“It just made sense since the world was at war, and the provinces all agreed to it,” Marie said, pouring the tea. “We needed to tighten our belts, after all, to support the fight.”
“Not Quebec,” Fred reminded her shortly. “They didn’t participate.”
“I can’t imagine Guillaume following that law,” Adele said, laughing. “I can’t wait to ask him when I get home.”
Marie and Fred exchanged a look. In her high chair, Madeleine was stuffing corn bread into her little mouth and happily kicking her feet.
“What? What is it?”
“It’s nothing, really.” Marie waved a hand, but Adele recognized the nervous blush in her sister’s cheeks. It wasnotnothing.
“Go on, tell her,” Fred prompted.
“Tell me what?”
“Oh, you’ll think it’s silly. But Fred and I were talking, and we were hoping we could convince you to stay here in Toronto a little longer. Maybe even move here. There are so many opportunities for nurses.”
Adele set down her fork. “What are you talking about? Move to Toronto? Why?”
Fred chimed in. “A lot of things have changed since you went away. Especially in Windsor. We would be happy to have you stay here with us for a while.”
“You could see Madeleine all the time,” Marie added. “It would be so nice to spend more time with you.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” Adele said slowly.
Marie let out a breath. “The truth is Windsor has become a hot bed for smuggling liquor. You know how everyone has always made their own out there, and there are those bigger places like the brewery in Walkerville. Well, instead of stopping production, the manufacturers have actually mademoreduring Prohibition. Taking booze across the river to Detroit is a profitable business. Now those thirsty Americans are practically taking over Windsor.”
“Windsor is a dangerous place,” Fred agreed. “And that’s why Marie and our little cherub will not be travelling there anytime soon.”
Adele was stunned. Her mother would have said something if she felt Windsor was unsafe. She turned to Marie. “You won’t go to Windsor? What about Maman?”
Marie inspected something invisible beside her plate. “She was here when Madeleine was born.”
“Not since then? Marie, she must be heartbroken,” Adele said softly.
“Please don’t say that. Fred and I have discussed this. It’s simply not safe to take an infant to Windsor. We just hope you’ll see the wisdom in staying here yourself.”
“It would be for your own good,” Fred finished, as if all was decided.
For the rest of the meal, Adele focused on Madeleine, soaking up every moment she could with her precious niece. She had to, now that she knew she wouldn’t be seeing her for a while. After Fred took his last bite, he retreated to another room, newspaper in hand, and Marie began collecting the empty dishes. Adele rose to help, and as they washed the dishes side by side, she cast worried glances at Marie. Did she really agree with Fred’s decision? Or had he steamrolled over any counterviews? Her letters had never hinted at any strife between them. If anything, they were effusive. But maybe that was a front. It bothered Adele that she could no longer tell which it was.
Once Madeleine had been tucked into bed, the sisters settled onto the sofa with a fresh pot of tea. Adele was secretly glad that Fred had disappeared under the excuse of an early morning. She’d thanked him for his hospitality, but all she really wanted was to have more time alone with her sister.
“What do you think of Fred?” Marie asked, pulling out her cigarette case and offering one to Adele.
Adele chose her words carefully. “Honestly, he’s not entirely who I pictured you ending up with, but he seems to care deeply about you and Madeleine.”
“Yes, he does,” she said, smiling as she lit their cigarettes.
“And you’re happy?” Adele pressed.
“Yes, I am.” Marie tilted her head a little, blowing smoke to the side. “Oh, I know he’s got some strong opinions, but don’t let him upset you with all that talk about you being overseas. He’s a little fixated on that. It all started when women won the right to vote. That really bothered him. You know about that, right? It happened while you were gone.”
“Of course. The Nursing Sisters were the first women in Canada to cast a legal ballot.” She still remembered how proud she had felt, dropping her ballot into the box. “I thought of you while I did my duty.”
“How wonderful. I wish I could have seen it.” Marie’s brow creased slightly. “Adele, I am serious about you staying here. I’ve been writing to Maman for months now, trying to convince her and Guillaume to come, too.”
Adele raised an eyebrow. “And how has that gone?”
