Mr. Ashby caught me before I went upstairs. “Are you sure you want to work in the fields tomorrow?”
“Why? You don’t think I can do it either?” I narrowed my eyes at him. He wasn’t one to question my capabilities.
“You know that is not what I meant. But will working in the fields alongside Graham help him regain his memories?” He tilted his head. “I doubt you will have much time alone.”
I sighed. “What is another recourse? He wouldn’t wish to renege on his duties.”
“Perhaps there is a compromise. Speak with Mrs. Bowers and ask if there is something else the two of you can do together, something that will allow you time to speak.”
I nodded, thinking what that task might be. “Thank you. I’ll go ask her right now.”
Mrs. Bowers was in the dining room when I found her, speaking with a man I recognized from theMaelstrom. She was holding, of all things, my carpet bag! She saw me and thanked the crew member, and he left. She held up the carpet bag, and I rushed over and took hold of it as she relinquished it to me.
“Where did you find it?”
“James just gave it to me. He said your dinghy washed up on shore, and he saw letters inside addressed to Graham. He figured they must be yours.” She watched me open the bag and pull out the letters. I worried they were ruined, but though they were damp, it seemed the words were not illegible. “The number of coincidences that had to occur for these to return to me makes me truly believe in providence.” I looked at her with utter amazement.
“I feel you have struggled immensely and have borne it well. You will succeed in your endeavor in the end. Good things come to those who wait,” she encouraged.
I teared up at the wordwait. If good things were coming to me, they must be exceptional, for I had waited longer than anyone should. This miracle was a very good start. I felt hopeful. I hugged the carpet bag to my chest. Then I asked her about Mr. Ashby’s idea to find something Graham and I could do that would allow us to speak.
“Let me think. Graham typically chooses the fields because he is strong. But he’s more than capable of using his mind as well. And notevery important task requires physical labor.” She tapped her chin. “Mr. Weiss was telling me that the children are working on making hymnals with Mrs. Weiss. You could help in that effort. Graham enjoys music; it would be perfect. Besides, spending time with the children at the mission is coveted among the workers.” She touched my shoulder. “I wish you luck, Miss Findlay.
“Thank you, Mrs. Bowers. I’ll ask Graham if he will accompany me there tomorrow.”
I had watched Graham disappear into his room, so I knocked on the door. He opened it a minute later and looked at me curiously. “Miss Findlay,” he said with a questioning tone.
I held up my carpet bag. “Something miraculous has happened,” I said. After placing the bag down on the ground, I pulled out the stack of letters. “These washed up on shore. I thought they were gone forever, but here they are, though a bit soggy. These are my unsent letters to you. They might help spark some memories. I mention the letters you wrote to me while you were traveling, so it isn’t just my own thoughts.” I smiled hopefully at him.
I handed the first one to him. “Read them when you have time, and come to me with any questions.”
He took the missive and nodded absently while reading. I waited eagerly for some sign that my words helped. Nothing happened, but I wasn’t deterred. He finished reading the letter and looked at me, then at the stack of letters in my hands. “Are ye certain ye want me to read these? They seem verra personal.”
I frowned. “They were meant for you. They only seem personal because you don’t remember our bond.” I tried to smile. “There’s nothing that I’m ashamed of in them.”
He nodded thoughtfully. “Thank ye.” As I waited there, he furrowed his brows. “Was there something else?”
“Yes. I wanted to discuss something with you.”
Graham folded his arms, letting the letters hang by the string that held them together. “Go on.”
“Considering everything, I think our time would be better spent somewhere we could have a conversation.”
“I am needed in the fields.”
“I know, but I spoke with Mrs. Bowers and she suggested we go to the mission instead. The children are putting together hymnals and they need help. Would you consider changing your task, just for tomorrow? I can help you harvest the day after if you’d like.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Verra well. I know it would be beneficial for us to spend time together talking. Let's meet in the front after breakfast.”
“Great. I will see you then. Good night, Graham.”
He nodded. “Good night, Miss Findlay.”
I paused before leaving. “Can you…call me Elsie? It would mean a lot to me.”
He nodded again. “Good night, Elsie.”
The door closed and I walked down the corridor with lighter steps. Hearing Graham say my name sent glee rushing through me. Almost as if he had remembered me, though I knew he didn’t. Still, it was a start. Tomorrow would be an important step in the right direction. A step I hoped would lead us back home.
