“I’m so sorry, Laura. I know this has to be terribly difficult for you.” His tender words nearly undid her.
“I’m trying to keep a clear head and hold on to hope, but I’m so afraid for Katie. My mum will be devastated if…”
Andrew slipped his arm around her shoulders, and she rested her head against his upper arm, letting his strength flow in and around her.
“Try not to worry,” he said softly. “Dr. Taylor seems like a capable man, and we’ll do all we can to help her recover.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, savoring his caring touch and wishing she could always stay this close to him.
He lowered his arm, then turned toward her. A serious look filled his eyes. Her breath caught, and she knew he had something important to say.
“Before I came to Canada, my opinion about child emigration was based on what I’d seen at Dr. Barnardo’s presentations. The children he put on display were all scrubbed clean and dressed alike, singing songs and reciting Scripture. They looked happy and healthy and eager to sail to Canada. And I believed every word the doctor said about giving those children the opportunity to build new lives here.
“I read Doyle’s report on child emigration when we prepared for this trip, but I felt certain the problems he wrote about in 1875 must have been addressed by now. I couldn’t fathom that conditions might have stayed the same or even gotten worse since then.
“Then I met the girls on the ship.” A smile lifted one side of his mouth. “They were delightful, and I was sure they’d have bright futures with their new families. Our visits yesterday seemed to confirm my opinion. All that made me believe Katie would be fine and you were concerned without reason.”
He reached for her hand. “I had no idea how wrong I was. You tried to tell me, but I didn’t listen, and I regret that deeply.”
Laura released a trembling breath and held tight to his hand.
“Will you forgive me, Laura, and give me a chance to make things right?”
Her heart swelled. “Yes.”
“I promise you, Katie’s suffering will not be in vain. Her story will be included in our report, and I’m confident it will have a great impact on those who have the power to change how child emigration is handled.”
She studied his face. Was that all he meant to do? “I have to find my brother and other sister. I can’t bear the thought of them suffering as Katie has.”
He gave a firm nod. “We’ll find them. You can count on that.”
Katie shifted her head on the pillow, and her eyes fluttered open. “I’ve seen Garth,” she whispered.
Laura gasped and crossed to the bed. “Katie?”
“Garth…I’ve seen him.” Her voice was so soft Laura could barely hear her.
Was she dreaming, or had she really seen their brother? Laura knelt and leaned closer. “Where did you see him?”
“At church.”
Laura shot a glance at Andrew, then focused on Katie again. “Here in Roslin?”
Katie pulled in a shallow breath. “Yes. He works for a farmer…Eli Gilchrest.”
Andrew pulled a small notebook from his pocket and jotted down the name.
“Have you seen Grace?”
Katie’s cracked lips trembled. “No…not Grace.”
Andrew tucked his notebook in his pocket. “I’ll go now and make inquiries.”
Laura rose, a surge of hope filling her heart. “Thank you, Andrew.”
He reached for her hand once more, confidence shining in his eyes. “We’ll find them, Laura. I promise.”
* * *
The next morning Andrew sat beside Henry in their rented buggy and surveyed the rolling fields as they rode toward the Gilchrest farm. Two young men working with hoes made their way down the rows of potatoes, digging up weeds and pitching them into the path behind them.
Andrew scanned their forms and what he could see of their faces beneath their hats. One was a brawny redhead, and the other was a tall, wiry fellow with light brown hair. Both looked like they were in their early twenties, and neither resembled Laura or Katie.
Henry pulled the buggy to a stop in front of the simple farmhouse. They climbed down and started up the path toward the front door.
“Hello,” someone called behind them.
Andrew and Henry turned.
A young man in the corral next to the barn lifted his hand. “Can I help you?”
“Yes please,” Henry called.
The young man climbed over the fence and strode toward them. At first glance he didn’t look like Laura or Katie. But as he came closer, Andrew saw the resemblance in his intelligent eyes, high forehead, and slim, straight nose.
Energy surged through Andrew. “Garth McAlister?”
The young man’s eyebrows rose. “Yes?”
“My name is Andrew Frasier, and this is Mr. Henry Dowd.”
Garth shook hands with them. “You sound like you’re from England.”
Andrew nodded. “We are, and we have a message for you from your sisters.”
His eyes widened. “My sisters?”
“Yes. We’ve become acquainted with Laura, and she has come from England to search for you and your sisters and bring you home.”
Garth’s mouth fell open. “Laura is here in Canada?”
“Yes, she’s in Roslin now, caring for your sister Katie.”
His joyful expression faltered. “What’s wrong with Katie?”
“I’m afraid she was poorly treated by the family who took her in, and she’s quite ill.”
Garth’s expression darkened. “I knew there was trouble when I saw her at church.” His Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. “Is she going to be all right?”
“We hope so. She’s under a doctor’s care, and Laura and her friend Rose Carson are with her.”
He clenched his jaw. “I should’ve done something the last time I saw Katie. I could tell they weren’t treating her right.”
“What’s going on?” A male voice rang out behind them, and a screen door slammed.
Andrew and Henry turned toward the house.
A tall, bearded man in faded overalls hustled down the porch steps and strode toward them. He narrowed his dark eyes as he looked them over. “Who are you?”
Henry gave his name and Andrew’s. “We’re representatives of the British government’s Commission on Child Emigration. We’ve come to speak to you about Garth McAlister.”
Suspicion lit the man’s eyes. “What about him?”
“There’s been a mistake made concerning Garth. He never should’ve been sent to Canada.”
“That makes no sense.”
“I assure you, sir, when you hear the full story, you’ll understand and agree he should be returned into the care of his mother.”
Garth’s head jerked toward Henry. “My mother?”
“Yes, she has recovered, and she deeply regrets that you were sent away without her knowledge or permission.”
Garth stared at him. “But…I thought she died.”
Andrew placed his hand on Garth’s shoulder. “I promise you she is alive and well in London.”
Garth’s gaze darted from Andrew to Mr. Gilchrest. “I have to go back to London. My mum needs me.”
Gilchrest lowered his bushy eyebrows. “I have a contract that says you’ll work for me until you’re eighteen.”
“But I thought she’d passed away. That’s the only reason I agreed to come to Canada.”
“That’s not my concern.” Gilchrest crossed his brawny arms. “I paid the fee for this boy. I’ve given him a place to live, food, and a good deal of training. He’s obliged to stay and finish his term. After that he can do whatever he likes.”
Andrew studied the burly farmer, trying to think of a way to persuade him to change his mind. He softened h
is tone. “Mr. Gilchrest, do you have a wife and children?”
The man’s face turned ruddy, and his expression hardened. “Not anymore.”
Andrew eased in a breath, regretting his question. “I’m sorry. But you must know the ties that bind families together are not meant to be broken simply because of a misunderstanding.”
Gilchrest glared at them. “Family ties are for sentimental fools. They mean nothing to me. The boy works for me until the contract ends, and that’s all there is to say about it.”
“Please, sir, don’t make a hasty decision—”
“Are you hard of hearing?” Gilchrest’s voice rose. “I told you the boy stays. Now get off my land, and don’t come back!”
Henry lifted his hand in a calming gesture. “We understand your position, but Garth is here because of a series of misunderstandings. We simply want to straighten those out and return the boy to his family.” He turned to Garth. “We’ll contact a local judge and present the situation to him. That should help clear up the matter.”
Andrew nodded. “When the judge hears the facts, I’m sure you’ll be released from the contract.”
Mr. Gilchrest huffed. “Go right ahead. That’ll be Judge Horace Zebulon. We go way back. He’ll never side with two fancy-pants British lawyers against me.”
Andrew’s mouth went dry. If Gilchrest and the judge were friends, they might never receive a fair hearing.
“It’s time to go.” Henry nodded toward the buggy.
Andrew glanced at Garth and was grieved to see the sorrow and confusion lining the boy’s face. “Don’t worry, Garth. We’ll do everything we can for you.”
“Tell Laura I want to see her, and that I’m praying for Katie.”
“I will.” Andrew climbed into the buggy next to Henry.
Henry shook his head as they pulled away from the farmhouse. “That certainly didn’t go as we’d hoped.”
“No, it didn’t.” Andrew rubbed his forehead. They’d tried to present a confident appeal, but they hadn’t anticipated Gilchrest’s stubborn response.
Henry adjusted the reins, urging the horses to pick up the pace. “We’re on shaky ground. That signed contract will be the sticking point.”
“That and Gilchrest’s friendship with the judge.”
“I’m afraid you’re right. It’s going to be more difficult to free the boy than we’d anticipated.”
The weight of Henry’s words struck Andrew, and he felt as if a heavy pack had been dropped on his shoulders. He’d promised Laura he would find her brother and bring him back. What would he tell her now?
* * *
Laura hurried down the stairs of the boardinghouse, the note from Andrew in her hand. He was waiting for her outside in the front garden. Was Garth with him? Her heartbeat picked up speed as she rounded the landing. After her long search, was this finally the day she’d be reunited with her brother?
She stepped outside and started down the front steps. Andrew stood in the shade of a tall fir tree, his hat in his hands. As soon as she saw his serious expression, her steps faltered. “Where’s Garth?”
“He’s at the Gilchrest farm. We spoke to him and his employer.”
“Is he all right?” She stepped into the shade and looked up at Andrew.
“He seems to be in good health and good spirits.” But Andrew’s concerned expression did not match that encouraging news.
“What is it, Andrew? What’s wrong?”
“We explained the situation, but Mr. Gilchrest has a signed contract that states your brother must work for him until he’s eighteen.”
Laura gasped. “He can’t hold him to that, can he?”
“Henry is going to try to arrange a hearing with a judge.”
Laura lifted her hand to her heart. “They have to release him! It’s not fair to keep him here when his family needs him!”
“I agree, but the contract may be binding. We’ll have to work with the local authorities to see what can be done.”
Laura folded her arms across her midsection and turned away. How could this happen? She’d always hoped that once she found her siblings and the situation was explained, they would be turned over to her care and she’d be able to take them home.
Andrew laid his hand on her shoulder. “This is just a delay, not a final decision.” But something in his voice made her doubt his words.
She shrugged his hand away. “My brother is not a slave. That man has no right to keep him there against his will.”
“Your brother is not of age, and those overseeing him have placed him in the man’s care. He’s within his rights to require Garth to fulfill the terms of the agreement.”
She spun around. “You’re siding with this…Mr. Gilchrest?”
“No, I’m just trying to explain the situation so you can come to terms with it.”
She squinted at him. “You want me to just accept it?”
“That’s not what I said.” He closed his eyes as if searching for the right words. “Please, Laura. We’re not giving up. Henry is making inquiries as we speak. As soon as we know more, we can make a plan.”
She rubbed her eyes. She must not let anxiety and weariness steal her patience and common sense. None of this was Andrew’s fault. He did not have to help her, but he’d done so time and again. She released a sigh and looked up at him. “I’m sorry. I know you’re doing all you can. I’m just so…tired and worried.”
He reached for her hand and wove his fingers through hers. “I understand. This has been a long, difficult trial, and you’ve borne it all with grace and strength.”
His gentle words and the sincere look in his eyes slowed the whirl of her stormy thoughts.
“I believe the Lord is with us,” Andrew continued, “guiding us each step of the way. We’ve done our part, but ultimately, He was the one who helped us find Katie and Garth. That is quite a miracle when you think of the thousands of children who’ve come from England and been scattered across Canada. And since He’s done that, I think we can trust Him to lead us on this next part of the journey.”
She soaked in those words and tightened her hold on his hand. “Yes, we must trust Him.”
He searched her face. “How is Katie?”
“Her fever comes and goes, but she’s staying awake longer and is able to take more broth. The doctor says she’s making progress. He’ll check on her again tomorrow morning.”
Andrew nodded. “Good. We’ll keep praying and hold on to hope for them both.”
“And for Grace too.”
“Yes. I’ve not forgotten about her, and I’m sure the Lord hasn’t either. As soon as we return to Belleville, we’ll speak to the matron and find out where she’s been sent. Then Henry and I can go for her even if you have to stay and care for Katie.”
Laura’s heart warmed. “You’ll do that?”
“Of course. I made you a promise, and I’ll make every effort to keep it.”
“But what about finishing your investigation and writing your report?”
“There will be time for that. Finding your siblings and reuniting your family is important, and it’s going to have a powerful impact on countless others when we include your family’s story in our report.”
She stepped back in surprise. “I’m not sure I want everyone to know the details about what happened to our family.”
“No one has to know who you are. We can use different names.”
Laura considered it, still feeling uncertain.
“Your family’s experiences expose the dangers of the present system in a very personal way. I believe it will motivate those in charge to see the truth and make changes.”
She looked up and met his confident gaze. He was certainly persuasive, and matching that with the kindness he’d shown her, she couldn’t refuse his request. “I want to help other families, so
yes, you may use our story and even our names if you think that would have more impact.”
He smiled, lifted her hand to his lips, and kissed her fingers.
Her breath caught, and a delightful shiver traveled up her arm.
He met her gaze, still holding her hand. “Thank you, Laura. You’re a very brave woman, and I admire you deeply.”
Her lips parted, and her mind spun. She should reply, but she couldn’t seem to find the words. She admired him as well, and knowing he felt the same melted away another protective layer from around her heart. She might not know what to say, but one thing was certain—Andrew Frasier had proven he was trustworthy, and that gave her hope for the future.
* * *
The next afternoon Laura walked with Andrew and Henry across town to the Roslin courthouse. Henry had arranged a one o’clock meeting with Judge Zebulon. They stopped at the corner across from the courthouse and waited for a wagon to roll past. She ran a hand over her jittery stomach and blew out a slow breath. So much depended on the outcome of this meeting.
She glanced at Henry. “Will Garth be here?”
“I hope so. That might make the judge more sympathetic toward our cause.”
She sighed and sent off another silent plea for God’s favor and mercy.
Two men on horseback rode past them toward the courthouse. Laura glanced at the shorter man and pulled in a quick breath. “There’s Garth!”
Andrew studied the men on horseback, then started across the street. “The other man is his employer, Mr. Gilchrest.”
Garth climbed down and tied his horse to the hitching post in front of the courthouse. He glanced over his shoulder as they approached, and a smile broke across his face. “Laura!”
She hurried toward him and wrapped him in a tight hug. “Oh, Garth.” Happy tears filled her eyes as she stepped back and looked him over. “My goodness, you’re so much taller.”
He grinned. “Yes, I just keep growing.”
She motioned to Andrew and Henry. “You remember Mr. Frasier and Mr. Dowd?”
Garth nodded. “Hello, sir.” He shook Henry’s hand, then greeted Andrew and shook his as well. “This is Mr. Gilchrest. I work on his farm.” He nodded to the rough-looking man with the thick, unkempt beard who stood a few feet away.
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