Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato

“Captain, please accept my heartfelt apologies. I am dreadfully sorry. Rest assured, the boy shall be punished. Too many people wanting to do for him, you see. Too many well-meaning folks willing to indulge him. And I am as guilty as any. I tell my carpenters no more toys, and every day I find another carved horse here, a painted solider there. Temperance runs around the house picking them up off the floor, and Drew is right behind her scattering others.” He heaved a sigh that ended his rambling and added, “Lorena, perhaps you should take him up to bed now.”
    “Yes, Papa.”
    “No. Mr. Huntley, please. That isn’t necessary.” Captain Talvis rose, his cheek still bearing traces of chocolate. “I’m sure the lad meant no harm. I recall many a time taking out my youthful aggression on others for no good reason other than the mischief inside me.” He shrugged, chuckling as though it were all a joke. “Such is the way with little boys. There’s no need to banish him from the table.”
    Jabez Smith rolled his eyes and dropped his forehead in his hand.
    But Papa, Lorena noticed, seemed genuinely impressed with the captain’s tolerance and not the least surprised at his defense of Drew, as Lorena herself was.
    “Thank you for your understanding, Captain,” he said. “However, we do abide by certain rules in this house.”
    Lorena stood, eager to put an end to an exhausting, event-filled day. Drew scooted off his chair and took refuge in her skirts, burying his face in their satin folds. He was expecting her to come to his defense, and because she felt guilty for not listening to instinct and putting him to bed sooner, she laid a protective hand on his pale curls. “I’m sure Drew regrets his actions. Don’t you, sweetheart? Apologize to Captain Talvis.”
    A long moment of silence ensued before he mumbled, “Ah-um sss-orry,” without lifting his head.
    “I accept your apology, Drew,” the captain said, his dejected tone leaving Lorena to wonder whether Drew’s punishment of being sent to bed didn’t pain him more than it did the child.
    She quickly herded the boy toward the door. “I pray you don’t think us ungracious for leaving, but it truly is past time Drew retired.”
    “Allow me to see you to the stairs, Lorena,” her father said, rising himself. “I wish to speak with you a moment.”
    Jabez Smith stood. “A good evening to ye, Miss Huntley, and thank ye for the lovely meal.”
    Lorena acknowledged the compliment and wished everyone a pleasant evening, but something in Captain Talvis’s manner alerted her that he was none too pleased with this turn of events. He gave her a smile, which she suspected was forced. “Good evening, Miss Huntley. I hope to be seeing you on the morrow.”
    Lorena started. She thought she might at least be granted a reprieve from the man on the Sabbath. “I think not, Captain. Tomorrow is Sunday.”
    “Sunday, aye. Which reminds me, Mr. Huntley, would you allow me to accompany your family to the Duxboro meetinghouse in the morning? I wish to attend worship services.”
    Her father radiated delight. Lorena had the distinct impression he was growing quite fond of Captain Talvis.
    “Certainly, Captain. You are more than welcome to join us, and that invitation extends to you also, Mr. Smith. There is room enough for all in the family pew.”
    “A generous offer, sir,” Mr. Smith acknowledged. Grinning, he gestured with a nod at the captain. “Though, for all our sakes, I do hope the meetinghouse walls don’t come crashing down when the cap’n walks in.”
    “Very amusing, Mr. Smith,” Captain Talvis returned. “It is a pity Moses did not know of your wit. He could have used it to plague Egypt.”
    Papa chuckled at their banter, his good humor restored. “Whatever your wishes, gentlemen, just know you are both welcome. Now excuse me while I say good-night to my children. We shall enjoy some cheese and fruit upon my return.”

    Brogan reseated himself as