CHAPTER 10

The sailing had taken 9 days and Bea had spent most of the time reading, either in her cabin or on the deck while getting some fresh air. She had done laps of the deck as Dr. Wilson had advised. Her leg did feel a little stronger, now and again it would give way, but that was becoming less frequent.

She had been invited to eat with the captain a couple of nights, after accepting the first invitation out of politeness she had kindly declined the others. Captain Hayes had understood, he knew this lady's story, Charles had given him a brief outline and explained that was why he wanted her on his ship. That Charles Ferguson would choose him to watch over her was the biggest compliment and honour he had been given in a long time. At least twice a day he made a point of checking on her, making sure she had all she needed. Yes, she had been spoiled really. Bea of course knew who was behind that and loved him for it.

It was with excitement and a little fear that she checked into The Hotel Seville in New York on May 13th, again booked by her uncle. What an impressive place it was. Within 20 minutes she had checked in and was settling into the beautiful room. Uncle Charles had again made sure she would have the best. Bea knew that if she had asked him to accompany her on this trip he would have jumped at the chance, she had thought about it, but something told her this was something she needed to do on her own.

Having unpacked the smaller of her suitcases she decided to head down to the lobby, maybe have a little look around outside, then an early dinner and bed. Her day tomorrow was going to be busy. She had an appointment at The Western Union offices, again organised by Charles. He wanted to know that any money she needed would be available. She had cash with her if she needed more than it would readily available.

Bea for many years had been aware that people stared or looked at her. She had got used to it, she never understood why just accepted it. Ethel always said it was her hair, she always described it as dappled grey, it was very unusual, especially at her age, Stan always called it her crowning glory. Her Uncle Harry used to say it was because she had the most unique aura, people were automatically drawn to her, Dad on the other hand used to say it was because people saw straight away she was one of a kind. In her work life she knew it was because when someone called for a vet, and she turned up they got one almighty shock. Whatever the reason Bea was very aware that people were watching her here in the lobby. As she headed for the door a gentleman approached her,

"Excuse but would I have the pleasure of meeting Miss Gregory?

"You would" Bea replied

"Then forgive me for not being here to welcome you when you arrived. Mr. Geoffrey Hinds at your service Miss Gregory, manager of The Seville. I hope your room is satisfactory, Mr. Ferguson did ask specifically for that one, it is his favourite."

Bea smiled, "It is perfect Mr. Hinds thank you, I gather you know my uncle?"

"Indeed, I do, a perfect gentleman and most welcome guest here. I am under strict instructions to make sure you have all you need and be of help to you in any way I can while you are with us. "Please let me know if you need anything".

"Well, Mr. Hinds, as you have asked, I intended to eat an early dinner, would it be possible to have a table in a quiet corner somewhere, hidden away even" she laughed.

"Of course, if that is what you prefer, is there a problem?"

"Well only I seem to be drawing a lot of attention to myself for some reason and I feel so out of place."

"Oh, Miss Gregory please don't be offended, it isn't often someone as striking as yourself graces us with their presence. That is the only reason, in fact, the two ladies behind me asked me if you were an actress."

Bea laughed at that. "Me an actress, they would get a shock if they knew exactly what I was."

"May I ask what that is?"

"I am a veterinarian, Mr. Hind."

"No, you are joking surely?"

"No that is who I am, nothing as glamorous as an actress but let us leave them guessing."

They both laughed. Bea said she was going to look outside, get some fresh air and stretch her legs. Mr. Hinds would organise her table for dinner he told her and may see her later that evening.

Bea had walked for about an hour, that was enough as her legged started to ache. After changing she had gone downstairs and had a lovely meal tucked away in the corner of the dining room. Now she was laid in bed listening to the hustle and bustle of the city outside. I hope the next 2 days fly by, she thought, I am definitely not a city girl. She had gone over the plan that was in place and couldn't wait to get moving again. Hope Valley was the only destination she was looking forward to. That pull was still there if anything stronger than ever.

She fell asleep picturing once again the church come schoolhouse and what awaited her there.

The next two days did fly by, having done all the things Charles had insisted on, she had managed a little sightseeing but was just itching to get moving again.

May 16th, she left New York heading to Toronto, Canada, at least I will be in the right country then.

After a 2-day stay there what Bea thought of as the real journey started, a train journey across the breadth of Canada. Overnight stops had been arranged along the route. Not surprisingly everything had gone exactly to plan. The scenery along with fellow travellers had made the trip exciting.

When the guard came into their coach to advise they would be arriving in Union City in ten minutes Bea's heart missed a beat. Had she actually done this?

She was met at the station by a porter who helped with her luggage, called her a cab, and directed the driver to The Grand Hotel.

As the day started to close in, she sat looking out the window lost in thought. What would she find, would she find anything? Tomorrow she would make inquiries, see what she could find out about Hope Valley, firstly did it have a hotel, if not then she would look at hiring a car she could use to explore. Bea realised then that she hadn't driven since the day before her accident. As long as the journey wasn't too far, she should be OK.

She woke early, washed and dressed then went down to breakfast. Compared to The Seville this hotel was tiny, but she loved the feel of it, welcoming and homely. Yes, this was more her style.

She planned to enquire at the reception desk if they knew if there was a hotel in Hope Valley. The elderly gentleman who was manning reception was the hotel owner, a Mr. Thompson, he couldn't have been more helpful if he tried. Bea explained that she had some business there, this was to be her cover story her uncle had insisted, it would be easier if there was a hotel, but she had been unable to find one. Mr. Thompson told her that whilst there wasn't a hotel as such the local saloon had recently been taken over and they had rooms to let. A saloon Bea thought, sounds interesting. Mr. Thompson must have read her mind because he laughed and assured her that it wasn't as bad as it sounded. Would she like him to contact them and see if they had any rooms available?

"That would be a great help, Mr. Thompson, I hope to head up there the day after tomorrow and would like to book a room for a week, to begin with, if they do have any vacancies. I may stay longer but would let them know that as soon as I could."

"Leave it with me and I will make inquiries for you Miss Gregory, it is a lovely little town, mind that looks as if it may change soon, lots of new industry being talked about up there."

Anyway, don't let me hold up your day, I will see what I can sort for you."

With that Bea headed back to her room, grabbed her shawl, and headed off out to explore this little city.

What a lovely morning she had, mooching about the little shops, she bought some lovely hair ribbons and some riding gloves. Ethel hadn't seen her slip her riding boots into the bottom of one of the bigger cases, if she could hire or loan a horse, she had every intention of taking to the saddle to explore the area.

As she came back into the hotel Mr. Thompson spotted her and waved her over.

"Good news Miss Gregory, I rang the saloon, although the owners have changed, they have kept the same name "Queen of Hearts ``, in case you need to let anyone know where you will be staying."

"Uncle Charles?" Bea laughed, "I did wonder if you knew him."

"I have never had the pleasure but was contacted by Mr. Hinds from The Seville, who I do know, he asked me to watch over you, I hope that isn't a problem?"

"Not all, if anything it is a comfort to know I have had people watching out for me every step of this journey, thank you".

"Well, I spoke to Mrs. Clara Flynn and have booked a room for a week, I explained it could be longer and she said you would be most welcome. Have you thought about how you will get there?"

"That would be my next move. I did wonder if it would be possible to hire a car at all, would you know if I could do that."

"I am sure that could be arranged but let me get one of my porters to drive you over there. When you are ready to return, just telephone me, and I will send someone to collect you."

"Really, that would be so kind Mr. Thompson."

He smiled, yet someone else who had fallen under this young woman's spell, "My pleasure Miss Gregory."

Bea felt she floated through the rest of that day and the next.

She left Union City early after breakfast and by 2 pm she was entering Hope Valley, she saw it immediately. There in the middle of what appeared to be meadow stood her beacon. She felt the tears come. This building she was now actually looking at had called her across an ocean and a continent now she needed to find out why.

Today was June 1st, so just over 4 weeks after sailing from Liverpool here she was. Bea made a mental note that her journey back could be done quicker if needed.

Alf the porter who had jumped at the chance of being out driving all day pulled up outside the saloon and Bea felt like an excited child at Christmas.

OK, Hope Valley now show me why I am here.