The Highest of Hopes Read online

  Books by Susan Anne Mason

  COURAGE TO DREAM

  Irish Meadows

  A Worthy Heart

  Love’s Faithful Promise

  A Most Noble Heir

  CANADIAN CROSSINGS

  The Best of Intentions

  The Highest of Hopes

  © 2019 by Susan A. Mason

  Published by Bethany House Publishers

  11400 Hampshire Avenue South

  Bloomington, Minnesota 55438

  www.bethanyhouse.com

  Bethany House Publishers is a division of

  Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan

  www.bakerpublishinggroup.com

  Ebook edition created 2019

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

  ISBN 978-1-4934-1725-4

  Unless noted, Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

  Scripture noted NIV is from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

  This is a work of historical reconstruction; the appearances of certain historical figures are therefore inevitable. All other characters, however, are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  Cover design by Koechel Peterson & Associates, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota/Jon Godfredson

  Author is represented by Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

  For my dear friends since high school,

  Michelle and Colette. Thank you for your love

  and support and our monthly tea dates!

  And to my cherished friend, Katarina,

  who passed away ten years ago. It’s a comfort

  knowing you’re cheering me on from above!

  Contents

  Cover

  Half Title Page

  Books by Susan Anne Mason

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Epigraph

  Prologue

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  16

  17

  18

  19

  20

  21

  22

  23

  24

  25

  26

  27

  28

  29

  30

  31

  32

  33

  34

  35

  36

  37

  38

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Back Ads

  Back Cover

  Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

  Psalm 31:24 NIV

  Prologue

  LATE MAY 1919

  Emmaline Moore stepped up to the ship’s railing and peered through the mist to catch her first glimpse of the Nova Scotia shoreline now becoming visible. It was a most welcome sight after a week at sea.

  A week since she’d left her home in England to embark on this journey.

  Six weeks since she’d found her beloved grandfather dead on his bedroom floor.

  Two weeks since she’d sold Grandad’s watch shop and handed over the key to the new owner.

  All because of a packet of letters she’d found in his desk that had turned Emma’s life upside down.

  She shivered and pulled her collar up around her chin. Beside her at the rail, Grace Abernathy, a friend she’d made on the voyage, turned to give her a wobbly smile. Emma’s emotions too were running high—sadness at leaving the people she’d met on the ship and nervousness as to what the future would hold for her now.

  “Are you still planning to spend a few days in Halifax before heading to Toronto?” Grace asked.

  Emma glanced farther down the rail to where Jonathan stood gulping in the sea air. Her dear friend and traveling companion had suffered extreme seasickness the entire journey and still looked ready to empty the contents of his stomach over the side of the ship. “I think we have to. Not that the ship’s doctor isn’t competent, but I won’t be satisfied that Jonathan’s truly all right until another doctor pronounces him healthy. Plus, he’ll need a few days of rest to get his strength back before we set off on the next leg of the trip.”

  “Of course. You must put his health above everything right now.” Grace gave a slight shrug. “I would have loved the company on the train though. Quinten’s not sure where he’s headed, but he has some sleuthing to do in Halifax first.”

  Quinten Aspinall, another kindred soul searching for family members in Canada, was a true gentleman who had served as their protector during the voyage, keeping away unwanted attention from other males.

  Emma smiled. “Perhaps we’ll all meet up in Toronto once we get there.”

  “Perhaps we will.” Grace turned to face the water, but not before Emma caught sight of tears welling in her friend’s eyes. She reached over to squeeze Grace’s arm, silently offering up a prayer for her well-being.

  The ship’s horn sounded as a warning to prepare for docking.

  Emma’s heart pumped harder in her chest. They’d reached Canada, the country that would hopefully become her new home. What would she find here? A welcoming family or further rejection?

  She cast a guilty glance at Jonathan, who looked her way and waved. She managed a brief wave in return. What would he do when he learned that her intention for the trip was not exactly as she’d indicated? She’d kept one important detail of her plans to herself. One she knew he’d do everything in his power to thwart, and because of that, she couldn’t tell him until the timing was right.

  Resolutely, Emma pushed away the twinge of guilt. After all, Jonathan was the one who’d insisted on coming with her. She’d been perfectly happy to make the trip alone, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Even his Aunt Trudy had joined his petition to keep her from going, but when she realized Emma would not be swayed, Trudy had supported Jonathan’s decision to travel with her. Unable to fight the both of them, Emma had finally relented, secretly a bit relieved to have his company. Jonathan’s presence aboard the ship had provided her a great deal of comfort—it helped knowing her best friend was in the cabin down the hall. All she could do now was pray he’d forgive her when he learned of her true intentions.

  Another blast of the horn shook Emma from her thoughts. She squared her shoulders as the ship slid closer to the dock, vowing to put all regrets behind her. There was no point in looking back. The past was filled with nothing but loss and grief. It was time to look ahead to a future that brimmed with possibilities.

  Soon, with God’s blessing, she would embark on a new life with a family she’d never met, but who, Emma prayed, would accept her graciously into their fold.

  Maybe then the emptiness inside her would finally be filled, and at last she’d feel whole.

  CHA
PTER 1

  JUNE 1919

  There was no turning back now!

  The shrill scream of the steam whistle signaled the locomotive’s departure from the last stop before they reached their ultimate destination of Toronto. Emma gripped the wooden armrests until her fingers ached, though it did little to rid her body of the tension building within her. Perhaps it was due to stress and fatigue, but on this final stage of her long journey, a cloud of doubt had crept in to plague her.

  Had she made the worst mistake of her life, selling everything she owned to journey halfway across the world? For the first time since leaving England, Emma feared she may have.

  Smoke billowed past the passenger car windows, momentarily masking her view of a sparkling blue lake amid the rolling countryside—not quite as scenic as the landscape in Wheatley, but certainly prettier than she’d imagined. Emma smoothed her hand over a stomach that was roiling with a mixture of anticipation and dread. She had no idea what to expect upon her arrival in Toronto, and the very real fear that she’d placed too great an importance on this trip continued to nag at her—as well as the uncomfortable feeling that she hadn’t really consulted with God before making her impulsive decision. What if Jonathan was right about giving her father fair warning before simply appearing on his doorstep? What if her father wanted nothing to do with her?

  Emma leaned back and took a deep breath. Nothing would be gained by this tiresome worrying. Only time would tell whether her journey would be worth leaving everything behind—or not.

  In the seat beside her, Jonathan slept with his head against the window. He still looked somewhat green, a color that seemed to haunt him since their ocean crossing. Who knew he would make such a poor sailor? Despite the doctor’s pronouncement that he was fine, their six-day sojourn in Halifax had done little to restore Jonathan’s equilibrium, and the extreme jostling of the train for the past two days had only exacerbated his condition. Because of the constant nausea, he’d barely been able to keep down more than a few saltine crackers and tea and had slept most of the time.

  A door opened at the far end of the car, and a man in a conductor’s uniform entered. He stopped at the first seat and requested to see the occupants’ tickets, as he’d done after every new stop.

  Several rows ahead, a young girl slipped away from her mother and darted into the aisle. Despite the jerky movement of the train, the girl managed to race toward Emma, a grin of triumph lighting her face.

  She came to an abrupt halt at Emma’s seat and stared, eyes dancing. “Hello. My name’s Sarah. I like your hat.”

  Before Emma could reply, a bearded man approached. “Sarah, you must stay where your mama and I can see you.” He lifted the girl into his arms and dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Come now. You can give the conductor our tickets.”

  Sarah threw her arms around the man’s neck. “Then can I have some candy, Papa?”

  The man chuckled, gazing at the child with such adoration that Emma’s throat tightened. “If you promise to stay in your seat, you may have a peppermint,” he said.

  Emma watched them until they disappeared from view, but the image of the man’s expression as he held his daughter remained seared in Emma’s mind, igniting a flicker of hope.

  She’d traveled four thousand miles to receive a look such as that.

  When the conductor reached them, Emma handed him the tickets. “How much longer until we reach Toronto?”

  The man’s expression brightened as he met her inquiring gaze. He appeared to be a little older than Jonathan, perhaps twenty-five or so, but his uniform gave him an air of authority. “About three hours, miss.”

  “Thank you.” She bit her bottom lip. Only three hours until she’d disembark in the city where Randall Moore had been living for the past twenty-two years. Twenty-two years that Emma had believed her father to be dead. Was she daft to come so far in search of him without writing first?

  Jonathan seemed to think so. He’d tried to get her to postpone her trip until she’d contacted Randall. However, the fear that her father would reject her before she’d even had the chance to meet him had spurred her to take immediate action. A letter could be ignored, but it would be a lot harder to dismiss her when she was standing right in front of him.

  “Are you all right, miss?” The conductor peered at her, a concerned frown wrinkling his brow. “You’re not feeling ill, I hope.” He glanced over at her companion, perhaps fearing she had succumbed to motion sickness as well.

  Emma managed a smile. “I’m fine. Just a bit nervous is all.”

  “Heartier than your husband, I see.” He chuckled as he punched their tickets.

  “He’s not my husband,” Emma replied quickly. “Just a dear friend who was good enough to accompany me on this trip.”

  Curiosity animated the man’s rugged features. “First time to Canada?”

  “Yes.” She squeezed her gloved hands together on her lap. “I’m here to . . . visit some relatives I’ve never met before.”

  The train jerked as it rounded a bend, and the conductor grabbed the back of the seat to steady himself. “I’m sure they must be as excited as you are. I know I would be to have such a lovely guest arriving.” He winked at her. “As much as I’d love to hear more, I’d best get back to work. Enjoy your stay in Toronto.” He tipped his cap and set off down the car.

  “Already breaking hearts all over the country, I see.” Jonathan’s wry voice brought heat to Emma’s cheeks.

  “Don’t be silly. He was just being friendly. Like all the Canadians we’ve met so far.”

  Jonathan opened one eye to give her a disbelieving look. “I doubt they’d be as friendly if I were traveling alone.”

  “Go back to sleep, Grumpy Gus. You have three more hours until you’re free of this torture.”

  Jonathan shifted in his seat, straightening to look out the window at the passing countryside. “It’s not so bad. Better than being on that ship.” He turned to look at Emma. “I suppose our first order of business when we arrive will be to secure lodgings.”

  Emma nodded. Her thoughts flew back to her safe little room above Grandad’s watch shop and a wave of homesickness hit hard. What if things went wrong here? There was no cozy flat to go back to. No suitor waiting in the wings either. Her last letter to Lord Terrence had made sure of that.

  “Should we try the boardinghouse Grace mentioned?” Jonathan’s voice brought Emma out of her musing. “It will likely be more reasonable than staying at a hotel.”

  “That sounds like a good place to start.” Although the impatient part of her wanted to delve right into locating her father, practicalities had to be considered before that could happen.

  “And if there’s no room, perhaps the landlady could refer us elsewhere.” Jonathan’s brown hair was sticking up in all directions from being plastered against the window for most of the morning. A shadow of a beard hugged his jaw, which was unusual for Jonathan, who normally prided himself on being impeccably groomed. Further proof that he still wasn’t feeling up to par.

  Emma pointed to his wayward tufts. “You’d better freshen up or you’re likely to scare the proprietress off. You look like an outlaw right now.”

  He scowled at her as he ran his fingers over his jaw. “You try shaving in a room smaller than a closet. Besides, with this constant motion, I’d likely slit my throat.”

  Emma forced a laughed. “I’m sure there will be a restroom at the Toronto station. From what I hear, it’s quite the grand place.”

  “It is indeed.” The man seated across from them lowered his newspaper. “Recently renovated and everything. You can get a great shoeshine there,” he said to Jonathan.

  “Sounds like you know the place well.”

  “I travel for business, so I’ve spent my fair share of time waiting for trains there.” He smiled. “I’m Stan Olsen. Born and bred in Toronto. If I can be of any help, let me know.”

  Emma restrained herself from barraging the poor man with questions. In a city the
size of Toronto, chances were slim that he’d ever heard of her father.

  Jonathan shot her an inquiring look, then leaned forward. “As a matter of fact,” he said, “we’re looking for someone. I don’t suppose you know a man named Randall Moore?”

  The man’s brows rose. “Not personally. But most Torontonians know who he is.” He turned the newspaper back to the front page and handed it over. “Just finished reading an article about him. Bottom right-hand column.”

  Emma’s pulse raced. “Not in the obituaries, I hope.”

  “No. He’s very much alive and kicking.” The gentleman’s eyes held a trace of amusement.

  “I’m almost afraid to ask what that means.” Jonathan held the paper between them so Emma could see it.

  The headline of the article read Mayoral Candidate Randall Moore Ramps Up His Campaign.

  Emma exchanged a look with Jonathan, then bent closer to read the smaller print.

  Despite his recent defeat in the Toronto mayoral race, Professor Randall Moore has kicked off his next campaign with a bang. In light of the close finish in January’s election, it’s apparent that public support for Moore is reaching an all-time high. “Tommy Church can’t win forever,” Moore stated. “And I intend to be the one to unseat him.”

  The University of Toronto professor’s bold declaration has issued a clear challenge to the mayor. If Moore’s popularity continues, it seems he might indeed unseat Mr. Church in the next election.

  Emma’s mouth fell open. “He’s running for mayor? Isn’t that a rather mammoth undertaking?”

  Mr. Olsen nodded. “A lot of time and money go into the campaign, especially for a candidate trying to unseat the current mayor who’s been elected three years in a row.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “What do you want with Randall Moore?”

  Emma laid the newspaper on her lap. It wouldn’t be fair for anyone else to learn about her visit before she had the chance to meet her father. “He’s a . . . distant relative. I promised I’d look him up when I got to Toronto.” She made to hand the paper back, but the man waved it off.

  “You keep it. You might want to save that article for your family back home.”