She shook her head. “Of course not. I’m just not used to all the options one must have living on the continent. What kind of exciting professions do men around here have?”
“Honestly, I don’t care what they do. I want someone who is kind and sees me for who I am, not just what I look like. Someone who cares about me more than his bookkeeping or social life. Problem is, every man who has shown interest thus far only sees me for onething—a pretty placeholder for the title of wife.” Sadness laced Abigail’s voice, and Josephine understood. Having one’s hopes raised and dashed over and over again would take its toll on anyone, even someone as bright and vivacious as Abigail.
“Well, maybe Mr. Ainsley is the one. Besides, you are so lovely, I cannot believe for a second that you won’t attract that kind of man to you.”
Abigail’s shoulders straightened. “Thank you. I won’t give up. I know the perfect one is out there somewhere for me. It’s just—maybe this doesn’t make sense—but when you have wanted something for so long, and it doesn’t happen the way you think it would, it can be discouraging.”
Josephine reached out and patted her new friend’s arm. “I know the feeling well.”
Abigail smiled. “I’m glad to have met you. Now, let’s stop being so melancholy, lest the men notice. That’s a sure way to keep them away!”
The band started a new song and Josephine perked up. Finally, a familiar tune. She cleared her throat. “Standing alone over here in the corner is another way to scare them off. Come, let’s go ask our dream men to dance.”
“Josephine, wait.” Abigail reached for her arm but was too late. “We wait for them to ask us.”
“Well, if what you said is true, the lieutenant will never ask. Where’s Mr. Ainsley?”
With a sigh, Abigail fell into step beside her and pointed to the other side of the room. A tall gentleman stood alone watching the dancers. Josephine guided them that way. “Introduce me.”
Her friend slowed as they approached, and Josephine slid her a sideways glance. “Are you nervous?”
All she got was a quick nod in return. How could someone so beautiful have any reservations about talking to a handsome man?Look who’s talking. Between the fountain mishap and the fresh awkwardness at today’s market, she wasn’t sure she could face Lieutenant Caldwell again.
Mr. Ainsley noticed them and his face brightened. “Miss Ross. I hoped to see you here.”
She giggled. “I never miss a party.”
He grinned and turned to Josephine. “Who’s this? I don’t think I’ve met you before.”
“Mr. Ainsley, this is Miss Montclair. Her father is the governor of Tortuga.”
A faraway look crossed over his face. “Tortuga. Where’s that, somewhere in Europe?”
Abigail blinked and Josephine bit back a laugh. “It’s a Caribbean island.”
“Oh. Very nice.” He turned to Abigail. “Would you like to dance?”
She beamed and Josephine gave her a wink before leaving the happy couple behind. Dance partners marched and twirled across the floor and as she approached the two men still conversing in the corner, her heart began to beat faster, the small amount of courage she’d gathered fading away. The lieutenant faced away from her, the sound of his voice floating over the music.
“I hired a cabin boy down at the King’s Head.”
“So, everything is in order to be able to leave by dawn then?” Mr. Thompson noticed her but didn’t say anything.
“Yes. Preferably sooner. If it weren’t for this blasted party, I’d have pushed to leave tonight.” Lieutenant Caldwell stood still for a moment. “Look, I don’t mind you putting your foolhardy neck on the line, but I can’t stomach the thought of Samantha crossing paths with Thorne again.”
Mr. Thompson’s hands clenched into fists. “You think I don’t feel the same?”
Lieutenant Caldwell crossed his arms. “So, tell her to stay. You’reher husband after all.”
His friend snorted. “You know as well as I do that she wouldn’t listen one lick if I commanded that of her.” He swiveled his gaze to Josephine. “Miss Montclair, so good to see you again. You look absolutely lovely.”
Her reply was lost as the lieutenant turned and the weight of her recent embarrassments collided with the flutter of nerves his nearness stirred. He stood silent, his eyes traveling over her.
After a few moments passed, Mr. Thompson cleared his throat. “I hope you’ve managed to stay out of the Ross’s fountain.” He gave her a good-natured wink, sending heat shooting up her cheeks.
A flash of amusement colored the lieutenant’s eyes a darker blue, but he remained quiet.
Mr. Thompson slapped his friend’s shoulder. “I had better find Samantha and ask her to dance before she thinks I’ve forgotten about her. Why don’t you two take a spin around the floor as well?”
