Orphan Train Disaster

by Rachel Wesson

  Shaken, Frieda tried to be patient.

  “Leonie, I didn’t mean…”

  “I know you didn’t. I’m sorry. I just get so mad. I feel helpless sitting here not doing anything about my family. What will happen to them, Frieda?’

  “They are going to go live in Riverside Springs just as we planned. They’d have gone already, but Richard feels you should be close to the hospital just in case. If the surgeons feel an operation will help you recover the use of your legs, it’s best done here in New York.”

  “Yes, but what if it fails? Or they say they can’t do it? I can’t let my brothers and sister go to live with Kathleen’s sister as charity cases. She’s only taking them in because Lily asked her. She doesn’t really want them. I was going to work to help with their keep, but who’d employ a cripple?”

  At that point, Maria joined them. Leonie hadn’t seen Maria walk toward them, but it was clear from Maria’s expression she’d heard everything.

  “Leonie Chivers, you should be ashamed of yourself, taking your bad temper out on Frieda. Do you know how long she sat by your bed willing you back to full health?”

  “Maria, don’t.”

  “No Frieda, she needs to be told. She can’t go around snapping people’s heads off. Sam is in tears over with Mama. Leonie told him off for something silly. I came over here to knock some sense into you. If Rosa, Mary, Surka, Esther’s sister, or any of the other girls had a chance to survive, but live their lives in a chair, what choice do you think they would have made?”

  Leonie didn’t respond.

  “I’ll tell you. Rosa would have given both her legs to still be here. Anyone would. At least you get a chance to live. Now do us all a favour, and either put a smile on your face for Gustav’s sake or go home. He doesn’t deserve you ruining his wedding.” Maria looked at Frieda. “Sorry, Frieda, but someone had to tell her.” Maria marched off, past Conrad who gave Frieda a questioning look. Frieda could only shrug her shoulders. She couldn’t believe Maria had spoken to Leonie like that.

  “Leonie, I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. She said what you are all feeling. Can you ask someone to take me home, please?” Leonie stared at some point above Frieda’s head.

  Chapter 57

  Frieda had to find Patrick as she couldn’t maneuver the wheelchair into a cab. Patrick had driven, so he might take Leonie home himself. She quickly outlined what had happened.

  Patrick wheeled Leonie out of the party without saying a word. He remained silent all the way home. With Leonie sulking, it made for a horrible trip. Frieda couldn’t think of a way to make it better.

  On return to the Sanctuary, Cook appeared out of the kitchen.

  “What you young ones doing home? I had to rest my feet, couldn’t dance another step.”

  “Maria told me what she thought of me. What you all think of me. It was clear I wasn’t welcome, so I left.” Leonie’s statement left Frieda open mouthed. Cook’s mouth thinned, and Frieda waited to be told off. Cook was very fond of Leonie, always making her extra special meals in an attempt to build up her strength.

  “Leonie Chivers, what did you do? If I hear you ruined Gustav’s and Emily’s day, I will take you out of that wheelchair and put you across my knee and give you a hiding. I saw you sulking in the church, but like everyone else, I ignored it because I knew it would be a difficult day. But enough is enough. Everyone in this house has been walking on pins since you came out of that hospital. Nobody can do anything more for you. Not when you have given up. If you ever want to get out of that chair and walk, you better put your energy into your legs and stop being a nasty, ungrateful child. I know you suffered, we all do, but so did many others. Many never came home that day. What would they think of you wasting the rest of your life away in that chair when there is a good chance you could walk again if you put your mind to it? I’ve held my tongue too long. I don’t know what Maria said, but I can guess. I tell you now, I agree with every word she said. Goodnight.”

  Leonie’s mouth fell open as Cook slammed the kitchen door behind her. Frieda glanced at Patrick to see he agreed with Cook.

  “Leonie, I can help you upstairs before I take Frieda back to the party.”

  “No, I will stay with Leonie. You go.”

  “No, Frieda. Go with Patrick. Leave me here. I need to be alone for a bit.” Leonie whispered. “Thank you, Frieda.”

  Patrick tugged at Frieda’s arm and gestured toward the door. Torn between wanting to go back to the party and guilt over leaving Leonie alone, she stood where she was.

  “Please Frieda, go.”

  Patrick spoke up. “Everyone will be back here in an hour or so. Leonie can manage for that time, can’t you?”

  Leonie nodded.

  “Come on, Frieda. Gustav and Emily will worry.”

  As soon as they got outside, Patrick held Frieda in his arms. “Darling, Cook and Maria are right. She needs to fight back, or she will stay in the chair forever. Tough love or whatever you want to call it might work. We can’t find any medical reason for her not to be able to move.”

  “But the operation?”

  “The operation is a last resort. The surgeons told Dad they could see better if they opened her up, but Dad’s written to a friend of his on the West Coast and he believes as Dad does. The trauma has stopped her walking. It isn’t a physical issue, but one in her head.”

  Frieda didn’t know enough about spinal injuries to question Richard’s beliefs. She muttered, “I just want the old Leonie back.”

  “That’s what everyone wants.” He leaned over and kissed her on the lips. “Please stop worrying about everyone else for just an hour. Let’s have some fun.”

  She kissed him back before ordering him to drive to the wedding party, or they would both be in trouble.

  When they all got home, Leonie was still in the kitchen, her face marked by her tears.

  “I’ve been so selfish, I’m sorry. I was scared, and couldn’t see I was hurting you all, too. I will do whatever it takes to get out of this chair by Christmas, I promise.”

  Patrick handed her his hanky. “Christmas may be pushing it, but I’m thrilled you are going to try, Leonie. Dad is convinced you will walk again.”

  “I am, too. But if you are, I’m still going to be Frieda’s bridesmaid. She asked me first.” Carrie’s announcement brought a smile to everyone’s faces even if they had tears in their eyes.

  Chapter 58

  December 4th, 1911

  Lily shifted in her seat as the trial began. Charlie squeezed her hand, reminding her to be quiet, or the Judge may throw her out. They were only there because of Charlie’s contacts through work. Lily had to promise not to shout out, regardless of what testimony she heard or what they said.

  She listened in horror as Max Steuer, Blanck and Harris' attorney, made each witness sound as if they were lying. Some of the brave women couldn’t speak fluent English, and ended up tongue tied after the defense attorney had finished with them. Several times Lily wanted to scream at the Judge to stop the Lawyer attacking the witnesses, but it seemed almost as if the Judge favored Blanck and Harris.

  Lily watched the faces of the men on the jury. She couldn’t tell how they would vote. Some of them had real poker faces, but this wasn’t a card game, they were dealing with people’s lives.

  When recess was announced, Lily practically jumped out of her seat.

  “How can the judge let that go on? That Steuer is attacking the witnesses, making it seem they are lying. Why didn’t the prosecution lawyers stop him?”

  “Lily, they tried, but it appears the Judge might not be impartial.”

  “He’s supposed to be a good judge. You don’t think they paid him off, do you?”

  “Lily!” Charlie looked like he wanted to throttle her. “Be quiet. You can’t go around throwing accusations like that. Especially not in here.”

  Lily was too mad to think about being careful.

  “Lily, please, for me. I have a reputatio
n to protect. I can’t be seen attacking judges in their own courtroom.”

  “You didn’t.”

  “Yes, but we both know some of these people think I am responsible for everything my wife does. Now let’s get out of here and find somewhere to talk, somewhere more private.”

  Lily fell silent, her love for her husband winning. He deserved her total support. They walked to a small restaurant two blocks away from the courthouse.

  Only after they ordered a meal for Charlie and a hot tea for Lily, did Charlie speak again.

  “I had my doubts about Crain being the trial judge.”

  “Why? I read in the papers he was good at what he does.”

  “He is, usually, but this case may bring back memories. There was a fire years ago in Allen Street. Twenty people died in a tenement, ten of them children.”

  “I remember. They found the children near a skylight, didn’t they?” Lily stirred her drink. Her husband’s meal sat in front of him, untouched.

  “Crain was the Tenement House Commission Chairman when that happened. His office was blamed for the fact that rubbish and all sorts of material blocked the fire escapes. It cost him his job. He always protested his innocence. I’m wondering if he isn’t too sympathetic to Blanck and Harris.”

  “No, he couldn’t be. This is different. Those men locked their workers into the factory and saved themselves. They didn’t go back to open doors. How is that the same?”

  “I’m not saying it is, I just wonder if it might be the reason he appears to favor Steuer.”

  “He’s another one. Why isn’t he prosecuting those two? He’s Jewish and he grew up on the East Side for goodness sake. He even worked in a garment factory. He should know and understand what the conditions were like and how unsafe things were.”

  “Lily, calm down. You won’t do yourself any good. Steuer is there because he is Harris and Blancks best chance. Everything you say is true, but you forget something. Steuer had to fight harder than most to get to where he is today. He had to overcome the prejudice against Jews, the poor, his background, him being an immigrant, and all the rest. It makes him fight hard, and he’s successful. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he doesn’t earn every penny of his fees.” Charlie took Lily’s hand and caressed it. “You have to face facts, Lily. They could get off.”

  Lily pulled her hand away. “No. That wouldn’t be justice. You heard what Bostwick said. He found the locked door, or at least his detectives did when they dug out the ruins. That’s proof they locked the door.”

  “One door, Lily and it isn’t proof the Shirtwaist Kings knew about it.” Charlie pushed away his untouched meal after glancing at his watch. “I should get back. You should get home.”

  “No way. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Lily, you --”

  “I what?” Lily stared at him.

  “Nothing. It doesn’t matter what I say, you will do your own thing anyway. Those people mean a lot to you.”

  He didn’t meet her eyes, but paid the check and held the door open for her. They walked back toward the courtroom in silence. But as they neared the door and saw the crowds gathered with the pictures of their loved ones, chanting for justice, she stopped.

  “Charlie, you’re right. I can’t go back in there.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. You were right, they mean the world to me, but you mean more. I can’t promise not to get carried away. I could hurt your career, and we need your skills to help the girls. I’ll get a cab to the Sanctuary; I need to be doing something, not sitting at home waiting. You can fill me in on what happens.”

  He kissed her, right there in the street. It was such an unusual show of affection from her husband, Lily knew she’d done the right thing. She wouldn’t help the Triangle Victims by being charged with contempt of court. She could help them at home and let her husband and the Justice system do their job. She’d pray they listened.

  She hailed a cab as Charlie walked into the court, the police officers paving the way for him.

  Chapter 59

  December 27th

  Charlie kept them informed on the progress of the trial. It didn’t sound good.

  “They should have let women on the jury. Why did it have to be all men?” Leonie asked one day as they discussed the trial. From the night of Gustav’s wedding, Leonie had blossomed. No matter how hard the physical exercises were, she did them without moaning. Her and Cook had grown even closer than before. Maria had been thrilled when Leonie had presented her with a new nightgown, beautifully sewn and embroidered with lace.

  Conrad and Maria had forced Maria’s mother’s hand by eloping and getting married in a civil ceremony. Horrified, Mrs. Mezza had begged Father Nelson to marry the couple in a quiet ceremony before word leaked out Maria and Conrad were living in sin.

  “Women can’t be jurors, Leonie. Should you be up? You look tired.” Kathleen fussed about Leonie’s chair.

  “I’m fine, Kathleen. I slept most of the night. I will go insane if I have to lie in bed all day.” Leonie glanced at Lily. “Could I maybe do some sewing tomorrow? My hands have recovered, and I don’t want to lose all my skills. Bella is expecting a trained seamstress, not an invalid.”

  “Don’t call yourself that, and stop worrying about Bella and Riverside Springs. I said you were welcome to stay here for as long as you want, and I meant it. We both did, didn’t we, Kathleen?”

  Kathleen folded Leonie’s blanket again. “Absolutely. You are in no fit state to go traveling all that way. Concentrate on getting better, Leonie.”

  Lily held her hand to her mouth so Kathleen wouldn’t see her smile. She knew her friend was trying to help, but her fussing was driving Leonie up the wall.

  The front door banged, announcing Charlie’s arrival. He’d promised to come straight back to let them know the Jury’s decision. Lily sat biting at her non-existent nails.

  “They were acquitted.”

  Kathleen sank into her chair at Charlie’s words, Leonie cried softly, but Lily just stared at her husband.

  “The jury took less than two hours to deliberate before delivering their verdict. It wasn’t unexpected as Crain more or less made it impossible to deliver any other verdict.”

  Lily saw the vein in Charlie’s neck pulsing, something that only happened when he was beyond furious. Lily couldn’t move. She knew she should offer comfort, but how? What could she say? This was a travesty, and they all knew it.

  “Was there a riot?” Kathleen asked. “How did those two murderers react?”

  Lily winced at Kathleen’s tone. The verdict wasn’t Charlie's fault. He took a seat.

  “Blanck seemed relieved, if somewhat bemused. He more or less fell back into his seat. Harris’s reaction was more closed. Their wives cried. The rest of the courtroom was slower to react. I think everyone was so shocked. It was several seconds before the place erupted. The families of the victims screamed at the defendants and at the Judge. Harris and Blanck had to leave via the Prisoners pen. I guess the Judge didn’t think they would be safe being let out the usual way.”

  “Charlie, this is so wrong. What can we do? Can we appeal?”

  “No, Kathleen, we can’t do anything. It’s done.”

  Lily studied her husband. “What aren’t you telling us?” she asked.

  “David Weiner attacked their car. The police took him away, to an asylum. His sister died in the fire, and another was injured.” Charlie glanced at Leonie. “Did you know them?”

  “Yes, Rose died, and Katie jumped into the elevator shaft, she was in hospital for a long time.”

  Charlie added, “Seems David lost his mind. Or so they say.”

  “Did he hurt Harris or Blanck?” Kathleen asked.

  “No.”

  Kathleen stood up. “That’s a real pity.”

  “What else, Charlie?” Lily prompted.

  “What else could there be? They got away with it.” Kathleen’s pacing irritated Lily.

  “Kathleen, p
lease sit down. I know my husband. He has more to say.”

  “I don’t think this is the right time, Lily.”

  “It is, just tell us.”

  “You told me a while back they made a claim on the insurance. Harris and Blanck pocketed about $60,000—just over $400 for each victim.”

  Kathleen gasped. “But they only paid the victims $75, and even then, not all of them. You had to prove you were there.”

  Lily couldn’t say anything. She listened to her husband and friends talk as if she was in a bubble and they were outside. How could New York do this to their own? This trial had the potential to show all the immigrants, the factory workers, the poor that they were valued. Instead, it had shown that money always won.

  Lily stood up. “I want to go home, Charlie.”

  She ignored his look of surprise and Kathleen’s protests. She kissed Leonie on the cheek and told her to stay strong. She accepted Kathleen’s hug, and then without looking walked out of the Sanctuary and into Charlie’s automobile.

  He started the engine, and only when they were on the road home did he speak.

  “Lily, you’re worrying me. It's not like you to take news like this quietly.”

  “It’s over, Charlie. I have to accept things will never change.”

  He protested, but she ignored him. When they got home, she walked past her children and straight to her bedroom. Once inside, she locked the door. She had failed them all.

  Chapter 60

  Frieda and Kathleen stood outside Lily’s front door, with Frieda trying to calm Kathleen before they rang the bell.

  “Frieda, she’s been in bed for three days. Lily never stays in bed, not even when she’s sick. I don’t know what to say to her. I’ve known her almost twenty years, and I can’t help her.”

  Frieda wished she had convinced Kathleen to stay at home. It would not do Lily any good to see her friend upset.