“If you give me five minutes, I’ll come with you. I just need to leave word with the housekeeper. I’ll be right back.”
“Of course, Captain.”
Nick again found himself studying the foyer. It definitely boasted the trimmings of the very rich. He wondered for a moment if the little porcelain statuettes and miniature paintings of landscapes on the highly polished tables made anyone happy. Did they even notice them? For a moment it brought up visions of another time and place. Such things had never made anyone happy in his childhood home.
“All right,” the captain said as he returned with his hat in hand. “I’m ready now.” He pulled on his coat as they went.
Halfway down the street, Nick was still pondering how Captain Wright fit in with James Monroe. It seemed as good a time as any to ask.
“Is Mr. Monroe your wife’s brother?”
“Aye. She was the baby of the family, and he doted on her. My wife passed away just last year. We were all worse for it.”
“I can only imagine. I lost my mother when I was fourteen. Nothing was ever the same.”
“She held me together—held us all together. A good woman like no other. She and Elise cooked for the ship. She grew up in wealth like what you saw back there but never regretted her decision to leave it for life on a schooner. At least, if she did, she never said a word.” Captain Wright sighed. “She’s definitely missed.”
“My mother too. Her passing sent my father into dark times.”
“Are you his only son?”
“I am. I’m the oldest of the family with two sisters. My mother gave birth to a boy after that, but he only lived a few days. My mother died giving birth to another son who was stillborn.”
“That’s a lot of sorrow to bear. Not only the loss of a wife, but of children as well. Your father must have been devastated.”
“Yes, I suppose so. He never shared it with me, however. He was cold and indifferent to my sisters and me. Business consumed him, even before Mother departed.”
The neighborhood of the wealthy faded away as they moved closer to the city proper. A sense of anxiety mixed with joy motivated Nick’s every step. He longed to be back aboard a ship.
“And did your mother know the Good Lord as her Savior?” the captain asked.
“She did.” Nick couldn’t help but smile. “She used to tell me Bible stories when I was young, and she taught me to pray. I was always amazed at her faith in God.”
They started down the street that led to the waterfront, and the captain threw out another question. “And what about you? Do you have a faith of your own?”
Nick nodded and missed his mother even more. “She led me to the Lord when I was ten. She cried so much, I thought surely something was wrong, but she told me she was weeping for joy. She said she could almost hear all of heaven rejoicing for another sinner set free. I like to imagine she hears that heavenly rejoicing all the time now.”
“Aye.” The older man nodded. “I’m sure she does. Probably joins in. My Mary would.”
After that they walked in silence, but the words they had shared seemed to bond them in a way Nick had never felt with another man. It was a spiritual joining that made him feel he had gained a brother and not just a job.
He thought of Elise and wondered at her faith. Nick imagined it was probably a strong one. She seemed so kind and at peace. There was nothing pretentious about her.
And even more amazing, she loved the sea.
Nick liked the crew of the Mary Elise almost immediately. The men were friendly and open about their duties and what they thought of the captain.
“Cap’n isn’t one to accept second best,” the youngest member of the crew declared after the captain left Nick in his care. Just turned fifteen, Tom Mallory was years ahead of his age. He explained he’d been orphaned at only six and had lived his life on the streets until he got himself in trouble. Some time ago, a local judge had asked Captain Wright to take him on, giving him a job in lieu of going to jail for breaking into a local grocer to steal food.
“I’ll give my all,” Nick assured him. The boy looked him up and down and gave a nod. Apparently Nick had passed muster. Besides Tom, there were another six men, plus the captain and Elise. Of course, she wouldn’t be able to join them until later. It seemed like all the men knew their jobs and were good at them. They had been with the captain for some time and worked as one body to ready the Mary Elise for departure.
The captain showed up after having been gone an hour or two. A large man trailed behind him. The captain was at least six foot two and two hundred thirty pounds, but this man was bigger still.
“Men, this is Booker Duran. I’m hiring him on for this short run. It’ll let me see what kind of worker he is.”
Nick looked Duran over. The man was huge, but Nick had worked with big men before. More worrisome was the coldness that edged his expression. There was a hardness about him that suggested he was used to being in control. That could cause problems when working with a crew.
“Seamus, show him the ropes. Nick, you come with me. We need to talk.”
Nick startled at this. He wondered if the captain had found out the truth about him. It bothered him something fierce not to be completely honest with his employer about his background. It wasn’t that he wouldn’t be honest if asked, but Nick was hesitant to just offer up the truth. He comforted himself that he hadn’t and wouldn’t lie to the older man, but it nagged at him nevertheless.
Captain Wright stopped abruptly and turned back to the men before they could disperse. “By the way, you may have noticed Elise isn’t with us. She was nearly killed when a freight wagon collided with the carriage she was in. This young man saved her.” He patted Nick’s shoulder. “So for the time being, we’ll be cookin’ for ourselves. I’ll even go first.” He called to his second mate. “Sam, you assign and write down who’s going to cook tomorrow and all the days after that.”
There was a bit of grumbling, but most of the men said nothing.
Booker Duran made his protests known. “I didn’t sign on to cook.”
Captain Wright walked to where he stood, and despite Duran being a bit taller, the captain looked him in the face. “Mr. Duran, on this ship we do as ordered by the captain or first mate, or in your case most any other man on board the Mary Elise. If that’s a problem . . . there’s the gangplank.” The captain motioned toward the side of the ship.
Duran scowled. “I don’t think anyone will care for what I cook up.”
“That’s not the point. Not one of these men can cook as well as my daughter, but we eat what we’re served or go hungry. Do you understand?”
“Aye aye, Captain.” The words sounded sarcastic and insincere, but Nick knew that the captain would have his way.
“I suggest you have a last meal in town tonight. It might be the last edible thing you get for a while.” Captain Wright laughed and gave Nick’s back a nudge. “You too.” He motioned for Nick to follow him. “I know I told you about young Tom earlier, but I’m gonna ask you to keep a special eye out for him with regard to Mr. Duran. The man clearly has a chip on his shoulder and a desire to take on the world. I don’t want to see Tom influenced to do something stupid.”
Nick breathed a sigh of relief that the captain didn’t yet know about his past. “I’ll definitely do what I can.”
“Duran has his issues, but I believe in giving every man a chance to right his wrongs.”
With that, the captain headed to the stern. Nick thought about his comment and wondered if that would extend to someone like him. Someone who had caused the death of so many.
The next morning, Nick awoke in the darkness of the Mary Elise’s forecastle. Most of the men were pulling on their boots.
“You better get a move on, Nick,” young Tom declared. “We’ll eat our breakfast and then get right to work.”
Nick nodded. He was more than ready to be back on the water. Most of his sailing had been spent on the Great Lakes. He had worked on an oc
ean-going schooner for a couple of years, then traded life on the Atlantic for that of the Great Lakes. Now, with ten years of working experience in every area of responsibility, Nick felt confident, yet he wasn’t too proud to fill in for any man. He had always believed it was a good thing to use his skills and keep them up to date.
After a rushed breakfast of overcooked oatmeal, fresh fruit, and lots of hot coffee, they were underway. A tug helped get them out of the harbor while the crew saw to last-minute tasks. Once they were clear of the breakwater, the real work began.
“Raise sails!” Captain Wright called to the crew.
The sails were unfurled on all three masts and released to catch the wind. It was a beautiful sound as they snapped into place.
“First mate, take the wheel,” Captain Wright barked, relinquishing control.
Nick threw his heart and mind into the work, but he found it impossible to shake off the feeling that he had wronged Captain Wright by not admitting his past to him. He had been raised by his Christian mother never to lie and never to avoid the truth in order to save yourself embarrassment. Yet here he was, keeping the truth from a good man who had taken a risk to give him a job.
Nick hadn’t said a word because he worried Captain Wright might rescind his job offer. Other captains had, so why would this man be any different? Of course, Nick had saved Elise from harm. It might be enough to keep the captain from changing his mind.
I have to tell him.
Nick glanced around. They were now in open water. He couldn’t imagine the captain would waste time turning back to port. Besides, the job was just a temporary one. Captain Wright needed him as much as Nick needed the job. Didn’t he?
The next day, the issue was still nagging at Nick’s conscience. He had to be honest and let the captain know exactly who he was and what he’d done. He worked while contemplating exactly how he’d manage his confession.
He saw Duran leaning against the rail doing nothing and approached him with a smile. “You’ll be helping with the painting, Duran. Sam will see that you get the tools you need.”
Duran’s eyes narrowed. “I know about you. I spent a lot of time on the Lakes and know all about the Polaris.”
Nick stiffened. “Right now I hope you know all about sanding and painting. Less talk and lounging about would serve you well.”
“I wonder if the rest of them know you were responsible for killing your crew.”
Nick wanted to punch the man in the nose. He stared hard at Duran, trying his best to show no emotion whatsoever. “Get to work, Duran.” He turned and spotted Sam coming toward him. “Sam, Mr. Duran needs help finding the sandpaper. Would you please assist him and then instruct him on his duties?”
Sam smiled. “Of course.”
“Cap’n said to join him in the galley. He wants to go over the ship’s upkeep.”
Nick hadn’t heard Tom approach. He turned to look at the boy as Sam ordered Duran to follow him. “You’re pretty stealthy.”
“You learn to walk soft when you live on the streets.”
“Understandable. Say, would you mind getting to work sanding the deckhouse? Captain wants to repaint it today.”
Tom gave a two-fingered salute. “I’ll see to it, Mr. Clark.”
Tom struck Nick as a hard worker with a guarded heart. No doubt the boy had been through a lot in life.
Nick opened the deckhouse door and went down the few stairs into the galley. He hadn’t seen it since breakfast, but already it was clean and orderly.
“You asked for me, Captain?”
“Indeed.” Captain Wright pointed to a chart on the table. “Are you familiar with the area?”
“I am. I’ve sailed many a time from Oswego to Chicago and beyond. I’ve even managed the trip to Duluth a few times.”
“Well, this time it’s just Detroit, but that’s enough.” The captain smiled. “Looks to be clear sailing today.”
Nick couldn’t stand it a moment longer. “Look, I have to say something. I should have spoken up sooner.” Nick lowered his head and breathed a prayer that the older man would extend grace. “I’ve made mistakes in my years on the water. I didn’t tell you, but I once captained my own ship. I made a big mistake just a few months back. A lapse in judgment.” He shook his head. “No, it was more than that. My pride got the best of me. It cost many lives, but even if it had only cost one, it would have been too many. I saw that a storm had formed to the southwest. It was moving to the northeast across Lake Michigan. I was certain I could stay clear of its path, so rather than take shelter, I kept moving. I had a schedule to keep, and we were already behind.”
Nick looked up and found Captain Wright staring straight ahead, his expression stoic. “The storm shifted and back built. By that time, I realized it was too late. While trying desperately to seek shelter, the wind and waves broke us apart. Eight men drowned. Only me and two others managed to survive.”
He waited for Captain Wright to say something, but the captain remained silent.
Nick continued. “My bad judgment cost the lives of those men. It’s not something I will ever forget or forgive myself for.”
“The book of Matthew says we must forgive others or God won’t forgive us. I tend to think that goes for ourselves as well,” the older man finally said.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Captain. I was afraid you wouldn’t hire me if you knew. I was so anxious to prove myself again, and no one would give me a chance.” Nick looked away. “I deeply regret it now and completely understand if you feel the need to put me off the Mary Elise.”
The older man studied him for a moment, then gave him a smile. “Nick, I knew about the Polaris. I remembered it the moment we met and I learned your name. I did ask around about you after I dropped you at the ship that day. I wanted to know if there was anything beyond that I should know. You had a stellar reputation prior to that storm.”
Nick tried to swallow the lump in his throat. The captain had known all along. It was hard to imagine he had known and said nothing. Perhaps it was a test.
“I’m glad you worked up the courage to tell me. That says a lot about your character, son. I’ve always been a good judge of a man. I credit God with giving me that gift. I like to give a fella a chance to redeem himself, because God knows He’s given me enough chances. You’re a good man, Nick. I’ve no doubt of it, just as I’ve no doubt that Duran is trouble. Still, I feel everyone deserves a chance.”
“So I can stay?” Nick asked, feeling a huge sense of relief wash over him.
“I need a mate, and you need to find forgiveness.” The captain scratched his graying beard. “I think we’ll be a good match.” He paused and glanced at the door. “Duran, on the other hand, is more troubling to me. I have a feeling he may cause problems for more than Tom.”
“Why did you take him on if you discerned he was trouble?”
“I just felt I was supposed to. I can’t really explain it, but he came begging for a job, and I felt the nudge to hire him on. He hadn’t eaten in days and was positively desperate.” The captain shook his head. “Sometimes it’s like that. I want to give him a chance, but at the same time I don’t want him causing problems for the men. Just keep an eye open.”
“Will do.”
“Now, I want to go over what we’ll be doing in regard to maintaining the ship. The men were already busy with the hold while we were delayed with the wedding. They did a good job, and no doubt we’ll pass any inspection. Besides the painting, there are sails that need mending and ropes that need to be changed out or repaired. I’ll leave that to your care.”
“Of course.”
The captain gave further instructions, but Nick was so relieved over his knowing the truth that he didn’t mind at all. There was always a lot of work to do, and frankly, in that moment, Nick felt so happy and grateful that he could have taken it all on himself.
Chapter 3
Elise stretched in bed. The pain was minimal. She’d been certain it would pass quickly, an
d she was right. Unfortunately, it was too late to prove her condition to anyone. Her father was well underway on his trip to Detroit.
From the look of the light shining in through her window, it must be nearly eight o’clock. She wasn’t used to sleeping so late, but the doctor had plied her with medicine again, and it had made her drowsy. There would be no more of that.
She sat up and listened for a moment. The house was very quiet. She sighed, overcome by a sense of mourning to know the Mary Elise and her father had sailed away without her yesterday. It left her with such a sense of loss. She’d felt this same sense of emptiness when her mother died.
Mama loved living on the water almost as much as she loved Papa. She’d thought life on a ship to be an amazing and adventurous life—even the close calls. Mama had told Elise once that the storms were terrifying and energizing all at once. It gave her a determination to live each minute to its fullest because one never knew when they’d be called home. She’d been right. God had taken her nearly without warning. One day she was fine, and the next sick with a fever and dying. By the time they’d reached port, Mama was dead, and Elise and her father were left to grieve.
Elise thought again of Caroline and her accusations. Had Elise been trying to mother her sister? She supposed it was possible. She had pledged to care for her father and to see that the crew of the Mary Elise had the same care and comfort her mother had provided. She had worked hard to fill Mama’s shoes by being good to the crew. She baked cookies all the time, just as Mama had. She fixed the crew’s favorite foods and made sure they always had clean clothes. Her workload had more than doubled after her mother’s death, but that was all right. Elise knew her father needed her more than ever.
Of course, if Caroline had been there, they could have each taken on duties and shared the load. Was that why Elise felt so angry with her sister? She remembered Caroline’s commands to undo her buttons. Her sister was demanding and expected to be cared for. Elise had never had that luxury, but Caroline seemed born to it.
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