“She has no notion of taking a husband!” Mr. Scott shouted. He quickly cleared his throat before speaking again in a much lower voice, “And certainly we can all agree that a woman’s place is in the home. God created her to bear and raise children.”

“Come now, Mr. Scott,” Joseph said, “surely you cannot deny God has gifted women beyond childbearing capabilities. Miss Wilkins is a prime example. She has extraordinary nursing skills and ’twould be a shame if she could not serve God and others in that way.”

“Whatever the case, she must be made to return to England,” Mr. Scott said, “and repay the Columbia Mission Society for wasting their time and money on her.”

Mercy was tempted to lower her head and allow the others to continue to speak on her behalf as if she were not present. But she glanced in the mirror and straightened her shoulders again. She had to step forward and be confident and strong. If she didn’t now, when would she?

Mrs. Moresby started to reply when Mercy spoke. “I told Mr. Scott I’d save my earnings to repay the Columbia Mission Society, and I vow I’ll do it, that I will.”

“That’s an excellent idea,” Mrs. Moresby said. “In fact, as we consider bringing more brides to the colony, we have contemplated how to fund the endeavor, as we cannot rely upon donations and charity indefinitely. Perhaps a system of repayment is the way to do it.”

“Regardless of the ultimate decision,” Joseph said, “you may put your troubled mind at ease, Mr. Scott. Upon my return to London, I shall personally make certain the Columbia Mission Society receives a sizable donation, part of which will most assuredly cover Miss Wilkins’s passage here to Vancouver Island.”

Mr. Scott bowed his head toward Joseph. “That is very generous of you, my lord. Very generous indeed.”

Joseph nodded.

Mr. Scott took a tentative step toward him. “My lord, I hope you know I have only ever had your best interests at heart in this matter and that I desired to protect you and the Society from any hint of scandal.”

Joseph narrowed his eyes upon the reverend.

Mr. Scott hurriedly added, “As young men are sometimes impetuous and lacking the foresight to know what is best for their futures, we who are older and wiser must step in on occasion and direct the situation. While such directives may seem unpleasant at the time, I have no doubt that in hindsight you will be much relieved and grateful for the intervention that is meant to protect your good name and reputation.”

For a long moment, no one spoke. Mrs. Moresby’s mouth hung open again, and Joseph’s jaw flexed as he stared at Mr. Scott.