“Rigging,” Elise corrected.
“Yes, rigging.” Her aunt shook her head. “Well, she did what she could, and given the circumstances, she did a good job.”
“I’m glad you feel that way.” Elise was very protective of her deceased mother’s memory. She wanted very much to follow her mother’s example and be a positive influence to all, both on the ship and off. Her mother had been a wonderful influenceon the seamen. She had taught more than one to read, and she always took time to sew for them and even led them in musical entertainment from time to time. The men all loved her, and she made life on theMary Eliseand other ships quite pleasant.
“You must admit, however, you were deprived of certain things.”
“Such as?” Elise popped a piece of sausage in her mouth. She hoped that by chewing she wouldn’t be as likely to say something she’d regret.
“Well, just as I’ve said. You didn’t learn to ride or entertain. You’ve never been to the opera or ballet. And you were surrounded by ruffians rather than gentlefolk.”
“Did I embarrass you at the wedding, Aunt Martha?”
Her aunt put down her teacup. “Of course not. Goodness, child, I’m not trying to make this a reprimand.”
Elise smiled. “I’m so glad.Perhaps we can focus on the positive, then.”
“That’s what I want for you as well. A few dinners and a garden party or two, and you’ll see just how positive things can be.”
“I wish you wouldn’t go to the trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all. It will be the perfect way to celebrate the summer. There are several invitations I haven’t yet replied to, and I’m long overdue to host a dinner. I will see you have the right clothes to wear. Thankfully you’re very nearly my size. I have several gowns I might lend you. With a little luck, you just might find the perfect suitor. Which is another thing you can hardly do on board a ship.”
“There are plenty of men on our ship. Should I have wanted a husband, I could have taken my pick. Most of them have proposed at least once.”
The color drained from her aunt’s face. “But those men are laborers. They would hardly suit.”
Elise let out a silent sigh. The entirety of this visit, her aunt had been quite firm about finding Elise a husband. Even at Caroline’s wedding, it seemed that was Aunt Martha’s focus rather than the bride. The older woman had pointed out various young men who were friends of her sons Randolph and Louis, suggesting Elise might let her know if she favored any one man over another. She wasn’t likely to be dissuaded from her plans now.
On Saturday night, the Monroe house was brimming with people. Many were friends of Randolph and Louis, but an equal number were young ladies accompanying their parents. Elise wore a gown of pale pink. The skirt was a silk overlay with taffeta underneath. With every step, the material announced her coming. The shoes Aunt Martha had lent her were a size too small, and her corset had been cinched so snug that Elise could barely eat two bites at dinner.
The men paid her an abundance of attention, just as Aunt Martha had hoped. Louis acted as her guardian and host after dinner, introducing her first to one friend and then another. The single young ladies, in hopes of capturing attention for themselves, hung around Elise as if they were the dearest of friends. It was comical, and Elise might have pointed it out to Louis and shared a hearty laugh but for fear of embarrassing Aunt Martha and Uncle James.
“You look quite beautiful, Elise,” her uncle declared, coming to join them. “There will be some entertainment in the music room and perhaps dancing, if I know your aunt.”
Elise couldn’t hide her expression, and it drew her uncle’s attention.
“Goodness, child, you look as if I’d suggested we slaughter puppies.”
“I suppose I feel the same disdain at having to dance with all of these men. It might be just as much a misery.” She glanced around the room. “It’s too hot to dance, anyway.”
“I must agree with you on that.” He leaned close. “Just humor your aunt, and before you know it, you’ll be sailing away.”
Elise smiled. “I’ll do my best.”
A four-string quartet accompanied by the piano struck up a quadrille for their first number. Louis brought over a young man.
“Elise Wright, this is my good friend Matthew Henderson.”
“Mr. Henderson,” she said, giving a slight curtsy.
“Miss Wright.” He gave a small bow. “I arrived late and missed out on dinner. It’s my absolute pleasure to meet you. Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
“Of course.” She allowed him to lead her off to join the other couples.
“I was happy to hear that you’re still in town,” he said as they performed the dance steps. “I wanted to meet you and didn’t”—he made a turn and finished when they came back together—“I didn’t have a chance.”
Elise wasn’t certain what to say, so she smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
