“Precisely what I expected.”

Her mind set off to scampering like a cornered kitten. “The other girls in my cabin?”

“I shall quarantine them as well, until I’m certain none of them has been exposed.”

“Then we’ll stay with them, sir. It’ll be for the best thataway—”

“If the others haven’t been infected yet, then Sarah surely will infect them.”

The rest of Mercy’s protest faded.

“If you leave Sarah here, there’s yet the chance for you to return to the others and avoid further exposure.”

“No, Doctor. I won’t skulk away to safety and leave her alone.”

“I shall be here with her.”

“But she needs me.”

Joseph nodded as though he’d expected her to say as much.

Even with her mind made up, the doubts lingered. “It’s just that my chaperones won’t take kindly to—”

“Lord Colville” came a voice from outside, followed by rapping against the door.

Mercy stiffened. It was Mr. Scott. He’d certainly wasted no time in coming after her.

Before Joseph could reach the door, the reverend continued, “When I was retrieving Mercy this morning to attend to the sick women, her cabin mates informed me that she has interrupted your sleep and burdened you with the care of one of the orphans who has taken ill with the tainted food. My lord, I—”

Before he was finished with his sentence, Joseph pulled open the door to reveal the short gentleman, already attired in his black suit and stiff white collar. He bowed at the waist and held himself in the position.

“How may I be of service to you, Mr. Scott?”

The reverend straightened, allowing himself a sweeping look inside the doctor’s stateroom, taking in Sarah on the bed and halting on Mercy, who knelt on the floor next to the sick girl. His eyes widened, and he swiftly looked away.

Only then did Mercy realize she was still attired in her nightgown and the cloak. Her bare feet poked out shamefully, revealing her ankles. Mercy yanked at the thin material and attempted to cover herself.

Mr. Scott’s expression turned grave, almost ashen. He bowed again before straightening and tugging down his coat hard as if that could somehow cover Mercy’s feet. “I beg you to forgive me, my lord. It is I who must try to make amends on behalf of my wayward charges for disturbing you so indecently.”

“They have not disturbed me, Mr. Scott. On the contrary, I prevailed upon them when I learned of Sarah’s fever.”

“You are indeed generous, Lord Colville. In fact, you are more generous than most men of your esteemed station. And I do thank you for understanding.” The reverend gestured at Mercy and hissed, “Come now, girl. You must return to your cabin at once before you shame us all with any further misconduct.”