“Here’s the file.” Laura opened it and thumbed through the pages. Her gaze caught on the final sheet. She pointed to the top paragraph and read it aloud. “On 20 May, Katherine McAlister was placed with Mr. Howard Hoffman and his wife, Ella. Their farm is located at number 33 Fern Ridge Road, north of Roslin. The family has two young children and an infant. Reverend Paxton from the Roslin Community Church wrote and requested a girl to work as a domestic for the family.”
Andrew glanced at Henry. “Where’s Roslin?”
“Let’s see.” Henry took a map from his folder, spread it out across the porch railing, and scanned the center section. “Here it is.” He pointed to a small dot miles away from Belleville.
Laura’s shoulders sank. They could never reach Roslin today.
“It’s quite a distance,” Henry continued. “I’ll have to inquire about the train schedule.” He studied the map a moment more. “I’ll let you know what I learn.”
Laura’s hopes rose. “Can we go there tomorrow?”
Henry nodded. “Of course.”
“What about the other children you planned to visit?”
“We’ll see them after,” Andrew said. “This takes priority.”
Laura’s throat tightened, and she regretted the way she’d questioned him and Henry earlier. “Thank you.”
“Can you be ready to travel tomorrow morning?” Andrew looked at Laura, then shifted his gaze to Rose. “Depending on the train schedule, it may involve staying overnight in Roslin. It would be best if you could both travel with us.”
Andrew was right. It wouldn’t be appropriate for her to travel alone with two unmarried men.
Rose sent her a reassuring smile, then turned to the men. “We’ll make arrangements for others to cover our duties and be ready to travel in the morning.”
“Very good.” Henry folded his map. “Miss Carson, may I speak to you for a moment?”
Rose’s eyes widened, but she quickly masked her surprise. “Of course.”
Henry motioned toward the steps, and they walked away from Andrew and Laura.
“I hope you’re not too discouraged by this delay.” Andrew watched her closely.
“I confess I was at first. I could hardly stand hearing Mrs. Richardson say such dreadful things about Katie. I promise you, she is a caring and thoughtful girl, nothing like Mrs. Richardson’s description.”
His mouth tugged up on one side. “If she is anything like her sister, then I’m sure that’s true.”
Laura blinked. Was he serious? Did he really think of her that way?
“Forgive me. I know your thoughts are focused on finding your sister. This is not the time for me to be offering compliments.”
Her heartbeat picked up speed. “It’s all right. That’s very kind of you to say.”
“I should go.” He glanced at Henry and Rose. The two stood together in the shade of a tall fir tree near where the buggy was tied, deep in conversation.
“Perhaps you should give them a little more time.”
He nodded, light glimmering in his eyes. “Perhaps you’re right.”
“I’m glad I was able to go with you today,” Laura said.
“Yes, I was glad too. I think that made the girls we visited more comfortable.”
“It did seem to help.”
“It was good to see they were both doing so well.”
Laura pondered that for a moment. “How did you choose the girls we visited?”
“Mrs. Woodward prepared the list. Why do you ask?”
“It’s possible she might have chosen Lydia and Sarah because she knew they had good situations, and that would give you and Henry a positive impression.”
“I doubt that was her motive.”
“You don’t think she wants to paint the best picture possible for her own benefit?”
“Laura, that doesn’t seem quite fair.”
“Fair or not, I suspect it’s true.”
He looked away with a frown. “I know what happened to your family gives you a negative impression of child emigration. That makes sense. But after our visits today, you have to admit some children are happy in their new situations. They’ve left lives of poverty and hardship behind, and they’ve been given an opportunity for stable, productive lives in a new land full of promise.”
She stared at him, stunned that their opinions could be so different. “What we saw today was one side of the story. There is another side, and our time with Mrs. Richardson brought that to light.”
He studied her with a sad, almost pitying look. “I’m afraid your experiences may have clouded your view.”
Heat rushed up her neck and into her face. “I’ve spent the last two months observing firsthand the painful trials these children face when they’re forced to leave England and sent to Canada as home children. My experiences have given me insight you may never have, so don’t discount them.” She turned away and strode toward Pleasantview’s front door.
“Laura, please, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
She spun around. “I don’t take offense for myself, but I am offended for all the children who are suffering because of this broken system. If you cannot understand that, then I have nothing more to say. Good night.”
He called her name as she walked away, but this time she did not stop or look back.
* * *
Andrew’s heart sank as he watched Laura stride away and vanish through the doorway. He huffed out a breath and shook his head. She was just overwrought by the strain of the day and the delay in finding her sister. Surely tomorrow she’d see things more clearly.
Rose walked up the porch steps. “Did Laura go inside?”
“Yes, and I’m afraid she’s rather upset.”
“She carries a great burden for her family, and she had such high hopes of finding her sister today.”
“I understand.” But did he really? The weight of conviction pressed down on his heart. “I’m afraid I was careless with my words, and I offended her.”
Tenderness lit Rose’s expression. “Don’t worry, Mr. Frasier. Laura is not one to hold a grudge. I’m sure you can speak to her and make things right tomorrow.”
He nodded, but he was not content to wait. “Will you give her a message?”
“Of course.”
“Tell her…I’m sorry. And I look forward to seeing her in the morning.”
Rose sent him a reassuring smile. “I will.”
He started toward the steps, but when she called his name, he turned back.
“Laura is on a difficult journey, Mr. Frasier. Her faith is being severely tested. I hope you’ll do everything you can to reflect the love of Christ to her through your patience and consideration.”
He stilled, struck to the heart by Rose’s words. More was at stake than his pride and opinions, even more than finding the McAlister siblings. He was called to help strengthen Laura’s faith through offering his support and showing her kindness and grace. But if he wasn’t careful, he could squelch it through his prideful words and actions. He must not let that happen.
He met Rose’s gaze. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
She smiled. “If you find my words meaningful, I hope you’ll take them to heart and ask the Lord to show you how to live them out.”
Warmth and energy flowed through him, and he nodded to her. “I will.”
20
Katie stirred and tried to roll onto her side, but a heavy weight pressed her down, making it impossible. Why couldn’t she move? What was wrong with her?
In the distance she heard a sweet voice calling her name, and she strained to listen.
“Katie, wake up. I’ve brought you a slice of apple tart. I know it’s your favorite.”
Her heart leaped. That was Mum’s voice! A moment later Mum appeared, smiling and hol
ding out a plate toward her. The sweet scent of apples, cinnamon, and raisins filled her nose and made her mouth water. But when she tried to lift her hand and reach for the plate, the vision melted away.
Confusion washed over her. Where was Mum? Why had she vanished?
“Katie,” another voice called. Before she saw his face, she knew it was Garth, and joy filled her heart.
“Come on, get up!” he called. “Let’s run over to the park and see if we can find some of our friends. We’ll skip rocks on the pond and then maybe we’ll play a game of tag.” His face floated above her, his smile broad and his eyes twinkling with light and laughter.
She wanted to answer, but her throat felt terribly dry. She couldn’t seem to make her mouth move to form the words.
When she didn’t respond, Garth’s image turned wavy and drifted off.
Sadness welled up in her heart, and she longed to call him back, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t make a sound.
“Katie, come and draw with me.” Grace appeared then, a playful smile lighting up her sweet face. “Let’s make some pictures for Mum. You know how happy that makes her.” Her little sister held out a piece of paper and a pencil.
Katie tried to lift her hand to take them, but her arms felt weighted to her sides. What was wrong with her? Had she injured her arms? Why couldn’t she speak or reach out to the ones she loved so much?
Grace shook her head, sadness replacing her happy, carefree expression. “Goodbye, Katie. I’ll miss you. Don’t forget me…Goodbye.” Grace’s voice and image faded into the darkness.
A scream lodged in Katie’s throat, and agony tore at her heart. Come back, Grace! Don’t leave me!
Another voice came to her through the mist. This one sounded closer and was anxious and fearful. “She’s been like this too long. We have to do something.”
“Stop your fretting, woman. She’ll be all right.”
“But she’s got a fever, and she’s too weak to eat.”
Katie fought to recognize the woman’s voice. She knew her, but she couldn’t recall her name.
“Give her some water.” The man’s voice sounded rough and angry.
Someone lifted her head, and cool water splashed into her mouth and ran down her parched throat. She gasped and coughed, and another drink slipped past her lips.
“Maybe we should bring her into the house.”
“What? You want Daniel and Daisy to catch this?”
“No, of course not. Then maybe we should send for the doctor.”
“We ain’t got the money to pay for no doctor.”
“What are we going to do, then? We can’t just let her die!”
“Hush, woman. She’s not gonna die!”
“If she don’t start eating and drinking soon, she will.”
“I don’t have time for your foolishness. Do what you want with her. I got work to do.”
“Katie, can you hear me?” The woman’s voice trembled.
Katie tried to force open her eyes, but they seemed glued shut. She wanted to answer, truly she did, but her dry lips and painful mouth wouldn’t move.
The woman raised Katie’s head again, and cool water dribbled across her lips and ran down the side of her face. Soft fabric brushed across her cheek, wiping the moisture away.
“I’m sorry.” The woman’s voice sounded choked and tearful now. “You been a real good help to me, and I surely don’t like to see you suffering like this.”
More water filled Katie’s mouth and washed down her throat. She sighed as she lay back on the hay once more. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Someone sniffled, then footsteps faded away.
A dog whimpered, and soft fur brushed her arm. Charger pushed his cool, wet nose against her still fingers and then licked her hand. He lay down beside her and rested his head on her arm with a sigh.
Comforting warmth flowed through her. She was not alone. Her family might be gone, but the Lord was near and had sent Charger. Her thoughts blurred and faded, and soon she drifted away into the silent mist.
* * *
The noonday sun warmed Laura’s shoulders as the buggy rounded the bend and approached the Hoffmans’ farm. Past the trees, the barn and house came into view. Stunned, Laura gripped the side of the rented buggy. The house and outbuildings looked so broken down and choked with weeds she didn’t think anyone lived here. But when they came closer, she saw a few pieces of clothing hanging on the line at the side of the house. Bile rose in her throat. This was where her sister lived?
Laura leaned forward. “Are you sure this is the right place?”
Henry glanced over his shoulder. “I believe so.” He clicked to the horses and directed them up the road toward the house.
Andrew looked back at her, serious concern reflected in his eyes.
Rose took hold of her hand. “This might not be the Hoffmans’ place.”
“I hope not.” But a dreadful foreboding filled Laura’s heart. She needed to prepare herself for whatever they might find.
Henry pulled the buggy to a stop by the broken-down fence not far from the house, and they all climbed down. Chickens squawked and scattered.
A young boy wearing dirty overalls got up from the porch steps and stared at them. As they came closer, he turned and ran into the house. “Someone’s here,” he called.
A moment later, a thin woman with pale gray eyes walked out the open door. Her brown dress was wrinkled and stained, and lines creased her haggard face. She carried a baby wrapped in a blanket in one arm and held the hand of a young child with the other. The little girl’s face was smeared with dirt, and she sucked her thumb as she peered around her mother’s skirt.
Henry stepped forward. “Good day. Are you Mrs. Ella Hoffman?”
“I am.” Her voice sounded weak and raspy, and her eyes darted across their group. “Who are you?”
Henry apologized and introduced the four of them. “We’re here to visit Katherine McAlister.”
The woman’s eyes widened, and she turned to her son. “Daniel, go get your father. He’s in the toolshed.”
The boy hustled down the steps and ran around the side of the house.
“May we ask you a few questions while we’re waiting for Mr. Hoffman?” Henry’s tone was calm and friendly, but he didn’t wait for her reply. “How long has Katherine been with you?”
Of course Henry knew the answer, but he chose an easy question to start the interview.
The woman shook her head. “It’s best to wait for Mr. Hoffman.”
“Come now, that’s not a difficult question. We know Katherine came to work for you as a domestic to help you with the children and household chores.”
Mrs. Hoffman’s chin wobbled. She clutched the baby tighter, and tears filled her eyes. “She was a real good help.”
Laura’s breath caught. Why was Mrs. Hoffman using the past tense? More questions raced through her mind as Andrew and Henry exchanged a serious glance.
A rough-looking man with blond curly hair strode around the side of the house, followed by the boy.
“What do you want?” Mr. Hoffman’s tone sounded threatening.
Henry calmly repeated the introductions. “We’d like to speak to Katherine McAlister.”
Mr. Hoffman’s face turned ruddy. “You got no right to show up here without warning and poke your nose into my personal affairs.”
Henry’s eyebrows rose. “We’re visiting several children who’ve been placed through the Pleasantview Home, and we’d like to see Katherine.”
“Not today.” Mr. Hoffman glared at them. “It’s time you get in that buggy and head on back to town.”
Henry stepped forward, took a paper from his suit coat pocket, and held it out for the man to see. “We’ve been commissioned by the British government to check on the welfare of child
ren who’ve emigrated from England to Canada. This gives us a legal right to see Katherine. If you choose not to cooperate, there will be consequences.”
Mr. Hoffman’s gaze darted from Henry to Andrew. “I don’t want no trouble.”
“Then bring Katherine out so we can speak to her.”
He licked his lips and glanced at his wife. Then he focused on Henry again. “I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“She ain’t here. She ran away.”
Laura gasped. “What!” Pain sliced through her heart, and she clutched the sides of her skirt. “Why would she run away? What did you do to my sister?”
* * *
Voices stirred Katie from her sleep. Was someone coming to bring her a drink of water? She sighed and tried to understand what was being said, but the voices were too far away. She forced her eyes to open a slit. Sunlight shone into the stall where she lay. It must be morning or midday. She couldn’t tell for sure.
Reality came rushing back, and a wave of painful sorrow with it. She was ill, so very ill she could barely move. Her head pounded, and her throat burned.
A woman’s voice rose above the others. She sounded tearful and angry. The voice was familiar, and it stirred her heart. She summoned her strength and slowly turned her head toward the outside wall. Bright sunlight streamed through the cracks, making her blink.
She peered out between the boards, trying to make sense of the scene. A horse-drawn buggy sat parked by the house. Three, no four people stood at the bottom of the porch steps, speaking to Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman.
Charger stirred beside her. She touched his warm, furry side, comforted again by his gentle presence. Every time she woke, she found him there beside her like a silent guardian, giving her assurance and peace.
The voices reached her again, and an idea floated through her mind, slowly taking shape. If she could let them know she was here, maybe they would bring her some more water or maybe some soup. Her mouth watered, and her painful stomach contracted at that thought.
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