“It’s not your fault.”
“No, but I resent any man who would use his power or position to threaten a woman or treat her with disrespect. Women ought to be protected, no matter what their class or station, not misused or made to feel afraid for their safety.”
She turned her piercing gaze on him. “If you truly believe that, then you ought to hire a different assistant.”
He frowned. “What?”
“I went to your office in London. You weren’t there, but I met your assistant.”
“You mean Jonathan Phillips?”
“I don’t remember his name, but I know his type. He’s not an honorable man.”
Confusing thoughts clashed in his mind. “You went to our office in London and our assistant was…inappropriate?”
“Exactly. And if I hadn’t run away, I’m afraid he would’ve done much worse.”
Her reply hit him like a blow to his chest. “I’m so sorry. I do apologize.” He shook his head. “I knew Phillips was lazy and deceptive, but I had no idea he would threaten our female clients.” Andrew set his jaw. “I’ll speak to Henry and see that Phillips is dismissed as soon as we return to London.”
Laura pulled in a sharp breath. “I don’t want him to lose his job. Can’t you just speak to him and make him understand what he did was wrong?”
Andrew shook his head. “It won’t be his first reprimand. Even with the threat of losing his position, I doubt he’ll change his ways.” He thought for a moment. “When was this?”
“After I learned my brother and sisters had been put on the list for Canada, I knew I needed legal help. You had given me your card, so I went to your office hoping to see you, but…”
“I was out, and you had to deal with our wretched assistant.”
She nodded, then stared out at the ocean.
“But we’re here together now. Please continue.” He settled back and listened while she relayed what had happened after she arrived in London to help her mother, then how she had followed her siblings from London to Liverpool.
He grew more concerned as she told him how all her efforts to visit her siblings had been blocked. Her pleas to straighten out the mistake had been ignored as well.
“So, that’s why I’m bound for Canada. I have to find my brother and sisters and bring them home.”
He gave a thoughtful nod. “All right. Let me speak to Henry—”
“No!” She leaned toward Andrew. “You mustn’t tell him.”
“But we’re partners in the investigation. I can’t keep something like this from Henry.”
“Helping me and my family won’t interfere with your investigation. It’s a separate matter. Please promise me you’ll keep what I’ve told you in confidence, at least until we reach Canada and I find out where my brother and sisters have been placed.”
He didn’t like the idea of withholding the matter from his friend, but she’d set an end point to keeping the secret. He could live with that. “All right. I won’t say anything to him now, but I hope you’ll come to trust us both to do what’s best for you and your family.”
13
Katie set her jaw and stared straight ahead as Dr. Richardson pulled the open carriage to a stop in front of the Belleville receiving home. She’d stayed there only one night, and she barely remembered the place.
The doctor climbed down without a word and started toward the front gate. When Katie didn’t follow, he stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Well, don’t just sit there like a stone statue. Climb down.”
She thought of refusing, but if she did, he’d just come and grab her and he wouldn’t be gentle about it. She hopped to the ground and trudged up the walk, toward the huge white house with black shutters and a wraparound porch.
What would they say when the doctor announced he was returning her to the home? What would happen to her then? Her stomach swirled, and she put her hand over her mouth and swallowed hard. Please, Lord, don’t let me lose my breakfast.
When they reached the front door, he turned and gripped her shoulder. “Keep your mouth closed, and don’t even think about telling any more of your lies. Do you hear me?”
Katie lifted her chin and looked away, the memory of his stinging slap silencing her. There was no point in arguing with him now.
He opened the door without knocking, stepped inside, and strode down the front hall. Katie followed him, glancing around and trying to remember what she could of her first and only night there.
A middle-aged woman in a black skirt and white blouse stepped into the hall from one of the rooms on the right. Her eyebrows rose as she saw them approach. “Good day, sir.”
“Are you the one in charge here?”
She nodded. “I am Mrs. Woodward. How can I help you?”
“I’m bringing this girl back.” He jerked his thumb toward Katie. “We don’t want her in our home any longer.” He turned away.
Mrs. Woodward’s eyes widened. “Wait, sir! What is your name?”
He stopped and looked back. “Dr. Thomas Richardson.”
“And the girl’s name?”
He shook his head. “I can’t recall. You’ll have to ask her.”
Mrs. Woodward shifted her concerned gaze to Katie. “Young lady, what is your name?”
“Katherine McAlister, ma’am.”
The woman nodded. “Dr. Richardson, please come into my office so we can discuss this matter.”
He lifted his hand. “I don’t have time for a discussion. I have patients to tend to this morning.”
“I’m only asking for a few minutes of your time. Certainly you can—”
“My mind is made up! The girl is obstinate, and she can’t do a decent day’s work. She was disrespectful to my wife, and she can’t care for the children. She’s no use to us.”
“Some children just need a little time to settle in and—”
His expression hardened into a scowl. “I never should’ve taken in a home child. They’re all tainted and set on sin. It’s in their blood.”
Mrs. Woodward pulled back. “Dr. Richardson, surely as a medical man you know a home child is no different than any other. They simply need instruction and discipline so they can become productive members of society. That’s part of the responsibility you take on when you accept one of our children into your home.”
“I don’t have time to reform her, and I’m not inclined to believe it’s possible.” He turned and strode off down the hall.
“Dr. Richardson, there are papers to sign!”
He walked out the front door and slammed it behind him.
Mrs. Woodward closed her eyes and lifted her hand to her forehead. “My goodness. What a way to start the day.” She sighed and looked at Katie again. “Well, young lady, it seems you’ve been released from a hard situation.”
Katie blinked, surprised the woman didn’t scold her.
“I’m afraid some people have their minds set against home children, and there’s nothing you can say or do to change them.” She laid her hand on Katie’s shoulder. “What he said about you being tainted is not true. I hope you won’t take it to heart.” She gave Katie’s shoulder a gentle pat. “Come with me into my office and we’ll see what’s to be done for you.”
Katie followed Mrs. Woodward and took the chair she indicated in front of her desk.
The woman stopped at a filing cabinet and pulled open the top drawer. “You said your name is McAlister?”
“Yes ma’am, Katherine McAlister, but I’m called Katie.”
Mrs. Woodward thumbed through the files. “Here we are.” She pulled out a plain brown folder and took a seat at her desk. With one more glance at Katie, she opened the file and adjusted her spectacles.
Katie sat on the edge of her chair, watching Mrs. Woodward as she leafed through several papers. So far, the woman had b
een kind, but she had no idea what would happen next.
Mrs. Woodward looked up with a slight smile. “The staff at Hughes and Grangeford say you have good character and are skilled in household chores and sewing. They believed you would do well here.”
“I tried to do what Dr. and Mrs. Richardson asked, but I’m not used to working from early morning until late at night and managing six unruly children besides.”
Mrs. Woodward’s eyebrows rose. “That’s what they asked you to do?”
“Yes ma’am. They have a cook who is also their housekeeper, but she would rather give me orders than do any of the work herself.”
Mrs. Woodward lowered her chin and looked at Katie over the top of her spectacles. “Were you obstinate and disrespectful to Dr. and Mrs. Richardson or their housekeeper?”
Katie glanced away and bit her lip. “I did ask questions when I didn’t know how to do something, and I cried and said some things I shouldn’t have when they wouldn’t give me anything to eat for lunch or dinner.”
Mrs. Woodward’s brow creased. “They withheld meals from you?”
“Yes ma’am, several times.”
“That is not an acceptable means of discipline.” The woman pursed her lips and flipped through a few more papers. Finally, she closed the file and looked at Katie. “You’ve had a difficult beginning, but I’m sure we can find a more suitable placement for you.” The kindness in her voice made Katie’s throat tighten.
Mrs. Woodward wasn’t going to reprimand or punish her. She was going to find her a new home with people who would treat her kindly. “Thank you, ma’am.” A thought struck, and she straightened. “Could I stay with my sister Grace? We came over from England together, but she was sent off with another family.”
Mrs. Woodward sent her a sympathetic look. “Let me see.” She returned to the filing cabinet, pulled out another file, and scanned the papers within.
With a sigh and a sad shake of her head, she placed the file back in the drawer. “I’m sorry, Katie.” Mrs. Woodward returned to the desk. “The family who took your sister only wanted one child. They plan to adopt her. They’re not looking for a domestic.”
Katie sagged back in the chair, painful disappointment washing over her again. When would she see her sister?
“Now, don’t be discouraged. I’m sure we can find a place for you.” She sorted through a stack of papers on the corner of her desk and pulled out one near the bottom. “Here we are. This may be just the answer we’re looking for.”
Katie lifted her gaze to meet Mrs. Woodward’s, but she had a hard time feeling hopeful.
“Reverend Paxton from Roslin wrote to us about a family in need of a domestic.” Mrs. Woodward held the letter out a bit farther and squinted. “Mr. Howard Hoffman and his wife, Ella, live on a farm north of town. Mrs. Hoffman has a new baby and two other young children to care for.” She smiled and looked up. “I’m sure you would be a great help to a young mother. And with only two children to look after, that would be a lighter workload than you were carrying at the Richardsons’.”
Katie clasped her hands together as Mrs. Woodward read the description of the new family. She’d never lived on a farm. She hadn’t even visited one. But she had helped her mum care for Grace since she was born, and watching two children sounded easier than trying to manage six while doing all the household chores.
“I think the Hoffmans would be a good situation for you. Don’t you agree?”
Katie shifted on her chair. What choice did she have? She had to go somewhere, and this family sounded like they needed help. She looked up. “Yes ma’am.”
“All right. I’ll contact the reverend and make the arrangements.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“Now, Katie, you must promise to be respectful and obedient and make every effort to be a good help to this new family.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Very good.” She rose from her chair. “Come with me and we’ll get you settled here for the time being.”
Katie stood and followed Mrs. Woodward out of her office.
As soon as the woman stepped into the hall, she turned. “What about your trunk?”
“Dr. Richardson brought it with us.”
“I hope he left it for you. If not, I’ll send someone to his house to collect it.”
Mrs. Woodward walked down the hall and out the front door. Katie hurried after her and spotted her trunk at the bottom of the porch steps. Closing her eyes, she sent off a prayer of thanks. That trunk held all she had left in the world…except for the cross necklace Mum had given her and her fading memories of her family and home.
* * *
Laura snuggled down deeper in her blanket, but she couldn’t ignore the gentle rise and fall of the ship or the cool, salty breeze tickling her nose. The sound of water whooshing against the side of the ship finally stirred her from sleep. She opened one eye and peeked out at the early morning sky. Soft pink clouds floated on the horizon over the gray-green sea.
All around her, the girls slept sprawled out on the deck. She sat with her back to the wall of the ship, leaning against something soft but solid. She glanced to the right and stilled. She was leaning against Andrew Frasier’s arm and shoulder.
Her face warmed, and the events of last evening came back to her mind, bringing her fully awake. The ship was still moving westward. That must mean the crew had brought the fire under control. If that was true, why hadn’t they sounded the all clear and let them return to their cabins?
The last thing she remembered was listening to Andrew talk about his travels in Italy as they watched the full moon rise over the silvery sea. She must have fallen asleep after that and sagged against him, and he’d been kind enough to let her stay.
If she moved now, she might wake him, so she sat still and studied his face. His deep-set eyes were closed, and his lips were slightly parted. His slow, steady breathing assured her he was sound asleep. Brown stubble shaded his strong chin and upper lip, giving him a roguish look, quite different than his usual clean-shaven appearance.
A smile lifted the corners of her mouth. There was no denying he was handsome, and last night he’d proven he was also a man of courage and conviction. In spite of the danger, he had not given up searching for Anna May until he found her and carried her to safety. Then he’d listened to more of Laura’s family’s story and agreed to keep her secret for now. He’d even promised to help her search for her siblings. All those actions stirred her heart and drew her to him.
But a warning traveled through her, and she gave her head a slight shake. Andrew Frasier might be a caring man who sincerely wanted to help her, but he would never be interested in her in a romantic way. They came from two different worlds, and she must remember that and guard her heart.
Andrew shifted, and his eyes slowly opened.
She pulled in a quick breath and leaned away.
He blinked against the morning light, then focused on her. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, Mr. Frasier.” She brushed a hand down her wrinkled dress and stifled a groan. She was a rumpled mess.
He chuckled. “I believe in our present circumstances it would be all right for you to call me Andrew.”
Her hand stilled, and she looked at him. “I’m not sure that would be proper.”
“I don’t see why not.” He glanced at the blankets pooled around them on the deck. “I hope you’ll consider me your friend, especially after the events of last night.”
“I do. I just don’t want to make any assumptions about our…connection.”
His mouth tugged up on one side. “No need to worry about that. Please call me Andrew, and with your permission I’ll call you Laura unless, of course, we’re with others. Then I’ll address you as Miss Hopkins, as you’ve asked.”
Her heart warmed. “Thank you. I appreciate
your kindness.”
He returned her smile. “Of course. That’s what any gentleman would do in a situation like this.”
“But not every man is a gentleman.”
His smile eased. “I’m afraid that’s true, but Henry and I will look out for you and do what we can for you and your family.”
Before she could reply, footsteps sounded behind her. She turned as a crewman strode up the deck toward them.
“It looks like he has news.” Andrew rose and straightened his suit jacket. He extended his hand to her.
Laura hesitated for a split second, then reached out and took hold. He helped her to her feet. Her face flushed, and she averted her gaze. She tugged her skirt into place. Her hair had come undone, and a few strands fell across her face.
“I must look a fright.” She lifted her hand and tried to smooth back her hair.
“Not at all. You look lovely.” As soon as the words left his mouth, his face turned ruddy, and he shifted his gaze to the approaching crewman.
Henry, Rose, Andrew, and Laura crossed the deck to meet him.
The man’s tired face was smudged with soot. “The fire has been put out. You’re free to return to your cabins. Breakfast will be delayed until nine o’clock.” He started to step away.
But Henry reached for his arm. “Was anyone killed or injured in the fire?”
“No sir. I’m thankful to report we all made it through with just a few minor burns and raw throats.”
“Very good. We’re glad to hear it. What about damages to the ship?”
Lines creased the weary crewman’s forehead. “We lost two of the four boilers. That will slow us down and add three or four days to the trip.”
Rose leaned closer. “But the ship is not in danger?”
“No ma’am. The steel plates in the boiler room helped contain the fire to that area. The captain inspected the damage this morning, and he believes we can safely continue the journey.”
Rose nodded, looking relieved. “Thank you, and please thank the captain and all those who fought the fire. We’re very grateful.”
No Ocean Too Wide Page 21
