Their father turned and fixed James Monroe with a hard look. “She’s coming with us whether the court likes it or not.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t know,” Elise told her sister after getting her settled in their cabin on board theMary Elise. It would soon be suppertime, but thankfully the crew would be eating in town. Uncle James had promised his servants would bring something for them so Elise didn’t have to cook. It was a welcome break from their schedule.
“I know it’s bothersome, but would you brush my hair?” Caroline asked. “Mama used to do that when I was upset, and it helps so much.”
Elise was happy to comply just for the chance to be closer to Caroline.
Her sister began to speak as the brush glided through her hair. “I never planned to tell anyone about the beatings, you know. I thought it was something I’d forever keep hidden, but as Nelson became more demanding of my return, I knew I had to tell the truth.” She took a long pause, then added, “Even about his forcing himself on me.”
“It’s just too terrible. I am so sorry you had to endure such horror. How could a man be so heartless?”
“Apparently there are a lot of things that go on behind closed doors that we girls never hear about until it’s too late.”
“People should discuss such things instead of hiding them away like secrets. Such behavior should never be allowed.” Elise drew the brush through her sister’s brown-black hair. “Keeping them secret just encourages bullies like Nelson Worthington to act as they will.”
“Yes, but it is very embarrassing. The woman always seems to be blamed for encouraging the attack. The man is never at fault. Aunt Martha even hinted at this while we were packing. You had gone downstairs for another trunk, and she came to my room and begged me not to do this. She said Uncle James would surely be able to make some sort of deal with Nelson. Imagine that. Paying someone not to strike his wife.”
“Money has always been the solution to problems where Uncle James and Aunt Martha are concerned.”
“And I bought into it.” Caroline pulled away and turned in her seat. “I’m so sorry for what I did. Abandoning all of you for wealth and comfort. My circumstances have given me a lot of time to think, and I can see how truly blind I was. Mama and Papa would have given their lives for both of us. That was a love worth far more than material things.”
Elise sat on the edge of her bunk. “You were young, and it wasn’t unusual that you should desire nice things. There were times when I wanted them as well.” She smiled. “I just wanted them here.”
Caroline shook her head. “I broke Mama’s heart. It’s probably my fault that she’s dead.”
“No. A fever claimed her life. You know how strong our mother was. She wouldn’t give up on you, nor let the separation cause her heart to break. She was eternally hopeful, and she knew she could see you each time we came to Oswego.”
“But I treated you all so badly, and I’m sorry. I don’t know why you even speak to me, Elise.”
“You’re my sister and I love you. I won’t ever stop.”
Caroline leaned forward and embraced Elise tightly. “I owe you an apology for so much.”
“I owe you one too for my anger at your leaving and for trying to take over Mama’s place in your life after she died.” Elise hugged her sister close. “We’ve both made mistakes.”
“But mine have been so much worse, and the consequences are far reaching.” Caroline released Elise and began to cry. “I lied.”
“About what?”
“I’m going to have a baby.”
Elise felt the blood drain from her face. “What?”
“That’s why I have to get out of town. I’m carrying Nelson’s child, and he must never know.”
Booker Duran stood outside the open window of Elise’s cabin. He’d just overheard her entire conversation with her sister and felt as if he’d been given the answer to his circumstances. He would tell Elise what he’d overheard and threaten her sister with exposure if Elise said anything about his bloody shirt. Furthermore, he could force her to cozy up to him—be more affectionate. It was clear she loved her sister and was willing to sacrifice a great deal for her.
He grinned. It sounded like this Nelson Worthington was a wealthy man, and wealthy men and their families never wanted any scandal attached to their names. The situation was perfect. He could go to Caroline’s husband and broker a deal—something that would give him the money he needed to really get away and head west—maybe California.
Knowing Elise was given to taking an evening stroll on the deck, even when in port, Booker waited for his opportunity, all the while running through the various things he might be ableto accomplish with this knowledge. He felt powerful after so long living in fear and concern that someone might recognize him as Robert Wayfair.
When he spied Elise, he made a beeline for her. He grabbed her arm and dragged her out of sight of the gangplank and deckhouse. She started to protest, but he put his hand over her mouth.
“Shut up and listen or you’ll regret it, because I know all about your little sister’s condition.” Elise went still, and Booker released his hold. “I thought that would get your attention.”
“What are you talking about?” she asked in a hushed whisper.
“I stood outside your window earlier. I heard everything you two discussed. I know her condition and the situation of her marriage and the fact that her husband, Nelson Worthington, must never know about the baby.” He grinned. “Seems to me that’s valuable information. Information that can help me along my way.”
