The Brightest of Dreams

by Susan Anne Mason

  Julia hesitated. “Is it far away?”

  “Not very. We could be there and back by train the same day.”

  She pondered the idea for a moment. If the trip took only one day, she’d be back in plenty of time for Mrs. Middleton. And how could she refuse Quinn’s request after everything he had done for her? She smiled at him. “I’d be happy to go with you.”

  “Really?” Relief spread over his handsome face, easing the lines of tension on his brow.

  “Of course. I owe you at least that much after all the help you’ve given me.”

  “Thank you. That means a lot.”

  “You’re welcome.” She leaned back against the cushions. “While you were gone, Reverend Burke found me a position as a live-in companion to one of his elderly parishioners. But I won’t be needed for about a week.”

  “That’s good news.” He reached out for her hand and squeezed it. The warmth of his fingers contrasted sharply with her chilly ones.

  Under his approving look, she found she couldn’t hold his gaze and gently pulled her hand free. She didn’t deserve such admiration. If he ever learned the truth of how far she’d fallen, he wouldn’t want anything to do with her.

  “You’re pleased, aren’t you? Because if not, I’m sure Reverend Burke could find you something different.”

  “I’m very pleased. Mrs. Middleton seems like a lovely person.”

  “I’m glad.” Quinn leaned forward, his gray eyes radiating sincerity. “All I want is for you to be safe and happy.”

  Julia’s throat tightened. Why couldn’t she have met such an honorable man before this? If she had, perhaps her life wouldn’t be in shambles now.

  “Besides,” he continued, “I have a selfish reason for being pleased about this job. With your room and board paid for, you’ll be able to save enough for your passage home.” He winked at her.

  Her pulse fluttered. She attempted a smile but failed miserably. Her secret sat like a lump of hard coal in her belly. He deserved to know she wouldn’t be going with them. At the very least, she owed him honesty.

  “Quinn, there’s something you should know—”

  “I thought I heard a male voice down here.” Mrs. Chamberlain came bustling into the parlor. “Quinten, how nice to see you again.”

  Quinn shot to his feet, biting back his disappointment at the interruption. What had Julia been about to say? “And you, Mrs. Chamberlain. I hope you don’t mind me dropping by like this.”

  “Not at all. Julia dear, did you offer our guest some refreshments?”

  “N-no, I’m sorry. I didn’t think to.” Julia bit her lip, looking overly distressed for so simple a transgression.

  “Please, don’t worry about that,” Quinn said. “I can’t stay long. I have to get back to the hospital to check on Harry.”

  In truth, he’d worried about leaving the boy alone in the first place, but the urgent desire to see Julia again had won out. Besides, the doctor had told Quinn that with the amount of pain medication Harry had received, he’d likely sleep for a few hours.

  “Is your brother ill?” Mrs. C. asked, concern shining in her pale eyes.

  “No, ma’am.” Quinn relayed the story. But as he did, the color drained from the older woman’s face. “The doctor assures me Harry will recover. It will just take some time, especially in his weakened condition.”

  Mrs. C. reached out to grasp the arm of the chair and lowered herself to the seat, as if her legs wouldn’t hold her.

  Mentally Quinn berated himself for being so insensitive. Of course this would bring back memories of all the suffering she and her sister had endured. “Forgive me, Mrs. C. I shouldn’t be telling you all this. I don’t want to bring up unpleasant memories for you.”

  She shook her head. “No, no. We must speak of such matters. They’ve been kept hidden for too long as it is.”

  “I don’t understand.” Julia frowned. “What does Harry’s situation have to do with Mrs. C.?”

  Quinn looked at the landlady for permission and when she nodded, he briefly explained her history.

  Tears filled Julia’s brown eyes. “How could anyone be so cruel? Especially to orphaned children?”

  “It’s beyond comprehension, really.” Mrs. C. straightened on her chair, a bit of color returning to her cheeks. “I’ve been fooling myself that our Newcomers Program at the church is doing enough to help immigrants, but in reality, we should be addressing this issue head on. It seems the abuse of children has been going on for decades.”

  “What can we do about it?” Julia dabbed a handkerchief to the corners of her eyes.

  “I’m not sure. But I intend to raise the issue at our next meeting. Perhaps if we all put our heads together, we can come up with a plan.”

  Quinn nodded. “That would be a good start. Unfortunately, it doesn’t solve my immediate problem.” Reluctantly he rose, his gaze straying to Julia. “I’d best get back to the hospital.”

  It astounded him how much he hated to leave. Everything about Julia—her beauty both inside and out—drew him to her like a bee to nectar.

  Mrs. C. got to her feet as well. “We’ll all be praying for Harry and for you, dear.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. C.” He picked up his hat and turned to leave.

  At the front door, he realized Julia had followed him.

  She lifted her handbag from the hall table. “If you don’t mind,” she said, “I’d like to go with you.”

  Quinn hesitated. He’d love nothing more than to spend additional time with Julia, but he had no idea what he was in for. “It’s kind of you to offer, but it could be a very long wait.”

  “I’ll stay as long as I can. You shouldn’t be facing this alone.” She gave him a long look as she pinned on her hat. “You helped me at one of my worst times. I’d like to return the favor.”

  His throat tightened, making speech impossible. He sent her a grateful look and then held the door open for her.

  As they headed outside together, Quinn’s shoulders lifted, and for the first time in days, his burdens felt considerably lighter.

  From the parlor window, Harriet watched Quinten and Julia make their way down the sidewalk, her unease only growing.

  Lord, why have you brought this man and his problems to my doorstep? After all these years, I thought I’d paid my dues, done my best to help the newcomers to this country. But why is all the pain from the past coming back to haunt me now?

  She sniffed and dabbed her cheeks with her handkerchief, the answer welling inside her. The atrocities against orphans coming here from their homeland had been going unchecked for far too long. Someone needed to speak out on behalf of the children and shine a light on this injustice. If she’d been braver, she would have done something before now. If only to right the wrong that had caused Annie’s death.

  The uncomfortable truth made her wince. She’d eased her conscience over the years by letting her husband take the lead. They’d started the boardinghouse to provide affordable housing for immigrants, a noble venture in itself, but clearly not enough. And she’d also helped Geoffrey with the Newcomers Program. But it didn’t address the true problem and did nothing to solve the fact that children still suffered at the hands of unscrupulous people.

  Lord, show me what to do. Show me where to begin. And please grant young Harry your healing grace.

  With a last blow of her nose, she marched into the hall to get her purse. She needed to see Geoffrey right away. If anyone could help her determine her next course of action, he could.

  CHAPTER 13

  Seated on the hard chairs at the children’s hospital, Julia began to feel stiff all over. She glanced at the large clock on the wall. They’d been here for three hours. Three hours with no change in Harry’s status.

  Upon their arrival, Quinn had been met with unfortunate news. Harry had experienced a setback and was unconscious, a fact that clearly worried the doctor. Quinn had rushed to his brother’s side, and since the hospital only allowed one visitor per pat
ient, Julia opted to stay in a nearby waiting area. Every so often, Quinn came to update her, and she could tell he was torn, hating for her to be alone, but not wanting to leave Harry.

  It had become clear to Julia that Quinn suffered great guilt over the beating his brother had endured, and no matter what she said to ease his burden, he remained stubbornly entrenched in his culpability. Julia prayed for a way to make him see that it wasn’t his fault.

  She rose from the chair and stretched her lower back. Her stomach growled, reminding her it had been some time since she’d had anything to eat or drink. Over the last week, she’d learned it was better for the nausea not to let her stomach get too empty. She should really find something to eat. But she didn’t want to leave without seeing Quinn again.

  She gathered her purse and set off down the hall. Perhaps she could peek into Harry’s room and get Quinn to step out.

  Two inquiries later, Julia found where Quinn was holding vigil. Harry shared a ward with five other patients, his bed partially curtained to maintain some degree of privacy. The boy lay very still, his face as pale as the sheet that covered him. Quinn sat on a stool by Harry’s side, his head bent over his folded hands. Eyes closed, his lips moving soundlessly, Quinn appeared to be praying.

  Julia hesitated, her confidence wavering. The scene was too intimate, too personal. What right did she have to intrude? She was about to back out when Quinn lifted his head and spied her.

  Immediately, he shot to his feet. “Julia. I’m sorry. I should have come to check on you.”

  “You needn’t worry about me.” She forced a smile. “I came to see how Harry’s doing before I leave.”

  Quinn frowned and pulled out his pocket watch. “I’ve kept you past the lunch hour. I’m sorry.” His eyes were red-rimmed, and his hair was tousled, as though he’d been running his hands through it.

  “I was about to go in search of something to eat,” she said. “Can I get you anything?”

  “Thank you, but I don’t think I’ll be able to eat until I know Harry is all right.”

  She moved closer, noting the boy’s pallor and the bruises marring his arms. “He’s going to recover, Quinn. His body needs this time to heal, but he will wake up. You have to believe that.” In her earnestness, she reached out to squeeze Quinn’s arm.

  The sorrow on his face tore at her heart.

  “I pray you’re right. I don’t know how I’ll live with myself if he doesn’t.”

  It felt only natural for her to lean in and wrap her arms around him. If ever anyone needed a hug, it was Quinn. “Don’t give up. Everyone’s praying for him.”

  “Thank you.” The look of gratitude he gave her made her insides hum. Their gazes stayed locked together for several seconds, long enough for the heat to climb into her cheeks.

  A throat cleared behind them. Julia blinked and stepped back.

  “Dr. Overmire,” Quinn said. “Please, come in.”

  “Sorry to interrupt, but I need to examine Harry again.” The thin man smiled. “If you wouldn’t mind waiting in the outer room, I’ll come and give you an update when I’ve finished.”

  “Certainly. Thank you.” Tension rolled off Quinn in waves as he ushered Julia out of the room.

  She bit her lip. How could she leave now? What if the doctor had bad news? Quinn would need someone here with him. She stopped by the waiting room door.

  “I can stay a bit longer,” she said. “I’d like to hear what the doctor says. If it’s all right with you.”

  “I’d like that. Thank you.”

  “It helps to have someone with you at a time like this.” For a moment, her thoughts flew back to the support Dr. Hawkins had shown her during the difficult days with Sam, both before his death and immediately afterward. She’d appreciated the man’s solicitude, never guessing what a dark road it would lead her down.

  “It does help. More than you know,” he said. “Do you mind if we walk a little? I don’t think I can sit in that waiting room.”

  “Not at all. I’d welcome a chance to stretch my legs.”

  They walked down the corridor to a small alcove where a window overlooked a courtyard. Quinn looked outside, one arm raised against the glass. A shuddering sigh rippled through his body.

  Julia stood slightly behind him, unsure what to say to ease his obvious turmoil. She remained silent, hoping he would open up when he was ready.

  “I hate hospitals,” he said at last, without turning. “They bring me back to the worst time in my life, when my father was dying of consumption.”

  She murmured something sympathetic, feeling terribly inadequate.

  “My father is the main reason I’m on this quest to reunite my family.” His voice was so low she almost missed it.

  Julia frowned. Hadn’t his father passed away a long time ago? “How so?”

  “Before he died, he made me promise to take care of the family. To step up and fill his shoes. And to keep everyone together.” He bowed his head. “I’ve failed miserably in every possible way.”

  “Oh, Quinn. That’s not true.” She rubbed a hand down his arm.

  “I’m afraid it is.” He shook his head. “No matter how hard I worked, I couldn’t provide enough money to keep my mother from losing her children. Not only aren’t they together, they’re on a different continent. And now because of me, Harry is suffering.” Quinn’s jaw muscles clenched. “All I ever wanted was to make my father proud, but I keep falling short.”

  Julia swallowed hard against the tears that were ever present. This man had no idea of his true worth. How noble and courageous he was. “You’re doing your best. No one could ask for more than that.”

  “I doubt my mum would agree. Stuck in that workhouse. It’s worse than the flat you were living in.”

  She could only imagine what the poor woman had gone through. But what Julia didn’t understand was how his mother’s situation would change once Quinn returned. “What do you intend to do if you manage to get all your siblings to come back with you?” she asked. “Surely they won’t end up in the workhouse too.”

  His whole frame stiffened. “I have somewhere in mind,” he said. “Once I get home, I’ll be able to finalize the details.”

  “That sounds promising. Is it in London?”

  “No, it’s not.” His gaze shifted away. “Let’s head back, shall we? The doctor might be finished by now.”

  She frowned. Something about his tone put her on alert. There was a subtle tension and evasiveness to his answer, which led her to believe he was keeping something from her. But what?

  As they walked back toward the waiting room, Julia tugged on Quinn’s hand. “Try not to worry. I’m sure God has a plan for your family and that everything will work out as it’s meant to.”

  He looked down at her, his expression guarded. But he gave a tight smile. “Thank you, Julia. Your support means the world to me.”

  She opened her mouth to respond, but the doctor exited Harry’s room and came toward them.

  “Here’s the doctor now,” she said.

  Quinn had never been so happy for an interruption. How could he explain his plans for his family when they returned to England? If he were to tell Julia about the earl’s reward for bringing her home, she would think his only motivation for helping her was to get his own farm. What had once seemed like the promise to a shiny dream now felt like a tarnished, guilt-laden secret.

  “Mr. Aspinall?” The doctor lowered his clipboard. “I’m happy to report that Harry is improving. He’s no longer unconscious but is sleeping normally. He will be in a great deal of pain until the bruising subsides and the ribs start to heal. The good news is there doesn’t seem to be any internal bleeding. I believe he should make a full recovery.”

  Quinn sagged and released a loud whoosh of air. “That’s excellent news, doctor. Thank you so much.”

  The man studied Quinn. “I would be remiss if I didn’t ask one pertinent question. Do you know who did this to your brother?”

 
Quinn frowned. He’d been so consumed by making sure Harry would recover that he’d almost forgotten the reason for his injuries. He gave a curt nod. “I believe it was Harry’s employer.”

  The doctor’s face darkened. “What that man did is a crime. I would advise you to think about getting the authorities involved and perhaps press charges.”

  “I’ll consider it when Harry is feeling better.”

  Dr. Overmire nodded. “I’ll look in on him again later tonight. If he continues to improve, I’d estimate about three more days before he can be released.”

  Relief wound through Quinn’s system, yet the underlying tension remained. Though the news was good, Quinn would have to put his search for Becky on hold again until he could leave Harry. He only prayed Becky was doing better than her brothers.

  When the doctor disappeared down the corridor, Quinn turned to Julia.

  She was wiping tears from her cheeks. “I’m so happy for Harry. And for you.”

  “Thank you, Julia. I don’t know how I’d have made it through this day without you.”

  Her brown eyes glowed. “I’m glad I could help.” She rose up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek, her soft lips lingering for a second longer than necessary.

  Her scent, a mixture of lavender and vanilla, wrapped around him. Without thinking, he pulled her closer into a hug. Despite the warmth radiating between them, she shivered, then stepped back.

  “I’ll check in tomorrow to see how he’s doing. Try to get some rest. You don’t want to get ill yourself.” Her cheeks were pink, and she averted her gaze.

  Had he embarrassed her by his display of affection? Get a grip, man. Remember your place.

  “I’d best be off. If I’m lucky, Mrs. C.’s cook will have saved me a plate.” She gave a light laugh, likely an attempt to relieve the awkward moment.