Vivian lay sprawled on her back, staring up at the white canopy of her bed. The mosquito netting was tied back with purple ribbon that matched the purple flowers stitched onto the edge of her crisp white sheets. The whitewashed walls, dotted with her own artwork, gave the room a light airy feel.
“London may end up a grand adventure, Vivian.” Her best friend said.
She turned her head toward the voice. Gabrielle sat curled on the window seat. Her light green cotton skirts contrasted against the jewel-colored silk pillows piled around her.
“Although, I don’t know how we will get packed on such short notice. I will ring for Mrs. Ward.” Rising, Gabrielle crossed the room to tug on the bellpull.
A grand adventure. She didn’t feel as optimistic as her best friend with regards to their trip to England. She’d never set out on an adventure all on her own. Biting her bottom lip, she contemplated the possibilities.
“Perhaps you’re right, Gabi. I shall go see the sights of London and meet my mother’s sisters. We can dance, sip champagne, and perhaps have a little fun.” She frowned and sat up. “Well, I’ll have to work on the dancing part.”
Gabi smiled at her indulgently. Her friend knew all too well how hopeless she was on the dance floor.
“I can’t help but feel as though Father is sending us away. Why is he insisting on marrying me off now?” She collapsed back onto the bed. What was he up to?
She and her father did everything together. He taught her to fish, to shoot, to play cards…They ate dinner together every evening when he wasn’t travelling. Discussions ranged from business, to religion, to local gossip. Her father never dismissed her opinions. He loved to argue, and their debates could get heated.
Underneath his gruff exterior lay a sentimental heart. Perhaps the anniversary of her mother’s death a few months ago had made him think about England and about her mother’s wish for her daughter to visit. But why wouldn’t he just take her himself?
“Vivi, you are twenty-two years old. It’s past the normal age for finding a husband.”
She let out a disdainful huff. She had no intention of shackling herself into the role of dutiful wife yet. She agreed to travel to England as an opportunity to see for herself the images her mother had painted in those bedtime stories. And truthfully, she would never willfully disobey her father. He always had her best interests at heart.
The housekeeper entered the room, pulling Vivian from her thoughts. Mrs. Ward’s warm brown eyes and round cheerful face wreathed in steel gray curls were a comforting sight. She would be able to figure out how to arrange everything for their trip on such short notice.
Gabi rose and said, “Mrs. Ward, please send for the travel trunks to be brought down from the attics. And may we borrow a couple more hands to help organize ourselves for the trip?”
“Surely, Miss Gabrielle. I’ll get two of the housemaids to come right away to help. I can’t believe you ladies will be leaving us for a whole year. What will I do with only your crusty papa to take care of?” Mrs. Ward gave a watery smile.
“Oh, Mrs. Ward, I won’t be gone half that long.” Vivian sat up. “We will stay the summer, visit with my aunts and be home before the cold weather starts. I’ve no intention of staying the winter in England.” She aimed a frown at Gabrielle. “And I am certainly not marrying some pompous, proper Englishman. Though Gabi’s right. Perhaps we may have some adventures while we’re there.”
It might have been her mother’s wish for her to visit London, but Vivian doubted that Mama would want her daughter stuck in a life she had so willingly fled from herself.
“Speaking of cold weather, it will be early March when we arrive. Mrs. Ward, what will the weather be like in England in March?” Gabrielle asked.
“Oh, cold still. It will especially feel that way for you ladies used to this tropical weather. I remember March can even bring snow, but in London, it will most likely be rainy and cold until May. I’ll just go and get the girls, Miss Gabrielle.” Mrs. Ward bustled out of the room.
“Ugh, perhaps we can still persuade Papa to postpone the trip.” Vivian said.
“We will need the time to get wardrobes together and learn all the proper things to say and do before the social season starts,” Gabi replied. “I am sure there is much we don’t know.”
“Always my practical, Gabi. I am so glad you’re coming with me. I’d be terrified of going by myself.”
“Vivian Jamieson, I’ve never seen you terrified of anything.”
“Well, maybe not terrified, but I am nervous to meet my aunts. I don’t want to be an embarrassment to my mama’s good name. You shall have to help me to be on my best behavior.” She worried her bottom lip.
Gabi sat next to her, wrapping one arm around her shoulders. Five years older, Gabi often slipped into the role of big sister. When Papa rescued Gabi, she had been living on her own in New Orleans for two years. Vivian didn’t know all the details about her friend’s time in New Orleans, but Gabi had embraced her new life here and worked hard to leave her past behind.
Gabi gave her shoulder a squeeze. “We’re in this together, Vivi.”
“At least it will be good to be on the open seas again. I have missed being on board a great ship, wind in my face, rocked to sleep by the waves.”
That night she dreamt of ocean breezes and a tall, handsome ship captain with wild dark hair and laughing gray eyes.
Chapter Three
Early Thursday morning, Jack met over breakfast with his first mate, his boatswain, plus a few other crew members. He glanced around the table. These men were not just employees, but trusted friends. He took a sip of strong black coffee.
