“Straightaway.” His shoulders seemed to relax, and his features softened. “All the men, Mercy. Gentlemen and commoners alike.”

The earnestness of his tone, the use of her given name, the realization that he was sharing so personally with her, sent her insides diving into unfamiliar territory that was warm and pleasurable.

She handed him the cup of water. As he tipped his head back and drank, she was the one doing the staring now, taking in the strength of his jaw and neck as he swallowed, the confident way he held himself.

“If it’s rich and poor alike, then it’s because of you,” she said with more passion than she intended. “The men respect you and like you all around, to be sure.”

After drinking the last drop, his eyes sought hers. And stayed there, even as he lowered the mug.

She felt breathless and hot and drawn to him, as if the intensity of his gaze had a magical power over her.

A faint voice behind her broke the spell. “Then will everything be all right, Lord Colville?”

Mercy pivoted and knelt beside Miss Lawrence, her pulse careening even more rapidly. She didn’t understand her reaction to Dr. Colville, and suddenly it frightened her.

“Rest assured,” Dr. Colville said smoothly, clearly not as ruffled as she was. “With every man doing his part, we shall reach the Falklands right on schedule.”

“Thanks be to God,” Miss Lawrence replied, looking past Mercy to Dr. Colville. “I fear I have become a burden to everyone and would not wish to impose longer than is necessary.”

“There, there, dear.” Mercy retrieved the cloth she’d abandoned upon Dr. Colville’s appearance. She placed it back on Miss Lawrence’s forehead. “You’ll be right well soon enough, that you will.”

“I signed up to work the first shift,” Dr. Colville said. “Stoking the boilers.”

His statement pulled Mercy’s attention back around. She wanted to chastise him, for he was already plenty busy tending sick passengers. But the determined set of his jaw told her he wouldn’t be swayed.

Something sweet expanded in her chest. She was proud of him, she realized. Proud of how humble he was to do the work of a common laborer. And proud she had the opportunity to serve alongside him.

“Lord Colville is a wonderful man,” Miss Lawrence said wistfully once the doctor had left. “If only there were more men of his integrity and kindness. I pray that once we arrive to Vancouver Island, we shall all find men as kind and honorable as he is.”

Mercy nodded and hoped Miss Lawrence took that as her agreement, even though she was far from agreeable about finding a husband on Vancouver Island. “You’re right pretty and will have men fighting over you, to be sure.”