by June Francis
She stared up at him in a daze. ‘Off the ship?’
‘Yes. It’s sinking. But you don’t have to worry,’ he said quickly. ‘It’ll take some time and the wireless operator’s wired for help. There are several ships on the way. It shouldn’t be long before you’re picked up.’
Rebekah nodded and took a deep breath. ‘Daniel O’Neill … no, Peter Riley! He’s one of your engineers. Is he down in the engine room?’
His smile fixed, he said reassuringly, ‘Yes, he is. It’s a bit fraught down there with the pumps being worked overtime, but I don’t think any of them are in danger. There was a bad moment I believe when the boiler could have blown, but Riley managed to turn some valve or other and prevented it happening.’ He hesitated. ‘He said when I found you – that he’s sorry, but your father didn’t see the ship coming. I presume—’
‘He knows I’m all right?’ Rebekah whispered.
He moved his shoulders in a gesture that revealed his discomfort. ‘Not yet.’ He offered her his arm and she accepted it with gratitude.
‘What happened to the other ship?’ she stammered.
‘What?’ He seemed distracted but answered, ‘She drifted off, but we’ve had a message from her. Her bow’s badly damaged but she’ll keep afloat.’
‘Was there anybody hurt?’
‘Several of the crew were killed.’ He hesitated. ‘I’m sorry about your parents.’
‘Thank you,’ she said woodenly. They both fell silent.
It was no simple task getting on her lifebelt. Neither was it easy or pleasant having to climb down the ladder into a small bobbing boat.
Rebekah and Brigid cuddled up to each other because it was freezing cold. The fog lifted a little, and although their boat had been rowed away from the Samson they could still see the great rip in her side. She was listing badly to port and Rebekah felt taut with apprehension. It began to rain.
People moaned and groaned, and Rebekah felt she had never felt so miserable in the whole of her life. Time passed slowly and pictures from her childhood drifted through her mind. It occurred to her that now her father was dead, he could not stop her seeing Daniel. She tried to draw comfort from the thought even as she wept.
It grew lighter, and although there was no sign of the sun, several people said they felt better. After what seemed hours someone said the crew had begun to leave the ship. That it could not be long before the Samson went down. An exhausted and soaked Rebekah peered through the rain, trying to make out the faces of the figures climbing into the boats. Water was washing the ship’s decks and some of the men jumped into the sea. A cheer went up suddenly, and the sound of the ship’s whistle and siren were heard. Distracted, she turned and saw a steamer looming up through the downpour. When next she looked at the Samson there were only two figures clinging to her rigging. She presumed one of them was the captain. The next moment they were in the water – had gone under – came up. Under – up. They were swimming for the nearest lifeboat. There was a great cracking and a gurgling sound as the Samson sank, and for a while the sea was a great churning mass.
Brigid sobbed, clinging to Rebekah, who clung to her just as desperately. Had Daniel got off? How could she find out? Dear God, please let him be safe.
Within half an hour they were taken aboard the S.S. Reliant and wrapped in rough warm blankets. Rebekah’s teeth chattered so much against the rim of the cup of hot sweet tea that she spilt it. Her head felt as if it was splitting and her throat felt raw. She fought to keep burning eyes open for sign of Daniel. Then she saw Shaun.
Three times she had to call his name before he showed any sign of hearing her. Then he sauntered over, cup in hand, blanket about his shoulders. Close up, she could see the strain in his face.
‘Is Daniel all right?’ she stammered.
He scowled. ‘Didn’t you see him in the water?’
‘No.’ She felt as if her heart was being squeezed and she feared his answer. ‘He was rescued?’
There was a pause. ‘If he was, I didn’t see it,’ said Shaun with a tight smile. ‘He could be drowned. All I do know is that he’s not on this ship.’ Without another word he turned and walked away.
Rebekah stared after him. She felt as if she was drowning in a sea of misery, pain and discomfort. It couldn’t be true! It just couldn’t be true! He was meant for her. God couldn’t take him away. That wasn’t fair. She loved him, needed him, wanted him above anything else in the world. She would die without him.
‘I don’t know if I can bear it.’ Brigid’s voice was low. ‘Keith, your parents, Daniel. I think I’ll kill myself.’
‘Don’t say that!’ Rebekah eased her throat and attempted a smile. ‘I think I’m going to die anyway.’
A corner of Brigid’s mouth lifted wearily. ‘I won’t kill myself if you don’t die on me.’
‘Is that a promise?’ A cough was tickling her throat.
‘Cross my heart,’ Brigid’s voice wobbled.
‘Right. That’s it,’ murmured Rebekah. ‘We stay together.’
Brigid nodded and the pair of them sat on, sipping their tea with the tears dripping into the cooling liquid.
A doctor came and spoke kindly to them. He examined their injuries and told Rebekah to follow him. Brigid went with her.
Rebekah watched as he sprinkled plaster on strips of bandage then dipped them in water before wrapping it around her broken arm. She was a mass of aches and her throat and head felt worse. Her heart felt like a lump of stone. After the plaster set they were taken to a cabin and given warm clean nightwear, a hot milky drink and some tablets.
The last memory in Rebekah’s mind before the tablets took effect was of Daniel saying, ‘I love you, Becky.’ Then it was overlaid by the grey rain-splattered scene of men struggling in the water while Shaun’s words ran through her head.
Rebekah woke in a small room to a conversation going on in the distance. Her head turned on the smooth cool pillow and for the first time in what seemed forever there was no pain in her chest or her head. Where exactly was she? Who was talking? The memory of her arrival was hazy but she did remember that she had seen Brigid since coming here. Was that her she could hear talking? She tried to call her friend’s name but her voice was only a whimper.
There was a glass of water on the cabinet by the bed but it was an enormous effort to hold it, and then another to lift it to her lips as she sagged across the bed, her broken arm held awkwardly against her chest. She sipped slowly. That was better. She cleared her throat. ‘Brigid’. The voices stopped abruptly and there was the sound of heavy footsteps and lighter hurrying ones moving towards the door.
Rebekah squinted at the door, trying to recall who had brought her to this clean blue-painted room. One of the voices had said something about nearly dying. Were they talking about her? She had been having terrible dark dreams. Daniel and water … the ship … Mama and Papa! It was as if there was a blizzard in her head. A moan issued from her lips and her face turned into the pillow.
The door opened. Rebekah’s wet cheek rubbed against the white cotton before she twisted to see who had entered.
‘How are you, Miss Rhoades?’
She made no answer, staring at the man. He was familiar but she could not place him.
‘Becky, Mr Green says he wants to take you back to England.’
‘Who? What?’ Rebekah’s gazed shifted to Brigid’s pale thin face.
Joshua, who was wearing a black suit, removed his hat before approaching the bed. ‘Surely you haven’t forgotten me? I’ve come to help you.’
There was a brief silence before she murmured. ‘I haven’t forgotten. You’re the owner of the Samson … or you were.’
His expression was grave. ‘It’s a sorry business. A terrible thing to happen. I don’t know what to say—’
‘I don’t think you can be blamed for the fog or for the other ship hitting us, Mr Green,’ she said quietly, easing herself up against the pillows with difficulty. Brigid rushed forward to help her.
He looked relieved. ‘I’m glad you can look at it like that, Miss Rhoades. We are, of course, taking legal action against the other ship. We want damages for the loss of the Samson and her cargo – as well as for the lives lost and passengers’ belongings.’
She eased her throat. ‘I would like to go to church.’
He nodded. ‘We’ll have a memorial service for them.’ His voice was sombre. ‘And for the others who died … as soon as you feel able to cope with it.’
Rebekah looked at Brigid. ‘You do know that Mrs O’Shaugnessy’s husband—’
‘Yes. We’ve been talking.’
‘About going back to England?’ she asked.
‘I didn’t think you would wish to stay in New York.’
‘No.’ She stared down at the bedcover and her fingers plucked at the sheet. ‘Mr Green, one of your engineers helped save a boiler from blowing. He was Irish and I knew him in Dublin.’ Her pleading eyes were lifted to his. ‘His name was Daniel O’Neill but he went by the name of Peter Riley. Last I heard, he was in the water. I don’t know if he was rescued.’
For several moments Joshua did not speak. Then, ‘I knew an O’Neill in the war, if it is him you’re talking about. We were on the same ship for a while, I haven’t had time to see if there’s been any losses among the crew because I’ve only been in New York a few hours, but I’ll certainly find out for you.’
She smiled faintly. ‘Thank you.’
‘It’s the least I can do.’ He returned her smile. ‘I was told by the nurses not to stay long so I’ll leave you now but I’ll be back later.’ He held out his hand. She took it, comforted by its strength and warmth.
The moment he left Brigid came and sat on the bed. ‘Well that’s that,’ she said.
‘What’s what?’ murmured Rebekah.
‘Him! His lordship coming to see yer. Apparently it was on his orders that yer got moved from the hospital to this rest home. They only just about allowed me in.’
Tears filled Rebekah’s eyes. ‘I’m glad they did.’ Her voice was unsteady as she squeezed Brigid’s hand, noticing how bony it felt. The bandage on her head had gone but there was a yellow bruise and a healing cut on her forehead. She wore a black coat which hung on her. ‘How are things? It’s the first day I’ve felt myself enough to consider you.’
Brigid’s eyes, with the dark pouches underneath, avoided hers. ‘I’m surviving. But don’t let’s talk about it.’ There was a pause while they sought strength from the other’s presence. Then the Liverpudlian said in a bright voice, ‘I haven’t told yer but me brother came in on the same boat as his lordship.’
‘Your Pat?’
‘Yeah! We’ll probably go back on the Gideon.’ She hesitated. ‘How d’yer feel about going on a ship?’
‘I haven’t thought about it.’
‘I don’t like it,’ said Brigid bluntly. ‘But if it’s the only way to get back home, then I’ll just have to put up with it.’
Rebekah rested her head against the pillows. ‘At least you’ve got a home to go to … and your sisters and your mam.’ It hurt when she thought of her own mother and she wanted to weep.
There was another pause. ‘What about that posh aunt of yours?’ asked Brigid.
‘Aunt Esther?’ She supposed that she had to consider living with her aunt. ‘She’s family, of course.’
‘Better than none.’ Brigid hesitated. ‘D’yer really believe that Daniel could be alive?’
‘You think I’m clutching at straws?’
Brigid’s answering silence was frustrating.
‘His brother didn’t see him drown,’ said Rebekah, tilting her chin. ‘He could be alive.’ Her mind refused to accept that she would never see Daniel again.
‘I’m not saying he couldn’t be,’ muttered Brigid as if the words were forced from her. ‘But don’t build up yer hopes.’
‘Have you seen any sign of Shaun?’
Brigid shook her head and freed her hand. ‘I think yer’d be better resting. Short visits – that’s what I was told. Yer haven’t been well and yer don’t want to have a relapse.’ She hugged Rebekah and went out.
For a long time Rebekah lay there, fighting back tears and a terrible sense of desolation. Then two nurses came in, one carried a basket of fruit which she said was from Mr Green. The other brought a bowl of broth. She had a nasal twang to her voice and spoke cheerfully about the visitors and how lucky Rebekah was to have an excuse to stay in her nice warm bed as it had begun to throw it down outside. Rebekah let the words flow over her as she drank several spoonfuls of broth voluntarily, and was coaxed into swallowing the remainder. Afterwards, she was left alone, which was the last thing she wanted as thinking only served to depress her spirits further. What if Daniel was dead? How was she going to live without him?
The morning sun put a bit of heart into her and Rebekah felt less inclined to accept the worse. She managed some porridge, a cup of coffee, three grapes, and a trip to the lavatory on her own. Joshua came to visit, and because everything and everybody else was unfamiliar, he seemed to represent reality.
‘Did you find out anything about Daniel?’ she demanded as soon as the pleasantries were observed.
He paused in the act of sitting on the chair beside the bed and said in deep tones, ‘No. I can’t find anyone who has seen him since the Samson sank.’
‘Oh!’ She almost fell back into utter despondency, but not quite. ‘Have you seen his brother?’
‘Brother?’ He seated himself, his expression severe. ‘Should I have?’
His reaction gave Rebekah pause for deliberation and she lowered her gaze. ‘I suppose not. Have you seen Brigid since yesterday? She won’t have to pay to return to England, will she?’ Her voice was concerned. ‘They didn’t have much money, and now she has nothing.’
‘You’re very friendly with this woman?’ There was a note in his voice that caused her to slant him a challenging look.
‘Mama and Papa didn’t object to our friendship and I don’t see why you should. Or that it has anything to do with you, Mr Green.’
There was a silence and she saw a brief flicker of annoyance in his face. ‘Your father named me as your guardian.’
‘You!’ She was dismayed and the fingers of her left hand kneaded the sheet as she remembered what her mother had said about her father’s plan for her. ‘I thought my aunt—’ She stopped abruptly. ‘No! Of course not Aunt Esther.’
‘I know it will come as a shock to you, but it seems there was no one else.’ His expression was affable once more as he withdrew an envelope from his pocket. ‘I went to see your aunt as soon as I had the news about the Samson. She was concerned for you and gave me this note. I was to tell you that her home is now your home, and I consider the way matters lie at the moment, that’s not a bad idea.’
Rebekah took the letter and placed it on the bedside cabinet. ‘When can I leave for Liverpool?’
He turned his hat between his hands. ‘I’ve arranged the memorial service for the day after tomorrow. You’ll need some clothes. I’ve asked for some to be brought in for your inspection – and some footwear as well. We’ll be leaving the day after the memorial service.’
‘Thank you. How long have I been here?’
‘Two weeks.’
‘Two weeks!’ She was aghast. Surely if Daniel was alive she would have heard from him? The realisation sapped her newfound strength and she sank back against the pillows, closing her lids tightly on the tears of weakness.
Joshua leant forward and took her hand. ‘There now, Rebekah. Don’t be upsetting yourself. The service will be an ordeal, I know, but I’ll be with you. Don’t be worrying about anything.’
Her wet lashes lifted. ‘I wish people would stop telling me not to worry,’ she said through gritted teeth. ‘I’m frightened, and terribly unhappy, and I don’t know what I’m going to do with the rest of my life. I’ve got loads to worry about!’
‘You’re overwrought.’ He patted her hand. ‘You’ve
suffered a great shock as well as your injuries. It’s natural you’ll feel this way. What you need is building up. I’m certain your aunt will see to that.’
‘Aunt Esther?’ Rebekah laughed slightly hysterically. ‘She’ll expect me to become a Quaker. And I’m not a good girl.’
‘Shh! I’ll get the nurse and she’ll give you something to calm you down.’ he said soothingly, dropping her hand and going out of the room.
Rebekah sobbed into her pillow. What was life going to be like with Joshua Green in charge of her affairs, and her having to live with Aunt Esther? She could not see it being exciting or fun. All her dreams had sunk beneath the stormy waters of the Atlantic. She wanted to die, die, die. She thumped the pillow and unexpectedly remembered that was what Brigid had said too.
By the time Joshua and the nurse entered the room Rebekah had gained some control over her emotions. Willingly she took the tablets that would give her brief respite from her misery. ‘Good girl,’ she heard Joshua say as her eyes closed, and then she drifted, was whizzing across what appeared to be a misty sea. For an instant she recaptured the dream in which she had escaped from the castle and her depression was if anything worse than it had been waking. Then unconsciousness claimed her.
CHAPTER NINE
Daniel was tired when he alighted from the train at Penn station in New York City, but a restless anxiety drove him on through the bustling sidewalks to the vicinity of West 19th Street. It was a fortnight since he had been plucked half-drowned and concussed from the sea to be laid in the bottom of a lifeboat by one of the passengers. He could remember little of what had happened after that but later was told in hospital that the wind had risen and they had lost an oar. The boat had drifted but eventually they were picked up by a liner heading for Philadelphia. The captain had refused to take them to New York, saying his first duty was to his own passengers. He would wire to Green’s agency in New York that they were safe, and once they were fit for travel they could make their own way there.