Laura nodded to the man, but she did not offer a smile. She took Garth’s arm and turned away from Mr. Gilchrest. “Is he treating you well?” She kept her voice low so that only Garth would hear.
Garth gave a brief nod. “I’m doing all right.”
“Please, Garth, if you’re in any danger you must tell me.”
“Mr. Gilchrest is strict, and I work hard, but I’m used to it now.” He leaned closer. “How’s Katie?”
“She’s a bit better today.”
Garth nodded, looking relieved. “That’s good to hear.”
“Shall we go inside?” Henry stepped forward and opened the door, and they entered the courthouse. The judge’s assistant led them down the hall and knocked on a dark-paneled door. A voice called for them to come in.
Laura sent Garth a hopeful glance, then preceded the men into the judge’s office. Introductions were made, and the judge motioned for them to take the chairs facing his large desk.
When they were all settled, Henry began. “Thank you for agreeing to see us so quickly.”
The judge scanned the group with a serious expression. His snow-white hair was neatly cut and combed, and his drooping mustache covered his upper lip. “I hope we can solve this issue without the necessity of a formal hearing.”
“Yes sir,” Henry added. “That is our hope as well.”
“I’ve read your letter, Mr. Dowd. And I’ve reviewed the information you attached. Now I’d like to hear from Mr. Gilchrest.”
The burly man faced the judge. “This is my view of the matter. I applied to the Masterson Home for a boy to work on my farm. I paid the required fee and chose him.” He nodded to Garth. “I agreed to take responsibility for the boy, provide a home, and give him the opportunity to work and learn the farm skills he’ll need when he’s older. His part of the agreement is to do as he’s told and work for me until he turns eighteen.”
Laura bit her tongue, wishing she could say that every young man needed more than a roof over his head and opportunity to work. He needed love, guidance, and time with his family!
“How old are you, young man?”
“I’m fifteen, sir.”
“So that means you made a commitment to work for Mr. Gilchrest for three more years.”
Andrew frowned. “Excuse me, Your Honor. But I think it’s important to point out Garth was not given a choice in the matter. The agreement was made between the Masterson Home and Mr. Gilchrest. In fact, Garth was wrongly transported to Canada, and that’s why we’re appealing to you today.”
Laura wanted to cheer but held herself back.
The judge’s expression soured. “Mr. Frasier, you’ll have a turn to speak. Right now I’d like to hear from Mr. Gilchrest and the boy.”
Andrew sat back, obviously not happy with the judge’s reprimand.
Mr. Gilchrest took a folded paper from his coat pocket and offered it to the judge. “This is the contract.”
Judge Zebulon adjusted his glasses and scanned the paper. “The boy has been with you since this date?”
“Yes sir, he has.”
“How is he doing, as far as the work is concerned?”
Laura bristled. Why was he asking that question?
“He’s a good worker, better than the other two boys I got from Masterson, that’s for sure. They’re prone to laziness and bickering, but if I give this boy a job, he gets it done. I don’t have to hound him or worry he’ll shirk it off.”
Laura glanced from Garth to the judge. She was glad to hear her brother was responsible and hardworking, but it seemed those very qualities were what made Mr. Gilchrest reluctant to let him go.
The judge looked down at the open file on his desk and rubbed his mustache. After a few seconds he lifted his chin. “It seems to me the boy has a good situation with Mr. Gilchrest. I don’t see any reason to—”
“Your Honor,” Henry interrupted. “Garth McAlister never should’ve been sent to Canada. His mother is a widow, and he is her only son. She needs him to return to London and help support the family.”
The judge glared at Henry, then shifted his gaze to Garth. “If your mother is living and needs your help, how did you come into the care of a children’s home?”
Garth paused for a moment, as though trying to think of the best way to explain the situation. “My mum became ill, and she had to go into the hospital. I worked as a delivery boy for a butcher, but I was only paid once a month, and we ran low on food and money. I know it was wrong, but I stole some bread from a bakery. A policeman caught me in the act.”
The judge’s expression darkened. “Stealing is a crime, young man. Certainly there was another way to solve your problem.”
“Yes sir, I’m sure there was, but at the time I didn’t know what else to do.”
Frowning, the judge turned to Mr. Gilchrest. “Did you know you had a thief working for you?”
Anger flared in Laura’s chest, and she gripped the arm of the chair. How dare the judge call her brother a thief!
Garth’s face colored. “I’m not a thief. I made a mistake, and I learned my lesson. I’ve never stolen anything since then, and I never will.”
The judge studied Garth for a few seconds, then turned to Mr. Gilchrest. “If you’re willing to keep the boy, then I don’t see any reason to void this contract.” He slid the paper back across his desk.
Panic flashed through Laura, and she shot an anxious glance at Andrew.
He leaned forward. “Your Honor, the boy was sent to Canada without his mother’s knowledge or consent. She was not given time to reclaim him before he was sent away.”
The judge shook his head. “That’s a legal matter you’ll have to take up with the sending organization and the courts in England.”
“But his sister is here now. She’s of age, and she wants to take responsibility for him.”
The judge turned to Laura. “How old are you, young lady?”
She sat up as tall as she could. “Twenty-one, sir.”
“Are you married?”
Her face heated. “No sir, but I can take care of my brother.”
“If you’re not married, how would you provide for him?”
“I worked as a lady’s maid before I came to Canada.” She couldn’t very well say she was employed by the Hughes or Pleasantview Homes. Once they learned she’d used a false name and had stolen Katie’s file, they would sack her for sure.
The judge huffed. “Working as a maid won’t give you enough income to support your brother and mother.”
“Your Honor, I’d like to call us back to the main point of our meeting.” Henry kept his tone calm, but Laura could sense his rising concern. “This young man was wrongly separated from his family and transported here without proper consent. His widowed mother waits and prays for his safe return. Mr. Frasier and I will cover the cost of his passage home, and we’ll make sure his family members have employment and sufficient income to meet their needs. I’m sure you’ll agree there is no valid reason to keep him here any longer.”
“Well…isn’t that nice of you?” The judge’s mocking expression hardened. “I don’t take kindly to highbrow English solicitors coming into my office and telling me what decision I ought to make.” He pointed his finger at Henry. “The legal agreement is binding. The boy stays with Mr. Gilchrest and fulfills the contract.”
“But Your Honor—”
The judge banged his hand on the desk. “That’s my final decision!”
Laura’s heart sank to her toes, and another wave of grief washed over her heart.
* * *
Laura released a tired sigh, leaned against the train window, and closed her eyes. Every muscle in her body ached with weariness. Caring for Katie around the clock and grieving over Garth’s situation had taken their toll on her. Memories of all that had happened floated through he
r mind as the train rocked and swayed on its way to Belleville.
While Rose watched over Katie at the boardinghouse, Laura, Andrew, and Henry had discussed ways they might be able to overturn Judge Zebulon’s decision and secure Garth’s freedom. They decided they would speak to the staff at the Masterson Home as soon as they returned to Belleville. If that didn’t provide a solution, they would have to take the matter to court when they returned to London.
Laura fought to hold on to hope that her brother would be released and be able to sail back to England with them, but every day it seemed less likely. She tried to take her worries and fears to the Lord in prayer, but it was a struggle to have faith and trust Him when hope was fading.
Katie shifted on the seat beside her and rested her head against Laura’s shoulder. Laura looked down and studied her sister’s thick eyelashes and the freckles sprinkled across her pale cheeks. These last few days of caring for Katie had drawn them close again, and Laura was grateful for that renewed connection with her sister. It helped ease the pain of not knowing where Grace might be or what would happen with Garth.
Katie still needed more time to recover before she would be ready for a sea voyage, but the doctor said she was well enough to be moved to the infirmary at Pleasantview.
Laura glanced across the aisle at Andrew, and sorrow pierced her heart. He stared out the opposite window, lost in his own thoughts. Since the disastrous meeting with Judge Zebulon, he hadn’t sent her any notes asking her to meet him in the boardinghouse garden. When they discussed Garth’s case and ate a meal together, he rarely looked her in the eyes, and he never summoned her out of Katie’s room for a private talk in the upstairs hall.
Andrew had stepped back from their friendship, and she could guess why.
Listening to Garth tell the story of their family’s poverty and hearing the judge call her brother a thief had made all that separated them crystal clear. She swallowed hard and looked away. His choice to maintain his distance hurt, but it made sense and she could not fault him for it. They were not equals, and they would never be considered a good match. It was foolish to think he might truly care for her.
Once and for all, she must put away silly romantic dreams about Andrew Frasier. Nothing good could come of holding on to her feelings for him.
Rose glanced at her from the opposite seat, tender concern in her eyes. “Laura, are you all right?”
Laura blinked away the moisture in her eyes. “Yes, I’m just tired.” That was true, but it certainly wasn’t the whole story. Yet this was not the time to confide in Rose, especially with Henry sitting next to her.
Henry studied Laura’s face, then glanced at Katie. “I’m sure she’ll continue to improve. You mustn’t worry.”
Laura nodded, her throat too thick to speak.
“As soon as we get her settled at Pleasantview, we’ll speak to the matron about the issue of your name, then find out where Grace has been sent. We can visit the Masterson Home and ask for their help with Garth’s case. And we’ll also make inquiries about Grace’s situation.”
Laura nodded, grateful for Henry’s determination to help her family, but there were still so many unknowns.
She turned her face toward the window again and pulled in a deep breath. She’d never known how difficult this journey would be or how much courage and strength it would take, not just to search for her siblings but also to keep going in spite of setbacks and heartache.
Lord, help me. I don’t even know what to pray. But I know I need You and Your grace. Forgive me for doubting You and help me trust You for all that still lies ahead.
* * *
Andrew reached out his hand to help Katie descend from the train. Her pale face and unsteady steps prompted him to move closer and slip his arm around the girl’s waist. “Hold on to me, Katie.”
“Thank you.” Her voice sounded as weak as she appeared.
They started across the platform, following Henry and Rose. He glanced over his shoulder as Laura stepped down on her own, toting her bag in one hand and trying to manage her skirt with the other.
She glanced at him and quickly looked away, but he could read the disappointment in her expression. At least that seemed to be the emotion in her eyes, but he couldn’t be certain.
He clenched his jaw, regret burning his throat. Ever since he’d failed to find a way to free her brother, he could barely look her in the eyes. He knew what she must think of him—that his prideful words amounted to nothing and he was incapable of fulfilling his promises.
They had located her sister, but Laura was the one who realized the Hoffmans were lying. He’d stood back, missing the clues and thinking she was crazy for running into that barn. But she’d been right. Katie had been there all along, desperate for their help.
Then, when he’d had a chance to prove himself and convince the judge to release her brother, he’d missed the mark and let her down in the worst way. He still planned to speak to those in charge at the Masterson Home, but there seemed little hope that Garth would be reunited with his family any time soon.
Henry turned to him. “Will you see to the trunk while I hail a cab?”
Andrew nodded and handed Katie off to Rose and Laura. They guided her toward a nearby bench. He found a porter and retrieved Katie’s trunk from the baggage car.
A few minutes later, the women stood by the hired carriage while Henry and Andrew helped the driver load the heavy wooden trunk on the back.
The driver tightened the rope and tied off the final knot. He stepped forward and opened the passenger door. Rose climbed in first, followed by Katie and Laura. The driver turned to the men. “Where shall I take you?”
“The Pleasantview Home on Chestnut Street,” Henry said as he passed one of the smaller pieces of luggage inside to Rose.
The driver’s brows dipped. “Is that the children’s home?”
“That’s right.” Andrew handed the last bag to Laura.
The driver rubbed his bristled chin. “I don’t think you want to go there today.”
Andrew frowned. “What do you mean?”
“There was a big fire there last night.”
Laura gasped and leaned out the carriage doorway. “A fire?”
Rose looked out with Laura. “Was anyone hurt?”
“I’m afraid so.” Sadness lined the driver’s face. “I heard two children on the top floor lost their lives. They were too sick to flee, and by the time the fire company arrived, it was too late to rescue them.”
Rose gripped the side of the open carriage door. “Please, we have to go there now and see if we can help.”
The driver shook his head. “I’m sorry. I’m afraid it’s too late for that.”
Henry’s expression firmed. “Take us to Pleasantview.” He climbed into the carriage. Andrew stepped inside and sat next to Henry, across from the women.
A heavy silence filled the carriage as they rolled through the streets of Belleville.
Andrew glanced at Laura. She held Katie’s hand and stared out the window, her mouth set in a grim line.
His chest grew tight as he watched her. How much pain and disappointment could one woman carry?
The carriage rounded the corner of Chestnut Street, then slowed to a stop. They all leaned toward the window on the right.
Andrew steeled himself, but the shocking sight hit him like a physical blow. Three brick chimneys, scorched and blackened by the fire, were all that was left standing of the Pleasantview Children’s Home. The rest was a smoking pile of charred rubble.
“Oh my stars,” Rose whispered.
“I can’t believe it,” Laura said, staring at the startling scene.
They stepped down from the carriage, and Henry directed the driver to wait for them.
The acrid smell of smoke hung in the air as they walked past the open gateway. All the branches of
the trees near where the house had stood were singed and bare. The bark on their trunks was burned away on the side facing the fire.
A policeman stood off to the left, talking to two men. When he saw them crossing the lawn, he ended his conversation and started toward them. “You have to stay back,” he called. “No one is allowed on the property.”
Henry stepped forward. “These ladies are members of the staff. We’ve just returned to town, and we heard about the fire. Can you tell us what happened to the children and staff?”
“There were twenty-three children and six staff members in residence. Those who survived were taken to First Congregational Church last night. I believe they’re staying with various church members.”
Henry lowered his voice. “Is it true two children lost their lives?”
The policeman gave a solemn nod. “Yes sir. I’m afraid that’s true.”
Katie lifted her hand to cover her mouth and stifle a cry. She turned into Laura’s arms and sobbed. Laura cried as she clung to Katie, and Rose quickly enfolded them both in a hug.
Andrew’s gut clenched as he watched them. Then a frightening thought hit him. If Laura, Rose, and Katie had returned to Pleasantview sooner, they could’ve died in that fire. He shuddered and turned to Henry. “Thank the Lord they were not here last night.”
Henry’s mouth firmed, and he nodded.
Laura broke away from Rose and Katie, her eyes wide. “Grace’s file!” She spun toward the remains and ran across the lawn.
“Laura, no!” Andrew dashed after her and grabbed her arm.
“I have to find her file!” She tried to pull away, but he held her tight.
“It’s too late! It must have burned with everything else.”
Her tears overflowed again, and he wrapped her in his arms and held her close. “I’m so sorry,” he said gently. But her broken sobs continued as though his words had no power to soothe her.
No Ocean Too Wide Page 35