[2016] The Precious Amish Baby

by Faith Crawford

  As Cara entered the dining hall she noticed a group of cheerful travelers. They were gathered at a table and were singing “Happy Birthday.” A young woman, dressed in an elegant, expensive, dress, blew out the candles on a cake and the group clapped and congratulated her. Presents were brought forth that the lady opened with eager anticipation.

  Cara sat down at a table full of fellow travelers of lesser means and gazed at the happy group with the lucky girl in the beautiful dress. She wistfully wondered if she would make her fortune in America and perhaps one day dress as elegantly and have such charming friends. But no, she mustn’t daydream about something that might never be realized. She should follow the Christian virtues of humbleness and industry, without hankering for wealth and high society.

  Cara thought back to Sunday school and to the sermons in church, where the pastor had emphasized that a Christian’s strength lies in overcoming hard times with patience and fortitude and trust in God, the Father in Heaven and in Christ. She wiped a tear away and took a deep breath. Thinking of Jesus and of the good pastor made her feel much stronger and she started to feel better.

  I shall have the courage and the stamina to work hard in Boston and make enough money to feed and clothe my beloved family and Jesus shall be my guiding light Cara thought. I shall not dwell upon my feelings of homesickness but shall instead focus on earning as much money as possible, so that my kin shall live in comfort without want.

  With an easier mind and far more strength than she thought she had, Cara turned to her fellow travelers at the table and listened in to a conversation.

  “I shall be looking for work in Boston,” said a brown-eyed girl with a blonde chignon.

  “What sort of work?” asked the woman she was addressing, a tall matronly lady wearing a large hat.

  “Anything I can find, preferably work as a maid,” the girl answered.

  Cara politely chipped in, “I too will be going to Boston, and hope to work there as a maid.”

  The brown-eyed young woman turned to her, and after sizing her up, said, “Oh really, you must join forces with me then. I know very few people in Boston and should be glad to have the company of a fellow Irishwoman.”

  “I would be glad to,” Cara swiftly replied, her heart jumping for joy, feeling far more cheerful already.

  “Are you from County Cork per chance?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact I am,” replied Cara.

  “Well, pleased to meet yer. I’m Alva and I too hail from County Cork,” said Alva, shaking Cara’s hand delightedly.

  The two young women chattered on far into the evening, exchanging stories of their school days, and even finding common acquaintances while the matronly lady added her perspective to the conversation.

  “Do you know Peter Collins, the blacksmith?” queried Cara.

  “Indeed, I do,” replied Alva emphatically. “He is a friend of my brother. They were both apprenticed by the same blacksmith.”

  “That is wonderful, it’s a small world,” mused Cara.

  Cara discovered to her delight that the matronly lady was in the same cabin as her. She was feeling far more optimistic about the future now that she had made her acquaintance and had struck up a friendship with Alva.

  Cara and the matronly lady, Agnes, whispered about their impressions of the other travelers at dusk.

  “Did you see the beautifully dressed girl who had a birthday cake?”

  “I certainly did,” Agnes replied. “I know that she comes from County Cork and is related to the fine people who live at the manor at Cobh.”

  “Oh, is that so?” Cara exclaimed. “I once was invited to have tea with them. They were oh so charming and kind to me.”

  “The Clarkes are a very fine family,” Agnes agreed. “They made their fortune in the spice trade. An enterprising grandfather regularly traveled to the East Indies and purchased spices there that he sold for a handsome profit at court and to the nobility. Pepper was especially profitable.”

  “How I wish I had had an enterprising grandfather who traded in spices,” said Cara sleepily, and yawned. “I am quite weary, dear friend, so I bid you a good night’s rest, maybe I will dream of warm climes, of spices harvested under a bright sky…”

  “G’night, dear friend,” said Agnes as she turned to the round window that showed her the sea and a star-filled horizon. She gazed out pensively.

  Cara cradled the pillow, sighed luxuriously and fell asleep immediately.

  The next morning they were up bright and early and joined Alva at breakfast. The jolly company which included the Clarke girl was having breakfast too.

  “Oh let’s see what we have here,” said Cara, as the waiter brought them their tray.

  “Oh kippers, I love kippers, sausages and toast with butter,” Alva said delightedly. The three friends tucked in greedily.

  After a hearty breakfast, they promenaded on the deck. As far as the eye could see, there was only turquoise ocean and sapphire blue sky visible, dotted here and there with the occasional white mewing seagull.

  Alva excitedly pointed out a bottlenose dolphin. It made some chuckling noises, swimming along the ship. “Shouldn’t we give it some food?” said Cara.

  “I have some bread in my pocket from breakfast,” said Agnes, and threw the crust in the direction of the dolphin, which miraculously managed to catch it in its mouth.

  “I wonder what it must be like to be a dolphin and live in the ocean,” Cara mused.

  “Well, that’s an interesting thought,” a male voice nearby said. Cara jumped and turned around, to see one of the young men who had been at the birthday celebration yesterday. He had sparkling brown eyes, regular, handsome features and dark hair and gallantly steadied her, as she nearly stumbled due to the ship’s swaying.

  “Oh, I was just thinking that these creatures must be able to talk to each other, just like people. Maybe they have feelings, just like us,” Cara continued.

  “A very noble thought,” said the young man. “I am James, by the way,” he continued, and stretched out his hand, firmly shaking Cara’s, Alva’s and Agnes’s hands in turn. “I have heard stories that shipwrecked sailors have been saved by dolphins.”

  “Fascinating,” said Agnes. “Oh, look, what’s that?”

  They all turned their heads to see a spout of water, about fifteen feet high. “That’s a whale,” James said with interest, staring at the water. “A friend of mine who was diving in a cove said that he could hear whales making sounds underwater. He said that they veritably sang to one another…”

  A huge gray humpback whale emerged from the water, then dove down and splashed the surface of the water with its enormous V-shaped tail.

  “Oh, really?” said Cara excitedly. “Maybe they have a language that they speak, that no human has ever understood…”

  “Oh look, I cannot believe it, there’s a fish with wings, flying…” said Alva.

  “Yes, indeed,” said James, and explained with a professorial air, “A flying fish escapes predatory larger fish underwater by flying for about 15 yards above the surface.”

  And so the morning wore on, with conversation.

  After lunchtime, James came by the lounge chairs where the three women were seated and sat down next to them. “How was lunch?” he asked. “Wonderful,” said Cara, “We had roast pork and mashed potatoes with carrots and peas. Simple fare, but it’s what we were able to afford.”

  “Sounds grand,” said James. “Which cities are you headed for?” he asked them.

  “Alva and I are going to Boston, Agnes to New York,” said Cara.

  “Oh, is that so, I am headed to Boston myself. Do look me up when you get there,” he said and produced a card. “I shall be staying with the Fitzgeralds at this address.”

  He gave the card to Cara, who exclaimed “Why thank you kindly, young gentleman. We aren’t gentry, but we would like to look you up as a reference for a position. Alva and I would like to work as maids in Boston. It would be wonderful if we cou
ld work together in a large household that needs more than one maid. Perhaps you could recommend us to a wealthy family.”

  “I most certainly will do that for you, my new-found friends,” said James heartily.

  Practical Cara really liked James, but she realized that there would never be any hope of marriage and she had been warned by her mother not to get involved with a man of higher standing, who might leave her with child and never marry her. She thought that James was a very kind-hearted, nice and well-meaning young fellow, who might develop an infatuation with her, but would then not be able to wed her due to the insurmountable social gulf between them.

  As James was handing Cara the card, the young woman whose birthday had been celebrated the day before materialized at his elbow.

  She asked Cara with a rather sour facial expression, “What’s your name, I haven’t noticed you on board before.”

  “I’m Cara. Pleased to meet you,” said Cara, trying to remain cordial, although the young lady, who was dressed in a beautiful silk gown, seemed rather hostile and practically snarled.

  “I’m Ellen, by the way.”

  To save the situation, Agnes said, “Cara and I were just about to go to the galley to ask the cooks for a muffin or a piece of toast.”

  Cara took her cue. “Yes, I am feeling rather peckish. Do excuse us, Ellen, it was a pleasure meeting you.”

  After that Cara took care not to seek out James’s company, although he often came to speak with her, Alva and Agnes. Sometimes Ellen would appear as well, trying to interject sharp remarks into the conversation, slyly and sharply watching Cara and James with an eagle eye.

  And so the journey wore on, the three women getting to know a large portion of their fellow travelers, most headed to Boston and New York.

  Chapter Three

  A month later, the “Queen Empress” steamed into Boston harbor.

  Cara had woken up that morning with great excitement. The ship’s purser had told her yesterday that they would be reaching Boston the next day.

  Cara and some acquaintances, including Alva, stood on deck, scanning the Western horizon.

  Suddenly Alva exclaimed, “I can see it, land, land, blessed land!”

  They happily shook each other’s hands and gentlemen on the ship clapped each other on the back.

  We did it, we made it all the way without mishap, Jesus be praised, thought Cara. First thing, I must pen a letter to mother and father; they will be waiting to hear from me on the farm.

  As Boston harbor grew closer and closer, the wharves became more and more visible. There were plenty of other ships docked in the harbor. A large number of the ships were majestic sailing ships rather than steamers. The smell of fish wafted over the passengers of the “Queen Empress”. Huge piles of silvery fish could be seen on boats in the harbor. The wind soughed in the sails of the sleek sailing ships, as they bobbed in the dark blue harbor. Sailors dressed in neat white suits with boater hats, pulled at the sails, calling to each other. The blue ribbons on their suits wafted in the breeze.

  Busy longshoremen on the wharves could be seen carrying crates off ships. These men seemed taller, broader and feistier than the dockhands that Cara had seen working at the harbor in Belfast.

  The “Queen Empress” was docked at Boston Harbor within a short while. Cara and Alva embraced Agnes and said goodbye to her. It had been decided that Alva would stay with Cara and pay Cara’s uncle rent.

  Uncle Liam, burly and tall with dark hair and brilliant blue eyes, was waiting at the dock. He bellowed as soon as he was within hearing distance, “Hullooo, hullooo, I am so glad to see yer, dear Cara. How thou hast grown, ‘tis a marvel.”

  Cara smiled and waved at him happily. James came up to her and shook her hand emotionally, “Do stop by some time, I would be awfully glad to see you again.”

  “I will, young master James,” Cara replied courteously.

  Alva and Cara walked down the gangplank and onto the pier.

  Uncle Liam hugged Cara close to his big chest, tears of joy streaming down his face. “You look so much like your dear mother, niece, ‘tis quite a marvel, quite a marvel indeed,” he said, wiping his eyes.

  “Oh uncle, I am so glad that you are here to welcome me. And here is a wonderful friend from County Cork that I met on the ship, her name is Alva.”

  Alva made a curtsy and said, “I am honored to meet you, sir. I have had the pleasure of befriending your niece and am sure you are as nice a gentleman as she is a lady.”

  Cara added, “Uncle, can Alva board with me? She will pay you rent.”

  Uncle Liam looked at Alva and after pondering weightily for a few moments, announced decisively, “My dear lasses, ‘tis obvious that you would like to keep each other company, and I will not bring friends asunder. Of course, you might board with Cara.”

  Cara and Alva jumped up and down squealing with joy and clapping their hands. They each embraced Uncle Liam in turn and planted a kiss on his cheek.

  He led them to the street next to the harbor and they decided to walk to Uncle Liam’s lodgings, as it was a sunny morning. Boston’s streets were bustling with activity, with horse-drawn hansom cabs clip-clopping everywhere and gentlemen and ladies riding out in finery.

  The town was charming with stately mansions and streets lined with shops. Cara, Alva, and Liam sauntered along the stores, peering into them, the girls astounded to see the beautiful silks and lace on display, as well as the cakes and ales.

  At long last, in the late afternoon, they reached the neighborhood where Uncle Liam had his lodgings. Irish brogue could be heard on the streets, washing hung on lines and there were young children playing hopscotch in the yards.

  Cara commented, “Why, Uncle, ‘tis as if I were in County Cork, although I do miss the Irish countryside.”

  Uncle Liam replied, “Nary to worry, dear girl, if you need countryside, there is plenty of green country nearby. Why when you walk to church with me on Sunday, we shall pass through green fields with daffodils and crocuses.”

  They turned into the doorway of a three-storied red brick house with an aging façade and large windows that had seen better days. Uncle Liam took a huge key out of his pocket and turned it in the oak door, which opened with a creaking groan. The dining room with a kitchen was large, with ancient furniture and dust motes danced in sunbeams. There was a gnarled oak tree visible from the dining room window along with the facades of nearby houses. Children could be seen skipping rope in a yard.

  “Why ‘tis a cheerful abode, dear uncle,” said Cara, optimistically, while she made a note to herself to dust the furniture at the first opportunity.

  “Let me show you the room where you gals will sleep,” said Uncle Liam, leading the way to a large room with a big bed. “Tis a guest room. Methinks the bed is large enough for the both of ye.”

  “Yes, ‘tis big enough,” said Cara, and she and Alva sat on it and tested the springs.

  There was a washstand next to the bed, with a pitcher of water and a mirror. Cara peered at her reflection, thinking that she looked brown as a berry from all the time spent on deck in the sun without a hat. Her crystal-clear blue eyes danced merrily in her tanned face, and her lips were cherry red next to her olive skin. She stopped admiring her reflection, thinking that vanity was not a becoming or a Christian trait and stood up to announce to her uncle that she would clean his rooms, making everything look new and shiny.

  A suggestion that her uncle met with eager acquiescence. “A woman’s touch is lacking here, dear girl, I am sure that you will make me humble abode shine like a new penny.”

  “But first let me pen a letter to mom and pop and the children back home,” said Cara, as she sat down in the dining room to write.

  After they returned from the post office, the two girls set to work that day and cleaned the lodgings.

  “I plan to look for work on the morrow,” announced Cara, “We should rise at cock’s crow and ring doorbells in the nearest wealthy neighborhood, asking for emplo
yment.”

  “‘Tis a good plan,” Alva agreed.

  The next morning, after having received directions from Uncle Liam, who had to go to work at the mill, they walked to the nearest wealthy neighborhood with large mansions and knocked on the back doors of houses. They were met with nays most of the time, very few houses were looking for a maid. The few that said they might have a position open asked them to come in and they interviewed with the mistress of the house. Alva and Cara were hoping to work as a team, but it seemed to be the case that they would have to work in separate houses. They were asked to come back the next day to the houses where they interviewed, as the mistresses needed to confer first with their husbands in the evening.

  Alva and Cara wearily trod home, reporting to Uncle Liam in the evening that they didn’t yet know if they had positions. Cara said, “I think I will look up James tomorrow, perhaps he will know if there are any positions open anywhere. I already gave his name as a reference.”

  The next day, they first went to the houses that they had interviewed at. One of the ladies wanted to hire Alva. Alva said that she would return in the afternoon to inform them whether she would accept the position.

  That day they went to meet James at his home. They rang the doorbell at a stately mansion in the best part of town. A manservant opened the door and ushered them into a luxurious dining room with red velvet curtains and blue Greek vases full of huge sunflowers. The windows overlooked a lush garden with a green lawn where some well-dressed and pretty ladies were playing croquet.

  James came hurrying into the dining room, hands outstretched. “Dear Cara, dear Alva,” he exclaimed, shaking their hands enthusiastically, “It is wonderful to see you again. How may I be of assistance?”

  “We have been wandering all around Boston looking for a position as maids,” Cara informed him. “So far we have only found one position and it’s for Alva alone. We would like to find a position at a mansion that needs two maids so that we can keep each other company while we work.”