“A few days? That’s hardly better.” Fear had me by the throat and I was speaking without thinking.

“Frannie…” Asa stepped closer, his eyes shining brighter. “What if we stayed together? Beyond New York?”

“Stay together?” It made no sense. There were only two ways that could happen—with me either as his wife or as his mistress.

“Be with me, Frannie,” he went on. “I know I haven’t any fortune to speak of, and that we’re young, but I promise to always provide for you, and what I can offer you is me. My name. My mind and body. My heart, which is half yours already. Throw away this plan to become Miss Coates and be with me…forever.” He paused, drawing a breath. “Marry me, Comet. I dare you.”

Awe and wonder flooded me, filling me with a glowing warmth. Such beautiful words. For me. Was his heart truly half mine?

I wanted to leap into his arms—but suddenly I remembered my promise to Mama.

“Asa, I—” My voice broke. I had to be strong. Mama had prepared me for this. Even now, I could hear her whispering in my ear.

Never marry for love, as love doesn’t buy bread.

Never marry in haste, as those who rush, stumble.

Never marry low, as poverty is a stain that never washes out.

I wouldn’t make the mistakes she’d made with Sewel. No matter what I felt, I had to choose right. “Asa,” I tried again. “I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

Pain filled his blue eyes. Clouds over the sea. “Of course.” He cleared his throat and looked down. “Forgive me. That was rash, and I…” He let go of my hands; I had no idea when he’d taken them. “I have to go. The crew’s been ordered to muster.”

“Wait, Asa.” He stopped at the door. I waited for him to turn back, to look at me. He didn’t. “There’s things you don’t know. Things I’ve promised.” My chest was caving in. I didn’t know what to say to make everything right again. Had I broken us?

“You don’t have to explain.” He glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll see you tonight.”

After he left, I stood and waited for the hurt to lessen, but I only hurt more.