A Shop Girl at Sea by Rachel Brimble

Author:Rachel Brimble [Brimble, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781788546539
Publisher: Head of Zeus

Twenty-Eight

Amelia dragged her gaze from Samuel’s, hating that she had to defy him, but how could she save her own skin rather than do all she could to help the terrified families around her? She was alone. Without loved ones. These people had so much to live for.

This entire situation made her deeply regret that she had been reduced to such a state of sadness to contemplate taking her own life. Yet, a second chance had seemed impossible after her attack. Being here, like this, when so many people’s lives would be taken, when they so much wished to live, made Amelia vow eternal gratitude for the gift of life.

Determination swelled inside of her.

She would do everything she could to ensure at least some of these people had a chance of survival, bury her own terror and fear and stand strong when so many innocent people were at risk… innocent people with innocent children.

She faced Mr Weir. ‘We must do all we can to help. Go farther along the deck and point people towards the boats. I’ll do what I can here.’

‘Miss Wakefield…’ He looked at Samuel and then the lifeboat, his eyes reflecting his concern, but his calmness palpable. ‘I really think you should climb aboard. Mr Carter will never forgive me if he learns I failed to convince you—’

‘I will get in a boat once I’ve done all I can for these poor families. I promise. Please, Mr Weir, I can’t stand by and do nothing.’

He stared at her before giving a curt nod, his eyes filled with a strange sadness. ‘We should exchange something.’

Amelia frowned, glanced at Samuel who now has his back turned to her, helping a young woman and her child aboard. ‘Exchange something?’

‘Yes, in case we… just in case.’

‘But I don’t understand. Just in case of what?’

He drew his pocket watch from his waistcoat and placed it in her hand, closing it into a fist and holding tight. ‘Here. Now, let me have that comb in your hair.’

Her concern deepened, her eyes still locked with Mr Weir’s as she reached up and drew the ivory comb from her hair, placing it gently into his outstretched hand.

He softly smiled. ‘Thank you.’

‘But—’

‘Good luck, Miss Wakefield.’

His gaze lingered on hers before he turned and walked away.

Amelia stared after him until he disappeared, a horrible foreboding knotting her stomach. What just happened? Why would Mr Weir insist they exchanged a possession with one another?

Swallowing hard, she inhaled a deep breath and strode to Samuel’s side. ‘Who’s next?’

He turned and looked over her shoulder. ‘Where’s Weir?’

‘Gone to help. What can I do?’

‘You can get on this lifeboat.’

‘No.’

Her heart beat hard in her chest, but she did not look away or falter.

His jaw clenched before he gave a firm nod. ‘Fine. Go back and try to encourage as many women and children forward as you can. Their reluctance is foolhardy, but understandable. We have to be firm. These people will soon realise their fate.’

The night was bitterly cold, but it wasn’t the temperature that touched icy-cold to Amelia’s bones.

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