Chapter 8 April 12th: The McKinnon Family, 3rd class passengers
I woke early today. Since there's not much to do before breakfast, I decide to take a walk. As I went out on the aft deck, I saw Mr. Dickey, the same young man as yesterday who was talking to that young woman (By the way, I found out she's German), walking with a rather mischievous looking steward named Simon Dooley, a fellow Irishman. Something about Mr. Dooley rubs me the wrong way, and that lad seems like he's bound for trouble, too. Come to think of it, I'd say the two were up to something.
Best not to think of it. It was time for breakfast, anyway. Our daughter, Molly, made a friend, a wee Scottish lass by the name of Colleen. Just as I was about to tell her the tale of Finn, a giant who could tell the future by sucking his thumb, I heard a familiar voice call her name. Sure enough, it was the Scot from last night's game. I asked him if him and his family would dine with us.
"Sorry, but the girl's mother is seasick, so we'll be taking our meals in our room for some time."
"I'll be sure to say a prayer for her."
"Thank you kindly."
"'Tis nothin', sir."
As soon as they're gone, I saw Jacques looking rather lonesome. I went up to him to invite him to sit with us.
"Jacques, M'boy, why don't you come dine with me and my family, instead of sittin' by yarself."
"Oh, M'sieur McKinnon!" He said in surprise.
"Come on, ya can meet me family."
"M'sieur McKinnon," He said as he sat down to join us, " you were right about what last night. I 'ave thought eet over, and 'ave decided to sign onboard the next ship bound for France, and as soon as I get 'ome, I will make it all up to papa. Whether or not 'e forgives me ees 'is own decision."
"Now tha's a good lad. Oh, let me introduce you to me family. This is me wife, Clara, m' daughter, Molly, and m' boy, Willie."
"You talk about yar da, but do you have a ma?" 10-year old Willie asked.
"No. I used to 'ave a mama, but she died of influenza when I was little boy." Jacques replied.
Oh, that's too bad." quips 12 year-old Molly.
Now feeling rather full, the five of us decided to head to the open space. There was usually something to do there, there'd usually be someone playing a jig, there'd probably be a card game or two going on, and children were always playing. My kids saw Colleen and decided to go play with her, Jacques went off to play some cards, and Clara and I danced to a tune called the Navajo Rag.
Clara wasn't feeling well later that night. We called down the ship's doctor, whose diagnosis was seasickness. We were also told to make sure she drank plenty of water, and to make sure she stayed in bed. Even so, the poor creature was up half the night vomiting. I hoped she'd get better soon.
