Joseph didn’t glance her way. Even so, Mercy’s heartbeat picked up its pace at his admission. Even if he had confessed his love earlier, she still couldn’t quite believe he’d be able to love—really love—a poor woman like her.

“Mr. Scott,” Mrs. Moresby said, breaking the awkward silence that had settled in the parlor. “Actually, most of what I’ve heard about you has come from the bride-ship women. They’ve had much to say about you.”

“I see.” His voice was threaded with disappointment.

“I met with a number of the women individually this afternoon,” Mrs. Moresby continued. “And not a one of them had anything positive to say about you. In short, they dislike you.”

Mr. Scott blanched. “How dare you speak so harshly, madam? You have no right—”

“You’ll have to forgive me for my bluntness, Mr. Scott. I’m afraid I don’t have the same social graces as Lord Colville.”

“Just as I have preached,” Mr. Scott said. “That is precisely what happens when people aspire beyond themselves. They may imitate the manner and speech of those of a higher station, but they cannot hide their true nature indefinitely.”

“I’m not hiding anything from anyone,” Mrs. Moresby responded with a chuckle that shook her frame. “I am who I am. If you don’t like me, then too bad.”

Mercy watched with a mixture of awe and trepidation as the woman sparred with the reverend. She wasn’t sure she’d ever have the same confidence Mrs. Moresby displayed, but she could certainly learn from her about self-respect.

Mr. Scott sputtered his response, but before he could formulate his thoughts, Mrs. Moresby spoke again. “After meeting with the women this afternoon and discovering the hard feelings, the Female Immigration Committee convened and just now decided to relieve you of your duties as chaperone.”

“You may do no such thing.” Splotchy red formed on Mr. Scott’s face. “You have no authority to do so. I am a representative of the Columbia Mission Society, which is made up of illustrious and the most exemplary of sponsors. I report to them, not to a paltry handful of colonial upstarts.”

“Mr. Scott,” Joseph cut in, his tone calm but firm. “As we are departing from the colony soon, the oversight of the women’s care must be transferred. You have done your duty, and now you must release it and look ahead to your next calling.”

The reverend dipped his head in servitude to Joseph.