Call of the Sea Read Online Free PDF Page B

Why would I need my trunk? “It’s…um…fine. Just a few blankets in it.” She forced the words past her lips. “Why, Mama?”
    “I’ll explain later.” Mama turned back to Mr. Jameson. “That should be enough to start. How long do you think it will take to procure everything?”
    It was all Ellie could do to take a full breath. She felt as if she were drowning all over again. A small squeak erupted from her.
    The storeowner cast a concerned glance her way, cleared his throat, and smiled at Mama. “Two weeks, three at most. We can get the fittings done now, and I received a shipment of fabrics last month, so that won’t be a problem either.”
    Mama clasped her hands together. “Perfect. I knew we could count on you, Mr. Jameson.”
    “Always happy to be of service, ma’am.” He swung about and called toward the back of the store. “Mira, come out here, please.”
    A petite girl no more than sixteen with long black braids and Mr. Jameson’s green eyes emerged from a doorway behind the counter, a measuring tape draped around her thin shoulders. “Yes, Da?”
    “Get the child’s measurements while I show Mrs. Winters the fabrics we have to choose from.”
    “Of course.” Mira turned to Ellie, offered a warm smile. “Come with me.” She draped a hand over Ellie’s shoulder and guided her toward a short pedestal surrounded on three sides by tall mirrors.
    Numb, Ellie stepped onto the dais, her gaze settling on her own stricken reflection. Wide eyes looked back at her from a round ashen face.
    What have I done wrong? Why does Mama want to send me away?
    The rest of the afternoon swept past in a blur. Ellie managed to utter a few words when addressed, but her head spun with the devastating news. She barely remembered leaving Jameson’s shop or the short trip from there to her father’s office. Preoccupied with her racing thoughts, Ellie hadn’t even noticed her beloved ships when she walked past them. It wasn’t until she and her mother trekked up the hill away from the wharf that Ellie managed to pull herself to full awareness and find her voice. “Why am I going to Truro, Mama?”
    Her mother stopped walking, let out a sigh and faced Ellie. “Your father managed to get you into their new boarding school, St. Brigid’s.” Her lips stretched into an impossibly wide grin, as if she were imparting the most wonderful news. “You’ll be taught to read and write, how to cook and sew. Everything a proper young lady needs to know.”
    A cold hand wrapped around Ellie’s heart and squeezed. Her mind struggled to form a cohesive thought. She opened her mouth, closed it, and wiped damp palms on her dress. “Does Papa know about this?”
    Her mother nodded. “We discussed it before he sailed.” She cleared her throat. “After you almost drowned.”
    The hitch in her mother’s voice stabbed Ellie with guilt. “Do I have to go?”
    “Yes, Ellie, you do.”
    Ellie’s shoulders slumped with resignation. She knew that voice. There’d be no arguing. She huffed a sigh, lowered her head and gave the only response she could.
    “Yes, Mama.”

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Five
     
    Ellie waited until the moon perched high outside her bedroom window and she could hear her mother’s soft snoring in the next room before she dared slip from her bed. The mattress bowed and creaked beneath her as she pushed to her feet. Not bothering with slippers, she tip-toed across the cool floor.
    There’s no seashore in Truro.
    She took a deep breath and pushed up the window sash.
    Salt air rushed in to play with the curtains and welcome Ellie to the night. She inhaled as much as her lungs would hold.
    It won’t stay in. Soon I’ll forget what the sea smells like.
    Ellie puffed a sigh. She climbed out the window and dropped to her feet in the shimmering sand. After a short hesitation to ensure her mother hadn’t heard her escape, Ellie pushed away from the house and streaked across the moon-swept dunes.
    Arms and