“My mother led me to God as well. She helped Papa find his way too. They fell in love, but Mama told him she couldn’t be unequally yoked, nor could she marry a man who got right with God only because he wanted to marry her.”
“What happened?”
“They didn’t marry for two years after falling in love. Mama prayed for strength, and Papa prayed for wisdom and knowledge in the Lord. When he finally felt he had a solid relationship with God, he came back to her, and they married. It’s a beautifulstory. Their wisdom on the issue of faith was what Uncle James said convinced him of their love. What two people so in love with each other would ever wait to marry unless it was a truly convicting reason of greatest importance?”
“Faith in God has become the very core of who I am,” Nick said, toying with his fork. He didn’t look up but grew very thoughtful. “I have thought on many occasions, when dangers were everywhere, that perhaps it would be my last moment in life, but there was always such a peace. I know whom I have believed.”
“Second Timothy one, verse twelve. I love the part after that. ‘I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.’”
This time their gazes met. They nodded in unison, and for Elise, it was a moment like no other. Their spirits were in one accord with God. There was no unequally yoked aspect to their relationship.
After lunch, they continued their walk. Elise loved having Nick at her side.
“That’s where the old theater stood. Most called it the Opera House or the Pine Shed,” Elise said, pointing to a building under construction. “A man named William Branch purchased it this year and plans to make a three-story opera house.”
“That’s quite the endeavor.” Nick walked over to the building across the street and pointed to a posted notice. “Look here, there’s going to be a fair in October.”
Elise smiled. “The county fair is very popular.”
“I think we should make a pact to attend if we’re in town,”Nick said, giving her a sweeping bow. “Would you do me the honor of letting me escort you to the fair?”
Elise giggled and felt like a young girl being courted. “I would be honored.”
“Then it’s settled. You won’t attend the fair with anyone else but me.” He grinned and took hold of her arm.
The church bell chimed three o’clock, and Elise knew it was best she went home and checked on her roast. “I need to get home.”
Nick didn’t protest. “Thank you for a lovely day.”
She hated the thought of ending their time together. “Would you like to come for dinner tonight? I happen to know you have the evening free, and Papa would enjoy your company ... as would I.”
His grin broadened into a full smile. “I would be happy to join you and your father for dinner. What time should I come?”
“Six would be fine.”
They began walking toward the ferry landing. Elise couldn’t help but smile. It had been a perfectly wonderful day, and for the first time in her life, she was experiencing feelings that could only be one thing.
It must be love.
Bill Wright sat at the table with the ship’s log, invoices, and financial journal. He’d been doing his best to focus on what needed to be paid and what needed to be collected. Sam had done a good job posting entries, but things seemed confusing in light of the fact that his wife had always taken care of this job.
How could she be gone?
He leaned his elbows on the table and planted his hands in his thick graying hair. “Mary, I’d give anything if you were here again, safe and sound.”
A warmth spread over him at the mere speaking of her name. She’d been his pride and joy—the reason he awoke happy each day. How could he not be happy with her at his side? Mary made life better. Her cheery countenance and joy in the Lord never faltered. Oh, she had moments when something troubled her, but her first move was always to take it to the Lord in prayer. He wished he were more like that. His faith in God had grown strong, to be sure, as had his prayer life, but with Mary it seemed to come naturally, while his still took some effort.
A chill soon robbed him of the warmth Mary’s memory had brought. It seemed he was always chilled, even when the days were warm, which this one had been. Bill moved to the fireplace and loaded it with wood. He maneuvered the logs and embers with the poker, and soon the fire came to life, but his heart did not. How could it, without the love of his life there to share the hours?
He went back to the table, then remembered he’d promised Elise he would keep the oven fires going. Opening the stove, Bill could see he’d failed. There was a nice bed of embers but little more. He quickly went to work repairing that neglect. Satisfied he’d made amends, he went again to the table. This time he sat down and stared at the books and papers.
Sam had offered to take over this task for him. He knew his second mate was trustworthy. He’d been with Bill for over five years, and he had proven himself more than once.
So why not just give it over to Sam? Or even Elise?
Bill drew a deep breath. “Because it was hers to do. The last bit.”
Elise had taken over the cooking, laundry, and mending. She even came into his cabin and cleaned up after him. Those were all Mary’s duties, and she’d done them with skill and love. Elise offered the same, but it was different. She knew she was appreciated, but she felt her mother’s loss just as well.
