Introduction to 'Voyage of Abigail'

This is the Introduction page in 'Voyage of Abigail', the book now in the final preparation stages before publication.

INTRODUCTION

When I sat out to write ‘A Ship Called Abigail,’ I had no idea that from that one book, another story would spring forth. And then another. Now, with the completion of ‘Voyage of Abigail,’ two more books in the series will follow. Beyond that? It remains to be seen.

All that is necessary for another book to be brought to life, is for a character, or a set of characters within the one just written, to reach out and demand that their own story to be told. I am not deaf to those demands. I hear them, and I have promised them that their own stories will be told.

‘Voyage of Abigail’ is not a “part two” in a series. It is its own story. It is a sequel. It does branch from the story which was told in the first book, but it is its own story. Josias Lancaster whom I met in the first book, made it clear to me that his story of loss, and his new love found, although it was partly told in the former book, the whole story must be told. His story. In honoring his wishes, this book is the result.

Josias introduced me to the lady who came into his life after his own loss. She repaired the broken pieces of his life, and she became his bride. I learned that Ann Merriweather had suffered her own heartbreak, and abandonment, even though she had not previously been a wife.

Loss, however it comes about, or whatever form it takes, creates an indelible mark on the heart, and even on the spirit which becomes a part of who we are for the remainder of our days.

It is a simple truth that even later in life we can start on the path of living which we may have missed in our younger years. She found the truth in that statement and gave me a new perspective on love found and I hope, an even greater appreciation for this thing called ‘Second Chances.’

There are others within both books who are clamoring to have their own stories told. With God’s will and His favor, I will do my best to tell their stories, and for whoever should follow, their stories as well.

Dan W. Dooley

From the Sequel Book to 'A Ship Called Abigail'

“Tell me, Matthew,” she asked and the sound of speaking his name thrilled her in a way she had not known before. “You have no employment. You have no family. What do you see your prospects being?”

With a puzzled look, he asked, “what is ‘prospects’?”

She sighed. “What do you see tomorrow bringing for you?”

He sat up straight and his eyes beamed. “Do you know what I wanted to become? That is before now.”

She knew that he meant before the loss of his parents, and everything else life would have offered him. She knew without him saying it that whatever dream that had been, it was now dead.

“I wanted to be an artist. To paint magnificent pictures of places I have never seen before. To go to places I’ve never been before.”

But that dream had died for him. He did not say it, but she knew. “I would love to see some of your paintings.”

“Alas, I don’t have any. They were lost when I left the big city and came here. I don’t know what became of them.”

“Have you painted since you came here?” She knew the answer to that one as well.

“No. No spirit. Is that how you say it? That thing inside which must paint.”

“I understand,” she answered. “The motivation or the inspiration. If you lose that, well…” Now she was understanding more and she would not ask him any more questions about his thoughts on his future. He did not have a future.

The Story Anew

With the original book in the series 'A Ship Called Abigail' already published and available to buy and read, the second book, the sequel is soon to be added for purchase and reading.

I should not call this a true series for it is really a sequel rather than a multi-volume series.  The second book though it is set in time following the story in the first book, it is actually a different story.  This is  not a continuation of the story of the main characters in the first book.  It is the story of another character who figures importantly in the first book.  It is his story.  Well, their story, actually, for like Harris and Anna who following loss and widowhood, this man finds new love after loss.

The sequel story can stand alone.  It is not a continuation of a story before it.  It has an association with a story before it, and there will be references to people and events within the story before, but a reader can, if desired, enjoy the sequel story even if they have not read the one before.  Of course it is my hope that any who read this new book will also read the first one.  So much more will be gotten from the story.

Finding new love after loss is never easy.  It presents vastly different challenges than those who are young and are finding love for the first time.  Or rather I should say, committed love.  Marriage love.  Josias Lancaster finds the truth in that statement, for he is a man in his sixties when he finally finds that new love after loss.

This is also the story of the first voyage of the air ship Abigail.  Whether it will be the last voyage, only future sequels will tell.

And on the matter of sequels, out of the first book and out of this new book, two more stories will bring about at least two more sequels.  I foresee a total of four stories for four books.  But, I would never dare to predict that the four will be the end of it.

The Reason For it All

Being active in a number of social media forums, and being one with a propensity to write, expressing feelings and emotions, I have written much about the experience of meeting Patsy.

Patsy and I were both widowed and we met each other and we have now been married two years and some months. Our story has been told many times, to new friends, even casual acquaintances and in a host of social media posts.

It was inevitable that I would be encouraged to write a book telling our story. As I love to write, and have had some professional writing experience, I jumped on the opportunity to tell our story.

But, I was not going to write the story in memoir form, nor was it going to be autobiographical. I prefer fiction writing and fiction it would be.

The story is entirely fictional. The characters are entirely fictional as is the setting. But, within the story of two people, Harris Wimberly and Anna Forth, both widowed who found each other and learned to live and love again, is our story.

It is a story of second chances and life after loss. It is also a story of God's working in our lives to bring things together when we learn to let go and lean on Him instead of trying to do things which we simply cannot do.

It is my hope that all who read it will be encouraged and inspired. I also hope that the information and the link to the book will be shared to any who may need such encouragement. Especially the widowed who feel that there is little chance for them to know love again.

Josias and Ann's Story Continues in 'Voyage of Abigail'

“I hear a rumor from time to time that he is back in the social world and that there may even be a lady in the picture. But don’t charge that to my account as I can neither affirm or disprove it.”

“What about the ship you are building here?” Harris asked.

“Oh he makes no mention of it and it appears that he still wants to avoid any association with it. But he still provides the funds needed to complete it. You know it’s just about finished.”

Anna looked puzzled at that statement and she turned to face Harris, with the question on her face. Harris took note and he asked Martin to tell the story again for her benefit.

“You see, my dear,” Martin began. Josias Lancaster had for many years a reputation as something of a ladies man. He never allowed himself to become rightfully involved with any one woman. Some would say he was a rake and not much of an honorable man with the ladies. Now some of that may be a stretching of the truth, but it was not too far off course.

“He met a lady who completely turned him around. The change in him was immense. One would have said that he got religion. Well, he did not exactly, but the change was great. He quit all of his wayward ways and rejected all other women. He became engaged to this one. The ship was a dream of his and we believe that he was thinking of retiring and spending the rest of his life in leisure and travel with her. He had the financial means to do so.

“So he laid the plans for the construction of the ship which is a lighter than air vessel. Not a Zeppelin dirigible, mind you but one with sails and a wooden hull which can also sail the oceans. He planned to use it for their honeymoon. But, tragically, before they could marry, she died suddenly and unexpectedly.

“Just as meeting her had changed him for the better, her death changed him in another way. No, he did not return to his old irresponsible ways but rather it was as though his soul was taken from him and he seemed to move about life as an empty shell, devoid of any spirit. Her death in a way killed his heart.”

Anna listened to this with eyes filling with sadness and she dabbed at the corners with her handkerchief. “What was the lady’s name?” she asked.

“It was Abigail,” Martin answered.

Following a Week of No News

Anna finished dressing and making a final check of her appearance in the mirror, she prepared to go to Bryan’s room to check on him, and his readiness to leave for church that Sunday morning. A knock came upon the door to her bedchamber and Mildred’s voice came from the other side.

“Oh Ma’am, sorry to disturb you but I found something which you may want to see.”

“What is it, Mildred?” she inquired.

“A letter. I found it on the floor behind the foyer table. I found it just now. I guess it fell down behind, and nobody saw it until I saw it just now,” Mildred answered.

“Let me see it.” Mildred opened the door and Mildred put the letter into her hand. Her heart skipped a beat. It contained the return address of H. Wimberly.

From Harris! Her fingers trembled as she used the letter opener knife which was kept on the dresser to slit open the envelope. She unfolded the single sheet of paper and read;

My Dearest Anna,

Please pardon my use of the familiar, but I must let what my heart feels dictate the words my pen puts to paper.

I have come to hold a special place for you in my heart and though it is very early in our meeting and building a relationship which I hope meets your acceptance, I must say what I feel.

It is my hope that if it is agreeable to you, I may pursue the pleasure of your company and I ask your permission to court you.

I will meet you Sunday morning at church and if it is agreeable to you, please reserve a space for me near you. We will continue to talk and get to know each other better.

Expectantly yours,
Harris

Sage Advice From an Unexpected Source

Suddenly he had the urge to talk to someone and Agnes would provide a ready ear. She too often grew lonely for human conversation but she did have a friend who was the housekeeper next door and those two older ladies often spent time, sometimes, a great amount of time, sharing a cup of tea at the table in the back garden of Harris’ house. And, she had her telephone and from what Harris could surmise, she made good use of that instrument. Now she sat at the end of the table opposite him.

“Agnes, may I have the honor of your opinion on a matter of personal interest to me?” he asked as he sat down at the table.

“Sure, of course, Mr. Wimberly,” she answered. “I’m not much at giving high wisdom but I’ve my thoughts on things, you know.”

“I know that, and I appreciate it. Allow me to tell you something I have told no one else,” he said.

“Oh goodness,” she replied. “Yes. Please tell me. I know that you have been in a very good humour the last several days, so I figured you had some good news.”

“Would you be surprised if I told you that I have met a lady whom I like very much?” he asked with a twinkle in his eyes.

Her hands went to her breast. “Oh Mr. Wimberly, you are a such a tease. You’re not serious, are you? Really? Did you?”

“Yes, I am serious,” he replied, laughing. “I have met a lady. I do like her very much. Honestly, I believe that God has sent her my way to be my wife.”

“Oh my, Sir! Who is she? Do I know her?” she paused and the look of glee faded from her face.

“Agnes, you seem to disapprove. Why?” he asked, perplexed.

“Oh no, Sir,” she objected. “It’s just…”

“It’s just what, Agnes?” Now he was perplexed.

“It’s just… well I was thinking about what will become of this household and honestly Sir, what…” she left the last unasked.

“Oh yes,” he answered. “Agnes, I don’t know all of the answers. I don’t know if she will have me for her husband. Even if she does, I don’t know what we will do about living arrangements. If we combine households, I don’t know what will happen with anyone’s position. I know that I do not want to lose you or your services. I will want to bring you into our new home. I just don’t know about anything else right now. After all, I just met her and I don’t even know for certain how she feels about me. I have not even started courting her yet.”

“Sir, I know that you have been lonely and so sad for so long after Ruth’s passing. You deserve to be happy,” she said.

“Thank you,” he replied. “I never thought marriage would be for me following her, but I now know that I am not a man who enjoys living alone. I’ve been praying about it much and I believe God is answering my prayers.”

God is good, you know,” she said. “I’ve been distressed to see you skipping church so much.

“Well that is changing, Agnes,” he assured her. “I was in church last Sunday. I will be in church every time I can. I feel better being closer to God. I have so much I owe Him for. So much to be grateful for.”

“I suppose the letter I put in the post Monday was to her?” Agnes asked.

“Yes it was,” he answered.

“I thought something was up when I saw the letter. It didn’t look like it was addressed to one of your business associates.”

“You are indeed a sly one,” he laughed.

He grew serious. “Tell me Agnes, how can I know if this is the real thing? How can I know if she is the one God is sending me to become my wife? Give me your thoughts.”

“I knew when I met the mister that he was the one I was going to marry. But you know what really told me that he was the right one?”

“No. Tell me,” he replied.

“Both of us knew. I knew in my heart that he was the right one and he told me that he knew the same about me. I have always believed that when, for anyone, when the right one comes along, both of you will know it.” Her wisdom never failed to impress him.

“How long have you been widowed?” he asked. She had told him before but he had forgotten.

“Fourteen years next month.”

“Did you ever consider remarrying.”

“Oh yes. Once or twice,” she replied. “I had a male suiter who did propose to me but I sent him packing.”

“Why did you do that?” he asked.

“Simple,” she replied. “I didn’t love him. Why I hardly liked him. I thought that he was horrible looking. Oh he was a good man, I think, but I just couldn’t see waking up to see that face every morning.” He laughed in response.