Elizabeth looked up. “I don’tmind.”
Susan turned to Standish. “It’s all right, Standish. I’ll befine.”
“Very good, Miss,” he said andwithdrew.
Susan took Elizabeth by the hand and said to Daniel, “Wait here, I’ll be rightback.”
When Susan returned, Daniel was standing at the window overlooking thepark.
“Daniel, you look distraught, please tell me what’s troublingyou.”
Daniel began pacing the room. “Susan, I’m in such distress,” he said, looking at her wildeyed.
She went over to him and put her hand on his arm in an attempt to calmhim.
“Daniel, why? Has something happened? Tellme.”
“I don’t know if it’s some sort of a reaction to my ordeal at sea, or my leaving the navy, but I can’t calmmyself.”
“What about your new ship building venture? Have you seen yourfriend?”
“I’m to go down to Portsmouth in a fewdays.”
“But none of that matters.” He grabbed hold of Susan’s hands. “Susan, it’s you. You are what’s really troublingme?”
She was a little startled. “But Daniel,why?”
“Do you have an answer for me, Susan? Will you marry me? I can’t imagine going forward in my life withoutyou.”
Susan broke from his grasp and steppedback.
“Daniel, please. This is no way to behave. You’re distraught, and I can understand that with all you’ve gone through, but I cannot answer you when you are in such astate.”
“Do you no longer love me?” hedemanded.
Daniel’s agitation was affecting her, but she didn’t want to make this momentous decision while he was in thisstate.”
She put both of her hands on his shoulders, and said, “Daniel, please, I beg you to be patient with me. Just as your adventure has been a shock and taken a toll on you, your unexpected return has been a shock tome.”
He saddened, seemed to deflate, and calmeddown.
“Yes, I understand, and I’m sorry to present myself like this to you. I realize I’m not helping my cause when I’m likethis.”
“Daniel, why don’t you go to Portsmouth and see your friend? If that is something you really want to do, then move forward. It will help calm you to have a solid vision for the future. Then, when you return, report your decision to me, and we can evaluate what our future might be together.” She tried to look him in the eyes, as his head was lowered. “Does that sound sensible toyou?”
He looked at her calmly. “Yes, it does. Thank you, Susan—it has helped me greatly to speak with you. You give mehope.”
