No Ocean Too Wide

by Carrie Turansky

  Her heartbeat quickened, and she searched his face. Did she dare hope he was thinking about a future with her?

  He looked down and turned his hat in his hands. “First, I want to apologize for the way I left you in Belleville.”

  “Oh no, I understand. Your father was ill, and your family needed you.”

  “Yes, but I made a promise to you, and with your permission I’d like another opportunity to keep that commitment.”

  Confusion swirled her thoughts. “You want to help with Garth’s case? That’s why you came to London?”

  “Yes, and I want to double our efforts to find Grace.”

  Her heart tripped. That was all he wanted, nothing else? She swallowed hard. “I’m sure Henry would appreciate your help. He has some new leads in the search for Grace.”

  “Yes, I’ve just spent the last two hours with him, and he gave me an update.”

  She nodded, looking away to hide her disappointment.

  “Laura?” He reached for her hand. “Look at me.”

  She slowly lifted her head, trying to blink away the moisture in her eyes.

  “You’re not crying, are you?”

  “No, of course not.” She pulled in a deep breath, willing herself to hold back her foolish flood of emotion.

  “The last thing I want to do is upset you.”

  “You haven’t,” she insisted. “I’m fine.”

  Tenderness filled his expression, and she knew he’d seen through her attempt to hide her true feelings.

  “I have something else I want to ask.” He tightened his hold on her hand.

  She didn’t know how she could stand any more dashed hopes, but she met his gaze once more.

  “While we were apart, you were never far from my thoughts. When I was worried about my father, I would remember our conversations and the courage you showed as you searched for your brother and sisters. You inspired me to hold on to my faith and not give up.”

  She shook her head. “But I’ve made so many mistakes. I can’t imagine inspiring you or anyone else.”

  His gentle smile returned. “We all make mistakes, Laura. It’s what we do about them that matters. You’ve chosen to learn from yours, and you’ve taken those lessons into your heart and become an even more honest and loving person because of them.”

  His words soothed the ache she’d carried for too long. She’d asked for God’s forgiveness and had set her feet on a better path, but she’d had a hard time believing that was enough. Knowing Andrew understood her journey and was proud of her made all the difference. Finally, the burden eased from her heart and she felt free to truly receive the comforting wave of God’s forgiveness.

  “Thank you,” she whispered, wishing she could explain how much his words meant to her.

  He knelt on one knee before her and took a small black velvet box from his jacket pocket.

  She gasped and lifted her hand to cover her mouth. She shook her head, and her gaze darted from the box to his face.

  “Laura, I love you with all my heart. You are the one I want to cherish and protect for the rest of my life. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Joy burst from her heart, stealing away her words.

  He watched her, expectation and a flash of uncertainty crossing his face. “I know this may be unexpected. I planned to tell you my intentions when we sailed back to England together. But then I received that summons home, and I had to put my own hopes aside until I knew what would happen to my father.”

  “Oh, Andrew.” Tears filled her eyes. “I do love you, but what about your family? I have nothing to bring into marriage. How could they ever approve?”

  He offered her a confident smile. “I’ve already told them I planned to propose to you, and they’ve given their consent.”

  She gasped again, and a new wave of hope washed over her.

  “I admit they were surprised at first, but what you may not know is that my mother came to England as a companion of a wealthy young heiress. She was her cousin and had a background very similar to yours. But that never stopped my father from pursuing her.”

  Laura stared at him. “Your mother was a companion?”

  “Yes, I understand that’s something similar to a lady’s maid. She had nothing more than a trunk of clothes and a hope of finding a husband when she came to London.”

  Laura could hardly believe it was true, but if Andrew’s father had looked past his wife’s lack of money and social standing, then perhaps they might accept her into the family as well.

  Andrew opened the velvet box and looked up at her once more. “Laura, my love for you could never be greater, even if you were a wealthy heiress or Princess Mary herself.”

  Laura’s laughter mingled with her tears. “Oh, Andrew.”

  “Will you marry me, take me into your heart, and build a future with me?”

  Confidence and joy flooded her. “Yes, yes, I will!” She lifted her trembling hand to him, and he slipped the sparkling ring on her finger.

  He stood, gently brushed her tears from her cheeks, and leaned closer. “My darling, you’ve made me very happy.”

  She was so overcome she couldn’t speak. Instead, she rose up on her toes and lifted her face to welcome his kiss. He wrapped his arms around her, pulled her close, and deepened the kiss, offering her a blissful glimpse of the love they would share in their marriage.

  When they finally parted, she sighed and rested her head against his chest, savoring his nearness and listening to the strong, steady beat of his heart. She had dreamed of a moment like this, but in the last few years, she’d given up believing her dream would ever come true. And then Andrew had walked into her life and proven he was a man worthy of her respect and lifelong love.

  Voices and soft laughter floated toward them from the back of the shop.

  Laura stepped away from Andrew and glanced down the aisle. Mum, Katie, Mrs. Palmer, and her two daughters hovered behind a mannequin a few yards away, watching them with guilty smiles.

  “Mrs. McAlister.” Andrew slipped his arm around Laura’s waist, holding her close as he called to her mother.

  “Yes?” Mum replied.

  “Would you and Katie and your friends come and join us? We have something to tell you.”

  Mum hurried toward them, her face aglow, Katie right behind her. The others followed, and they all circled around Laura and Andrew.

  He grinned at the women, then focused on Mum. “I’ve asked Laura to marry me, and she has accepted. We want you to be the first to know and ask for your blessing.”

  Mum lifted both her hands to her mouth, happy delight shining in her eyes.

  Katie grinned up at Mum and tugged on her sleeve. “Say yes!”

  The other women laughed, and Mrs. Palmer patted Mum on the back.

  “Of course you have my blessing.” Mum’s smile faltered. “Though I must admit it will be hard to part with Laura again so soon.”

  Andrew gave an understanding nod. “I know how close you are to Laura and Katie, so I was thinking all three of you might like to come and stay at Bolton. You could be guests in our home, or there’s a lovely cottage just a short walk from the house where you could set up housekeeping and live nearby, permanently if you’d like. Either way, you and Katie, and in the future Garth and Grace, will always be welcome at Bolton as a treasured part of our family.”

  Laura’s heart melted as she listened to Andrew’s thoughtful plan. How kind he was to offer his support and care for her family. It was more than she could’ve hoped for.

  Mum lifted her hand to her heart. “My goodness. I don’t know what to say. That’s such a generous offer.”

  “Tell the man you agree,” Mrs. Palmer said in a firm voice. “You don’t get an invitation like that every day of the week.”

  Laura looked up at Andrew. �
�That sounds like a wonderful plan.” She shifted her gaze to Mum, waiting for her to reply.

  “Well, if you’re sure it wouldn’t be an imposition, we’d love to move to the cottage and stay nearby, especially after Laura marries.”

  “Excellent!” Andrew sent her mum a triumphant grin. “My parents are looking forward to meeting you and Katie and welcoming Laura home to Bolton.”

  His words sent a thrill through Laura as memories of the beautiful estate filled her mind. Bolton would be her country home, and Andrew would be her loving husband. It was almost too much to comprehend. They would inherit his family’s estate one day, and perhaps in the not-too-distant future, they would have children and raise a family of their own at Bolton. That wonderful vision of the future filled her with joy and anticipation.

  “Thank you, Mr. Frasier.” Mum extended her hand. “We’re most grateful.”

  Andrew took hold of her fingers and smiled at her. “Now that we’re going to be related, you must call me Andrew.”

  Mum’s face shone as she looked up at him. “Laura told us how kind and helpful you were when she was in Canada. I can see that’s very true.”

  Andrew turned to Laura. “You told your mother I was kind and helpful?”

  She laughed. “Yes, I did. And you were…or, I should say, you are.”

  “If I am, it’s because you bring out those qualities in me.”

  She looked up into his handsome face, mentally tracing the lines and planes that had become so dear to her. Gratitude washed over her heart for the love they shared and the hope and future that would surely be theirs.

  Author’s Note

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed getting to know Laura, Katie, Grace, and Garth and learning what it was like for British families caught up in the child emigration system more than one hundred years ago.

  Are you wondering what happens to Garth and Grace? I’m writing their stories now, weaving together the experiences of the McAlister and Frasier families in my next novel, so I hope you’ll be watching for it in 2020. I’m eager to share the rest of the story with you and give Grace and Garth the pages they deserve!

  Between the 1860s and the 1930s, more than one hundred eighteen thousand poor and orphaned children were sent to Canada as British Home Children. Most became indentured workers on farms or domestics in homes. Some were welcomed and treated well, but many others suffered greatly from prejudice, neglect, and abuse. Their stories need to be told, their lives need to be remembered, and their trials must never be forgotten. I hope this novel will spark your interest, and you’ll want to learn more.

  The British Home Children Advocacy & Research Association was a wonderful resource for my research. Lori Oschefski and those who work with her answered many of my questions and provided outstanding information through their website, Facebook group, newsletters, and articles, as well as books they recommended. I hope No Ocean Too Wide gives more people a chance to learn about British Home Children and honor their memory.

  If you’d like to learn more, these are some of the resources I used in my research:

  The British Home Children Advocacy & Research Association: www.britishhomechildren.com

  The British Home Children Advocacy & Research Association Facebook group: www.facebook.com/​groups/​Britishhomechildren

  The Golden Bridge: Young Immigrants to Canada, 1833–1939 by Marjorie Kohli

  Promises of Home: Stories of Canada’s British Home Children by Rose McCormick Brandon

  Nation Builders: Barnardo Children in Canada by Gail H. Corbett

  Labouring Children: British Immigrant Apprentices to Canada, 1869–1924 by Joy Parr

  The Camera and Dr. Barnardo compiled by Valerie Lloyd. Based on an exhibition staged by the National Portrait Gallery, London, July–November 1974

  Blessings and happy reading,

  Carrie

  Readers Guide

  Had you heard about British Home Children before you read No Ocean Too Wide? What is one thing you learned that made an impression on you about child emigration and British Home Children in particular?

  People have compared the British Home Children to those children who were taken from New York City and sent west on the orphan trains. Are you familiar with the orphan trains, and what similarities do you see between these two groups? What differences?

  What motivated those in Britain to want to send poor and orphaned children to Canada? What do you think of their reasons? What about the families or businesses who received them in Canada?

  Why were people prejudiced against British Home Children? How did this impact the McAlister children in this story?

  Laura went to great lengths to search for her siblings, even using a false name. What do you think of her decision? What were the results of that choice?

  Andrew Frasier had a privileged background, but he wanted to study law and make his life count. What are some of the qualities Andrew demonstrated in this story?

  Friendships play a key role in the story, as Henry and Andrew shared a special friendship and Rose became a caring friend for Laura. How did Henry’s influence help Andrew mature through the story? How does that differ from the ways that Rose helped Laura?

  Katie endured some very difficult treatment from the two families that took her in. How did she cope? What qualities do you admire in Katie?

  How do you feel about the judge’s decision for Garth to stay in Canada and fulfill his indentured contract?

  James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (NIV). What is one way you could extend love and care to widows or orphans?

  Acknowledgments

  I am very grateful for all those who have given me their support and encouragement and who have provided information in the process of writing this book. Without your help, it would never have been possible! I’d like to say thank you to the following people:

  My husband, Scott, who always provides great feedback and constant encouragement when I talk about my characters, plot, and what’s happening next. Your love and support have allowed me to follow my dreams and write the books of my heart. I will be forever grateful for you!

  Steve Laube, my literary agent, for his patience, guidance, and wise counsel. You have been a great advocate who has represented me well. I feel very blessed to be your client, and I appreciate you!

  Shannon Marchese, Charlene Patterson, Laura Wright, and Tracey Moore, my gifted editors, who help me shape the story and then polish it so readers are able to truly enjoy it.

  Lori Oschefski, Norma Cook, and all the members of the British Home Children Advocacy & Research Association Facebook group. Many told me their stories and shared photographs of their family members who were British Home Children.

  Kristopher Orr, the multitalented designer at Multnomah, for the lovely cover design. He went above and beyond to bring all the elements together and satisfy all those involved. I appreciated the opportunity to give input and enjoyed our partnership!

  Jamie Lapeyrolerie, Chelsea Woodward, Lori Addicott, Laura Barker, and the entire Multnomah team for their great work with marketing, publicity, production, and sales. This book would stay hidden on my computer if not for your creative ideas and hard work. You all are the best!

  Cathy Gohlke, fellow author and friend, who constantly encourages me to trust the Lord for grace to write stories that will transform hearts and draw people closer to the Lord. You have blessed my life in so many ways! I love our times together at Sea Isle. Let’s both keep pressing on to serve the Lord with the gift of writing.

  My children, Josh, M
elinda, Melissa, Peter, Ben, Galan, Megan, Walter, and Lizzy, and my mother-in-law, Shirley, for all the ways you cheer me on. It’s a blessing to have a family that is so supportive!

  My readers, especially those in the Carrie’s Reading Friends Facebook group who encourage me with their kind reviews and help me spread the word about my books. Your thoughtful posts and emails keep me going!

  Most of all, I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His love, wonderful grace, and faithful provision. I am grateful for the gifts and talents You have given me, and I hope to always use them in ways that bless You and bring You glory.

  About the Author

  CARRIE TURANSKY has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of twenty inspirational romance novels and novellas.

  Carrie and her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, and speaker, have been married for forty years and make their home in New Jersey. They often travel together on ministry trips and to visit their five adult children and six grandchildren. Carrie also leads the women’s ministry at her church, and when she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time working in her flower gardens and cooking healthy meals for friends and family.

  She loves to connect with reading friends through her website, http://carrieturansky.com, and via Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.