No Ocean Too Wide

by Carrie Turansky

  “I’m so grateful for all you’ve done for them.” Mum’s eyes glistened.

  “It was my pleasure.” Henry glanced around at each person present. “I think it’s time for us to be going. Miss Carson and I are driving down to Kingston to meet my family this afternoon.” He smiled at Rose, and her cheeks flushed.

  Laura studied them with growing excitement. Did that mean what she thought it meant?

  “I’ll be in touch with you in a few days.” Henry stood. “We’ll arrange a time to meet and discuss Garth’s case.”

  Mum rose. “Thank you so much, Mr. Dowd. I don’t know how I can ever repay you for the kindness you’ve shown my family.”

  “I’m happy to be of service. Meeting Laura, Katie, and Garth has been a privilege. It’s given me important insight about child emigration, and that will be a tremendous help when I present my findings.”

  Mum and Katie followed them to the door, and Laura continued down the steps with Rose and Henry.

  When they reached the motorcar, Henry untied Katie’s trunk and recruited a young man passing by to help him carry it upstairs.

  While they waited for Henry to return, Rose took Laura’s hand. “I’m so glad we could see you and Katie safely home and meet your mother. She’s a delightful person.”

  “Thank you.” Laura searched her friend’s face as memories of all they’d experienced together filled her mind.

  Rose pulled Laura close. “I’ll miss you.”

  Laura closed her eyes and held on to Rose. “I’ll miss you too. You’ve become the dearest friend.”

  Henry walked back toward the motorcar but waited a few feet away to give them time to say goodbye.

  Rose sniffed and stepped back. “We can write, and I’ll visit as often as I can.” She glanced at Henry, a soft smile gracing her lips. “I’m hopeful I’ll have some happy news to share very soon,” she whispered.

  Laura clasped her friend’s hands. “Oh, Rose, I can’t wait to hear. Write to me as soon as things are settled.”

  “I will.” Rose hesitated and glanced toward Henry once more. “He hasn’t heard from Andrew yet, but I expect he will soon.”

  Laura’s throat tightened. Why hadn’t Andrew written to her or at least to Henry? Had he been able to spend time with his father, or was he too late and now dealing with all the legal and family obligations that would fall on his shoulders? She pushed those questions aside. It was best not to let her thoughts stay on Andrew.

  She focused on Rose again. “When you see Andrew, please tell him I wish him all the best.”

  Rose searched Laura’s face. “Is there anything else you’d like us to say?”

  Laura’s heart clenched. If only she could send a message through Rose, but it would only extend the pain of their parting. She shook her head. “There’s no other message. I understand his decision. He has responsibilities to his family, as I do to mine.”

  “If you’re sure…”

  Laura nodded. She needed to accept the finality of the situation if she was ever going to have peace. “Even though we’re both back in England, there is still so much that separates us.”

  Rose nodded, sympathy reflected in her eyes. “I understand.”

  “I’ll find a new position, help Mum and Katie, and do everything I can for Garth and Grace.”

  Rose squeezed her hand. “I admire your courage to move forward with your life. I’ll keep you in my prayers.”

  “Thank you.” Laura kissed Rose’s cheek. “Take care and write soon.”

  “I will.” Rose climbed in the motorcar, and Henry closed the door for her.

  “Goodbye, Laura. We’ll be in touch,” Henry called before climbing into the driver’s seat.

  She lifted her hand and waved to them as the motorcar drove down the street and turned the corner.

  The soft afternoon light filtered through the clouds that had appeared, and the sounds of the city filled the air—horses’ hooves clattered on the cobblestones, and the bells of St. Anthony’s rang out their song.

  She was home at last, and her future lay before her like a blank journal. What kind of story would she write? Looking back, she saw a series of difficult trials but also joyful moments when she’d experienced the love of family and friends and the kindness and mercy of God. So much more was yet to be written.

  She looked up at the open windows of her flat and caught the sound of Katie’s laughter and Mum’s happy voice. Her heart lifted. Mum and Katie needed her, she needed them, and that was enough for now.

  * * *

  Katie tilted the light green dress toward the sunlight pouring in through the kitchen window and took the next few stitches around the hem. She settled back in the chair, glad for the sense of peace that filled her now that she was home with Mum and Laura.

  After all the work she’d been expected to do for the Richardsons and the Hoffmans, helping Mum with sewing and household chores was such a comfort and relief.

  But sometimes she’d hear a boy’s voice in the street below and look out the window expecting to see Garth. Or she’d see a little girl with blond wavy hair in the park, and for a split second she’d think it was Grace. Then reality would come rushing back, filling her with a fresh wave of sadness and reminding her Garth and Grace were still in Canada.

  She sighed and let those melancholy thoughts fade away. Watch over them, Lord. Keep them safe. She picked up her needle once more and focused on the next few stitches.

  Across the kitchen at the worktable, Laura kneaded a huge mound of dough. Flour smeared the front of her blue apron and dusted her cheeks.

  Katie grinned. “How many loaves of bread are you making?”

  “Enough so we can share some with the Grahams.”

  “That’s a kind thought.”

  Laura looked up. “We would’ve been out on the street if they hadn’t opened their home to us when Mum was recovering.”

  “I’m sure they’ll appreciate the bread.”

  “I wish we could do more for them, but this will be a start.” Laura plunged her hands into the dough, grabbed hold, and rolled it over with a sturdy thump.

  Katie chuckled. “You look like you’re wrestling a wild animal.”

  “I feel like it!” Laura brushed her arm across her forehead and continued her vigorous kneading. “Remind me not to double the recipe next time.”

  Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and the door opened. Mum smiled at them and held up two envelopes. “The post arrived.”

  Laura stilled and stared at the letters, hope glimmering in her eyes. It was the same reaction she had every time Mum brought up the post, and Katie knew why. Her sister longed to hear from Andrew Frasier, though she would never admit it.

  Katie had met Andrew the day Laura had found her in the Hoffmans’ barn. He had carried her out like she weighed nothing. She vaguely remembered him lifting her into the buggy, then seeing him standing at the door of her hotel room. He’d helped them on the return train trip to Belleville, but then he was gone. While she was recovering, she’d heard Rose and Laura talking about him a few times, and she’d seen the longing on her sister’s face—that same longing she couldn’t hide now.

  “Who are they from?” Laura asked, a slight tremor in her voice.

  “One is from Garth, and the other is from Rose.”

  The hope in Laura’s expression faded. She thanked Mum and offered a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

  “Let’s see what Garth has to say.” Mum tore open his letter and scanned the first few lines, reading aloud:

  “Dear Mum, Laura, and Katie, I hope this letter finds you well and happy to be together in London. I’m doing fine, although I miss you all very much.”

  Mum lifted her hand to her heart and blinked her moist eyes.

  “We are busy with the harvest. The days are long, a
nd I’m tired by the time the sun goes down. After dinner I usually fall right into bed. When the weather cools, I expect our workload will be lighter and I’ll have more time to write to you and to visit Rob and Mr. and Mrs. Chapman.”

  Mum smiled at that and kept reading.

  “The Chapmans own the neighboring farm, and they have been very kind to me. Rob works for them, but they treat him like a son, and they usually invite me to their home on Sunday after church to enjoy a good dinner. Sometimes Rob and I go fishing. After that we all play games, sing around the piano, and sit out on their porch and talk until the sun goes down. They are good people, and spending time with them almost feels like being home.”

  Katie leaned forward. “Remember I told you about Rob?”

  “Yes, dear, I remember.” Mum continued reading.

  “I spoke to Mr. Gilchrest about going to school when harvest is finished, and he is considering it. Please pray he will agree. Rob will be going, and I don’t want to fall behind.”

  “Garth should be allowed to attend school,” Laura insisted and punched the dough again. “That’s in the agreement Mr. Gilchrest made with the Masterson Home.”

  Mum nodded. “I’ll speak to Mr. Dowd. Perhaps he can write to Mr. Gilchrest and remind him to abide by the agreement.”

  “If I were still there, I’d do more than that,” Laura muttered and smacked the dough down on the table.

  Katie pursed her lips. “That old Mr. Gilchrest is a stubborn, selfish man. I don’t like him at all.”

  Mum sent them both an understanding look. “Loving our enemies and praying for them is much more effective than grumbling against them.”

  Katie sighed and sat back in the chair. Mum was right, but that didn’t make it easy.

  Laura’s tense expression smoothed, and she continued kneading.

  “There’s a little more to Garth’s letter.” Mum held up the page.

  “I think of you often and pray for you every night before I go to sleep. I hope Mr. Dowd and Mr. Frasier will find a way for me to come home, but until then, I am doing my work the best I can and trusting God for the days ahead. Write to me soon. I send you all my love.

  “Your son and brother, Garth.”

  Mum lowered the letter. “He sounds like he’s doing well, but I wonder if he’s only telling us part of the story.”

  Katie laid her sewing in her lap. “Don’t worry, Mum. Mr. Gilchrest might be strict, but he doesn’t beat Garth or make him stay out in the barn.”

  Mum shook her head and sighed. “I hope you’re right.”

  Laura dried her hands on a towel and crossed the kitchen to stand beside Mum. “He’ll be all right.” She placed her hand on Mum’s shoulder. “We have to believe that.”

  Mum’s throat worked, and she finally nodded. “Yes, I’m sure the Lord hears our prayers and is working everything out even though we can’t see it right now.”

  Katie swallowed and blinked away hot tears. They would hold on to hope and trust the Lord to watch over Garth and Grace, and one day they would be together again.

  Mum pressed her hand over Laura’s. “Thank you, my dear. I have to go back to the shop, but I hope you’ll enjoy your letter from Rose and…” Her eyes widened as she noticed the expanding pile of dough on the table. “My goodness, Laura, what are you making?”

  “Bread, lots and lots of bread.” She grinned and returned to the worktable. “Don’t worry. I have a plan.”

  Mum chuckled and kissed Laura’s cheek. “I’m sure you do, my girl. I’m sure you do.”

  * * *

  Laura stood by the ironing board in the kitchen and lifted the hot iron off the stovetop. She ran it over the damp skirt of the coral dress Mum had left for her earlier that morning. Pressing the finished dresses and helping with hand sewing provided a little extra income, but it was not enough.

  Yesterday she’d finally gone to an employment office and filled out paperwork to seek a position as a lady’s maid. She’d listed Mrs. Frasier as her previous employer, and she hoped Andrew’s mother would give her a recommendation in spite of the way she’d left Bolton and never returned.

  She sighed and placed the iron back on the stove to reheat. Mrs. Palmer was quite particular about this final step. If she found one tiny wrinkle, she would send Laura back upstairs to press it out.

  As she waited for the iron to reheat, her thoughts drifted to Rose and the happy news she’d included in her last letter. Henry had proposed during a moonlight walk the second night of her visit with his family. Rose had happily accepted, and his family had welcomed the news with warm hugs and hearty congratulations.

  Laura smiled picturing that scene—Henry wearing a proud smile as Rose showed his parents the engagement ring he’d placed on her finger. After losing her parents and being on her own for so many years, Rose deserved to be loved and cherished, and Henry was just the man to do it—her perfect match. Rose would always have a special place in his heart, and her long-cherished dreams of a home and family would finally be fulfilled.

  Laura lifted the hot iron and pressed the next section of the dress as thoughts of her own hopes and dreams rose in her mind. Would she spend her days working long hours as a maid for a meager wage and be able to see her family only on Sunday afternoons? Was that what the future held for her?

  She turned the dress and scolded herself for her gloomy thoughts. It would be wiser to focus on all the reasons she had to be grateful rather than pining over what could never be. The Lord had done so much for her and her family. He had proven His faithfulness in so many ways, healing Laura’s heart and strengthening her faith.

  Mum had recovered from the illness they feared would take her life. She was able to return to work and enjoyed her evenings with Katie and Laura. Katie had been restored to them, and she’d grown stronger through all she had endured. She was home where she belonged, healthy and happy again.

  Mr. Gilchrest had agreed Garth could attend school, even before Mr. Dowd had written to him. And Garth was thankful he could keep up his studies and see his friends on school days. The date for the court hearing had not yet been set, but Henry’s commitment to help them bring Garth home had never wavered.

  They had received two leads in their search for Grace, and Henry had hired a man in Montreal to check into those. They might hear good news about Grace any day.

  Laura closed her eyes. Please, Lord, watch over Grace. Send Your angels to guard and protect her. Lead us to her and help us find her soon.

  Quick steps sounded on the stairs, and Laura opened her eyes.

  Katie burst through the door, breathless and grinning. “Come downstairs. There’s someone here to see you.”

  “Who is it?”

  Katie’s eyes twinkled. “Come and see.”

  “All right.” Laura set aside the iron and started toward the door.

  “Take off your apron!”

  Laura shook her head, but she reached around and untied the strings. “Is it someone from the employment office?”

  “No, but you’d better hurry up! You don’t want to keep him waiting.” Her sister turned and flew down the stairs before Laura could ask any more questions.

  She glanced in the mirror by the door and smoothed down her hair. Maybe it was Mr. Graham or his son, Jacob, stopping by to thank her for the loaves of bread she’d dropped off last week. But she doubted it would be them. They were both at work this time of the day.

  Her curiosity rose as she walked through the back storage area and into the main room of the shop. Mum, Katie, Mrs. Palmer, and her two daughters all stood behind the counter. Each one wore an expectant smile, even Mrs. Palmer.

  Laura stopped by the end of the counter. “Where is this mysterious man?”

  “He’s waiting for you by the front window.” Mum nodded toward that area of the shop.

  Laura pressed d
own her questions and started up the aisle past bolts of fabric and spools of ribbons. When she reached the end, she saw the man standing by the front window with his back to her and his hat in his hand.

  Recognition rippled through her. “Andrew?”

  He turned, and a smile broke across his handsome face. “Laura.” His gaze traveled over her, drinking her in like a thirsty man savors a glass of cool water. “I’ve missed you.”

  Her cheeks warmed, and her smile bloomed. She wanted to say she’d missed him too, but that seemed too forward. “How are you?” My goodness, I sound almost breathless.

  “I’m fine.” His steady gaze remained focused on her as she came closer.

  “How is your family?” She didn’t want to ask about his father, but she hoped this would open the door for him to tell her more.

  “They’re all well. Thank you for asking.”

  Laura blinked. “Your father…”

  “He gave us quite a scare, but he’s doing much better now. The doctor says he can expect a full recovery as long as he limits his activity for a few more weeks.”

  “Oh, Andrew, that’s wonderful. I’m so glad.”

  “Yes, it’s quite a relief. I can see the Lord had a purpose in it all.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “My father’s illness caused us both to slow down and think about what’s most important in life. It softened him considerably toward my mother and me. She rarely left his side during his illness, and they’ve grown much closer now.”

  “That’s such good news.”

  “Father and I had some important conversations while he was recovering. I think we understand each other more now. I’ve agreed to spend more time at Bolton, learning how to manage the estate, and he has given me his blessing to work part of the time in London.” He looked away for a moment, and when he met her gaze again, some undefined emotion filled his eyes. “The events of the last few months have also helped me think about the future, and as soon as the doctor confirmed my father was out of danger, I decided to come to London and look for you.”