“Thanks so much. I love to hang the laundry out when it’s this windy because by the time I put up the last piece, the first one is dry.” Mina laughed and finished pinning the sheet to the line. “How about some coffee?”
“Let me set my things in the house, and I’ll come join you for a cup. Thanks.”
Elise hurried to their cottage next door and slipped the key into the lock. Everything was as it had been well over a month ago. She put her bag in her bedroom, then came out to the kitchen stove and began the process of starting a fire. Once she had plenty of fuel and a good blaze going, Elise headed next door.
“It seems like you’ve been gone for so long,” Mina declared.
“Well, I was. We went to my sister’s wedding, and then an accident caused me further delay.”
“I want to hear everything. It just isn’t as exciting with you gone.”
Elise smiled. “Well, the wedding was everything Caroline hoped it to be. She wore a lovely gown of lace and satin. There was ruching on the bodice and sleeves. Oh, and it had a very long train and veil. She looked beautiful.”
“And the groom?” Mina handed Elise a cup of coffee and nodded to a small pitcher of cream and the sugar bowl. “Was he dashing?”
“I suppose he was handsome enough. We really know very little about him. He’s wealthy and manages several of his father’s factories that make tools. Although I seriously doubt he knows anything about the manufacturing aspect. Caroline says he has a college education and is very well off due to his grandfather leaving him his fortune. Or, at least, the fortune was to come to him upon his marriage to Caroline.”
“So, was it a love match, then?” Mina asked.
“It seemed to be. Caroline was quite content, and Nelson—that’s her husband’s name, Nelson Worthington—seemed equally happy.” Elise poured a little cream in her coffee.
“I thought maybe your uncle had arranged it.”
“Well, he did bring them together, with Aunt Martha’s help. I’m sure Aunt Martha had planned it out for some time. She tried to marry me off while I was there.”
Mina giggled. She was five years Elise’s senior but acted more like a teenager. “And was there someone you fancied?”
Elise immediately thought of Nick. “Not that Aunt Martha introduced, but I did meet an intriguing young man when he saved my life.”
“What?” Mina came to the table with a plate of cookies and sat down. “I must have you tell me everything. What happened?”
“A freight wagon got away from its owner and careened into my uncle’s carriage. I was sitting outside of our first mate’s house when it happened. Father was inside visiting Joe, and out of nowhere this wagon appeared, and the next thing I know, I’m waking up in the street. When I looked up, I found the most beautiful blue eyes gazing down at me.”
“Do tell.”
Elise sampled the coffee and added a bit more cream. Mina’s coffee was always strong and bitter. “There isn’t too much to tell about the accident. I had a slight concussion and thought at first I’d broken my back. The doctor looked me over and ordered me to stay in bed for two weeks. I recovered much more quickly, however.”
“And the gentleman who saved you?”
“Nicodemus Clark. Father learned he had been a ship’s captain and hired him on as first mate.”
“How lucky for him that Mr. Clark came along.”
Elise grinned. “I thought it rather lucky for all of us.”
Mina giggled again. “What does he look like?”
Elise thought for a moment. Nick’s image was never far fromher thoughts. “He has brown hair that looks sun-kissed. His eyes are blue, and his lips are full. He often offers the sweetest smile. He’s muscular and tall, with broad shoulders.”
“Sounds very much like my Carter,” Mina declared. “Did he take to life on theMary Elise?”
“Very much so. He’s a good leader, and the men like him. He’s a godly man with an even temper and certain devotion to the people in his care.”
“And were you one of those people?” Mina raised her eyebrows. “Have you kissed him?”
Elise nearly choked on her coffee. “Certainly not. I hardly know him.”
Mina leaned back in her chair. “I thought it sounded like you knew him very well.”
