Shadow of a Life

by Tifani Clark

CHAPTER 10

  Spring and Summer of 1888

  Spring had once again found Virginia, but no matter how many wildflowers blossomed and released their scents into the air, Sophia could not bring herself to be happy. Her father would never give his blessing for her to marry Nick. All she could think about was running away, but she could never support herself on the miniscule amount of money she had saved from sewing for people in town. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that their only option was to con the con man. Somehow she would have to convince Nick to run away with her when he once again returned to port.

  Elsa was more nervous and jittery during the men’s second absence. She paced the house often and would sometimes stand at the window, staring at the bumpy road running past their home, as if she were waiting for someone to come. She was so distracted that she didn’t even care when Sophia slacked on her chores.

  One evening while Sophia was cutting potatoes for dinner there was a rough knock at the door. The sun was low and shadows danced across the room, making ordinary objects appear different somehow. Sophia’s eyes widened in surprise as she spied Elsa cowering in a shadowy corner with one hand clutching her apron hem and the other covering her mouth, her face betraying the concern she felt. Sophia eyed her mother suspiciously before opening the door.

  “Good evening, ma’am,” the gentlemen at the door said.

  “Good evening to you, too, sir.”

  “I have a telegram for Mrs. Jeremiah Goodwin.”

  Sophia raised her eyebrows and glanced in her mother’s direction as she heard the tiniest of whimpers escape the shadowy corner.

  “Thank you for bringing it all the way out here, sir. May I interest you in a drink or a bite to eat before you take your leave?”

  “Thank you for your kindness, ma’am, but I need to be on my way. Good day.” The gentleman tipped his hat toward Sophia and walked away.

  “Give it to me,” Elsa whispered, stepping from her corner.

  Sophia obliged and handed over the small envelope.

  Elsa held it for a moment before finally tearing into it with trembling hands.

  Sophia watched her mother’s odd behavior curiously and saw as the expression on her face changed from fear to relief.

  “All is well with the ship. Your father and the crew are faring well and, more importantly, making money.”

  And that was the end of the conversation.