softly to Grace, then set her down. Grace leaned against him a moment, then nodded at something he said, which made her smile. The two of them joined her brother, St. Brendan’s headmaster, and the sadness seemed to smooth away. Meridee resolved not to question too many things.
Looking thoughtful and less argumentative than usual, Captain Ogilvie joined them for dinner, along with four boys from St. Brendan’s and Smitty, who lived here. She knew three of them, Tots and Whitticombe, upper level boys who more often than not crewed the newly named Mercury with Smitty and her husband. But oh, that third boy.
She held out her arms for Davey Ten. He hesitated a moment – maybe he was considering if an apprentice pharmacist mate should maintain some dignity – then let her envelope him in a hug with the added indignity of a kiss on the head.
She glanced at Tots and Whitticombe, hoping they wouldn’t say something rude to Davey Ten because she kissed him. What she saw made her let go of Davy, march over to them and kiss their heads, too.
“Gor, Mrs. Six, no one’s ever done that before,” Tots said, but he didn’t seem unhappy.
“Become accustomed to it, if you show up here for dinner often,” she said, as Able blew her a kiss.
He ushered the fourth lad closer, someone small with a gleam in his eye and good cheer all over his face. “This fellow is Avon March and he comes highly recommended by Lady St. Anthony. Give a little bow, Avon.”
Avon bowed and she curtsied, which made Ben chortle and turn in circles. She grabbed her son and kissed him, too. “Avon, were you lucky enough to be named for a river?”
“Aye, miss,” he replied. “They found me by the Avon in March, eleven years ago.”
A year ago, such an artless comment would have sent Meridee to another room in tears. “At least they didn’t name you Daffodil. I know daffodils bloom beside the Avon in March. Welcome to our home. Let’s eat.”
“Well done, Mrs. Six,” Captain Ogilvie said as Able ushered the boys into the dining room.
She was used to his sarcasm, but he seemed to mean it. “I’m learning, too,” she told him. “St. Brendan’s teaches strange lessons, doesn’t it?” She touched his arm. “Thank you for looking after Grace.”
He nodded, and she thought she saw a blush rising up from his collar. She said something then, blurted it out, then almost immediately wanted to take it back. “You miss your wife,” she said. What did I just do? she asked herself in horror.
“I do, Mrs. Six,” he replied, with no anger in his voice, and none of the disdain she remembered from other visits. “Never more than when I am in your house, or …” He stopped. “Let us leave it at that. There is a war on and we are busy men.”
They sat down to dinner. The boys waited, eyes on her, except for Avon, who didn’t know the routine. She looked at Able, who gave her a nod. “How about you, my dear lady?”
She bowed her head, peeking up once to see that Avon March was by no means slow. He bowed his head, after a quick glance around at his mates. “Gracious Lord, bless this bounty for us,” she prayed. “Keep us safe on our island and bless the men who protect us on ships at sea. In our Savior’s name, amen.”
Startled, she looked around at a hearty “Amen” from the dining room door. Two of them, in fact.
There stood Nick Bonfort. Standing next to him was a tall man with gray hair and a slightly lowered left shoulder.
She heard a chair scrape back and knew Able was on his feet. Her husband crossed the small space and held out his hand. “Master Ferrier, this is a pleasant surprise!”
They shook hands. Still holding Able’s hand, Master Ferrier nodded toward Nick, who beamed as if he had unearthed the greatest treasure in all seven seas.
“Master Six, what do you know?” Nick said. I learned I have initiative and then some!”
Chapter Twelve
“You are a welcome sight, Master Ferrier,” Able said. A nod to Tots and Whitticombe sent the boys pulling up two more of the chairs that lined the wall. Another nod with two raised fingers sent Smitty into the kitchen. “And somewhat unexpected, I must add.”
“You have both mentioned initiative.” Master Ferrier smiled at Nick. “He is a most persuasive fellow, this Bonfort.”