A Bride for Adam Barbara Goss (ebook reader .TXT) 📖

“You pack just like you would if you were going anywhere else. House dresses for when you swab the deck, night clothes… I wouldn’t pack anything too dressy—ships are known to be wet at times.

“Oh, dear. I’m not very good at dressing myself and doing my own hair—can I take my maid?”

“I’m afraid not, but I’d be happy to oblige,” he said with a grin.

Greta had a thought. “Wait—how long does it take to get to Philadelphia?”

“My father usually goes by the International and Great Northern Railroad. It has sleeping cars, dining cars, and even a drawing room. It has fewer stops and should get us there in just five days, barring any problems.”

Greta sighed. “So, that will be added to the four weeks at sea and the trip home by train?”

 “I’m afraid so.”

“That’s a long time for a mother to be away from her child, Adam.”

“Yes, but you’d be building for her future.”

Chapter Eight

Adam thought it would be a good idea if they didn’t travel as man and wife—the porters on the train would expect them to share a sleeping berth. Instead, they traveled as Adam Sutherland and Greta Hanson.

Watching Greta say goodbye to Bethany nearly broke his heart. He was proud of her, though, because she stiffened her back and did it with a minimum of tears. She’d given the child a small photograph of herself and told Rhea to show it to her often so she wouldn’t forget her mama.

Adam hoped he’d get used to having heads turn whenever his wife passed by men. He knew she was a lovely woman, but Charisse had been gorgeous, too, and she was evil to the core. He was more concerned with Greta’s character. Pretty women were often known to manipulate people with their charms. He was glad for an opportunity to get to know the real Greta Hanson, who seemed oblivious to the men who were gawking at her.

The trip to Philadelphia wasn’t held up, and the stops were brief and mainly in the biggest cities. They made it to Philadelphia in five and a half days where Adam took her immediately to the pier where Eve was docked. He’d never forget the look of awe on her face when she saw his clipper. Her sails were down, and the rigging looked like a tangle of worms and clotheslines, but he could still tell that it took Greta’s breath away.

“Adam, it’s so...so big, but sleek.”

Adam threw his head back and laughed. “That’s why she’s so fast. She’s long and lean.”

“Your father told me most shipping companies are buying the new steamships.”

“Yes, but they aren’t as fast as a clipper. I wouldn’t ever trade Eve for a steamship.”

“It’s beautiful but rustic-looking.”

 “That’s just the deck. Wait until you see the forecastle, the galley, and the captain’s quarters.”

“Where will my quarters be?” she asked.

“You’ll have my quarters, and I’ll take the first mate’s quarters along with my first mate. There are two bunks in those sleeping quarters.”

Adam was pleased that she looked excited. She’d been an excellent traveler thus far, and he hadn’t heard one complaint from her.

“When can we board?”

“After we go inside, greet Isaac and Levi, and have dinner. We’ll have the ship to ourselves tonight, as I don’t think the crew is due to report until morning.” He led her to the adjacent office where Levi and Isaac were sitting at desks piled high with papers. They both sprung to their feet when they saw Adam.

“Adam! About time you got here. We were worried,” Levi said.

“We have your crew coming at about three in the morning and were afraid you’d been delayed,” Isaac said.

“The plan was to let the men stay on the ship until you arrived.” Levi looked past Adam. “Greta? Is that Greta?”

Adam reached for Greta’s hand and drew her forward. “Yes, it is. She’s going to be my second first mate.”

“Jolly good!” Isaac said with a laugh. “We were planning on dinner at our house, but since we weren’t sure when you’d arrive, we’ll make reservations at the Continental Hotel. Our wives can meet us there. I’ll send a message to Sylvia.”

Adam turned to Greta. “You remember Sylvia and Martha? It will be good to see them again.”

“Yes,” Greta said. “They were at my wedding.”

The room became quiet, and everyone looked down at the floor. “May Seth rest in peace with God until we meet him again,” Levi said.

The dinner was divine, and everyone enjoyed themselves. No one mentioned Seth again, as it seemed to make everyone uneasy.

Afterward, Levi and Martha delivered Adam and Greta to the pier.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stay the night at our house?” Martha asked.

Before Adam could answer, Greta said, “Thank you, but I’m anxious to board the famous Eve.”

Her words put a warm feeling in Adam’s chest.

After bidding Levi and Martha goodbye, Adam lit a large lantern, and they started for the ship.

The ship was moored in a narrow canal just feet from the ocean. Adam explained that in some ports, they might have to ride in a rowboat to board the ship, but it was easy at their pier. Adam held the lantern high and guided Greta aboard using a planked ramp that stretched from the ship to the edge of the pier.

“You won’t see much at night, so you’ll be surprised to see everything in the morning.” He led her across a highly-polished wooden floor to an opening with stairs leading down to the next level. “Watch your head,” he warned. Although it hadn’t been necessary for her short frame, Adam had to duck his head.

They walked down a short flight of stairs which was dark and foreboding, even with the lantern.

“You’ll enjoy this more tomorrow,” he said.