Page 18 of Love's Cure

Crystal stood and smiled at her. “I told the receptionist I’d be hard to miss with my hair.”

The woman laughed. “I’m your guide. Helena Tribble.”

Crystal shook her hand. “Crystal Owen. And this is Dr. Emmett Chambers, the new physician in Lilac Lake. He wanted to learn more about the area.”

“Lilac Lake is such a pretty place, but I think you’ll find lots to admire in Portsmouth,” Helena said to him. “The tour will take about an hour. Ready?”

Crystal followed Emmett and Helena out of the coffee shop.

Helena stood and told them about some of the shops and restaurants around Market Square and then told them about English settlers being drawn to the commercial potential of the region’s fish and timber, along with the deep-water Piscataqua River.

“The community’s original name was Strawbery Banke because of the strawberry-strewn waterfront banks, but the name was changed in 1653 to Portsmouth.”

“You know a lot about the area. Do you live here?”

Helena shook her head. “My husband is a professor of history at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, and we live not far from here in New Castle. I feel as if I’m a native of Portsmouth because I’ve learned so much about it.”

“You’re trained to be a guide?” Crystal asked.

“Oh, yes. And believe me, there’s a lot to learn.” Helena beamed at her and brushed a lock of gray hair behind her ear. “Let’s continue.”

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After an hour of learningabout the city, its early settlers, artifacts at St. John’s Episcopal Church, where President Washington once worshipped, and tugboats on the river, Crystal was ready to sit down at one of the places back at Market Square.

“Thank you for letting me show you around,” said Helena, ending their tour. “You’re a lovely couple.”

Crystal glanced at Emmett, but he looked away.

Uncomfortable by that, Crystal tipped Helena and thanked her for an interesting tour, then turned to Emmett. “What would you like to do next?”

“I want to try one of the restaurants here for chowder and lobster rolls like Helena suggested and then continue the drive up along the southern coast of Maine. I already know I want to return to Portsmouth to see more of it.”

“Perfect. I’m hungry and ready to eat. Then we’ll just do a quick overview of the southern coast of Maine. Along Route One, Kittery has several discount malls, but I’m sure you’ll be more interested in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Seavey’s Island.”

“All right. We don’t need to hurry. I already know I want to spend another day with you poking around the area.” He put an arm around her. “Let’s go eat.”

They chose one of the restaurants Helena had suggested right on the waterfront. The saltwater smells from the river were pleasing though not as fresh as ocean air farther up the coast. Helena had told them that the Piscataqua River was the second fastest flowing river in the U.S. and wasn’t safe for swimming, so Crystal wasn’t surprised to see, instead, a busy harbor full of boats, some moored right off the dockside entrance to the restaurant.

Though the summer day was warm, a breeze cooled them at their table under an umbrella on the deck.

Emmett leaned back in his chair and lifted her hand in his. “This has been a wonderful morning. I’ve enjoyed being with you. I haven’t found someone I could be comfortable with in a long time.” He squeezed her hand, sending electric shock waves up her arm and into her body.

She gazed at his smiling face and let out a long sigh, wishing she could look into his eyes, but they were covered by sunglasses. “I’ve enjoyed it too. I like you, Emmett. I really do.”

“Thanks. That means a lot to me.” He gazed out at the water deep in thought.

A waitress appeared at their table and the contemplative look on his face was replaced with a wide smile. “We hear this is the place to come for seafood chowder and a lobster roll.”

The waitress lifted her order pad. “I take it that’s what you’re ordering for lunch?”

“Yes, ma’am. But, Crystal, what are you having?”

“I’ll have the same. I’m told they’re both delicious.”

“We sell a lot of them,” said the waitress. “They’re among my favorites.”

After placing the orders, the waitress brought them the Cokes they wanted.

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