Page 131 of A Castaway in Cornwall
1784–1813
REGRETSÉTERNELS
Tears filled his eyes as he whispered, “Je suis désolé,mon frère.”
Eternal regrets, indeed.
After a few quiet moments, his sister-in-law asked, “Would you like to see the grave of Enora and the infant?”
Alexander hesitated only a moment. “Oui.”
She led him to a simple headstone carved with small figures of Madonna and child, and her name:Enora Angelle Carnell.
She had borne his name at the end, though not his child.
I forgive you,he whispered in his heart. He sincerely hoped both Enora and François rested in peace.
Beside him,Léonie slipped her hand into his in silent comfort and empathy.
A few days later, Alexander undertook the visit he knew he could not put off any longer. Knapsack over his shoulder, he went to see Daniel’s widow, Vivienne.
He found her in lodgings in Quimper, a newborn child in arms.
His heart expanded at the sight. How was it that such a small, innocent face could look so much like his dearest friend? There was no doubt who this boy’s father was.
The realization brought both pain and pleasure. “I can see Daniel in him.”
She nodded. “So can I.”
“I am so sorry, Vivienne.”
She looked up from the swaddled babe, eyes wide. “He isn’t coming home?”
Alex shook his head. Throat tight, he managed only one syllable. “Non.”
Tears filled her eyes, and answering tears filled his.
“He died in a shipwreck,” Alexander explained. “We were trying to get home. He was so eager to return in time for the birth of your child. I wish I had been able to save him. I tried....”
“Could you not have tried harder?” Vivienne’s voice broke, and Alexander’s heart broke with it.
Dear God, why?Oh, to exchange his life for Daniel’s...
“Forgive me,” she said, swiping a hand across wet cheeks. “I know you loved Daniel too. I am only shocked and hurt.”
“I understand completely.”
She laid the child in a nearby cradle, gazing down at the little face. “What are we going to do, my love? How shall we go on without your papa?”
Alex squeezed his eyes shut, but the hot tears escaped anyway.
When she straightened, Alexander took a deep breath and pulled the gift from his bag. He had repaired the intricate Noah’s ark as best he could and completed the missing pairs of animals himself.
Seeing it, her tears increased, and she whispered hoarsely, “He made this?”
“Yes, for his child.”
She held it to her chest. “We will both treasure it always.”
