Orphan Train Disaster

by Rachel Wesson

  She waited for Frieda outside, her friend late as usual. No doubt she had got caught up in something at the hospital. Rosa walked down the opposite sidewalk, clinging to Paulo’s arms like a drowning swimmer with her rescuer. Maria waved but her sister ignored her. Or maybe she didn’t see her.

  Frieda waved as she crossed the street, avoiding an automobile and a horse and cart. She was slightly out of breath. “Maria, sorry. You should have waited inside. I got caught and --”

  “It’s fine. I know you will never be on time. The day you get married, they better tell you the ceremony starts an hour before the scheduled time.”

  Frieda blushed, her scarlet cheeks only making her eyes look greener and her hair more burgundy. Frieda was beautiful inside and out. Maria put her arm through Frieda’s and together they walked toward Charlie’s for dinner.

  “Frieda, I have to talk to you about Leonie.”

  “What’s wrong with her? Well, apart from having to support a whole family when she is but a child herself?”

  “Exactly Frieda. She is skin and bones. Conrad bought her a donut the other day, and she devoured it. I’m really worried about her. Her mother isn’t any better, she’s been taking some tonic, which makes her dizzy. Conrad said it was probably alcoholic.”

  “He could be right. Many of the cheaper tonics are nothing but alcohol. They don’t cure any illness, but the patients feel better for a time at least.”

  Shocked, Maria didn’t know what to say. Frieda glanced at her.

  “Why didn’t Leonie come to the hospital? Patrick would be happy to visit her mother.”

  “I know, but she seems scared. Something about her landlord. I didn’t understand exactly what she was talking about. I sensed she didn’t speak freely as Conrad was there. She was embarrassed, poor little thing. So I wondered if you felt like visiting tonight. We could go together?”

  Frieda’s smile dropped. Maria rushed to reassure her.

  “We don’t have to go. I know you find going into Little Germany difficult.”

  “No, we must go. I can’t be selfish. We should bring some food with us. Otherwise we might embarrass Leonie.” Frieda searched in her purse. “Only I didn’t bring much cash with me.”

  “Why don’t we take dinner from the cafe? I can get something later at home.”

  Frieda beamed. “You are full of good ideas. Lead on Miss Mezza. As we walk, you can tell me all about the delightful Conrad. Is he the reason your eyes are sparkling?”

  Maria blushed, although she knew Frieda was teasing.

  “Conrad came to see Mama at the weekend. She wasn’t very welcoming, but she didn’t throw him out.”

  “It still bothers her that he’s not Italian?”

  “Yes. Isn’t it stupid. He’s got a great job, he’s a kind, wonderful man, and I…” Maria put a hand to her mouth.

  “Everyone who has seen you together knows you are a match made in heaven. Apart from your mother. Did he stay for long?”

  “Yes, ages. I thought Mama would get upset, but she seemed to thaw toward him. I think she would have asked him to come back for another visit.” Maria frowned.

  “But?”

  “My brother, Benito turned up. Mama treats him like the prodigal son, although he does nothing to help her. He made it very clear Conrad wasn’t welcome. Mama turned ice cold, too. I could kill my brother.” Maria gasped, “Sorry, Frieda.”

  “Don’t be silly. Hans and I used to fight when he was alive. I’m sure I threatened to kill him sometimes, too.” They were standing outside Charlie’s. “Should we buy the food from here or somewhere nearer Leonie’s house?”

  Maria looked at Charlie’s regretfully, “I think nearer so it stays hot. We don’t know if they have a fire lit.”

  Both girls shivered. The wind was chilly, especially as darkness fell. They jumped on a streetcar heading toward Leonie’s house. If it was earlier, they could walk, but at night the streetcar was safer. It didn’t go as far as Leonie’s house, but it got them most of the way there.

  Frieda looked around as they crossed the street. “I will speak to Lily and Kathleen. They can arrange for some food baskets and maybe some coal, too. Let’s see what they need when we get there.”

  They walked faster as it got colder.

  “So how are things with you and Patrick? Did he like the donuts?”

  Frieda sighed, her eyes clouded in pain.

  “He did, and he said he was glad I apologized as he missed me.”

  “That’s wonderful Frieda, but why the long face?”

  “He said he was glad we were friends again, and invited me to go visit Elsa and Richie.”

  “Friends!” Maria rolled her eyes. “For an intelligent man, he’s stupid.”

  Frieda sighed louder. “I don’t know what to do now. I’m really tempted to go out with the next man I see.”

  With that, she bumped into an old grandfather with no teeth. She apologized, trying not to look at Maria. When the man had walked on, they burst out laughing.

  “Come on, Frieda, there’s a pie shop up that street. We must work on your romance later.”

  They bought some beef pies and some bread and milk. Frieda added some broken biscuits as a treat for Leonie’s younger siblings. Then, carrying their shopping, they made their way to Leonie’s apartment just in time to hear loud shouting.

  Chapter 13

  Without hesitating, they ran to help. The shouting grew louder. An overweight white man with protruding teeth sent spittle over everyone as he roared at Leonie’s mother. Leonie was standing like a statue, her arms around Carrie, her younger sister. The man had the older twin boys in a vice-like grip. They were fighting like madmen, kicking and hitting, but they were no match for the older man.

  “What’s going on?” Frieda asked, using her hospital voice. “Who are you and why are you shouting at my patient?”

  The man turned on Frieda but didn’t lower his voice. Disbelief and suspicion clouded his face.

  “Your patient?”

  “I am Dr. Frieda Klunsberg. Mrs. Chiver and her children are my patients. Who are you?”

  Maria watched in admiration as the man shrunk back, his grip on the twins slipping. One boy gave him a kick, and he released both of them with a grunt. He reached out, hand raised, but Frieda stood between him and the children. Frieda pushed the boys behind her.

  Maria spoke up. “Shall I get the police? I saw an officer on the lane back there.” She hadn’t, but how would he know?

  “Don’t need no coppers. I called to collect the rent. She’s late again.” The man snarled, but he didn’t look as confident as before.

  “Do you usually behave in such an aggressive manner, sir” Frieda looked like an avenging angel. Her eyes blazed with rage and indignation flowed out of her very bones.

  “I ain’t done nothing. They have to pay, or they leave. Simple as that.”

  “We paid.” Leonie spoke up, “We’ve paid twice. He said the landlord put up the rent. Mama paid him when he visited while I was at work.”

  Frieda gave the man a dismissive look. “So this… man isn’t your landlord?”

  “No.” Leonie sounded slightly more confident.

  Frieda moved closer to the stranger. Maria watched as her friend almost hit him with her finger as she pointed at him.

  “Get out and don’t come back. You have no authority to be here. I won’t have anyone upset my patients, do you hear?”

  “Two women won’t tell me what to do.”

  “Won’t we?” Frieda raked her eyes from the top of his head to his feet and back again. “Maria, could you please fetch the policeman? Ask him to telephone Inspector Griffin.”

  The man’s gaze shifted right and left, telling Maria he recognized the name. “Now wait a minute, don’t be hasty. I’m leaving.”

  Maria glanced at Frieda, her friend was shaking, not with fear, but anger.

  Frieda put her hands on her hips. “Not yet, you aren’t. I want you to hand back the extra rent
you took.”

  “I ain’t got it.” He wouldn’t look at them. Maria knew he was lying.

  “Maria,” Frieda’s voice held firm. Maria took a step toward the door.

  “Hold your horses. Here.” He threw pennies and dimes at them before stamping out. He slammed the door. The building shook and pieces of plaster fell off.

  Chapter 14

  Frieda coughed as dust-covered everything. Glancing around, she saw things were even worse than they had feared. One look at Leonie’s mother told Frieda that her condition had deteriorated rapidly since she’d last visited during the strike. That was eighteen months ago. Why hadn’t she come back sooner?

  “Maria, why don’t you and Leonie sort out dinner while I examine Mrs. Chiver.” She didn’t wait for a response. She tried to be gentle, but the woman was very ill and fragile. “You are very good to come to see us, Frieda.” Mrs. Chiver whispered. Frieda had to strain to hear her.

  “You should have asked Leonie to come get me. I should have come sooner. I’m sorry. I let you down.”

  Mrs. Chiver gripped Frieda’s hand, “It was my pride that let me down, Frieda. I refused to admit I couldn’t keep my family together.”

  “Yes, you can. You just need some help. Why don’t you try to eat a little beef pie, it will help build you up.”

  Johanna ate less than a small child before announcing she was full. Frieda’s concern grew.

  “Maria, I will find a telephone and call the hospital. We need an ambulance. Leonie, do you have a spare nightgown for your mother? She isn’t well, but she will feel better once I get her the right medicine. She just needs some tests to find out how we can help her.” Despite putting a positive spin on her announcement, Leonie’s sister, Carrie, burst into tears again.

  “My little ones, I can’t leave them here.” Leonie’s mother fretted.

  “We will take them to the Sanctuary. Lily can send some men over to pack up the rest of your things.” Frieda wished Tommy and Mini-Mike were here to help. Lily had spoken about these men with such fondness, but they were dead now. Caught up in some stupid gang war.

  Frieda phoned to order the ambulance. She wasn’t at all sure Leonie’s mother would leave the hospital. Then she flagged down a cab to take Maria, Leonie, and the children to the Sanctuary. It was quicker and safer, although more expensive, than trying to find their way by streetcar. Relieved when the cab driver recognized her, she told him someone at the Sanctuary would pay him.

  “Don’t you worry none, Dr. Frieda. Pieter is my name. You helped my missus birth my son. Do anything for you so I would.”

  “Pieter, would you know a trustworthy man willing to look after this house and the family’s belongings until I can get back tomorrow? The landlord’s agent was here earlier.”

  Pieter spat on the ground. “That man is scum. I have a friend who will do it for a hot meal. He’s been out of work for a while, but I’d trust him with my family.”

  “I will pay him tomorrow. Thank you, Pieter.”

  She went back inside to tell Maria the cab was waiting, and ask her to accompany the girls to the Sanctuary.

  “I don’t have money for a cab, Frieda,” Maria’s cheeks burned.

  “They keep a jar at the Sanctuary for just such an emergency. Don’t worry. Pieter, the driver, is a patient of mine, or at least his wife is. He’ll look after you. Leonie, can you tell your siblings they will be safe, and your mama too?”

  Leonie nodded, her large eyes too big for the small pinched face. Frieda kicked herself again. If she had visited earlier, maybe this poor child wouldn’t look so brow beaten.

  Chapter 15

  Pieter dropped Maria, Leonie, Carrie and their brothers at the Sanctuary. Lily opened the door, insisting on paying the cab driver and giving him a tip on top. She ushered the children inside to the main sitting room. The room was lovely and warm. Maria felt herself thawing out.

  “Maria, so nice to see you again. Who are these lovely children?”

  Lily behaved as if people arrived at the Sanctuary every day carrying a bag of belongings. Maria admired the other woman’s calm.

  “This is Leonie Chiver and her siblings. Leonie works with me at the Triangle.”

  “Welcome, Leonie. Are you the girl who joined the strike with Frieda?”

  “Yes, Ma’am. We were in jail at the same time.” Leonie whispered the word.

  “Yes, she told me. What are you children called?” Lily asked the younger twins, but they took a step back to hide behind Leonie.

  “They are Carrie and Morris, ma’am,” one of the boys said, “I’m Sam and he’s Alfred.” The boy looked at his brother, “we’re eight years old.”

  The younger twins played dumb, holding onto Leonie as if they would never let go. Lily smiled at them.

  “Are you hungry? Cook made a cake earlier. Would you like some?”

  They remained silent. Maria intervened.

  “Lily, if you don’t mind, I can take the younger ones for cake while you speak to Leonie. Frieda has taken her mother to the hospital.”

  “No, we want to stay with Leonie.” Carrie and Morris shrieked in unison.

  “Why don’t we all eat in here.” Lily bent down to Carrie’s level. “Carrie, Morris, I promise nothing bad will happen here. You and your brothers are safe, and Leonie will stay with you.”

  Leonie protested, “I have to work in the morning.”

  “Yes, you do but the twins can stay here and you can come back in the evening.” Lily spoke confidently and smiled, but it did little to help the frightened children.

  Carrie and Morris moved closer to Leonie, but didn’t speak.

  Starving and anxious about the walk home alone in the dark, Maria moved to the door.

  “Where are you going, Maria?” Lily demanded.

  “I should get home.”

  “Not until you have something to eat and warm up a little. Please stay, Maria. I haven’t seen you for at least two weeks.”

  Maria couldn’t hide her stomach grumbling. The noise made everyone laugh, even Sam. Lily grinned.

  “I think that’s enough evidence to tell Cook you’re staying for tea.”

  Maria’s cheeks reddened, but she didn’t really mind. She had helped put the children at ease, and she loved Cook’s baking.

  Chapter 16

  After they had eaten sandwiches and cake, a yawning Carrie allowed Leonie to take her up to a bedroom. Lily arranged for the whole family to stay in one room. There were two beds and a mattress on the floor. Leonie and Carrie shared while Morris took the mattress. Sam and Alfred took the other bed.

  “Please try to rest, Leonie. Frieda will come and tell you how your mother is when she gets home.”

  “Thank you, Miss Lily.” Leonie’s eyes hadn’t lost their fearful look.

  Maria could imagine how she was feeling. She’d been worried sick about her Papa, but at least her sisters had Mama to lean on. Poor Leonie had nobody to help her. Maria spoke up, “Leonie, we are all your friends, and we will do as much as we can to help you. Lily, Kathleen, Cook, and the other ladies who live in the sanctuary all understand what you are going through. Please try to get some sleep.”

  “Thank you, Maria, for bringing us here, and to you, Miss Lily, for letting us stay.”

  “Call me Lily, Leonie. We will see you in the morning.” Lily closed the bedroom door, and led the way downstairs.

  She ushered Maria back into the sitting room. “Take a seat for a few minutes, and tell me everything.”

  With the Chiver family settled, Maria told Lily about the state of their apartment, the horrible rent collector, and the lack of food or anything else in the house.

  “Frieda looked very concerned for Leonie’s mother. The poor family. Nobody should live like they do. Even during the strike, when things got bad for us, we managed.”

  Lily’s face turned crimson, her foot tapping as anger over the family’s situation flooded through her. “Poor Mrs. Chiver trying to cope with illness and the chi
ldren, never mind that man. Frieda was right to pay someone to protect their stuff overnight, but I don’t think they should go back to that apartment. They can live here for now until we know what is happening with their mother. Would Leonie leave the Triangle and work here, do you think? I don’t have space at the moment, but I’d give her a job as soon as a position arises.”

  “I’m sure she would.” Maria wanted to say she’d take the job, but she couldn’t. The Sanctuary’s mission was to help people like Leonie’s family. She was rich in comparison.

  “Maria, get a cab home. Your mother will worry and you look tired. Conrad won’t be happy with me for keeping you up late.”

  Maria blushed as Lily kept talking.

  “Conrad’s a wonderful young man. He and Gustav have been very useful. Their ideas for the factory will help a lot. If the builders ever work. All they seem to do is drink tea.” Lily stood up. “Don’t mind me, Kathleen says I like to grumble. Would you like to take the rest of the cake home with you? Give your mother a treat?”

  “Thank you, Lily. Mama has a sweet tooth. At the moment, I need to give her more reasons to love me.” Maria put her hand over her mouth, startled she had spoken her thoughts aloud.

  Lily took Maria’s hand and squeezed it. “Your mama loves you, sweetheart. She’s grieving for her husband and we often lash out at those we love. Give her time.”

  Maria hesitated, not wanting to be disloyal to her family, but she needed reassurance.

  “It’s been over a year. When will she forgive me?”

  “She has nothing to forgive, Maria. It wasn’t your fault you were there with him during his final moments while she was at home. In time, she will be thankful he didn’t die alone. She has to work through her feelings. But she loves you Maria, she shows you in little ways every day. She always has your lunch ready for work, she keeps your clothes clean and your home tidy.”

  Maria pushed her hair out of her eyes. She wanted to believe Lily.

  “Trust me. When you have children of your own, you will understand your mother better.” Lily put her finger under Maria’s chin and forced her to meet her gaze. “How about we add some cookies to that cake?”