No Ocean Too Wide

by Carrie Turansky

  Laura nodded. “Perhaps she could stay with us rather than in the infirmary. We could bring in another bed.”

  Rose pondered that for a moment. “Yes, that way she’d have a bit more privacy and wouldn’t have to answer so many questions.” Rose reached for Laura’s hand. “We must treat her like a dear sister.”

  Those words pierced Laura’s heart, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. Katie was almost the same age as Jane. What if some man tried to hurt her as Jane had been hurt?

  Conviction filled her soul. She could not wait any longer. She had to move forward with her search for her siblings…with or without Andrew Frasier!

  * * *

  The clock struck eleven as Laura crept down the stairs and slipped across the entrance hall. The matron kept all the children’s files in cabinets in her office. If Laura was going to discover where her siblings had been sent, she would have to sneak in and search through those files.

  All the lights on the main floor had been turned down expect one small gas lamp near the front entry. It provided just enough light for Laura to find her way down the hall without bumping into the side table and chairs.

  A door opened somewhere nearby.

  Laura pulled in a sharp breath and stepped back against the wall. She closed her eyes and tried to calm her breathing and melt into the shadows.

  Footsteps retreated, and she let out a slow, shallow breath.

  When all was quiet for several seconds, she continued toward the matron’s office. With chilled fingers, she quietly turned the doorknob, slipped inside, and pulled the door closed behind her.

  She turned and scanned the dark office. Pale moonlight shone through the windows, highlighting the shape of a desk, bookshelves, and the two tall filing cabinets against the side wall. If she was going to read anything in those files, she would have to light her candle and pray no one passing by would see the glow beneath the door and decide to investigate.

  She reached in her skirt pocket and pulled out the short candle stub and box of matches she’d found in the kitchen pantry. Hovering behind the desk, she struck the match and touched it to the wick. The candle flickered, then sent wavering light around the room.

  Laura straightened and crossed to the filing cabinets. She placed the candle in a shallow metal bowl on top and pulled open the first drawer. She scanned the tabs and found the files contained bills, receipts, and correspondence with various local merchants. She quietly closed that drawer and opened the next.

  This one had records of maintenance and improvements made on the house, taxes, and legal matters. Laura gave an impatient sigh and closed that drawer.

  When she pulled open the third drawer, her breath caught. Names were written on each file tab: Abbot, Charlotte; Adams, Lucile; Addison, Maryann.

  She pulled out the first file, flipped it open, and tilted the papers toward the light. At the top the page read Admission Sheet and below that Child’s name: Charlotte Abbot. Date of birth: 27, September 1892. Place of birth: Manchester, England. Mother’s name: Mary Jane Abbot. Father’s name: Ronald Guy Abbot. Date of entry into Waifs and Strays Home: 14, April 1899.

  She’d found the right cabinet! Now all she needed to do was make her way through the alphabet to McAlister. She quickly scanned the names in that drawer. The last one read, Campbell, Irene. She slid open the next drawer and found those names stopped with Grosvenor, Arlene. The bottom drawer ended with Lewis, Elizabeth.

  Laura’s pulse sped up as she stepped over to the next cabinet and rolled open the top drawer. After pulling the bowl with the candle closer, she searched the names, and her heart leaped. There they were: McAlister, Grace, and McAlister, Katherine.

  Footsteps approached in the hall.

  Laura grabbed Katie’s file and blew out the candle. The scent of smoke swirled beneath her nose. The doorknob turned. Laura froze. The door swung open.

  A woman stepped in and flipped the switch, flooding the office with light.

  Rose gasped. “Mary, what are you doing?”

  Relief rushed through Laura, quickly followed by another round of panic. Even though it was her friend who had discovered her, she still had to explain herself. “I was just…looking for a file.”

  Confusion filled Rose’s face. “What file?”

  Laura swallowed and lifted Katie’s file. “My sister’s.”

  Rose’s eyes rounded. “Your sister?”

  Laura nodded. “I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you, but I was afraid you might not approve of my plan.”

  “What plan? Mary, you’re not making sense.”

  Another set of footsteps sounded in the hall, and Mrs. Woodward stepped into the open doorway. Her astonished gaze darted from Rose to Laura. “What’s going on here?”

  Laura slipped the file into the folds of her skirt, her heart pounding in her throat.

  Rose turned toward Mrs. Woodward. “I…I wanted to drop off this list of supplies we need in the infirmary and return these two books I borrowed.”

  Mrs. Woodward studied Rose. “At this time of night?”

  Rose gave a little chuckle. “I’ve always been a late-night reader. And I thought I ought to return them as soon as I was finished.”

  The matron glanced at Laura with an expectant lift of her brows. “And you, Miss Hopkins, are you returning something as well?”

  “No ma’am.” She couldn’t add one more lie to the others she’d already told, so she said nothing more.

  Mrs. Woodward stepped over to her desk. “You know I always have an open door for my staff, but I’d feel more comfortable if you’d come in when I’m here.”

  “Yes ma’am.” Laura nodded and backed toward the door.

  “I’ll be sure to do that next time.” Rose placed the list and the books on the corner of the woman’s desk and then walked out after Laura.

  “Thank you.” Laura whispered when they were a few steps down the hall.

  Rose sent her a serious look. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but I want you to come upstairs now and tell me everything.”

  Laura swallowed. “Yes. It’s past time I do.”

  * * *

  Andrew followed Henry and Mrs. Woodward up the stairs toward the top floor of the Pleasantview receiving home. For the last twenty minutes, the matron had shown them around the lower two floors of the facility. She seemed to be an intelligent woman and had answered their questions in a thoughtful, open manner.

  Andrew looked for Laura as they entered each room, but so far he hadn’t seen her or Rose Carson. Were they still here, or had they left the home in search of Laura’s siblings? He clenched his jaw, hoping that was not the case.

  The matron reached the upper landing. “The girls who arrived in the last group have all been placed as domestics with families in and around Belleville.”

  Andrew thought of Anna May and frowned. She definitely wasn’t old enough to work as a domestic. Where had they sent her?

  “The girls you met downstairs have returned from one placement and are waiting for the next. We try to keep them happy and occupied while they’re with us.” Mrs. Woodward nodded toward the landing window.

  Andrew stepped over and looked down at the sloping lawn behind the house. Two girls sat reading in the shade of a large maple tree while half a dozen others chased one another across the grass in a lively game of tag. They seemed to be enjoying the time outside on this sunny morning.

  Henry turned to Mrs. Woodward. “How many girls can you accommodate?”

  “We have beds for one hundred twenty-five. This is one of our dormitories.” She opened a door on the left, and he and Henry looked in. “We also have a twenty-bed infirmary on this floor for our girls and the boys from the Masterson Home.”

  Henry clasped his hands behind his back. “The boys’ home doesn’t have its own infirmary?”

  “No. Master
son is a smaller facility. They don’t have enough room there, so we care for both boys and girls here.”

  Henry gave a thoughtful nod. “We’d like to see the infirmary.”

  A ripple of unease crossed the matron’s face. “I’m not sure that would be wise. Some of the children’s illnesses are contagious, and I wouldn’t want to put you and Mr. Frasier in danger of catching a disease.”

  “That’s not a problem. Mr. Frasier and I have strong constitutions. I’m sure we can take a quick tour with no danger of contracting an illness.”

  The matron compressed her lips and shifted her gaze away.

  Why didn’t she want to show them the infirmary? Was she trying to hide something?

  Henry glanced at Andrew, the same question reflected in his eyes. “It’s important that we see all areas of the home so we have accurate information for our report.” Henry’s tone was kind but firm.

  The matron looked their way again. “Very well.” She stepped past them and opened the door on the right.

  Henry led them into the long rectangular room. A fabric curtain hung down the middle, separating the two sides. They set off down the right side.

  Henry stopped by the third bed. A young boy with pale blond hair and sky-blue eyes lay propped up with several pillows. The lad looked their way, his breathing raspy.

  Henry turned to the matron. “Please tell me about this boy.”

  Mrs. Woodward turned away from the bed and lowered her voice. “This is Holden Jamison. He is six years old and suffering from asthma. He was placed with a family two months ago, but his health declined and they brought him back to the home last week.”

  Henry nodded, then stepped up to the bed and laid a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Hello, Holden. I’m sorry you’re not feeling well.”

  “Thank you, sir,” the boy said softly.

  “I hope you’ll soon be back on your feet and playing with your friends.”

  Holden tipped his head and studied Henry’s face. “You talk like my father.”

  Henry pondered that a moment. “I suppose I sound like him because I’m from England.”

  “So am I.”

  Henry smiled. “Yes, we share a common heritage.”

  The boy nodded, looking pleased.

  Henry patted the boy’s shoulder. “God bless you, Holden. Rest well and take care.”

  The boy smiled before pulling in another ragged breath.

  Troubled thoughts filled Andrew as he watched the exchange. It would be difficult for a young lad to be so far from home and family while he dealt with such a serious condition. The infirmary seemed to provide adequate care, but it couldn’t compare to being cared for at home by family members who cherished him. He sent off a silent prayer for Holden, then walked on down the row to see the other patients.

  The lad in the last bed was fast asleep when they approached. His face was barely visible past all the bandages wrapped around his head, and more covered his arms and hands.

  Henry stopped by the end of his bed. “What happened to this boy?” He kept his voice low so he wouldn’t disturb him.

  Lines creased Mrs. Woodward’s face. “He was badly burned in a house fire.”

  “How tragic.” Henry laid his hand on the metal bedstead and closed his eyes for a few moments. Andrew bowed his head as well, certain Henry was praying for the boy.

  When Henry looked up, the matron motioned for them to follow her around the end of the curtain. “On this side we have seven girls.”

  Andrew stepped past the curtain and looked down the row. A woman stood next to the first bed, brushing a young girl’s hair. Recognition flashed through him, and his steps stalled.

  Laura looked up. Her eyes widened, and her hand stilled.

  “This is Miss Hopkins.” The matron motioned toward Laura. “She recently accompanied a group of girls from England, and she is staying on to help us for a few weeks.”

  Relief rushed through Andrew. Laura was still here! And even though it had taken him more than two weeks to reach Belleville, she had waited for him and not revealed her identity to the matron.

  Mrs. Woodward sent Laura a pointed look. “These gentlemen are here as representatives of the British government. They’re gathering information for a report about child emigration.”

  “Hello, Miss Hopkins.” Andrew nodded to her. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

  Laura’s blue eyes glowed. “Good day, Mr. Frasier, Mr. Dowd.”

  Mrs. Woodward’s eyebrows arched. “You know these gentlemen?”

  “Yes ma’am. We sailed to Canada on the same ship.”

  Henry turned to Mrs. Woodward. “It was very encouraging to see how well the girls were cared for on the voyage across the Atlantic. I have a great deal of respect for Miss Hopkins and Miss Carson. Their devotion to the girls is admirable.”

  “That’s good to hear.” Mrs. Woodward looked at Laura with new appreciation.

  Rose walked down the aisle toward them, her gaze focused on Henry and her smile spreading wider. She held out her hand. “Mr. Dowd, Mr. Frasier, welcome to Pleasantview.”

  Henry took her hand with a slight bow. “Miss Carson, I’m happy to see you looking so well.”

  Rose’s cheeks flushed. “Thank you.”

  “Shall we continue our tour, gentlemen?” Mrs. Woodward walked down the row of beds.

  Andrew reached in his pocket and took out the note he’d written to Laura. As he walked past, he pressed the folded paper into her hand.

  He heard her quick intake of breath and felt her fingers grasp the note.

  He followed the matron, but when he looked over his shoulder, he saw Laura slide the note into her skirt pocket and send him a fleeting smile.

  His heart soared as he walked on, rejoicing that she’d waited for him and confident he’d won a bit more of her trust.

  * * *

  Laura stepped into the upper hall and crossed the landing to the empty third-floor dormitory. She slipped inside and quietly closed the door. Her hand trembled as she took the note from her skirt pocket. Thank You, Lord! What a blessed relief to see Andrew again. She lowered her gaze and began reading.

  Dear Laura, Henry and I arrived in Belleville yesterday evening and are staying at the Fairmont Hotel on Front Street. I’m sorry it took longer than I expected for us to arrive. We had to extend our time in Montreal to finish our meetings and visit the two homes there. But you have never been far from my thoughts, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

  She blinked and reread the last sentence. Did he mean that in a friendly, concerned way, or was he hinting at more? Of course she’d thought of him every day, hoping he’d soon arrive and contact her, but she had tamped down her hopes each time they’d risen. She shook her head. How confusing!

  I know you must be eager to move forward with your search for your brother and sisters, and I am ready to help you in any way I can. As I said in our conversations aboard the Parisian, I believe Henry’s legal experience and wisdom will be a great asset. I hope you are ready to confide in him and allow us both to assist you. I believe that will give you the best chance for a positive outcome.

  Can you meet with us tonight at seven? The hotel has a spacious lobby that would give us the opportunity for a private conversation in a public place. If that’s not convenient, please send a message and suggest an alternate time.

  We expect to be in Belleville a few days, then we begin visiting several children outside of town to see how they are faring in their placements. What we’ve seen so far has been enlightening, and I look forward to telling you more about it when we meet.

  I hope to see you tonight. Until then I remain your trusted friend,

  Andrew Frasier

  Laura lifted her cool fingers to her lips. Andrew’s final words rang true. He had become her trusted friend. Was she
ready to meet with Henry Dowd and tell him the full story? What would he say when he learned she’d not only used a false identity to come to Canada but she’d also stolen her sister’s file from the matron’s office?

  She closed her eyes. Lord, I know I panicked and rushed ahead—again! But hearing Jane’s story frightened me so, and I felt I had to do something to try to protect Katie and Grace. I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone hurting them the way Jane was hurt. I know I’ve not been honest and that stealing is wrong, but that was my only choice.

  She stopped, convicted by her thoughts. The truth was, she’d been upset and taken matters into her own hands. She could’ve taken time to pray and waited for the Lord to direct her instead of stealing that file. If she had waited, would she have found an honest path forward with better results? She’d never know now.

  She held the note to her heart and closed her eyes. I’m sorry, Lord. Forgive me for rushing ahead and not waiting for Your guidance and direction. Please show me Your mercy and provide a way out of these troubles.

  She lowered the note and gazed at Andrew’s words again. The letters blurred on the page, and the events of last night filled her mind once more.

  After Rose discovered her in the matron’s office, they’d gone to a quiet nook on the third floor, and Laura told her everything. Her friend had been surprised and perhaps even a little disappointed, but she hadn’t rejected Laura. Instead she’d encouraged her to tell the truth and promised to help in any way she could.

  Now Andrew was asking her to take the next step and confess everything to Henry. Would he understand? Was he a trusted ally, or would he turn her over to the authorities?

  What do You want me to do, Lord?

  18

  Katie trudged down the path toward the pump by the barn, the empty buckets pulling down on her arms like they were filled with rocks. This was her seventh trip to the pump to retrieve bathwater, and it would take several more to bring in enough for the whole family to bathe.