Chapter 6

 

Addie quietly closed the door behind her and listened for any footsteps sounding on the wooden stairs of the ship. Nothing. But the music that had seemed a soft hum, was louder now as she made her way down the long hallway and out on the deck. Taking a deep breath, she followed the sound, letting the soft strains of a familiar tune draw her to the dance she would be attending if she was in her rightful place onboard the ship. After all, she was the granddaughter of Lord Benchley. He would never have traveled third class.

She shook away the voice inside her head that warned her away from the lies she told herself. She had been the granddaughter of Lord Benchley. Today, Cousin Vance held the title. She was just plain Adeline Fleming. True. But not for tonight. She would have one last night as one of the wealthy and privileged.

She swallowed hard as she approached the stateroom. The nerves inside her stomach jumped like the little green frogs that lived down by the pond on the estate. They had been a childhood delight to watch as they jumped among the rocks and sticks along the banks of the water. But tonight, she would just as soon the image go away and leave her to enjoy what was left of her last night to be Adeline of Long Meadows.

Light flowed through the door and windows, spilling its golden glow onto the wooden deck. The sound of tinkling glass and laughter mingled with the music that filled the air. Taking a deep breath and holding her head high, she swept through the door opened for her by a steward. She must be natural, confident. Act as if she was still one of them, belonging to their world.

Just inside, she paused near a large potted tree and let her eyes travel around the lavish room. Green wallpaper with flecks of gold covered the walls. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling above. The ladies, dressed in their finest, gathered in groups talking with the gentlemen.

She glanced down at her own gown. It was last year’s fashion and not as up to date as those worn by most of the women. Perhaps she shouldn’t have come. But it was so nice to feel the soft Oriental carpet beneath her feet and stand in a beautiful room.

The middle of the stateroom boasted a bare floor for dancing. Numerous couples floated across the area in time to the music. At the back of the room, tables lined the wall, loaded with fruit, cake, and punch. Her parched throat led her in that direction. A nice cool drink would calm her nerves. And it was only for one dance, she told herself. Just one.

“Thank you.” She reached for the crystal cup the server held to her. Before she could take it, a masculine hand swept between them and took the drink.

“No lady should have to get her own punch. Please allow me, Miss–?”

Addie started and turned her face to him. Dressed in a brown suit, he was several inches taller than herself. His trim dark hair was combed perfectly into place. His eyes, black as his hair, twinkled in the light of the room. The thin moustache over his upper lip gave him a dashing look, as if he was one to come to a lady‘s rescue at a moment’s notice.

She felt herself blush as she took the cup from his hand. “Thank you, very much, sir.”

He gave a slight bow of the head, his eyes never leaving her. “Adam Zimmer at your service, Miss.”

An American. And definitely not a cowboy. She smiled. “Adeline Fleming, Mr. Zimmer.”

“I’m please to make your acquaintance, Miss Fleming. And, if your card is not already full, may I ask to have the next dance when you are finished with your refreshment?”

A wave of panic swept through her. Her card! She didn’t have one. She looked at her wrist and offered a weak smile to the man. “I seem to have misplaced it.” Another lie, to go with the rest of the night.

“Ah,” he smiled. “Then I would say that makes you free to dance with me.”

Her fingers trembling, she set the cup on the table next to her. “Yes. I suppose it does.”

He held his arm to her. “Looks like another is about to start.”

They were on the dance floor at once, his arm tight around her waist. She had attended only a few parties such as this in her past, but her training was more than adequate for tonight’s festivities. And she fit in his arms perfectly, as if it was meant for them to be here, together.

“You are a wonderful dancer, Miss Fleming,” he complimented, his cheek close to hers.

She ignored the warm trail his whispering words left on her face. “Thank you, sir. And I may say the same for you.” A tingling of fear mingled with her excitement. Maybe she should get away from this man. She knew nothing about him. And so close to him, her heart was pounded in her ears and she found herself searching for words that should come easily. She would make an excuse as soon as the session was over. And it should be soon.

He bowed as they finished. “Would you do me the favor of another?”

She hesitated. She had promised herself to stay for only one dance. One last taste of her former life. “I. . .really, I’m quite warm. I think I’ll take some air, first.” It would be her chance to escape.

Concern washed over his handsome face. “Of course. The air is rather stuffy in here with so many people. Allow me to escort you to the deck, Miss Fleming.”

Her heart sank. This was not working out the way that she had planned. And she couldn‘t stay much longer. Rose would be wondering about her.

He offered his arm to her. “Come, let’s get away from the crowd. Take a little stroll around the deck. The air is unusually warm for this time of year.” He smiled and touched her hand, sending a tremor through her arm.

The air was muggy, rather than warm. She shouldn’t stay out there too long, as she had neglected to bring a wrap. And what must her hair be doing in this damp atmosphere?

“Did one of the sea gulls fly away with your tongue, Miss Fleming?
Addie shook her head, glad for the low lighting, else he would see the heat blooming on her cheeks. “No. . .I. . .”

“Well sometimes there’s just no need for conversation, is there?”

Addie gasped as his mouth touched hers in a brief kiss. He pulled her closer and put his lips on her forehead. The butterflies in her stomach turned to a swarm of bees, writhing faster with every second. She put her hands on his shoulders and pushed back, away from him.

His eyes widened as they met hers. “I’m. . .I’m sorry, Miss Fleming.” He took another slight step away and offered a slight bow. “I shouldn’t have taken such liberties. It’s just. . .” he glanced up. “The sky and air out here on the sea gets the best of me. And you here beside me, so beautiful and sweet. Please forgive me.”

He seemed so earnest, so sincere. And it had been innocent, perhaps – although such behavior shocked her, not only with its impulsiveness, but with its contrast with her own inexperience. She took a deep breath and forced herself to meet his pleading stare. “It’s fine. Really. Per. . .Perhaps we should have another dance?”

He gave a slight nod and charmed her again with his smile. “An excellent idea.”

He offered his arm and she took it at once, glad to be leaving the deserted deck and heading back inside.

 

***

 

 

“Where were you?” Rose demanded, her cheeks hot with anger. “Michael and I looked everywhere for you. We were about to report you missing to the captain. I. . I was so worried, Addie!”

Of course Rose would have wondered where she was. She shouldn’t have been gone so long. What had she been thinking? “I am so sorry. I. . .I just didn’t think. I never meant to cause you concern.”

Slightly out of breath, guilt pulsed through her. She had been gone longer than she intended. After the second dance she had accepted another cup of punch. Spilling a bit of it on her dress, Adam had offered his handkerchief to clean the spot. And now she squeezed the fabric treasure tight in her hand. Her one memento of tonight.

“Well, I’ll say! Don’t you ever do that again, Addie. When people disappear from a ship, it usually means one thing. And you’ve been so. . .so. . .upset lately, and–”

Addie reached for her friend’s hand. “No Rose, please don’t ever think that. I know I’ve seemed despondent lately, but really I’m just contemplating my future. I promise, I’ll never disappear again.” A promise easy to keep with only a few days until they reached Galveston.

Rose appeared to calm a bit. She smiled and sat on the bunk next to Addie. “So tell me where you were.”