“I can’t condone dishonesty,” Mrs. Woodward continued. “However, considering your sister’s situation, I’m thankful you learned her location and removed her from the Hoffmans’ home.”
Henry leaned forward. “If we hadn’t arrived that day, Katie might not have survived.”
The reverend shook his head. “Such a dreadful situation. I’m appalled she was so poorly treated.”
“I’m sorry as well.” Mrs. Woodward seemed sincere, but her voice was also wary. “I hope you understand it was never our intention that any child should suffer as she has.”
Henry met the woman’s gaze. “Good intentions must be backed by concerned and thoughtful actions.”
The matron straightened. “Are you suggesting we haven’t done our best to oversee the children?”
“What I’m saying is, Katie McAlister nearly lost her life because those who were responsible for her failed to care for her as they should.”
The reverend lifted his hand. “Now, Mr. Dowd, I don’t think it’s fair to blame Mrs. Woodward for what happened to Katie. She has placed hundreds of girls, and most of them are doing very well.”
“That may be true, but if even one child is treated as Katie was, then there are serious issues that must be addressed.”
The matron shifted in her chair, obviously unsettled by Henry’s conclusions.
Henry’s gaze remained intense. “How often does someone from Pleasantview check on the children who have been placed to make sure they’re being well treated?”
“We have several volunteers who visit the children at least once a year.”
Henry frowned. “A lot can happen in a year.”
“Well, some of the other organizations don’t even believe visits are necessary or helpful. But we’ve gone out of our way to follow up on our children, and that is no easy task when we’ve placed more than five hundred girls. Some live a great distance from Belleville, and the winters in Ontario are much more severe than those in England. Our visitors can only make those trips to the outlying farms during the warmer months when the weather allows.”
“How will you check on your most recent placements now that the fire has destroyed their records?”
“That will be a challenge, but we can post a notice in the newspaper and ask families who have taken in a child in the last few months to write to us and give us their information.”
Henry frowned. “I doubt that will help you find every child.”
“Then what would you suggest, Mr. Dowd?” The matron’s tone sharpened.
Laura’s stomach tensed. If Henry continued to press her, she might not be willing to pass on any information she received about Grace.
Henry seemed to sense he’d gone as far as he could on that point and lifted his hand. “I understand you’re facing a difficult challenge.”
“I am, and I take my responsibilities very seriously,” Mrs. Woodward continued. “I hope your report will be fair and reflect the positive outcome for our girls who are doing well in their placements.”
“I’ll report what I’ve observed in an honest and objective manner. But I’m thankful we visited some children who were not on the list you provided so that we could have a balanced view.”
Mrs. Woodward’s brow creased. “Mr. Dowd, do you think I only gave you the names of children who had the best placements?”
“Was that your intention?”
“No, it most certainly was not!”
“Please.” Laura reached out her hand toward Mrs. Woodward. “We don’t mean to criticize you or question your devotion to the children. During my time at Pleasantview, I saw your kindness and sincerity toward the girls and the staff.”
Mrs. Woodward’s expression eased. “I’ve always tried to do what’s best for the children.”
Laura nodded, hoping to calm the conversation. “We wanted to say how very sorry we are about the fire.”
“Yes, such a dreadful situation.” The reverend bobbed his head in agreement.
“We realize this is a difficult time for you,” Henry said, “and we don’t want to add to your burden.”
“Thank you.” Mrs. Woodward’s voice still sounded cool and guarded.
Laura pulled in a deep breath and focused on Mrs. Woodward. “Do you remember my sister Grace? We’d like to know where she was placed.”
“How old is she?”
“Seven. She turns eight in November.”
“Do you have a photograph?”
Laura took the family photo from her skirt pocket and passed it to the matron, thankful Rose had encouraged her to bring it to the meeting.
Mrs. Woodward studied the photo with a slight frown.
“That was taken about three years ago, but Grace looks much the same.” At least she did when Laura had seen her last Christmas.
The matron shook her head and passed the photo back. “I’m sorry. I don’t remember her. If you had asked me before the fire, I could’ve checked her file, but that information was destroyed along with everything else.”
Laura sighed and slipped the photo back in her skirt pocket.
Henry focused on Mrs. Woodward. “Is there someone else who might remember Grace or know where she was placed?”
“The escorts who oversaw her group might remember, but they are back in England. I usually send a quarterly report to Liverpool listing all the new placements. Her information would have been included in the applicable report, but all that information is gone now.”
Laura swallowed hard, fighting her disappointment.
Mrs. Woodward shifted her gaze to Laura. “The children from the infirmary who escaped the fire have been placed in the Belleville hospital. Families from the church have taken the girls who were waiting for new placements. I’m hopeful those situations will become permanent. I’ve released the other staff members. Miss Lewis and Miss Porter are returning to England. You and Miss Carson are released as well.”
Laura swallowed and nodded. “I understand.”
“I believe it’s time for us to go.” Henry rose. “Thank you for your time.” He nodded to Mrs. Woodward and the reverend.
Laura stood, her legs feeling slightly shaky. The path to finding Grace had become much more difficult, but she was not giving up. Her sister was out there somewhere, and Laura would find her no matter how long it took.
* * *
Katie took Laura’s arm as they stepped down from the carriage and started across the Belleville train station platform. A child cried out off to the left. Katie startled and held tighter to her sister’s arm.
“It’s all right.” Laura’s voice was soft and soothing.
Katie nodded and released a sigh. How long would it take for her painful memories to fade? Laura had told her the best way to banish those troublesome thoughts was to replace them with new, better thoughts, but it wasn’t easy.
Katie lifted her chin and purposed again to put the past behind her and think instead about the present and the future. She was grateful for Laura’s loving care, Rose’s kindness, and the doctor’s assurance that she was finally ready to begin the long journey home. Those were worthy thoughts.
After stopping to read the schedule posted on the station wall, Henry checked his pocket watch. “The train for Quebec City is due in twenty minutes. I’ll speak to the porter about tagging our bags.” He strode off and flagged down a porter.
“Let’s wait over there.” Rose nodded toward a bench by the ticket window.
They crossed the platform and took a seat. Katie glanced around the busy station where several people waited with suitcases in hand, ready to board the next train. A few feet away, a young man called out the headlines from newspapers and a young girl sold small bunches of flowers.
Henry tipped the porter and walked back toward their bench. He’d made all the arrangements for their train trip eas
t and the sea voyage to England, and he’d paid for their passage. How grateful they all were for his kindness and protection.
Then a thought struck Katie’s heart, reminding her of a painful truth—they were headed home, but Garth would not be going with them.
Henry and Laura had met with those in charge at the Masterson Home and appealed to a second judge in Belleville, but none of them were willing to release Garth from the agreement the home had made with Mr. Gilchrest.
Laura, Rose, and Henry had spent hours talking through the issues, and it seemed the only option now was to return to London and take it before a judge there to try to prove the children had been sent away before their mum had been given the opportunity to reclaim them.
Knowing they had to leave Garth behind had been a bitter blow for Katie. It slowed her recovery, and it still burdened her heart.
Why, Lord? You rescued me, and You’re healing me. Why must Garth stay in Canada? It doesn’t seem fair or right. And what about Grace? How will we ever find her?
Laura had assured Katie they were not giving up. They would keep fighting for Garth’s freedom and continue the search for Grace, even from England. Still, it was hard, so very hard, to leave without them.
“Katie!”
She gasped and turned, scanning across the platform.
Garth lifted his hand and wove his way through the crowd toward her, a smile lighting up his face. He wore his work clothes and heavy boots, and Mr. Gilchrest followed a few feet behind. He carried nothing in his hands. Katie’s heart sank, and hot tears filled her eyes. He’d not come to join them on the journey. He’d come to say goodbye.
She rose and stepped into his embrace. “Oh, Garth.”
He held her for a moment, and when he stepped back, his eyes glistened with unshed tears. He’d visited her twice while she was recovering at the hotel, but today’s visit was an unexpected gift.
Katie swallowed. “I’m glad you came.”
He nodded. “I told Mr. Gilchrest I wanted to see you off, so he said we could come to town and pick up supplies.”
Katie glanced past Garth to the bearded farmer. The man looked away, as though he was unwilling to meet her gaze.
Laura joined them and hugged Garth. “It was good of you to come.”
He patted Laura on the back, and Katie was surprised to see he was taller than their older sister.
Laura brushed her hand down his shirtsleeve. “Write to us often and let us know how you’re doing. That will ease Mum’s mind.”
Garth nodded. “I will. Tell her not to worry. I’m all right. And give her my love.”
Laura touched his cheek. “We’ll keep you in prayer and trust the Lord will bring you home soon.”
He nodded again and smiled, but when he looked at Katie, she read his true thoughts and they pierced her heart. He was not counting on coming home, at least not any time soon.
She reached for him again and hugged him tight. “We’ll do everything we can. I promise.”
“I know you will, Katie. Let’s put it in God’s hands. He’ll make a way when the time is right.” He kissed her cheek and stepped back.
The whistle blew, and the train rolled into the station with a screech of brakes and a hissing cloud of steam.
Mr. Gilchrest approached, his face a stern mask. “It’s time to go.”
Garth nodded to the man, then turned back toward Katie and Laura. “God bless you both and give you a safe journey home.”
Katie swallowed down her tears. She must be brave for Garth’s sake. Crying now would only make their parting harder. She forced a smile, lifted her hand, and waved, matching Garth’s farewell gesture.
He nodded to her once more, then faded into the crowd and vanished from sight.
23
Laura held Katie’s hand and looked out the side window of the motorcar as Henry drove through London’s busy streets. The day was warm and sunny, with only a few clouds in the summer sky.
Rose sat up front next to Henry, holding on to the light scarf tying down her hat. She looked over her shoulder and smiled at Laura and Katie. “It won’t be long now. You’re almost home.”
Katie’s eyes sparkled. “I can’t wait to see Mum and tell her everything that happened.”
Laura squeezed her sister’s hand. “You might not want to tell her everything at once.”
Katie nodded. “I understand what you mean. I’ll be careful.”
Laura smiled, reminded again how much Katie had matured through her experiences in the last few months. Yet, in spite of those trials, she’d held on to her hopeful outlook, and for that Laura was amazed and grateful.
It had taken almost a month for the doctor to agree Katie was well enough for an ocean voyage. Laura thought he was being overly cautious, but Henry also needed time to visit several more children and gather all the information he needed for his report.
Laura had exchanged two letters with Mum while they stayed at the hotel in Belleville. She’d been surprised to learn Mum had gone back to work for Mrs. Palmer and moved into the flat above the shop. After Laura’s harsh encounter with the owner of the dress shop, she thought their furniture and clothing had been sold or given away. But Mum reported it was all still there when she returned.
Mrs. Palmer was not an easy woman to work for, but Mum was thankful for the position. Her income would help meet their needs until Laura could secure a new position nearby. Never again would she work so far away from her family. Her experiences in the last few months had sealed this truth in her heart: family bonds were not meant to be broken. Whatever the future held, she would always want to be close to her family.
“There it is!” Katie leaned forward to better see out the window and pointed to Palmer’s Dress Shop.
Henry pulled the car to a stop in front and glanced over his shoulder at Laura. “Why don’t we leave your luggage here until you have a chance to greet your mother?”
Laura agreed. She and Katie hurried around the building and into the alley that led to the entrance to their flat.
Katie raced ahead, pulled open the door, and charged up the stairs. “Mum? Mum, we’re home!”
The door to their flat flew open, and Mum appeared on the upper landing. Joy lit up her face as she stretched out her arms. “Oh, Katie, Laura!”
Katie launched into Mum’s arms and Laura followed, wrapping them both in a hug. Happy tears overflowed Laura’s eyes, and their laughter mingled with kisses.
“Oh, my girls, my girls,” Mum kept saying. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“And we’ve missed you,” Katie cried, kissing Mum’s cheeks.
Mum stepped back with a teary smile. She looked down the steps and spotted Rose and Henry below. “Please, come upstairs.”
“Yes, I’m sorry.” Laura turned, grinning and breathless. “These are our dear friends, Miss Rose Carson and Mr. Henry Dowd.”
Rose and Henry climbed the stairs and greeted Mum. She nodded to them and welcomed them into their flat.
Soon the four of them were seated as Mum scurried around, offering tea and lemon biscuits and helping everyone feel welcome. A rush of happiness swept through Laura as Mum hovered around Katie and urged her to take another biscuit. They were safely home, and experiencing the joy of their reunion felt like a cherished dream had finally come true.
“Please tell me, is there any more news about Garth?” Mum sat down next to Laura and balanced her teacup on her lap.
Henry turned to Mum. “Garth is still working on the farm for Mr. Gilchrest. We saw him the day we left Belleville, only a few days before we sailed from Quebec City.”
Katie popped the last bite of her lemon biscuit into her mouth. “Mum, you won’t believe how much he has grown. He’s taller than Laura and ever so strong.”
Laura smiled at Mum. “You’d be so proud of him. He’s keeping his
spirits up and working hard, and he attends church every Sunday.”
“That’s right,” Katie continued, “and he has a good friend named Rob Lewis who works on a neighboring farm. I met him when we traveled to Canada on the same ship.”
Mum lifted her hand to her heart. “I can hardly believe you sailed across the sea and now you’ve come back to me.” Tears glistened in Mum’s eyes again. She took a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed her eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m not usually so tearful.”
“It’s all right.” Rose smiled at Mum. “We understand. This is a happy reunion worthy of tears.”
Mum tucked her handkerchief away. “What can we do to bring Garth home?”
“I believe the next step is to take the information we’ve gathered and present it to the courts here in London,” Henry continued. “We have to prove you were not given a fair opportunity to reclaim the children before they were sent away.”
Mum nodded. “That’s certainly true.”
“Now that you’ve recovered and are able to provide for your family, I think a judge might be persuaded to nullify the contract and return Garth to England.”
“And what about Grace?”
Henry’s brow creased. “Her situation is more challenging, but not without hope. We’ve sent her photograph and information to the authorities in several cities and towns in Ontario. We’re praying that will give us a lead.”
Mum gave a slight nod, her tense expression easing. “It’s been very hard to be separated from my children and trust they’ll all come home, but seeing Katie and Laura today helps me believe. God answered my prayers for them, and I trust He’ll bring Garth and Grace back as well.”
A lump lodged in Laura’s throat as she listened to Mum express her faith and trust in such a tender, personal way. Lord, I know I’ve not always followed You as closely as I should, but You’ve been so faithful to me. Help me trust You and have a stronger faith like Mum.
Henry glanced at Rose, then turned to Mum. “I’m glad we were able to bring Grace and Laura home and have a chance to meet you.”
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