Chapter 5 #2
“I am dreadfully sorry to hear about your parents,” I say. “No child should ever have to experience that kind of pain, let alone lose both parents. I can’t imagine what that must have been like for you.”
“Thank you for your words, Miss Fairfax. You speak as if you know of death well.”
I nod. “I’m not sure if my grandfather told you this prior, but I lost my mother and brother when I was five. Neither survived the labor.”
Henry shakes his head. “He did not, but I’m saddened to hear you suffered such a tragedy so young. My condolences to you as well. What of your father? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“He’s alive,” I say, choosing my words carefully.
“He had a hard time dealing with the death of my mother and brother. So he developed a drinking problem from it. Grandad took us in after it happened. He wanted to help us get back on our feet. But my father, he couldn’t move on.
He succumbed to his grief and couldn’t see through it.
Eventually, my grandad gave him an ultimatum: either he got his act together and be the father that I needed, or he was to re-enlist with the British Army.
Since nothing my grandad tried could get him to handle his grief, he thought the army would help. ”
I sigh, taking a moment. “He picked the military over me. And he has remained there for the last nineteen years. I do hear from him in letters from time to time, but it’s been nearly eight years since I last saw him.”
“You may still have your father, Miss Fairfax.” His voice is barely above a whisper. “But abandonment is still a loss.”
His words strike a chord in me. For the first time since her death, I realize I lost both of my parents that night, not just one. I meet Mr. Ashford’s gaze with new understanding—we are more alike than I ever realized.
“But I had Grandad, of course,” I continue, acknowledging the privilege I had.
“He took me in and raised me—practically became my father. He helped shape me to be the person I am today. He introduced me to ancient history and the Seven Wonders, encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a historian and archaeologist. I’m fortunate to have him, and honestly, I couldn’t imagine a life without him. ”
“Your Grandad is a tremendous man,” Mr. Ashford agrees. “I hope someday I can be even a sliver of the man he is. You should hear how he talks about you; he is extremely proud of you. And I know he, like myself, must be sorry to hear about your rejection from the program.”
“Sorry? More like enraged.” I laugh at the recollection of Grandad’s reaction. “And thank you. I must admit, I hope that making a discovery on this expedition will force the department to reconsider my rejection. If not that, I do not see any other way to change their minds.”
I glance down at the ocean water smashing against the liner. Why did I admit this out loud? And to him, of all people.
A quiet stretch passes between us. He glances off into the distance, then meets my gaze with a smile.
I scrunch my eyebrows, watching him. “Let me help you.
I can show you how to methodically give yourself the best chance at a discovery.
With your knowledge of the history and my experience with archaeological sites, we can make it happen together.
I’m shocked by his offer.
“You would do that for me?” I ask, astonishment laced into my tone.
He gives me a knowing look. “Not only do I want to show you who I truly am, but it would be an honor to help prove those fools wrong.”
I pause, momentarily confused, before finally saying, “Thank you, Mr. Ashford. I cannot express my gratitude for your generosity.”
“It would be my pleasure, Miss Fairfax.” He hesitates, as if he wants to say something else, but stops himself. “Seeing as we are now going to be working together, you can call me Henry instead of Mr. Ashford, if you’d like.”
I consider his suggestion for a moment. It is uncustomary for a man and woman to be on a first-name basis, but I like that we would be breaking societal rules and calling each other by the names we prefer.
I smile and nod. “And you can call me Clara.”
Henry extends his arm, offering his hand.
A notion that brings me back to the docks of Dover, when Grandad shook hands with Amina as if she were an equal.
I take his hand with ardor, glancing down at our entwined hands, aware that our partnership could bring me closer to my discovery and to my spot in the program.
Sunlight shines along the horizon, hues of fuchsia and orange painting the sky. I glance at my wristwatch and realize we’ve been talking until dawn.
“Seems we won’t have much time for sleep anymore,” I joke. “My grandad has us scheduled to start preparations at six this morning.”
“Let’s hope the kitchen is well stocked with tea then.” Henry flashes a smile.
Mesmerized, I watch his face as he takes in the sunrise, the morning glow illuminating the angles just right, his hazel eyes shining.
It’s no longer the face I once knew, but someone I’m beginning to truly understand.
I quickly turn away, eyes widening, horrified at my own gawking.
What the bloody hell was that? Mindlessly staring as if he were an art piece at the National Gallery.
“We should head back inside. The others will start waking up shortly,” Henry says, turning toward the deck door and opening it for me.
Below us, the crew makes noise as they prepare for the morning. We stumble upon a few in the hallway as we walk. At a crossroads, our paths diverge—my cabin down the current hall, his to the left. I fidget with my robe as I glance at him, and he runs a hand through his curls.
“Until later,” I say.
He gives a small nod and a half-smile, and we go our separate ways.
“Oh, Clara?” Henry’s voice echoes down the hallway.
Turning back around, I find him exactly where I left him.
“Yes?”
“I look forward to us working together.” He smiles, his face sincere. “And we will find a way to get you into that program. Don’t you fret.”
I smile, allowing myself to get swept up in his optimism. “Thank you.”
I let his words sink in as I head back toward my cabin, wanting to believe them…and him.