Amelia appeared disappointed. “I like my story better.”
“I do too,” Sara said and they shared smiles with each other.
The women decided to take the horse-drawn trolley to the shopping area of the city. Both Cedric and Sam protested slightly but Amelia insisted maybe their new friend would enjoy a ride in the car running on a set of tracks, as it was also a new addition to the city this year. Sara agreed and the men gave in and said they would meet the women at the restaurant in the Robinson building at noon. Sam tried to give his wife some money and would not listen to any of her protesting. He looked at Amelia saying, “See she buys herself some new clothing,” and handed her the money.
Sara shook her head and as they went to leave Sam looked at her sternly and said, “Spend at least some of it,” to which she gave a slight smile.
They walked two blocks before they came to the street where the trolley ran. It travelled slowly, but they had to step up on it as it was on the go. This was unusual for Sara, but easier than she thought it might be.
It took about fifteen minutes to arrive at the downtown area where the team was brought to a halt. All who wanted could get off before others climbed on board. They stepped up onto one of the boardwalks and surveyed the streets, as it was hard to decide which one of the many shops they should go into first.
Amelia suggested they go into the large Robinson Building, as just looking at all the items would take at least until noon. Then they could go for lunch and afterwards to the Hudson’s Bay Department Store and continue shopping. Sara agreed, although she really didn’t feel the need to do much more than browse through the different selections in the stores.
As they stepped inside the double doors and Sara looked at the large room in amazement, she was quite certain it must be true the three-storey building could supply every need. Their first stop was in the women’s clothing department and as Amelia selected dresses her new friend might like, a look of delight suddenly crossed Sara’s face when she found some skirts with adjustable waistbands, suitable for expectant mothers. Amelia’s look was one of bewilderment for a moment when she realized Sara was selecting new clothing for Catherine to bring to Winnipeg with her. She selected two skirts and blouses and went to pay for them with the money Sam sent. Her next step was to the jewellery section where she selected a pretty comb for decoration in the hair. Amelia mentioned it really was not the right colour for her friend’s hair, but she was answered with, “But it would look lovely in grey hair, don’t you think?” Amelia nodded and knew Sara was shopping not for herself, but for gifts for her friends.
They both carried several paper-covered boxes tied with string, when they went to the store’s restaurant a few minutes before noon. As expected they found the men were waiting, along with a chair full of similarly wrapped parcels. Both gentlemen stood when the women arrived, pulled their chairs out for them and everyone sat down. Their luncheon of quail on toast and light champagne was already ordered and arrived shortly.
“So you managed to find things you like?” Sam asked Sara.
“There are so many lovely and unusual items here and I had such a good time shopping with Amelia,” she answered, her eyes sparkling.
“I thought maybe you might not spend anything on yourself, so I thought I would find a few things for you,” Sam said, directing her view to the parcels placed on the chair.
Before he could say anymore, Amelia spoke. “You know your wife very well.” She directed her momentary look to Sara, trying to get her to admit to her excursion.
Sara hesitated then admitted, “I bought a few gifts.”
Sam sat back in his chair, shaking his head slightly, but smiled, “I knew it.” Turning to the Stones he added, “I have the hardest time to get her to do something special for herself … always thinking of other people. Oh well, I think I took care of it for you,” he said to his wife and added, “I want you to try on something in the Hudson’s Bay Store after lunch.” Sam looked down at his meal and Sara knew there would be no further discussion on the subject.
They enjoyed a lovely luncheon then left to go to the second large department store in the city. Cedric took the parcels to the carriage and said he would wait for them. Sam led the women directly to the section where the fur garments were sold. As he expected, Sara started to protest, but he quickly told her one was already paid for. She might as well give in to the fact she would be taking one home with her. After she tried on several and Amelia gave her opinion of each, Sara chose one. Sam suggested to the clerk to wrap the cloth coat he bought in Brandon for his wife and she should wear the new, warmer one. Sara had never owned such an impressive article of clothing before and Sam could see how distinctive it made her feel. It seemed to make her stand a bit taller. Sam took the receipt for the coat and left for a few minutes when he went to the office in the store. He had some shares in the company and sold several of them today, receiving what appeared to be a large amount of cash, along with the purchase.
The three walked down the boardwalk to the carriage where Cedric waited. Sam walked in the middle with a woman on each arm and they were greeted by many smiles from the passers-by. The sun was bright today and Mr. Stone selected his open carriage with the double seats which faced each other, the driver sitting on a high seat in front. The man was asked to give them a tour of the city so Sara may see the changes made during the last seven years.
As they crossed the Broadway Bridge, Cedric told them, “The crest of the flood hit here on April 19th with the water rising quickly all through the night. An ice jam let go and a rush of another three feet of water came down the Red River. There was no way this bridge was going to endure the power of the water and after it swayed back and forth it finally let go and fell. What a disaster the city saw after that flood, as Winnipeg came to a standstill. No supplies were coming in of course, so prices quickly inflated and bread went up to fifty cents a loaf and beef to fifty cents a pound. Everything seemed to come to a stop, including the boom, and that hit the city hard.”
“Brandon saw something similar,” Sam said. “The amount of snow through the winter and the quick thaw with the sudden warmth in April brought about severe flooding along the Assiniboine. There was fear the C.P.R. Bridge would also collapse, so flat cars weighted down with steel rails were left on it and it worked, the bridge held strong. But the blizzard that hit in late May brought more insult to injury. Many people were still living in tents which were destroyed and they endured unimaginable circumstances. Some folks had to resort to stealing pieces of lumber to keep warm. When the trains ran again the first to leave Brandon pulled three coaches, filled to capacity with those who gave up their venture of settling the west.”
“And I missed all of it,” Sara said, surprised at what she was learning. “I can hardly remember the winter being very much different than any other and I went into hiding in the house if a storm hit.”
Amelia was flabbergasted. “You lived out in the wilderness all by yourself? How could you manage alone?”
Sara, for the moment, was perplexed as to how she should answer, as she had to avoid telling her secrets. Sam responded for her, “Sara lost her husband in April, about the time it was starting to thaw. She was in mourning when all this was going on and I imagine hardly noticed what the weather was at the time.” They both held solemn expressions, her arm tucked in under his and their host and hostess knew it was time to stay quiet about the matter.
They continued to tour, driving past the colleges, as there were several in the new city. Ladies College in Saint Boniface was a place where Catherine could possibly further her education, Sara thought to herself.
Sam brought their overnight luggage with him, as their train would be leaving the city at four in the afternoon. With the excursion they would probably not be returning to the Stone residence. As they were nearing the station Sara reached for the parcels and retrieved a small box among the many and handed it to Amelia, thanking them for the wonderful visit they had this weekend
. Excitedly the package was opened and they found inside a small crystal dish Sara said would look lovely with spring crocuses in it.
“Thank you so much,” Amelia responded, adding, “I was with you all the time we were shopping, how did you sneak this past me?”
But Sara smiled and playfully shrugged her shoulders, to which Sam added, “Always full of surprises!”
It was about fifteen minutes until they were scheduled to depart. Sam went to the counter and purchased tickets. They walked to the waiting train, as the conductor demanded, “All aboard!” and said their goodbyes. They hugged each other tightly, much like the people had in Brandon when they left the day before.
The Fieldings stood on the deck into the car and waved as the train slowly made its way from the station. Heaviness hung in the air, as they had enjoyed each other’s company, but the mood lightened when Cedric shouted to them, “Don’t forget to stay several days when you bring Catherine to live with us.”
Sam called back, “Looking forward to it,” as they all waved at each other until they stepped inside.
The first-class car was nearly full, but they found seats near the front. As they sat down, they both watched out the window at the city travelling past them. Arriving in the dark the night before, Sara didn’t see how far it went from the centre of the city. She asked her husband, “When did you come to Winnipeg from Toronto, Sam?”
“I came out here in ’74 when Winnipeg officially became a city. It was named after the lake forty miles north, from the Indian words, “Win” meaning muddy and “nipee” for water. I’ve never seen the lake, but when the rivers churn here, the mud certainly does stir into the water. The city was about the size Brandon is now.”
They silently watched as the new land passed by the windows. The sway of the train seemed to create a peace and as she placed her head on his shoulder, Sara drifted off to sleep. Sam rested his cheek against her and breathed in the lovely scent of lavender he had grown so accustomed to. He too, relaxed and enjoyed the closeness they shared.
Chapter Seventeen
They arrived back in Brandon in the late evening and Eric met them at the station. The Fieldings and the many parcels were delivered back to their home. Mary greeted them at the door and the women exchanged hugs before entering the house. Sara was quick to find the parcel with the comb in it and gave it to their housekeeper, who felt more like a friend to her. They explained to Mary that plans were set so Catherine would go to Winnipeg where she would get an education. Sam and Sara would travel with her and then continue with their own journey. Everything was set in order, as long as the Hall family was in favour of it.
A few days later, Sara saw Mrs. Hall and Catherine in Blye’s store. She took them aside and learned the family was willing to let their daughter go to the city. Hopefully she could eventually attend college to be a teacher, if she made enough money. Tom thought it a great opportunity, Catherine’s only real chance to further her education and possibly help her brothers and sisters. Sara was so relieved all appeared to be going the way they hoped.
The Fieldings went out to the Hall farm the next day, to make final arrangements with the family and set a date for Catherine to move to the city. Mrs. Hall, or Amy, as she asked to be called, grew to trust Sara, and apologized for calling her a witch.
“That’s all right, really,” Sara answered, “I can understand where the rumours came from, but really nothing could be further from the truth.”
Sam smiled at her from across the table. “I don’t know, she certainly cast a spell on me.”
“I have noticed, Mr. Fielding,” Amy smiled back. “Thank you for helping Catherine, not many people take it upon themselves to offer so much.”
Mr. Hall came in from his chores, a bucket of fresh milk in his hand. He tipped his head to the visitors when he saw them, but did not appear happy. He was a big man, with a deep voice, which startled Sara when he said, “So you have found a place for my girl to work in Winnipeg. I expect you have checked into everything and made certain it is a good home for her.”
“I have known the Stones for many years and they are eager to have Catherine help with their girls. Mrs. Stone is a teacher and has started a school and agreed to let your daughter attend. When she is ready for teacher’s training Catherine can pay for her courses and live with the family while she is going to school,” Sam answered.
“Well, it’s the only way she can get an education so it is fine with me. One less mouth to feed,” Tom was washing his hands in a basin. Amy rushed to his side to add warm water to it and give him a fresh towel, which looked to be very worn, as most things were in the two-room Soddy. As Sara watched the woman she noticed a look of fear and knew in an instant she didn’t like the man of the house.
Sam stood up from the table, taking a paper from his billfold, “I brought this bank note out for you, to help when Catherine is away.”
“We don’t need your charity,” Mr. Hall raised his voice.
“It really isn’t a gift, just an advance on Catherine’s pay, to help for the inconvenience of not having her here.” Sam reached his hand out to Tom, holding the note. The latter hesitated but finally took the money, without a word and the Fieldings recognized it as their signal to leave.
“Thank you very much for your help. I am certain the Stones will be looking forward to Catherine arriving in two weeks,” Sara smiled at Mrs. Hall, but tried to avoid her husband, as she felt rather uncertain about him.
On their journey back to town, Sara sat close to her husband, his arm placed protectively around her. “I really don’t like that man.”
“Not many people do. He can be a mean drunk and everyone in town knows it. I imagine Amy and the children realize when to stay quiet.”
“It scares me to think Catherine has to stay at home for nearly two more weeks. If he would ever find out ... I hate to imagine what he would do to her.”
“I don’t think she was too far wrong when she said he would kill her.”
“Sam, something should be done for people like that, maybe a home or a place where women can go when their husband is so mean.”
“I agree, but not many men are as bad as he is. When you live in a town the size of Brandon, it is hard to do things like that. Too many people know your business and the law doesn’t have the authority to step into home affairs, unless it becomes too violent and then it gets too dangerous for outsiders. Besides, you’ve been thinking about other people all of your life, it is time to think about us and our family.”
Her eyes sparkled back at him with the mention of the word ‘family.’ She finally could think it was a possibility.
Sara started packing for their trip east almost a week before they were to leave.
Sam frowned at her. “Take as little as possible, I’m going to fill your case up for you on our travels.”
She had a hard time convincing him she really didn’t need any more and eventually gave up trying.
Sam made arrangements at the bank and the other businesses to keep everything running as usual, leaving Tom Sutton in charge. He stated they would be away for at least two months, maybe more. He knew the bank was in good hands and Tom thanked his boss. It was something he would not have been complimented on a month before.
Doc Brown asked Sara to attend his patients for the week before their trip, as he wanted to go to a meeting in Winnipeg before she left. He really didn’t plan on going before Christmas, but thought better of it, as there were medical supplies and new gadgets he wanted to see about. He promised he would be back on the Friday, as the three would be departing on Sunday morning, leaving Saturday for him to get caught up on any notes Sara would have.
Sam saw how spending time in the doctor’s office excited Sara, even though only minor ailments needed to be taken care of.
“This is what really makes you happy, isn’t it?” Sam asked her as they walked back home together after she closed the office for the day.
“You make me happy,” she put her arm in
his after locking the door, “I always dreamt about it … to help people. I sometimes wonder if in a past life I was a doctor, it seems to come easy to me.”
“A past life?” Again, she surprised Sam. “Where would you come up with such an idea?”
“In the middle eastern countries certain religions believe people are reincarnated, they come back as another person. Sometimes it makes sense, when various people have gifts even as children. Mozart could compose music by the time he was four years old.”
“Where did you learn such things?”
“My father had an extensive library. He ordered books from around the world because he wished he could travel. He always encouraged me to read them, to learn about the world and the differences that make it so interesting. He was a good man and said there must be good in every religion, good in every man. He really wasn’t happy when I married William, but he said I must make my own life and wished us the best when we left.”
“You never cease to amaze me, how much you understand about medicine, people and the world and yet you are an uncomplicated person and so easy to love. Your compassion is so contagious and I can’t help but want to be like that too.”
“Your kindness was always there, Sam, you just had to let the brick wall crumble you built around yourself.”
“I have you to thank for the breaking down of it,” he said, kissing her before opening the door to their home.
After supper, they discovered the metal tub was big enough to hold both of them as they enjoyed a warm bath together, each caring for the other. They made love often after the wedding day, although they also found being together in each other’s arms was as intimate and pleasurable.
They slept soundly in each other’s arms the Thursday night before they were to make the trip to Winnipeg. Suddenly a loud banging could be heard on the front door. Sam looked at his watch and saw it was a little after two in the morning.
“Here is the true taste of being the physician on call,” Sara said, as she climbed out of bed and pulled on the new robe Sam bought for her in Winnipeg. “It must be urgent if it can’t wait until morning.”
New Beginnings (New Beginnings Series) Page 17