Joseph couldn’t remember the names of the two daughters and wasn’t able to tell them apart. Nevertheless, the one who’d tried to assist him shifted in her seat and flushed. At her obvious embarrassment at his bold statement, Joseph silently chastised himself for not being more tactful with his criticism.

“Please make use of the other Miss Scott,” Mr. Scott insisted. “She is much less squeamish and will most certainly be of great aid to you.”

Joseph paused, his hand on the door handle. He’d seen little of Mercy since Miss Lawrence had recovered enough to return to her quarters. He’d tried not to engage the women milling about on their section of deck, yet he found his attention irresistibly drawn there when passing by on his way to his stateroom, especially whenever Mercy was out. He was tempted to approach and talk to her but had refrained, knowing nothing good could come of it. After having time to contemplate the rumor that he’d taken Mercy as his mistress, he’d decided he needed to guard her reputation by staying away.

Even if he was able to hold himself back, keeping his thoughts at bay was another matter entirely. The truth was, he found his mind wandering to her quite regularly.

“I assure you, Lord Colville,” Mr. Scott continued, his tone taking on a pleading quality. “My daughter can be of great benefit to you. You must take her with you.”

While Joseph’s spine stiffened in protest, his conscience told him he should heed Mr. Scott’s plea. It was a beckoning to stay clear of the trouble he might stir up again by involving himself with Mercy.

The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Mercy. And if the rumors resurfaced, if he tainted her reputation, then she’d likely lose any chance of finding a husband once she reached Vancouver Island.

With an inward sigh, he nodded at Mr. Scott. “Very well—”

His acquiescence was cut short by Miss Scott cupping her mouth. With a pale face and wide eyes, she shot up from her seat. Before she could take a step, she stooped over and vomited on the floor.

Mrs. Scott rose from her chair in an instant. She slipped her arm around her daughter and guided her rapidly from the dining room, the second daughter scurrying closely behind. Once the door shut behind them, Mr. Scott kept his attention riveted to the table and wordlessly lowered himself to his seat.

Joseph nodded at the other passengers, then took his leave. As he hurried to his cabin, the wind and the first drops of rain buffeted him as though to warn him not to disturb Mercy. If he was completely honest, he knew he could use the midwife as his assistant. His calling after Mercy hadn’t been necessary, and he suspected Mr. Scott had known it.