.

  Henry’s expression clouded. “After that, she’ll return to Liverpool.”

  “And we’ll return to London.” What would happen after their time in Canada? Would Laura return to Liverpool or London? Would she find her siblings right away, or would she have to stay in Canada for an extended search?

  “We may have to write to each other for a time,” Henry continued. “But if things progress as I hope, she’ll be coming to London in the not-too-distant future.”

  Andrew placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “That’s very good news. Congratulations.”

  “It’s a bit early for that, but I am hopeful.”

  The line moved forward a few more steps, and they were almost to the top of the gangplank. He turned and searched the passengers on the left once more. The crowd shifted as some people moved toward the railing, and that made it a challenge for him to see past those in front.

  As he stepped down on the gangplank, children’s voices rose above the others. He stopped, looked back at the crowded deck, and a jolt of joy shot through him.

  Laura stood at the railing in the middle of a cluster of girls about three-quarters of the way down the ship. She wore a dark green traveling suit with a lace collar and small straw hat. The little girls were all dressed alike in their light blue dresses, navy blue jackets, and straw skimmers with dark blue ribbons around the crown.

  Henry slowed and looked over his shoulder as the other passengers hurried past them. “Andrew, are you coming?”

  “Yes.” Andrew’s gaze finally connected with Laura, and he lifted his hand.

  A smile broke across her face, and she waved back.

  If only they weren’t so far apart and separated by the crowd. He might not be able to go to her, but at least he could say something. He lifted his hands and cupped them around his mouth. “See you in Belleville!”