Captain Haig grumbled something inaudible beneath his breath, and Gray sighed as a familiar ache bloomed in his chest.

“I know I’m being irrational,” he admitted. “Yes, I need you to be my chaperone. Annabelle gets to me, and I can’t afford it. You have no idea how badly I want Luke’s plan to succeed. It was the only thing he asked of me, and I intend to deliver.”

“I’ll go,” Haig finally said. “It might be amusing to watch you suffer.”

There was no doubt Gray would suffer at the enforced proximity with Annabelle. The only real question was if he’d be able to keep his smoldering resentment of her alive.

Annabelle found the train ride to Springfield a challenge. She’d repeatedly tried to initiate polite conversation with Gray, who answered her in terse, one-word responses. They rode in a private compartment with two benches facing each other, and Annabelle tried to put the time to good use by presenting Gray with a copy of Good Housekeeping she’d purchased in port.

“Perhaps you’d like to familiarize yourself with it ahead of our meeting,” she said as she set the magazine on the table between them.

Gray acted like he didn’t hear her as he stared out the window.

“A basic understanding of the publication is not only a sign of respect, it will allow us to tailor our presentation to the needs of the magazine editors.”

Nothing. She’d spent all last night reading this magazine to glean insight into the nature of the publication. It had been a surprise. Far from the mundane cooking recipes or beauty advice she had expected, the magazine took a scientific approach to everything from cleaning hats and teething remedies for babies to proper attic ventilation. Gray didn’t know the first thing about the most influential ladies’ magazine in the country, and they were about to meet with the editors.

“Is it all going to be up to me?” she asked. “To be the only one informed? Captain Haig, perhaps you would like to have a peek at the magazine. There is an entire article on cures for a sour disposition. You might find it helpful. I’ve only had to tolerate Mr. Delacroix for three days, but I gather your voyage to Madagascar will take considerably longer.”

At last she’d gotten Gray’s attention, and he swiveled his gaze to her. “I wonder if they have an article on how to pry a knife from the center of your own back. I’ve still got one buried pretty deeply.”

He did, but she had already apologized for it. She was doing her best to carry out Luke’s wild-eyed scheme, and if Gray would cooperate with her, they stood a much better chance.