Mercy thought back to the previous evening, the parade of men coming in and out of the parlor. She’d hated every minute of it. Most of the meetings had been painfully awkward as each of the men attempted to prove why he was the better choice over the others. “’Twas Mr. Scott’s idea, to be sure.”

“And he wants you to choose a husband by tonight?”

“Aye. And if I don’t pick someone tonight, he’s planning to send me back to England straightaway.” She thought over the blur of faces and names from last evening. She couldn’t remember any of the men. How would she ever be able to choose?

“Mr. Scott may have zeal for accomplishing the goals of the Columbia Mission Society,” Joseph said with a growl, “but he’s taken his duties too seriously. Much too seriously. And now he must be made to see the error of his ways.”

“No, Joseph. Please . . .” If Joseph expressed his disapproval to Mr. Scott, there would be no telling what the man might do next. She couldn’t chance it.

“I’m only sorry I did not step in and prevent him from ill-using you sooner.” Once more Joseph started to leave.

Mercy clutched his arm to stop him. “You cannot talk to Mr. Scott about this. He’ll punish me.”

“I won’t let him.”

“He overheard us on the ship. He knows about your proposal to me, and he thinks I’m trying to trick you into marrying me.” The embarrassing truth was out before she could stop it. “He knows that a union betwixt us will cause a scandal, and he’s just wanting to protect you from ruination.”

Joseph was silent for a long moment. Perhaps now he’d finally realize the foolishness of his proposal and see that he was better off without her.

“Promise me you won’t talk to Mr. Scott,” she said. “If you press him, he’ll make me leave Vancouver Island.”

“But if you have no desire to be married, I shall not allow him to coerce you into it.”

She wished Joseph could find a way to save her from an unwanted marriage, but she feared his interference would have the opposite effect and make things worse. “Please, Joseph. I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing it for Patience.”

Through the darkness of the room, his hand found hers. His fingers were warm and solid and strong. “Have no fear. I shall find a way to give you your freedom. It’s the least I can do for you.” He squeezed her hand and then slipped out of the alcove and was gone.

thirty

Got ten acres of land overlooking the sea. Prettiest place on earth.” The young man sat on the edge of the fancy chair, his hands trembling and his eyes twitching.