WHISPERS OF WALES
A NOVELETTE
BY ALISON LAWRENCE
CHAPTER ONE
Ruby merged with the traffic taking the city off ramp. It was a cloudless summer day in Cape Town; Table Mountain was devoid of its famous tablecloth. It felt good to be free on this early December day, with Mercy Me setting the tone with one of their upbeat songs. Ruby's fourth grade class had wished her a happy Christmas and she and they were on holiday until mid January. The traffic light ahead turned red and Ruby tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. She thought of all the things she wanted to do in her off time; cleaning her apartment was on the list, along with shopping and going to the beach, but as far as she was concerned, she had begun with the most pressing item: paying a long -overdue visit to the city archives.
It took a few turns around the stately building before Ruby could find a parking spot in the narrow road. Town was always busy, but things were hotting up as the festive season got under way. Ruby paused to admire the old church to her right. She had always been drawn to the old. One of her favorite pieces in her apartment was a small dark-wood cupboard that had been her grandmother's and her clothing style was happily vintage. Ruby walked past a row of cyprus trees and was transported to Israel. A few years previously, she'd traveled there with a tour group. Galilee was her favorite part of the adventure: being where Jesus had walked with His disciples. A few minutes later, she reached the quiet building. Once past security, she quickly put in her request: the birth register for 1908.
It was four years earlier, whilst her mom was battling a deadly cancer, that Ruby had made the promise: she would keep searching for the missing pieces."Ruby, I just could never solve the mystery," her mom had said, as she held her hand. Her eyes, though pain filled, still held a bright interest in their quest. "Promise me you'll keep looking."
"I will." She had assured her mom, not wanting to think ahead to a world with a gaping hole. It was different now though. The quest was her last connection to the mother she adored.
It had begun when Ruby was little. Snippets of conversation overheard, her mom and aunt swapping anecdotes and notes in the sunny kitchen over cups of coffee and apple pie.
"She never said much about her childhood to anyone," sighed Aunt Anna.
"Just bits and pieces," agreed Ruby's mom. "She told Jean about the Welsh Bible and she gave you the name of that little village she said she grew up in. Llan-something or other."
"Llan-dyg-wydd," Aunt Anna pronounced the strange sounding name slowly. "I still remember the way she pronounced it."
Ruby stopped pouring imaginary tea for a moment and was transported to a land of lochs and unpronounceable towns. It was the beginning of her fascination with the family mystery.
*******
CHAPTER TWO
Ruby returned to the present and to the old register in front of her. Turning the pages carefully, she scanned the columns. January, February, March. Her grandmother's birthday was on October sixteenth. Once at the right pages, she slowed and read each name carefully, looking for one particular name; Blodwen Thomas. Nothing. Frustrated, Ruby studied the couple of Thomas's that were listed. One had the initial A and the other was a David Thomas. She sighed and looked out of the window. Why wasn't her grandmother's name in the register? Had her parents neglected to register her? Disappointed, she walked back to the desk to return the register. The assistant was helping a guy who was holding a notebook with a list of names on it.
" I'm doing some research into the Mc Kay's," he was explaining to the friendly assistant." Can I have the 1908 register please?"
Ruby stepped forward."Here it is, you can have it. My search turned up empty."
Ruby smiled politely and turned to leave, but the guy whose name might have been Mc Kay spoke.
"Bummer. I've been running into some dead ends myself. Maybe you could have a look at the 1907 or 1910 registers? Sometimes people got their birth dates wrong back then."
Ruby glanced his way. He looked like a student or surfer with his sun streaked hair and jeans and Rip Curl tee-shirt. Surfer dude and the assistant looked at her expectantly, but she was dubious. Her grandmother had never shown any doubt about her birthday. According to Ruby's mom at least. But she guessed it wouldn't harm to give the registers a quick scan. "You have a point. It won't hurt to try. 1907 then please."
She headed back to her table with the register, surfer dude following behind with his.
"James Mc Kay," he said, offering his hand."Can I join you?"
Ruby smiled, enjoying his friendliness. "Sure. Ruby Allan," she offered. "I hope you find what you're looking for."
"Thanks," he grinned once more before settling down to his search, notebook and pen at the ready. "Let me know if you have any luck this time."
Ruby nodded, her eyes already scanning the columns of surnames beginning with T. It wasn't long before she found the name Thomas. She gasped audibly. The date was October 16. The name, Blodwen Thomas.
"Impossible," She whispered, twisting her ponytail into a coil. Could it be some other person with the same name?
"What's impossible?" James Mc Kay, put his pencil down and leaned forward to look at the register.
Ruby pointed to the entry. "My grandmother's name and birth date. But it can't be right." She peered once more at the column. James read the name upside down.
"Blodwen. That's pretty unusual."
" Yes, it's Welsh," said Ruby, fiddling with her antique opal necklace, "Bronwyn is more common. I guess it could be her." Sadness washed over her. If only she could talk to her mom about this latest twist. Could her grandmother have lied about her birthday? Why would she do that though?
She looked up to find James studying her. She was struck by his eyes. They reminded her of the sea; sometimes green, sometimes blue or gray.
"Why not get a photocopy? You might be onto something." He glanced down at his notebook. " I may have found the Mc Kay I'm looking for."He looked at Ruby hopefully." How about coffee at the archive coffee shop after we get our copies? Maybe talking about your grandmother will help."
Ruby was struck once again by James's genuine friendliness. She noticed that his eyes were looking blue now. They twinkled at her.
"Sure," She smiled, " but I'm paying. I need to thank you for suggesting I take a look at another register."
He shrugged as they got up to leave. "It's nothing, just glad I could help. I know what it feels like to keep coming up empty. "
"You said you found something?" Ruby asked as they waited at the copier.
"Hope so," he smiled. "I'll be glad to wrap up the
Loose ends."
"Me too," Ruby sighed, but as she glanced over at James, she felt better. Things had taken a bit of an odd turn, but she was on leave and about to have coffee with a guy whose eyes and smile were drawing her in.
CHAPTER THREE
James pulled out a chair for Ruby in a quiet corner of the coffee shop."So, are you a latte, cappuccino or straight filter coffee fan?"Ruby laughed as she flipped her auburn hair over her shoulder. "Normally, it's cappuccino, but on a day like this, I'll settle for iced."
"Make that two iced coffees," James told the waitress as he sat down opposite Ruby and surveyed the rather boring decor."Makes me wish we were sitting at my place."Seeing Ruby's raised eye-brow, he rushed on," my little shop. Where coffee is served and books and interesting old things are sold." He smiled, "alongside the sea at Kalk Bay."
"I'm sold," laughed Ruby, "if it weren't for the traffic I'd go. I love all things old and interesting."James nodded, "I have to admit, I was eyeing out that fascinating necklace you're wearing. Opals?"
"Yes, it used to be my grandmother's,"
James leaned forward. "The one you're researching?"
"Yup, the same. She is one mysterious lady. Left a few clues about her past. So far, we haven't been able to put the puzzle together." Ruby sighed as she gazed out the window. "Gran told my mom that she was born in Wales, in a little town I won't try to pronounce right now, but I've been searching on-line for a few years with absolutely no results. That's why I came here today, thinking perhaps she'd been mistaken and was born in Cape Town instead."
James took a sip of his drink, before answering. "And now it looks like your hunch was right. Could there still be a Welsh connection though? How about your great-grandmother, could she have been born there?" He looked genuinely interested.
Ruby studied James's eyes again. It seemed to be a natural thing to do. They were reminding her of green gemstones and distracting her. "I'ts funny, I never really bothered to research that. I was so busy just trying to find my grandmother's records. But I do know a little about her. Her name was Noella Williams and I think her father was a shepherd."
"Unusual name," James said slowly, "sounds Welsh to me. I'm more clued up about the Irish side of things, but I've heard that there are very few Welsh surnames. I think Williams may be one of them."
Ruby was quiet for a while. James might be onto something. He was definitely a better genealogist than she was. She felt hopeful. And happy. Could God have orchestrated these latest events?
CHAPTER FOUR
Ruby turned her computer on, then went to the kitchen to make tea while it was starting up. She reached for her favorite mug and an Earl Grey tea bag. The small kitchen overlooked a row of poplar trees and Ruby gazed at them now as she waited for the kettle to boil. Her thoughts were simultaneously on James and her quest. She thought back to the previous day, how she and James had reluctantly parted after swapping phone numbers. When they left the coffee shop, they walked slowly back to her car, prolonging the conversation. Ruby filled James in about her fourth grade class and how she would miss them. James shared more about his shop and its interesting treasures. Ruby added sugar to her tea and headed back to the lounge. She was curious about James' shop, but even more curious about him. She logged in quickly, glancing at the pretty mantle-piece clock. Time to search for her great-grandmother.
It didn't take long before she had her great-grandmother's name typed into the search box: the genealogy sites had been book-marked ages ago. By now, Ruby was familiar with the various sites and their pros and cons. The one she was on now was free, but it had a reputation for being good. She'd made a quick choice to skip the birth records for now and go straight to the census records: she'd heard that they could be a reliable source of information.
The census she was searching through, dated back to 1881.By her calculations, her great-grandmother should have been born by then. Ruby hit enter then took a sip of her tea. The scented tea soothed her and she breathed a prayer, "Please help me find her, Lord." The census would contain many names. She had carefully typed the strange town name, Llandygwydd, into the search field for place, wondering whether there could have been more than one Noella Williams living in that small town.
A list appeared and Ruby started scanning it from top to bottom eagerly; Edwards, Davies, Jones. Williams would be further on. One page later, the name Williams appeared. Ruby clicked on it eagerly, but no Noella appeared in the list of family members that had been counted. Disappointed, she quickly clicked on the next and only other Williams in the list. Another Williams family from Llandygwydd had been counted in the census, and it was a rather large family too. Listed were; John Williams, father, Anna Williams, mother, Mary, daughter, Daniel, son, Elizabeth, daughter, John, son and Noella, daughter. Ruby sat and stared at the screen. Could this be her great-grandmother? Her age was listed as four, which seemed right. And the place of birth matched too. Quickly, Ruby turned her printer on and hit print, before the precious document disappeared. She studied the printed page carefully. Estimated birth date: 1877. Yes, that did sound right. Thinking fast, she turned back to the screen. As far as she knew, population counts were held every decade or so at that time, so the next one would have taken place in 1891. Her fingers flew and before long she was rewarded: There had been an 1891 census!
She typed in the name and location once more. This time a few Williams appeared in the search, but there was only one match within a household headed up by a Stephen Jones. Noella Williams was listed as a servant, aged 15. Stephen Jones was the head and Mary Jones, the wife. Besides these, four other servants were listed, all young. Ruby hit print once more, scarcely believing that she'd gotten this far in so little time. She sat quietly for a while, pondering her latest discoveries and wondering what her mom would have thought. Sadly, she was reminded that she could no longer call her. Then a sudden idea popped into her head: she could call James.
CHAPTER FIVE
Before she could change her mind, Ruby tapped James' number. She simply had to tell him what she'd discovered. James picked up on the third ring. "Hi Ruby, good to hear from you."
Ruby could hear a smile in his voice. "How can I help?"
"Can you spare a few minutes, James?" She rushed on, excitedly. "I found my great-grandmother."
"Wow! That's amazing! Why don't you come over to my shop and tell me all about it?"
Ruby agreed quickly. Now she could tell James her news and see his interesting shop for herself. James described his place and told her exactly where to find it on Kalk Bay Main Road.
Ruby enjoyed the drive to the sea-side fishing village. She wound her window down and drank in the ocean aroma. Golden oldies were playing on the radio. Kids were eating ice-cream and families were getting ready for a day at the beach. She took the first parking spot she found. It was just a few shops down from James' place, Nostalgia.
Ruby paused before going in. James' shop was simply gorgeous. The white washed building had a deck overlooking the sea. Geraniums of all colors bloomed in window boxes and hanging baskets and vintage decor and antiques invited her to come in and look around.
On entering, her eyes were immediately drawn to multiple bookshelves .Guests were enjoying coffee and cake at small tables scattered about the room. Others were enjoying theirs on the deck. Ruby spied James behind the counter. She waved shyly. As soon as he saw her, he came over to greet her. "Welcome!" He grinned, gesturing to the shelves and tables, "what do you think?"
"It's charming," said Ruby, taking in more nooks and crannies filled with old toys, tins, radios, decor items and jewelry. "Are you sure I'm not keeping you from your work?"
"Positive. After you called, I scheduled my lunch-break for right about now." He nodded towards the counter where a young man and woman were working. "Mark and Vicky will be fine." He led her out to the deck, where a reserved sign had been placed on a table for two. James passed her the menu with a flourish and told her to choose whatever she liked. "It's a celebration," he insisted. "I recommend everything of course." He laughed and Ruby joined in. The setting was idyllic and she felt relaxed and happy. She gazed out to sea for a moment. It seemed very fitting that James with his ocean-colored eyes was sitting next to her. They ordered cappuccinos and salmon on rye. A train wound its way along the coastline. The sun twinkled on the waves as they danced to the shore. Ruby began to tell James about her online search. He nodded and said he used the same site. "Those census records can be pretty reliable. It definitely sounds like you found her. Her name is a match, not to mention the town." He closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the feel of the sun on his face.
"Yes, and it's a very small place," Ruby mused, "so it's likely that she might have been the only Noella Williams living there." She took another bite of her sandwich. "Yum, I could have this for lunch everyday."
"Thank you," James said simply. "So, tell me, you said you found her in two census records?"
Ruby nodded. "The second one was held in 1891." She shared the details given in the record with James. "Noella was a servant and she was only fifteen. It's hard to imagine isn't it? And all the servants listed were young. Teenagers, really. They must have had terribly hard lives. It does make sense though. Noella's father was a shepherd and it was a small country town. Still is actually." Ruby described the area to James. She had done as much research as possible. Not easy, given the size of Llandygwydd.
James finished his cappuccino then quickly ordered two more. He gazed thoughtfully out to sea. "If your grand-mother was born in Cape Town, that means that Noella would have come over on a ship from Wales at some point."
Ruby agreed. "You're right. Maybe I should search ships' passenger lists next. At least I have more to go on now." James' lunch hour was drawing to an end and they reluctantly rose from the table. "You're more than welcome to wander around. Just shout if you need any help." James walked close beside her as they made their way back inside. Having lunch together and delving into the past had cemented their friendship.
"I'd enjoy that," said Ruby, "I'm always on the look-out for unusual things." James headed back to the counter and Ruby spent a pleasant half- hour browsing through the shelves and crannies of Nostalgia. Every so often, she caught James looking her way and smiling. She smiled back, but didn't bother him, not wanting to take more of his time. After she'd explored every corner, she went to the counter with her finds: a C.S Lewis omnibus, a 1950's teapot and a cute biscuit tin like the one her gran used to fill with treats.
"An old friend," James said, "smiling fondly at the book. "Great choice."
"Are you sure you want to part with it?" Ruby asked. A certified bookworm, she understood how books could become old friends.
"It's yours. I have the whole set at home,"he replied, wrapping up her purchases in brown paper and string. "Can I walk you to your car, Madame?"
Ruby laughed. "What wonderful service! I'd like that."
They walked along the sunny pavement in the salty air, chatting and laughing as though they'd always been together. Too soon, they reached Ruby's car.
"Thank you," Ruby smiled up at him, "I had fun."
"Me too," said James, "thanks for sharing your past with me." He paused, taking her hand in his. " It was a spontaneous yet natural thing to do.
Glancing down, Ruby once again studied the interesting tattoo on his forearm. It was an anchor with a cross superimposed over it. Time paused as she stood, enjoying the feel of his hand in hers.
James had seen her studying his tattoo. He looked over at the fishing boats tugging at their moorings. "Jesus is my anchor," he explained. "It reminds me as I go about my day."
"That's so special," said Ruby, still holding his hand."He's my anchor too."
CHAPTER SIX
1898, Llandygwydd, Wales.
Noella followed the grassy track which led to the little stone church.She and her family had been members for some five years now, since the night they had given their lives to the Lord.
The evening was cool as she walked along behind them now, a row of great oak trees to her left. Lamp light glowed from the windows of the church and the sound of harmonizing voices bid them hurry to the meeting.
Years before, in 1862, revival came to the little town of Llandygwydd in West Wales. Many people repented of their cold, sinful and prayer-less lives. The revival brought lasting change to the district. The saved became members of St Tygwydd church where the Gospel was preached to their children. A couple of these had even ventured to foreign lands as missionaries.
The family made their way into an empty pew and added their voices to the lovely hymn. The minister's sermon encouraged total commitment and obedience to God. He warned how the enemy of the believers, the "draig,"* would try to tempt them away from God's way, but that they needed to stand firm in the faith. Noella listened attentively. She was about to take a huge step out into the unknown. Was she being obedient to God? She had prayed for many nights. In her heart, she knew she was meant to go. Bowing her head, she made a fresh commitment to Jesus, laying down her whole life and trusting that He would lead her.
Once home, Noella and her family didn't linger for long in the kitchen. John, her father and Anna, her mother, wished her goodnight fondly. Her father would need to be up early to tend the farmer's sheep. Noella herself needed to be up at five for the walk up to Stephen Jones' mansion where she worked as a maid. Her brother Daniel, stayed for a moment by the fire. They were the only two siblings still living with their parents. "So it's off to Cape Town with you next week then Noella," he smiled sadly. "Don't you go forgetting us then over there in the wilds."
"For sure and certain I won't," Noella assured him softly. "And it's not wild there, you know. Stephen Jones told me that his son lives in a grand house."Noella would be working for the son. Apparently, there was a shortage of good servants in Cape Town. She'd tried to imagine it all so many times, but she only had the barest of details to go on. "Maybe you can come over one day. I hear there's plenty of work to be had for souls as want to work hard."
"Would break Mom and Dad's hearts though, to have two of us gone to foreign parts." He sighed, "but the prospects over there do sound good. Let me know won't you, what it's like?"
Noella promised that she would, then carried a lamp to her tiny room off the kitchen. It was time to get some rest. She curled up under the covers, shivering a little. Her heart was warm though, as she prayed fervently for her loved ones. She also prayed for herself. For courage and comfort as she faced the "wilds" across the Atlantic Sea.
*Dragon.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Ruby placed the teapot and tin on her kitchen counter as soon as she arrived home. They fit right in with the existing 1950's theme. She admired her purchases once more and thought dreamily of her time with James. Even though it wasn't officially a date, she had a strong feeling that things were headed that way. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was nearly time for supper. A take-out would have to do if she was going to start searching through ships' records. She opened the delivery app and settled on Chinese, then changed into leggings and a t shirt. She'd worn a red dress with a wide navy belt and a scarf in her hair earlier. Ruby loved dressing in vintage style clothing, but she wanted to be comfortable. Her search might not be as quick as the last one.
Her order from the local take-away arrived quickly and Ruby took some time to savour the sweet and sour pork. She caught up on messages from friends and family. Her heart beat faster when she spotted one from James. In it, he said once more how he had enjoyed their time together. He also added that he hoped she'd find the right ship's list and that he was going to be praying for her. A sweet message from a sweet guy, Ruby thought. She typed a message back quickly, remembering to ask how his own research was going. James texted back that he was
struggling to find the records he needed but wasn't about to give up. Ruby encouraged him and said she'd let him know if she found the ship's list.
Ruby smiled as she settled down in front of her PC. She really hoped she'd find more info, but even if she didn't, she wouldn't mind so much, not with thoughts of James in her mind and heart. The ship's lists were not so easy to navigate. Some sites she visited asked for payment. Ruby decided to try the only free site first. She typed her great-grandmother's name carefully, along with her destination port. The surname Williams did come up, but there were no exact matches. A little disappointed, Ruby made herself a cup of coffee before continuing. She looked at a paid site next, but moved on quickly after seeing their fees. Her next search brought up a site that was offering an opportunity to search for free for an hour. May as well try thought Ruby. She chose the lists closest to the time Noella would have traveled and entered the details carefully. Not expecting much, she sipped her coffee, and thought of James. Was he also thinking of her? Her eyes widened when she studied the computer screen once more: an exact match! A Miss Noella Williams had sailed from Southampton to Cape Town in 1898. The ship's name was the Briton and Noella's occupation was listed as "domestic."
Ruby's hour was nearly up. Acting quickly, she clicked on print. Sitting back in her chair, she scanned the document carefully and started to connect the dots. In her hand was proof that Noella had come over from Wales as a young unmarried woman. She had traveled alone, several years before Ruby's grand-mother, Blodwen, had been born. The puzzle was far from complete, but Ruby had found another piece. She knew for sure now that her grand-mother's birthplace was Cape Town. The question of why she'd insisted that it was Wales remained: and was the incorrect birth year a deliberate deception?
CHAPTER EIGHT
1898, Wynberg South Africa
Noella stepped off the train, weary and apprehensive. She smoothed her long, black skirt and tucked wisps of blond hair back under her straw boater. Wynberg station was small, but neat and tidy; its buildings were solidly built of stone. There was a busyness about the place and a verdant mountain peak looked down on the station and town. Noella took everything in quickly, not wanting to keep her new employer waiting. She scanned the platform and surrounds, hoping to spot him, but couldn't see anyone matching the description she had. She was about to sit down for a while to wait, when a young man walked over to her. "Good day, are you perhaps Miss Noella Williams? All the way from Wales?" he enquired politely. "Mr Jones sent me over in the buggy to fetch you."
Noella nodded, grateful. "Yes, I am. And thank you, Mr?.." She extended her hand, and the young man looked a bit taken aback by her friendliness, but he recovered quickly. "Mr Samuel Thomas," he smiled, shaking the proffered hand, "but it's just fine to call me Sam. I'm working for Mr. Jones too. Putting up a shed and a fancy gazebo for him."
Noella followed Sam to the waiting horse and buggy. "Is Mr Jones' house quite grand?"
"I'd say so,"replied Sam, "not that I'm any expert. I suppose the houses where you come from are pretty fancy?"
Noella chuckled, "Well, certainly, my employer's house was. Grandest one in the area. But most people live in cottages." Her voice grew sad as she remembered her home so very far away. She felt as though she'd been traveling away from Wales for months: the voyage aboard the Briton had taken two rolling, salty weeks. Before that, there had been the train trip to Southampton.
Sam looked her way sympathetically. He hoped the pretty young woman sitting next to him would get a chance to recover from her travels before being put to work.
They trotted along, first negotiating the busy Wynberg Main Street, before turning into an attractive tree-lined suburban area. Though tired, Noella drank all the sights in. It was all so strange and new. The climate of Wales was often cool and it rained often. Here, the sun shone pleasantly; although Noella had no idea whether this was typical September weather in the Cape. She asked Sam and he explained that they were entering Spring and could look forward to some fine days. "You'll have time to acclimatize. The hotter weather starts in December." He smiled,"Maybe Mr and Mrs Jones will take you with them to the beach. Rich folks sometimes holiday for a few days in December." They had turned into another tree-lined avenue and before long, Sam had directed the horse into a long drive. "Here we are, then," he announced. "Norfolk House." He parked around the back and helped Noella out of the buggy. He gave a small bow. For a moment, she pretended that she and the handsome Sam were Lord and Lady of the manor. She put her shoulders back and looked up at the dignified stone house that was to be her home and work-place. A domestic. That's all she was and all she'd ever be. Noella stepped towards the back door behind Sam, unaware that to his mind, she was every inch a lady.
CHAPTER NINE
The following day, Noella donned her black dress, apron and cap. She'd rolled her hair up neatly and was ready for her first day. She surveyed her little room. Warm sunlight shone through a tiny window which framed a view of a leafy tree and blue sky. Her iron bedstead was neatly made. On the table were a crochet mat made by her dear mother and her most treasured possession: a Welsh Bible.
The Jones family consisted of Idris and Rebecca Jones and their three young boys Stephen, Ivon and Dylan. Noella's duties would include cleaning, washing, ironing and some nanny duty. Idris and his wife were especially keen to have another Welsh speaker in the home for the sake of their children. For her part, Noella felt less homesick knowing that she would still be hearing and speaking her native tongue.
She spent her first day entirely in the kitchen, learning the ropes from the other two maids. Lena and Sarah were cheerful and hard-working. Once Noella showed herself to be as hard-working as they, they welcomed her without reservation.
She finished the washing in good time and went out to hang it on the wash lines. It was a beautiful morning and Noella enjoyed the warm sun. Many birds were calling to each other; their songs unknown to the young Welsh woman. Whilst listening to their calls, she heard another voice. It was Sam greeting her cheerily from the other side of the garden, where he was making good progress on the pretty gazebo."Settling in I see."
"Yes, thank you. Everyone has been so friendly." Dutifully, she continued with her task, but she enjoyed the interaction with Sam and she hoped she'd see more of him.
Sam continued with his measuring but he had a hard time concentrating while Ruby finished hanging up the wash. She was truly lovely, but it was her gentle sweetness that made him want to get to know her better. He decided then and there to find out when Noella's off day would be. He was a simple fellow, who could only offer a simple outing, but he could hope. And pray.
CHAPTER TEN
Noella had been a bit surprised when Sam had invited her to go for a walk with him. She accepted happily though. She liked Sam and she would enjoy a little outing. So, the following Wednesday, Sam, who had some off time due to him, met her at the end of the drive. Noella wore her boater, which sported a new blue ribbon, along with her Sunday blouse and skirt. Sam had also donned his Sunday best, his dark hair neatly combed beneath his hat. He explained to Noella that they would take a short walk to a nearby park. As they walked, he told her what he knew of the area and the people who lived there.
The weather was on their side. A gentle breeze whispered through the avenue of trees. It felt good to be out and about and free even if only for a short while.
"You must miss your home and family," stated Sam. They had reached the park and now sat on a shady bench. A plane tree sheltered the pleasant spot.
Noella nodded as she watched some young children playing beside a pond. At first, she didn't trust her voice to speak. The companionable silence encouraged her though and it felt quite right to tell Sam about Llandygwydd, the little church, her father the shepherd and a whole lot more besides. They began walking again, this time, around the pond. Sam produced some bread from his pocket and they fed the ducks together.
"And your family, Sam? Do they live nearby?" Noella felt that she'd said more than enough about herself.
"Some of them," replied Sam. "My sister Anna lives in Cape Town. My brothers are scattered around the country and my parents are gone now. Anna and I are close though. She's a real sweetie." He smiled. "Maybe we can take the train to visit her one day."
"I'd like that." Noella responded. Spending time with Sam had helped lift her spirits. Plus she sorely needed a friend.
"Now how about tea?" Suggested Sam. "There's a handy tea garden beyond those trees. They make decent scones."
They sat at a wrought iron table beneath an oak tree. Noella felt quite at home as she remembered the old oaks of home. She didn't reflect on that for long though. She was enjoying the day and Sam's company too much for that. They talked about everything near and dear to them for what seemed an age. Noella couldn't remember when she'd enjoyed herself so much. As she gazed at the handsome man seated across from her, she wondered whether he was in God's plan for her new life and whether love at first sight was possible.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Later on, Noella would say it was meant to be. God moved her across the sea so that they would meet and marry. Their walk in the park on Noella's first off day, seemed to set things in motion. They spent as much time as possible together. Noella met Sam's sister Anna and found her to be delightful. The park became their park, and it was while picnicking there that Sam proposed.
Of course, the Jones family were not too happy at the prospect of losing such good help only months after acquiring her, but likable as Noella and Sam were, they could only wish them well. They gave their blessing plus a generous gift.
Only a handful of people attended the wedding at the Baptist church. Anna, Lena and Sarah were among them. The reception was a simple picnic at the park with the ducks in attendance.
Sam took his Welsh bride to his little house in Observatory. The verandah faced right onto the street and there were just two bedrooms. Noella felt like a queen.
"Welcome home, my love" said Sam as he drew Noella close and kissed her tenderly. Sam's tabby cat purred and rubbed against their legs while a neighbour gave out a cheer. Then Noella smiled and kissed him back before they walked through the door to their new life together.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Cape Town, present day.
After a busy week of cleaning, Christmas shopping and research, Ruby felt quite worn out. She also felt satisfied and at peace. Her quest to find out about her past was drawing to a close. All that remained to be done was to gather all her findings together into one document. She could then easily share them with interested relatives. Ruby gazed thoughtfully at the vintage Christmas baubles on her tree. They shimmered in the December sunlight. She wondered how her relatives would feel about her discoveries though. And James? She would be going on a date with him that evening. Would he look at her differently once he knew? Would he quietly disappear from her life? Ruby squared her shoulders. She couldn't control how others would react. As for herself, she was proud of her past; proud of her hard-working, faith-filled ancestors.
James pulled out a chair for Ruby at the intimate and expensive restaurant. The view from their table was stunning and included Simonstown Harbour and the mountains. The two of them sat quietly for a couple of minutes, simply enjoying the scene. Ruby was glad she'd chosen her nicest dress and heels. James looked so handsome in his formal clothes. Gone were the jeans and t-shirt, but he wore the look well.
As the sun began to say goodnight, lights twinkled on the water. The seafood was exquisite. Ruby steered the conversation away from her research."So, how long have you had Nostalgia?" She asked, genuinely interested.
"Only four years as owner," James explained. "Prior to that, my mom owned it. I was in real estate and looking for a way out when mom offered it to me. She wanted to retire and take up painting. My brother Josh wasn't interested and I am glad he wasn't. I love going to work now."
"I can understand why." Agreed Ruby. "It's truly special." She smiled across the table at James and they chatted about Ruby's work as a teacher at a large school, but she cautiously kept her news to herself. James knew about the ship's list of course, and he shared about his own discoveries. Ruby was enjoying the lovely evening, but sooner or later, it might be spoiled. She didn't feel it would be right to not let James know about her most recent finds. He'd been a true friend. She settled on after they'd left the restaurant as the best time to tell him.
"How do you feel about a walk on the beach?" James asked Ruby, as they headed for his car. He looked down at her heels and grinned. "Or maybe on the pavement."
"The beach please," insisted Ruby. "I can lose the shoes in a moment."
Many tourists were still out and about as well as security guards as they made their way to the shore. James had left his jacket in the car and he carried Ruby's shoes for her. It was an unusually still, velvety evening and they walked slowly as the waves lapped softly.
At last, Ruby got up the courage to tell James.
He was holding her hand and she enjoyed the feel of it. "All I ever knew about my gran's father was his name: Samuel Thomas. But the other day, I found his death certificate. And Noella's. They both died in their early sixties. Tuberculosis. So sad." Noella paused and James pressed her hand, to let her know he was listening. He sighed. "Those were tough times. A great-uncle of mine died of pneumonia as a teenager and I saw several mentions of TB."
Noella nodded, pushing on now. Determined to finish. "He was a carpenter. I also found the death certificates of two of their children. They died in the early 1900's prior to my gran's birth. She was their only surviving child." James stopped walking and stared out to sea and Ruby did the same. She let go of James' hand. "I think I may have discovered why my gran, Blodwen, was so secretive; why she changed her birth year and pretended to have been born in Wales :Samuel wasn't white. Under the category, race, on the form, it says "mixed with colored in brackets." Ruby stopped.
All she could hear was the sound of the waves breaking gently. And then she felt James' hand holding hers again. She found his eyes in the dim light. "My gran wasn't a snob. She was really a lovely person. I think she must have been afraid. You see, she won a scholarship to Wynberg Girls' School. She looked white, but her father didn't." She didn't have to say more: they were both very aware of the tragic history of racism in their country.
"I think they must have been very much in love. I mean, Samuel and Noella." Ruby smiled. " Their love was stronger than any hate or racism."
James drew her into his arms and kissed her gently as the sea provided backg
round music.
"How about we start our own love story?"He asked gently. They kissed again and Ruby leaned against him as they walked back up the beach. "A love story to remember."
THE END.
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