“That’s because although Uncle James is family, his world is not ours.”
“No, that’s for certain.” He frowned as she came to the table. “I heard what happened in the garden.”
Elise sat down beside him. “I’m fine. I suppose Nick told you?”
“No, actually Louis apologized for his friend, and when I asked what he was talking about, he told me everything.”
“I’ve lived all of my life at sea in the company of men other than family, and not one of them has ever acted in such an accosting manner. This young man was raised in ‘proper’ society and acted far more uncivilized. He thought I was a maid and therefore his behavior was acceptable. He said something like, ‘Maids are supposed to serve.’ I showed Etta how to do that flip you taught me. She told me the men who visit the house often try to take liberties with the female maids.”
“That is appalling. If he was my son, I would have whipped him good for such behavior.” Her father shook his head and started on his second cookie.
“You would have had to beat Mama to it.” Elise chuckled. “She never tolerated anything but the highest respect. I remember she once had you fire a man for his lewd behavior onshore.”
“I told her what the men did on shore leave was their business, but she told me it would only be a matter of time until he was trying such things on board. I couldn’t have that happening.”
“You’ve always looked after us, Papa. You’ve kept us safe. Now that Mama’s gone, I promise I will take good care of you.”
“But you should have a family of your own. A husband and children.” Although he spoke the words, Elise heard no conviction in his voice. She knew he was happy to have her by his side.
“It’s in God’s hands, and I believe He’s called me to take care of you.” She did her best to stifle a yawn. “I need to be going to bed.”
“So do I. Some of the men haven’t returned from town, but Nick has the watch, so I’m going to catch some sleep.” He got up and kissed the top of her head.
Elise waited until her father was in his cabin before gathering a handful of warm cookies. She left the galley and went outside, where she found Nick walking the deck. He looked deep in thought.
“I thought you might like some cookies. I just baked them.”
“Sounds wonderful,” Nick replied. He took the four cookies she offered. “Smells delicious.”
Elise couldn’t help but smile. Nick made her feel safe. It used to be she only felt that way with her father. Maybe it was because Nick had helped rescue her the day of the carriage accident. No matter what the reason, she was certain he was a good and honorable man.
“Tastes good too,” Nick said after his first bite. “We sure didn’t have treats like this when you were gone.”
“No, as much as the boys love cookies, they won’t bake for themselves. I’ve even tried to teach a couple of them.”
Nick chuckled. “I can only imagine how that went.”
She laughed. “It was a real mess.”
They fell silent for a moment while Nick popped a whole cookie in his mouth.
“They’re a good bunch of guys. I’m sure you’ve already figured that out.” Elise leaned against the rail and looked out at the dock. “They’re like an extended family to me. And most have been with us awhile. Tom is like a little brother. He once told me he never felt truly loved until coming to theMary Elise. Isn’t that an awful thing?”
“Indeed it is. It’s a terrible thing not to know love.”
“He’s been on his own since around the age of six. Orphaned and living in the streets.” She shook her head. “It breaks my heart to think of a little child roaming the streets to find food, trying to find somewhere safe to sleep and keep warm.” Tears threatened to pour, so she changed the subject. “Of course, losing Joe is hard on Papa because they’ve been together for so many years. Joe was like an uncle to me. Each one of the men is like an uncle or a brother.”
“I doubt you’ll feel that way about the new man, Booker Duran. His nature is so selfish and self-assured. He doesn’t even try to be nice. He feels it’s completely acceptable to hurt other people. He insulted young Tom, and when the other men told him to stop, Duran said the boy was too soft and needed to learn how to be tough.”
“He had many years to learn that lesson as an orphan onthe streets,” Elise said, already feeling some disdain for this Mr. Duran. “I hope the men set him straight.”
“I think they tried, but Duran isn’t the type to care.”
The sound of men coming aboard ended their conversation. Elise even stepped away, as if they’d gotten caught doing something wrong. She might have laughed out loud, but she didn’t want to draw attention to them.
She didn’t need to. The seamen noticed the couple right away.
“Don’t try to woo her, Nick,” one of the men declared. “She’s taken a vow never to wed.”
