Mercy squeezed her sister in return, letting Patience’s love bathe her for a final time. Patience released her and spun but not before Mercy saw the tears streaming down her sister’s cheeks.

“I love you too.” Mercy’s voice broke and sobs pressed for release.

Then Patience stepped inside, closed the door, and was gone, leaving Mercy to pray this parting wouldn’t be their last.

seven

Joseph held on to the small open drawer and steadied himself against the familiar sway of the ship. The bottles inside rattled, and he shifted them closer to make room for the remainder of the medicines he’d brought along for the ailments sailors or passengers might encounter during the voyage.

He’d boarded the Tynemouth too late the previous evening to unpack. Now by the light of day, he was able to explore his accommodations. To be sure, the room allotted for the sick bay wasn’t big, but it was more sizable than what he’d been given on other voyages.

Fortunately he had a porthole, although it was small and surrounded by rust. Still, it allowed for some natural lighting, enough to aid him during surgeries and suturing. A bunk bed had been affixed to one wall, providing a place in which to tend the sick. Against the opposite wall stood a counter containing the drawers where he was storing his medicine. A set of shelves above the counter gave him space for additional supplies and linens.

A writing table and chair had been squeezed into another nook. The screws holding the table in place appeared new. The captain had likely arranged for the furniture to be put into this cabin as a special courtesy. He would have to thank Captain Hellyer for so fine a room. With limited space on board the ship, he was grateful for the generosity. He’d yet to speak with the captain but guessed he would have plenty of time over the next few days before they embarked on their voyage.

He’d already learned from acquaintances in London that Captain Hellyer had been trained in the Royal Navy as an officer, that during the past years without any wars to fight he’d been in the Royal Navy Reserves. Though the Tynemouth was his first merchant command, Joseph expected the captain would have no trouble making the adjustment.

Hearing a knock, Joseph quickly smoothed back his hair, straightened his cuffs, and moved to open the door. He half expected to see the captain and instead discovered a short man peering up at him, a mixture of awe and trepidation in his severe expression.

He wore a black suit with a high starched white collar that almost seemed to strangle him. He swallowed, struggling to get his Adam’s apple past the collar, then bowed at the waist.

“Lord Colville” came the man’s muffled voice from his bent position. “I am most delighted to make your esteemed acquaintance.”