“Sounds like this will be a very difficult situation,” Elise declared, leaning up on tiptoe to kiss her uncle. “I’m going to go with Caroline and see her carefully managed. I’ll see the two of you at the house.”
Booker watched Elise leave the Mary Elise for her uncle’s carriage. Her ability to escape him had been carefully crafted, it would seem. Throughout the trip to Toronto, she’d managed to keep herself almost constantly in her father’s company, and if not his, then one of the trusted crewmen. Duran had no possible need to speak with her privately, and so there had been no opportunity to further threaten her, nor to get her alone. She had even stopped her evening strolls, which would have afforded him the perfect opportunity to steal a kiss or perhaps more.
The captain and his brother-in-law headed for the deckhouse. No doubt to speak with Elise’s sister, Caroline. He decided to maneuver himself somewhere nearby to overhear their conversation. Once he had as much information as possible, he intended to hunt down Nelson Worthington while they were in Oswego. Elise would regret not cooperating with him.
He headed to the deckhouse on the pretense of getting coffee, but when he arrived, he found the kitchen deserted and the coffeepot nearly empty. The captain and Mr. Monroe were no doubt in the captain’s cabin. Booker eased his way toward the door. He figured if anyone said anything or caught him at it, he could say he was there to ask the captain something.
The men were definitely inside the room. He could hear their voices but not very well. He pressed his ear against the door.
“Nick telegraphed that he’d join you tomorrow.”
“It’ll work out perfectly,” the captain replied. “The repairs shouldn’t take more than a day or two. Ollie talked to the shop, and they believe they have the parts we need.”
“That is good news. The sooner you can get out of here, the better.”
“I agree. Did you make arrangement for the offloading?”
“It’s all set. I have—”
Duran heard someone outside the deckhouse and quickly made his way back to the kitchen area. He grabbed some wood to put in the stove just as Ollie came down the steps.
“Coffee?” Duran asked. “I was gonna make a pot.”
“Sounds good. Where’s the captain?”
Duran shrugged. “Nobody here but me.” Some laughter came from the captain’s cabin just then. “Well, I stand corrected.”
“No problem.” The big Swede went to the door and knocked. “Captain?”
Wright opened the door. “What is it, Ollie?”
They began to discuss the repairs, and Duran felt it was impossible to hang around much longer than it took to make coffee. Besides, he was supposed to be working at the offloading of the machinery by helping with the hatches.
He thought of one last ploy after stirring up the fire and putting in a few small pieces of wood. He went to Elise’s cabin door and listened for a moment. There wasn’t the slightest sound.
“What are you needing, Duran?” Captain Wright surprised him by asking.
Duran turned, trying not to look upset. “I wondered if your daughter would like some coffee. I’m making a pot.”
Wright looked at him doubtfully but then turned toward the stove. “She won’t want any, but we’ll take some. Let me know when it’s ready.”
Duran nodded. He felt frustrated that someone always seemed to be there to interfere with his plans, but it was just the way things were. He wasn’t going to spend a lot of time worrying about it. He’d simply get his work done and then go find Nelson Worthington. Someone was bound to know where he lived. Duran just needed to find that someone.
Nick arrived in Oswego eager to leave the train. He checked for wanted posters but found none in the station. He considered going to the police station, but he really had nothing of evidence to offer. He could tell them the sketch resembled Booker Duran, but he had no other proof. Maybe it’d be best to discuss the matter with the captain first. Captain Wright was a reasonable man with a good head on his shoulders. He’d know what to do.
With that matter resolved in his mind, Nick went directly from the train station to the Mary Elise. He learned quickly about the repairs being made and that the family was staying with James Monroe. He hated to impose himself on the family, but he longed to see Elise and tell her all that had happened, as well as tell the captain about his suspicions. Wasting no time, he made his way to the Monroe estate and found himself readily admitted to the house.
The housekeeper went to announce him to the family, and it was only another minute before Elise appeared. She wore a beautiful silk gown the color of a dark plum. Her black hair had been pinned up with ribbons and pearls, and she looked very much the part of a proper socialite.
Nick bowed and straightened with a grin. “I’m here to see Miss Wright.”
“And I was looking for Nick Clark. Perhaps you’ve seen him,” Elise replied in amusement.
He glanced down and chuckled. “I was so anxious to get back here that I left directly from my lawyer’s office in Boston.”
“Lawyer?”
His smile faded. “My father died. The day after my arrival, but we had time to talk and to repair our relationship.”
Elise appeared to be trying to take this in. “I find myself both happy and sad to hear your news.”
“It’s really all joy. My father accepted Jesus as his Savior in my presence. I know I shall see him again one day.”
“Of course. I’m glad you have that assurance.” She nodded toward the formal sitting room. “Why don’t you join us, especially since you’re already properly dressed? I know my father will be eager to hear what happened.”
Nick followed her into the room, where her family, including Caroline, was already gathered. He gave a nod as Elise announced his return.
“He came directly here when he found no one at the ship.”
“You’re more than welcome, Mr. Clark. I must say, I was surprised to hear from my brother-in-law that you were from Boston,” Mr. Monroe declared. “Elise mentioned your family is into textiles. Your father isn’t Frederick Clark, is he?”
Nick was surprised by the question. “He was. I’m afraid my father passed away.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Monroe replied.
“As am I, Nick.” Elise’s father rose in greeting. “Did you know him, James?”
“Not well, but I did business with him in the past. His mills produce some of the finest cottons. When I invested in that number of hotels, I searched many of the mills for just the right bedding, and his company had the best.”
“I’m glad you thought so.” Nick knew his father’s sheets were the finest to be had.
“I’m sorry to hear about your father, Nick.” Elise’s father motioned for him to join him on the couch.
Nick nodded and took a seat. “We set the past to rights, and Father made his peace with God. We had a good talk, and he let me know that he had already reinstated me in his will. I was no longer disinherited.”
“So now you’re a mill owner. Will you give up the sea?” James Monroe asked.
“No. In fact, I gave the mills to my sisters. Their husbands have been running the mills for many years. It seemed only right, since I have no interest in them.”
“That’s a lot of money to give away.”
Nick looked at Elise, who was smiling. “It seemed the right thing to do. My heart is still with sailing.”
“Well, perhaps you could work for me. You’re rich enough now to buy your own ship, and our freighting company is always looking to expand.”
Nick pretended not to see the way Elise’s expression fell or the thoughtful look her sister was giving him. “I appreciate your offer, sir. I haven’t yet had time to consider what I’ll be doing with my future. For now, I’m going to winter in Duluth and help Captain Wright make repairs on the Mary Elise.”
“Do keep it in mind.”
They asked him a few other mundane questions about his travels and Boston, and
then the conversation turned to the Monroes’ two sons, who were absent from the family gathering. Nick was exhausted and longed for a bath and bed. He needed to get settled for the night and figured he’d splurge on a hotel rather than make do on the Mary Elise.
“If you’ll excuse me, I should leave. I need to get some sleep.”
“Please stay with us,” Mrs. Monroe declared. “We’ve plenty of room and you are most welcome.”
“Yes, do,” James Monroe agreed. “I’ll ring for the servant to take your bag up. Would you like a hot bath?”
“Very much,” Nick replied. “Thank you for your generosity.”
A maid arrived, and James Monroe stood and directed her attention to Nick. “Take Mr. Clark’s things and put him in the far north room. Have my valet prepare him a hot bath and get one of the boys to build him a fire.”
“Yes, sir.”
Nick rose. “I guess I will see you all in the morning. I’m sure someone should probably wake me.” He grinned. “I’m so tired I think I could sleep for a week.”
Chapter 21
Nick awoke with a start. Something didn’t seem right. Although the curtains were still drawn, he sensed the presence of someone in the room. Pushing back the covers, he noticed someone bent over the fireplace. It was a decidedly female figure, and she was stirring up the embers and adding wood to the grate. No doubt a maid.
He didn’t want to startle her, but at the same time, he needed to acknowledge her presence. He cleared his throat. “Who’s there?”
“It’s Caroline—Elise’s sister.” She straightened, then moved toward the bed.
“What are you doing here?”
“Building up your fire.” She paused by the footboard and gave him a smile.
Nick pulled on his robe and got up. “Can’t a servant do that?”
“Listen to you. You sound like a wealthy man of means rather than a ship’s first mate.”
“What time is it?”
“Not even five thirty,” she replied.
He noted her open robe. “Well, thank you for the fire. You should go now.”
She smiled and came toward him. “Not until we have a little talk.”
Nick was very uneasy having her in his bedroom. “Why don’t you go back to your room, and we can talk later today?”
“But I want to talk now,” she said with a pout. “I might not have another chance to be alone with you.”
He was growing increasingly more uncomfortable. “I don’t think it’s proper for us to be alone, Caroline.”
“I like the way you say my name. In fact, I like you very much.” She sauntered around the corner of the bed and came to stand directly in front of him. Reaching up, she pushed back his hair. Nick flinched. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like me?”
Nick pushed her away and moved around her toward the door. “I am in love with your sister. I thought you knew that. You should go now.”
She went back to the hearth instead of following him to the door. “I know you’re in love with Elise . . . or think you are. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be something to each other.”
“If I have my way, you’ll be my sister-in-law.” He opened the door. “Now, however, I’d like for you to go.”
“But since we’ll be in the same family . . . it wouldn’t be difficult for us to be close to each other.”
“You don’t need my closeness, Caroline. You need the Lord. After all you’ve been through, God is the one you should draw close to.”
She frowned and looked away, saying nothing. Nick wasn’t sure what her game was, but he wasn’t about to play it. He knew her husband had a mistress and that this had hurt her tremendously, and why shouldn’t it? He felt sorry for her.
Leaving the door wide open, he crossed to where she stood in her lacy white gown and open robe.
“Caroline, I know you were hurt by your husband, and perhaps that’s why you think it all right to hurt your sister. But not all men are like Nelson Worthington. I’m faithful and true to one woman, and that’s Elise. Come breakfast, I intend to tell her about this encounter. Now, however, I’d just like for you to go.”
For a moment she did nothing, but then he heard her sniff. Was she crying?
“You don’t have to say anything. I plan to tell her about this myself,” Caroline said. “I was only testing you. Papa said you were going to ask my sister to marry you, and I know she will say yes so long as you promise to remain on the Mary Elise. I just wanted to know for sure that you wouldn’t take a mistress. Nelson said all men do.”
“And you believed him?”
She shrugged. “I also believed he loved me.”
“Yes, but you surely don’t think your father took a mistress.”
“Mama always said he wasn’t just married to her, but also to the Mary Elise. Perhaps there was a woman as well. Can a man truly love just one woman and devote himself to her?” She used the back of her sleeve to wipe away tears. “I don’t want Elise hurt. She deserves good things, because she’s a good woman. Better than any other I know.”
“I agree, and I love her. Only her.” He paused for a moment, wishing he could ease the young woman’s pain. “Caroline, I’m sorry that your husband has a mistress and that he hurt you, but you needn’t test me. I belong to Elise and only Elise.”
Caroline nodded. “I’ll go, then. And I do plan to tell her what I’ve done. I don’t want there to be any servant rumors about me visiting your room in the wee hours.” She went to the open door and paused. “Please, please be faithful to her.”
The pleading in her voice was heartbreaking. Nick might have gone to comfort her except for the situation. “I promise. I will be.”
“You what?” Elise asked, raising her voice in shock.
“I tested him,” Caroline said. “I wanted to make sure he wouldn’t take advantage of you.”
“How could you act in such a wanton way?” Elise lowered her voice. “And in your condition?”
Caroline sat on the window seat in Elise’s bedroom. “It seems foolish now, but all I could think about was making sure he was worthy of your trust. I figured if I snuck into his room and offered myself, we would know for sure what kind of man he is.”
“But I already know what kind of man he is.” Elise didn’t know whether to slap her sister or kiss her. The heart behind her escapade was a good one, but it was unthinkable that she would do such a thing.
“I thought I knew what kind of man Nelson was.” Caroline turned away from Elise and gazed out the window. “I didn’t want this kind of pain for you. I’m so humiliated and heartbroken. I haven’t been a good sister to you always, but I wanted to be one in this. I don’t want you sorely used as I have been.”
Elise went to the window seat and sank down beside Caroline. “I know you’re concerned. I appreciate that you care for me in such a deep manner. But please, no more testing of anyone.”
Caroline turned to face her. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”
Elise wrapped her arms around her sister and pulled her close. “I do, and I promise I’m going to see you through this . . . no matter what.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much. Sometimes I just don’t know what will become of me.”
“You’ll be fine . . . the baby too. We’ll take care of you.”
Caroline pulled back. “I don’t think I can keep this child. I certainly don’t want Nelson to have it, but this baby was created in a violent act, Elise. There was no love or even tenderness. How could I ever love it?”
Elise looked at her sister. “But the child had no part of that violence. He or she is just as innocent of that as you are. You mustn’t punish the baby for the sins of the father.”
“I know. I’m just afraid that every time I look at it, I’ll only remember the pain.”
“Then we’ll pray about it and what you’re to do. I won’t force you to raise a child that brings you constant sorrow, and neither will Papa. But remember, this baby is as much a part of you as it is Ne
lson Worthington.”
“Nick said I needed to draw closer to God.” Caroline began to pace. “His words really made me think. I know I’ve pulled away from God over the years while living with Uncle James and Aunt Martha. Not because they don’t believe in Him, but the focus is different. We go to church on Sunday, and that’s pretty much it. We don’t even pray over meals unless you and Papa are here. God always had such a presence on the ship that I don’t have here.”
“We are reliant on God out there in the middle of the lake. He is our only hope on so many occasions.”
“I remember.” Caroline stopped and turned. “I lost that. I don’t spend time in my Bible or prayer anymore. Maybe that would help me.”
“I know it would. It offers me constant consolation. Papa always comes in while I’m cooking breakfast for the crew and shares some Scriptures and prayer while I’m cooking. It starts the day out right.” Elise went to her sister. “Caroline, no matter what happened in the past, I have prayed for you and I will continue to do so. Nick is absolutely right. The one you need right now is your Heavenly Father. Draw close to Him, and He will draw close to you.”
As she planned a trip to town to pick up some travel things for Caroline, Elise was still contemplating her sister’s comments. She was no longer shocked by what she had done to poor Nick, but she was still concerned by Caroline’s intention to give up her child. Given her desire to hide the child from Nelson, it probably would be better to give the baby up for adoption, if she could do so privately. On the other hand, was it right to keep the knowledge of the baby’s existence from Nelson? There was no way Caroline would be given an annulment or divorce if the judge knew her to be with child. Elise wished she could seek counsel on the matter, but she had promised Caroline she wouldn’t tell.
“Well, I’m going to head down to the docks to check the repairs,” Papa said.
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