Then suddenly the boy came traipsing through the bedroom door.
“Where were you?” Sarah placed her hands on her hips.
Gabe shrugged like he didn’t want to say. Next he eyed Renna.
“Gabriel?”
“I just went down to say good night to my dad and Mr. Navis. That’s all.”
Renna knew the boy’s actions had to make Brian feel good. “I’m glad you did that.”
“It’s nothing.” The lad sounded a tad irritated.
Sarah laughed at his behavior. “Gabe doesn’t like us to see that he’s really a very fine young man, right?” She gave him a sisterly sort of shove.
A grin curved Gabe’s mouth. “Could you please leave so I can go to bed now?” Laughter edged his tone.
“Miss Fields and I are happy to go.” Sarah chuckled again. “Come on, Renna.”
Outside the kids’ bedrooms, they stood in the dimly lit hallway. “He’s really a good boy. He and Michael both are. And they desperately want their father’s love.”
“I believe Brian wants to give it . . . he’s just not sure how.”
Sarah took Renna’s hand. “Let’s you and I pray . . . right now.”
Renna closed her eyes and bowed her head.
“Lord, we come before Thee with humble hearts,” Sarah began, “and bring Captain Sinclair before you. His children need him. His quiver is full, Lord, and he ought to be a happy man to be blessed with such wonderful children.” Her voice crumbled with emotion.
Renna picked up the petition. “Lend Brian Your grace and wisdom to deal with his children. Meanwhile, heal Sarah and Richard Navis’s hearts and bless them for their sacrificial service to this family. In Jesus’s name, amen.”
Sarah gave her fingers a squeeze.
Mum came upstairs just then and announced she’d retire for the evening. “Your father and the captain are smoking those dreadful cigars in the men’s parlor.”
Renna noted the disgust in her mother’s voice, although the practice wasn’t uncommon. Even preachers were known to enjoy a good cigar after a meal.
Sarah asked, “Is Richard with them?”
“Yes, but he’s got the good sense not to smoke.” Mum shook her head. “The very smell of those things gives me a headache.” She massaged her temples.
“Then you’re doing the right thing by coming up to your room, Mum.”
“I thought so too.” She kissed Renna’s cheek and gave Sarah a nod and a smile. “Good night.”
“Good night, Mum.”
“Good night, Mrs. Fields.” After she went inside her room, Sarah added, “I think I’ll turn in for the night as well.”
“Oh?” Disappointment fell over Renna. She hoped the two of them could be better acquainted while the men smoked. “Then I’ll see you tomorrow at breakfast.”
“Yes,” Sarah gave her a quick hug. “Good night.”
Alone in the hallway, Renna decided she didn’t feel sleepy. Gathering her skirts, she made her way down the stairwell. She heard Da’s voice coming from the men’s parlor but couldn’t discern his words. Next she heard Brian’s chuckle, a rich sound, which made Renna recall his smiling handsome face.
She strode to the solarium. Opening the paned French doors, she stepped out and wished she’d brought her shawl. The cold air made her shiver, but the sight of the brilliance of the night sky through the windows caused her to forget her discomfort for the moment. Moonlight dripped over the potted foliage in the room. Stars studded the ebony heavens above.
A passage from the Book of Psalms came to mind, and Renna recited it aloud. “When I consider the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou has ordained . . . what is man that thou art mindful of him?”
“Indeed!”
She whirled around at the sound of the familiar male voice. “Brian . . . ”
“I hope I didn’t startle you.” He stepped forward, and Renna noticed he’d removed his black dinner jacket to, no doubt, don a quilted smoking jacket while he enjoyed his cigar. Now, however, he looked more casual in his white dress shirt and gold brocade vest. “I felt the need to stretch my legs.”
“And I wasn’t ready to retire to the ladies’ parlor or my room with needlework or a book.” Renna’s breath caught as Brian came to stand just inches away.
“Do you like my home, Renna?”
“It’s very impressive.” After only one day she couldn’t exactly call it home.
“What about my children?” Brian faced her. “What do you think of them?”
“I think they are all intelligent, sensitive beings who long for attention from their father, seeing as he didn’t perish out on the lake.”
“Hmm, yes, and I have a lot of work to do, making up for the many years of neglect.”
“What a miracle that you’ve been given a second chance.”
“In more ways than one.”
“Oh?” Renna sensed he tried to charm her. She raised her chin even though she knew he couldn’t see her challenging gesture. “Whatever do you mean, Captain?”
“You know what I mean.” His tone was low and husky.
“Yes, I believe I do. However, your bewitchery won’t work on me.” She couldn’t contain a small laugh. “Do you know how many men have tried to charm me? Plenty.” Crossing her arms, she thought back on the days she’d spent at various military camps, tending to the sick and dying.
“So why couldn’t they win your heart, Renna?”
She had to wonder. “I think it’s because I knew their words were empty. I was their nurse. They needed me. They thought if they told me I was pretty or that my touch as I bandaged their wounds felt soft and warm, I wouldn’t neglect them.”
“Is that why you think I asked you and your parents to come here to Milwaukee?”
“Yes. And we’re happy to be of service for as long as we’re . . . needed.”
“I see.” Beneath the moonlight she glimpsed his amused grin. “So I shouldn’t tell you how beautiful you look tonight, how the color of your dress complements your green eyes, or comment on your sweet fragrance.” He reached for her, and within seconds she found herself in his expert embrace. “I shouldn’t say that you feel even more beautiful than you look. Nor should I do this . . . ” His lips touched hers, and Renna felt herself melt into him as their kiss deepened.
But at last her senses returned. She pushed him away. “No, you shouldn’t do such things.” The chastisement lacked conviction.
Brian chuckled. “My dear Renna, you are very easily charmed.”
“That’s because I never met a pirate like you before.” Guilt laced with longing assailed her. A slice of her being wished he’d kiss her again. She ran her fingertips over her lips. She’d never experienced such a kiss before, or the tumult of emotions that came with it.
“Renna, may I?” The softness of his voice plucked some wistful chord in her heart. He took her hand. “Forgive my boldness, but I meant every word.”
“Except you can’t see if I’m really beautiful or not.”
He suddenly adjusted the frame of his dark lenses. “Well, um . . . ”
“I could be covered in warts and wearing rags for all you know.”
“Oh, Renna . . . it wouldn’t matter.” His hand caressed her cheek marred by her birthmark before getting lost in her hair. Then he kissed the area so tenderly it brought tears to her eyes. It almost seemed as though he could see which side of her face the birthmark stained, although she’d never told him. “Brian, please!” She forced herself to move away. She hugged herself, feeling utterly confused. From out of the corner of her eye, she saw Brian turn toward the window.
“I’m a man who has always had ulterior motives when it comes to romancing a woman. With Louisa, my goal was to marry into a wealthy family. After she died last year and I met Elise, I wanted to own Great Lakes Shipping without having to pay for it. That is, I did purchase it fair and square, but my thinking was that if I married Elise, her fortune would be mine, and u
ltimately I’d have my money back and then some.”
“Yes, you’ve told me this before.”
“Well, my point is, Renna, I don’t believe I’ve ever fallen in love.”
“And what do you want from me?” A mother for your children? A nurse to care for you while you’re blind? she asked silently, unable to actually speak the questions aloud.
“What I want is the camaraderie that I get from true friends like you, your folks, and the Navises. I want your emotional support as I go through this pivotal time in my life.”
“Of course.” Renna nearly choked on the reply. She’d had loftier expectations.
“Renna . . . ” Once more Brian reached for her hand and held it tightly. His voice was just a whisper as he continued. “I want you to help me figure out if I’m falling in love . . . with you.”
She swallowed. Her throat went dry. Could he be serious?
“Please. Be patient with this pirate—er, former pirate.” A smile entered his voice. “I have a lot to learn about love and relationships. I never learned the give and take—only the take.”
Renna stood by speechless for an indeterminate amount of time. Brian had spoken her very heart, his words realizing her dream.
“Promise me again that you’ll be patient.”
“I promise,” she managed to eke out.
He brought her fingertips to his lips. “Thank you.” He guided her hand around his arm and led her toward the doorway. “Allow me to escort you into the music room. Richard went off to find Sarah and ask her to play the piano for us. She’s gifted in the way of music. Perhaps she’ll grace us with an impromptu concert.”
“I’d like that very much.”
But as they walked together from the solarium, shadows of doubt still haunted Renna. She couldn’t hold a candle to the beautiful women in Brian’s past. If he regained his sight, would he truly change his pirate ways—and want her?
TWENTY-ONE
Inhaling deeply, Renna decided this morning’s autumn air had a rebellious feel to it. The day promised to be an exceedingly warm one. Yet today marked the last day of October. Funny how it seemed like God’s creation didn’t want to let the summer season go. She smiled wistfully. Who did, what with winter looming on the horizon?
The carriage jerked from side to side as it rolled through the streets of Milwaukee. Renna thought this road seemed particularly rough, although she didn’t make mention of it. Brian and Da sat across from her and Mum and chatted about business and the various associates with whom they had contact. As it happened, Brian and Da knew a number of the same people.
“It’s your third day in Milwaukee, Wendell. What do you think of our fair city?”
“Not much different than Chicago, although I see many more cream-colored brick structures here than I do wood ones. In Chicago, most of our buildings have wooden frames—even the streets are paved with wood.”
“A veritable tinderbox, if you ask me.” Brian adjusted the dark-lensed spectacles protecting his unseeing eyes.
“You aren’t the first to say so.”
Renna had heard similar complaints about Chicago and many of its hastily constructed buildings. She was only too thankful the hospital had been constructed with brick and mortar.
“Boatloads of immigrants arrive at our port daily,” Da said.
“Same here in Milwaukee.”
“Housing becomes scarce very quickly. That’s why many of our neighborhoods are comprised entirely of wooden structures.”
“Like our home,” Mum said.
“You have a fine home, Mrs. Fields.” Brian smiled. “I was very comfortable there during my stay.”
“I’m rather embarrassed.” Da’s round face reddened slightly. “I made you stay in a converted pantry off of our kitchen. I just thought it’d be easier if you didn’t have to maneuver the stairs—and, of course, I had to consider the appropriateness of the situation.”
“Please, Wendell, stop with your explanations.” Brian shook his head. “You took me in during my time of need. I shall never be able to repay you for your care and kindness. And Mrs. Fields, your delicious meals brought me back to health.”
“Glad to do it, Captain.”
“And don’t forget, Brian, you met my lovely daughter, Renna.” A gleam entered Da’s eyes.
“That I did.” Brian seemed to look right at her.
Renna narrowed her gaze at her father.
“She’s very good with children,” Mum said, “and she’d keep your house in order.”
“Mum!” Renna gave her mother an indignant nudge. “Brian already has Hester for a housekeeper, and Mr. Navis is his steward.” She glanced out the rattling window. “I’m sure he already has plans to hire a governess. He has no need for a nurse.” She pressed her lips together, angry with her parents. They’d love nothing better than to see Renna marry. They’d been humiliated for years by her unwed status, but the more they pushed, the more Renna felt the need to push back.
“Actually, Richard is no longer my steward. I released him from his contract. It had been signed under duress last summer. In good conscience I couldn’t hold him to it.”
Renna glanced across the way at Brian.
“I do indeed need a governess, Renna. I hoped you would help me write an ad for the newspaper and then interview candidates as they apply for the job.”
“I’d be happy to.” She settled back against the leather-upholstered seat, feeling a tad more at ease now. Except if Brian ever said he loved her and proposed marriage, Renna wasn’t sure she’d need a governess—or a housekeeper and cook. And she wouldn’t want to live in such a rambling manse either.
Once again she noted that she and her pirate were worlds apart.
They passed the Bank of Commerce, located on the first floor of a large four-story building, and then rode over one of the city’s many bridges.
Earlier this morning Sarah and Richard headed off for the farm and took the children along, as they’d insisted upon riding along with the newlyweds. No doubt they’d arrive before this carriage did.
“How much farther until we reach the Navises’ farm?” Renna removed her hankie from her reticule and dabbed the moisture on her brow.
“Another half hour or so,” Brian said.
Renna felt the weight of his scrutiny, and yet how could that be? The man couldn’t see. She sent him a smile nonetheless.
“It was good of Richard to invite us out for the day,” Da said. “I’m looking forward to meeting his folks.”
“They’re good people.”
Renna heard the emphatic note in Brian’s voice.
“Richard’s father, Marty Navis, took a bullet at Vicksburg. He’s confined to a wheelchair now. But that doesn’t stop the man from milking his cows and tending to his other livestock. It’s good that he’ll have Richard around to help with all the chores. For as long as I’ve known Richard, his intent was to farm.” Brian’s mouth turned slightly downward. “God knows I’ll miss him.”
Leaning forward, Renna reached for Brian’s hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze.
He smiled in reply. “Thank you, Renna. Whatever would I do without you?”
She laughed to cover her discomfort. “I’m sure you’d manage just fine.”
“Don’t argue with the captain, dear,” Mum said with a nudge.
When Renna sat back again, she caught her parents’ grins. Why, she could practically hear Mum planning the wedding.
She let go of a long sigh.
They left the city behind. The brick-paved road became dirt and gravel. Fields of drying feed corn suddenly spread out all around them.
Reaching the Navises’ farm, the carriage proceeded around the circular front drive. Surprise engulfed them when they saw the unique farmhouse. With an apple orchard to its left, a pond, and a flowing fountain near the front doorway, the brick home looked large enough to house several families.
Brian helped both Renna and her mother alight from the carriage. Da climbed out
on his own. Minutes later they were all greeted with a warm welcome by Marty and Bea Navis.
“Captain Sinclair, what a miracle that you’re alive!” Mrs. Navis hugged him in a motherly fashion that had Brian covertly dabbing the corners of his eyes. “We, of course, feared the worst since the others’ bodies washed ashore.”
“I feel blessed to be here—and to be given a second chance.”
Renna’s heart went out to the families of the other drowning victims. In just a few weeks it would be Thanksgiving Day. The holidays seemed to make mourning that much more difficult.
Did Brian still mourn his mother, friend, and fiancée? Renna had to wonder. She felt sure he mourned the loss of life. But what about those specific individuals?
As the day progressed, Renna noticed how amazingly well Brian managed his blindness. He rarely tripped or bumped into furniture. She’d also noticed Gabriel’s behavior. The boy seemed to have done a turnaround for the better. In fact, Gabriel acted as though he and his father were the best of friends. And Michael . . . he’d become his father’s little shadow, quietly standing behind him, listening. What’s more, Brian had been correct about his ability to charm his girls. Renna stood at the parlor doors watching him. Brian had perched Libby on his one knee and Rachel on the other as he conversed with the two Navis men and Da.
“I think the children are going to be just fine.”
Renna turned to find Sarah beside her.
She wetted her lips. “As you know, I felt concerned. But in a short twenty-four hours it seems the captain has won his children’s hearts. Of course, I always thought they adored him from afar.”
“You and your husband did an excellent job in preparing the children for Brian’s return. I know he’ll always be grateful.”
“Oh, I’ve no doubt about that.”
“But you’re sad to lose the children.” Renna placed a hand on the younger woman’s slender shoulder. She glimpsed the moisture glistening in Sarah’s gaze. “I pray the Lord will soon give you children of your own, and they’ll fill the emptiness you’re experiencing right now.”
“Thank you.” Sarah glanced down and fidgeted with the white cuffs of her slate-gray gown. “Richard suggested we go to Missouri and visit my family and stay for Christmas. He’s hired an overseer for the farm so his parents can come with us. I have brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews—and one nephew whom I haven’t even met yet. He was born just last month to my brother Ben and his wife, Valerie. Now they have three beautiful children.”
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