“I know it would. It offers me constant consolation. Papa always comes in while I’m cooking breakfast for the crew and shares some Scriptures and prayer while I’m cooking. It starts the day out right.” Elise went to her sister. “Caroline, no matter what happened in the past, I have prayed for you and I will continue to do so. Nick is absolutely right. The one you need right now is your Heavenly Father. Draw close to Him, and He will draw close to you.”
As she planned a trip to town to pick up some travel things for Caroline, Elise was still contemplating her sister’s comments. She was no longer shocked by what she had done to poor Nick, but she was still concerned by Caroline’s intention to give up her child. Given her desire to hide the child from Nelson, it probably would be better to give the baby up for adoption, if she could do so privately. On the other hand, was it right to keep the knowledge of the baby’s existence from Nelson? There was no way Caroline would be given an annulment or divorce if the judge knew her to be with child. Elise wished she could seek counsel on the matter, but she had promised Caroline she wouldn’t tell.
“Well, I’m going to head down to the docks to check the repairs,” Papa said.
Uncle James helped Aunt Martha from the breakfast table. “And I must get to my rat killing,” he said.
“Jim, I told you I hate that phrase.”
He laughed. “Sorry, my dear. Our old cook used to say it all the time.”
“Mama said it too.” Elise looked at her sister. “I always wondered where she got that saying.”
“Now we know,” Papa declared.
As the family all went their separate ways, Elise started after her father. “Papa, do you suppose we’ll be able to head home tomorrow?”
“I believe so. The boys are hoping to have everything finished today. If they get it done early enough, we could leave yet this afternoon.”
She nodded. “Then maybe you could escort me shopping. I’m certain Caroline will need some warmer things for the trip home, and since she can’t be seen in public, I must be the one to go.”
“I’m not sure I’ll have time, Elise.”
“I could take her,” Nick said, seeming to come out of nowhere.
“There. That would be acceptable, wouldn’t it?” Her father smiled. “I’m thinking more than acceptable.”
“Yes.” Elise glanced at Nick. He’d been strangely quiet at breakfast. She wondered if her sister’s shenanigans had left him upset with the entire family.
“Good.” Elise’s father bent and kissed the top of her head twice. “Give one of those to your sister.”
She laughed. “I will.” She waited until he’d left to turn to Nick. “Thank you for being willing to take me shopping. I’ll go find Caroline and—”
“Wait,” Nick said, taking hold of her arm as she started past him.
She stopped and lifted her face to his. She couldn’t help smiling. Nick made her feel happy. “Yes?”
“I need to talk to you.”
“I want to talk to you too. I want to hear all about your trip home. I figured we could talk on our walk to the shops.”
He looked worried. “I ... your sister came to my room ... and...”
Elise nodded. “Yes, I know all about it. I’m so sorry.” She sighed and gave a shrug. “I know her intentions were good, but it was wrong of her to do that to you. Please forgive her.”
“I was afraid you’d hear about it and think I was having a tryst with her. You must know that I only have eyes for you.”
If Elise had ever doubted his feelings for her, she had only to look into his eyes. “I know. You needn’t fear my reaction. Caroline confessed all, and my first thought was how startling it must have been to you.”
“Yes. I must admit it was. I figured a servant had come to tend the fire, but instead I found your sister wanting to play games.”
“But you will forgive her ... won’t you?”
“Of course.” He looked at her for a moment. “What about you?”
“I’ll admit I wasn’t happy she would do such a thing, but given her state of mind and her situation, I suppose I understand it. You made an impact on her when you told her she needed to draw closer to God. She’s giving it a lot of consideration. She said she’d been ignoring God for the most part, and your comment made her think. She was raised to know the truth of our need for God, but it had gotten away from her over the years. I pray this will bring her back to him.”
“God has a way of beckoning to us. I’m glad I could play a part in that. I’m glad too that this matter can be put behind us.”
