Considering what she might say, she chose her words carefully. “Do you enjoy the navy?”
Chapter 29
“Is that a question?” he mumbled with a wince. “As it is how I sustain my family, I enjoy it immensely.”
Shifting in her seat so she was facing him more fully, Hettie considered the fellow before her. “Do you wish for another position?”
Thomas straightened and rose to his feet, brushing at his trousers. “Pay me no heed, Hettie. I have several weeks at home, and that is reason enough to celebrate.”
But she grabbed his sleeve, holding him in place. “I am being serious. Are you unhappy in your profession?”
Though he didn’t sit again, Thomas didn’t make his escape either. Reaching up, he scratched at the back of his head.
“I was content for many years, but I loathe the distance it puts between me and my family.” Tucking his hands behind him, he strode the length of the room and paused before the fireplace. “Charity and Biddie mean the world to me, and the thought of leaving them again causes me no end of pain. My daughter is nearly a year old, and this is the first time my shore leave has been long enough for me to meet her. What father would be content with that?”
With a shrug, he turned to face Hettie again. “But there is no point in bemoaning the fact. I have tried to find work elsewhere, but I cannot secure a position that pays as well.”
Despite having already taken action, Hettie wondered once more if she was being too bold. Thomas seemed an affable sort, but she didn’t know him well enough to take such liberties. But then, wasn’t that what a mama (even a makeshift one such as she) ought to do for her children? And there was nothing she wouldn’t do for Charity and Biddie.
“I hope you do not think I am meddling, but I may have taken some action on your behalf.” Hettie watched Thomas closely, praying that she wasn’t causing trouble with the one branch of the Baxter family who liked her.
Holding up her hands, she hurried to add, “You are free to accept or reject it. There is no obligation on your part. However, I couldn’t bear to see your family separated once more after the holidays are over. I know you both make the best of it, but it’s clear you do not wish for that sort of life. And Biddie needs her father…”
Thomas stared at her, and Hettie pulled her words to a halt, for they were leading her nowhere. Gathering her courage, she focused on the item at hand.
“I have stock in a merchant company out of London. I wrote to the owners to see if they had any positions available, and as it happens, they have one opening in the next few months that is uniquely suited to your skills. One of their shipping managers is stepping down, and they need someone with knowledge of crews and ships to manage that side of the business.”
Drawing in a deep breath, Hettie forged ahead, though Thomas stood there, staring at her.
“It is based in London, so Charity will be forced to leave Bristow, which is a tragedy, but the position doesn’t require travel, and I believe it pays better than your current position, and there is a greater chance of advancement as well—”
“Hettie, please,” said Thomas, raising his hand to silence her. He stood there for a long moment, his mouth open as though to speak, though his brows were pulled together in thought.
For goodness’ sake, the idea had seemed so wonderful when she’d formulated the thing, but then again, the fact that she hadn’t said anything to Charity or Baxter spoke volumes about her concerns.
“Forgive me if I am sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong, Thomas. Now that I am saying all this aloud, I realize how presumptuous it was of me—”
But he held up another hand, and Hettie fell silent again, watching him as heat crept into her cheeks.
“I apologize if I am giving the impression that I am unhappy, but I fear I am at a loss for words,” he murmured. “I am overwhelmed by your generosity and thoughtfulness. I…I…”
Though she didn’t know the gentleman well, Thomas Callaghan did not strike Hettie as one who struggled for words. If anything, Charity’s tales of him indicated quite the opposite was true. Yet he stood there, stammering to express his thoughts.
Straightening, as though to shake his thoughts free, Thomas faced her and then dipped into a low bow. “Thank you so very much, Hettie. This means the world to me.”
And when he met her gaze, there was a brightness to his eyes that had Hettie’s prickling in response. Drawing in a sharp breath, she waved his response away.
“Think nothing of it. I am simply thrilled that you are so happy,” she said with a smile. “I feared you might think it presumptuous. After all, Stanley has plenty of connections in such things, and as you did not take assistance from him, I had thought you too proud to accept it from me.”
Thomas was rather adept at hiding behind a pleasant mask, but Hettie saw the slight tightness in his jaw and the flash of something sorrowful in his gaze that made her consider the situation in a new light. Charity’s marriage to Thomas had been a blight in the eyes of most of Charity’s family, but at least he was a gentleman of the navy. Poor he may be, but it was better than being a well-paid merchant, which was one of the few options for a man with his skills.
“I suppose I am not the only one who has found entry into this family a bit difficult,” she said, raising her brows in question. A huff was the only answer she received, and Hettie brushed it aside, striding forward to take him in an embrace.
“Think nothing of it. I and the rest of the Stillwells are quite happy to do what we can,” she said, giving him an extra squeeze. Releasing him once more, she nodded toward the door. “Now, we ought to go find your wife and tell her the happy news. I have been bursting to tell the secret.”
Thomas beamed, but before he stepped away, he offered his arm with a bow, and Hettie took it, as regal as a queen, whilst they went in search of Charity.
***
