Mercy gave Mrs. Robb a sideways glance as though asking for permission to speak to him. Now that the chaperone knew he belonged to the aristocracy and was titled, she wouldn’t dare slight him, would she?

The matron pinched her lips together and hesitated before finally inclining her head toward Joseph.

Mercy curtsied. “She’s faring better today, sir, that she is. Thank ye for asking.”

“I would suggest she get as much sunshine and fresh air as possible while we are still moored, and perhaps an extra portion of water and food while her stomach is calm.”

“Thank ye, sir. I’ll see to it right away.”

For a reason Joseph couldn’t explain, he felt uncomfortable hearing Mercy’s subservient response. He rather liked her better when she was free to be herself. He’d expected that taking on a physician’s role would show people he had no wish to put on airs. And to a degree, it had. He’d gained the respect of the sailors and passengers on previous voyages—respect for himself alone and not simply because of his family name.

Perhaps he would have to constantly wage such a battle to earn respect for his deeds rather than his title.

Of course, he hadn’t set off with such lofty goals. Rather, his desire to pursue physician training had been fueled by his grief. After he’d finished Oxford, he didn’t want to return home and walk in his father’s footsteps. The very idea of doing so had been paralyzing. Instead, he’d buried himself in his studies at the Royal College of Physicians.

It was then he discovered how distancing himself from his past not only eased the ache and emptiness but also had helped to expand his view of the greater world. Outside his grand homes and exclusive clubs, he came upon opportunities to meet ordinary people and discover what life was really like.

“We will be at sea together for many long days,” Joseph said to all the women there, hoping Mercy would take particular note of his wish not to be treated deferentially. “I do pray you will see me as your servant and nothing more.”

Without waiting for their reaction, Joseph excused himself and walked away.

eleven

The swaying of the ship tossed Mercy against the bunk. She grabbed on to the upper bed to hold herself steady. The seawater seeping in under the door wasn’t helping her to keep her balance either. It made a steady nuisance of entering the cabin whenever the ship leaned leeward. And then the water would flow back out when the ship rocked the opposite way.

In the darkness of the windowless room, she had to feel her way around and pray she didn’t trip over or bump into anything that had been dislodged during the ship’s tossing.