“That’s what I’ve been telling myself since I started this voyage. But if that’s the case, why then do I feel so restless, as though I somehow went my own direction and took the easy way?”

Serving in the slums would certainly be a difficult life for someone of Joseph’s social standing. “Patience always said that we might be troubled on every side, but God’s still there working things out in His way. And God’s way is something we can’t always see or make sense of.”

Joseph didn’t respond. As his silence lengthened, Mercy guessed she’d overstepped her bounds. After all, she was just a poor woman from the worst part of the city. What did she know of God and His plans for Joseph when she couldn’t begin to understand His plans for herself?

As the ship rose and then sank again, it threatened to wrest her from Joseph’s arms. She clutched his waistcoat but expected the turbulent motion might send her flying like a loose button popped from its thread.

“If we are to perish this night, you most assuredly do not have anything to fear in standing before your Maker,” he said and reached out with one arm to grab the beam of the bunk above while continuing to hold her with the other. “You are the closest to an angel I think I shall ever meet on this side of heaven.”

His words spread warmth to her limbs, and despite the storm raging around them, some of her fear dissipated. If they survived, she would always cherish his compliment and the knowledge he regarded her so highly. “Thank ye, Joseph.”

Once his given name left her lips, she realized her mistake too late to take it back. She closed her eyes and cringed, hoping he hadn’t heard her. That was what came of allowing her thoughts to run away with too much familiarity these past weeks.

“Does the use of my given name mean you consider me a friend?”

“I’m sorry, my lord. I shouldn’t have—”

“Yes, you should have.”

“I would never presume, sir.” A friend with Joseph? Who’d ever heard of such a thing—an important nobleman becoming friends with a lowly insignificant woman?

“I would cherish your friendship, Mercy. And I do desire that you put aside titles when we speak together.”

Exactly what kind of friendship did Joseph have in mind? Her thoughts strayed to the moment they’d climbed down into steerage and he’d fallen against her and looked as though he might kiss her.

She forced the memory away. Hadn’t he assured her he had no intention of seducing her? Hadn’t he been a gentleman thus far in every way? If he was offering friendship, she could accept it, couldn’t she?