A few hours later, with the Ambrosia safely riding at anchor, Captain Jansen came to my cabin to escort me to New York. “The boat is ready for you, my dear,” he said, with tears in his eyes. He had dressed in his finest for the occasion, a navy suit and bright white neck stock. “I shall be quite sad to see you go.”

“You’ve been so kind, Captain,” I said, and meant it. He’d helped me when I’d been at my lowest.

“I only wish I could’ve done more.” Izra entered behind him with Miss Coates’s jewel trunk, setting it on the table. Captain Jansen placed the key on top and smiled. “I thought you might wish to wear a pretty bauble to meet your new guardian. Take your time. I will be waiting right outside.”

I bolted the door behind them and sat at the table. The trunk’s silver hinges made not a squeak as I opened the lid. The jewels inside glowed in spite of the dimness of the cabin in the cloudy afternoon. I lifted the pieces out, one by one. There were velvet chokers with cameos. Grand necklaces of gold and silver and gemstone. Earrings and rings. Bracelets, broaches, and more. Instead of feeling relieved or happy at such a bounty, a sullenness came over me that I couldn’t explain. What I needed, much more than fine gemstones, was to feel safe.

I picked up a strand of pearls. They were made of the sea, like me, but I wasn’t half as beautiful and flawless. I reached into my pocket for the captain’s watch. A gift, from that first day. It was the only thing in the world that felt mine. I fastened it round my neck by a blue ribbon, turning it into a necklace. A reminder of the day I’d decided to become someone else.

Ten minutes later, I sat beside the captain on a shore boat, watching the Ambrosia recede. It had been my home for only two weeks, but I knew I would never forget it. The crew had lined up along the rail to watch me go, but I didn’t see Hackett until a whistle pulled my eyes up to the crow’s nest. He pulled off his hat and waved it in the air. I raised my hand and waved back.

“It seems we’re providing the afternoon’s entertainment,” Captain Jansen said. “We have quite an audience.” The Ambrosia’s men weren’t the only ones watching us. Men stood at the rails of every ship, staring down as we passed. “We are crossing a barrier very few others have managed to cross in weeks. New York has been blockaded, and the Americans have a Committee for Detecting and Defeating Conspiracies regulating entry, for fear of spies.”

“Spies?” I whispered.

“Nothing to worry you, my dear. These are war matters. You shall be quite protected from them.”