New York Bound

by Rachel Wesson

  “Nora, wake up. We’ll be late for Mass.”

  Nora groaned and turned over. She didn’t want to wake up. Her whole body ached from working in the hotel. She’d been up early and to bed late since she had landed the casual job at Baileys. The manager was a tyrant and made sure he got his money’s worth and more. She was exhausted, and she was determined to get up late. However, it was Sunday so she had to go to Mass. Otherwise, she would be in trouble with Father Devine. Again.

  She snuck her way out of the room, past the sleeping children, as quietly as possible. Young Stevie was a little devil. If he woke up there would be no getting him back to sleep. She smiled as she saw Katie with her arms wrapped around her younger brother. Her nine-year-old sister was a little mammy already. She was very good with their younger brother even though he teased her rotten.

  “Your gran isn’t coming. She’s got a chill.”

  Nora looked at her mam, Gran never missed Mass. She must be feeling bad.

  “And Katie woke up in the night saying her throat hurt, so I’m leaving her and Stevie asleep,” her mam said.

  Nora got dressed quickly and then walked with her mam to the church. Her father still hadn’t come home from the night before.

  It wasn’t Father Devine but Father Donnelly who said Mass. Halfway through his sermon, he shocked the congregation by calling out the name of one of the young members of the church and asking everyone to pray for her soul. Nora was on the edge of her seat, her hands fisted beside her. She was furious, but also a little afraid. Father Donnelly would have a field day if he knew she had kissed a Protestant.

  She caught the eye of her cousin Jamie who looked just as annoyed. Catherine Donovan had a hard enough life already without the priest picking on her. Her family life had been grim and then she made the mistake of falling in love with a non-Catholic. Nora admired the girl. It took a lot to turn your back on your community, not to mention your priest, in favor of a man.

  Nora wished her gran had been with them. She might have said something but then maybe her gran agreed with Father Donnelly. Nora wasn’t sure what her gran’s views were on marrying outside the religion. Her thoughts immediately focused on Robbie Fenton. She had spent some more time with him that week when she’d gone to see Doc Erin. She’d told her mam she needed to talk to the Doc and Alicia about living in Clover Springs. But in reality, it was to see Robbie. They spent as much time together as possible, but he hadn’t kissed her again. She was disappointed, although she knew he was trying to show her respect. She crossed herself. If anyone knew she was having those thoughts sitting in a church, she would be in deep trouble.

  When they came out of church, the streets were deserted due to the cold wind. It being Sunday, the stores, restaurants and other businesses were closed. The women hurried along the street, desperate now to get inside their front doors.

  “Mam, look at those poor people. Doesn’t look like they have anywhere to go,” Nora said, her voice shivering with the cold.

  “See, darling, no matter how bad our troubles are, there are always those worse off than us,” her mam said as she pushed open the door of their home.

  Gran was up with the fire lit and the kettle on. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, what happened to the pair of ye? You look frozen.”

  “It’s bitter cold out there today. Nora, love, I hate to ask you but could you go and tell Doc Erin we can’t make it. I don’t want to risk the younger children and your gran has been sneezing since yesterday.”

  “Yes, Mam, I’ll go.” At least she would get to see Robbie, although she might be frozen solid by the time she did. He could warm me up, she thought, but didn’t dare to look at either her gran or mam in case they read her mind.

  Chapter 29

  Robbie sat in the hotel lobby looking out at the weather. It was such a change from the day before. Erin paced back and forth while Mick perused the newspapers. Alicia and her family were having breakfast while Lily had remained in the suite minding Michelle.

  “We can’t go out in this,” Erin said, wringing her hands as she continued to pace. “I hate disappointing the Dohertys.”

  “Darling, you can’t control the weather.” Mick kissed his wife on the cheek. “We can go another day.”

  Robbie was only half listening. As he watched the rain fall, it seemed to stick to everything like a sheet of ice.

  “I think it’s going to get a lot worse. Look at that sky,” Robbie commented to nobody in particular. He didn’t look around. His gaze was fixed on a horse struggling to remain upright. He guessed the owner had his reasons for not taking the animal out of the bad weather. He only hoped they were good ones.

  They had just sat down to lunch when the waiter announced Nora’s arrival. The poor girl was soaked to the skin. Doc Erin whisked her up to their suite, dried her off and lent her some clean clothes.

  “You were very good to come all this way to tell us,” Doc Erin said.

  “You have been so generous to us. Mam, didn’t want to let you down. But with the young’uns and Gran being sick…”

  “What’s wrong with Carmel? Should I come home with you?” Erin’s voice trembled with emotion. Getting a chill at Carmel’s age could be dangerous.

  “No, not at all. She has a chill is all. Please don’t worry. Mam will keep her in bed.”

  “I do wish they had moved to the new apartment, particularly if this weather keeps up,” Erin replied.

  “So do I, Doc Erin, but you know my gran. She is as stubborn as they come,” Nora said.

  “She is indeed, and I think you might be a chip off the old block too.”

  Nora grinned. She didn’t mind being called stubborn. It had helped her survive this long.

  Robbie stared at Nora. He knew it was rude but he couldn’t help it. He had only known the girl less than two weeks and yet she had made a real impression on him. He loved how stubborn she was, well, apart from when she stood up against him on something.

  He’d heard gossip just yesterday, Ned Duffy wanted to get to know Nora on a more intimate basis. He balled his fist. If there was anyone in New York who needed reminding of their origins it was that little rattler. If what Robbie had heard was true, about how Ned treated his working girls, the man deserved to be shot. Actually, shooting would be too good for him. The only problem was Ned had warned the girls not to speak to Robbie so he couldn’t tie anything to him. The girls were terrified and rightly so. Ned Duffy was a nasty piece of work, the worst there was.

  “What are you scowling at me for? I haven’t done anything, have I?” Nora asked.

  “Sorry, Nora, of course you haven’t. I was just thinking about someone.”

  Nora eyed the balled fists. “I’m guessing she isn’t a friend.”

  “She is a male business colleague and certainly not worth wasting any more time on.” He didn’t want to admit who he’d been thinking of. The last time he’d mentioned Duffy’s name, he’d almost lost her. “You look lovely this afternoon, but you should have stayed at home. The weather is getting worse.”

  Robbie was gruffer than he meant to be, his thoughts still on Ned Duffy and what he had heard of his plans for Nora. He had to make sure Doc Erin took Nora to Clover Springs, no matter his own feelings. She needed to be out of the reach of Duffy and his friends.

  “I couldn’t let Doc Erin down, not after everything she’s done.”

  The wounded expression in her eyes made his stomach lurch. He had spoken so sharply she obviously thought he wasn’t interested in her being there. On the contrary, he’d been delighted to see her. “She would have understood but I am glad you came out. I’m looking forward to seeing you home.” He waggled his eyebrows making her laugh and blush at the same time.

  “Thank you. I wasn’t going to ask but I guess I am a bit nervous.”

  “Nora Doherty, are you admitting to a weakness?”

  “Not at all, Mr. Fenton. You’re imagining things.”

  They both laughed and then he touched her waist to propel he
r to the table. She felt so warm and soft beneath his hand, it sent a bolt of electricity through him. He had to restrain himself from pulling her against him. What was he thinking? They were in a public place.

  He looked into her eyes where he saw she was as tempted as he was, which didn’t make it easier to release her. She looked down to where his hand lingered at her waist and back up to his eyes. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips, her innocent reaction sending a signal to other parts of his body. He was in trouble.

  “Are you two going to join us or should we book you a private table?” Aaron asked.

  “You leave them alone,” Alicia hushed her husband.

  Nora turned bright red. Robbie coughed but it still took a few seconds for his brain to engage with his mouth. “Sorry, Aaron, we were discussing how Nora could get home. We didn’t notice the time.”

  “Too busy noticing other stuff I guess.”

  “Aaron, you are embarrassing yourself and the rest of us. That’s enough.”

  Everyone laughed as Alicia berated Aaron. For the first time in a very long time, Robbie felt like he was among friends. He was surrounded by people who liked and accepted him. And perhaps a woman who could love him? He glanced at Nora from under his lashes. She was still faintly pink but had recovered her composure somewhat.

  Chapter 30

  “The rain is getting worse and the temperatures have dipped. I think you should stay here tonight Nora, and go home in the morning,” Erin said.

  “But Gran and mam will be so worried,” Nora said.

  “Carmel will expect me to insist you stay particularly since you have been exposed to her chill. I insist. There is a spare bed in the room Lily shares with baby Michelle.”

  Nora looked out the window. Erin was right, the weather was awful. The thought of curling up in a nice warm bed proved too much of an attraction. Not to mention the fact staying in the hotel meant she could spend more time with Robbie.

  “I will stay Doc Erin, thank you.”

  “Good girl. I will go and let Mr. Floyd know. He isn’t the most charming of people but he is the manager.”

  Nora was glad Doc Erin didn’t insist she go with her. The less she had to do with Floyd the better. She sat in the sitting room of the suite listening to Lily tell Alicia’s boys a story. The youngsters were enjoying it. She couldn’t help but contrast the scene with the one she had left behind. Her younger siblings would have thought it was Christmas if they were sitting in a warm room after a decent dinner, listening to a story.

  “Penny for them.”

  Startled, Nora jumped at the sound of Robbie’s voice.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, I thought you saw me walk over.”

  “Don’t mind me, I was miles away,” Nora said, hoping her voice didn’t sound shaky. He was standing so close, she was tempted to reach out and take his hand but she couldn’t.

  He took a seat on the sofa beside her despite there being another chair opposite. She held herself rigid for fear any part of her would touch him and give away her feelings. He smelled so good.

  “You look beautiful this evening, even though I can tell you’re worried about your family.”

  She looked at him. Big mistake. She felt she was drowning, her body moving toward his. Her gaze flickered to his lips. Would he kiss her again? She hoped so.

  “Nora…I, well the thing is…”

  She dragged her mind back to try and focus on what he was saying only he seemed to have difficulty putting his thoughts into words.

  “Yes?”

  “I was just going to say goodnight. I have work to catch up on before I retire to my rooms for the evening. I will see you tomorrow.”

  Crestfallen, she tried not to show her disappointment. She didn’t want him to know she’d hoped he would sit beside her all evening.

  “Goodnight,” she murmured.

  Robbie walked slowly from the room. When he reached the door, he glanced back to find her still looking at him. He smiled although inwardly he was cursing his lack of courage. Why couldn’t he ask her to take a walk around the hotel with him? It was a public place, nothing could happen. But anytime he got close to her, he wanted to hold her, kiss her and… She was a decent girl who deserved a husband to love and protect her. A good man. He was neither decent nor respectable. Regardless of how he appeared now, at heart he was still the London street kid nobody wanted. He closed the door behind him and walked quickly toward Mr. Prentice’s office, hoping there was enough work to keep his mind occupied and thoughts of Miss Nora Doherty at bay.

  Chapter 31

  Nora didn’t sleep well despite the comfortable bed and grand surroundings. Every time she looked out the window, the weather seemed to be worse. She shivered, not because she was cold but from fear. The morning couldn’t come quickly enough, although by the time Erin called her for breakfast, she had finally fallen asleep.

  She dressed to find the whole group were having breakfast together in the restaurant. She took the seat the waiter indicated. Everyone had already started eating, so she picked at the food in front of her. It was such a waste but her stomach was turning over so quickly, she couldn’t force down much.

  “I have to try to get home to my mam. Her and Gran will be worried sick about me. I shouldn’t have stayed here last night,” Nora fretted.

  “You can’t go out in that weather. Maybe it will get better later on,” Alicia said dubiously as she looked out the window.

  “I have to. I am very grateful for your hospitality but I can’t stay here. Charlie is on a job with the railway and we all know my da is next to useless. I have to go.” Nora forced herself to sound brave. The thought of going out in the storm was scary but it was worse to sit there worrying about them.

  “I’ll go with you.” Robbie stood up from his seat.

  “You can’t. You might be needed here,” she said.

  “Nora Doherty, for once in your life listen to reason. You cannot go out in that alone. So it’s simple. You stay here or we go together,” Robbie said.

  “He’s right. I wouldn’t want you out there alone, and Carmel would skin me alive if I let you go and anything happened to you. Please, Nora,” Erin pleaded with her. Nora looked at her new friends, all of whom were looking at her with concern.

  “Thank you, Robbie. I would be much obliged.” Her formal acceptance did nothing to wipe the grin off his face. He looked as if he was enjoying her discomfort.

  “Have another cup of tea before you go to help warm your insides,” Erin suggested.

  “Tea, the Irish answer to everything,” Mick quipped.

  Robbie gripped Nora’s arm as he escorted her back to her lodgings. The icy wind bit into their faces as their eyelashes and eyebrows froze over. Nora had a scarf wrapped around her neck, so Robbie showed her how to use it to cover her ears.

  “The ears are one of the first areas to get frostbite and you don’t even feel it,” he lectured.

  Nora touched one ear and didn’t argue. He wondered if she’d already started to numb. Robbie looked around trying to find shelter. They were too far from the hotel to turn around, and not close enough to Nora’s home. He knew they couldn’t continue in this storm but anywhere suitable was full.

  The gas lines must have frozen solid as the street lights were all out. They trudged down the street, staying on Broadway for as long as possible. All the theaters were closed, but the street was still crowded. The sheer number of people trying to make it home was comforting. They were not alone. Although it was only late afternoon, visibility was poor due to the volume of snow falling.

  They came to Union Square where the force of the wind almost knocked Nora off her feet. She gratefully clung to Robbie, all thoughts of propriety gone in the face of the horrible storm. Her hands were stinging but it was her feet she was worried about; she couldn’t feel them.

  “Nora, we need to get you out of this,” Robbie said over the howl of the wind.

  She looked at him, or at least she tried. Her
eyes wouldn’t open fully. She nodded her agreement. He pulled her closer and together they made their way slowly across the square. They almost fell over one man clinging to a lamppost. Nora instinctively went to help him but Robbie pulled her away. “It’s too late.” He kept moving, dragging her along, but she couldn’t help looking back. The poor man looked as if he were sleeping.

  “Robbie, look. There’s a cab. Maybe we can hire it.”

  Robbie must have heard her as, holding her tight, he walked toward it. But the cab was abandoned, the driver nowhere to be seen.

  “Darn that man.”

  Nora glanced at Robbie as he muttered. He was staring at the horses, his face expressing a myriad of emotions.

  “The horses will die if they don’t get shelter. How could anyone abandon their animals like that?” Nora said, looking around to see if they could see the cab driver. Maybe he had gone for help? But why not cut the horses lose and bring them with him?

  She saw Robbie take off his gloves and work on the reins, he worked slowly probably because his hands were freezing. She rubbed the horses noses so they wouldn’t spook and cause Robbie harm. Eventually he set them free.

  “Now we just need to get them to a livery.”

  “Do you know of one nearby?” she asked.

  “Yes, it’s not far and the man who owns it is a decent fellow. He’ll look after them.”

  Robbie didn’t let go of Nora but held onto the horses with his other hand. He led them all through the driving snow to the livery. Thankfully it wasn’t full and the man in charge was happy to keep the horses.

  “Poor creatures. Their owner should be shot!” the livery owner said.

  Neither Robbie nor Nora disagreed.

  “Nora, do you want to stay here? At least we’d be out of the snow.”

  The combined smell of manure, dirty hay and sweat was making Nora’s eyes water. She glanced at Robbie and then back out at the weather.