“You did?” She tried not to sound too enthusiastic. Afterall, Papa had only just learned about his friend and former first mate. She reined in her happiness. “That was certainly wise.”
“I really like Nick. He’s a hard worker and gets along with everyone. Well, most everyone. I hired on another fella, Booker Duran, as a seaman. He hasn’t found his footing yet, and he’s managed to make each man mad over one thing or another. I’ll tell you more about him later.” He shook his head and lowered his gaze to the ground. “It seems everyone I care about is leaving me.”
“I’m not. You’re stuck with me,” Elise teased. “Oh, before we get there, I nearly forgot.” She paused to make sure she had her father’s attention. “I asked Uncle James to give me forty dollars for Joe’s final pay. I know you already paid him his salary, but I thought this could be like a bonus of sorts. They had to pay out so much to the doctor that I was afraid there might not be anything left.” They rounded the corner onto the cobblestone street where Joe’s family lived.
“You’re a good-hearted woman, Elise. Your mother would have done just the same.”
That comment pleased her more than she could say. “Uncle James was happy to do it and said you shouldn’t try to pay it back. He feels that since you’re partners in shipping, he has as much a right to help as you do. He had me tell Mrs. Brett that she could come to him with any need.”
“Your uncle is much like your mother.” Her father paused as they reached the Bretts’ house. He drew a deep breath. “This is a hard task to face, but it must be done.”
After their visit to Joe’s widow and children, Elise talked her father into doing some shopping for the ship. She’d have everythingdelivered and given to the second mate to oversee until she and Papa were back on board. Shopping with her father was something she enjoyed. He had often accompanied her mother when Elise was younger. Mother always preferred to pick out her own vegetables and fruits, as well as breads and meats.
“We’re bound for Duluth on this next trip, so we’ll need plenty of food. I don’t want to make any stops because you ran out of something.”
Elise laughed. “I’ve made a list while waiting for you to return. Uncle James told me we were to be back on our regular schedule, taking coal to Duluth and bringing back grain.”
“It’s a good living and steady work. Folks always need coal and grain,” her father said.
They went to one shop after another until Elise had arranged for everything, including a pair of bloomers. Her father, despite grieving the loss of his first mate, smiled at the scene she described.
“I can even climb the rigging if need be. Can you imagine the surprise of the men when I cast my skirt aside?”
“You’ll be a sight for sure. They’ll no doubt worry that you’re paradin’ around in your underclothes.”
She hooked her arm through his. “They’re full and dark blue. They look nothing like undergarments. Say, can we spare some money for a dish of ice cream?” she asked, spying a little shop just ahead. The day was quite warm, and the iced treat sounded refreshing. Plus, she wanted a little more time alone with her father.
“Of course we can. For you, I’d find a way even if I didn’t have the money.”
They had been at the shop for just a few minutes when Elise saw Nick walk by outside. Her father rapped on the window toget his attention. When Nick saw them, a big grin broke across his face, and he quickly joined them.
“I need to talk to you. Care for a dish of ice cream? My treat,” Papa said.
“I would. Thank you.” Nick took a seat between Elise and her father.
Papa went to the counter, and Elise explained the situation. “I should let my father tell you, but our first mate Joe Brett ... passed away. You are definitely needed now more than ever.”
Nick frowned. “The leg worsened?”
“Yes. The infection moved quickly to the blood. The doctor couldn’t save him. Papa saw Joe’s widow just an hour ago.”
Her father rejoined them. “I hope you like it with chocolate syrup,” he announced.
“I do,” Nick replied and looked to Elise.
“Oh, he knows how much I like it. I sometimes make my own chocolate syrup on theMary Elise, and we eat it on cake instead of me making frosting.”
It was only a few minutes before a young lady brought three dishes of ice cream and syrup on a tray. “Will there be anything else?”
“Not for the time,” Elise’s father replied. The girl gave a curtsy and exited with her tray under her arm.
“I’ll ask grace,” Papa said. He prayed a blessing on the food, on his companions, and on the ship.
“I hope you don’t mind, Papa, but I told Nick about Joe.”
Her father nodded. “A total and complete surprise. He was doing so much better. I honestly expected to return and find him playing horsey with his children. They’re so young to be without a father.”
“What a tragedy.”
