“He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’ll do what’s best.”
“The anger in me wants someone to pummel Nelson as he did my sister.” Elise was surprised by her own response. She had worked hard to be forgiving but certainly hadn’t come to a place where she felt she could forgive Nelson Worthington. Especially since he didn’t think he was in the wrong. He saw no need for anyone’s forgiveness.
Nick paid for dinner, and they began their walk back to the ship. The skies had long turned dark and the breeze cold. Elise pulled her coat close.
“I’m sorry it’s so gloomy tonight,” he said.
“It fits what is happening in our life right now.”
“I hope not. Not everything going on between us is gloomy. Is it?”
She shook her head. “No. My feelings for you are hardly that.”
“Nor mine for you. Still, I wouldn’t be offended if you were put off the idea of marriage and romance, given what your sister has gone through.”
Elise was glad for his hold on her elbow as she took a misstep. He held fast and straightened her just as they reached the docks.
“Are you all right?”
“I am. Thanks to you.” She stopped. “You’ve been a support to me in so many ways.” She considered what he’d said. “I’m not against the idea of marriage and romance to the right man. A man of God who clearly knows what it is to love is certainly worthy of such things.”
“I won’t feel that I’m worthy until I attempt to resolve matters with my father,” Nick said, moving her to face him. “But you know my feelings for you are growing ever stronger.”
“Yes. As are mine for you.” She saw no reason to pretend otherwise, even though she didn’t want her feelings to make his leaving even harder.
“I’ve never known a woman like you, nor the feelings that you have stirred to life.” He gave her such a look of tenderness as they stood beneath the gaslight. “Will you wait for me, Elise?”
She almost burst into tears, but instead she forced them backand gave a nod. “I will. I will wait for you no matter how long it takes.”
He pulled her into his arms and brushed back the wisps of hair that had escaped her bonnet. “I promise I’ll return as soon as I can.” He pressed his lips to hers.
Elise was lost in the moment. She easily let go of her fears of Booker Duran and the worries she held for her sister and father as she put her arms around Nick’s neck. She knew they must be a rather wanton display, but she didn’t care about that either. She loved this man, and he loved her.
She was no longer waiting on love. It had arrived, and it was glorious.
Chapter 19
Nick embraced the old housekeeper. “It’s so good to see you again, Mrs. Schmitt.”
She pulled away, her eyes teary. “I wondered if I would ever see you again on earth. Just look at you. You’ve grown so handsome and rugged. I almost don’t recognize you.”
“Well, I recognize you, dear woman. You are a steadfast part of my life. Perhaps the only one. Now, tell me everything.”
“I don’t think your father has much time.”
“Then he’s still alive?” Nick felt a wash of relief.
“I think he’s been holding on in hopes of you coming.” She dabbed her eyes with the hem of her apron. “You need to go straight to him. There will be time for us to talk later.”
Nick nodded and let go of the housekeeper. He unbuttoned his coat, and Mrs. Schmitt helped him out of it, then took his hat.
“I’ll have your bags delivered to your old room. He’s hardly in a position to refuse you staying here.” She met Nick’s gaze. “I don’t think he would anyway. He’s different now that he’s dying. He’s been kinder since his heart attacked him.”
Nick nodded and headed for the stairs. Taking them two ata time, he was soon bounding down the long hall to his father’s bedroom. Glancing around him, Nick could see that nothing had changed in ten years. In fact, it hadn’t changed since his mother died. Why hadn’t he realized that before?
When he reached his father’s bedroom, he paused. He suddenly felt like a child again. A lost and broken child who wanted only to find that his wrongdoings had been forgiven. The wreck of thePolarisand the eight men he’d lost came unexpectedly to his thoughts. They were good men, men he’d worked with on other ships and had stolen away for his own. They might be alive today except for their loyalty to Nick—their friendship.
“And I killed them.”
