The realization made him take a step closer. “I apologize for ill-using you, for taking advantage of the sadness and grief of the moment. You were not in your right frame of mind. And I am the lowest form of ocean scum and the foulest of creatures to have given you my affection in such a moment when I ought to have saved it.”

Saved it for whom? The question smacked him in the chest.

He’d vowed he would save his wholehearted devotion and affection for the woman he planned to marry. But what if that woman was Mercy? What if he threw aside caution and took her as his wife? Then he’d no longer have to feel guilty about liking her so much. In fact, perhaps marrying Mercy was the noble way out of his predicament.

“You’re being too hard on yourself, Joseph,” she chided lightly. “You meant well, and I did too. But we let the situation get the right best of us, that’s all.”

“I’m not too hard on myself. Rather, I’m not severe enough, and wish I could make amends to you.”

Her lips stalled around her words. Her expression said she wanted to assure him, but that she didn’t know how.

A fire sparked to life in his gut. All he could focus on was her mouth—her perfect, soft lips and the need to bend down and kiss her again. Even as he fought to restrain himself, he realized if he married her, he wouldn’t have to withhold himself any longer.

“I shall do the right and honorable thing by you, Mercy,” he said in a rush before he could find an excuse not to say it. “I shall make amends by marrying you.”

At a knocking nearby, Joseph glanced around the deck again. He saw no evidence of anyone there. As far as he could tell, they were still alone.

“Be my wife, Mercy.” He wanted to tug her into his arms and bury his face into the smooth span of her neck. But her eyes had widened, and her cheeks had changed from pink to pale in a single heartbeat.

Maybe he was going about this all wrong. Perhaps he ought to express himself better, tell her of his affection and how much he desired her. After all, Captain Hellyer had advised him not to put stock in class differences, hadn’t he?

“We don’t have to let your background and station stand in the way of our being together.” He waited, expecting her eyes to alight with gratitude and happiness that he was willing to overlook their enormous differences.

Instead, lines creased her forehead.

“Please say something,” he whispered.