“I didn’t think so at first, but it gets better about halfway through.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. I've never read it, but have always thought I should.”
“Serena?” The captain’s eyes had drifted open and he stared at Serena in disbelief. “I must be bad off…if you’ve come all the way here.”
“Of course I came. Couldn’t leave Katherine to deal with my crotchety brother all alone, now, could I?” Serena said teasingly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
“Katherine—”
“I’m here.” Katherine came from her corner and stood on the other side of the captain’s bed.
“I’m blessed indeed,” he said with a weak smile. “That bump on my head might just have been worth it after all to have my two favorite people waiting on me.”
Katherine’s eyes grew wide. “You remember?”
“Not exactly. But when I woke up before, you told me that I hit my head.”
Serena gave a little clap. “Well done!”
Captain Braddock frowned. “What’s the fuss about?
“That’s the first time you’ve woken up and remembered.” Katherine gave a shy half-smile. “Before, you just kept asking what happened over and over.”
“That sounds pretty tedious. I’m sorry to put you through that, Missy.”
“I don’t mind now. I’m just so happy you’re on the mend.” Katherine blinked, hoping the captain couldn’t see the tears brimming in her eyes.
“I’ll be right as rain in no time, just you wait.”
“I think you’ll be the one waiting, Jeremiah.” Serena put on a matter-of-fact tone. The doctor says you have to rest and stay off your ankle for six weeks.” Serena gave him a stern look. “And I plan to make sure you follow doctor’s orders.”
* * * *
Steam, warm water, the scent of floral dish soap. Sally nearby, rummaging for a dish towel.
All’s right with the world—at least for the moment. Katherine smiled.
“Didn’t you say it’s a big place? How did you manage to get him inside?”
“Serena went through the house and opened a door that led out onto their garden walk. Apparently it’s some sort of study or something next to one of the ground floor bedrooms. We were able to wheel him right in.”
“That’s a mercy.” Sally pushed the curtain to one side and went out into the tearoom.
“Yes, it really was.” Katherine swished the dish soap around to dissolve it and turned off the tap. “There is so much of God’s mercy in this.” She breathed a silent prayer of thanks as Sally wheeled the cart into the kitchen.
“It could have been worse, you know,” she continued. “The concussion could have been more severe, or he could have been alone when it happened—I struggled to see it at the time, but now I can see God’s hand in it.”
Sally placed a stack of plates on the counter. “Why was he on a chair, anyway?”
“Tommy said he put chair there for himself, to get one last garland hanger they had left on the window. But he couldn’t reach, even with the chair, so the captain stepped up and then just sort of crumpled. The doctor said his blood pressure probably dipped, like when you stand up too quick and get dizzy. Apparently that happens easily to older people.
“Anyway, his hand must have flailed out and hit the shelves as he fell. Some of the tea bowls were broken and—”
Katherine looked down, swiping her rag around and around the plate in her hand. Her throat felt tight and a flood of emotion squeezed her stomach. Finally, she managed to whisper, “the Anne… I found the Anne smashed on the floor.”
“Oh, Katherine. Not the Anne!” Sally laid a comforting hand on Katherine’s arm. “How did the captain take it?”
“I haven’t told him yet.” They worked on in silence for a while.
“I know it’s just a model ship, but I can’t help but feel the loss of it. It’s such a symbol of the Harborside, of the Braddocks. The tea bowls were probably more valuable, but the Anne is more…important.”
“I know.”
Katherine looked up. Sally’s eyes met hers, full of compassion and understanding. Katherine smiled and put all her heart in the words Mrs. James had said to them so often:
“I’m glad you’re here.”
* * * *
Jolted awake by her alarm the next morning, Katherine’s first thoughts were of the captain. She wanted to go see how he was doing, but the responsibilities of both shops required a full day’s time and attention. Lord, I know Serena will take care of him. But please, help him, and heal him.”
