Gallagher entered the sitting room behind me as I walked across the space and knocked on Aunt Maude’s door. It opened and Brown stood before me.
“How is she doing?” I asked.
“The same.”
“Is that Clara?” Aunt Maude asked in a weak voice.
“Yes.” I stepped into the room as Brown moved aside. “How are you feeling?”
Aunt Maude was lying on her bed, the covers drawn up to her chin. Her face was ashen, and her graying hair was in a single braid, worn over her shoulder. “Do not concern yourself with how I’m feeling,” she said. “I want to know how you’ve spent your afternoon.” She paused and closed her eyes as her face went pale.
Brown grabbed a bowl and raced to her side, pressing a wet cloth against her brow and waiting.
Whatever had come over Aunt Maude seemed to pass and she opened her eyes, taking a deep breath. “Well?”
I told her how I had toured the steamship with Gallagher as my companion, finding the grand saloon, the ladies’ drawing room, several music rooms, and even the men’s smoking room.
“And who did you see that we know?”
I recounted several passengers that I knew by name, including the Garfields, which made her wrinkle her nose in displeasure.
“The captain has invited us to dine at his table,” Aunt Maude said when I was done. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the Garfields are there, as well.” She looked ill again at the talk of supper. “I probably won’t be well enough to join tonight, since it takes me a few days to overcome seasickness. You and Alec will have to attend without me. Where is Alec?”
“He’s in his cabin, ma’am,” Brown said.
“Get him for me.”
Brown left the room as Aunt Maude closed her eyes and seemed to fall asleep.
Gallagher had not followed me into the room, so I stood there in the silence. Waiting.
It wasn’t long before Alec appeared at the open door.
Our gazes collided and he offered me a tentative smile. I had to glance away, afraid my heart couldn’t handle the press of affection for him, or the embarrassment that warmed my cheeks at having told him I was in love with him.
“Aunt Maude?” Alec asked, moving closer to her bed.
Her eyes fluttered open and she moaned. “I hate sea travel.”
“Brown said you needed to see me.”
She took a deep breath and nodded. “The captain has asked us to dine with him, but I will not be able to join tonight. I want you to keep a close eye on Clara. Use the next few days to introduce her to other men on the ship and continue to coach her in flirtations.”
“We’ve already been over this,” he said. “Clara doesn’t need more coach—”
“There is little I can do to further her studies while I’m lying in this bed. But if she is not moving forward, she is retreating. If there are any other issues you see arise while she is conversing ordancing with others, or yourself, correct it later in private.” She looked between him and me. “Do I make myself clear?”
The last thing I wanted to do was spend time with Alec as he continued to teach me to flirt. It was too hard on my heart. But what could I say to Aunt Maude, especially in her current state of discomfort?
“Of course,” I said to her.
Alec simply nodded.
“Go, please,” Aunt Maude said. “I need to sleep.”
Brown reentered the room as Alec and I exited. Gallagher must have gone to her room, because the sitting room was empty.
When Brown closed the door, it left Alec and I in the main room alone.
