“Oh, you’ll have plenty of chances to socialize,” Mrs. Moresby assured. “Tomorrow we’re having our annual regatta, and Commander Verney has graciously suggested you ladies spend the day on board the Grappler, so that you might participate in the festivities as guests of the navy. Afterward we’ll have games and refreshments on the town green.”

The news was met with whispers and smiles.

“Then on Sunday you’ll join us for worship at Christ Church Cathedral, where you’ll be given the opportunity to interact with many of our single male citizens.”

Mercy decided she’d have to find excuses to avoid attending the events.

“In addition,” Mrs. Moresby said, “your very own chaperone, Mr. Scott, has already been busy lining up appointments for several of you.”

“Appointments?” echoed one of the women.

“Yes, for the men to meet you here in the parlor. As Mr. Scott is only here in Victoria for a limited time, he’s such a generous man, agreeing to spend his evenings chaperoning the meetings.”

Generous? Mercy tried not to shudder. Mrs. Moresby didn’t need to mention the names of the women who would have appointments. Mercy could already guess she was one of them.

Mr. Scott was doing exactly as he vowed. He was determined to see her married before he left Victoria. She had to make sure he didn’t succeed. But how?

twenty-eight

From her place on the blanket spread under an enormous oak tree, Mercy tried to keep out of sight amidst the other women and not call attention to herself.

The men lingered nearby along the edge of the cricket grounds on Beacon Hill, waiting for the opportunity to talk with them. Fortunately, the leaders of the Female Immigration Committee had cordoned off an area and were sitting close by under a large open tent with servants tending them.

After spending the morning aboard the HMS Grappler and watching the regatta, Mercy had hoped to find a way to return to the Marine Barracks. But again the committee had insisted all the women participate.

Mercy knew she should be grateful to these local gentlewomen. They meant well. On top of everything else they’d done, they even had two trunks of donated clothing delivered to the barracks early in the morning, after finally comprehending that many of the poor women had nothing but what they wore.

Having spent the past evening scrubbing her one outfit and hanging it to dry overnight, Mercy was as thrilled as everyone else at the fresh change of clothing. With her hair washed, her body scrubbed, and wearing the clean garments, Mercy felt almost like a new person.

She might have even enjoyed the activities of the warm autumn day if she didn’t have the appointments looming ahead that eve. She glanced to the pavilion, where Mr. Scott sat with his family and the committee members, as well as the wealthier bride-ship women, Miss Lawrence among them.