Chapter 1
Leaving Scotland.
It was early in the morning on march eight nineteen hundred and three. It was still dark when the nanny came into the bedroom. She had taken care of her Little lady since the day she was born. She was a young woman, in her twenty one years old. She had black hair and white skin. Her eyes were brown and her features gentle.
She softly called the girl, waiting for her to wake up. She slowly helped her to stand up, so she could get dressed and ready to leave. The little girl couldn't understand completely what was happening. Looking at the face of her nanny, she calmed down and obeyed.
– Nina, but why are you waking me up so early? I'm still feeling sleepy. I would like to continue sleeping.
– Come on, hurry up little one. We don't have much time left.
- Time, what for? –
When she finished dressing her and getting her ready, she took her by the hand and with the other one grabed a suitcase she had already prepared inside the closet.
Their steps were fast through the corridors that were still in the darkness. After looking at both sides of the hall she avoided to be detected. They went out in silence from the mansion that had been their home. When they arrived to the back gate at the end of the garden behind the house, a great carriage was expecting for them.
The suitcases, trunks and boxes that contained their luggage were already settled. When the little girl saw her mother coming out from the carriage she felt slightly relieved. Jack was also in there. A young man in his twenty three years old. He and Nina had been two of the most loyal and trust worthy workers of her parents. The lady aproached them and told them immediately:
– Jack, Nina, you have to take her to America, look for Mrs. Elroy Andley in Chicago. – Turning her attention to the young man she said – Jack, do you have the documents Lord Kendrick gave to you earlier? - While receiving his answering nod, she continued – You must ensure yourselves that she will stay with her. I don´t have to remind you how important it is what I am asking you to do. Right now, we can only trust her and Mr. George Johnson. If everything comes out the way we expect it, we will be able to join you in a few months. Jack these are the tickets. For the first class section in the Cedric (1), bound to New York. I know that you will take care of them. Everything is perfectly planned, you should have no problems at all.
- Nina, don't loose her from your sight. Here, take these jasmine buds. They will become a beautiful memory. Take care of them. – Said the lady to the nanny who kept the girl in her arms.
By that time, the little one realized she was going to travel to America, a place where she had never been before. She was worried that her mother wasn't coming with her. She looked deep into her face once more and although she didn't want to separate from her embrace, her mother was looking at her with so much love in her big gray eyes, that even without any word she could understand this was so important for her. She felt the tears rolling down her cheeks, but she remembered what her father used to tell her, "Virtute, Honore et Fidem" (2), the motto of their Clan. She had to be strong and brave (3). She offered her arms to Jack who helped her in the carriage and sat her into the seat, afterwards he turned to Nina and he helped her too.
- You will travel as a family, so that you will avoid drawing attention upon yourselves. There will be two consecutive rooms available for you. Your family name will be Wellington. Under no circumstance you shall use any other. The train tickets will be waiting for you at the Station in New York and you must leave immediately to Chicago. From now on, she will be named Elaine Wellington. – Those were the last instructions given by the Lady.
The little girl looked out from the window and when the driver started the journey, she watched her mother's silhouette until it became so small that she couldn't see it any longer. Her first destination was the Port of Liverpool.
Elaine didn't understand why she had to travel to a distant country, without her parents. She had never been separated from them, no one explained her why she had to live this experience on her own.
It had already been three long days and the only thing she could see now in the distance was the vast ocean. Her home was left far behind and something inside her told her she wasn´t coming back any sooner. Although she used to be an innate adventurous girl, she was afraid for the very first time. Everything was so different. She couldn´t help feeling sad nor avoid teardrops falling once more through her cheeks. Even though her eyes sore and burnt, it was simply useless.
- Nina, why do we have to go so far away? How long is it going to take? – She constantly asked her nanny. The hours were long and sadness was settling in her heart.
- We will travel for a few more days. It is important to keep you safe. That is the reason why your parents have decided that we make this journey.
- And what does that mean? Is it because they don't love me anymore?
- Don't say that ever again! They love you more than anything else in this world.
- Then, why do they keep me away? I miss them so much!
- And they probably miss you just the same. You don't understand that right now, but you will someday.
- I don't want to be alone, I need their company.
- Jack and I promise you that we won't leave you alone, until you are back to your parents again. Is that alright with you?
- Yes.
- Elaine, do you remember the name you have to use at all times?
- Yes. Elaine Wellington.
- All right.
After that conversation, the little girl's mood changed and they spent pleasant moments together among games and laughter inside their cabin. They were successful to go unnoticed and everyone thought they were a lovely family. That idea thoroughly cheered the girl, who took advantage of the situation to feel loved and protected.
One morning she wanted to take some fresh air. Actually she didn't like being locked up too long because she felt suffocated. So with Nina and Jack, they went out together to explore the ship. They prepared some snacks and decided to play hide and seek to see who could find the best hiding spot. For the little one it was easy to find her friends, but when it was her turn, she had the idea of getting into one of the lifeboats.
While waiting, she fell asleep without realizing that time passed by. When she woke up it was already dark and she could hear many voices around. When she came back to their cabin, she saw that Jack and Nina's faces were concerned. At that moment, when they saw her safe and sound, they felt relieved. However, they had to talk to her severely and ask her not to scare them like that ever again. They were sick and worried about her. At first, she thought that playing hide and seek was fun enough, but when she realized that they really didn't have a good time, she lost interest in that game. Jack had to apologize to the Captain, as some officers had joined the search.
After dinner, everyone went to rest and as soon as she was bathed and ready for bed, she immediately fell deeply asleep when she put her head on the pillow. The fatigue of the day caught up with her.
The next day, early in the morning, she thought of apologizing personally to the Captain. After all, it had been her who they were looking for. She asked Nina to take her as soon as possible, bringing along some cookies. When they were ready, they went directly to the cockpit.
They had to wait outside for a few moments, hoping to see the Captain. It wasn't that long when they saw him going up to where they were. He greeted them warmly and she introduced herself displaying her best smile. She offered an apology for the hard time she had put them through. The Captain watched her very seriously and after a moment he said she had made him remember his two daughters who were living in London. During his holidays, he used to play hide and seek with them too. They held a small talk and she asked "her mother" for the package of chocolate chip cookies and shared them with him. The Captain invited them inside the cockpit, to the astonishment of some officers. The girl also apologized to them. After that the Captain asked the kitchen to send him three big glasses of milk. During the rest of the trip they shared cookies and milk every morning.
Time passed by faster and she could meet other people who were also bound for America. Among the passengers, there was one that particularly caught her attention. He looked like the kind of people with whom her father used to have conversations during the celebrations held at home. He was very tall, elegant, refined, although he seemed to be sad most of the time. His face was always serious. He didn't socialize with other passengers, and occasionally he had noticed her watching him. Whenever that happened he looked at her for a while and then retired.
The last day of their trip, the little girl was determined to talk to that sad gentleman. She would encourage herself in order to speak to him. She had asked Nina to take her because she wanted to meet with him. Her nanny was absolutely intrigued about this request, so she told her that she wanted to share one of her jasmines with him. The jasmines had always filled her with peace and tranquility while smelling their sweet aroma. After convincing her nanny, they went directly to the deck aft, where she knew she would find him watching the horizon. Looking at him, she felt something different. He was thoughtful, as if he was remembering something sad. She could recognize that look in him, as it was the same she used to have when she thought about her parents and missed them.
- If I am going to do it, it must be now. – She thought undecided. She turned her face to her nanny, who encouraged her to continue with an affectionate smile.
The gentleman felt her presence and turned around to be in front of them. He watched them with a questioning look.
- My name is Elaine Wellington– said the little girl, offering her best smile and making an elegant bow. She approached him after taking a deep breath trying to control her nerves. – Here, this is for you. -She gave him one of her jasmine buds. The ones she had as a memory of her mother's garden.
- Thank you! – He said, receiving the gift, surprised by that action.
- I hope you find your happiness Sir. – she said while turning around to return running beside her nanny towards their cabin, leaving a very distraught gentleman who looked towards the direction she was heading to, and bowed in a greeting to the lady who was waiting for the girl.
- I don't know if he will keep the little bud, or if he will throw it away. I hope he doesn't. But I really want him to find his happiness. – She said to her nanny, while she smiled satisfied with her actions.
- That was really nice of you Elaine. – Her nanny said smiling.
When they arrived at the port of New York, there were many people who were receiving their families and friends. Jack asked them to wait while he went to arrange the luggage transportation and theirs. After a moment he joined them to disembark and board the carriage that was already waiting for them. They arrived at the train station, where they picked up the tickets for the trip to Chicago. Once again, their wagon was private. A whole day's journey was left.
Altough everything was new, the journey was already too long for the little girl and it wasn't over yet. She was seemingly tired, but most of all she felt bothered of being locked inside for so long. She used to enjoy large extensions of open green areas, full of woods and bushes, while the fact of being confined for a long time on the boat and now on the train, had already undermined her cheerful and warm personality. She missed the fresh, clean scent of the Scottish hillsides where her home was. Sadness and anxiety began to fill her chest throwing her into deep silence.
The sun was already hiding when they reached Chicago Station. It was more difficult to get a large carriage enough to transport all their luggage. The large amount of trunks and boxes hindered it.
It was around seven in the evening when they began their trip towards one of the most important families' mansion in Illinois. While approaching they could see how long it was the fence that bordered the property. When the entrance gate opened, a great expansion of green areas was revealed. They surrounded the path leading to the front door. They passed by a big fountain which was in the middle of four beautifully designed concourses.
In a way, it was as the same stately home they had left behind in Scotland. And it was as big as the girl's parents property.
It was already eight o'clock when a serious and very elegant butler greeted them at the entrance. Upon learning of the reason for their visit he asked them to wait for further instructions.
Meanwhile, some servants helped Jack to unload their luggage. Once he finished, he paid the coachman and joined Nina and the little girl to wait for the butler. When he returned, he led them back to the library where the Lady of the house would receive them.
Nina was carrying in her arms the little girl who had fallen asleep, next to Jack she also followed the butler. They couldn't help but feeling nervous. As they went through, they perceived how imposing the house was, although it was rather cold as well. When they arrived to the door in front of the library and after knocking on it, they heard a voice coming from inside.
- Come in! – A female and firm voice was heard. Nina took a deep breath and Jack felt the tension through all his body.
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(1) The RMS Cedric was a boat of the White Star Line built in Harland and Wolff of Belfast. wiki/RMS_Cedric
(2) Courage, Honor and Loyalty. Clan Andley motto, according to my own story.
(3) Be strong and brave. Took from the Bible, Joshua 1:7
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Thank you all for Reading. I hope you leave your reviews.
A very special thank you to Ms Puddle. I am one of your fans. I love all your stories, and I felt inspired by your work. This story is created following your steps. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed yours! I love you!
SweetCandyAndley