His declaration whispered through her mind as it often did. And every time the words brought back the sensations of their intimacy, the burning of his lips against hers, the passionate pleasure of his kisses . . .

“Come now, Mercy.” Ann tugged her sleeve and drew her out of the forbidden memory. “Let’s take a walk along the deck like them other women. They’re gettin’ all the attention wearing such pretty togs.”

“Let them have it.” Mercy squeezed Ann’s arm and patted first Minnie’s, then Flo’s, then Kip’s cheeks. The morning light showed the grime that rimmed their faces and hair and clothing, the result of three months without proper bathing.

The wealthier women had opened their trunks for clean garments. Later, Mercy noticed several of them dumping their soiled shipboard clothing into the sea. Mercy was half tempted to jump in and save the items. The dirty garments were better than anything she or the other poor girls wore. But she hadn’t wanted to make a fuss and have one of the wealthy women accuse her of stealing the garments the same way Miss Spencer had accused Ann of taking her necklace.

Now in their pretty dresses, the middle-class women were drawing the introductions of the gentlemen of the welcoming committee. Even Miss Lawrence was talking with several important-looking men, who were attired in naval uniforms of white trousers and blue coats decorated with gold trim. Though the gentlewoman’s expression remained pleasant and mild, Mercy could see cold fear in her eyes and couldn’t keep from wondering again what had happened to Miss Lawrence.

The gentlewoman had been kind enough to offer to help with Sarah’s care during the quarantine, but Joseph had been there when she visited for the second time and had insisted that Miss Lawrence stay well away until he could determine the cause of Sarah’s illness. Mercy hadn’t had the opportunity to interact with Miss Lawrence again, except for brief greetings in passing.

The pretty lady was having no shortage of admirers today even though she’d assumed she was too much of a spinster to draw attention.

After such a strict policy against interacting with men, Mercy was surprised Mrs. Robb and Mr. Scott were allowing the mingling. She supposed now that they’d arrived, the two chaperones would have no choice but to give them more freedom. At least Mercy prayed it was so. Then she could find a job without having to worry about finding a husband.

“You’ll have plenty of notice right soon enough,” Mercy reminded the girls. “What with all the gentlemen have told us, the fellas on shore are getting ready—shining their shoes and buying new collars.”

“Oho,” Ann said. “I bet a crown you’ll be the first one fetched right up.”

“You know I’m not planning on letting any man fetch me,” Mercy said quietly but firmly.