She studied him a moment longer, then shook her head. “I’m afraid that would never work, Mr. Duran. Now, as I said, I’m busy. Good evening.” Elise hurried away before he could suggest she do otherwise.
Once on board theMary Elise, she called out, “Mr. Clark, permission to come aboard.” She smiled, knowing it would amuse him.
“Well, this is a pleasant surprise.” Nick came from the bowof the ship. “What have you got there?” He nodded toward the covered tray.
“Your supper. Papa and I weren’t sure you had time to eat before your watch, so I wanted to make sure you got a hot meal. Although, I was delayed in getting here, so I’m not sure how hot it will be.”
“No problem—permission is definitely granted.” Nick took the tray from her. “Can you stay a bit?”
“I can.” She glanced across the deck of the boat. “All seems well.”
“Yes. It’s a quiet and lovely night. Most of the crews have gone off to drink or find entertainment. One of the pastors came by to say there was a harvest party at the church and the men were invited. I think Tom was particularly excited.”
Elise smiled. “He’s a good man, our young Tom. I’ve always enjoyed his company, although when he first showed up, he had a lot of anger.”
“Well, I’m sure he wasn’t happy about being forced to work for theMary Eliseor go to prison. A fella likes to choose his own way.”
“He was given a choice,” Elise replied.
“True, but you must admit it was very limited.”
She turned toward the deckhouse. “Why don’t you let me take the tray below? I’ll put it in the stove’s warming receptacle.”
Nick chuckled and held fast to the tray. “The stove has gone cold, so it won’t do any good.”
“I hadn’t thought of that. It’s probably just as well. Papa said there’s some sort of delay and we might not get out of here tomorrow.”
“Well, if that’s the case, maybe you’d show me around Duluth.”
Elise thought for only a moment before replying. “I would be happy to do that. Meanwhile, why don’t you eat, and I’ll wait so I can take back the tray and dishes.”
Nick squatted on the deck and set down the tray. “Will you join me?” He sat as if having a picnic and pulled the towel from the tray. “It looks wonderful.”
Elise knelt. “I’d be happy to keep you company. Maybe you can tell me more about your life.”
“Not if my mouth is full. I think you should tell me about your life.”
She shrugged and tried to think of something she could share. “I don’t know what to say that you don’t already know. I grew up on ships. My father has been a captain for as long as I can remember. He worked his way up, but by the time I came along, he was already captain. He worked for several companies until Uncle James decided there was good money in shipping. About then, Papa had saved almost enough to buy theMary Elise—a brand-new schooner. She’s his pride and joy.”
“I can see why. She’s a worthy vessel, tried and true. I worked my way up as well. ThePolariswas my first ship to command. The company I worked for was out of Chicago, and they were impressed with my work history and willing to let me take charge. I did them proud—until the accident, of course.”
“What happened? To cause the accident? I’ve only heard bits and pieces.”
Nick frowned. “I’d really rather not talk about it, if you don’t mind. One day I promise to tell you all about it.”
“Of course.” She saw the sorrow in his eyes. He had lost men on his first command. How awful it must have been.
“Tell me more about you.” He smiled, then put a forkful offood in his mouth. His expression clearly showed his approval of the casserole.
“I love to read.” She smiled and decided to sit on the deck as Nick was already doing. She swept her skirt around her and relaxed in the moonlight. “Especially the Bible. Papa and I try to do that every evening. I enjoy his thoughts about what we’ve read, and if we don’t have a clear understanding of a passage, I note it. I write down our thoughts and questions, and then, when we’re in town, I’ll go consult the pastor. He usually has an answer, and if not, he makes a promise to do more research. When we return, he always stands ready with an explanation and understanding.”
“That’s a smart way to do it. You don’t just leave it and wonder what it means.”
“No. We do our best to search it out. I’ve learned a lot that way. Especially regarding the culture and language of the times. It’s all quite fascinating, and Pastor Johnson is so good to help. He went to Harvard and learned a great deal, including Greek and Latin. Then he made friends with a local rabbi and was trained in Hebrew. He’s brilliant.”
“That’s amazing. I had no idea. Johnson was the one who came to invite the men to the party.”
Elise nodded. “That doesn’t surprise me. He often comes to the ships with invitations. He also prays every morning with those who are going out on the water. Even the toughest and least God-fearing captain has come to enjoy the good pastor and readily accept his prayers.”
