Chapter 1

eredith half walked, half ran along the wide hallway of Union Station. Her heavy bag banged against her leg as she struggled to keep up with the woman striding briskly toward a stairway. Quickly, Margaret. The car is waiting. Mrs. Stinsons sharp words cut through the bustle of the busy railway station. And for heavens sake, make yourself presentable! Merediths face went hot. She wished shed washed her face before the train pulled in. She could still taste the peppermint stick Mama had tucked into her pocket just before shed boarded the train for the long trip to Toronto. Remember, Mama had said, you can always come home. Well manage. Merediths younger sister, Ellen, had thrown her arms around Merediths neck and cried.
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PAT BOURKE

Meredith dug in the pocket of her coat, fished out her hanky and scrubbed at the corners of her mouth. She didnt regret that peppermint stick one bit. Mrs. Stinsons polished shoes clicked up the stairs so fast that Meredith had to scramble. Her arm ached from lugging her suitcase. Its sides strained against the twine Mama had tied around it when theyd finished packing the night before. There, Mama had said, that should keep all your things safe until you need them. All her things. Meredith blinked away the memory of Mama and Ellen at home in Port Stuart. Halfway up the staircase, Meredith set the bag down to rest her arm, but Mrs. Stinson had already reached the top and disappeared from view. Meredith heaved the bag off the step, but the handle slipped out of her sweaty fingers. Look out! she cried. Two startled soldiers jumped aside as the battered bag bounced past. It hit the center railing, then tumbled end-over-end down the stairs, narrowly missing a small dog being coaxed up by an elegantly dressed woman and flying past an elderly porter who nearly lost his footing. The twine snapped as the bag thumped onto the floor and popped open. Out spewed Merediths possessions into the trampling paths of travelersher nightgown, everyday
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YESTERDAYS DEAD

dresses, blouses and skirts, the two sweaters Mama had knit, her Bible, three pairs of woolen stockings, writing paper, the pencils from Aunt Jane, a washcloth and towel and precious bar of soap, and, mortifyingly, all her underthings. One stocking lay marooned against a shoeshine stand. The shoeshine boy was grinning. The little dog was barking. The soldiers were laughing. Merediths face burned for the second time since the train had pulled in. Margaret? Mrs. Stinson called, sharp as ice. For heavens sake, come along! She stood at the top of the steps, shaking her head at the exploded suitcase. Im sorry, Meredith said. I lost my grip. How very careless. Mrs. Stinson frowned as she surveyed the mess. Meredith hurried down the stairs. She plucked her belongings from the floor and stuffed them into the suitcase. The catch wouldnt close, so she scooped the awkward bundle into her arms and started up the stairs. I am not convinced you will suit the Waterton family, Margaret, Mrs. Stinson said. We shall have to see. Meredith forgot her embarrassment. Shed never have dropped the suitcase if she hadnt had to sprint after Mrs. Stinson. She pulled herself up to her full height and glared at Mrs. Stinson, her scowl reflected in the womans shiny black patent purse.
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PAT BOURKE

Its Meredith, she said. Meredith Hollings. She met Mrs. Stinsons cool gaze square-on. You need to learn to curb your tongue, Mrs. Stinson snapped. Her eyes traveled over the hat that had been Mamas, the too-small coat and the scuffed brown leather of Merediths school shoes. What a lot of fuss over a name. Follow me, and for heavens sake, dont dawdle. Mrs. Stinson turned abruptly and marched toward a set of tall brass doors. I will suit the Watertons, Meredith vowed as she followed Mrs. Stinson through the soaring hall of the train station. I have to.