Besides, she had so little to give him. She had no money, no land, no title. She owned nothing but her clothing, and even that had been a donation. Mr. Scott was right. She’d utterly disgrace Joseph if she married him. She could see it now—all his friends laughing at him, at her. They’d want nothing to do with Joseph, and he’d lose the prestige and respect he deserved.

She couldn’t let that happen, couldn’t let him bring ruin upon himself because of her.

“Say something, Mercy,” he pleaded.

“Joseph, I . . . I can’t.” The ache in her chest had expanded into her throat, making speaking difficult. If she told him the truth about why, he’d probably tell her none of her reasons mattered. But what if eventually he tired of the scandal and the shame that would come with their betrothal? What if later he realized he’d made a mistake?

“What is this really about, Mercy?” he asked, frustration in his voice. “Why will you consider marrying another man, a stranger, but not me?”

“I’m not considering anything of the sort!” she cried out, her own frustration getting the best of her. “Mr. Scott is forcing me into it.”

“What the devil?”

“Mr. Scott has vowed to see I’m married before he sails away.”

“I don’t understand. Why is he so insistent upon it?”

Mercy hesitated. Should she tell Joseph that Mr. Scott had overheard his shipboard proposal and believed her unworthy? She suspected such news would only anger Joseph, leading him to confront Mr. Scott, who of course would deny it.

“Mr. Scott learned I’m not wanting to get married,” she said at last. “He says that since the Columbia Mission Society paid for me to come here to be a bride, I must follow through with it. If not, I have to return to England or else pay back the cost of my fare.”

“He has no business saying such a thing.” Joseph’s voice rose loud enough that anyone in the side aisle outside the alcove would be able to hear him and would surely come to investigate.

“He’s right,” Mercy continued, lowering her voice and hoping Joseph would do the same. “I’m in debt to the Columbia Mission Society. And I can’t be a-going back to England, not when Patience will be expecting me here.”

“I shall speak to Mr. Scott at once.” He started to leave, but Mercy stopped him with a touch to his arm.

“No. He’ll only make things worse.” If that were possible.

Joseph nodded, then gave a sigh. “Tell me, did he orchestrate the appointments with the men?”