No Ocean Too Wide Page 9

  Heat surged into Katie’s face once again, and she pressed her lips together.

  “Remember, Katherine, humility will take you much further than pride.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Heaven knows we are overcrowded here.” The matron looked through the papers in the file once more and heaved a sigh. “We have four girls leaving for Liverpool on Wednesday. I’ll put your name on the list to go with them.”

  Katie leaned forward and gripped the edge of the matron’s desk. “Please, ma’am, my sister Grace must go too. We have to stay together.”

  The matron pulled another file from her desk drawer. She frowned as she scanned the first page. “Grace is only seven. She’s too young to be of much help to a family.”

  “But I’ll take care of her. She won’t be any trouble.”

  The matron tapped her fingers on the desk as she looked through the rest of the papers in Grace’s file. Finally, she looked up. “All right. There might be a family willing to take you both.”

  Relief rushed through Katie. “Thank you, ma’am. I promise we’ll do what we’re told and be respectful. As long as we can stay together, that’s all that matters to us.”

  The matron’s eyes softened for a second, but then a shadow crossed her expression. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. Mrs. Hastings will see that you have what you need for the trip to Liverpool. The staff at the home there will help you prepare and pack your trunk for sailing. You should be off for Canada very soon to start your new life.” She closed the file. “You may go.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.” Katie turned and left the matron’s office, her emotions rising and falling like she was already aboard a ship. They had to follow Garth. That was their only choice now that Mum and Dad were gone. Laura hadn’t answered her letter, and Mrs. Graham seemed to have forgotten about them too.

  Her eyes stung, but she blinked back her tears as she climbed the stairs in search of her sister. When she reached the top-floor dormitory, she spotted Grace standing by her bed, brushing her hair.

  Katie hurried across the room. “I talked to the matron.”

  Grace spun around. “Has she heard from Mum?”

  Pain pierced Katie’s heart. She hadn’t told her sister the sad news in Garth’s last note. She couldn’t seem to find the courage to say those painful words aloud. Grace loved Mum so much. How could she tell her they would never hear her gentle voice or see her caring smile again? She’d have to tell her sometime, but not today.

  She shook her head and reached for Grace’s hand. “The matron said we can go to Canada.”

  Grace’s blue eyes rounded. “But what about Mum? Won’t she be worried if we go so far away?”

  Katie ran her thumb over the top of Grace’s hand, searching for the right words to reassure her sister. “I think Mum wants the three of us to stay together. And since Garth is going, we should go too.”

  “But then Laura won’t know where to find us.”

  Those words hit Katie like a fresh blow to the chest. She pulled in a deep breath, sat on the bed, and patted the blanket beside her. “Sit down, Grace.”

  Her little sister sank down next to her.

  “Laura hasn’t answered my letter or come to see us. She probably can’t get away to come to London. And even if she could, I don’t think she’d be able to take care of us.”

  Grace’s chin wobbled. “But Laura loves us.”

  Katie nodded, though she wasn’t sure of it anymore, and then pulled Grace into a hug.

  Why hadn’t Laura answered her letter? Katie had told her sister what happened to Mum and where they’d been taken. It didn’t make sense. Laura usually wrote every week and visited the family as often as she could. They had always been close…at least she’d thought they were.

  Katie patted her sister’s back. She had to be the one to comfort Grace now that Mum was gone and Laura had left them on their own. And she would always take care of Grace no matter what happened. “It will be all right,” she said softly. “The matron says Canada is a wonderful place, and we’ll be able to stay together with a family.”

  “Garth too?”

  Katie hoped that was true, but doubts rose in her mind. What if they were sent somewhere far away from Garth? What if this decision to go to Canada was a terrible mistake? She’d lost Dad and Mum. How would she survive without Garth?

  She closed her eyes, a silent plea rising from her heart. Please, Father, watch over us, keep us safe, and help us find a way to stay together.

  * * *

  Laura pushed Mum’s wheelchair outside, into the small garden behind St. Joseph’s Hospital. What a relief to leave the dingy, antiseptic-smelling ward even for a few minutes.

  Mum was still weak and could walk only a few steps, but Laura had pleaded with the nurse for permission to take her outside for some fresh air. The nurse had reluctantly agreed as long as Mum bundled up, and Laura promised not to keep her out too long.

  Early afternoon sunlight filtered through the tall trees around the edge of the garden, sending lacy shadows across the brick path.

  Mum lifted her face and closed her eyes. “It’s wonderful to feel the warmth of the sun again. And just listen to the birds.”

  “Yes, it’s lovely out here.” Laura glanced around the garden, taking in the winding path and the wisteria vines climbing the walls with purple blossoms just coming into bloom. She parked the wheelchair next to a wooden bench at the side of the path and tucked the soft blanket tighter across Mum’s lap. “Are you warm enough?”

  “Yes, dear, I’m fine.” Mum smiled up at Laura and reached for her hand. “Thank you. It’s such a comfort to have you here.”

  Laura squeezed Mum’s fingers. “I’m glad I can be here.”

  Mum shifted in her wheelchair. “Were you able to see Reverend Bush?”

  “Yes, we talked for almost an hour this morning.” Laura sat on the end of the bench closest to Mum. “I was glad to speak to someone who actually wanted to listen to our story.”

  “What advice did he have for us?”

  Laura glanced away and chose her words carefully. “He was sympathetic, and he said to tell you he is praying for you. But guardianship is a legal matter, not one that he can solve for us.”

  Mum’s hopeful expression faded. “I’m sorry to hear that. I thought a letter from him might convince that matron at Grangeford to let you take the children.”

  Laura was disappointed as well, but Reverend Bush had helped her realize she wasn’t ready to accept full responsibility for her siblings. She had no income until she returned to Bolton or found a new position, and she couldn’t expect the Grahams to house and feed them all indefinitely.

  She pushed her discouragement away and focused on Mum again. “He said he would try to help me find a new position. Then I can save my earnings toward renting a flat and paying the fees at Grangeford.”

  Mum gave a tired sigh. “I don’t understand why they charge us for the children’s care. It doesn’t seem charitable, especially when they know no loving parent wants to put their child in a home.”

  “I agree, but Reverend Bush assured me they would be well cared for until we’re able to bring them home with us.”

  Hopeful light flickered in Mum’s blue-gray eyes. “So, you’re going to stay in London?”

  Laura nodded. “I think it’s best.”

  “Oh, thank you, dear. I’m so grateful. Will you stay with the Grahams for now?”

  “Yes. They’ve been very kind. And Reverend Bush said I may call on him again in three days, and he’ll let me know if he has heard about any open positions. He suggested I check the newspapers and contact an employment agency.”

  Mum took Laura’s hand. “That sounds like a fine plan. I’ll pray for the right position with a good family.”

  Laura’s stomach tensed. She’d thought the Harr
ingtons were a good family until their nephew arrived and made her life miserable. How could she be sure she wasn’t putting herself in a dangerous situation again?

  “Your experience as a lady’s maid for the Frasiers should be helpful.”

  “I hope so.” But she couldn’t count on it. The competition would be stiff here in London. She might have to start at the bottom again, as a chambermaid or perhaps even a kitchen maid, but that didn’t matter. She would take whatever position she could find to stay in London and be near her family.

  She needed to write to Mrs. Frasier and explain why she couldn’t return to Bolton. She was a kind woman, and Laura hoped she would understand. But leaving without giving proper notice put her mistress in an awkward position. She might not give Laura a letter of recommendation.

  What would Andrew Frasier think about her decision? Would he believe she had taken advantage of the situation, accepted the money, and never intended to return? Her heart sank at that thought.

  “Laura?” Mum tipped her head. “Did you hear what I said?”

  “No, I’m sorry.”

  Mum smiled. “You looked like you were miles away.”

  “I was just thinking that I have to write to the Frasiers and tell them I won’t be coming back to Bolton.”

  “Yes, you should. I’m sure when you explain why your family needs you here, they’ll understand.” Mum gazed across the garden for a few seconds, then looked back at Laura. “Perhaps I should write a letter to the matron at Grangeford.”

  “I don’t think she’ll let the children go until we pay the fees.”

  “She might not release them to you, but at least I could appeal for a visit. I’d feel so much more at ease if you could see them and assure them I’m going to get well, and they’ll be able to come home soon.”

  Laura wasn’t sure a letter would sway the matron, but it would make Mum feel better to try.

  “And I’ll write to each of the children as well,” Mum added with a smile. “That should cheer them and give them something to hold on to.”

  “I’m sure they’d love to receive a letter from you.”

  “All right, then. Let’s go inside and see if we can find some paper and a pen.”

  Laura pushed Mum back across the garden, and her thoughts shifted to Katie and Grace. The matron had said the girls were having a difficult time adjusting to the routine at Grangeford. What did she mean by that? How could anyone be happy in such a stark, gloomy place?

  A new surge of determination filled her. She would go to Grangeford again and take Mum’s letter to the matron. That might open the door for a visit. If not, she could at least make sure her siblings received a comforting message from Mum so they would not think they were forgotten.

  6

  Katie held tight to Grace’s hand and followed Mrs. Hastings and the other four girls through the crowded train station. Her heart pounded in her ears, and her face felt hot. She’d never ridden on a train before. Her father had died after his train careened off the tracks and tumbled down a hillside, killing or injuring everyone on board.

  Were she and Grace headed for the same fate?

  She lifted her hand to her mouth and swallowed hard, trying not to lose her breakfast.

  Back at Grangeford, when she learned they would travel to Liverpool by train, she’d almost refused to go. But she had promised Garth they would follow him to Canada, and she could not break a promise to her brother, no matter how much the thought of riding a train frightened her.

  Somehow she would have to find the courage to board that train for the first leg of their journey.

  Grace sent an anxious glance around the bustling station. “I’m scared, Katie.”

  “Just hold tight to my hand, and you’ll be all right.” But Katie couldn’t hide the tremor in her own voice.

  “Will Garth be on the train?”

  He had probably already left for Liverpool. Still, she didn’t want to dampen Grace’s hopes. “I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see.”

  Mrs. Hastings stopped under a sign that read To the Trains and turned toward the six girls. “I’ll speak to the gate agent, and I want you all to pass through and wait for me on the other side.”

  Katie and Grace fell in line behind Jenny, Alice, Martha, and Ethel. Mrs. Hastings showed their tickets to the man at the gate, and he motioned the girls through the turnstile.

  Katie stepped out onto the train platform and glanced around. A high arched roof sheltered the tracks and platforms. A few pigeons flew back and forth, cooing and fluttering their wings. A large round clock displayed the time, and several signs hung overhead: Booking Office, Cloak Room, Enquiry Office, Way Out.

  “Come along, girls.” Mrs. Hastings led them down Platform Number Two, and they lined up under a sign that read Wait Here for Third Class.

  Katie brushed a piece of lint from Grace’s shoulder and folded down her sister’s coat collar in the back. They both wore ivory straw hats with a navy blue ribbon around the crown and navy blue hip-length coats over light blue dresses. Each girl carried a small satchel containing a nightgown and undergarments. Mrs. Hastings had told them they would receive a trunk of new clothing for their trip to Canada when they reached Liverpool.

  A train whistle blew in the distance. Katie turned and looked down the tracks. A huge locomotive rolled into the station, looking like a fearful, fiery dragon billowing black smoke from a chimney up top. The brakes screeched and steam hissed out, creating a misty cloud around them as the train slowed to a stop by their platform.

  Katie clasped Grace’s hand and stepped back while the other girls surged forward.

  Mrs. Hastings held out her arm. “Not yet, girls. We must wait until the arriving passengers disembark.”

  Katie watched as several people stepped down from the train. Most were well-dressed men in business suits, along with a few women wearing large hats and colorful coats and dresses. One woman carried a baby in her arms, and another held tight to the hand of a young boy wearing a sailor suit.

  “All right, girls, follow me.” Mrs. Hastings grabbed up her skirt and mounted the steps to the train car. Katie, Grace, and the other girls hurried after her.

  They found their seats in the middle of the car and stowed their satchels in the rack overhead. Katie and Grace sat together across from Jenny and Martha. Mrs. Hastings sat on the other side of the aisle, facing Alice and Ethel. The air in the car was stuffy and smelled of cigar smoke. Katie wished she could open the window, but she wasn’t sure how the latches worked. The seats were slightly padded on the bottom, but the back was hard wood. She shifted on the bench seat and tried to get comfortable. How long would it take to reach Liverpool? No one had told her, and she hadn’t thought to ask.

  “What’s wrong? Seat too hard for you?” Jenny’s voice carried a taunt.

  “No, it’s fine.” Katie turned and looked away, hoping to squelch the conversation. Jenny had continually mocked and teased her at the home, and it seemed she planned to continue doing the same on their journey.

  “Why are you moping? We’re the lucky ones.” Jenny sent her a smug smile. “We got away from Grangeford.”

  “I’m not moping.”

  “Well, you don’t look very happy.”

  Katie clenched her jaw, determined not to answer.

  “You ought to be glad they picked you. Not everyone gets chosen to go to Canada.”

  Martha leaned toward Jenny. “Of course she’s not happy. She thinks she’s better than everyone else.”

  Fire flashed through Katie. “I do not!”

  Mrs. Hastings looked their way, a warning in her stern expression.

  “You’re no better than us.” Jenny lowered her voice, but it held the same hurtful tone. “You’re an orphan off the street just like we are.”

  “We’re not orphans!” Grace jutted out her chin
, and pink splotches colored her cheeks. “And we didn’t live on the street! We have a mum who loves us!”

  Pain throbbed in Katie’s chest. Grace didn’t know the truth, and she couldn’t tell her now, not in front of these girls. If she did, they’d only torment them and bring Grace to tears.

  Jenny narrowed her eyes. “If you’re not orphans, then why were you sent to Grangeford?”

  Grace darted a frustrated glance at Katie, urging her to speak up for them.

  Katie lifted her chin. “Our mum was ill and had to go to the hospital. That’s why we were sent to the home.”

  Jenny shook her head. “I don’t believe it. You’re lying!”

  Grace leaned forward. “We are not!”

  “Yes, you are! You just don’t want to admit you’ve got no family left!”

  Mrs. Hastings rose from her seat. “Girls, lower your voices at once! That is no way to behave, especially not in public.” She pursed her lips, glaring at Katie and Grace, then shifting her sharp gaze to Jenny and Martha. “Now, you will act like well-mannered young ladies and remain silent for the rest of the trip.”

  “But, Mrs. Hastings, it was Katie who—”

  “I expect you to obey! Not one more word or you will stand at the back of the train car until we reach Liverpool. Do you understand?”

  “Yes ma’am,” they all replied.

  But as soon as Mrs. Hastings returned to her seat, Jenny smirked and rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “She’s such an old goat,” she whispered.

  Martha lifted her hand and covered her mouth, choking back her laughter.

  Katie stared at them. They didn’t care what Mrs. Hastings said. It was all a joke to them. They were used to being scolded every day for breaking one rule or another.

  But Katie had been raised to respect her elders and treat everyone with kindness. She wasn’t used to being taunted and teased by other children, and she certainly wasn’t used to being considered a troublemaker by the adults in her life.