Nick knew it had to be a big disappointment for your only son to turn away from the empire you’d built. For a father to anticipate passing his knowledge and industry on to his son, only to have that ungrateful wretch refuse, had to be a tremendous disappointment. Nick had tried to explain, but Father wouldn’t have it. Father had told him that his reasons were merely excuses. Later Nick tried talking to his sisters, but they were afraid of offending their father. Years later, they married the men Father had chosen and nodded approvingly as their husbands went to work for the family textile business without causing difficulties. They were the obedient sons. Nick was nothing more than an outcast—ungrateful, unfeeling.
But that wasn’t how Nick felt. He’d wanted to know his fatherbetter and knew working at his side would make that possible. However, as he caught glimpses of his father’s stoic, demanding nature, Nick didn’t like what he saw. His father’s lack of concern when a child lost a hand in one of the looms, his unreasonable insistence that the windows be nailed shut, and so many other coldhearted decisions had cut Nick to the quick. His father was cruel when it came to his business dealings, and Nick could not accept that behavior as humane.
“Cap’n Clark?”
Nick was pulled from his thoughts and glanced up from the park bench.
A man smiled down at him. “It is you. I thought so.” The young man extended his hand. “Do you remember me? Jack Kilroy.”
Nick felt as if he’d been gut-punched but maintained a smile. Jack was one of two men Nick had been able to get off thePolarisalive. “Of course I remember you, Jack. How are you doing?”
“Well enough. I got a position helpin’ load the ships. Pays well enough and puts my mum’s thoughts at ease, what with me havin’ a job on land.”
“I’m sure it does. I’m glad you’re doing so well.” Nick could hardly look him in the eye.
“I wouldn’t be if not for you havin’ saved me. My mum says you’re an angel sent from God.”
Nick frowned. “She doesn’t understand that my bad judgment put us in that position in the first place?”
Jack’s eyes widened. “It weren’t your fault, Cap’n Clark. Those storms change course in the blink of an eye. Every seaman knows the dangers. You did your best and saved two of us from drownin’ with the others. No sir, it weren’t your fault.”
Nick wished he could see it the younger man’s way. “Maybe not, but it was my responsibility, and so it remains my deepest regret. We lost eight good men that day.”
“Aye. We did for sure. Mum says we three didn’t die because God still has things for us to accomplish and not to take that lightly.”
Nick narrowed his eyes as he considered that idea. Something about Jack’s words touched him deep in his heart. “Your mum said that, did she?”
“Aye. She said God is the only one who can give life or claim it, even when we put ourselves in peril—we don’t have the power over life and death.”
“No, I ... suppose not.” Nick had never really stopped to think of it from that perspective.
“Mum says we must make the best of the time we have. Especially when we’re given a second chance.” He stuck out his hand. “I’ve got to be on my way. My time for lunch is nearly gone.”
Nick shook the young man’s hand. “Thank you for stopping to speak with me, Jack. You may have made a bigger difference than you know.”
The younger man smiled. “Be glad for your life, Cap’n. Don’t be dwellin’ on the past.” With that, Jack jogged up the road toward the docks.
Nick got to his feet and began walking back to the ship, still lost in thoughts of what Jack had said. He supposed it was possible he was leaving God completely out of the situation. If three people had been saved from thePolaris, there could have just as easily been eleven. God had other plans. Plans that certainly weren’t Nick’s.
He would have to ponder that for a time.
Elise was just as surprised as her father to learn that Mrs. Brett had taken her children and moved away to live with her brother. It was disappointing not to be able to see her and perhaps do something nice for them. Of course, small gestures of kindness weren’t enough to keep her household fed and clothed. Elise figured the widow had no choice but to seek the help of family.
“I hope she’s all right,” Elise said as they walked back toward the ship.
“I do too. I knew she’d be hard-pressed to support herself and the children,” her father replied with a frown. “I’m glad she has family. Joe said they were all quite close.”
“It’s the biggest blessing to know your loved ones are there for you.” They walked the rest of the block in silence before Elise got an idea. “We should get your hair trimmed. Mother would be appalled at how long it’s grown, and there’s a barber just across the street.”
Her father chuckled. “You still think you need to fill her shoes, eh?”
Elise grew solemn. “I could never fill her shoes. But I desire to try to fill in some of those empty places. I feel it’s my duty, even if it weren’t my desire. I promised Mama I would take care of you.”
“And because of that, you won’t allow yourself any pleasure.”
“What do you mean?” She looked at him for a moment but continued walking.
“I mean that Mr. Clark seems quite enamored with you, and you with him. You should be spending this time with him rather than seeing to my hair.” He gave her a smile. “I’m quite capable of taking care of it myself.”
