Kendall Hoxsey
San Francisco 1896
Amelia Harrigan looked down from her attic room window of the Phelan mansion as her employers’ youngest son, Gabriel Phelan, reached the front steps of his home and stretched his calves. She walked over to her wash basin and splashed cold water on her warm cheeks. How could the man be that handsome after a run? Running ten miles each evening was enough to exhaust most people, but Gabriel also ran with a knapsack of gear, preparing for his expedition to Alaska in a few weeks.
Amelia had worked for the Phelans for three weeks now as the assistant cook. Though her cooking was only to appease Grandfather Phelan, who missed the Irish food of his youth. Mr. and Mrs. Phelan preferred French cuisine, along with most members of the upper class of San Francisco. There were not many positions for Irish cooks.
As one of twelve children, Amelia needed to earn money for her family. For a poor Irish girl, the position for the Phelans was a blessing. The position also came with room and board, which was the first time she hadn’t shared a bed with a sibling. Something that she once longed to know—a bed of her own—soon lost its attraction.
Feeling particularly homesick later that evening, Amelia sneaked down to the library to find a book to distract her. Thinking the room empty, she climbed onto the ladder and selected two novels and a book of poetry. As she was climbing down a voice said, “If you’re wanting to read Shelley, you should also try Byron.” Gasping in surprise, Amelia lost her balance. Before she fell to the floor, strong arms caught her, but the momentum toppled them both to the floor.
“Oh sir, forgive me. I’m so sorry.” Picking up the books, her cheeks burned with embarrassment. Would she be let go for falling on her employers’ son and reading their books without permission?
He stood up and held out his hand to help her off the floor. “No harm done. What is your name?”
“Amelia Harrigan, sir. I was hired to cook meals for your grandfather.”
“Very nice to meet you, Amelia. My name is Gabriel. Please don’t think me rude but it’s not often a maid, let alone the assistant cook, knows how to read, much less wants to read Stevenson and Kipling.”
“I had to teach myself. It helps a great deal if I want to read a new recipe.”
“No doubt. Have you read Robert Louis Stevenson before?”
“No, but the title Treasure Island was intriguing.”
Gabriel took the book from her and opened the first few pages to show her the illustrated map. Her eyes drank in the illustration of the treasure map. So many wonderful adventures lay in these books.
“May I recommend some novels for you to read?” Before she could say anything, he was locating several on the shelves. He came back with a large stack. “These are all excellent books I believe you will enjoy.”
She glanced at the titles: Lorna Doone, Prince Otto, Ivanhoe, Jane Eyre, and The Jungle Book. Her heart fluttered in excitement.
Never knowing thoughtful kindness from a man in an elevated station of life, she wanted to believe that was a true part of Gabriel’s character. “Thank you, sir. I only wish I could read them all tonight. I’m not sure when you leave for Alaska if I’ll know what to read without your recommendations.”
His green eyes locked onto hers. She felt as if he was searching her soul. With such an intense gaze, Amelia knew Gabriel could achieve any goal and reach any destination.
Still looking at her, he smiled. “I think that someone who taught herself how to read is quite capable of assessing what book she should read. I think that person—that woman—is capable of anything.”
Did she dare? Dare she ask to accompany him? “Sir,” her courage peaked and then deserted her. No other words would come out.
She glanced at him to see that he was waiting patiently for her to finish. She shook her head and turned to walk out of the library before the tears could leave her eyes.
Before she could exit Gabriel called out, “Amelia, please wait.” She turned around to listen to his words. “We barely know each other, but in my soul, I feel a connection to you that I’ve never felt with anyone. I certainly have no right to ask you, but would you ever consider joining me on my expedition?”
“I feel a connection too, sir, but how do you know that I am strong enough to handle the physical demands of such a place?”
“All I truly know about you is that you taught yourself to read, but I know you also take care of yourself. And if you can cook, then I will do anything in my power to protect you, be it fighting off wild animals or carrying you up a mountain. If you say yes, I think it could be the beginning of the most wonderful journey.”
His face appeared so eager and hopeful that she possessed not one doubt. “Yes sir, I will join you.”
He smiled and held out his hand, reaching for hers. She gave it to him, and he cradled it in both of his. “There is one thing you must promise to do.”
“Of course, sir. What is it?”
“You must call me Gabriel. Our adventure is forevermore of a man and a woman, two souls exploring the world together.”
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