Orphan Train Disaster

by Rachel Wesson

  “You two go ahead. I don’t want to intrude,” Leonie replied. Maria caught the look of disappointment on the younger girl’s face.

  Maria put her hand out to stop Leonie from heading back to her workspace.

  “It’s Conrad who’s intruding. Come on Leonie, that coffee is calling me.”

  The three of them rode the elevator downstairs. Conrad bought them all a coffee and a hot donut from the street trader at the edge of Washington Square gardens.

  “We don’t have a lot of time, but I can never resist a donut,” he said as he handed the cakes to the girls. Leonie looked ready to refuse but Conrad added, “I can’t eat alone, so you two can get indigestion too.”

  Maria loved him even more. She watched the young Leonie devour the donut. The girl was what, fifteen if even that, yet she looked to be much younger. Her clothes, while clean, had been mended so often, it was hard to tell how much of the original dress remained.

  “How is your mother, Leonie?”

  Leonie’s face fell. “She’s in a lot of pain, but she refuses to take the medicine the local drugstore recommends. She says it makes her feel funny, like she is dizzy.”

  Conrad finished eating before saying, “Your mother should see a real doctor. Some drugstores lace those bottles with alcohol or worse.”

  Leonie didn’t answer. Maria guessed she was wondering how to pay for a doctor.

  “Frieda’s friend Patrick visited your mother during the strike didn’t he?” Maria hinted.

  Leonie’s face blossomed, she looked almost pretty. “Yes, he was so lovely. Mama liked him, said he was gentle. He didn’t hurt her.”

  “So why doesn’t she see him now?”

  Leonie looked at something in the distance.

  “Leonie, talk to us. Maybe we can help?” Maria offered.

  “Our landlord, he’s increased the rent. He said if Mama had money to pay for doctors, she could pay more for the house. He suggested Mama can pay in other ways, but Mama got annoyed. I’ve never seen her so upset. She won’t see Patrick or even Frieda anymore. She’s too afraid to upset Mr. Murdoch.”

  Conrad flushed, his eyes lit with anger. Maria put a hand on his arm, afraid he would scare Leonie who was timid enough already.

  “I’m seeing Frieda on Wednesday. We’ll call to see your mother. Then maybe we can help work something out.” Maria waited for Leonie to say something. The girl didn't look convinced.

  “It’s worth a try, Leonie. Your family have friends; you don’t need to face any of this alone.”

  For a second she thought Leonie would refuse, but instead the girl gave her a shy smile.

  “You are very kind, Maria. Mama would enjoy chatting to you and Frieda.”

  “Good. We best get back before they send a search party out for us.” Maria took Leonie’s arm and squeezed her hand. “Have faith, Leonie.”

  They walked back in silence, Maria thinking of what Joseph had said. There was always someone worse off than yourself. She caught Conrad’s gaze over Leonie’s head; he was angry at what the landlord had done, but still he smiled at her, a smile that warmed her from her toes up.

  Chapter 10

  The Sanctuary

  Lily and Kathleen sat in the office going through paperwork. Neither relished the task, but they had to keep their records accurate. Not just for the city inspections, but also to keep their accountant and attorney happy. Charlie had suggested the Sanctuary keep an attorney when families sued over organizations stealing their children. Not that the Sanctuary ever took away a child without the parent’s permission.

  “Where’s Frieda, today? Is she at the hospital, or is it the day for home visiting?” Lily asked. “I haven’t seen much of her since you told me about her meeting with Dr. Guild.”

  Kathleen’s lips thinned at the mention of the doctor. “At the hospital, but knowing Frieda, she will do some home visits later. She’s working even harder now, maybe she hopes she can change that man’s mind. Patrick says he never gets to chat with her anymore, and she doesn’t come to see Elsa as often.”

  “Do you think something happened between Patrick and Frieda?”

  Kathleen glanced at Lily, an unreadable expression in her eyes. Lily waited for an answer, but when one wasn’t forthcoming, she asked again.

  “Have you noticed how they look at each other when they think nobody is watching? I used to think they would announce they were courting, but lately it’s as if Frieda is avoiding Patrick, don’t you agree?”

  “Lily, you are always trying to play matchmaker.”

  “No, I’m not!” At a look from Kathleen, Lily laughed. “Well, maybe I am. But that aside, she used to light up like a Christmas tree when Patrick came into the room. Now, she looks miserable. I don’t think it’s just because of Dr. Guild, but maybe I’m wrong. I can’t help feeling something else has happened. Surely you’ve noticed?”

  “I have, but I try to ignore it. I think I should stay out of it.”

  Confused, Lily came out from behind her desk to sit beside Kathleen. “Why? Don’t you like Frieda?”

  “I do, I love her. Who wouldn’t? She is a credit to her family, turning her whole life around after what happened.” Kathleen fell silent.

  “But?” Lily prompted.

  “I don’t want her throwing away everything to get married.” Kathleen put her hands up to her mouth as if wondering how those words had escaped.

  Lily didn’t hide her surprise. “It’s early to be talking about marriage anyway, they haven’t even gone out alone for one evening. Now it looks like they never will.”

  Kathleen didn’t answer. Lily took Kathleen’s hand, genuinely worried now she was missing something. “I thought you would like them to get married. They are well suited. He brings her out of her shell, and she adds a calming influence.”

  “Yes, I know all that. And I know they would wait for her to qualify and everything. But Lily… we both know if she gets married, her life as a doctor will be over. It’s been so hard for her to get accepted into the study program, even with Richard’s backing. She’s worked and struggled so hard. Dr. Guild made his feelings clear about her future at the hospital. It will be difficult for her to find another job, and if she was to get married now, then that was all for nothing. And as for Patrick, Richard thinks he could make a wonderful surgeon. If he settles down, he won’t want to spend years studying.”

  Stunned, Lily stayed silent. She didn’t want to offend Kathleen and knew some of what she said was valid, but what was more important, a future career or happiness?

  “Do you think I’m horrible? I mean, what mother wouldn’t want her child to be happy. I know Patrick loves Frieda, even if he hasn’t completely realized it yet. I love Frieda already. She is like a part of our family.”

  Lily hugged Kathleen before drawing back, keeping her arm on her friend’s shoulder.

  “Kathleen Green, you are a wonderful mother, and nobody could ever question your love for all your children. But I wonder whether Patrick sees Frieda more as a sister or a young woman. She wears her heart on her sleeve, but he is more difficult to read.”

  “I don’t think he sees her as a sister.” Kathleen paused as if considering her next thought. “She’s Frieda. She’s always been around. Maybe he takes her for granted a little.”

  Lily would not confirm or deny that remark. Kathleen was her best friend, but as Patrick’s mother, Kathleen wouldn’t want to hear anything that sounded like criticism.

  “Kathleen, I think you are underestimating both Frieda and Patrick.”

  “How? They can’t change the world. You, of all people, know the attitudes of our society.”

  “They don’t have to change society. They just have to make it work for them. Patrick is supportive of Frieda’s career. I think together they can find a way if they decide they want to be a couple. They might even open up their own practice. In fact, we could employ both of them right here at the Sanctuary.”

  “Lily, you can’t fix everything by
throwing money at it.”

  Stung, Lily bit back. “I’m not. You and I both know how much the people in our community need qualified doctors. Lillian Wald is doing wonderful work in reducing the infant mortality rate. Frieda has told me so much about her, I’ve asked her to come to dinner tomorrow evening. You and Richard should come, too. Maybe we could also ask Patrick and Frieda. We can see how they react to each other.”

  “I suppose there is no harm in that. But don’t try matchmaking. You will embarrass both of them.”

  “Me?” Lily adopted an innocent expression, but when Kathleen laughed, she did too. Her attempts at matchmaking were legendary, though not always for the right reasons. More than one couple whom she thought were well suited had hated each other. So much so, Charlie had told her to give up and concentrate on the stuff she was good at. Things like setting up Sanctuaries and building factories. Although she would need more help if she was to get the factory off the ground.

  “Why do you look like you sucked a lemon, Lily?”

  “I know I said I wouldn’t let it upset me, but the progress on the factory is so slow. Anne and her friends have been wonderful, but I thought we’d have it built by now.” She still hadn’t got over her disappointment in not being able to locate the factory in Little Germany. She’d settled for a site nearer the Sanctuary. Anne Morgan had raised a lot of money, so they purchased the land in cash.

  “Lily Doherty, you have no patience. Look at what you have achieved already. You’ve bought the site and the foundations have been dug. The weather didn’t help, but with Spring coming, things will improve.”

  Lily paced the floor.

  “Tell me Lily, what’s the real reason you are so bent out of shape.”

  Lily wanted to share, but would Kathleen think she’d lost her mind? She wondered if she had.

  “Lily, please. I know you aren’t happy. You seem more troubled with every passing week. I won’t say a word to anyone, not even Richard. I promise.” Kathleen coughed, reddening slightly. “Is it our age?”

  “Age?” Confused, Lily glanced at her friend who seemed embarrassed. It took a moment to dawn on her. “You think I’m going through the change?” Maybe she was, although she was a little young for it, wasn’t she? What age did the change happen?

  “Richard says it can lead to mood swings and depression. Not to mention taking up a project although most women re-decorate their house not build a factory.”

  Lily stopped pacing. “You’ve discussed me with Richard?”

  “No, of course not. He was talking about some patient of his, and I just recognized some symptoms. Don’t you look at me like that, Lily Doherty. You have been a giant pain in the…” Too much of a lady to finish the sentence, Kathleen let it hang.

  “Tell me how you really feel,” Lily retorted.

  “See! That’s what I’m talking about. I’m concerned for you and you just laugh in my face. I may be your oldest friend Lily, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be insufferable. I’m going home.” Kathleen stood and marched to the door. She slammed it shut behind her.

  Chapter 11

  Lily stared at the shut door, shocked to her core. Despite being Irish, Kathleen rarely lost her temper and never with her. Lily sat on the edge of the couch, playing with her hands. She should go after her. Maybe it would be better for Kathleen to calm down. The door opened, admitting Kathleen. She still looked mad, but also a little shamefaced. “Left my coat.” She picked up the coat, but took a long time to move to the door.

  “Please don’t go. Sit down. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”

  Kathleen stayed silent. Lily glared up at her friend. “You could apologize, too. You called me some horrible names.”

  “I said you were insufferable and you are. I don’t take it back.” Kathleen looked like she was struggling to keep a straight face.

  “At least I don’t flounce out in a temper.”

  Kathleen glared at her, “Flounce! Who’s flouncing? I left.”

  “And took the door with you.” Lily took out her hanky and held it in the air. “Peace?”

  “A peace flag is white.”

  Lily glanced at the pink hanky and giggled. Kathleen joined in before she took a seat beside her.

  “Sorry,” they both muttered at the same time.

  Cook arrived with some tea and cake just at that moment.

  Lily took the tray from Cook. “Thank you, Cook, but we didn’t order anything.”

  “I heard that door slam shut, wonder they didn’t hear it in Florida, the noise it made. Tea will calm both of you down. At least, it better, or I will have something to say.” Cook tottered off. Lily and Kathleen exchanged another glance before dissolving into giggles again.

  “I think we just got told off, Kathleen. She’s rather scary when she’s mad.”

  “It’s chocolate cake. She can get mad anytime she likes. You pour while I cut the cake.”

  They ate and drank in silence. Lily caught Kathleen glancing at her a few times.

  “Lily, if you don’t want to tell me what’s wrong, that’s fine. But please don’t pretend everything is alright. Remember, I will always stick by you, no matter what.”

  “Kathleen, I think I’m losing my marbles.”

  Kathleen didn’t comment and kept her face steady.

  Lily hesitated, but then once she started talking, she couldn’t stop. “It started after that horrible fire in Newark last November, where the twenty-five factory workers died. I keep dreaming the Sanctuary is on fire and people are trapped inside. I can’t get to them to help them. The smoke is too thick. In the next dream, it’s a building on fire but not one I recognize. It’s the same theme though, I can’t get inside to help. I… it’s getting to the stage, I’m too scared to go asleep.”

  Kathleen put her cup down and took Lily’s cup and plate and set them on the table. Then she sat beside Lily and pulled her into her arms, stroking her hair as if she was a child like Elsa.

  “Lily, you’re torturing yourself. The Newark fire and finding Alice brought back memories of the Slocum tragedy and all that entailed. Your dreams are about nearly losing Teddy, those hours when you thought he was dead. It was a horrible time, and it’s no wonder you still get nightmares.”

  Lily shook her head. It wasn’t about Teddy or Alice or any of the children. The people she saw in her dreams were adults.

  “I have to get the factory built. I can’t explain it, Kathleen. It makes little sense to me, but something seems to push me to get the factory finished and operational,” Lily sobbed, “I know I’m a mess. I keep snapping at Charlie and the children. Teddy told me to go on vacation, a long one.”

  “That’s not a bad idea, love. You’re exhausted. When was the last time you went away for a few weeks? That time you went to Clover Springs to see Charlie’s family? That was when the children were little.”

  Lily pulled away, stood up, and started pacing once more. “I can’t leave New York. I have to get the factory working, employ people in a safer environment, get people out of the sweatshops. That’s when the dreams will stop. I know it.”

  “Lily, you can’t save everyone. You’ve done more than most.”

  Lily didn’t want to see the concern on Kathleen’s face. She knew she sounded like a demented old woman.

  “Lily, we will get our heads together. All of us. Mr. Prentice, Sadie, Father Nelson, everyone you can think of. There must be a way to speed things up.”

  Relieved Kathleen didn’t seem ready to take her to the insane asylum, Lily asked, “You think I’m right? The dreams are a sign.”

  “Yes, but not in the same way as you do. You can snap and snarl as much as you want, but those dreams mean you need a vacation. And you won’t take one until that blasted factory opens. So, come what may, I will beg, borrow or harass people until we open the factory doors. Then, my dear, occasionally insufferable friend, you are going on vacation for at least a month.”

  “A month!” Lily protested.
/>
  “Those are my terms. If you want my help, you agree to them. Otherwise I am out of here.” Kathleen stood up and held out her hand, “Deal?”

  Lily knew when to give in. She shook Kathleen’s outstretched hand. “Anyone ever tell you, you drive a hard bargain Mrs. Green.”

  “I learned from the best,” Kathleen smiled before glancing around her. “Where’s my pen? We need to make a list of invitees for Mr. Prentice’s party.”

  “I didn’t hear about a party.”

  “Neither has Mr. Prentice. But he will soon enough. After I get Sadie Prentice involved and on board,” Kathleen winked before taking her seat at the desk. She moved the papers out of the way before making a list of who’s who in New York.

  Lily stared at Kathleen, feeling a little sorry for Mr. Prentice. He wasn’t a fan of large social occasions, but with Sadie and Kathleen’s combined input, the party would be something to give New Yorkers to talk about for a long time. It should raise a lot of funds.

  Chapter 12

  Wednesday 15 Feb 1911

  “You look happy tonight, Maria. Got plans with a certain charming Irishman?” Joseph closed the elevator door.

  Maria smiled at Joseph’s greeting. “Not tonight. I’m meeting a friend.” She giggled as Joseph put his hand over his mouth, pretending to be shocked.

  She played along, “Don’t worry, Conrad knows. He’s fine with it.”

  Joseph rolled his eyes. “Conrad is too nice. Now if you were my lady, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight for five minutes.”

  Maria laughed off his flirting. He didn’t mean it. He treated all the women the same, regardless of their age. She watched in amusement as he made a forty odd year old grandma blush with his remarks. Joseph was a tonic. She hoped to convince him to come and work for Lily when the new factory got built. Not that she’d mentioned it. It was too early, and she didn’t want to jinx Lily’s plans.