Her eyes widened at that. “I can’t let you do that! It wouldn’t be fair. You are already doing so much for me. I can’t accept—”
His eyes met hers through the mirror where he was standing to comb his hair. “Of course you can. I am offering of my own free will. Even though I’m not as rich as a lord, neither am I without means. I can well afford it, Esther.”
“But you shouldn’t.”
“But I want to. Let us not speak of this further. I’ll help you arrange access to your funds in case you need them. But I’ll be paying for the travel expenses, and that’s the end of the discussion.”
***
The Port of Liverpool was a bustling beehive of activity. From her perch in the carriage that brought them from the train station, Esther took in her chaotic surroundings, marveling at the cacophony of shouted orders, the screech of gulls circling overhead, and the salty tang of the sea. And then she spotted it. The SSChinaloomed in the distance, its sleek black hull gleaming in the morning light.
“The SSChina?” she exclaimed as the ship came into view, turning to glance at Wang. “Did you do this on purpose?”
Wang laughed. “Not at all. It was entirely a coincidence. This just happened to be the next ship departing for New York.”
“How fitting, then. It’s almost like a sign, I’m sure.”
“Don’t overthink it. It’s just the ship’s name.”
As the carriage drew next to the gangway of the ship, Wang was the first to jump out. He took her wheelchair out of the carriage in preparation to help her settle in it. She cast her gaze over the throng of passengers as he lifted her in his arms and deposited her in the chair, dismayed to find their arrival turned more than a few heads.
At one point, she had welcomed the wheelchair, as it allowed her to have some mobility. Of late, she had begun to hate the cumbersome contraption. It always garnered attention, made her feel like she was on display. People stared. Some with curiosity, some with pity. She tried to hide her mortification, but it was embarrassing to have to be carted around.
Soon.
This was the very reason she was making this trip. She vowed she would do all in her power so that, on the return trip, she would walk up the gangplank on her own two feet.
Wang handled all their arrangements with the calm efficiency that seemed to define him, always appearing at ease. Unaware or uncaring of people’s stares. It must be amazing to possess such unshakeable self-confidence. At the base of the gangway, he produced their tickets, presenting them to the shipping agent.
The agent, a stout man with a florid complexion, adjusted his spectacles and frowned.
“There appears to be an issue, sir,” he said, his voice tinged with regret. “While two first-class cabins were booked, I’m afraid only one remains available. The other has been double-booked.” He spread his hands in an apologetic gesture. “We deeply regret the error. We can offer a second-class cabin instead. And will, of course, refund the price difference.”
Wang’s dark eyes narrowed, but his tone remained measured. “This is unacceptable. Both suites were reserved and confirmed in advance. A refund does not address the inconvenience.”
Before the agent could stammer out another excuse, Esther placed a hand on Wang’s arm, her voice cutting through the tension with gentle authority. “There’s no need for us to quarrel, Kai. You’ll simply stay with me in the first-class cabin.” She turned to her maid, who had agreed to go with them to America, after all. “Margaret, would you like to take the second-class cabin? I’m certain you’ll manage admirably.”
Margaret nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Of course, my lady. It’ll be no trouble at all. Would rather enjoy having a whole cabin to myself.”
Esther smiled, and the agent looked relieved at the resolution, though Wang’s lips pressed into a thin line.
“Are you sure this arrangement is satisfactory to you, Esther?” he asked.
“Of course. Isn’t it to you?” she replied in the same soft tone.
Something rich and possessive flickered in his eyes. “You know it is. I just don’t want to inconvenience you.”
“It’s no inconvenience at all. In fact, I prefer it this way.” She leaned closer to whisper for his ears only. “My maid snores. Sharing a cabin with you will be far more…pleasurable. Come, wheel me onto the ship.”
His gaze promised a world of pleasure as he grabbed the handles of her wheelchair and, together, they ascended the gangway and boarded the SSChina.
The first-class cabin was as lavish as promised, with a plush bed, elegant furnishings, and a window offering a view of the bustling harbor. It even had a small parlor adjacent to the bedchamber. Her maid unpacked her trunks with the practiced efficiency of one who had performed the task hundreds of times. Then disappeared to settle into her second-class quarters without complaint, leaving Wang and Esther to survey their temporary home.
Wang paced around the cabin like a caged lion. “You’re remarkably adaptable, Esther.”
“And you’re remarkably protective. Let us not let this minor mishap ruin the excitement of this trip. I’ve never been out of England, you know? It’s my first time on a ship. I’m quite looking forward to this experience with you.” She gave him a wry smile. “But perhaps you are not as excited with this arrangement. Did I make a mistake in suggesting we share a cabin?”
He came to her, crouching next to her chair to be at eye level with her. “I just don’t want to cause gossip. An Asian man and a white woman sharing a cabin is unusual enough to be noticed.”
