“Thank you for all you have done for our ship, Mr. Boyd. And for my Ann, especially.”
“My pleasure, ma’m. As for your daughter, I’m hopeful she’ll run into no more scrapes while on board.”
“Mother, I think we are needed at the starboard.” Ann tried to urge her mother away. Those two could not, apparently, be trusted to have a conversation that did not completely incriminate her. Her motherhadasked about him once, and of course he was mentioned regarding the stove, but still—
“Good day, Mr. Boyd,” Ann said with finality. She shifted the soaked bedding to one arm, taking her mother by the elbow and tugging her along.
“He’s quite good looking,” her mother whispered as soon as they’d made it half a dozen paces. “And seems the helpful type—”
“Mother.” Ann fought the desire to groan. “He runs this ship, and we are but the passengers. Of course he’s helpful—it’s his duty to see to the safety of every passenger.”
She couldn’t believe she was quoting him, especially to defend herself.
“Oh, all right,” her mother said. “Well, I’m quite glad you are safe.” Her head turned just enough that Ann caught a tiny smirk across her mother’s lips.
Ann gazed at the heavens and sighed.
Ann and her mother sat across from a few other women at the galley table at dinner that evening. A large oil lamp lit the women’s serious faces, and after a somber discussion, her mother stood, tugged her bonnet tight, and spoke with authority.
“Should the smallpox cases increase, we ought to create a system to help the afflicted. I’ve spoken with the doctor, and he is understaffed—to say the least—if things get bad. The few sailors who help him also have many other tasks on a merchant vessel. I can’t believe how few seamen run such a great ship with so many people.” She sighed and looked around. “Those who are young and healthy and have previously had the disease could be especially useful, if they are willing.”
A few of the women looked about, though not one volunteered. The guilty silence filled the dark room.
Ann met her mother’s gaze. They had been through enough difficulties together that Ann knew where her mother really excelled was under duress. Unflappable, she could direct and keep a cool head amid any storm—whether the storm was meteorological, or temporal, or spiritual. The plan she had just proposed, though a little scary, was exactly what needed to be done.
Ann stood, a sense of purpose spreading through her mind and heart. “I am willing to help. I had smallpox as a girl, and so I am unlikely to get it again.” She felt the Spirit urging her to continue. “I’ve read several success stories of people building immunity after having the illness. Who else could offer their services to the doctor?”
“I could.” A helpful young woman named Daisy Nelson, a little older than Ann, raised her hand.
“Me as well.” Judith Wood, a woman with a thick bun of hair, pushed back her chair and stood.
“Very good,” Ann’s mother said. “I will go now to the doctor and tell him your names. If you could check in with him tomorrow and inquire as to how to assist, that would be excellent.”
Ann and the other two women nodded.
“Thank you, my dear,” Ann’s mother whispered as she leaned toward her.
Ann squeezed her mother’s hand. Adelaide still wouldn’t accept much of Ann’s help. Maybe in this way, she’d find a little more purpose. The journey had already felt so long.
Her mother patted her hand back. “I best be checking on Adelaide and Cyrus.”
The meal and the meeting now over, Ann started toward the hatchway that led to the deck and her cabin. The light behind her suddenly grew brighter, and she looked over her shoulder to see Brother Wheatley carrying a lantern.
“Allow me to help light your way.”
“Oh, many thanks,” Ann replied. She was nearly to the hatchway, but Brother Wheatley came up next to her and stopped in front of the ladder.
“I overheard the end of the women’s meeting, and that was very brave of you,” he said. “Most of the ladies weren’t willing to be so selfless.”
“Who knows how much we will need to do, but I am glad to help in this way. I don’t have my fiddle to entertain with.”
Brother Wheatley cocked his head. “Did you play?”
“Idoplay.”
“Then why have you not joined us?”
She looked down. “We sold my violin to help get our finances in order before we left.”
