“Wright. Her name is Elise Wright,” Louis answered.
Franklin nodded. “I’m sorry, Miss Wright. I overstepped my bounds.”
“You most certainly did, but I accept your apology.”
Louis put his hand on Franklin’s shoulder. “Let’s get you out of here.” The two men headed for the French doors.
Nick turned to Elise. “Are you certain you’re all right?”
She flipped her single braid back over her shoulder. “I’m fine. I learned early on to defend myself.”
“Where did you learn to do what you just did?”
“Papa.” She grinned. “Isn’t it grand?”
Nick laughed. “I doubt Franklin feels the same way.”
She giggled. “No, I believe he was much too surprised to find me rejecting his touch. I think before we leave today, I shall teach Etta how to perform this trick.”
This amused Nick even more. “It’s wonderful you can take care of yourself.”
“But equally wonderful you were ready to come rescue me. Thank you.” She motioned to her apron full of pickings. “I shall have to sort these out in the kitchen. I’ll see you at dinner.” She started for the kitchen door. “Don’t forget to find my father. He’ll help you dress in whatever clothes my aunt has laid out for you. It can be quite daunting.”
Nick gave a nod. “I grew up dressing formally. I won’t have any trouble with it so long as your aunt can furnish the clothes.”
Elise stopped and came back to where Nick stood. “I think she has whole rooms full of clothes just for such an occasion. I believe this so firmly”—she lowered her voice to a whisper—“that should I request a wedding gown, she would simply snap for the maid to retrieve one. Probably more than one.”
Nick momentarily imagined her dressed in white satin and lace. He smiled. “I’m sure you’re right.”
She shrugged. “So am I.”
She left him with the vision of her gowned for a wedding. Nick thought it odd that such a vision should haunt him. He would need to tighten his grip on his emotions. After all, the young woman had said more than once that she never intended to marry, and to be honest, Nick had no plan for such things either. He could provide very little as a disgraced ship’s captain and the disowned son of a textile-industry baron.
Chapter 6
It was so good to be home on theMary Elise. Ever since she’d departed for her uncle’s house and sister’s wedding, Elise had missed her galley and the tiny cabin she called her own. As the grandeur and richness of her uncle’s house faded away, Elise felt her spirit calm. This was where she belonged. Here she didn’t have to worry about wearing uncomfortable clothes or putting on airs. Here was a world she understood and loved. Why did Caroline so love that other world? There was nothing there to remind her of their parents. No pleasant childhood memories or amusing anecdotes. They had stayed with their aunt and uncle on occasion growing up, but most of what Elise remembered was feeling confined and limited by the rules. And while there were also rules on the ship—life-and-death rules—they never seemed as imposing or unnecessary.
Leaving her bags on the bunk bed, Elise went to inspect her kitchen. To her surprise, she found everything in order and clean. She smiled. The boys knew how she kept things, and they had worked to do the same. It touched her heart that they caredenough to try. She opened the ice chest and found new blocks of ice and all the meat she’d ordered.
“I got the stuff you purchased and put it away where it belongs,” Sam Matthews, the second mate, announced coming into the galley. “You shouldn’t have any trouble finding things.”
“Thanks so much, Sam. How’s it been without me on board?”
“Boring without your company and torturous without your good food.” The older man smiled, revealing several missing teeth. “Although I was surprised to learn that young Tom can make a pretty decent fish chowder. Made good biscuits too. Said you taught him.”
“I did.” Elise reached for her apron. “He learns fast. I told him he might need those skills one day. I’m glad he remembered.”
“Well, I for one am just glad to have you back. The rest of us don’t cook quite so good.”
She smiled. “We’ll have a bunch of favorites in the days to come. I stocked up on all the necessities and then some.”
“Don’t I know it. I was the one putting it all away.”
Elise reached over and felt his arm. “Seems you had such a workout that you developed muscles. I guess I’ll have to bake you a reward.”
“Peach cobbler?” he asked.
She grinned. “But of course. What other reward is there for you?”
