If any one of those factors had been different, this man and his dog would have both drowned.
Liza watched them for a moment from the door, both sleeping peacefully.
God works in mysterious ways, Claire always said. It certainly seemed true today.
Chapter Two
AS Daniel had instructed, Claire and Liza took turns for the next few hours checking on Nolan and Edison. When the soup was done, Claire set a bowl of it on a tray, alongside a dish of fluffy biscuits and a small pot of tea.
Good, nourishing food and plenty of rest. A simple prescription, but that’s what a body needed most of all to restore itself. Nature was remarkable. Claire believed the human system could heal and repair itself completely, given the right attention and encouragement. That was the way God made the world and every living thing in it.
As she quietly entered the room, observing man and dog, she sensed that they were already drawing peace and comfort from their surroundings. Coming along nicely, Claire thought, setting the tray on a bedside table. Nolan Porter will be up and about by tomorrow. And the dog, even sooner.
The big brown Lab had lifted his head to watch her, then quietly beat his tail on the floor. He likes me, Claire realized. Feeling flattered, she bent down to pat Edison’s head. Must be the attention I gave him . . . or the dog bed. Or he smells the soup?
When she stood up, Nolan was watching her. His eyes were open, though he had not lifted his head from the pillow.
“Hello, Nolan. Feeling any better?” Claire stood at the foot of the bed and smiled.
“I am, actually.” He sat up and blinked, then whisked his hair back with his hand. “How long have I been sleeping?”
“Oh . . . an hour or two. Are you hungry? I’ve brought you some soup and biscuits . . . and some tea. Maybe your stomach is queasy from the seawater?”
“A bit,” he admitted, tilting his head. “But that food sure smells good.” He gazed at the tray with a hungry look Claire knew very well.
“Why don’t you try some? Maybe just some soup to start.” She had brought a lap tray for the bed and set it up for him, then carefully placed the food on it.
Nolan surveyed the offering with a pleased expression. He picked up the checkered cloth napkin and tucked it into the collar of the spare sweatshirt Daniel had found for him.
“Funny how drowning builds up an appetite,” he joked as he dipped his spoon into the soup.
“It makes perfect sense. You were fighting the ocean for your life. The ocean is a formidable opponent. Bound to be tiring.” Claire saw Nolan agree with a nod of his head as he bit into a biscuit.
“Hmm. Delicious . . . very fluffy. Are these homemade?”
“Fresh from the oven. We do all our cooking and baking right here at the inn.”
“Is that where I’ve landed, at an inn?” He looked around at the room. “I thought it might be. But I wasn’t sure.”
“Sorry. We should have told you.” Claire nearly laughed at the omission. She took a seat in the armchair near the bed and smoothed her apron over her lap. “The Inn at Angel Island. That’s where you’ve landed. I’m the housekeeper and cook . . . and general second-in-command. Liza Martin is the owner and manager. She inherited the inn from her aunt, Elizabeth Dunne. I cooked for her, too, for many years.”
“I see . . . And Daniel, the man who saved me . . . is he Liza’s husband?”
Claire smiled again, a bit wider this time. Not yet, she might have answered. Though all signs seemed to point that way. Those two loved each other; had been in love for years, Claire was sure. But there were some questions yet to answer, obstacles to resolve. With love, hope, patience . . . and God’s help . . . she prayed they would find their way.
Of course, she couldn’t tell Nolan Porter all that right now. Instead she said, “No, Daniel and Liza are not married, though they’ve been dating for a while. Daniel helps around here a lot. He’s a wonderful carpenter and can fix just about anything.”
Nolan nodded and patted his chin with the napkin. “That’s a fine and practical talent, fixing things. I’m pretty handy myself. Built my boat,” he added with a hint of pride, and also a bit of sadness, Claire noted. Before she could comment, he added, “Any news of the vessel? Did Daniel find it?”
Claire sat up and leaned toward the bed. “He did. I should have told you that first thing. He’s not back yet, but he called and told Liza that he found the boat. He and a friend are trying to pull it up out of the water. I understand it’s not far from here.”
“That’s good news. I might be able to recover some of my belongings.”
“You might. We’ll help you. Maybe tomorrow, when you feel stronger.” Nolan didn’t reply. He seemed lost in thought, staring down at the empty bowl.
“So you were sailing down from Maine? That’s quite an ambitious trip, isn’t it?”
He looked up again, called back from his wandering thoughts by her question. “I suppose. I didn’t have any set destination in mind; just exploring. I’m a college professor—engineering and physics at Carlisle University. I have summers off and often take my boat out for a long cruise.”
Claire nodded. She’d heard of Carlisle. It was a very good school with a strong slant toward technology, just outside of Portland. “Sounds wonderful. Summer is my busy season. Then again, living here, you feel as if you’re on vacation all year long.”
Nolan smiled briefly. “I suppose you might. I’ve heard of this island but never visited. I didn’t even mean to visit this time,” he added with a laugh. “I should have headed for port sooner, when I noticed the weather turning. I don’t know what I was thinking . . . or not thinking. Of all people, I should know better. Sailing is all about energy. The universe is all about energy. Going with it. Or against it. Making it work for you . . . Now I’ve wrecked my boat, but I’m a better sailor than that. I really am,” he added, as if pleading his case to her.
Claire nodded sympathetically. He was rambling a bit. She would tell Daniel. Maybe he had a fever or had struck his head.
Mainly, he’d had a shock, she realized, a grave shock. He had already told them that the boat was all he had left in the world. It was hard to wake up in a strange place and learn that you had nearly drowned and lost just about all of your possessions.
“I’m sure you’re a very good sailor. You’d have to be to build a boat,” she said with sympathy. “Daniel says it’s not too badly damaged. A hole in the hull or something.”
“And the mast for the mainsail is gone. I remember that. The wind snapped it like a toothpick.” He sighed, his lips curled in a tight line, his shoulders sagging. “It’s not just the boat . . . This is just like me. I’ve wrecked my life. Hard to explain, but . . . I create my own worst problems. Can’t outrun the weather in time. Can’t get out of my own way. I’m sure the world would not have given much notice if the sea had swallowed me up entirely.” He leaned over and glanced fondly at his dog. “I don’t know that anyone would miss me . . . except for good old Edison.”
Claire was shocked by his words. She leaned forward and rested a comforting hand on his arm. “Now, now. Don’t even say that, Nolan. You’ve had an awful shock, a harrowing experience. As for your boat and your troubles . . . believe me, there are few things in the world that can’t be repaired or revised. If God’s made a problem, He’s made a solution to it, too. There’s always some solution,” she promised.
Nolan finally lifted his head and looked up at her. Though he didn’t reply, she felt her words had lit a tiny spark of encouragement.
“Is there anyone you’d like to call? A relative or a friend?” she asked.
Nolan carefully considered his answer, though Claire didn’t see that the question required much thought. She knew who she would reach out to if she were in trouble. She had an entire list in her head. And in her purse, on a tiny note stuck right behind her license.
Most people did. But finally Nolan shook his head. “There’s no one. I’m alone. Lost my wife a few years ago, and . . . there were no children.”
He did sound quite solitary. Claire wondered about brothers or sisters, or even friends. But she didn’t want to pry.
“All right. Just thought I’d ask. As for the rest of it, for now I think it’s best if you put all your troubles out of your mind and get some more rest. Get your strength back. Things will look better when you feel like yourself again.”
Nolan rubbed his stubbly chin with his hand. “Maybe. I do feel tired. I guess I will sleep some more.”
As he began to slip down under the covers, Edison stood up and trotted over to the edge of the bed. He rested his head on the quilt, in between Claire and Nolan.
“Edison . . . you never give up on me, do you, old friend?” Nolan’s expression suddenly brightened as he gently stroked the dog’s soft head and ears. “Thank goodness I didn’t lose my first mate. He’s my best friend, adviser, and confidante,” he told Claire. “Worth his weight in gold and then some.”
“I can see that,” Claire agreed. “I’m sure he doesn’t know what he’d do without you, either. He hasn’t let you out of his sight.”
“We’re a pair. Inseparable.” He looked up at Claire. “I don’t suppose you’d have any leftover bits down in the kitchen? He’s not at all fussy, but he’s probably hungry by now.”
“Already thought of that. I put aside plenty of scraps from the soup. I never met a dog who didn’t like chicken.”
“You aren’t about to, either,” he replied with a laugh, patting Edison’s head. “I don’t know what we did to deserve such wonderful care and generosity. Are you sure I didn’t drown . . . and this is some better place?”
Claire had to laugh at his question and the odd, almost serious look on his face. “No, sir. Nothing as mysterious as that going on, I promise you. Though they do say that when a person comes close to losing their life in the sea, it changes them. It’s like a new beginning, a second chance, once you come out of the ocean’s jaws.”
“Really? I’ve never heard that before.” Nolan’s thick brows drew together.
“Just a bit of folklore.” Claire shrugged and came to her feet. “But worth pondering.”
“Yes . . . it is.” He sighed and made himself comfortable under the covers again. Claire could see he was tired. “Thank you, Claire. And thank you for the soup . . . and the conversation. I appreciate your kind attentions.”
Claire was in the doorway, carrying out the tray. “You’re very welcome. It’s the least we can do.”
She wasn’t sure he heard her. His eyes had already closed, and he may have already fallen back asleep.
As Claire left the room, she noticed Edison following her.
Had he actually understood her mention of the chicken scraps? Or was he simply following the scent of the empty soup bowl?
More where that came from, he might be thinking, applying some canine logic.
“Yes, there is something for you, down in the kitchen,” Claire said aloud to the dog as they walked downstairs. “I even found you a bowl. And a spot where it won’t be in the way.”
Back in the kitchen, Claire set the tray down and quickly served Edison. He had very nice manners, she noticed, and sat at attention, waiting for her to set the food on the floor and step back. Once he started eating, she could see he was quite hungry.
“You enjoy that. You’ve had a rough time out in the water today, too. There’s more for you later. And maybe I can find a bit of rope somewhere and take you out for some fresh air. The sun’s come out already. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind a little walk outside, right?”
Edison sat and looked at her with a dignified air. She was sure if he could talk, he would answer, and maybe even confide more about the problems that weighed so heavily on his master’s heart.
Nolan’s troubles drew her sympathy. But she was also sure that his survival today was something of a miracle. Daniel had fished Nolan out of the water, but it had really been God’s hand, dipping into the sea to save him. She knew in her heart he’d been saved for some reason. A good reason.
* * *
SINCE there were no guests at the inn besides Nolan—and he wasn’t even a bona fide guest at that—Claire set the table in the kitchen for dinner. The task of bringing Nolan’s boat in had proved more complicated than expected, and Daniel worked with his friends for hours. Claire was just putting the finishing touches on the table setting when Daniel finally returned, walking into the kitchen through the back door.
“Well, it’s all done, finally.” He shrugged off his windbreaker and hung it on a hook in the mudroom. “The boat took on a lot of water. But I’ve seen worse.”
“Good job. But you must be chilled to the bone, out on the water all day. Dinner in a minute. I’ll make you a cup of tea.” Without waiting for Daniel’s answer, Claire put on the kettle.
Liza walked in as Daniel was giving his news. “I just checked on Nolan. He’s awake. Maybe you should go up and give him the news.”
“Good idea. I’ll go right up.”
Before Liza could reply, a voice sounded from the doorway.
“No need. I’m right here.”
Liza was the first to turn to him. “Nolan . . . I thought you were going to stay in bed.”
“I can bring your dinner up. No trouble at all,” Claire chimed in.
“No need to wait on me. I’m coming around. Better to get some blood circulating in this old body than lie abed all day.”
“As long as you feel up to it, it is better to get up.” Daniel rose and pulled out a chair for Nolan to sit in. Edison padded softly behind his master, then curled up at his feet, beneath the table.
“Well, what’s the verdict? Give it to me straight.” Nolan’s expression was solemn as he sat across from Daniel.
“Your boat took on a lot of water, Nolan. There’s a large gash in the hull and the mast cracked off, about six feet above the deck.”
“Yes . . . I remember that. Unfortunately.”
“You didn’t lose the sail,” Daniel added, trying to strike a more positive note. “It was dragging behind on a line. We drained the cabin as best we could, and a lot of your belongings floated out. But there are still belongings inside to sift through. Some of it might be salvageable.”
“There’s a locked cupboard in the front cabin . . . It didn’t open, did it?” Nolan asked eagerly.
Daniel thought for a moment. “Hard to say. I didn’t go inside. But we pulled your boat up on dry land, near the dock down the road. I’ll take you there tomorrow and you can check for yourself.”
Nolan took a breath and sat back in his seat. “I would appreciate that.”
“No problem. I’m happy to help,” Daniel said sincerely.
Liza and Claire set out bowls and platters for dinner. Claire had made flounder roasted with lemon butter and capers, fresh spinach, and small, red roasted potatoes.
“This looks delicious, Claire. As usual,” Daniel said.
“Yes, it does,” Nolan agreed. He looked at Claire. “Thank you for preparing this beautiful meal . . . and thank you all for rescuing me. I’m not sure if I ever said it, but I know I can’t thank you all enough for your help. Or for your hospitality in this lovely place.”
“You’re welcome to stay as long as you like,” Liza assured him. “I’m sure it will take a few days to look through your boat and get new identification . . . and get your life sorted out.”
Nolan stared at her a moment and shook his head with a wry smile. “More than a few, I’m afraid. I don’t have much money, and my entire life seems . . . well, at low tide right now.”
“Because you damaged your boat?” Claire asked.
“Partly . . . but—” He paused and looked down at his dish, which was still empty. “When you asked w
hat I did for a living this morning, I must confess, I didn’t tell the entire truth. I am a college professor. I teach physics and I also hold a degree in engineering. But I’d have to clarify that I’m an unemployed professor right now. I was fired in May, when the semester ended.”
Liza was surprised by the admission. “That’s too bad. Didn’t you have tenure?”
“I did. But that doesn’t protect you entirely. It was department politics, more or less,” he added with a sigh.
Liza sensed the admission embarrassed him, and that he didn’t want to go into the details. But she guessed it had been more than department politics and that Nolan must have done something quite outrageous to have lost his tenured position. On the other hand, he seemed such a pleasant, even gentle, person. She couldn’t imagine what his egregious misstep might have been.
“Losing my job would have been bad enough . . . but I also lost my home. My wife left me, too, at about the time I lost the house. She got quite frustrated with all the setbacks. All due to a certain situation . . . a legal situation that took over my life like a strangling vine, overtaking everything in sight . . .” He sighed heavily. Liza looked around at the others, but no one spoke, waiting for Nolan to continue. “I had a little workshop and laboratory on the property, in an old barn. That’s where I built the Ariadne. I named her after the clever princess in the Greek myth about the Minotaur. She’s the only one who figures out how to outsmart the monster so that her lover, Prince Theseus, can kill it and escape with his life.”
“I remember that story. She gives Theseus a thread to lead him in and out of the winding passages in the labyrinth,” Claire recalled.
Harbor of the Heart Page 3
