Now that the invitation was accepted, Bill remembered that he didn't actually know how to host gentlemen. The reverend had visited them once or twice, when Bill and Lottie could no longer find a polite excuse to wiggle out of it, but Lottie would always take care of such things and Bill paid no attention.

The kitchen wouldn't do for a captain. Bill at least had the good sense to show him into the front room, modest as it was. "I would like that," Bill said. "Can I offer you something to drink? Tea? Got some beer." Was that appropriate?