lads in his unit would never return home to see their loved ones. But the Lord had kept him safe. That meant He had a purpose and plan for Garth’s life. Returning to Canada to marry Emma seemed to be the path he should take. But was it fair to leave his family so soon, especially after so many years apart?
Garth glanced at Steven, seated beside Katie. He held their little daughter, Cecelia, on his lap, though it was a challenge for him. He’d been injured in the Battle of Verdun and now wore a sling to protect his damaged left arm.
Before they gathered for tea, Katie had told Garth about Steven’s injury. He needed help with some tasks, like buttoning his shirt and tying his shoes. But she was thrilled to have him home. Garth was deeply grateful as well. He would have hated to see his dear sister suffer the loss of her husband after all she’d endured in Canada when she was younger. Katie deserved to enjoy her family and a peaceful, happy life in England.
Andrew refilled his teacup and then turned to Garth. “Have you thought about what you’d like to do now that the war is over?” He glanced at Laura, who nodded. “We want you to know you’re very welcome to stay here at Bolton as long as you’d like. We want to offer you a position on the estate, if you’re interested.”
“Thank you. That’s very kind, but I have a plan in mind.”
Mum looked his way. “What is that, dear?”
Garth braced himself, hoping Mum would not be too disappointed. “One of the officers in my unit is an experienced veterinarian. He appreciated the way I worked with the horses and offered to help me continue my veterinary training.”
“Here in England?” Katie asked.
“No, his home is north of Toronto, near Orillia.”
Mum’s face fell. “You’re going back to Canada?”
He turned to Mum. “It sounds like a good opportunity for me to get the training I need to establish my own veterinary practice. When I’m finished, I could work in Canada or England.” He shifted his gaze away. “But there are other reasons I need to go back.”
“Are you thinking of Emma?” Katie asked softly.
Garth nodded, his neck heating. He had told them a little about Emma in his letters, but his sister had always been able to read between the lines.
The tension in Mum’s face eased. “Well, I don’t like the idea of you being so far away to do that training, but I’m happy to hear you’ve found someone special.”
“Nothing is settled between us yet.” Garth debated what else to say and finally added, “I haven’t heard from her in quite a while.”
Katie’s brows dipped. “How long has it been?”
He hesitated, then said, “About three months.”
Katie exchanged a worried look with Laura. “Her letters were probably just delayed or misdirected. The military mail system must have been disrupted with the end of the war and so many troops returning home.”
“That could be the reason, but I received letters from you and Mum right until the day our ship crossed the Channel.” Garth shook his head. “I don’t understand it. Honestly, I’m concerned.”
Andrew shifted in his chair. “Are you thinking something may have happened to her?”
Garth’s chest tightened, and a sense of foreboding filled him. That was exactly what he was thinking, and he hated to admit that it might be true. “Emma works on the same farm where I worked. Verna Hathaway, the cook and housekeeper, looked out for Emma and treated her well.” He frowned. “I can’t say the same for Mr. Gilchrest or the other two men working there.”
He grimaced as he recalled the men’s rough ways. Their coarse language, drinking, and carousing made him wish Emma could work somewhere else. But her indentured contract required her to stay until she was twenty-one, and that date had passed while he was in France. “It’s not the best situation, but I thought she’d be safe there with Verna to watch over her until I returned. I never would’ve enlisted if I thought she was in any danger.”
Katie’s forehead creased. “Then you must go back and make sure she’s all right.”
“That’s what I plan to do.” Garth turned to Andrew. “I have some money saved, but I wanted to ask if you might cover part of the cost of the trip. I only need a small loan. I can repay it as soon as I’m working again.”
Andrew nodded. “Of course. We’d