Lizzy gasps. “I will need new dresses! Chen Matrimonial, are you sure that’s all it said?”
Bronnah frowns at the tickets until Lizzy snatches them from her hands.
“That won’t do at all! These are steerage class!” Lizzy gasps.
“What did you expect, first class?”
“I will take care of this. You’d better start packing. We’re going to New York!” Lizzy laughs and hugs her before dashing from the room.
Bronnah sits down and stares at the piece of paper. “It looks like I’ll be getting married, again.” How had her life turned out like this? Marrying a stranger in a strange country? “What am I thinking?” Standing up, Bronnah begins to pace in her little room. “Sean, what do I do?” she whispers thinking of her husband.
He died fighting back when they came to evict them from his land. Young, hot-blooded and full of life, he refused to leave and fought back. They shot him without mercy and tossed his dead body in the road before lighting the thatched roof of their home on fire. Nothing survived the flames. Bronnah was away helping her mother through a difficult delivery. The one saving grace was that she was not home when he had died.
In her heart, she knows this is her only chance at a new life. She will be able to help her family and perhaps honor Sean when she succeeds. “I’m going to America,” she whispers and smiles as she gets up to write her family a letter to let them know.
The next three weeks pass in a blur, and before she knows it, they're standing on the docks staring up at a massive Steamship with beautiful white sails. Lizzy is beyond excited, and her voice fades away as Bronnah looks at the lines running to multiple ports around the world. "Look, Lizzy, at all the countries. Germany, France, Brazil, and the United States."
“I know, just think of how many people we’ll meet! Don’t fret, we shall avoid the long lines. I have our tickets here.” She pulls Bronnah along with her, “I still don’t understand why they were only going to allow me to bring two trunks. Can you imagine?”
“Well, these steamships were built to carry passengers or freight. I imagine space will be at a minimum,” Bronnah explains with a laugh. Her single trunk would not be a problem. “Lizzy, I should warn you our accommodations will be stark compared to what you’re used to.”
Lizzy smirks, “Yes, we’ll see about that.”
Bronnah jumps in shock a few moments later when the captain calls for the first-class passengers and Lizzy waves pulling her along. “Lizzy, what are ya doing?”
“I have a surprise for you.” Lizzy is dressed in a new day dress, tailored to her coloring in a gorgeous rose color. She glows with excitement as the Captain greets them.
"Welcome aboard the Freesia, I trust you will find your accommodations welcoming, Miss Mcinish, and Ms. O'Dalaigh. The porter will lead you to your room. If you should need anything, please don't hesitate to find me."
"That's very kind of you, Captain." Lizzy grabs her arm and guides her up the wooden gangplank and stops a moment before stepping onto the ship deck. The trembling in her body gives away her nerves, and Bronnah kisses the side of her head.
"Tis not too late, Luv, just say the word," Bronnah whispers. Elizabeth glanced back over her shoulder one last time, thinking of her parents and how heartbroken they will be when they find her letter tomorrow. If only they'd listened to her, but her opinion was not wanted. Stiffening her shoulders and tossing her dark hair, she steps forward and into her new life.
“I’m glad you came, Bronnah,” she smiles at her with excitement shining in her eyes. “I can’t wait to see what adventures await us.”
Eight hours later, Bronnah holds Lizzy’s hair back as she vomits for the third time. “This… is… not… what… I… meant….” She gasps fighting back the sickness.
“Don’t worry, it will pass. You’ll get your sea legs soon enough.” Bronnah carries the bowl to the window and dumps it before hurry backing to wash her face with a damp cloth. “I’ll take care of you, Lizzy.”
“I know… you always do,” she says and falls into a fitful sleep.
Bronnah sighs in relief and glances around the stateroom they’re staying in. It is a large eight by ten room with mahogany walls, lined with maple panels and gilded woodwork. Lizzy surprised her by booking a first-class stateroom. The twelve-day journey will pass quickly in such beautiful surroundings.
Bronnah is stunned by the decadence of the two-bedroom suite and attached sitting room. It is more than she ever imagined, with its private water closet, running water, and even electricity. Stepping to the door, she places the bucket outside of the room and pulls the chord to call for an attendant.
Within moments a soft knock sounds on the door, and Bronnah pulls it open with relief. She orders biscuits and tea, then accepts the new bowl from the young girl. "Thank you. How long does the sickness usually last?"
The young girl looks surprised at Bronnah’s Irish lilt. “Not long miss, most people are sick the first night, but I should warn you, sometimes it lasts longer. Keep the food simple, biscuits, crackers and tea should help.”
“I see.” Bronnah steps back to let her bring the tea service inside and thanks her quietly before closing and locking the door. She eats quickly and leaves the window open for the fresh breeze. Her own queasiness is warring with her determination
