“Well, it’s about time.” Papa turned to go. “I won’t be the cause of interrupting talk of love.”
“But we can speak more of that later.” Elise caught her father’s arm, and he turned back to face her. “Papa, I’ve needed to tell you something since we were in Duluth, but it always seems something else comes up. The weather ... my sister ... something with the ship. Or Booker Duran is around, and I cannot speak.”
“Why not?” her father asked.
“Because it’s about him.” Elise frowned. “You know there was a murder in Duluth when we were in port sometime around July or so?”
“Aye. Are you thinking the man responsible was Duran? The description did fit, but he isn’t the only tall, broad-shouldered man in Duluth. There are a lot of Dutchmen and Scandies who match that description.”
“I know, but he had a bloody shirt. Just after we left Duluth, it showed up in the laundry. I asked him what had happened. He told me it was just a tavern brawl, but it seemed an awful lot of blood.”
Nick shook his head. “Why didn’t you show the shirt to one of us and let us deal with him?”
“I didn’t think of it. I was doing laundry and had already started the process of getting the blood out before I even asked Duran about it. Since he had a quick and ready answer, and I knew nothing about the murder ... I simply dismissed any further thought. It was only when Mina told me there had been a murder that I thought of it again.”
“Perhaps I can ask the other men. It’s been a long while, but if he came back to ship with a bloody shirt, someone must have seen him.”
“I hadn’t thought of that, Papa. It wouldn’t surprise me if one of the men had even been drinking with Mr. Duran. Maybe they saw the whole thing.” She relaxed a bit. “I don’t want to be quick to judge him just because he makes me uncomfortable. In fact, I’ve chided myself more than once about even making note of the matter.”
“Nick and I will see to it. You leave it to us now and worry no more.” Papa kissed her on the head. “Do you understand? If he is a murderer, I certainly don’t want you having any chance to be harmed by him.”
She nodded and hugged her father’s waist. “I understand and will leave it with the two of you.”
“And I’ll leave the two of you to discuss your interests in each other.” He gave a big smile. “If it matters to either of you, I approve.”
Elise glanced at Nick, who seemed a little embarrassed. “Thank you, Papa.”
She waited until her father left them, then took a few steps backward, pulling Nick with her farther into the darkness and away from prying eyes.
“What’s all this about?” Nick asked in a teasing tone.
“I don’t want anyone to see us. I’m glad you and Papa are going to check further into Mr. Duran’s dealings, but if there is something I can do to help, let me know. I don’t want to worry Papa, but I think this is a very worrisome situation.”
He drew closer. “Is that the only reason you pulled me into the darkness?”
She smiled but doubted he could see her face very well. “No. I thought you might be encouraged to kiss me.”
He gave a soft chuckle. “I need no encouragement.” He wrapped her in his arms and pulled her close. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to do this.”
“Probably as many times as I’ve wanted you to.” She sighed as she turned her head up to meet his lips.
Chapter 17
“No, I won’t go back to him,” Caroline told her uncle. “I don’t care what he has promised or threatened.”
“He hasn’t threatened anything. He knows what he did was wrong. He said the strain of all that happened on his wedding day was what brought on his poor behavior.”
Caroline rolled her gaze toward the ceiling. “I’m sure he was filled with all sorts of remorse. He should be, but I will not go back. You don’t know half the truth about him, and neither did I. I probably still don’t, but I know enough to say he’s not a fit human being.”
“Gracious, child. I could hear you on the porch outside.”
She looked toward the entryway and saw her father and Elise. “Oh, I’m so glad you’ve finally come! Maybe you can explain to Uncle James why I will not stay married to Nelson Worthington.”
“Perhaps if I understood the reason, I could,” her father replied.
“You have us at a disadvantage,” Elise added. “We don’t knowwhat all has happened or why you have telegraphed saying you wish to sail to Duluth on theMary Elise.”
“You what?” Uncle James asked, shaking his head. “You can’t be serious.”
