The trunks had beckoned to her ever since that first day when Captain Braddock took her into the secret tower. Now, she surveyed them one by one, wondering which they would get to open today. Although the trunks were of similar shape and size, each one was unique in some way.

Katherine heard the captain’s footsteps on the stairs behind her and turned, saying, “Which trunk did you want to look through first?”

“I thought we’d look through this one.” He nodded towards the rectangular chest closest to the door. He stiffly maneuvered himself down onto his knees next to the trunk and reached for the lid. Katherine knelt beside him, eager-eyed and breathless with the thrill of new discovery.

The metal hinges gave a soft squeak as the lid was raised, and a faint smell of cedar wafted up from inside. A shuffled mass of papers filled the shallow tray on top, and Captain Braddock shook his head at the sight of them.

“I’m afraid these are all in quite a mess. Grandma Braddock was a wonderful woman, and loved this place dearly, but organization wasn’t her greatest quality. She had a habit of keeping the mundane all mixed together with the important. It’s left to us to sort out which is which.” He looked over at Katherine and asked, “You up for the job?”

Katherine grinned. “Of course!”

Captain Braddock struggled to his feet, leaning heavily on the edge of the trunk. “We could bring the whole tray down, but why don’t you grab a couple handfuls and we’ll look through them downstairs by the stove—just in case a customer comes in.” He winked and started down the stairs.

Katherine began gently gathering up some of the papers. She loved things like this, picking over little bits of history. That was why she had chosen to major in history at college. And with the way the Braddocks held on to tradition and family history, there was a good chance of finding something truly significant in amongst the ordinary details of life as a tea seller.

* * * *

“Receipt…receipt…grocery list…” Captain Braddock tossed several papers into the wooden crate which held kindling for the wood stove, and then opened the stove door to add another log. The flames licked over the new piece of wood and for a few moments the only sounds in the shop were the cozy crackling of flames and the rustling of papers.

“Recipe for beef stew…”

“I’ll take that one. I have a little pile of recipes over here.”

“Here you are, then.” He held the paper out to her without lifting his eyes. “Receipt…receipt…Ah, here’s our first treasure!” The captain’s eyes twinkled as he held out a faded photograph.

Katherine reached over to take the picture gingerly by its edges. A gangly boy and a petite girl stood side by side, dressed in the simple attire of pioneer children. “Is this you and Serena?”

Captain Braddock chuckled. “Yes, though you wouldn’t think it, the way I look now.”

“What were you dressed up for?”

“Harborhaven used to have a festival every year. I can’t think what they called it… But they had all the descendants of the founding families march in a parade down main street, and then down to the wharf, where they would have all manner of wooden ships moored. Sometimes, there was even a boat race!” He chuckled again and shook his head. “Those were the days.”

“I remember seeing pictures from something like that at the historical society’s museum. I wonder why they don’t have that festival anymore?”

“I don’t know. They stopped while I was away at sea. I should ask Serena.”

His words trailed off and both lapsed into a thoughtful silence. Katherine sat looking at the picture, an idea taking shape in her heart and mind. Captain Braddock looked over and raised one eyebrow in mock concern.

“Uh-oh. I know that look. What are you plotting, then, Missy?”

Katherine shook her head. “Not plotting, only dreaming.”

“And what are you dreaming about?"

“I’m not quite sure yet.” Katherine felt that the seed of an idea had been planted, but couldn’t yet tell what it would become.

* * * *

The wind and rain continued throughout the day and into the evening. Katherine had lingered near the Harborside’s warm stove as long as possible before starting off for Miss Harriet’s.

As she neared the last block, she slowed her pace, pulled her jacket close around her, and began silently to pray. Lord, there is no fear in Your love. Help me not to fear, but to trust. Help me not to be jealous. Help me to love as You love, and not to focus on myself.

As she neared the tea room, Katherine could see light spilling through the lace curtains and making bright pools on the sidewalk in the stormy darkness. Glancing in, she could see the two ladies clearing tables, chatting and laughing as they worked. The all-too-familiar pang pricked her heart, and she took a deep breath before opening the door. “There is no fear in love, for perfect love casteth out fear.”

10 The Anne

“Hi there, Tommy.” Katherine tossed her hat onto the coatrack and unbuttoned her jacket. “I see the captain’s got you hard at work.”

“Uh-huh.” Tommy replied without looking up.

Katherine couldn’t help but smile at the earnestness of the small boy’s face as he sat on the floor dusting a jar from the lowest shelf.

“Tommy.” The firmness in Captain Braddock’s tone was unmistakable, even from the other room. “How do we answer grownups in the shop?”

“Oh, right.” Tommy turned his little face upwards to look Katherine in the eyes. “Yes, Ma’am.”

Captain Braddock appeared in the doorway to the Captain’s Quarters, eyes twinkling. “That’s the way. Well done, my boy. Hello, Katherine.”

“Hello. I’ve brought Miss Harriet’s order.” She handed the slip of paper to the captain. “Is there anything I can help with while I’m here?”

“You might help Tommy with the top rows of shelves. He can’t quite reach those yet.”

“But the captain says I’m gonna grow soon!” Tommy said, looking up again, his face alight with anticipation.

“Yes you are, my boy, but until then, you’re going to leave the top ones to the big folk, and not go climbin’ the shelves again, right?”

Tommy nodded solemnly. “Right.”

“Again?” Katherine raised her eyebrows as she looked from Tommy to the captain.

“Let’s just say we’re both still learning about little boys in tea shops—even though I was one once, and ought to know all about it.”

 Tommy’s head shot up in surprise. “Captain, you were a boy once? Here? Like me?”

Katherine wondered if his eyes could possibly open any wider.

“Yes, Tommy, I was the Harborside’s little boy once, just like you are now.” He limped over to the staircase and lowered himself onto a step. “And what’s more, I sat in that very spot dusting those very same jars.”