Rose hurried toward them and placed her hand on Laura’s back. “I’m here, Laura. It will be all right.”
“No,” Laura cried. “Grace’s file is gone. How will I ever find her?”
“We’ll speak to Mrs. Woodward. She might remember where Grace was sent.”
Laura shook her head and stepped away from Andrew. “How could she? Grace is only one of hundreds of girls she placed.”
Rose slipped her arm around Laura’s shoulder. “I know this is difficult, but we have to think of Katie now and do what’s best for her.”
Laura brushed her fingers across her cheeks. She gave a reluctant nod, and Rose guided her back across the lawn to where Henry and Katie waited with the policeman.
Andrew trudged after them, his spirits sagging.
“I don’t think there is anything else we can do here.” Henry looked from the women to Andrew. “I suggest we go to the hotel. We could all use a rest, and I’m sure we can find rooms there for you ladies.”
Laura glanced at Rose, reluctance in her eyes.
“Please don’t worry about the expense,” Henry quickly added. “We’ll take care of that.”
Rose and Laura discussed it quietly for a moment, then agreed and thanked Henry. They returned to the carriage and set off across town for the hotel.
Disappointment burned Andrew’s throat, and he focused his gaze out the window. He couldn’t bear to look at Laura and see the pain in her eyes. The fire had destroyed the only source of information that would lead them to her sister.
How would he ever fulfill his promise to Laura now?
22
Laura’s head throbbed as they climbed down from the carriage and walked into the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel. It seemed to take all her strength to remain upright and support her sister. The image of Pleasantview’s burnt wreckage filled her mind and sent sickening waves through her stomach.
How frightening it must have been for the women and children who were trapped there last night. Had Mrs. Woodward returned and taken charge, or had some other staff member overseen them?
She pictured the children in the infirmary, and tremors traveled down her arms. Most of them were too sick to walk more than a few steps. How had they escaped in time? She hadn’t even thought to ask the policeman how many had suffered burns or damage to their lungs from the smoke.
She lifted her hand and rubbed her stinging eyes. It was too much. She couldn’t think about it right now. After they had time to rest, she would be better able to deal with this news and see what she could do to help.
Henry touched Rose’s arm. “It will be just a moment, and we’ll take you up to your rooms.”
Rose met his gaze. “One room would be fine.”
“Yes, we’d like to stay together.” Laura slipped her arm around Katie, knowing she would rest more securely if the three of them shared a room.
Henry nodded, and he and Andrew stepped up to the front desk.
The clerk, a bald man in his sixties, smiled and greeted them. “Mr. Dowd, Mr. Frasier, welcome back to the Fairmont.”
Henry asked for rooms for himself and Andrew, then a third for Laura, Rose, and Katie.
The clerk took three keys from the hooks on the wall behind him and passed them across the desk. “Oh, I almost forgot. Mr. Frasier, you received a telegram yesterday.” He opened a desk drawer and pulled out an envelope. “I held on to it, knowing you planned to return.”
“Thank you.” Andrew accepted the envelope and tore it open. He quickly scanned the message. His eyebrows dipped, and he turned to Henry. “It’s from my mother.” His voice faltered. “My father is gravely ill. She needs me to return home as soon as possible.”
Laura stared at Andrew, too stunned to speak. Memories of their conversations aboard ship rose in her mind. He was not on good terms with his father. The journey home would take at least nine or ten days. What if he didn’t arrive in time to speak to his father and restore their relationship? She well remembered the pain of losing her father and how it had devastated their family. If the worst happened, how would Andrew deal with that kind of loss?
Andrew stuffed the telegram in his pocket and turned to the desk clerk. “Is there a train to Quebec City tonight?”
“I believe the next train east would be tomorrow morning.”
Andrew passed his suitcase to Henry. “Can you take this to my room? I want to go to the telegraph office and send a reply to my mother.”
“Of course.” Henry took the suitcase. “What else can I do to help?”
Andrew shook his head. “I can’t think of anything else right now.”
Henry placed his hand on Andrew’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. This is sobering news. I’ll pray for you and your family.”
“Thank you.” Andrew glanced at Laura, pain etched across his features. Then he walked past her and out the door.
* * *
Laura brushed aside the lace curtain and pushed open her hotel window. Lamplight glowed on the quiet city street below, illuminating the businesses and park beyond. Above the rooftops, the fading light of sunset turned the sky dusty blue, and the first star in the west winked at her. That glimmering light seemed to send out a message of hope. Was it truly a sign of better things to come, or was that only wishful thinking after such a difficult series of painful events?
She stepped back from the window and settled in the chair nearby. Across the room, Rose sat at the desk, writing a letter to the matron at Hughes, and Katie slept in one of the two beds. She studied her sister’s peaceful expression, thankful she was finally able to rest after their long, trying day.
A light breeze from the open window ruffled Laura’s hair and cooled her warm cheeks. Her uneasy thoughts returned to the events earlier that evening.
Andrew hadn’t joined them for dinner, and when Laura asked Henry why, he said Andrew had some business to finish before he started his journey home tomorrow. She wasn’t sure what kind of business it might be, and Henry didn’t seem inclined to explain. She would have to wait to see him until breakfast tomorrow morning. It would be difficult to say goodbye, but she had to thank him for all he’d done for her and her family.
Rose looked up from her letter. “Laura, are you all right?”
She forced a slight smile. “Yes, I’m fine.”
Rose watched her a few more seconds. “I’m sorry Andrew has to leave,” she said softly. “I know that must be hard for you.”
Laura quickly glanced away. It was hard, so very hard. If only Katie were well enough for a sea voyage, he could escort them home. But even if she were, Laura couldn’t leave Canada until she had made every effort to find Grace and see what else could be done for Garth.
What would happen to her search efforts now? With Andrew leaving, would Henry still be willing to help her? His workload would double, and he had to finish his investigation and prepare his report.
Rose set her pen aside. “I’m sure you’ll miss Andrew. I’ve noticed the way your friendship has grown. Has he spoken to you about his feelings or intentions?”
Laura’s face warmed. “No, he hasn’t.”
Rose’s hopeful expression faded. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked, but I thought he might have.”
Laura sighed. “It’s all right. I shouldn’t be disappointed. He has been a kind friend, but I’m afraid I let my heart hope for more.”
“I can see why you did. He was very attentive, and I thought…” Her words faded, and she shook her head. “I’ve said enough.”
Laura leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes. She had to let go of wishing for more than friendship with Andrew. If she didn’t, it would only cause her more heartache. He had done what he could to help her. Now his family needed him, and she couldn’t begrudge his decision to return to England at once.
Still, releasing him from his promise fel
t like she was tearing away a piece of her heart. But it was time to let him go and stop expecting anything from Andrew. That was the only way she’d ever get past her pain and disappointment.
* * *
After tossing and turning half the night, Laura steeled her emotions and approached the hotel dining room the next morning. She’d prepared herself to thank Andrew, wish him well, and say goodbye, but Henry was the only one seated at the table.
“Good morning, Henry.” Laura glanced at the other four empty chairs. “Katie is still asleep, so Rose is staying with her. Will Andrew be joining us?”
Henry hesitated. “No, I’m afraid he already left for the station.”
Laura’s heart clenched. How could Andrew leave without saying goodbye? She glanced away, hoping Henry would not read the hurt in her eyes.
He took an envelope from his pocket and held it out to her. “He left this for you.”
Hope flickered in her heart, and she reached for the envelope. She glanced at her name written on the front in bold handwriting. Should she open it now or wait for a private moment?
Henry sent her a sympathetic look. “I think you’ll want to read it right away. There are a few things we need to discuss.”
Laura took a seat and slid her finger under the flap of the envelope. She pulled out the single piece of stationery.
Dear Laura, I’m sorry I must leave before we were able to find Grace and secure Garth’s release from Mr. Gilchrest. I’ve asked Henry to continue our efforts and do what he can for you and your family. I regret I was not able to fulfill my promise to you. I hope you will understand my need to return home and forgive me.
Please keep my family in your prayers. There is much I need to say to my father, and I am asking the Lord to extend his life and give me that opportunity. I will pray for you and your family as well and trust the Lord to see that justice is accomplished and you are all reunited soon.
Sincerely,
Andrew Frasier
Laura released a breath and refolded the note. Andrew’s formal words brought little comfort to her aching heart, but she would do as he asked and pray for him and his family. She understood he needed to go, and that helped her take the first step toward forgiveness, but moving past the hurt would take some time.
Henry took a sip of his coffee and set the cup aside. “Andrew wanted me to assure you I’ll speak to the authorities here about holding Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman accountable for the way they treated Katie. And I plan to visit the Masterson Home on Monday to ask if they’ll help us with Garth’s case. Would you like to accompany me?”
“Yes, I would. I’ll ask Rose if she’ll stay with Katie.”
He smiled at the mention of Rose’s name. “I’m sure she will.” His growing affection touched Laura’s heart. Henry and Rose seemed a perfect match in so many ways. She hoped Henry would soon speak to Rose and make his feelings clear, if he hadn’t already.
“The fire at Pleasantview will make it more challenging to find out where Grace was sent,” Henry continued. “But I think our first step should be to try to contact the matron and take care of matters with her.”
Laura gave a reluctant nod. She wasn’t looking forward to confessing her use of the false name and admitting she’d taken Katie’s file, but knowing it had helped them rescue her sister from such dreadful circumstances boosted her confidence. “Yes. We need to speak to her about Katie, and I also want to ask about the children and staff who survived the fire.”
He took a folded newspaper from the table and passed it to her. “There’s an article on the front page. It will give you a few more details.”
Laura accepted the newspaper and scanned the headline, “Fire Destroys Pleasantview Children’s Home.” She quickly read on, stunned again by the description of the destruction. The building was a complete loss. Two staff members and four children were treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Her breath caught as she read the names of the two children who had perished, ten-year-old Leon Rafferty and fourteen-year-old Louise Childs. With two broken legs it was no wonder Leon hadn’t been able to flee the fire. And Louise had been unresponsive since she’d returned to Pleasantview.
She closed her stinging eyes. I’m thankful they’re safely home in Your arms, Father, where they will no longer suffer the painful trials of this life.
“Did you know the children who died?” Henry’s voice was gentle.
“Yes, I knew them both from my time working in the infirmary.”
“I’m very sorry. It’s truly a tragedy of great proportion.”
“If only they hadn’t been sent here, they never would’ve faced such a terrible end.”
He nodded. “It brings to mind again the importance of our investigation and the recommendations we’ll make.”
It pleased Laura to hear him say our, including Andrew even though he was returning to England before they’d finished their work here.
“It’s kind of you to take time to help me when you have such important work to finish.”
“What I’ve learned about child emigration has made a deep impression on me. I can’t sit back now and make impersonal recommendations, then wait years to see changes made. The child emigration system is faulty and unjust, and your family has suffered greatly because of it. I may not be able to force change as quickly as I’d like, but I can help your family find justice.”
Her spirits rose as she listened to Henry state his convictions.
“I’ll keep working on this until all your siblings are returned to England and safely back in your mother’s care. You may even be due some compensation.”
That thought surprised her. “I just want my family reunited.”
“I understand, and I’ll do my best to see that happens.” He clasped his hands on the table, his gaze steady. “You can count on me, Laura. I’ll see this through.”
* * *
Andrew stood at the railing of the steamship Adonis and looked out across Quebec City’s busy harbor. Although sunshine warmed his face and a light breeze ruffled his hair, they didn’t ease the tightness in his chest or quiet his troubled thoughts.
The urgent words of his mother’s telegram flashed through his mind again. Would he arrive home in time to see his father? If he did, what could he say to bridge the great divide that had separated them for so long? The thought of his father passing from this life without knowing how much Andrew loved and respected him pressed down on his shoulders like a crushing weight.
He thought he had followed the Lord’s leading when he’d made the commitment to Henry and continued his legal training in London. But had he misheard? Was it a mistake? Would it have been wiser to heed his father’s warnings and stay at Bolton? If he had, he would be there now to comfort his mother and help his father through this difficult time.
Now he might never have that chance.
He bowed his head. Please, Lord, don’t let it be too late. Give me another opportunity to see my father and assure him of my love and commitment to our family.
His thoughts shifted to Laura, and his regrets resurfaced. He hated leaving her behind with so much that still needed to be resolved. Henry would do his best. Andrew was confident of that, but it was not the same as being there to see it through himself.
He’d made her a promise, and he had not fulfilled it…at least not yet. Was there still a chance he might somehow finish what he had begun?
Please help us, Lord. Watch over Garth and see that he is released at the right time. Take care of Grace, wherever she is, and help us find her. Restore Katie’s health and spirit and give her a bright future when she returns home to England. Most of all, comfort Laura, take care of her every need, and give her all her heart desires.
He wanted to ask that this not be the end of their friendship, but he held back, not wanting to be selfish.
Whatever is best for Laura, Lord,
whatever Your will is, guide us toward it and confirm it in our hearts.
As he finished his prayer, a new sense of peace filled him. The future was in the Lord’s hands, and that was where it needed to stay.
* * *
Laura held her breath and gripped the sides of her chair in Reverend Archer’s parlor as she waited for Mrs. Woodward’s response to her confession.
The matron glanced at Reverend Archer and Henry, then studied Laura with a curious look. “You used a false name to secure your position as an escort?”
Laura shifted on the chair. “Yes ma’am. I did.”
Mrs. Woodward’s brow creased. “And you did that so you could follow your brother and sisters to Canada?”
“Yes. My mum was frantic with worry. I had to come.”
“I don’t understand. Why didn’t you speak to those in charge in England? Surely they would’ve listened to you and returned the children to your mother’s care.”
“I tried, but they wouldn’t release them until I could prove guardianship and pay their exorbitant fees. Before I had a chance to do that, they moved them to Liverpool and assigned them to emigration parties.”
“So, you brought that group of girls to Pleasantview with the intention of looking for your sisters, and when they weren’t here, you took your sister’s file without my permission.”
Laura glanced at Henry. He gave a slight nod, urging her to admit the truth once more. She focused on the matron again. “Yes ma’am.”
Mrs. Woodward sighed. “I wish you would’ve been honest with me and come forward as soon as you arrived. I would’ve given you a fair hearing and done what I could for you at that time.” She looked away for a few seconds, then refocused on Laura. “I understand you felt the situation was urgent, and I was absent for several days, caring for my sister.”
The tightness in Laura’s shoulders eased a bit. Perhaps Mrs. Woodward had a caring heart beneath her starched and pressed appearance.
No Ocean Too Wide Page 36
