Orphan Train Disaster

by Rachel Wesson

  He turned his back and stared out over the city. Horrified, Frieda took a move closer. He stiffened and she hesitated. Without turning to look at her, he said in a tone that brooked no argument.

  “Go back to Johanna’s children. They need someone now.”

  Chapter 20

  The city buried Johanna on Saturday morning. The family didn’t have the money for a funeral. Johanna had made Lily promise not to waste money on her funeral, but to help her family instead. When Lily protested she could do both, Johanna said she didn’t need a fancy coffin to meet her maker.

  Lily asked Father Nelson to say a few words in church at his usual Saturday morning mass, despite Johanna not being a member of his congregation. Leonie refused to go to church, insisting on returning to work.

  Lily took the younger children to Father Nelson’s church, feeling they needed to mark their mother’s passing. They listened as he said some nice things about their mother. Father Nelson hadn’t known Mrs. Chiver, but he chose a sermon on the merits of having a wonderful mother and a happy home. Lily exchanged a sad smile with him when he greeted them as they filed from the church.

  “Will the children stay with you, Lily? I could try to find them a place if you wish,” he asked.

  Carrie and Morris gripped Lily’s hands tighter.

  “No thank you, Father. They will stay at the Sanctuary for now. Leonie, their elder sister, works at the Triangle. She will be home before the children have to go to bed.”

  Once back at the Sanctuary, the four siblings returned to their room. Lily came up with some food but they were fast asleep, curled up in a ball together on one bed. How young and innocent they looked. She stared at them for a few seconds. How was she going to help this family? The children couldn’t live here forever. The mission hadn’t been set up as an orphanage. Maybe Bridget could help?

  Dear Bridget,

  I know Kathleen wrote you the other day and updated you on everything happening here. This is just a short note to say we buried Johanna Chiver this morning. I am at a loss how to help her, and wondered if you would have space in Riverside Springs. I know it’s a lot to ask, but we really don’t want to separate the children. Leonie is only fifteen years old but feels responsible for her siblings. She appears quite serious at first but underneath, I think there is a wonderful young woman just waiting for a chance to thrive rather than survive.

  The eldest twins, boys of eight, are as different as chalk and cheese. Sam is outgoing and confident, while Alfred is very serious and a real worrier. The younger twins are almost four, although you’d never guess from their height. Carrie is such a sweet little thing with her blonde hair and sea-blue eyes, I’d keep her if I could. Her twin, Morris, has a mop of blonde hair and although his eyes shine with innocence, he is always up to mischief.

  Johanna made me promise the children’s father would never gain custody. I don’t know where he is or if he is even alive. I believe it’s in the best interest of the children to get them out of New York. The story Johanna shared with me about this man makes him the last person innocent children should live with. I will deal with the legalities if questions should arise.

  Johanna begged me not to let the children end up on the orphan train. Bridget, it was the first time I saw the woman cry. She was adamant the family needed to stay together, especially the younger two, Morris and Carrie. Leonie has a job at the Triangle Shirtwaist, she is a seamstress. Perhaps Bella would have enough work to give her a job? Despite Morris’s mischievous smile, all are well behaved. Johanna did a wonderful job with them.

  You are my last hope. I know you will do your best. Kathleen said things were going well in Riverside Springs, so I am keeping fingers and toes crossed you can take these children.

  Looking forward to hearing from you soon,

  Love always,

  Lily.

  Lily posted the letter before she could think twice about asking for help. She knew Bridget would try her best, but Kathleen’s older sister had a heart complaint, and they preferred not to worry her. Still, this was an exceptional situation.

  When Leonie got back that evening, she refused to discuss anything, instead pleading a headache, and asking to go to bed. Lily didn’t push her. She had space for now, and the family needed time together. She would wait for Bridget’s reply before saying anything to Leonie.

  For now, she had to re-arrange the lunch for Miss Baker and the others. It was too soon for the Chiver children to witness a party atmosphere in the Sanctuary.

  Frieda suspected Patrick was avoiding her. He usually worked a similar shift pattern, but she found herself partnered with Dr. Hamilton instead.

  When she saw Patrick at a distance, he looked haggard. He barely acknowledged her, and the one time she had walked over to his table during lunch, he’d claimed an emergency and left almost as soon as she sat down.

  She stopped him one day, trying to apologize.

  “Patrick, please talk to me. I know you’re angry. I wish I could take back what I said.”

  “Why? You were right. I wasn’t focused and Mrs. Chiver died. I won’t let it happen again.” He looked at the clock. “Excuse me, Frieda. I’m due in theater.”

  She watched him walk away, not knowing what to do.

  “Frieda? Dr. Klunsberg? Are you with us?”

  Frieda jumped as a nurse pulled her arm.

  “Frieda, do you need a cup of coffee? Dr. Hamilton called you several times. I think his patience is running out.”

  Frieda ran a hand through her hair. “Please tell Dr. Hamilton I will be right there. I just need to wash my hands.”

  As she walked into the bathroom, she forced herself to breathe slower. She had to work here, to be professional. She couldn’t allow herself to fall apart because Patrick couldn’t bear to see her. It would blow over. He’d come around in time. Wouldn’t he? What would happen if he didn’t?

  Days passed and still he avoided her. She tried to apologize again, but he brushed her off. Eventually she gave up.

  Chapter 21

  Saturday afternoon, Frieda crept into the Sanctuary, hoping to get to bed without meeting anyone. She was beyond tired.

  “Frieda, there you are. We haven’t seen you all week. You look shattered.”

  Frieda tried to smile at Lily’s remarks. She was mentally and physically exhausted. Influenza had broken out in some tenement buildings and the hospital had been busier than ever. But that wasn’t the sole reason for her exhaustion. Patrick continued to avoid her, only speaking to her when necessary. If she looked tired, he looked like death warmed up.

  “Are you coming down with something? You can’t afford to neglect yourself, Frieda.”

  “I’m just tired, Lily. It’s been a long week.”

  Lily put her head to one side, but for once didn’t argue. Frieda turned for the door.

  “Are you free tomorrow for afternoon tea?”

  Frieda suppressed a groan. She’d forgotten Alice, Gustav and their friend Miss Baker were coming to tea. Lily had invited Maria, Conrad and Patrick too. Was he coming?

  As if Lily read her mind, she confirmed, “I’ve had a note from Patrick to say he’s too busy and sends his regrets. Maria and Conrad also canceled. Maria has a cold.”

  Frieda’s stomach lurched. Did Maria have influenza? Lily must have seen the fear in her face as she rushed to reassure her.

  “Maria has a cold, that’s all. Conrad came around earlier to say he was taking her chicken soup his mother used to swear by. Cook gave him some cookies for Maria’s mother. I swear, Frieda, I have a good mind to go around to Mrs. Mezza’s and give her a piece of my mind. Why would you not want your daughter to go out with such a wonderful young man?”

  Frieda didn’t want to discuss romances. Not now, her heart was breaking. She pretended to yawn.

  “Lily, please excuse me, but my bed is calling.”

  Lily wasn’t easily put off. “You will come tomorrow, won’t you? Alice will be upset if nobody is there to meet Miss Bak
er. She thinks the world of the lady. It will be good for the Chivers too. I can’t get a word out of the younger children. They don’t speak unless it is to Leonie. Cook has tried tempting them with many wonderful creations, but even chocolate cakes cannot raise a smile. I’m worried about them. I haven’t heard from Bridget yet.”

  Lily had told Frieda about writing to ask if the four children and Leonie could move to Riverside Springs. Frieda wondered if it was wise to leave Leonie in the dark about the plan, but figured Lily knew best. If Bridget didn’t have room, they would have only raised Leonie’s hopes for nothing.

  Guilt flooded through Frieda. She hadn’t spent a minute helping with the Chiver family, and Lily looked tired too. Lily rarely admitted to being worried, preferring to put a positive face on at all times.

  “I’ll be there.” Frieda couldn’t bear to upset Alice either. Plus, if she spent time with the twins, maybe her mind would stop replaying images of Patrick’s face.

  “Are you going to eat something before you sleep?”

  “No thank you, Lily. I will eat later.”

  Frieda climbed the stairs, each step feeling like a mountain. She hoped she’d sleep, but as usual when her head hit the pillow, her guilt over what she’d said and done overwhelmed her. It was her fault Patrick looked so awful and Kathleen was worried about her son. Lily hadn’t asked the Chiver family to come to the sanctuary, that had been her decision, and now she was letting Lily carry the burden alone. She owed her friends a lot better.

  Chapter 22

  Sunday morning, after a restless night tossing and turning, Frieda woke to a gorgeous smell wafting up from the kitchen. She followed the delicious aroma downstairs to find Cook up to her ears in baking.

  “Morning, Frieda. I got apple pies in the oven and some cookies already baked. Bread’s fresh this morning. Would you like some ham and eggs?”

  Frieda reached for an apron. “I’m not hungry, Cook. Let me help you. What can I do?”

  “Sit down and have something to eat for a start. You didn’t eat a pick last night. You can’t fight off influenza and goodness knows what else is in that hospital if you don’t eat properly.” Cook flapped a cloth at Frieda, directing her to sit at the table.

  Frieda didn’t bother trying to defend herself. Cook was as ornery as a mule when she got her mind set on something. Frieda sat sipping a cup of coffee as Cook dished up a plate piled high with eggs, bacon and biscuits.

  Frieda protested, “I can’t eat all that.”

  Cook gave her a stern look, making Frieda feel like a five-year-old. She picked up her fork and ate. Her mouth watered as the food tickled her taste buds. She had the plate finished in no time.

  Cook took the dirty plate. “See. You listen to me from now on, young Frieda. All that studying is all and well and good, but nothing is better for ya than a decent breakfast.” Cook re-filled her coffee cup. “Plain simple food can cure a lot of ailments including a broken heart.”

  Startled, Frieda glanced at the older woman, wondering if she was talking about her, but the woman was staring out the window.

  “I thought those children would go to church, their mother being the religious sort and all but they said no.” Cook’s voice wobbled. “Still, I guess a bit of wintery sunshine might do them good.”

  Frieda glanced out the window in the garden at the back. The elder boys were sitting together on the wooden bench under the tree. They didn’t appear to be chatting, but maybe they were whispering. Carrie and Morris were playing with something on a blanket on the grass.

  “Might take them a bit of time to appreciate anything good, Cook.”

  “Aye Frieda, I guess you’re right. Something wrong with this world when young kiddies like that are left all alone.”

  Cook ran her cloth over her eyelid. Frieda wanted to hug her, but knew that would really upset the older woman. Cook liked to pretend she could cope with anything.

  “You really outdid yourself Cook, everything looks fabulous.” Frieda did her best to distract the older woman. “And the smell has my mouth watering, despite that great mountain of food you just fed me.”

  Cook beamed before looking at her clock.

  “Is that the time? They’ll be here any minute. Frieda, go pretty yourself up and take off the apron. Lily must be running late, as usual. We need to show Miss Baker we run a good house here.”

  Was Cook nervous? She was used to entertaining Lily and Kathleen’s friends and various visitors who called to discuss charitable functions.

  “Cook, Miss Baker is our guest not an inspector.”

  “She runs that home for delinquent girls, doesn’t she?” Cook shuddered. “I know those places. We should burn them all to the ground. As if any child is born delinquent. It’s the badness in life that ruins innocent children.”

  Frieda sighed. Cook had decided Miss Baker was the enemy. Cook intensely disliked anyone who didn’t treat children with kindness. Frieda rushed to rectify the older woman’s misunderstanding.

  “Alice speaks of Miss Baker like she was her guardian angel. I think you might like her. At least give her a chance. Everyone deserves that.”

  Cook grumbled as she headed back to her stove. Cook had a heart the size of the ocean, and took each child who came to the Sanctuary to her heart. She would have been a wonderful mother if her life had taken a different path.

  Frieda ran upstairs, changed, and was down again in fifteen minutes. She grabbed a cloth and some polish and gave the sitting room a quick dusting. Cook was right, they had to put their best foot forward. As she cleaned, her thoughts flew to Patrick. Was he working today or just avoiding her?

  “Frieda, darling, you look sad.”

  Startled, she jumped. She hadn’t heard Kathleen come into the room. “I was miles away.” She gave her friend a kiss on the cheek, looking behind her. “Where is Richard?” she asked.

  “Patrick stayed at the hospital last night, again. Richard went to pick him up. I’m worried about Patrick, Frieda. Mrs. Chiver’s death has taken a huge toll on him. No doctor likes to lose a patient, but this is worse than that. It’s almost as if he blames himself.”

  Frieda tried to make her voice sound normal. “She was a lovely woman. I guess that makes it harder.” Coward! Why can’t you just admit you made him feel responsible? Your harsh words are the reason he works so hard.

  Kathleen looked unconvinced but thankfully Lily and her husband, Charlie, arrived with their guests.

  “Frieda, Kathleen, Alice would like you to meet someone.” Lily said, taking off her hat and gloves.

  Alice led a woman by the hand into the sitting room. Frieda couldn’t get over how young Miss Baker was, she couldn’t be much older than Patrick.

  She didn’t look at all like Frieda had imagined. She’d expected someone formal with a pinched face after all she had heard about the horrible home where Alice had lived. Miss Baker’s round, plain face lit up with a hesitant smile. An anxious, eager to please expression in her eyes. The poor woman was nervous.

  “Frieda, Miss Kathleen, this is Miss Baker. She’s lovely, but shy. I said you’d be nice to her.” Alice looked at them so earnestly, Frieda couldn’t hide her amusement.

  “Alice, you make us sound like ogres. Miss Baker, it’s lovely to meet you. I’m Frieda, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “Please call me, Emily. I’ve heard a lot about you too. Especially about your work in the hospital. Alice is rather a fan.”

  Alice nodded, clinging to Emily’s arm. “I will be a doctor when I grow up.”

  “Are you Alice? I thought you enjoyed sewing?” Gustav ruffled her hair. Alice leaned into her father’s side.

  “Pa, I told you ages ago. I changed my mind.” Alice glanced out the window. “Who are they? Those children. They look very sad.”

  Frieda glanced outside before saying, “They are, Alice. Their mother died a week ago.”

  “Can I cheer them up?” Alice asked.

  Frieda put out her hand to take Alice outside.
“Let me introduce you.”

  “No, Frieda. You stay here with Miss Baker. I’m a big girl.”

  Alice ran outside, leaving the adults staring after her.

  “Gustav, your Alice is just blossoming.” Kathleen said.

  Miss Baker spoke up. “Alice was always so caring for others. She always tried to help others, even when she was little.”

  “Please come in and sit down, Gustav and you too, Emily. You don’t mind if we call you Emily, do you? Would you like tea, coffee, or water?” Lily asked. Frieda went to the kitchen to give the drinks order to Cook before heading to the garden. Alice had got the children talking. Frieda stood listening, hoping her presence wouldn’t stop them chatting. She listened as Alice explained her background.

  “Mutti died when I was younger. On a boat. You were lucky to have your mother with you for so long.”

  “But she’s gone now,” Alfred retorted.

  “Not really. She’s up in Heaven and looking over you. Someday you will see her again.” Alice bent to pick up some stones. “Do you want to play a game? Miss Baker taught me.”

  Alice showed Sam and Alfred how to play a game with some stones. When they had the hang of it, she showed Carrie and Morris an easier version. Soon the children were laughing as each tried to be the best. Frieda caught Leonie staring at her and beckoned her to come to the kitchen door.

  “Why don’t you join us adults and leave the children to it, Leonie?”

  “No, thank you Frieda. I can’t speak. My heart, it hurts so much and I feel so… so guilty. I can’t give my family a home. I won’t be able to keep my promise to mother.”

  Frieda hugged the girl. She couldn’t tell her everything would be okay. She pushed the hair back from Leonie’s eyes.

  “Leonie, you have friends now. You aren’t alone. We will all help you as much as possible. Lily and Kathleen are working on solutions.” Her words fell on deaf ears.