“Ah’m gang tae miss ye sorely, Frank.” Her voice trembled.
Frank took Margaret into his arms and cradled her head against his shoulder.
“The trip’s two weeks, Margaret. As soon as I land, I’ll write. And as soon as I find employment and somewhere to live, I’ll send for you. I’ll save every penny for your passage. I hate to leave without you. I will miss you so.” He kissed her on the forehead. “We need to look to a better future for us and the bairn. We owe it to ourselves and our family. Please don’t be sad. This is the best for us. We can send money home to your family – it will be better for everyone.”
Frank reached into his pocket. “Here’s twenty pounds. I’ll send more when I can. Hopefully, I can send for you in a month or two. Have you talked to your brother Alec? Will he still accompany you?”
“Aye, Frank. He’s ready tae leave wi’ us.” Margaret went over to the baby and picked him up. He fussed a bit at being awakened. She walked back to Frank, holding Jack in one arm.
“Jackie, yer da’s leavin’ fer America. Kin ye gae him a kiss an’ wave bye?”
Jack smiled at Frank and reached for him. Frank picked him up and kissed him.
“Aye, Jackie!” Frank bounced the baby up and down. “We’ll have a great time in America, aye? Will you be a good bairn for your mum while I’m away?”
Jack grabbed at Frank’s face, laughing. Frank turned his face away a bit and laughed with him.
“We’ll have fun, son. Soon. Can you say bye?”
Jack just laughed, and Frank reluctantly gave him over to Margaret.
“I need to go, Margaret. I need to be in Glasgow by tonight. Callum Fraser’s folk have agreed to put me up for the night. We set sail early tomorrow morning.”
Margaret gave Jack to her mother and hugged Frank tightly. “Hurry tae bring me o’er, Frank. Hurry,” she whispered into his shoulder.
Frank wiped a tear from her cheek. “As soon as I am able, Margaret. I can barely stand the thought of being away from you a day, let alone a month.” He squeezed her tightly and then broke off brusquely.
“I love you, Mrs. Sharp.” There was a catch in his voice. He turned quickly and left Garden Close for the last time.
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