by Cathy Marie Hake, Lynn A. Coleman, Mary Davis, Susan Page Davis
Edward nodded. “Perhaps your father could help you question the sailors. They’re all afraid of him, and he could put the fear of the law into most of those boys.”
Jacob smiled. “That’s a thought.”
“If you want me to stay …”
“No. You take Jamie and go see about that ship. Now that we know what’s been going on with the Prosper, there’s no reason we can’t add the Resolute to the fleet and press forward.”
Deborah knocked on the door of the Hunter house and looked around as she waited. The garden was a riot of color. She knew Mrs. Hunter employed three servants to keep the house and grounds in order. It was the Tuesday between her usual visits for tea, and Deborah wondered if her hostess had invited her so she could show her the lovely gardens in bloom.
Jenny opened the door and smiled. “Hello, Miss Deborah. Mrs. Hunter has a lady with her in the sitting room.”
“Oh, I beg your pardon,” Deborah said. “I’ll come back another day.”
“No, no. She insisted I bring you right in.” Jenny opened the door wide and motioned her inside, so Deborah entered and handed her a basket.
“A few late strawberries for Mrs. Hunter.”
“Oh, she’ll be pleased. Go right in, won’t you?”
Deborah removed her gloves, wondering if she’d been invited on purpose to meet the other guest. Timidly she peered into the small room. Mrs. Hunter spied her at once and stood to greet her.
“Come in, come in.” To the other woman in the room, she said, “This is Miss Bowman, the physician’s daughter, an old acquaintance who has lately become a good friend of mine.”
The other woman did not stand but accepted Deborah’s hand. She was about fifty, Deborah supposed, and elegantly dressed in a tan silk day dress edged in deep, ruffled flounces. The lady looked her over sharply, giving her the feeling that she was under inspection. Her feathered hat drooped over one ear and set off her stylishly curled hair.
“How do you do,” Deborah said.
“Bowman,” the woman murmured. Louder, she said, “Are you the young woman who threw Edward Hunter over for his cousin?”
Deborah felt her face go scarlet. Mrs. Hunter also flushed. Her only aid to Deborah’s discomfiture was an apologetic smile.
“Actually,” Deborah said, releasing the lady’s hand, “that would be my sister, Abigail. I am Deborah.”
The lady nodded. “I see.”
“Deborah, this is Mrs. King,” Edward’s mother said.
“Mrs….” Deborah gulped and used her selection of a chair as an excuse not to meet the lady’s eyes for a moment, while she grappled for her composure. I’ve just been introduced to the governor’s wife. Was I rude? Oh dear, I hope not! But she was rude first. She swallowed again, gathered her skirts, sat down, and smiled.
“Let me give you your tea.” Mrs. Hunter poured out a cup for her, and Deborah accepted it, suddenly conscious of the dark stains under her nails left by the many strawberries she’d hulled that morning for her mother’s preserve making.
“Thank you.”
“So your sister is the foolish chit who gave young Mr. Hunter the mitten?”
Mrs. Hunter smiled at her guests. “It’s really for the best, you know, Ann. They were so young when Edward went to sea, and then he was away for five years. They both had time to mature while he was gone. And when he came back, they found they’d outgrown their childish infatuation.”
Deborah tried to hold her smile but felt it slipping. This was too humiliating.
Mrs. King didn’t seem to think so. “Well, I still say she missed a good opportunity. Of course, I haven’t met her new intended groom. But I have met Edward, and any girl who would—”
“I’m surprised you heard about it all the way up in Bath,” Mrs. Hunter said.
“We hear everything,” Mrs. King stated. “Of course, my husband is in Portland much of the time now. We’re taking a house here until his term is up. That’s why I’m with him on this trip, you know. We’re only staying at the Robisons’ home until the place we’re leasing is cleaned and our baggage arrives.”
“How lovely,” said Mrs. Hunter. “Your husband does need to be here in the thick of things just now.”
“Yes. He’s had many social invitations and no way to return them, so I’ll be setting up housekeeping and scheduling some affairs.”
“I’m so pleased that you had time to come and spend the afternoon with me,” Mrs. Hunter said.
“Well, I enjoy getting out and about, and I always make time for old friends. I was hoping to see Edward, though. We’ve heard so much about his death-defying feat. Do you expect him home today?”
“I’m not sure.” Mrs. Hunter glanced at Deborah with an inclusive smile. “Edward ran down the coast in the company’s sloop a few days ago, but he should be back soon. I’ve asked the gentlemen at the office to send me a note the minute he returns.”
“How do you dare let him go off again so soon?” Mrs. King shook her head and sipped her tea.
“It’s only to Portsmouth, and I’m not worried about Edward. He’s proven himself well able to survive even the most unfavorable circumstances. Isn’t that right, Deborah?”
“Oh … yes, certainly. He’s a very capable sailor.”
“I suppose you have a point,” Mrs. King said. “I’m so glad my husband doesn’t sail on his ships, though. William sends them off full of apples and potatoes and lumber, and they come back filled with cotton and coal.”
“How expedient,” Mrs. Hunter said.
Deborah was startled when her hostess winked at her. Apparently Mrs. Hunter had the same thought she did—that the life Mrs. King led must be boring.
“Yes, well, the general has enough to do without floating around the globe. He was hoping to see your son, though. He tells me he’s been meaning to call here since he heard of Edward’s return but hasn’t found time. So busy, with the new legislature meeting and all.”
“Your husband is welcome anytime,” Mrs. Hunter assured her. “Of course, Edward would be happy to see him and tell him of his misadventure. Perhaps we can have dinner here once we know what Edward’s schedule will be.”
“Good, good. That would be most pleasant. I hope to arrange some small dinner parties in the new house. It’s a bit cramped, so large gatherings would be awkward. But there are a good many statesmen and merchants who’ve entertained General King over the past few months, and I simply must reciprocate to them and their wives. That will be my first order of business once we’re settled.”
“I’m sure the entire city looks forward to it,” her hostess said. “Your affairs are always delightful. Now, Deborah, I do wish you’d tell me about your Thursday project. How are things going, dear?”
Deborah had relaxed, glad to be ignored, and she flinched when Mrs. Hunter drew attention to her again. “Very well, thank you.”
She saw Mrs. King’s inquisitive look and was about to explain her widows’ aid endeavor when Jenny appeared in the doorway.
“Yes, Jenny, what is it?” Mrs. Hunter asked.
“The apprentice brought a note, ma’am, from the office.”
“Oh, thank you.”
Jenny handed her a folded sheet of paper, and Mrs. Hunter quickly opened it and scanned the contents. Deborah watched her face, unable to suppress an anxious stirring in her stomach. Had she been truthful when she agreed that she did not worry about Edward?
His mother smiled. “Captain Moody has raised a flag indicating he has spotted a vessel flying Hunter Shipping’s colors approaching the harbor. This note is from Mr. Price, saying they are preparing a berth on the wharf.”
“The Resolute?“ Deborah breathed.
“I don’t know, dear.” Mrs. Hunter’s eyes glittered with inspiration. “Say, why don’t we go down to the wharf and see?”
“Go to the docks?” Mrs. King’s arched eyebrows and shocked tone told Deborah the governor’s wife did not approve of the enterprise.
“We’ll take a carri
age,” Mrs. Hunter went on. “If Edward has come home again, this time he shall have folks to welcome him when he steps ashore.”
“Marvelous!” Deborah clapped her hands together, glad that Mrs. Hunter was undaunted.
“But the docks,” Mrs. King said. “Is it safe, my dear?”
“Of course.” Mrs. Hunter reached for the bell pull. “The men on Hunter’s Wharf all know me and respect my husband’s memory.”
As Jenny came to the door, Mrs. King stood and reached for her reticule. “I fear I must go back to the Robisons’ house. We’ll be dining out tonight, and I must catch a nap. Our journey here quite fatigued me.”
“We’ll drop you off on our way to the wharf.” Mrs. Hunter’s animated face fed Deborah’s excitement. Edward was returning, and she would be on hand to greet him. Her parents would not object since she would be in the company of his mother.
“Jenny, send Mercer to bring a hack. We three ladies are going out.”
Chapter 13
Aunt Mary! So glad to see you today.” Jacob opened the door of the hired carriage and gave Mrs. Hunter his hand. “And Deborah! Welcome.”
“Thank you,” Deborah said as she lifted her skirt and stepped carefully down. “Come. I’ve brought my spyglass, and we can walk out past the store and have a good view down the river.”
“Do you know yet what vessel it is?” Mrs. Hunter puffed as they walked the length of the long pier, but she would not allow Jacob to slacken the pace.
“Not for certain, but I think it’s still too early for the Falcon.”
They stood together waiting. Jacob turned his spyglass toward Captain Moody’s tower.
“One of our ships. I haven’t called many laborers in because we’re not expecting to unload a cargo today. Although Edward might have picked up a few bundles in Portsmouth.”
A sharp-eyed lad gave a whoop and waved toward the mouth of the Fore. Deborah squinted and saw a vessel pull out from behind the headland of Cape Elizabeth. It was too small for the schooner they’d hoped to see.
“That’s our sloop.” Jacob’s voice drooped in disappointment. “Well, Edward’s likely on board, so your trip is not wasted.”
“I did hope we’d get a first glimpse of the company’s new ship,” Mrs. Hunter said. “Ah well, perhaps it wasn’t all we’d hoped, and he passed on buying it.”
“Or perhaps she was already sold.” Jacob held the spyglass out to Deborah. “Would you like to take a look?”
“Thank you.” She trained the lens on the distant sloop, searching its deck for a tall, broad-shouldered man whose dark hair whipped in the wind. None of the sailors she saw had Edward’s stature or bearing.
She offered the glass to Mrs. Hunter. “Would you care to look?”
“Oh yes. Thanks, dear.” Mrs. Hunter scanned the sloop. “I don’t see Edward.”
“Nor did I,” said Deborah.
His mother turned and studied the observatory tower through the spyglass. “Jacob.”
“Yes, Aunt Mary?”
“Captain Moody’s run up another signal.”
“Oh?”
Mrs. Hunter handed him the spyglass, and Jacob turned to look toward the tower on Munjoy Hill.
“You’re right!” Excitement fired his voice.
Deborah shaded her eyes with her hand and tried to make out the distant flag. “It’s our colors again. Either the Falcon‘s come home in record time, or Edward’s bought the Resolute.”
They all waited as the sloop drew nearer, the wind carrying her against the current. As the vessel came in closer, Deborah could make out half a dozen men on the deck, bustling to make the mooring.
“Ahoy, Sibley!” Jacob cried to the man who seemed to be directing them. “Where’s Mr. Hunter?”
“Yonder!” Sibley motioned behind him, down the river.
Deborah could hardly contain her excitement. Jacob handed her the spyglass and scurried to help tie up the sloop. She put the brass tube to her eye and focused on the point of land where the sloop had first appeared.
Empty water lay restless between the shores.
Suddenly a dark bulk poked into her circle of vision.
“There she is!” Mrs. Hunter cried.
Deborah lowered the spyglass. Far away but coming about toward them, a majestic ship under sail hove into sight. Deborah drew a sharp breath. “She’s beautiful!”
“Magnificent. Larger than Mr. King’s flagship, too.”
Deborah chuckled at Mrs. Hunter’s satisfied smile. She handed over the spyglass and watched the ship as the crew went aloft, ready to take in canvas.
“I see him!” Mrs. Hunter bounced on her toes. “He’s standing amidships just under the mainsail. Look, Deborah! He’s waving his hat.”
The next half hour sped past as the Resolute settled into her new berth at the outer end of Hunter’s Wharf. The gangplank was put in place, and Jacob led the ladies onto the deck.
Edward met them at the rail, grinning like a child who’d found a half dime, and assisted them in descending to the deck.
“Do you like her?” he shouted to Jacob, who hopped down on his own power.
“She’s perfect! Everything Smith told me and more.”
“And the best part is she’s in wondrous shape. There’s hardly anything to be done before we can put her to sea. She handles like a dream, Jake!”
Edward smiled down at Deborah, and she realized he was still holding her gloved hand. She pulled it away reluctantly.
“Oh, Ed, about that matter we discussed the evening before you left,” Jacob said.
Deborah watched curiously as Edward sobered. “All went well?”
“Yes, things are in hand, and when the sloop docked, I told Jamie he has no cause to worry.”
“And Stuart?” Edward asked.
“Justice is in motion. I’ll tell you all about it later, but things are proceeding as we hoped.”
Edward nodded. “That’s good, then. Well, Mother, what do you think of the Resolute?”
“Makes me wish I were younger,” Mrs. Hunter said, surveying the deck and the rigging. “I’d ask you to take me on her next voyage and relive the old days.”
“You’ve been to sea?” Deborah asked.
“Oh yes. When my husband and I were first married, I took two voyages with him. It’s something I remember fondly, though there were frightening moments. All in all, being with the captain and understanding his love of sailing was valuable to our marriage. And seeing other places and people so different from us New Englanders opened my eyes. I’ve never looked at folks the same since.”
“I should like to make such a trip.” Deborah sighed, then realized Edward was watching her.
“Perhaps you shall someday,” he said.
She felt her face color and was alarmed when he took her arm and led her a few steps away from the others.
“I should like to come round this evening to call on you, if I may.”
“Of course.” A thought suddenly struck her. “Oh, Edward, I haven’t told Father.”
He sobered. “Do you think he’ll object?”
“Why, no, I don’t think so.”
“Fine, then, I’ll ask him. When will he be at home?”
She glanced around him and saw his mother carrying on a spirited conversation with Jacob as they walked toward the stairs leading up to the quarterdeck.
“By six, if his patients don’t keep him. He’s usually home for dinner.”
“Good, I’ll take dinner at home, then come around and see your father. If all is to his liking, we’ll have some time together afterward.”
Deborah felt her mouth go dry. She’d never been courted before, but she had no doubt that was Edward’s intention.
I … we …”
“Yes?” Edward’s eyes twinkled as he gazed down at her.
“We may have to compete for space in the parlor with your cousin and Abby.”
Edward laughed, and her heart lifted. “Have they set a date yet?”
“Yes. The eighteenth of August.”
“Well, we’ll turn the tables on them. You chaperoned your sister many an evening, and now it’s her turn.”
Deborah’s heart skipped. Never in her life had she been in need of a chaperone, but a quick glance at Edward’s gleaming dark eyes told her the time had come. Perhaps her mother would stop despairing of ever seeing her married. That thought was enough to send an anticipatory shiver through her.
Edward reached for her hands and squeezed them. “You blush most becomingly. Come. I’m supposed to be showing off my new schooner, and poor Jacob has had to haul Mother off so I could have a private word with you.”
“Is that what he’s doing?”
“Of course. But we’d better relieve him and let him get on with his official duties. He and Mr. Daniels will have some paperwork to do. We’ll have to register the ship and decide what we want for crew and cargo for her first voyage under Hunter Shipping’s colors.” He pulled Deborah’s hand through the crook of his arm and took her toward the companionway that led above, where Jacob and Mrs. Hunter were now inspecting the ship’s wheel.
“Where will she sail?” Deborah asked.
“To the Indies, I think, unless Jacob has a full cargo waiting to be taken to some other place. Oh, they’re coming down. I’ll show you all the captain’s cabin. It’s quite spacious for the size of the ship.”
“Would you captain her yourself?” Deborah asked.
“I might. Bringing her up from Portsmouth was a joy. I wouldn’t mind going out again on her.”
“What?” his mother barked, descending the last steps. “Did you say you’re leaving again?”
“No, Mother. I merely said that with a deck like this one under his feet, a man feels like sailing.”
“You’re not going to hire a captain to handle this ship for you?”
“Of course we are,” Jacob said, scowling at Edward. “I have several names. There are good men out there waiting for a ship.”
Edward smiled. “Then I expect we’ll get someone, Mother. We haven’t had time to discuss any of that yet.”
She looked at him, then down the length of the main deck. “She is a lovely vessel. I wouldn’t blame you a bit if you wanted to sail her. But don’t forget your family.”