Cold April by Phyllis A. Humphrey Read Free Book Online Page A

and look at whatever caught her attention.
    “ I believe we’re to have a rather large group of emigrants on board,” Richard said.
    Beth looked up. “I’m not surprised.”
    “ I don’t mean that disparagingly. I’m sure you know that most ships making the crossing carry scores of people who are leaving England and Ireland for good. They intend to make their future home in America.”
    “ Yes. One of my very own school chums has done the same thing.”
    “ I believe you told me you’d like to remain there as well.”
    “ My plans may differ from theirs, however.”
    “ No doubt you have no need to seek a better life. When I called for you at your home the day we went to the zoo, I couldn’t help noticing your parents have a ...” he paused, “a quite suitable house.”
    “ It’s rented. They don’t own it.” Beth walked away from him then, joining Kathleen at the rail. Her face felt warm, and she decided she’d been too hasty to point out her parents’ lowly status compared to him. On the other hand, he’d surely meant to be polite and didn’t care about their circumstances anyway.
    Richard came to her side and spoke softly. “You must remember I’m an American. I don’t ascribe to distinctions of class or heritage. I find it admirable that you—as well as these thousands of others—are willing to go to such great lengths to find new homes. In my opinion, there is no better place than America to do that.”
    “ I think their better life has already begun,” she said. “They may not have a spacious cabin in first class, but I’ve been in homes in the poorer parts of London, and I’m sure even third class is nicer than most of those. I’ve read that this ship has electric lights and heat in every room.”
    Kathleen had tired of the current view from the deck and skipped ahead. Beth and Richard followed.
    “ I get the feeling,” Richard continued, “that you’re more concerned about your so-called station in life than I am. That you believe I look down on you because you’re not as wealthy as the Wheatlys, or me, for that matter.”
    “ Except that you live ...” She stopped. She’d been going to remark that his house in Belgrave Square was far grander than anything her salary could provide, but that would make her sound envious. She didn’t envy him, or anyone with a larger home or more material possessions. She was, however, envious of his ability to improve his prospects—a privilege that seemed only to be accorded in the United States. That’s why she wanted to go back. That was why all those emigrants were willing to leave their homelands.
    “ I’m a working man, just as you’re a working woman. I was fortunate to have skills that were useful to Lord Wheatly’s company, and for those he pays me handsomely.” He angled toward her as they walked. “You’re using your skills to make your way as well, so we’re truly no different.”
    She smiled at him. His little speech had made it clear he thought as she did. “Thank goodness for America.”
    He grinned. “Amen to that.”
    Kathleen rushed up to them. “The people in the little boats disappear when they get close. Are they getting on our ship?”
    “ Yes, they’re going to America with us,” Richard said.
    “ I saw lots of children. Will I get to play with them?”
    “ I don’t know,” Beth answered. “We shall see.” She wondered if Richard would stay true to his egalitarian speeches if a child from steerage wanted to play with Kathleen.
    Richard pulled his watch from his vest pocket. “Shall we go to the dining saloon? I believe it’s time for lunch.”
    “ Oh, yes, please.” Kathleen took her father’s hand. “May we go in the lift?”
    “ In America they call it an elevator.”
    “ Then may we go in the ela-bator?”
    Richard chuckled at her pronunciation. “Yes, in the ela-bator.”
    * * *
     
    After lunch, when they walked out on the deck again, the view had changed dramatically. The day was