Edith caught her look of concern and answered the unasked question, “It is from the bluing she likes to put into the water when washing white items. Madame Colbert says it makes the whites look whiter.”
Behind the washtubs two boys worked at two more tubs with wooden paddles agitating the soiled articles. They both turned and Mark gave a large grin of recognition.
From this room they could see into another large room filled with clotheslines strung back and forth across from wall to wall. A large Franklin pot-bellied stove sizzled as a shirt hanging over it dripped water. The droplets instantly evaporated as they touched the hot metal.
“Mrs. Colbert must have a lot of customers keeping her busy,” Sara commented.
“She is one of the best in her trade,” Edith responded. “Most of the hotels hire her so she is kept very busy. Of course it slows down in the winter, especially since Clifton House is closed for the season. Sometimes in the summer she is kept working day and night.”
They continued to the next room where it was cooler than the laundry room, but still comfortable. The sound of the steady ‘tick, tick, tick’ of two pedal-powered sewing machines and the hum of the belts were surprisingly the only sounds coming from Annie and Nellie as they concentrated on their creations. Today they were both working on carpetbags and much to her surprise the girls gave them a quick ‘hello’ accompanied by big smiles, but went back to their jobs at hand. Materials of all kinds were stacked neatly on tables in this room. There were also other various machines not being used at the moment. The only one Sara recognized was a peddle grinder for smoothing wood or other items.
In the next room they found all of the finished goods ready for sale. Moccasins and mukluks were only a small part of the souvenirs being made in the shop. Everything from Native-looking jewellery to the carpetbags like the ones the girls were working on. There were also wooden pieces of furniture Robert and Mark completed together.
Sara was quite impressed with all the articles so expertly done. Even when she knew they were not genuine Indian artifacts, she could hardly tell the difference. She looked closely at everything and decided to buy a few items for her friends back home. To start with she selected a beautiful carpetbag with wooden handles, which were carefully carved by Mark. She liked the way, when empty, the bag could fold down to a small piece and could be placed in their regular luggage. Instead of folding it though, she placed a beautiful pair of mukluks in the bottom. Edith was certain they would fit Sam, as the sizes were general and the wearer tightened or loosened each pair with the leather thongs. This pair was made of warm sheepskin with the carefully manicured wool on the inside for warmth and comfort. Sara had seen drawings of mountain men and explorers wearing such footwear and admired the strength and courage of such men.
Sara found delicately-embroidered hankies and bought them as well. Finally she turned away from Edith, undid a few of the buttons on the bottom of her blouse and removed some money from a special pocket sewn into her corset. She still had some Sam gave her several weeks before when they visited Winnipeg. The coins she received back Sara placed in her coat pocket before they went back to the boarding house.
As they returned, Edith carried the bag so as not to arouse Sam’s curiosity. Sara planned to pack her own things over her husband’s gift, hoping it could be kept secret until Christmas.
They went into the house wondering what condition everyone and everything would be in. Before opening the door to the kitchen from the back porch, they were greeted with sounds of exuberant laughter, not just from the boys, but Sam as well. Edith carefully and as quietly as possible pushed the door open slightly and the women each peeked inside to see what was creating all of the commotion.
Two of the three boys were waiting their turn as young Joseph was climbing onto and straddling Sam’s knees. Sam held onto the hands of the boy and the laughter stopped as the routine started. Gently he raised each knee one at a time to resemble the steps of a horse walking. With a higher voice than usual he started,
“This is the way ladies ride to the fair,
Nimble trit, nimble trit, all the way there”
Starting to raise both knees at the same time to resemble the horse in a calm canter he continued with a deeper voice,
“This is the way the men ride to the coals,
Hobble trot, hobble trot, into … big … holes.”
Sam’s legs moved apart and the young fellow slid down between them, still holding on tightly with his hands. Again the sound of laughter filled the room. Sammy, who was lying on a thick blanket on the floor kicked ferociously and squealed with delight.
Edith pushed open the door and went inside. “I knew we had nothing to worry about.”
Sara also stepped inside and offered a slight smile, but her colouring was pale and she took the carpetbag from Edith saying, “I best take this upstairs.” Almost running, she went to their room.
As fast as possible Sam lifted Justin off of his knees, amidst his wails of protest, and tried to make his way past the others. Edith stood back quite surprised with what happened.
Sara stood at the bed placing her folded nightgown into the bag open before her. Her back was toward Sam but from the door he could see she was trembling.
He pushed the door closed and quickly went to her, holding her tightly from behind and placed his cheek against hers, instantly feeling the tears dampening it. “Sara,” was all he said, not really knowing what needed to be said.
“I knew one day you would want what I cannot give you,” she said, her voice breaking.
“Sara,” he whispered, “I made you a promise I will never break. Of course I would like children of our own but today I realized something wonderful when I was playing with the boys. There are children in need of a good home and I believe if you want to, we can do that. We can give those children a place where they are wanted … a home where they are loved. It made me think if I’d had a home how different my life would have been.”
As she listened to him, the trembling started to subside and Sara took in a deep breath. After a moment she asked, “How could I have ever doubted your word?”
“Because you refuse to forgive yourself for something that is not your fault. We all have to play the cards we are dealt, myself included and I am quite satisfied with the hand I am holding.”
Sara was standing facing him and with slight effort he leaned her back until she was lying on the bed. He rested on top of her, covering her with kisses, at the same time trying to unbutton her blouse.
Sara took hold of his hand. “As much as I want to Sam, this bed scares me.”
“Why is that?” he quickly looked deep into those blue eyes which so often consumed him.
“Edith said it must have a blessing or a curse placed on it. If it happened to us it would be a curse.”
“That is a superstition, Sara,” Sam kidded her. “You said yourself until your cycle starts again we wouldn’t have to worry.” He went back to kissing her neck for a moment. “Besides it has nothing to do with how soft or hard a mattress is, or if the bed faces north or south, whether a baby is conceived. It depends on the people in it. We will have to leave this in God’s hands.”
“But it still worries me. We have already taken one too many chances here before Edith told us about it.”
“Well, I don’t want you to worry. I have waited before and I can wait again. When should we continue on to Montreal?” he added, a hint of an anxious look in his eyes.
“Whenever you think would be best. As much as I like it here, I guess we should think about getting to the university.”
“If we leave tonight we would arrive tomorrow morning, which is Saturday. It would give us a few days to find the right place and relax, although I hear the winters in Montreal are filled with lots of fun and activity.”
“Well,” Sara said, “I guess we better go and let Edith know and I better tell her about what happened … part of it anyway.”
Sam waited in their bedroom givi
ng the women time to talk. He went onto the balcony and listened to the roar of the falls in the distance and thought how different the world looked to him now. In a way it was more real. The people were more real. He realized he looked at everything for what it was and not what he could benefit from it.
Edith was quiet when Sara went into the kitchen. The boys all had their lunch and were put down for their afternoon nap and she stood at the stove lightly stirring a pot of soup.
“Edith,” Sara started, pausing a moment because she really didn’t know how to explain herself. “I’m really sorry for what happened.”
Their hostess placed the spoon quietly on a saucer and offered Sara a hug. “I should be sorry. I never thought children could be an upsetting matter. I stood here thinking about it, I realized it must have been what was wrong. I remember you mentioned being married before, but you never talked about any children. I should have realized maybe there was a problem with this. It is really none of my business, but I should not have carried on about having babies and such.” Edith started to ramble, trying to make up for what she did to cause her guest grief. “It is just that … you can see Robert and I really have no difficulty with the matter. I never stop to think others may not have it quite so easy.”
“It is all right, really,” Sara felt she would have to console Edith. “It is part of the reason why we are going to Montreal, to see doctors there. But please don’t worry any more about this, I was being silly.” They gave each other a tight squeeze before letting go, Edith returning to the stove.
“So have we got everything sorted out here?” Sam asked as he came into the kitchen.
“It is fine,” Sara answered as she slid in under his arm and he pulled her close.
“Did you tell Edith we will be leaving this evening for Montreal?”
She turned again from the stove, her expression showing concern, “I hope it was nothing that happened here sending you away.”
“Of course not,” Sara answered. “It is time we get to Montreal and try to get our questions answered.”
“I best get you two fed. Mark will be stopping by shortly, Sam, to show you the shop next door. If you like, Sara, I can warm some bath water for a fresh start to your journey.”
“That sounds wonderful,” she answered, looking forward to relaxing in a nice warm tub filled with lavender-scented water.
They enjoyed their evening meal with the residents of the boarding house. Everyone, especially Mark, was disappointed they would be leaving. He had been so proud when he took Mr. Fielding on a tour of the house next door and sold him items to take with them.
Sam also bought a carpetbag with items carefully tucked away in the bottom and each knew there would be no peeking, but the suspense of it made each other grin.
Mark delivered them to the train station well after dark. He borrowed the cutter and horse belonging to Madame Colbert, which she used to receive and deliver her laundry. The horse was old, but it did what it was intended for, although at a rather slow pace. The leisurely ride helped to make the couple enjoy the tranquility of the evening a little longer.
Sam held his arm around his wife and enjoyed the scent of the lavender in her hair. How right everything seemed to feel at this moment. How could anything possibly go wrong?
Chapter Twenty-two
The expedition took them back through the United States again, crossing the Niagara River on the unusual bridge they saw the day before. Without any major stops or train changes they continued into Quebec.
The train arrived at the St. Lawrence River south of Montreal as the sun was starting to rise. The sky was filled with beautiful pink clouds, which gradually transformed into the blue of a clear day. Unexpectedly the intensity of the sun turned dark as they entered a tunnel. At regular intervals the sunlight flashed from bright to dark with the open spaces in the passageway. Sam had read about this modern piece of construction which enclosed the train in a cylinder as it crossed the river. It was one of the longest bridges in the world and stretched only a few feet short of two miles. In a few minutes they were once again greeted to a clear day.
It was Saturday and the streets were crowded with people. Without leaving the train, they felt like they were entering a new world. The language changed from only English to a combination of French and English overnight.
“Thank goodness,” a man said to another behind them as they arrived in the city, “they have given up on the idea of building an ice bridge over the St. Lawrence for the season. I heard two winters ago a locomotive plunged into the river because the ice couldn’t hold it. I understand it worked well the year before, but I’m glad they thought to not try it again.”
Sara quickly grabbed her journal she kept sitting near the top of her carpetbag. Before they came to a stop in the station she wanted to write down this new tidbit of interest. She had done little of her own writing on the journey so far. There were so many fascinating pieces of information she learned along the way and did not want to forget a bit of it.
Leaving the station house Sam led his wife to a horse-drawn bus which rode on runners. It would leave soon for the Windsor Hotel. The day was cold and Sara pulled her fur coat tightly around herself. The bus was warm as they entered it and they soon found a wood stove creating the heat. The seats were well padded, everything being comfortable and Sara knew immediately Sam was taking her to a rather special place. On the floor at each seat sat a warmed brick to keep the passenger’s feet cosy through the ride.
As they travelled through the streets Sara noticed how busy everything seemed to be. The sound of bells filled the air, as horse-drawn sleighs moved quickly in each direction. People were walking on the sidewalks. Often all she could see were the top half of their bodies and at times a child’s winter bonnet, above the piles of shovelled snow. Occasionally she saw fresh snowfall of the night before being flung onto the already high banks. Everyone appeared to be well-dressed in furs or heavy cloth coats for the cold but clear day.
They hadn’t travelled far when she noticed they would often pass men walking or running slowly, reins in hand, driving their teams. These pairs of heavy workhorses pulled low platforms on runners. Sara would have called them ‘stone boats’ back home, but these carried large blocks of ice. She thought it odd this early in the season so many people would be in such a hurry to stock their icehouses. On the other side of the coach she saw empty stone boats travelling in the opposite direction at a fast trot, the drivers standing quite sturdily, legs braced apart, on the wooden form.
Sam caught her look of curiosity and said, “Must be something interesting in the works.” They arrived at the hotel and the sight of it instantly pushed any thoughts out of their minds.
Before them stood a large building, which was obviously not very old. It was designed in such a way Sara knew immediately it was only for those wealthy enough to afford it. Of course, as was her character, she started to protest at the expense.
“You are too late, Sara,” Sam said, taking her gloved hand as she stepped down from the bus. “I telegraphed for reservations before we left the Niagara Falls Station. No doubt our room is waiting for us.”
Knowing her objection would meet deaf ears Sara let out a light sigh, but Sam noticed how her eyes shone with anticipation. They stood outside in the cold for a few minutes as Sara took in as much of the sight as possible in the short time. She looked up at the enormous impressive building towering at least six stories above them and displayed what looked to be nearly a hundred windows. It was hard for her to look straight up and see what this remarkable building presented to them. It could only be truly appreciated from across the way, but for now a quick glance would have to do. Across the street she saw a large park adorned with trees bare of leaves but decorated with the fresh snow of the night before. People seemed to be everywhere and children could be heard laughing as they played. Along with music from the sleigh bells, merriment filled the air.
As they were the last of the guests from the bus to ente
r the hotel, the doorman, adequately clad, watched them, and opened the large heavy door as they stepped toward it. The entrance was beneath the showy balcony where royalty had waved to the crowds of spectators watching from the park. Two pillars adorned each side of the entry above which the word “Windsor” announced the name of the distinguished hotel.
The doorman greeted and gave each a slight bow as they entered. In an instant, walking through that door, Sara felt the ever-present feeling of peasant girl fall away. For a moment the sensation of fairy-tale princess crept over her. Instantly bellhops met them by the door, one taking their suitcase and the two carpetbags. This left Sam’s arm free and he offered it to his wife. It was probably a good thing as she could have lost her balance trying to take in the impressive lobby they stood in. She could have easily gone quite lightheaded as she tried to take in the dream she stepped into. The entrance hall was large with pillars standing at least twenty feet high and elegant chandeliers hung from the ceiling. If the lobby was so enchanting, her imagination could not fathom what lay ahead for her.
They continued ahead to the rotunda where Sam left his wife’s side for only a moment to check in. The bellhop stood attentively beside her as she continued to admire the elegance of the large circular area which was symmetrical in every way. The floor was made entirely of black and white marble and the walls beautifully done in an artistic fresco. Above her the large domed roof held several skylights and behind the office were impressive stained-glass windows. Several shops were situated around the area. Before she hardly began to take the details into her mind Sam was back by her side.
“We are ready to go to our room.”
“Are you certain we can afford all of this?”
“Quite certain.”
Sara looked back at him, really questioning the possibility, so he answered her again. “Six dollars a night for a room overlooking the park.” In turn he looked for his wife’s approval, but all she could do was look back at the elegance surrounding them.
New Beginnings (New Beginnings Series) Page 22