I called it remembering.”
Alden compared Sarah’s documents with the nursery register.
The false entry claimed James had been born in Virginia years after his actual birth in Pennsylvania.
The dates could not both be true.
Sarah recognized the handwriting of one man who had taken her statement and then refused to return it.
His name was Edwin Sutter.
She also recognized Fane’s company symbol on a freight bill.
Alden asked whether she would testify in front of a judge who might not treat her word fairly.
Sarah looked at the documents spread on the table.
“I’ve spent months saying these things to men who wouldn’t write them down,” she said.
“I will speak again, if you make sure somebody records it.”
The following morning Sarah left with Frances to see James at the shelter.
Naomi watched them go and imagined the moment mother and son would recognize each other.
Her own children were asleep above the workshop, their breathing soft through the floorboards.
She thought of the difference between reunion and safety, and of the work still necessary after the first embrace.
When Elijah joined her at the window, she said, “If Sarah finds her son, the story isn’t over.” Elijah answered, “No.
It means they have a chance to begin again.”
Chapter 26: The Housekeeper’s Decision
Mrs.
Fenwick remained at Riverbend after Elijah and Naomi disappeared.
She understood that Richard would search the property and accuse anyone he suspected of helping them.
Crowe questioned the kitchen workers for hours, but Mrs.
Fenwick continued her duties without showing fear.
She had spent years learning how to conceal her thoughts while serving meals.
This time the habit became a form of resistance.
She carried information to Catherine through ordinary objects: a misplaced napkin meant the study was watched, a blue ribbon on the tea tray meant Richard had received visitors, and a folded towel meant someone could reach the orchard lane safely.
Catherine asked Mrs.
Fenwick whether she wanted to leave.
The housekeeper looked at her with surprise.
“You cannot offer freedom as though it were a carriage ride,” she said.
“There are people I am responsible for who cannot simply walk behind you.” Catherine listened and asked what practical help would matter.
Mrs.
Fenwick said the first necessity was to stop Richard from moving the people in the field cabins to punish Elijah’s escape.
The second was to recover the household accounts showing wages never paid to free laborers and sales arranged under false names.
Catherine agreed to seek both, though she had no clear idea how to begin.
