The words were sincere enough, but Nick didn’t believe them. There was a look in Duran’s eyes that suggested next time it would be the boy going overboard instead of the harmonica. Nick vowed then and there to keep a close watch on the big man.
“Nick, come have a cup of coffee with me,” the captain said once the matter was concluded.
They walked in silence to the deckhouse. Captain Wright noted Sam at the helm and gave him a nod. They made their way to the galley, where Elise was busy rolling out pie dough.
She beamed at her father. “Hello, Papa.” She stopped long enough to give him a big kiss on the cheek. “How’s my favorite man?”
“Not too bad. We had to break up a fight.”
“A fight? On the Mary Elise?”
Nick could tell by her tone that this was a most unusual event. Her father grabbed a mug and gave one to Nick. “Aye. The new man threw young Tom’s harmonica overboard. Russ didn’t care for that, and the fight was on.”
“Well, I guess so,” Elise declared. “I wouldn’t have tolerated that either. How dare Mr. Duran do such a thing? How heartless.”
“He said he had a bad headache,” her father replied. “It was a mistake and he apologized, although how sincerely remains to be seen. He said he’d buy Tom a new harmonica.”
“And well he should, but what if that harmonica had been a gift or an heirloom?” Elise shook her head. “There’d be no replacing that.”
Nick poured himself a cup of coffee. “I just don’t trust him.”
The captain came and filled his cup as well. Nick caught Elise’s compassionate gaze as she watched her father. “Some men have a hard time finding peace within themselves.”
Her father nodded and took a seat at the far end of the table. “That’s for certain.”
Nick sat and sampled the coffee. Elise certainly had a way with making it. It always seemed to taste fresh and strong but without the bitterness that often came in the stoutness of the brew.
“Well, I’ll get back to my work, or we’ll have no pie for dessert tomorrow.” She left them to their discussion.
Nick smiled and watched her walk away. He found her intriguing.
“She’s a fine woman,” her father declared as if knowing full well where Nick’s thoughts had taken him.
“She is. I’m surprised she can keep such a softness to her spirit.” He looked at the captain, not even trying to hide his feelings. “She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever known . . . save maybe my mother.”
“Her death must have been hard for you.”
“It was, but even harder on my two younger sisters. I was fourteen, but they were only twelve and nine.”
The captain nodded with the cup halfway to his mouth. “That’s a time girls need their mother, to be sure.”
“My father had little patience for the tears and questions. He ended up sending us all to boarding school in Virginia. He said it had already been planned, but I know Mother would never have allowed it. I once confronted him about it when I was eighteen. He admitted he had lied and then asked me what purpose it served for me to have him admit it.”
“And what did you reply?”
Nick remembered the moment as if it were yesterday. “I was angry at him and myself. I wasn’t sure exactly why I’d asked the question, since I already knew the answer. I told him I really didn’t know. Maybe I was hoping to embarrass him. Make him accountable. Maybe even force him to issue an apology. He told me I was a fool to concern myself with it when there were so many more important issues between us. It taught me something about forcing people to admit their lies.”
“What was that?”
Nick met the captain’s eyes. “A true liar doesn’t care about getting caught. He’ll have some excuse for you because he’s already validated it for himself. Satan is the father of lies, and the lie itself never matters to him. He’s after the finished result.”
“That’s true enough. Rather like our Mr. Duran. He doesn’t mind giving a false apology. The end result is all that matters to him.” Captain Wright tossed back the rest of his coffee. “I wanted to give him a chance to change. God gave me a chance and a good woman, and I did come to my senses. He could do the same for Duran.”
“He could.”
“But you aren’t overly hopeful of that happening, are you?”
“No.” Nick glanced at the end of the room where Elise hummed and sliced up apples. “I think he’s dangerous and deceptive. Furthermore, I think he enjoys causing an uproar. He loves the chaos. He’ll play the men against one another at the first opportunity.”
“And that’s where we differ. I always tried to avoid people and conflict. I wanted no part of them or their troubles. I would have been content to just manage my own affairs and have nothing more to do with people.”
“That, I understand. When I left home at eighteen, I was bitter and angry at my father’s actions. He disowned me and demanded I leave the house, and I did. Not even saying good-bye. When I signed on to my first ocean schooner, I had no idea what I was doing or how hard the work would be. The first week my hands bled and swelled. I never had enough sleep and swore I’d never adjust to the schedule. The second week was hardly any better, but after a while, the routine became normal, and there was something healing in the ocean air and rhythm of the ship in full sail. As time went by, the men around me became family, and thoughts of home were replaced.” He stopped and cradled his cup. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to go on.”
“Don’t apologize. I like knowing my men. A captain needs to know his men, wouldn’t you agree?”
“I would.” Nick stared at the coffee in his mug. “He needs to know them as well as he knows the ship—because they are the ship.”
Elise finished her duties by placing a large platter of cookies in the center of the galley table. After baking the pies, she had baked several dozen cookies in between washing up dishes and pots. She had a regular routine for everything, and when things went just as she planned, it was as if the world was in perfect order.
She put away her cleaning supplies, then locked the pantry. She trusted the men for the most part to leave the pantry foods alone, but there was no need to make it a temptation or challenge. Duran came to mind, and as if thinking of him could make him materialize, he walked down the stairs and gave her a smile.
“And there’s our pretty little cook. Seems we never get any time alone. God must have heard my prayers.”
“Oh really, Mr. Duran. You pray?” Elise asked after securing the lock. She turned to face him. “There are cookies on the table and coffee on the stove.”
“I was thinking something more hearty would do the job. Maybe a sandwich or two.”
“You know there are some leftovers on the shelf and other foods that you’re allowed to eat.”
“But I don’t see any of that ham we had for supper. I think that would make the perfect sandwich.”
“That ham has been designated for another dish we’re having tomorrow.”
She tried to sweep past him, but he took hold of her and pulled her into his arms. “Maybe I’ll just nibble on you instead.” He leaned down as if to kiss her.
Elise stomped down on his booted foot and pulled away.
Duran just laughed. “You don’t weigh enough to make a dent in my boot.” He tightened his hold and bent her backward. “I’ve been looking forward to this.”
She saw that his intent was to kiss her lips and turned away with a scream. Duran shifted his hold and put his hand over her mouth, but thankfully her single call for help was enough. Several of the men showed up en masse, making it hard for them to pour into the galley at once. Seeing the problem, they were shocked into inactivity, except for Nick and her father.
“Unhand her,” Nick said, pushing Duran aside.
He released Elise so fast that she didn’t have time to get her footing and started to fall. Nick easily caught her and pulled her away from Duran.
Elise watched as her father stood nearly nose to n
ose with Duran despite Papa being a couple of inches shorter.
“My daughter is not to be handled. Do you understand me?”
“We were just engaging in a little fun.” He winked at Elise. “I came for a midnight snack.”
“Well, seeing as how it’s not even close to midnight, I’d suggest you get back to whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing. Or I can find something for you.”
Duran was unmoved by the underlying threat. “Beggin’ your pardon, but it’s my own time, Captain.”
“Then it doesn’t include my daughter.” Papa continued to stare the man down. “If we’re going to have continuous trouble with you, Duran, then I’m going to have to put you off the ship. This is your final warning. Do you understand?”
Duran’s jaw clenched, and his eyes narrowed. It was easy to see the hate in his eyes. Elise wished her father would just get rid of him once and for all.
She felt Nick’s hand tighten on her upper arm and glanced up at him. He appeared as angry as Duran. He looked down at her as if to ask what she wanted, and she smiled. “Your hold is steady but tight,” she whispered.
He seemed to realize all at once what he was doing. “I’m so sorry.” He let her go.
The other men began to file out of the deckhouse, seeing that Elise was all right. Papa, however, wasn’t finished with Duran. Once everyone but Elise and Nick had gone, he pointed his index finger at the seaman.
“You had better understand me. My daughter is off limits to you, and you will leave the other men alone, as well. Keep to yourself if you can’t keep your hands off of folks.”
Duran looked as if he was barely restraining himself. “Aye, aye . . . Captain.” Every syllable was punctuated.
“Good. Now get out of here. The deckhouse will be locked tonight, so be so kind as to put the plate of cookies by the wheel for the men.”
Elise wondered if Duran would obey the order. After a long moment he walked to the table and picked up the dish. He walked from the galley without another word. Elise shivered at the ugly scowl on his face. She had a feeling that none of this was over.
“Are you all right, daughter?” her father asked, a look of concern replacing his rage.
“I’m all right, thanks to all of you.” She smiled and gave her father a kiss on the cheek, and he bent down to hug her. “I recently commented on never having been attacked by a man at sea. I guess I can no longer say that.” She sobered. “I’m going to my cabin. My door will be locked.” She glanced at Nick and pulled away from her father. “Thank you both. Thank the men for me. Hopefully, Mr. Duran has learned that I have protectors.”
“If he hasn’t learned yet, he definitely will,” her father replied. “I hope he can swim.” His lips curled into a smile.
Elise knew her father would never throw anyone overboard, but the thought of it made her grin. “If not, it might serve him well to learn.”
Chapter 9
With their trip to Duluth nearly done, Nick tossed and turned as he tried to sleep. The winds had been stiff that day, and Nick couldn’t help but remember the storm that had claimed the Polaris. His sleep was filled with nightmares of the ship breaking apart and men slipping into the sea even as he reached for them. He woke in a cold sweat to the sound of other men snoring peacefully. How he wished he could put it all behind him.
He dressed and made his way up on deck. It was still dark—probably another hour before dawn. He pulled his coat close and made his way to the deckhouse. He wasn’t surprised to find Elise already busy at her work.
“Good morning.” Nick glanced around to see if her father was also present. He wasn’t.
“Good morning. You’re up early. Coming off of watch?” Elise asked, mixing some concoction in a bowl.
“No. Couldn’t sleep.”
She smiled and nodded. “It happens to everyone. Why don’t you sit down? The coffee will be ready soon.”
Nick did as she suggested but said nothing. She fascinated him, and though he tried not to be overly interested in her, Elise completely held his attention.
“I hear we’re due to dock later this afternoon in Duluth.” She set the big bowl on the counter and added several teaspoons of white powder. She went back to her stirring. “Duluth is definitely an interesting town.”
He nodded and watched her work. “What are you making?”
“Hot cakes. We’ll have these and sausages, and of course plenty of maple syrup. Papa got a large supply of Canadian syrup, and it’s quite tasty.”
“Sounds good.”
“It sticks to the ribs.”
She poured batter into the large cast iron skillet, then checked the coffee. Nick watched as she took up a mug and poured him a cup. She was so poised and perfect. Her black hair was plaited down her back, and her blue eyes seemed to sparkle. There was no sign that she’d had anything less than a perfect night’s sleep.
“Thanks.” He took the cup from her and held it for a moment. He watched as she went back to the stove, minding her steps as the ship’s rocking increased.
“The winds are picking up again,” she said, turning the cakes. “I hope there’s no storm on the horizon.”
“There weren’t any signs of such. I think we’ll be all right.” He sampled the coffee. “This is good. Thank you again.”
“Of course.” She smiled, causing his heart to do a flip.
“So you’ve been on the lakes all of your life, is that right?” he asked.
“Pretty much so. I’ve stayed a few weeks here and there on land, and of course in the winter the lakes freeze over, so we stay in Duluth.”
“Why there? Why not in Oswego with your uncle?”
“For that very reason—my uncle is there. He and my aunt would expect us to stay with them. Papa and even Mama always maintained they didn’t want to spend their winters pretending to be someone they weren’t, and they didn’t want Caroline and me to take on airs. Of course, Caroline did anyway.” Elise frowned and pulled the hot cakes from the pan. She quickly put them aside and poured more batter into the skillet.
“Are you and your sister close?”
“At one time we were.” Elise met his gaze. “We have so little in common now that I don’t feel that closeness. When Mama died, I thought maybe we’d be drawn together again, but Caroline says I’m seeking to fill our mother’s shoes by bossing her around.” She paused, looking thoughtful. “I don’t feel that’s what I was doing, but I could see her taking it that way. I do feel it’s right for me to take my mother’s place on the ship and to take care of Papa. Maybe I included Caroline in that plan.”
“Why do you feel it’s your job to take your mother’s place?” Nick hoped she didn’t mind such a personal question.
She flipped the hot cakes. “We’ve always been very close, my parents and I. When Mama fell ill, I promised her I wouldn’t leave Papa alone, that I’d take care of him and the men on the ship.” She shrugged. “I’ve always known it was what I’d do. I’ve never had any intention of leaving life on the lakes. I figure I’ll always be a cook and seamstress for the Mary Elise.”
“The men said you plan to never marry.”
Elise blushed and gave another shrug. “I made a promise to take care of Papa, and my own desires do not outweigh the need to remain faithful to it.”
“So you aren’t averse to marriage.”
“Of course not.” She put her attention on the cakes, and once she had quite a few on a cookie sheet, she opened the warming receptacle and put them inside. “But he’d have to be a seaman, and he’d have to pledge to stay on the Mary Elise until my father got too old to sail or died.” She gave a little laugh. “That’s why it’s easier to tell the men I’m married to the Mary Elise.”
Nick started to say something to that fact, but Elise changed the subject.
“Do you mind my asking you a question?”
“Not at all.”
She checked the clock and went to get another skillet from the counter. It already held several ro
ws of sausage links. She put it on one of the burners, then went to the woodbin for more fuel. “Why didn’t you want to work in your family business with your father?” She fed the wood into the stove, then moved it around with the poker.
“My father and I were never close. He was so consumed by the textile factory he had very little time for me. I was kept upstairs with a nanny until I was twelve, then allowed to come to the family dinner table unless my parents had company. I was to be silent and refrain from any childish behavior. I was never to offer my opinion unless asked for it, nor to suggest topics for conversation. Frankly, it was more fun in the nursery with my sisters.”
“It sounds horrible, but in fact, I’ve had some experience with that. As children, Caroline and I ate in the nursery when we stayed with Uncle James. It wasn’t much fun, however. The nurse wouldn’t allow us to speak or play. We were to sit up straight, napkins in our laps, and learn how to be little adults.”
He gave her a sad nod. “Yes. That’s it exactly. And it’s not that I don’t understand the importance of order at the table. I guess it just would have been nice to talk to my folks and other family members. As I grew older, I mentioned this to my father. He said as children we had nothing to offer adult conversation. Our presence at the table was merely tolerated.”
“How sad. My folks always asked Caroline and me what we thought, what we had done that day, what we had learned. They knew full well what we had done, since we lived very tight aboard a schooner.” She put more cakes into the warmer, then went back to add more lard in the skillet. “I loved that Papa would tell us what was going on with the ship. Caroline hated learning about it, but I didn’t. I enjoyed setting sails and helping with the ship’s upkeep. As I saw it, it was the duty of each of us to make the ship ready at all times. It was our home, after all.”
“I’ll bet you make a good hand.”
“I am just as able as most men. I get out there and help hoist the anchor alongside the others, and I’m pretty strong.”
He grinned. “I don’t doubt it.”
Waiting on Love Page 9
