A Place of Refuge

by Janet Lee Barton

  “I’ve never thought of it that way. I just don’t want any of you who have helped me so much to be hurt by my actions.”

  “Has it never dawned on you that you’ve helped all of us in your own way, too?”

  “Oh, Luke, no, I—” She shook her head.

  “Kate.” He looked into her eyes. Oh, how he wanted to kiss her, to let her know of his growing feelings for her. Of how much she meant to him. But this wasn’t the time or the place. “Don’t you know the Lord is as capable of using you to help others as anyone else?”

  Finally he saw her lips turn up in a smile. “Thank you. Again. For reminding me of what I already know.”

  “You’re welcome.” He cupped her cheek in his hand and tipped her face up—thankful that she no longer flinched if he touched her. “It’s going to all work out, Kate. You’ll see.”

  “I hope so.”

  Then he was no longer able to resist the temptation. He lowered his head and heard Kathleen’s quick intake of breath. But she didn’t move. He lowered his lips to hers. And she responded. Her lips were soft and sweet and— She broke it off and stood.

  “I— We’d better be going, Luke.”

  “Yes, of course.” She hadn’t slapped him. Surely that meant something?

  The rest of the walk home was in silence, but Luke didn’t know if it was a good or a bad one. Was she upset about the kiss? And if so, was it because he’d kissed her, or that she’d kissed him back?

  Once they arrived at the house, she started up the steps. “Kate?’

  She stopped and turned to him.

  “I’m sorry—” they both said at the exact same time.

  “I should have—” again together. Finally they both chuckled and broke the tension between them.

  “Let’s leave this for another time—after all this with Reba is taken care of. But then we need to talk about us. Agreed?” He held out his hand and his heart hammered as he waited.

  Kathleen slipped her hand in his. “Agreed.”

  * * *

  Luke escorted Kathleen to Reba’s apartment building as usual the next morning, but they didn’t discuss anything other than their plans in regard to Reba.

  They’d made a deal and taken it seriously. But Kathleen knew they would have a talk about what had happened between them the night before. Luke was a man of his word, and she was a woman of hers.

  “I’ll not be far away at any time, but you might not see me. If you need me, just call my name and I’ll be there,” Luke said just before she entered the building.

  “All right. See you later.” Kathleen hurried up the stairs, buoyed by just knowing that he would be near. And that she trusted that he would be.

  She’d slept better than she’d expected the night before. The Lord must have known she needed to sleep instead of reliving Luke’s kiss. But it’d been on her mind as soon as she’d awakened. She still couldn’t believe she’d responded the way she had and deep in her heart she knew she could no longer deny that she was falling in love with him.

  But for now she put it all out of her mind. Today was about Reba and the Heatons and she needed a clear mind to handle whatever came of it once Violet saw the young woman.

  Reba and Jenny were ready as soon as she knocked on the door and they both seemed to be in high spirits. Kathleen paid for the trolley for all of them and they were soon on their way. She could tell they rarely road the trolley from Jenny’s excitement. She was such a pretty little girl and there was no way around the fact that she resembled Mrs. Heaton enough to be her granddaughter.

  She’d telephoned Colleen that morning and she knew to expect Violet first and then her and Reba and Jenny. Her sister opened the door wide and welcomed them inside as Kathleen made the introductions.

  “Many of the children come before breakfast,” Colleen explained, “so that is available to Jenny if you need to leave for work early. And of course we serve them lunch, too. You’re welcome to stay for that today, if you’d like.”

  After they dropped Jenny off in the playroom and introduced her to the other children, Colleen took them on a tour. Kathleen wondered where Violet was. Would she make herself known or surreptitiously get a look at Reba?

  Reba seemed quite pleased with the home as Colleen led her through one room and then the other, including the kitchen and the small garden out back where the children sometimes played.

  “Oh, this is even nicer than I imagined,” Reba said as they headed back into the house. “I know Jenny is going to love being here.”

  Colleen opened the door and the hallway seemed dim after the bright sunshine outside. Kathleen heard Violet’s voice say, “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “It’s all righ—” Reba took a quick breath and seemed to hold it.

  “Ida said you were outside, Colleen. I was just coming to find you.” Violet turned back to Reba. “I— You look so familiar, do I know y—”

  “No, I don’t think we’ve met before.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I truly thought—”

  “No. I need to get Jenny now.” Her voice seemed shaky.

  “Oh, you don’t want to stay for lunch?” Colleen asked.

  “We can’t—I—” She seemed to be getting more agitated by the minute.

  “Come with me. I’ll get her,” Colleen said.

  “I’ll meet you by the front door, Reba,” Kathleen said. But once they were out of sight she turned to Violet and whispered, “Well, could you tell?”

  Violet’s eyes were filled with tears. “It’s Rebecca. I know it is.”

  Kathleen nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Thank you.”

  Kathleen hurried to the front door and waited for Reba to come with Jenny. Jenny hated to leave, but Colleen assured her she’d be back soon and calmed her down.

  But the look on Reba’s face as they walked to the trolley stop unsettled Kathleen and she prayed that she wouldn’t change her mind about using the day care.

  On the way to the apartment Jenny chattered about the day care and the children she’d met and how much she wanted to go back. Finally Reba assured her she’d get to go back and Kathleen was sure she was as relieved as Jenny was at that news.

  “But now be a good girl and go change into your everyday clothes and play for a bit while I talk to Kathleen and make your lunch.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Jenny skipped off to the bedroom with a smile on her face.

  She’d no more than left the room when Reba turned to Kathleen. “Who was that woman who thought she knew me?”

  “She’s a friend of Colleen’s. She’s not usually there—she works at Butterick.”

  “You’re sure she’s not always there?”

  “I’m certain of it. She must have had the day off and stopped by for a visit.”

  Reba went to the kitchen and Kathleen followed her. She could tell the young woman was still upset by the way her hands shook as she filled her teakettle and put it on the stove.

  “Are you all right, Reba? You seem upset.”

  Reba turned from the stove, tears flowing down her cheeks and Kathleen hurried over to her. “What is it? Is it Violet?”

  Reba nodded and began to sob. Kathleen wrapped an arm around her. “It’s all right, come sit down and tell me about it.”

  Reba let her lead her to the table and sat down. She pulled a handkerchief out of her pocket and blew her nose as Kathleen sat down opposite her. “Violet Burton was our neighbor in Virginia. I’m not sure why she’s here.”

  Kathleen had to tell her what she knew. “She’s Violet Heaton now.”

  Reba began to cry all over again. “She’s my sister-in-law, then. I didn’t know Michael had moved here.”

  “I’m sorry, I—”

  “My name isn’t Dickerson. It’s Heat
on and I’ve never been married. Dickerson is my mother’s maiden name.” Reba stood up and began to pace as the floodgates opened and she talked. “I left home and came here with a man I thought loved me, wanted to marry me. But it was all a lie and when he left me here, I was pregnant with Jenny and too ashamed to go home and face my family. I didn’t want to bring shame on them and I—” She sat back down and began to sob in earnest. Kathleen grasped her hands until she was spent and sniffing.

  “You are Rebecca Heaton?”

  Reba nodded.

  “I must be truthful with you. Your mother came here shortly after you went missing and she and Michael both have spent years trying to find you. They aren’t worried about you bringing shame on them, Reba. They just want you back, to know you are alive and well and to be part of their lives again.”

  “Did they send you here?”

  “No! They know nothing about you yet. But, oh, Reba, you have a family who loves you with all their hearts right here in the city. Please consider letting them know you’re here.”

  “My mother is here? In New York City? She didn’t go back after they couldn’t find me?”

  “No. She’s always believed that they would find you—or you would find them when you were ready. And she’s made it her life’s work to help other young women who might need a place to stay. She runs Heaton House where I live.”

  “Please tell me more about her and Michael.”

  The kettle began to blow steam and Kathleen took it on herself to make them both a cup of tea as she told Reba all Mrs. Heaton had done for her and her family, how wonderful a couple Michael and Violet were and how she came to think Reba was Mrs. Heaton’s daughter.

  That Reba wanted to see them was as apparent as her fear of doing so. She was clearly at war with herself.

  “I love your mother, Reba, and I don’t want to see her go through any more heartbreak.”

  “But I’m afraid they won’t want—”

  “Reba, surely you remember the story of the prodigal son? And how his father welcomed him home? You must know deep down that your mother and brother will do the same with you.”

  “I know the Lord has forgiven me, but I don’t want Jenny to suffer for my sins.”

  “There is no way that will happen and you know it. Your mother and brother and Violet, too, are going to dote upon her. Jenny deserves to know her grandmother and uncle, Reba. Please let me tell them about you.”

  Finally, Reba nodded. “Yes. You can tell them. But if they don’t want to see me—”

  “That’s not going to be the case. I can promise you that.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Kathleen no more than got out the door of Reba’s apartment before Luke was there. She didn’t even know where he’d come from but suddenly he was walking toward her.

  “I didn’t have to call you.”

  “No, you didn’t. I was here all along. What happened?”

  They walked and talked at the same time. “Reba is Rebecca and she’s agreed to meet with Michael and Violet. But I don’t want her to change her mind so the quicker we can make it happen the better.”

  “Let’s go see Michael. He should be home by now.”

  Kathleen filled in Luke on what had happened with Reba on the way to Michael and Violet’s. Once they got there, her heart went out to Michael.

  His voice was filled with emotion as he asked, “Is this woman really my sister, Kathleen?”

  “She is. She recognized Violet this morning even though she denied knowing her and when we got back to her apartment, she broke down and told me everything.”

  Michael turned away for a few moments and gathered his wife in his arms. Kathleen’s eyes were full of tears as she looked at Luke and saw his were filled also.

  Finally Michael was able to compose himself. “After all these years of looking for her it’s hard to believe she’s been found. Can you tell me more?”

  Kathleen filled him in on everything, including the fact that Reba—Rebecca—was afraid they’d want nothing to do with her once they found she had a child out of wedlock. “I assured her that wasn’t the case and finally talked her into letting me tell you about her. She’s agreed to see you and Mrs. Heaton.”

  “When?”

  “As soon as you can. I don’t think she’ll run away—I told her Jenny deserved to know her grandmother and uncle—but I’d say the sooner the better.”

  “I’ll go get Mother and bring her over. Violet and I will prepare her. Can you and Luke bring Rebecca and Jenny back here?”

  Kathleen looked at Luke and he nodded. “We can. We’ll go now.”

  They headed back to the tenements immediately, and Kathleen prayed all the while that Reba would be home and that she hadn’t changed her mind about seeing her mother and brother.

  Luke went with her this time and Reba let them both in. She told the woman who Luke really was, that he lived at Heaton House, too. Then she relayed Michael’s request to meet. “You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”

  “No. I haven’t changed my mind. It wouldn’t be fair to anyone after I told you I would. And you’re right. My daughter deserves to know her grandmother and uncle. I’ve even told Jenny she was going to get to meet them. I can’t go back now.”

  Only then did Kathleen begin to relax. It was going to be all right. She and Luke waited while Reba and her daughter got ready.

  “I can’t even imagine what Mrs. Heaton must be feeling right now. I’m so glad Michael went to get her and will explain it all to her. I’m not sure I could do it again.”

  Luke agreed. “We’ll get to see the reunion. I can’t wait for that.”

  “Me, either. But then I think we should leave them alone, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I do. How about you let me take you to dinner? So we don’t have to answer the boarders’ questions just yet?”

  His smile had Kathleen’s heart doing a funny little twist. “I’d like that, thank you.”

  Reba and Jenny came out of their room, excitement on the face of the child, and a bit of apprehension on her mother’s. They walked out to Second Avenue where Luke procured a hack to get them there as quickly as possible.

  When they arrived at Michael’s, Violet let them in and immediately hugged Reba. “I knew it was you. I’m so glad...” She stopped and took a deep breath, then looked down at Jenny. “Hello, Jenny. I’m your aunt Violet and I’m very glad to meet you.”

  “I’m glad, too,” Jenny said.

  Just then the doors to the parlor opened and Mrs. Heaton and Michael came out. In spite of the fact that the older woman had been crying, her eyes were filled with joy for anyone to see.

  “Mama.” Reba ran to her mother who wrapped her in her arms and sobbed. “I’m so sorry, Mama. I never wanted to hurt you so.”

  “Shh, child. You’re here. My prayers have been answered. These are tears of joy, not sadness.” Mrs. Heaton wiped her eyes on the handkerchief she held in her hand. Then she looked at Jenny, who had a grip on her mother’s skirt. “And you must be Jenny, my granddaughter?”

  Reba picked her up and held her in her arms. Jenny nodded. “I think so.”

  “Oh, I know so. You look just like your mama did at your age. I’m very happy to meet you.” She leaned over and kissed Jenny’s cheek.

  “Me too, Granma.”

  One could hear Reba swallow her sob as she turned toward Michael. “And this is your uncle Michael, Jenny.”

  Jenny gave him a smile and a little wave as Michael crossed the foyer and hugged them both. “I’ve always wanted to be an uncle, Jenny.”

  He held out his arms and the child fairly jumped into them.

  Kathleen took the handkerchief Luke handed her to wipe the flow of tears before she turned and found herself in his arms.

  �
��I told you it would be all right, didn’t I?”

  Kathleen nodded but before she could step out of Luke’s arms, Mrs. Heaton was there, crying, hugging and kissing them both. “Kathleen, Luke, thank you, thank you.”

  “Oh, Mrs. Heaton, you are so welcome. We’re just thankful it’s turned out this way.”

  “You’ll stay for supper?” Violet asked.

  “No,” Luke said. “Thank you, but Kathleen and I want this time to be yours. I’m going to take her to dinner and we’ll celebrate with you all—”

  “This weekend. At Heaton House,” Mrs. Heaton said. “We’ll all celebrate then.”

  * * *

  Luke took Kathleen to a small Italian café where one didn’t have to dress up and the lighting wasn’t good enough to tell if one had been crying all afternoon.

  Now as they each enjoyed the rich lasagna they’d ordered, Luke was relieved to see Kathleen smiling.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite so touching.” Her eyes shone with unshed tears.

  “Oh, it was that. I had a hard time there for a while. But I have also been witness to something just as touching. The night you went to your sister’s side and then to get your nephews.” He’d never forget that night, or this one either for that matter.

  “Oh, Luke, did I ever thank you for being there for me?”

  “Many times.” He took a bite of the rich pasta dish and leaned back in his seat.

  “This is wonderful. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten any Italian food. I love it.”

  “It’s a favorite of mine. And we can come here again anytime you’d like to.” He hoped she’d want to come back with him.

  “That would be nice.”

  She looked exhausted by the time they’d finished their meal and he got a cab to take them back to Heaton House. “Want to take the long way home so that maybe we don’t have to run into anyone at home?”

  “Yes, I think I would. I just...”