“That’s the way your mother saw it. She held nothing against anyone. She told me as much whenever I snuck away to see her when theMary Elisewas in port. She gave me her assurance and love. I’ll never forget when she proudly presented you. Your father had delivered you on the ship.”
“Yes. He always said I was a water baby.” She smiled. “I could swim before I could walk.”
The older man laughed. “I’ve no doubt of that.”
Elise felt her spirits lift. “It was such a good life, Uncle. I don’t want you ever to worry that it wasn’t. I’m sure my sister told you horrible stories of her misery, but I have loved my life at sea—even if I didn’t learn how to stroll in the garden or ride a horse.”
“I can see my Martha has been after you. She believes it’s her job to secure you a husband.”
“Well, she can relax her search. I don’t plan to marry. I promised Mama I would take care of Papa. Until he no longer needs me, I am bound to see to his needs.”
Uncle James frowned. “I doubt your mother meant for you to forsake true love in order to care for an aging parent. Your father would feel terrible knowing you refused a chance for the kind of love he had with your mother in order to take responsibility for him.”
Elise had never thought of it that way. “Well, who knows? Perhaps God will provide me with a man who will be happy to serve on theMary Elise.” An image of Nick came to mind. She smiled. “It is possible.”
Chapter 5
After enduring three additional dinner parties and a Fourth of July celebration, Elise was more than ready for her father’s return. Hearing that theMary Elisewas in port left her eager to return to the ship and get back to her routine. She could only imagine the mess the men had left in the galley. Donning her simpler clothes, Elise instructed Etta on packing.
“I won’t need any of these fancy dresses or beautiful undergarments and shoes. Please pack them for storage in the attic or wherever else my aunt would choose.”
“Yes, miss.” Etta started picking up the discarded gowns that lay across the back of a chair.
“I’ll put the clothes I want to take with me on the bed and can pack them myself when we get back.”
“Yes, miss.”
Elise knew Joe’s death was going to shock and devastate her father. They’d both had such hope that, after a couple of weeks of rest, Joe would be back on his feet. She whispered a prayer for him and pulled on a straw bonnet.
“My father and I will be going to pay our respects to Mrs.Brett, if anyone asks after me.” Elise knew her aunt Martha would be appalled that she was wearing a simple serge skirt and blouse. She didn’t want her aunt totally shamed, however, so she grabbed a pair of crocheted gloves.
“Yes, miss,” Etta said for the third time.
Elise had just reached the top of the stairs when she heard Mrs. Cavendish, the housekeeper, greet her father.
“Good day, Mr. Wright. Welcome back.”
“Thank you. How’s Elise?”
“I’m just fine, Papa.” Elise bounded down the stairs in a most unladylike fashion. “I told you I wasn’t really hurt. Just bruised.” She threw herself into his arms and hugged him close.
“It’s been a long trip without you,” he said as they embraced. “Meals were definitely not up to your standards.”
She pulled back and smiled. “Well, now you have me back.”
“What say we go over to Joe’s and see if he’s ready to be back on board?”
Elise couldn’t hide her look of sadness. She shook her head. “I’m so sorry to tell you this, Papa. Joe didn’t make it.”
“He’s dead?” Her father dropped his hold on her and seemed to search for the nearest chair.
He looked so pale that Elise feared he might be ill. She held fast to his arm. “I was going to suggest we go see Mrs. Brett right now.”
He nodded. “Yes, let’s do that. The walk will give me time to consider all of this.”
They headed out the door. Elise pulled on her gloves while her father re-secured his billed cap.
“I can hardly believe he’s gone. It’s a good thing I asked Nick to stay on.”
