She nodded. It was a good idea. She made her way to Mr. Blakely’s secondhand store. The sign out front stated, I will buy your quality pieces.

Making her way into the store, Gloriana marveled at all the things that lined the shelves and aisles. It seemed there was nothing a person wouldn’t part with for extra cash.

“Hello, Gloriana. I never thought to see you in here. Have you come to sell me something?”

“No. I came to see if you might have a nice compass I could purchase for a gift. The brand-new ones are a little expensive.”

The balding man nodded. “That they are. I believe you might find just what you need in this case at the end.” He led the way and reached down to pull out a tray. “This is one of the best. It’s made by a quality company in London.”

“That’s a ship’s compass,” she said as he handed her the open wooden box. “I only meant to get a small pocket compass.”

“This would make a nice accessory for a man’s office or library. If I might be so bold, I presume you want this gift for Lucas Carson.”

She flushed. What must the town be saying? “It is very nice, but I doubt I could afford it.”

“I knew your father very well,” Mr. Blakely said with a kind smile. “I owed him so much. He gave me the money to start my business. Did you know that?”

She shook her head. “I knew Papa was much loved, but no.”

“After the crash your father was so good to those of us who remained. Your mother too. They did wonderful little things for everyone.” His eyes dampened with tears. “I was devastated to hear I’d lost my dear friend.”

“Oh, Mr. Blakely, I’m so sorry.” Gloriana reached out to touch his hand. “I had no idea. I’m afraid we’ve been a bit lost in our own sorrow.”

“Of course you have, and well you should be, child.” He drew out a handkerchief and unashamedly wiped his eyes and blew his nose. “Norman not only helped me get this business started, he helped others too. Your father was one of the good ones, Gloriana.”

She sniffed back tears. “Yes. Yes, he was.”

Blakely wrapped the compass in brown paper and handed it to her. “Just take this for your young man. If he’s half the man your father was, you’ll be blessed.”

“I can’t give him something that cost me nothing.” Gloriana smiled. “Didn’t David himself say that of giving to God? I must pay my fair share.”

“One dollar. I will take no more,” he replied.

She considered arguing that she knew the piece cost him more than that, but instead she pushed across a dollar’s worth of coins. “Thank you, Mr. Blakely. I have only one more request.”

“Anything for you.” He smiled.