“But can’t you say that this is an opportunity for the people of Santa Catarina to gain a better station in life?” Garibaldi responded.

“Is it? This is Rio Grande do Sul’s war. Not ours. What will happen to Santa Catarina when the war is over? We can’t risk taking on the burdens of Rio Grande do Sul.”

He leaned back in his chair. A small smile played on his lips. “Tell me, Anna, what would you have Santa Catarina do? Your state is caught in the middle between Imperialist Brazil and her brothers of Rio Grande do Sul.”

“If we are to enter into war, we need to guarantee that our people’s interests will be seen to. If the people of Santa Catarina don’t see that there is something in it for them, they will never support your cause.”

“And therein lies our dilemma!” Garibaldi exclaimed. “We are trying to convince the people of Santa Catarina that what we propose is truly in their best interest. If only I had you by my side. As one of my advisors.” A thrill went down my spine at the thought of being by his side. He smiled at me, soft and shy at first, but broader as I met his gaze. What was it about this man that drew me in? For someone who preferred to be alone, I couldn’t explain why I suddenly wanted the attention of the strange foreigner.

Garibaldi stood up. “If you will excuse me. I have business matters to attend to.” He bowed to Manuela and me in turn before striding to the front hallway. We followed him, the four of us crammed in the narrow hall, Garibaldi and Hector in front, Maria and I behind them. As he reached the door he turned to Manuela and me. “If either of you ladies would be interested, I could arrange for a tour of the ship.”

“That is a very generous offer, senhor.” Manuela smiled politely. A ship was no place for a lady. Women who spent time surrounded by a bunch of sailors were known as putas, whores.

He bowed his head quickly before exiting through the door.

* * *

“Manuela, it would be rude for us to ignore his invitation.” I hurried after Manuela as she carried an armload of sheets down the hospital hallway.

“Anna, it would be inappropriate.”

“Not if you come with me,” I pleaded.

Manuela stopped short in the hall, causing me to nearly bump into her. “Anna, only putas go on ships, with or without a chaperone.”

“No one needs to know,” I responded.

“But they will, Anna. You know as well as I do that this town is full of gossips. If word gets out that I was somewhere inappropriate, Hector could lose his position.”

“Fine.” I sulked. “This was my one opportunity to see the tall ships up close. I’ll never get to do this again.”

Manuela sighed. “All right! I will go with you, but not one word to Hector. Do you understand? Not one word.” She turned and stormed off down the hall. “The things I do.”