Waiting on Love

by Tracie Peterson

  Uncle James helped Aunt Martha from the breakfast table. “And I must get to my rat killing,” he said.

  “Jim, I told you I hate that phrase.”

  He laughed. “Sorry, my dear. Our old cook used to say it all the time.”

  “Mama said it too.” Elise looked at her sister. “I always wondered where she got that saying.”

  “Now we know,” Papa declared.

  As the family all went their separate ways, Elise started after her father. “Papa, do you suppose we’ll be able to head home tomorrow?”

  “I believe so. The boys are hoping to have everything finished today. If they get it done early enough, we could leave yet this afternoon.”

  She nodded. “Then maybe you could escort me shopping. I’m certain Caroline will need some warmer things for the trip home, and since she can’t be seen in public, I must be the one to go.”

  “I’m not sure I’ll have time, Elise.”

  “I could take her,” Nick said, seeming to come out of nowhere.

  “There. That would be acceptable, wouldn’t it?” Her father smiled. “I’m thinking more than acceptable.”

  “Yes.” Elise glanced at Nick. He’d been strangely quiet at breakfast. She wondered if her sister’s shenanigans had left him upset with the entire family.

  “Good.” Elise’s father bent and kissed the top of her head twice. “Give one of those to your sister.”

  She laughed. “I will.” She waited until he’d left to turn to Nick. “Thank you for being willing to take me shopping. I’ll go find Caroline and—”

  “Wait,” Nick said, taking hold of her arm as she started past him.

  She stopped and lifted her face to his. She couldn’t help smiling. Nick made her feel happy. “Yes?”

  “I need to talk to you.”

  “I want to talk to you too. I want to hear all about your trip home. I figured we could talk on our walk to the shops.”

  He looked worried. “I . . . your sister came to my room . . . and . . .”

  Elise nodded. “Yes, I know all about it. I’m so sorry.” She sighed and gave a shrug. “I know her intentions were good, but it was wrong of her to do that to you. Please forgive her.”

  “I was afraid you’d hear about it and think I was having a tryst with her. You must know that I only have eyes for you.”

  If Elise had ever doubted his feelings for her, she had only to look into his eyes. “I know. You needn’t fear my reaction. Caroline confessed all, and my first thought was how startling it must have been to you.”

  “Yes. I must admit it was. I figured a servant had come to tend the fire, but instead I found your sister wanting to play games.”

  “But you will forgive her . . . won’t you?”

  “Of course.” He looked at her for a moment. “What about you?”

  “I’ll admit I wasn’t happy she would do such a thing, but given her state of mind and her situation, I suppose I understand it. You made an impact on her when you told her she needed to draw closer to God. She’s giving it a lot of consideration. She said she’d been ignoring God for the most part, and your comment made her think. She was raised to know the truth of our need for God, but it had gotten away from her over the years. I pray this will bring her back to him.”

  “God has a way of beckoning to us. I’m glad I could play a part in that. I’m glad too that this matter can be put behind us.”

  Elise nodded. “I want us all to be close, and if you have anger or resentment toward Caroline, I know that will cause conflict.” The hall clock chimed the hour. “It’s nine. I’ll go speak with Caroline and see what she would like me to purchase for her. Oswego will have a much better selection than Duluth.”

  “I’ll busy myself, never fear,” Nick declared.

  Elise took to the stairs with a light step. She was so glad Nick felt the need to tell her what had happened with Caroline. It was one thing for her sister to admit what she’d done, but for Nick to see the need for complete honesty blessed Elise.

  “Caroline?” she called, knocking on her bedroom door. Elise opened it, figuring her sister would be putting on the finishing touches to her ensemble. She’d been absent from breakfast, but Aunt Martha said that was often the case when she’d lived with them. “Caroline?”

  “I’m back here . . . behind the screen. Stay there. I’m sick.”

  Elise could hear her heaving and went to her anyway. “Morning sickness?”

  “I suppose so, but mine happens all the time. It’s making me miserable. Just when I think I’ve finished with it, it comes again.” Caroline covered the ceramic pot with a towel.

  “What does the maid say about it? She must be suspicious of your condition.”

  “I told her I always react like this under duress. You know that’s true, so I told her no lie.”

  “Poor sweet sister. I had quite forgotten that about you.” Elise recalled many times in their youth when nervous situations sent Caroline to the ship’s rail. “I’ve come to see what articles of clothing I might purchase for you. I know you’ll need warmer and simpler clothes for life in Duluth, and Nick is going to take me shopping. Since you obviously can’t go, I will pick up anything you need.”

  “Has he forgiven me?” Caroline left the pot behind the screen and straightened.

  “He has. He hopes, as do I, that there will be no further tests.”

  Caroline went to sit by the window. “I give my word. I really can’t believe I did something like that. I don’t know how I would have handled it if he’d wanted to take me up on my behavior. I hope you both will just forget about it.”

  Elise heard the embarrassment in her voice and felt sorry for her sister. Caroline had once been confident to the point of arrogance. Now she was a defeated soul. “That’s exactly what we plan to do.”

  A commotion rose from downstairs.

  “What in the world is going on?” Elise went to the door and opened it to better hear what was wrong.

  “And if not here, then where?” a man’s raised voice demanded.

  “That’s Nelson,” Caroline said, trembling. “I hoped he’d stay away from here, but with the Mary Elise in port, he’s bound to know I’m here.”

  “I’ll go see what’s going on.”

  “No, just stay with me,” Caroline said, grabbing Elise’s arm. “He’s vicious, and if he should demand to search the whole house again, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

  “I understand. I’ll stay.”

  Elise wished their father were still here. Uncle James and Louis were also gone. At least Nick was at the house. He knew the circumstances and would keep Caroline’s whereabouts a secret, but how long could he manage if Nelson Worthington got violent?

  “I swear,” the man began again, “I will storm this place with the authorities again if need be.”

  Aunt Martha rushed into the room. “It’s your husband,” she said in a hushed voice.

  “I know,” Caroline replied. “I’m so sorry, Aunt Martha.”

  “He’s making me a nervous wreck.” She entwined her arm with Caroline’s. “Whatever are we to do? I sent the maid to the stables to tell one of the groomsmen to go get your uncle. He’s not been gone that long and probably hasn’t even arrived at his office. Hopefully he can just get the driver to turn around and come home.” She pressed a hand to her chest.

  “I’m sure Nick can keep Mr. Worthington under control.” Elise patted her aunt’s shoulder. “We’ll just wait it out and see what happens.”

  The minutes ticked by, and they no longer heard the harsh voice of Worthington booming through the house. It seemed to take forever, but finally Uncle James’s voice could be heard as he came into the house, demanding to know what was going on.

  Elise edged toward the stairs to hear better. It seemed the men had gone into the sitting room.

  “Stay here,” she told Caroline and her aunt. “I’ll go see what’s happening.”

  She slipped down the stairs, reaching the ground floor
just as Nelson Worthington came from the sitting room. He was angry but paused to give her a quick once-over, as if to assure himself she wasn’t Caroline. Then he threw open the door and left without so much as a backward glance.

  Elise looked toward the sitting room and saw her uncle and Nick in the doorway. “Well, he was certainly loud.”

  “He’s threatened us with the law again,” her uncle said, shaking his head. “I fear we’re going to need to get Caroline out of town in some way other than the Mary Elise. Mr. Worthington has promised to have the authorities search the ship.”

  “She could go by train. Perhaps Louis could accompany her,” Elise suggested. “She can go to our house when she arrives in Duluth. Our neighbors will see to her safety, and Louis can come back.”

  “That does sound like a reasonable way to move her, but surely Worthington will be checking the train station as well,” her uncle said.

  “Maybe Louis could travel alone . . . with a large trunk,” she said, smiling. “As soon as the train got on its way, he could arrange with the baggage keepers to set Caroline free.”

  “It’s a good thing your sister is so petite,” Nick said.

  “Mrs. Cavendish, go upstairs and let my wife and Caroline know that he’s gone for now,” her uncle instructed. The housekeeper nodded.

  Elise turned to her uncle. “Nick and I were going downtown to shop. If you’re returning to work, perhaps you would give us a lift?”

  Aunt Martha descended the stairs. “I would rather you remain home, Jim. Let them take your carriage. I cannot manage alone if Mr. Worthington should return.”

  Uncle James looked at Elise. “By all means, take the carriage. My driver will take you wherever you need to go.”

  “Thank you, Uncle James. Meanwhile, it might suit our situation if you were to have one of the servants go to the train station and buy Louis and Caroline’s tickets to Duluth. Perhaps even a private compartment—that way no one needs to see much of Caroline. The train should leave tomorrow because that’s when it’s planned for us to go. I fully expect Nelson will be at the docks.”

  “Or they could leave tonight. That might be better still,” her uncle suggested.

  Elise saw the wisdom in that. “She’ll arrive in Duluth before we do either way, unless there are problems in making her connections, so it doesn’t really matter. I just figured Nelson would be at the docks watching for her if he knows we’re leaving, and thus the train station would be clear.”

  “Oh, he knows. He mentioned that his man had already talked to some of the crew on the Mary Elise who were fairly confident of leaving at first light tomorrow.”

  “So we must act quickly. Maybe even leave tonight. Nick and I will go buy the things she needs for the trip and be home in time for lunch. You can let us know what you’ve managed to arrange then.”

  Elise and Nick left in Uncle James’s carriage. Elise was uneasy and knew her sister was in more trouble than the others realized. She felt that she should tell someone—see if they could offer better insight. Nick was the only person she had available. Dare she tell him?

  “I’m glad we have some time alone,” he said. “I know you want to shop, but I need to tell your father about something I saw in Boston and again in Buffalo.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “A wanted poster. You might not be familiar with it, but the train depots often display various wanted posters. The police always check on the station and the comings and goings of people, and having the posters at hand makes it easier to identify criminals. When I was on my way back to Oswego, I noticed a poster in Boston and another in Buffalo. I didn’t see the same one here, but they might have failed to post it. The drawing of the man looked very similar to Booker Duran.”

  If he hadn’t had Elise’s full attention before, he did now. “What was he wanted for?”

  “Murder. The bill stated the killer’s name was Robert Wayfair, but the drawing looked too similar to Duran to be ignored. Especially when we have concerns about what he might have done in Duluth.”

  Elise wanted to tell Nick about Duran’s threat, but to do that, she would also have to tell him about Caroline’s condition. But hadn’t she already been considering that?

  She took a deep breath. “I need to tell you something, but you will have to pledge to me that you’ll say nothing—not even to my father.”

  Nick looked at her in surprise. “You’re keeping secrets from your father?”

  “Only for now. I don’t want him to have to lie about . . . well, about something important.” She knew her tone was pleading and hoped Nick would understand from that just how desperate the situation had become.

  “I won’t lie, so maybe you shouldn’t say anything.”

  Elise considered this. “I don’t want anyone to lie, but this is a matter of life and death, as far as I’m concerned. I’ll just tell you part of it.” She thought through her words before speaking. “Duran overheard my sister and I talking on the Mary Elise. Information was shared that could cause Caroline much grief. Booker threatened me regarding his bloodied shirt. He told me not to mention it to anyone or he would expose Caroline. When I told him I’d already mentioned it, he demanded I recant or at least make it clear that my timing was wrong. He went on to say that if I was asked by anyone, I should say I was with him that evening in Duluth—the night the man was killed.”

  “So he did kill him?”

  “I don’t know for sure. He didn’t confess to it, but he was determined I should give him an alibi. He also said I needed to let him . . . take liberties with me.”

  “And your need for secrecy gave him the feeling that he could make this demand and you would oblige?”

  Elise let out a heavy breath. “Yes. But I haven’t let him. I wouldn’t. I’ve made sure never to be alone when on the ship.”

  “And he hasn’t assaulted you?”

  “He’s . . . well, he’s touched me a few times. Usually in trying to get past me in the galley. Others are always present, so he does it just innocently enough not to be questioned, while still reminding me of his demand.”

  “Of all the nerve. He needs to be kicked off the Mary Elise.”

  “But if he is, he’ll tell Caroline’s husband where she is.”

  “Well, he’s not going to know much longer, is he? After all, we just made arrangements for your cousin to escort her by train. Duran won’t have the ability to tell Worthington anything.”

  Elise leaned back against the carriage seat and sighed. Only that she’s carrying his child.

  Chapter 22

  When Elise and Nick returned to the Mary Elise to speak to her father, they were surprised to learn he was already gone.

  “Said he had something to take care of,” Sam said, shaking his head. “I don’t know what it was, Miss Elise.”

  “That’s all right, Sam. We’ll just drop off these things and talk to him later.” She motioned Nick to follow her to the deckhouse.

  She’d no sooner opened the door to head inside, however, than she came face-to-face with yet another problem. Booker had poor Tom up against the wall. He was just about to land a punch when Elise and Nick made their appearance. Both men looked rather surprised.

  “Stand down, Duran. What’s the meaning of this?” Nick demanded.

  “It’s between the boy and me,” Duran replied. “Stay out of it.”

  Nick tossed aside the packages he’d been carrying. “As first mate on this ship, I am in charge in the captain’s absence, and I demand to know what’s going on.”

  Duran’s eyes narrowed. “And I said stay out of it. You shouldn’t be allowed any authority after killing most of your crew. I’ve heard you’re from a rich family, so why not go back where you belong? It might be safer for everyone if you did.”

  Elise was livid. She tried to move toward Tom, but Nick held her back. “What happened, Tom?”

  “He threatened to throw me overboard one night.” Fear edged the young man’s words.

&
nbsp; “To kill you?” She looked at Duran. “For what reason, Mr. Duran? Or do you even need one?”

  Duran remained silent. It wasn’t at all like him. It was apparent Tom was the only one they could count on to tell the story.

  “He hates my harmonica,” Tom said, pushing out of the corner to get away from Duran. He went to stand between Nick and Elise.

  “That’s what this is about? A stupid harmonica?” Nick asked. “You’d take a life because you don’t like his harmonica-playing?”

  Duran’s already hateful expression darkened even more. “I’m not answering to you, Clark. You have no say over this, and if you dare raise a hand to me, you’ll be sorry. Just ask her, if you don’t believe me.”

  Elise felt her cheeks grow warm. “Tom, go on and do whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing. If you find my father, send him here.”

  “Are you ready to reveal all your secrets?” Duran looked at her with a slight raise of his brows.

  “I am. I’m not going to live with you trying to control me. You’re an evil man, Mr. Duran.”

  “You won’t say anything, or your sister will pay the price. I’ve already talked to her husband.”

  “You what?” Elise felt her knees weaken. She only wanted to keep Caroline safe.

  “I told him I had information on her whereabouts.” He grinned. “He paid me well. I didn’t say anything about . . . well, you know. But I will if you don’t just forget about this.”

  “And how will you go and tell him if I lock you up?” Nick asked.

  “I’ve made arrangements,” he said, smiling. “You don’t think I’m stupid enough not to have someone help me? I have a lot of friends who are always willing to do anything for money.”

  Elise wished Nick would say something about the posters. She might have herself, but she wasn’t the one who had seen them. Now Duran was threatening to let Caroline’s husband know about her condition, and since her sister wasn’t yet out of town, Elise couldn’t let that happen.

  As if reading her mind, Nick looked at her and shook his head. “I don’t think we can do anything to him at this point. He only threatened Tom and didn’t hurt him. I’ll have a talk with the boy. Your father will probably want to dismiss him for threatening Tom’s life.”