The Deepest Waters, A Novel by Walsh Dan

Author:Walsh, Dan [Walsh, Dan]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: This dramatic novel features a story of newlyweds desperate to find each other after a tragic shipwreck off the Carolina coast in 1857.
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2011-04-01T04:00:00+00:00

29

Laura stood by the railing and looked down at Crabby lying at her feet. She had such a contented look as she gnawed on a ham bone. She held it in her front paws, turned it from side to side. Occasionally it would slip and fall to the deck. She’d grab it then freeze, see if anyone might challenge her for this prize. Then she’d be lost again in the glory of the moment. Enjoy it, girl, Laura thought. After eating so well, she had to admit, good food could make one happy.

For the moment.

Earlier, as the women sat about the deck, devouring the rich fare Smitty had prepared, they no longer seemed to be sailing a ship of sorrow. Women who hadn’t said a word in days chatted casually and freely, exchanging memories of past meals enjoyed with family and friends in better times. Many had shared recipes, ways they would have prepared the meal differently. Several had offered Smitty suggestions. He nodded here and there, feigning interest. This went on for over an hour. Combined with the heat that faded with the setting sun and the strong, steady breeze . . . Laura had actually felt something very close to joy herself.

For the moment.

Now the dishes were all clean. The sun had dropped below the horizon. Night was coming fast. Their last night at sea.

Laura hoped it would be her last for a long time to come. She was ready to be back on solid ground. Earlier while cleaning up, Captain Meade had announced that if the winds stayed steady all night they should arrive in New York harbor by early morning.

Laura still had no idea what to expect when she met John’s family, even how she would meet them. Whenever she had asked him about them, John would give vague answers and often change the subject. They seemed to have caused him a good deal of pain, which only added to her apprehension now.

She thought about John’s note. Maybe he’d written instructions about meeting them. The moment she considered it, a scene rushed into her mind. She saw the sea rising and falling. The wind howling. She was back in the lifeboat. John was on the Vandervere, standing beside the captain. Huge waves slapped against the side. “I’ve written you a note, inside the pouch,” he yelled. “Don’t read it . . . unless you hear word that we—that we will not . . .” Tears poured down his cheeks, then he’d looked away.

The image was so strong. She reached out her hand for him, was about to call out.

“Mrs. Foster?”

John disappeared.

“Are you all right?”

She pulled her hand down, grabbed hold of the rail. She looked to her right. “I’m fine, Melissa.” She must change the subject. “Are you looking forward to tomorrow?”

“I can barely contain my happiness,” Melissa said. “I let some out while we ate. The ladies were in such a jovial mood.”

“It was wonderful to eat real food again.”

“It was. But already I can tell the old mood is returning.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.