Miriam, only two years Nick’s junior, took her husband’s hand. “We are grateful for your gift, and you are always welcome in our home.”
“I appreciate that. You two have always been precious to me.” Nick smiled at each of his sisters. “I’m sorry for having failed you so miserably. I think I’m only now realizing how selfish I was.”
“All is forgiven,” Miriam said, glancing at her sister. “We’re just glad to have you back.”
“But I’m not remaining,” Nick told them. He hadn’t yet had a chance to explain his plans. “I’m heading back to Oswego this afternoon. I intend to continue working on theMary Elise.”
“But why? You have enough money to buy your own shipnow or do nothing at all.” Miriam’s voice sounded almost alarmed. “I thought you might stay.”
“I will visit from time to time, but this is no longer my home. There is a young woman who holds my heart, as you well know.” He smiled. “Now, let us finish this and be done with it once and for all.” He reached for a pen and signed all of the papers the lawyer presented.
That accomplished, he turned to the older man. “Is there anything else I have to oversee?”
“Just this,” he said, handing Nick a deed.
Nick smiled. “I will deliver this myself.” He got to his feet. “I must be about my business, or I’ll never make my train.” He kissed Deborah first, since she sat nearest him, then went to Miriam.
“Try not to worry, sister. I know you fear what I’m doing, but should I die, it will be while doing what I love. Put me in God’s hands, I pray, and leave me there.” He kissed her cheek and offered her a big smile. “And I will expect letters regarding your growing families and how things are with your various interests. Write to me in care of Captain William Wright on Minnesota Point in Duluth, for I expect he will always know of my whereabouts, since I intend to marry his daughter.”
He shook hands with his brothers-in-law, then tucked the deed in his inside coat pocket and headed out.
Nick snugged his hat down tight, as the day had grown windy. Winter would soon be upon them, and he had many memories of icy-cold Boston days. He smiled and signaled for a cab. Now Boston no longer held regrets. One day he’d bring Elise here and show her where he’d grown up and where he’d fallen in love with sailing.
It was a long ride to the new neighborhood where Nick had installed Mrs. Schmitt. She had told him where her cousin and elder sister lived, and he had purchased her a house nearby. Although she didn’t yet know that the house was hers.
They arrived at the address, and the driver opened the carriage door to assist Nick.
“Please wait here. I’ll need you to take me back to the city,” Nick said.
The driver nodded.
Nick admired the small two-story house. It had been newly painted white, and the windows were trimmed in blue shutters. There was a brand-new picket fence surrounding the property because Nick recalled Mrs. Schmitt mentioning that she had always longed for a home with a white picket fence. The cobblestone walkway that only two days ago had been in a rather bad condition was now smoothed out and refashioned to be less dangerous. It had taken a hefty amount of money to get everything done in just a few days, but Nick wanted Mrs. Schmitt to be settled before he left.
The older woman opened the front door to bid him welcome before Nick could even knock. She looked so happy that it blessed Nick deep in his soul.
“So, is there anything else we need to change before I head back to Oswego?” he asked as she ushered him into the house.
“Goodness, no. It’s quite perfect. Just look at it.”
He did, noticing how homey it was with its small fireplace blazing and the mantel set with her own framed tintypes.
“I think you’ve done quite nicely with the place.”
“Well, it didn’t hurt that you sent over some of the household people to help me set it to rights.”
Nick chuckled. “I’m glad I could help.” He reached in his pocket. “I have one last thing to give you.” He handed her the deed.
She looked at it for a moment and shook her head. “I don’t understand. What is this?”
“The deed to your home. You’ll see it’s free and clear and in your name. It’s my gift to you for all that you’ve done for me and our family over the years.”
Tears came to her eyes as she slipped into the nearest chair. “Oh my. Oh my.” Her hands trembled as she looked it over. “My father would be so proud. We’ve never been property owners. He always dreamed of it but could never get enough money put aside and was forced to rent.”
“Well, I’m glad I could help a little of his dream come true. His daughter is a property owner. I know he’d be proud of you, Mrs. Schmitt.”
She nodded. “The entire family will be. We will have to have a party.”
“You do that. Meanwhile, I’m heading back to Oswego and Elise.”
