Star had docked sometime in the night, Faith knew she could find solace in visiting Captain Gratton. It seemed unreasonable to waste precious time, given that nothing could ever come of their friendship, but she told herself that perhaps nothing needed to come of it. Having a good friend in the captain was reason enough to continue the relationship. She didn’t need to think of him as a potential mate. Wasn’t there a certain liberty in that?
Of course, there was still the issue of her studies looming over her. Perhaps since church didn’t start until ten o’clock, she could sleep late that morning. That way she could stay up late on Saturday to finish her assignments and finalize her speech. She wanted to make a good impression on Mr. Lakewood and his friends.
When Faith drew near to where the ship was moored, she spied Andrew on the lower deck, speaking to a couple of crew members. He saw her and waved her aboard without hesitation.
“What brings you down here today?” he asked, helping her with her final steps up the gangplank. “We aren’t taking passengers until this afternoon.”
“I heard you were in town and wanted to see if you had fully recovered from your injury.” She knew it was a lame excuse, but at the moment she couldn’t think of anything else to say.
He smiled. “I’m fit as a fiddle. Had a great doctor and knitter.” He tugged on the red cap she had made him.
“Crochet,” she corrected. “The hat and scarf were crocheted, not knitted.” She smiled. “But I’m glad to see that you’re using them.”
He chuckled. “I’d be a fool not to. They’re very warm and suit me well. Now, come meet the boys.” He moved toward the two crew members who were awaiting him. “Gentlemen, this is Miss Faith Kenner, a good friend of mine and a fine physician.” He looked back at Faith. “This is Joe and Festus.”
Faith smiled. “I’m pleased to meet you both.”
The men smiled, but Joe was the one to speak. “I’ve heard of women learnin’ to be doctors and figured that was an oddity. Guess I wouldn’t mind if she was as pretty as you.”
Andrew was having none of his flirting. “Joe, go find Remli and tell him I need coffee for two in the saloon. Maybe some of those cheese biscuits he made earlier. Then I want you two to get back to loading. Finish that and then see to these repairs.”
“Sure thing, Captain.”
Andrew looked at Faith. “Come on, let’s get inside. The wind is making the morning impossibly cold.”
“I agree.” She followed him to the passenger saloon and was grateful to get inside out of the breeze. “Thankfully it has stopped raining.”
“It’s bound to start up again. At least that’s what my—what Ben said at breakfast.” He looked momentarily uneasy. “He, uh, always seems to know about the weather.”
Faith took a seat at one of the tables, and Andrew joined her.
“How are your classes coming along?” he asked.
“We’ve been on a break for the holidays, but they start back up on Monday, and then we must all press our noses to the grindstone. Graduation is in April, and I have to complete my thesis paper on childbed fever and modern innovations to prevent its occurrence, as well as attend a great many lectures. And, of course, there will be the inevitable tests.” Faith unbuttoned her coat. “I’ve also been asked to speak at a gathering of gentlemen who are being encouraged to donate to the medical college.”
Andrew frowned. “A gathering of men only?”
Faith shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. Mr. Lakewood spoke only of men, but I suppose it’s possible he said that because they will be the ones deciding whether to give money to the cause. Hopefully some of their wives will be present as well.”
His frown deepened. “You won’t be going alone, will you? Maybe your cousin and her husband could accompany you.”
She was touched by his concern. “I have two of the boardinghouse ladies accompanying me. They wanted to hear me speak.”
“I’m glad to hear it. So what will you be saying to them?”
“That’s partly what I wanted to talk to you about. My family believes that besides speaking on the virtues of women as physicians, I should use the opportunity to speak about the unjust treatment of the Indians and other people of color. Especially since it is a topic that touches me deeply.”