Lady Sarah

Chapter One

It was just past 2am in the morning when the knock came, echoing through the house and within my chest. It awoke me from a brief nap I must have taken while sitting in the drawing room. I have been awake most of the night patiently awaiting my father’s return.

He was away on a general doctor’s visitation to Captain Saul, Captain of St Mary the crew ship. A large ship that travels between Europe and the Americas. My father was an old friend of Captain Saul and acted as his doctor for his crew and guests when the ship docked in Whitechapel docks. It’s was standard procedure between the two even though St Mary had a doctor onboard for every journey. However tonight felt different, the ship came in later then usually and Captain Saul ordered everyone to stay aboard till morning. However he stilled called my father to come and do his rounds.

I stood up to answer the door before the caller awoke Louise, our general maid, cook and housekeeper. She went off to bed grumbling about the madness of doctors just a few hours ago after failing to convince to go to bed. There came another loud knock and I quickly moved to the door, my limbs protesting and feeling knob from the chill and the awkward position I fell asleep in.

“Miss Catherina, I must apologise, but I am afraid I have terrible news” At the door was the local Police officer James Lawson. A tall young man whom I have known for most of my life in the slums of Whitechapel.

James was looking down at me with concern and worry. That was when I realized that he did not come to collect me for a medical emergency or to help his disable mother with pain medicine.  

“What has happened James?” I finally asked.

“I need to come in and you must be seated for this” He said in his thick East London accent.

I quickly let him in and he went into the drawing room. Our house a small house, but it suited me and father. But tonight with officer James’ tall frame it appeared even smaller.

“Catherina, your father—“ I cut him off when it suddenly dawned on me that something has happened to my father.

“Take me to him, you must now”

“It’s too late Catherina, he was shot after a fight broke out on the ship---“ James said, continuing to explain but I stopped hearing everything after he said it’s too late and he had been shot.

I felt colder and numb. The words ‘he was shot’ were running around in my head. It was impossible.

“Take me to him James”

“Catherina, I don’t think that is wise, the cornier has been called and the ship is dangerous place right now—it’s no place for a woman” James added the last part hesitating. He has known Catherine Wilson most of his life and respected her but her father has brought her up as if she were a man and James hated that.

After hearing him say ship, I knew my father was still on the ship. I needed to get to him, I might be able to save him, if the bullet hasn’t hit any vital organs I can get it out. I rushed towards the door and grabbed one of my heavy long hooded cloaks, bonnet and my medical bag.

“Catherina, please listen to me, being there will not help. Stay home and awake Mrs Smith Louise” James pleaded, he looked troubled.

“I might be able to still save him James, I’ve got to try” I said as I opened the door and the cold air hit me.

James must have heard my desperate need to see my father with my own eyes because shortly afterwards he followed.

The docks were only 15 minute walk from our house. It was dark and the whining road that leads to the docks was steep and dirty. We walked fast as James explained the incident.