was already deep in conversation, pointing to the piece of material in Clementine’s lap.
“As I remember, you met the Clifton sisters. They are still upstairs but will soon join us. Now, might I get you a cup of coffee or tea?” Nancy asked, getting to her feet.
“You needn’t bother.”
“It’s no bother, I assure you.”
Andrew could see that one way or another, she was determined to serve him. “Coffee would be just fine. Black, please.”
She nodded and moved away without another word. Andrew tried to imagine her married to Albert Pritchard, but the image wouldn’t come together. She seemed nothing at all like the kind of woman who would have married the hard-living storekeeper. Maybe she had been attracted to men who emitted danger, because that was how Pritchard had struck him. The man he had known was always up for a thrill or adventure and had told Andrew many a tale of his wild expeditions. Did Nancy know about them too?
“I’ll show you down the hall to the office. That’s where you’ll find Seth,” Faith said, getting back to her feet.
“I don’t want to interrupt the sewing. It looks important.” He smiled.
“It is,” Faith agreed, “but I am only advising at this point. Oh, and running for supplies. I’m very good at sewing sutures but less talented with fabrics and lace.”
Nancy reappeared with his coffee. “I thought you’d prefer a mug rather than fine china.”
“Yes, thank you.” He took the mug and let it warm his hands.
“We eat at six. Would you care to stay for supper?”
“Of course he would,” Faith replied for him.
Andrew laughed. “I guess that’s settled, then.”
“We’re having chicken and dumplings as the main course. There will be vegetables and bread, as well as dessert. We make certain no one goes hungry here,” Nancy said.
“That sounds delicious. I shall look forward to it.”
“I was just about to show him to the office. I know he and Seth will have a lot to discuss.” Faith reached for his arm. “This way.”
Andrew worried about spilling the coffee as they made their way down the hall. The hardwood floors were covered with lovely carpet runners, and he had no desire to mar them with splashes of coffee.
“Slow down, or I’ll make a mess of things.”
Faith chuckled and slowed her step. “You are perfectly capable onboard the Morning Star, but less so on land, is that it?”
“Something like that.” He fought to keep the journals snug under his arm.
Faith knocked on the first door to the right, and Seth bid them enter.
Andrew shrugged as he approached the desk. “I’ve got my hands full, or I’d offer to shake yours in greeting.”
“No need. You’re a friend now, and we have no use for formalities,” Seth said, moving some papers from his desk. “Feel free to put your coffee here.”
“As I told you, Andrew has proof of his business dealings with Albert Pritchard,” Faith explained. “He’s hoping it will help in the investigation.”
“As Faith must have also told you, this is of the utmost secrecy,” Seth stressed. “We cannot let it get out. I chided her for confiding in you, but I know you have proven yourself to be a man of honor.”
“I am that, and I know the value of keeping my mouth shut.”
Seth looked at Faith. “Why don’t you give us some time alone? We can go through the logs faster on our own.”
Faith’s expression betrayed her disappointment, but she nodded. “I’ll go help with supper. Andrew has agreed to join us.”
“Good. Then you’ll have time to visit with him later. In the meantime, we have much to discuss.” Seth got up and led her to the door.
After closing the door, Seth locked it, to Andrew’s surprise. He wasn’t about to question the other man, but his look must have betrayed his curiosity.
“I figure we’ll have fewer interruptions this way. The women here have a way of bringing you things they think you might need in order to figure out what’s going on. I’ve had sweaters and blankets brought to me, as well as various drinks and food.” He smiled as he crossed the room to put more wood on the fire. “They know now that I lock the door when speaking with others, so hopefully they won’t attempt it this time.” Seth rubbed his hands together and held them out to the fire. “I’ll be glad when this cold weather concludes. It seems nothing has been right since the big storm.”
“Indeed. The river is still full of obstacles despite the