Mary looked back down to prevent him from seeing her roll her eyes. Eduard had spent his time and money to prepare their homestead for her arrival. She had spent her time wallowing andcontemplating how unfair life was. How desperately she wanted to change her fate so that she could stay in London.
Why did you do this to me, Eduard?
Now, it was Mary’s turn to take the voyage to America. Part of the agreement was that she would travel on a private vessel with the expense covered by her family.
With a sudden, jarring stop of the carriage, Mary lurched forward with a gasp. There was no escaping this. With a sigh, she stepped down from the carriage and realized she was surrounded by all her earthly possessions.
She stood on the dock, watching as her luggage was loaded, piece by piece. All of the items she held dear were being whisked away along with her very self and all her shattered hopes and dreams. The salty air swept against her cheeks as she thought about how foolish she was to think she could stop this literal ship from sailing.
Her parents joined her on the docks. Her mother wrapped her short arms around Mary’s waist.
The large ship brought on a new sense of dread. She turned to face her father.
“Please don’t make me go. Release me from this engagement, Father. Let me stay in London.”
He narrowed his eyes. “After everything we have done for you, you still act so ungrateful. It’s shameful.”
Mary’s lip quivered at her father’s outburst. “Fine. After this, consider us even.”
He gave her a final nod in agreement and then stepped away to have a conversation with the captain. Mary watched the retreat of the man who was supposed to protect her.
“I really tried to change his mind,” her mother said, “You must believe me, dear. I tried to find other suitors. No one would offer the same financial benefits that the Hoffmans couldafford. Anyone of value expected a dowry to take your hand in marriage." She sniffled and wiped a fresh tear from her eye.
Mary felt sorry for her mother, more for herself because she was the one forced to leave London. Yet it was her mother who became a shell of who she used to be these last few months instead of Mary.
“I know, Mother. We both tried. And we both know it is a man’s world. We are just living in it.” Mary hugged her back, placing her cheek on top of her mother’s head. Mary watched as her father engaged in conversation with everyone but her. Her blood seethed beneath her skin, and her cheeks flushed as she fought back tears over his betrayal.
A goodbye with him was out of the question, their relationship strained beyond repair. Her attention returned to her mother.
“He is determined to be here for my send-off but only to ensure I get on that ship.” Mary clasped her gloved hands together. The cool, chilly air pierced through the fabric, freezing her slender fingers. “I’ve barely seen him these last months, and now he wants to make a sudden appearance?”
Mary’s mother gave her a weak smile. “Please remember your manners, and do your best to stay away from the edge of the boat. I don’t want you accidentally falling overboard.”
Mary rolled her eyes.Of course, she is going to ignore any negative remarks about Father. Everything revolves around him. Oh, to be a man in this world,Mary thought and blew hot air into her clasped hands.
“Yes mother, I will remember everything that has been ingrained into my mind. You taught me well.” Mary took in her mother for the sad creature she was, married to a ruthless businessman and now her only daughter was sold to the highest bidder. “Please be sure to give my best to my sisters. I know I said my goodbyes yesterday, but I will miss them dearly.”
Just as my social status climbed and my relationship with my sisters-in-law blossomed —.Mary’s throat hitched as the reality of her situation sank in.I am about to board a ship, sail across a vast ocean and start living life as a farmer’s wife. There’s no looking back
I must look ahead to my future. A life void of any real social life, Mary thought. She hugged her mother a final time and turned toward the waiting ship.
I wish I could go back and do so many things differently,Mary mused as she put one foot carefully in front of the other. She stepped away from her mother’s side and began her ascent aboard.
Mary wasn’t sure what to expect once the ship landed. She just knew it wouldn’t be London. It wouldn’t be home.
She paused halfway up the walkway and turned to face her father once more, a final chance for him to come running to her, to scoop her up and fix all of this, to be her protector. She was met with his usual cold stare, and he nodded at her. It was the confirmation she needed to finish making her way on board.
I won’t even get a proper goodbye from him. Mother’s right; men have all the power,Mary thought and made a promise to herself in that moment: that one day, she would have enough of her own power that she would be able to make her own decisions without the input of any man.
With a return nod, she held her head high and made her way onto the rocking ship. Once both feet were planted firmly aboard, the crew moved the walkway and stored it for the arrival to America. They worked quickly and loudly around her as the captain yelled orders, and the men shouted in reply.
Amongst the chaos, an older woman with faded, golden hair greeted Mary, “Hello, Miss, follow me to your cabin.”
Her face was plump and jolly. Her tan skin showed years of sun damage, with freckles that rivaled the stars in the night sky.
“My name is Sue,” she said as they walked, “If there is anything you need, I will be of assistance. Your family has paid me and the captain to ensure you arrive safe and in one piece. The captain has instructed that I am the only one who is allowed to speak to you on this voyage on threat of death.”
Mary smiled. “Well, I guess that means we will become good friends indeed.”
