The docks of Bristol were a constant flurry of activity. Tall ships with their sails bound and their gang planks let down, rocked gently in the wash of the tide. Stout men with wenches hoisted cargo containers high above the decks, then lowered them into the holds. On the street, rows and rows of tables overflowed with tempting wares and merchants called out enticing offers. Ladies with painted faces stood in doorways. Boys slipped their hands into the pockets of unsuspecting men and drivers carefully inched their wagons through the swarm of people.

But in the midst of the hustle and bustle, Mary paid little attention. Instead, she looked out across the water and watched a tall ship sail toward them. With a cloudless sky behind it, the splendor of full canvas sails in the soft summer breeze excited her, and the polished bow glistened in the sunlight. "How very enchanting it all is."

"What?" Uriah tried to yell above the noise. He shifted the sleeping child to his other shoulder and leaned closer.

"Can we stop and just watch that ship?"

"Yes, but from there." He pointed toward the end of the pier where Caleb and Elizabeth waited.

Mary grinned and quickened her pace. Twice she became so distracted by the ship, she nearly walked into a table. Uriah finally took hold of her arm and guided her through the crowd. When they arrived, the end of the pier was nearly empty and far more quiet. An elderly couple sat on a bench. He was almost asleep and she watched the same ship that fascinated Mary. Caleb and Elizabeth stood arm-in-arm at the stone frontage wall looking out across the water.