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Whispers of Hope

III

"A New, Old World"


The journey was all that was thrilling to Amy, and painful to Beth.

She was appalled to find herself exceedingly ill so long as she was on deck; and she, along with her aunt and cousin, were obliged to stay within the confines of their room. Consequently, Amy often strolled along the decks by herself, hastening below to relate everything to her sister every couple of hours. Beth, likewise, looked forward to these constant visits, for if she could not be perfectly happy herself, it was equally as well to see her sister so.

Pretty soon, although it did not seem that way to Beth, they arrived in Halifax – and from that point on it was relatively smooth sailing. Beth supposed that she had gotten used to the movement of the vessel, and was not so bothered by it anymore. She was gratified to find herself able to walk along the railings with Amy now, although she could never go on for more than ten minutes at a time without needing to sit down.

There was something pleasant about sea air, Beth decided. It was a particularly fine day; the sun shone and the waters sparkled; and the fresh, pleasant wind brought a healthy colour to her cheeks. She made an agreeable picture, there on the boat, with one slender hand on the railing, her head uncovered, and her eyes bright and content. It was a picturesque prospect – and Beth was quite unaware that Amy's critical eye and skilful hand was at that moment committing the same image to paper.

Later, when Amy presented the finished piece to her, Beth would trail her fingers wistfully over the portrait, wishing that the bloom in the girl's face could last there forever.


Beth drew her legs under her and leaned against the curtain. She always kept them halfway open, so that enough light shone through as to prevent the room from seeming dark and glum, but not so much that her eyes hurt from the excess. Nearly a week of staying in the hotel had accustomed her to every nuance of the room she shared with Amy.

"Beth, Beth, you will never guess—" gasped Amy breathlessly, barrelling through the hotel room door.

Beth glanced at her younger sister in surprise. Amy, who had taken to being a prim young lady of late, was rather prone to more dignified entrances than this. "You look flushed, Amy," she said in concern, making her sit down in a chair.

Amy smiled. "Well, I suppose that must be imputed to my running all this way. But what news I've got! Won't you ask me what it is?"

Beth obliged, and Amy continued.

"Aunt, Flo, and I were having a charming luncheon in the bistro – how I wish you weren't too tired to join us, Beth – when who should we see coming through the door but Laurie's especial friends – Fred and Frank Vaughn!"

Beth only looked questioningly.

"Don't you remember? You made friends with Frank, I know, that day on the picnic," prodded Amy.

"Oh! Yes. Yes, I did. I remember that Fred frightened me, a little, and teased ever so much. I don't think Jo liked him," said Beth.

"Jo wouldn't," Amy said cryptically. "Isn't it so coincidental, however, that we should meet them here? Fred has gotten to be very nice."

"Nice?"

"Oh! Handsome, gallant, everything that is charming..." Amy smiled.

"I should like to meet any friends of Laurie's," said Beth truthfully. "And I hope Frank's leg is better."

"Yes, much better – he only limps a very little, now. I think"—Amy looked slyly—"I think you shall like him very much."


They ran into Fred the very next day. The girls were wandering by the shops; Beth wondered at the coincidence and rather suspected Flo and Amy to have purposely dawdled at a specific place – by Fred's recommendation, perhaps.

"Ah! Good day, Miss Flo, Miss Amy – how do you do?" Fred tipped his hat and smiled at them all. "And who is this?"

"Beth, my sister," Amy told him.

"Little Beth! I think I begin to remember – but you are not so little anymore, are you?" Fred said to her, though his smile was directed at Amy.

Beth was a little embarrassed by his patronizing tone, but nonetheless said politely, "Good afternoon, Mr—" her mind went mortifyingly blank. She looked desperately at Amy, who mouthed something that seemed like 'fawn'.

I certainly shall not, thought Beth. Trying again, she finally said, "Good morning, sir."

Fred's mouth twitched, as though he knew exactly what was going on, and Beth didn't particularly care for that – but he said, "You may call me Fred, of course. My brother Frank Vaughn is not with me. Which is a pity, for he would have liked to see you again, Miss March."

Beth reddened and mumbled, "Thank you."

"Why don't we walk this way?" said Flo, taking his arm. She looked up at him through her lashes.

They walked down the street, Amy and Beth behind Flo and Fred, who pointed out sights and acquaintances to his fair companion. Flo giggled and simpered with remarkable enthusiasm.

"See how dreadfully she clings to his arm, Beth," Amy whispered to her. "I quite detest it when Flo turns all flirtatious!"

"There is no harm in it, surely," said Beth, wondering at Flo's courage in being so forward. "So many girls do it so often." She glanced, fleetingly, at Amy, and then hoped she hadn't seen.

But Amy had. Her back straightened a little, and she said firmly, "I never was that bad." Then she whispered, uncertainly, "Was I?"

"I'm sorry," said poor Beth, honest to a fault.

Amy furrowed her brow and appeared to be in deep thought. "You know, Beth," she said finally. "I think I shall be more careful, in future. I don't like the thought of people ever thinking me a coquette."

Beth's eyes widened, and she stumbled. Fred was at her side in a moment, holding her up and asking if she was all right. Beth could only nod – and blush and blush again.

Fred, satisfied, let go of her arm, and grasping the opportunity, dodged Flo and offered Amy his arm. Amy took it, a little subdued, but she could still smile and be her most alluring self.

Flo fell into step next to Beth, who rather wondered if Fred had been waiting for her misstep, just for this exchange of partners. She glanced at her sullen companion, who every now and then shot her a dark glance. No doubt she thought the whole thing was orchestrated by the sisters.

Beth wished the ground would swallow her up and then deposit her back in front of the hotel. She ought never to have ventured from it in the first place.