A Place of Refuge

by Janet Lee Barton

  The days were getting warmer and the street venders began hawking their goods earlier.

  “We’ll go to visit Rose a little later. But right now, I really want to find out if Mrs. Connor had a chance to speak to the young woman she told me about. And I believe it will be fine for you to come with me to both places. I think Mrs. Connor gets lonely while her family is at work and of course you’ve met Rose. I don’t think either of them will mind talking to me with you there.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to get in the way of you doing your job.”

  Kathleen grinned at him. “Don’t worry. I won’t let you hinder my work. If I have a chance to speak to this woman, I’ll ask you to wait for me. Or better yet, if she comes to Mrs. Connor’s you can just tell me you’ll wait outside for me.”

  Luke seemed to appreciate that she didn’t want to appear to be telling him what to do in front of other women. He gave a little nod. “That will work well.”

  Luke followed her up the stairs in a building much like the one she’d lived in. There wasn’t much difference in the apartment buildings in this neighborhood—only whether or not the buildings were kept up by the owners and how well the tenants took care of their own apartments.

  She’d felt quite comfortable in Mrs. Connor’s and was sure that Luke would, too. The apartment was as clean as one could make it and the older woman was happy to welcome them into it.

  Kathleen lightly touched Luke’s arm. “This is a friend of mine, Mrs. Connor. His name is Luke Patterson.”

  “How do you do, ma’am. I’m pleased to meet you.” Luke gave her a smile that Kathleen was sure would melt the older woman’s heart—it always did funny things to hers.

  “Thank you. If you are a friend of Kathleen’s, you’re as welcome here as she is. Please, take a seat and I’ll make some tea—or would you prefer coffee, Mr. Patterson?”

  “I’ll have whatever you ladies are having, thank you.”

  She’d obviously been expecting Kathleen, for she had a small plate of cookies ready and the kettle was steaming on a back burner. “Won’t take but a minute to steep the tea.”

  “Were you able to speak to the young woman you told me about, Mrs. Connor?” Kathleen got right to the point.

  “Reba? Yes, I did. And she’s very interested, but said she’d have to meet you and anyone she’d be leaving her little girl with before she’ll commit to anything.”

  “Oh, I understand completely. I’d want to do the very same thing,” Kathleen assured her.

  Mrs. Connor brought a tray of cups and the teapot to the table and poured them each a cup before taking her own seat. “She lives on the fourth floor and I believe she’s home. She’s in 4C, if you want to go up. Mr. Patterson can stay and keep me company.”

  “I’d like to talk to her. I—” She looked at Luke.

  “It’s fine with me, Kathleen. If Mrs. Connor doesn’t mind I’d really like another one of her cookies.”

  The older woman smiled at the compliment and Kathleen had no doubt that both of them would get along just fine while she was away. “Will Reba be expecting me?”

  “I told her I’d send you up if you came by today. Oh, and her last name is Dickerson.”

  Kathleen took a last sip of tea and stood. “I’ll be back in a bit then.”

  Mrs. Connor showed her to the door and Kathleen took the stairs to the fourth floor. The stuffiness in the hallway seemed to make the breakfast smells, along with every other aroma in the building, linger longer. She was careful not to breathe deeply as she knocked on apartment 4C.

  “Yes? Who is it?”

  “Mrs. Dickerson? It’s Kathleen O’Bryan. Mrs. Connor told me she talked to you about me and—”

  The door cracked open ever so slightly and all she could see was one blue eye and some reddish-blond hair. Kathleen smiled and the woman opened the door wider. “Come in.”

  A little girl of about three or four peeked around her mother’s skirts. She had her mother’s blue eyes but her hair was blonder and had no red in it. She had a finger stuck in her mouth and as Kathleen smiled down at her, she ducked behind her mother.

  There was something familiar about the young woman, but Kathleen couldn’t place her. She stood straight and proud as Kathleen entered and looked around, and she recognized the stance well. There was a time when she would have reacted the same way. And not long at all since her sister had. She hurried to put Mrs. Dickerson at ease.

  “This apartment is much like the one I used to live in down the street.”

  “You’re from the tenements?”

  “I am, yes. I’ve only recently moved out.”

  Kathleen could see the young woman’s stiff stance begin to relax. She picked her child up and motioned to the worn sofa. “Please, have a seat while I get Jenny occupied with her toys.”

  Kathleen looked around the two rooms she could see—the small parlor and tiny kitchen. They were both clean with only a bowl at the table where the child had most probably been eating.

  The young mother was back in only a few minutes. “Would you like some coffee or tea?”

  “I’m fine, thank you. Unless you’d like something and in that case I’ll join you.”

  “Come, take a seat at the kitchen table and tell me more about this child care home Mrs. Connor mentioned.”

  Kathleen wasted no time in doing just that as Mrs. Dickerson poured them both a cup of coffee. She pulled a few flyers from her bag that explained the day care homes and other things the Ladies’ Aide Society wanted to do.

  “And it doesn’t cost anything?”

  “Not a cent. There are people in the city who have money and truly do want to help others.”

  “I sure would love to have some regular income. I take in laundry, but it doesn’t go near far enough.”

  “With child care, you’d be able to take a job that pays better. I think you’re a perfect candidate for the service, Mrs. Dickerson.”

  “Please, just call me Reba. It does sound wonderful. I’ve thought of applying at Macy’s for a position, but—”

  “You could do that now. Please, think about it. Pray about it. If you let me know soon I can get you on the top of the list for the next home.”

  “There isn’t an opening now?”

  “Well, I could see if there is room for one more, if you should find employment before the other home is up and running.”

  “I think I’d like that. I’ll see if Mrs. Connor can watch Jenny so that I can go apply at a few places.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be happy to. She’s a very nice woman. I’ll check back with you in a few days or you can leave a message for me at the Ladies’ Aide Society.” She handed Reba one of her cards.

  Reba took it. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll be praying you find the right job. You do that, and we’ll find a place for your little girl.”

  Kathleen left the apartment with a light heart. It felt wonderful to see the expression in the woman’s eyes change from resignation to hope. Kathleen sent up a silent prayer that she would be able to help her.

  * * *

  As soon as Kathleen returned to Mrs. Connor’s apartment, Luke could tell from the expression on her face that things went well. So, apparently, could Mrs. Connor.

  “She said yes, didn’t she?” the older woman said.

  “Well, she seemed very interested,” Kathleen replied. “She said she’s going to see if you will watch her daughter while she puts in applications.”

  “Of course I will. I want that young woman to have a better life.”

  Kathleen nodded and Luke knew she wanted the same thing.

  “Thank you for telling me about her, Mrs. Connor. Seeing her with her little girl, knowing that making their living is up to her...well, I’ll pray she f
inds something quickly.”

  “We’ll leave it in the Lord’s hands. It’s for sure He will work it all out in the best way.”

  Luke had a feeling the woman prayed often. Something he needed to do more.

  “We all need to be praying about it,” Kathleen said. “I told Reba to pray about it also. I’m sure the Lord will guide her. You know, there is something about her—I feel I’ve seen her before.”

  “That’s possible. She lives in the same neighborhood that you did. More than likely you’ve passed her on the street.”

  “That’s true. We probably passed each other numerous times.” She seemed to be in deep thought and then gave her head a shake. “I suppose we should go now. I have a few more people to see today.”

  “Thank you for putting up with me, Mrs. Connor,” Luke said. He’d had quite an enjoyable time talking to the woman. She’d given him all kinds of insight into the kind of people he wanted to help.

  “Thank you for keeping me company, Mr. Patterson. It was a pleasure to meet a real author. You come back anytime and I’ll see if I can come up with any more memories for you. Or just come by for coffee when you’re in the neighborhood.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. I may very well take you up on your offer.”

  “I hope you do.” She turned to Kathleen. “Thank you for bringing him with you, Kathleen. Something about this young man reminds me of my son.”

  “You’re quite welcome. I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again.”

  “I’m counting on it.”

  She let Kathleen and Luke out and then locked the door behind them. Kathleen sighed as they began to walk away. “I wish I could get her and her family out of here, too.”

  “I know. But you know she’s much better off than some. She’s not dreaming of getting out as much as she’s trying to help others.”

  “We can learn a lot from Mrs. Connor. She reminds me of Mrs. Heaton in many ways.”

  “Yes, she does me, too.”

  They made their way up the street to Kathleen’s old building. It looked the same to Luke, and he was surprised when she said, “It doesn’t feel the same now that we don’t live here. And we haven’t been out very long. How can that be?”

  “I don’t know. It seems the same to me.”

  They climbed the stairs and Kathleen wrinkled her nose and began to chuckle. “It smells about the same.”

  “It does.”

  They passed an apartment where loud arguing was heard. “And it sounds much the same.”

  “Like I said. Only difference is that you don’t live here any longer.”

  They reached the Walshes’ apartment and Kathleen knocked on the door. For a moment Luke thought everyone must be gone, but then the door opened a crack and Mrs. Walsh peeked out.

  “Kathleen! Mr. Patterson! My, but it’s good to see you. Come in, come in.” She opened the door wide and Luke followed Kathleen inside.

  “Please take a seat and tell me what brings you here. Colleen and the boys are all right, aren’t they?”

  “They are wonderful. She’d very much like you to come see her, and the boys would love to see Roger.”

  “I’ve been meaning to visit but I thought perhaps she’s been so busy getting everything set up. I think it is such a fine thing the Ladies’ Aide Society is doing, Kathleen. And I’m so glad it’s provided you and Colleen a better life.”

  “So are we. And, well, Rose...would you like to...what would you say if you were offered the same kind of chance?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The city is in need of more day care homes and the Ladies’ Aide Society is wanting to get the next one going as soon as possible.”

  “But I have no need of it, Kathleen. My husband doesn’t want me to leave Roger to go to work.”

  “What if you didn’t have to leave him? And what if your husband could continue to work at his job but earn a little more?”

  “What are you talking about, Kathleen? Do tell me.”

  Kathleen explained the offer to her and Luke could tell Rose was trying to contain her excitement about it. “You mean we’d be running another house? We’d be able to move out of here?”

  “If your husband agrees to it, yes.”

  Rose put a hand over her heart and tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. “I don’t know what to say. I—”

  “You don’t have to say anything just yet. Talk to your husband and let me know as soon as possible. And if you have any other questions, you are welcome to come talk to me and Mrs. Heaton.”

  “Oh, I’m sure there’ll be questions. But it sounds too good to be true.”

  “Have no worries, Rose. You’ll be working, probably harder than you ever have, taking care of a passel of children—but it’s a chance to have a life out of here. You’ll have a nice home, make good money and have a future—not to mention that you’ll be helping others at the same time.”

  Luke watched Kathleen’s former neighbor as she put a hand over her mouth and nodded. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you for thinking of this.”

  “It wasn’t just me. Luke actually came up with the idea that your husband could be hired to help keep up the houses—if it’s something he’d like to do.”

  “I think he’d love it. I can’t wait for him to get home so that I can talk to him about it. But I can’t see how he’d even think of turning it down.”

  Luke was glad to hear it. He had a soft spot for this family. After all, it was Rose’s husband who’d brought Kathleen to Heaton House. He deserved some kind of reward in Luke’s eyes for that very reason.

  The two women chatted for a few minutes and then Kathleen looked at Luke. “I suppose we should be going now.”

  Rose saw them out. “Thank you. I’ll be getting in touch with you as soon as I can.”

  “I look forward to hearing from you, Rose. And you know, you and your husband can always ask Colleen about the position and how she’s liking it.”

  “I might just pay her a visit today.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be very glad to see you.”

  The two women hugged and he and Kathleen left the apartment.

  “Another good day for you,” he said to her as they made their way down the flights of stairs.

  “Oh, yes, I think so. Now all I have to do is wait for answers.”

  “You’ll get them soon, I’m sure. I can’t imagine anyone turning down the offers you’ve made today.”

  “Neither can I.” They reached the bottom floor and Luke wondered if Kathleen realized they both took a cleansing, deep breath at the same time.

  The grin on her face and the gleam in her eye told him she did. “You were so right. It hasn’t changed a bit. I don’t think I really knew how bad it was until I moved away. Oh, I knew, but it didn’t matter as much because most of the people I worked with and knew lived in the same conditions. But there is so much more out there—so many opportunities if only...”

  “I know. But we can’t help everyone at once, Kathleen. Just a few at a time. And we can get the word out about how much more help is needed and what opportunities there are. And then we have to leave things in the Lord’s hands.”

  “I know. I’m not always very good at that, though.”

  “None of us are. But I believe you are better at it than you think you are. I think it comes naturally to you.” She was a wonderful example of being there for her sister, of doing what she could to protect her and the boys, to help support them when her brother-in-law either couldn’t or wouldn’t. And she’d even gone back to help once she’d gotten out of this place. She’d given up living at Heaton House to come back and help her sister. And she’d have kept doing it as long as she had to.

  “No, Luke, I—”

  “Kathleen.” Luke stopped in the mi
ddle of the walk and turned to her. “Anyone can see you look to the Lord to guide you. And you do what you believe He wants you to do—even if it might be the last thing you want.”

  “Luke, I only wish I was like that. I know deep down that I’m not. I’m not brave and I’m not willing to go out on a limb in many ways. I have a hard time trusting others and—”

  “Do you trust the Lord?”

  “Of course I do. But—”

  “Then just trust that the Lord will bring people into your life whom you can trust. Like Mrs. Heaton.” And me.

  He wished she knew that she could trust him to be her friend, to be there to protect her, but, because of all she’d been through, he understood why she found it extremely difficult to trust men—including him. He’d like to change that, but it might mean making a commitment that he couldn’t make now—and wasn’t sure he ever could.

  And yet who did he think he was telling Kathleen that she should trust the Lord when he needed to do the very same thing?

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kathleen had visited both Reba and Mrs. Connor later in the week and the younger woman was busy putting in applications for work but hadn’t found anything yet. Rose and her husband had visited with Colleen to find out more about what to expect and promised to have an answer by the coming Monday. Kathleen had no choice but to wait for their decisions and as frustrating as that was for her, Mrs. Heaton and the other ladies were hopeful and encouraged by her first real week out in the tenements.

  At dinner on Friday evening everyone began talking about the weekend.

  “We should have a group outing. We haven’t done that in a while,” Elizabeth suggested.

  “You know what? It’s getting warmer out. Maybe we should go to Coney Island this weekend? It’s still much too cool for a swim, but we could enjoy the amusement parks and perhaps have lunch there.”

  “I’ve never been to Coney Island,” Kathleen said. “But I heard a lot about it when I worked at Tiffany. The group went once in a while, but I...” Her voice trailed off, thinking about the outings she’d been asked to go on but always refused because of money or just not feeling right about enjoying her weekend when Colleen and the boys were stuck with Clancy. But she didn’t have that worry now. “I’d love to go.”