Chapter Ten
Curtis Bay, Maryland, November, 1836
The cold mist threatened to cancel the small ceremony, but Mary-Michael would not let the weather slow the progress of her men. If they felt safe enough continuing, she was going to allow them to do their job. She wrapped her arms around herself for warmth, wishing Lucky was here to witness this momentous event. The mast swayed as it lifted from the ground while the team of horses was coaxed forward. Lads from the shipyard kept the lines from tangling while they got taut. This was a traditional mast-raising, and she smiled at her brother, excited he was here to participate and bless the boat, just as he had the boat’s twin several days earlier.
Today, with the stepping of her mainmast, the Lady M truly became a ship and no longer just a b
