Without waiting for permission to enter, the woman poked her head past him. At the sight of Mercy, the woman’s lips pinched into tight disapproval. “Mercy Wilkins?”

Mercy curtsied. “Yes, Mrs. Robb.”

“What is our number-one rule for this voyage?”

“I thought Sarah was dying, ma’am,” Mercy rushed to explain. “That I did.”

“Our number-one rule, Mercy?”

“I didn’t think the doctor counted, ma’am.”

“The rule?” the tall woman insisted.

Mercy’s chin dipped. “No fraternizing with the other passengers.”

“Especially no fraternizing with whom?”

“With the men, ma’am.”

The exchange was happening so rapidly that Joseph scarcely had time to comprehend who this Mrs. Robb was and what she was insinuating.

“Mrs. Robb,” he interrupted. “Please let me assure you that Miss Wilkins did the right thing by bringing Sarah here—”

“Doctor,” she replied in a sharp but calm tone, “did anyone put you in charge of the women on this ship?”

Her condescending question prickled his scalp. “When someone on this ship becomes ill, madam, then yes, they do fall under my jurisdiction—regardless of their gender.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Let us be clear about one thing, Doctor. The Columbia Mission Society has placed these women under my watchful care. I will decide when and if the women need medical attention. Not you.”

“’Tis my fault entirely, Mrs. Robb,” Mercy interjected, her worried eyes darting between Joseph and Mrs. Robb. “I brought Sarah here this morn ’cause I thought she was in danger of dying. Please don’t blame the good doctor, ma’am.”

Mrs. Robb gave Mercy a look that promised punishment. The young woman lowered her head, clearly knowing and accepting her place at the bottom of the social strata.

Joseph pulled himself to his full height. Apparently, Mrs. Robb had no idea who he was. From the simplicity of her gown, he guessed she was far from wealthy. He had half a mind to demean her and put her in her place.

But doing so would make him no different from her, using one’s class to subjugate another. He had, after all, thrown off his title for the voyage, already having informed his fellow officers to call him doctor rather than lord.

He decided to adopt a civil tone and approach. “Mrs. Robb, let me also be clear about one thing. As the ship’s surgeon, Captain Hellyer has put every passenger’s well-being under my watchful care. Please understand, neither you nor anyone else can dictate how and when I practice medicine while we’re aboard this ship.”

The matron had the audacity to stare him in the eyes. He held her gaze until finally she shifted her attention to Mercy. “Gather Sarah and return to your cabin at once.”

Mercy jumped to obey the order.