Justina was amazed at the size of the ship that was to take her to India. As she and her family walked down the quay-side, it seemed to tower over them.
“My word,” exclaimed Lord Mansell. “I remember the ship I sailed in when I first travelled to Bombay was a minnow compared to this one. It was a steamship, of course, but it carried sails as well.”
“Let us go aboard quickly,” suggested Lady Mansell. “I cannot wait to see what your accommodation is like.”
“Fancy it being a maiden voyage,” said Victoria. “Oh, Justina, I almost envy you.”
“Do you want to change places?” grinned Justina. “Leave your beloved Edward behind for India?”
Victoria slipped her arm through Justina’s.
“Never! I cannot wait for next summer – for our wedding.”
Justina no longer worried about Victoria’s future happiness. Nobody witnessing her sister with her fiancé could doubt that they were truly in love.
Could, Justina wondered, she achieve the same sort of relationship?
She shivered as her aunt’s words came back to her.
Since her talk with the Viscountess, Justina’s excitement at the prospect of exploring India had been spoilt.
How could she enjoy discovering temples, painting new flora and meeting strange people if she was supposed to be finding someone to marry?
Lady Elder had left Justina in no doubt that it was her duty to contract a suitable alliance. But she was determined not to marry someone without being as much in love with him as Victoria was with Edward.
At least she did not have to worry about anything for the next four weeks as she sailed on this splendid new ship to India.
Justina turned to the maid her aunt had lent her.
“Isn’t this exciting, Dorcas?”
“Ooh, miss, it ain’t half big!” exclaimed Dorcas, clutching the brim of her hat firmly in her gloved hand.
The maid was a plump girl with a round face. When Justina had first met her she thought Dorcas looked at her rather doubtfully, particularly at her springy mass of copper hair.
“I do my best with it,” she had said cheerfully, pushing it back.
“I am sure Dorcas will cope very well,” Lady Mansell put in gently.
“My mother was a lady’s maid and she’s taught me everything,” Dorcas added with a note of pride. “I’m sure Miss Mansell will be a credit to me.”
Justina thought she would like to be a credit to her family.
Once they reached the main deck, an Officer checked Justina’s ticket and instructed a Steward to show them to her cabin.
It was much larger than Justina had expected.
“Well, how very comfortable,” said Lady Mansell as the maid placed Justina’s overnight bag on the berth.
The Steward who had showed them to the cabin reappeared.
“I’ll take you down to your quarters, miss,” he said to the maid. “Mrs. Grange, your Stewardess,” he said to Justina, “will soon be here to make your acquaintance. Call on us for anything you need, we are here to make your voyage as enjoyable as possible.”
Justina smiled at him.
“What is your name?”
“Chappell, miss.”
“You must be very proud of this beautiful ship. I hope you aren’t too anxious that all of us passengers will spoil the new paint.”
“We all hope we arrive looking as good as now.”
He was about to leave when Lady Mansell stopped him. “
“My daughter is being chaperoned by a Mrs. Arbuthnot. Do you know where we can find her?”
“Not at the moment, my Lady, but as soon as I have shown Miss Dorcas her cabin, I’ll find out.”
He led the maid out of the cabin.
“Don’t let’s worry about Mrs. Arbuthnot,” said Justina, bouncing on the bed.
“I can find her after we have sailed.”
“My darling,” said Lady Mansell, caressing Justina’s cheek. “I will not be happy to leave you until I have met the lady who will have you in her care.” She looked at her husband. “What did Theodora tell you about her?”
“She is travelling with two daughters,” replied Lord Mansell, ticking points off on his fingers. “They are twins and have finished their schooling. Mrs. Arbuthnot’s husband is Colonel of his Regiment and she has spent the summer in England with the girls, preparing them to return to India.”
He paused a moment then gave a shrug to his shoulders.
“That is the total amount of information at our disposal.”
“Does Theodora know her well?”
“My dear, I wish you had quizzed my sister,” Lord Mansell said ruefully.
So do I! But there was so little time. All I ascertained was that Mrs. Arbuthnot has been most helpful with one of Theodora’s committees.”
At that moment there came a knock at the cabin door and a woman entered.
“Lord and Lady Mansell? I am so pleased to meet you. I understand from dear Lady Elder that I am to take your daughter under my wing with my own precious girls.”
“Mrs. Arbuthnot?” queried Lady Mansell.
“Oh, how silly of me, I should have introduced myself. Yes, I am indeed Leticia Arbuthnot. And this is Faith and Charity. Come and say hallo, girls.”
She was a small woman with soft features but unexpectedly sharp eyes. Her travelling costume was neat without being particularly stylish and was topped by a handsome Paisley shawl, now slipping down her arms.
As Lord and Lady Mansell led the way out of the cabin, Mrs. Arbuthnot fluttered over to Justina and Victoria.
“Now, which of you delightful girls is my charge?” she enquired archly.
“I am Justina.”
The sharp eyes inspected her.
“So like your dear aunt. I know you will get on famously with my girls.”
Mrs. Arbuthnot looked round, but her daughters had followed the Mansells.
She gathered her shawl more closely around her shoulders and hurried after the others, continuing to talk over her shoulder.
“There will be plenty of time, my dear, for many a cosy chat. The voyage to India is so delightful for getting to know one’s fellow passengers. You have, I hope, brought a deck chair? But of course, I need not have asked. Dear Lady Elder would see to that for you. So necessary to enjoy the restorative powers of sea air.”
By this time the little party had made its way up to the main deck.
Justina clutched at Victoria s hand.
She was not at all sure that she was going to enjoy spending so much time with the chaperone her aunt had chosen for her. She seemed the type of woman who spent most of the time talking and already Justina could feel her head beginning to spin.
“Mrs. Arbuthnot,” began Lady Mansell as the group gathered beside the railings. “I should so like to meet your daughters properly.”
Though twins, Faith and Charity were not identical. They were a little taller than their mother and both pretty. Faith was the more attractive with smooth blonde hair and cornflower blue eyes. Charity’s hair was not as golden as her sister’s and her eyes were so pale they were almost grey.
“I hope we shall be friends,” Justina said firmly.
“Delighted, I am sure,” Faith and Charity chorused in unison with simpering smiles.
“We are so happy to welcome Justina into our little family for the voyage,” Mrs. Arbuthnot was saying to Lord and Lady Mansell.
A crewman passed them blowing a whistle and called,
“All ashore as is going ashore. All ashore as is going ashore.”
Justina became aware that the boat was throbbing. The engines had started. She turned pale. How was she going to be able to part from her family?
“We shall leave you to say your goodbyes,” proposed Mrs. Arbuthnot. Instantly Justina forgave her for talking too much.
“Come, girls, we must see that Muffin has been properly kennelled. My little dog, she said to the Mansells. “You would not believe what a fuss there has been over bringing her on this ship. We must find someone to tell us where they have taken her.”
Justina clung to her mother until the last moment.
“Remember, my darling, we would so love you to find someone you would like to marry, someone as suitable as Edward,” she murmured, kissing Justina.
Justina swallowed a sigh and standing by the railings of the ship, she watched her family hurry down the gangway, the last to leave the ship.
Justina waved and waved until she could no longer see her family. Even when they were out of sight, she remained by the railings, looking back to where they had been standing.
Gradually the calm of the harbour waters gave way to a gentle swell. There was a strong wind blowing, but ahead of the ship the cloudy skies parted and sun streamed through.
Justina decided to return to her cabin.
There Dorcas, looking much paler than when they first came on board, was unpacking the case marked ‘cabin’ that had been delivered before they arrived.
As Justina entered, the maid took out an old woollen skirt and held it up in a disapproving way. Flinging it on the bed, she then removed a cambric shirt and a well-worn jacket.
“Why, miss,” she said as Justina came in. “These must have got in by mistake.”
Justina flushed guiltily and braced herself against the door as the ship started to move gently up and down.
“No, Dorcas. I put those in. I know they aren't smart, – but I find them very comfortable and I thought it might be important to have some clothes it didn’t matter if the sea made wet.”
“Well, miss, it isn’t my place to say as they aren’t right but they aren’t,” Dorcas commented firmly.
She swallowed hard, hesitated and speaking more quickly, added,
“They don’t suit your position, not as Lady Elder explained it to me.” She stuffed them back into the case. “If her Ladyship has told me once exactly what you should wear at every stage of the voyage, she’s told me a hundred times. That Steward, Mr. Chappell, he explained to me where the baggage ‘wanted on voyage’ is kept. They’re opening it this afternoon and I’ll go down and see what I can find – ”
She stopped and put a hand to her mouth. The maid’s pallor had now acquired a greenish tinge.
“Are you all right?” Justina asked anxiously.
“Sorry, miss,” Dorcas gasped. Then, hand clamped to her mouth, she dashed out of the cabin.
Justina wondered if she should go after her, but thought that if it had been her, the last thing she would want was for someone to see her being seasick.
She looked out of the porthole.
You could hardly call the sea rough, nor the movement of the boat more than gentle see-sawing. But perhaps some people were more susceptible to its motion than others.
Justina wanted to see around the boat, but thought if she did so she might run into the Arbuthnots. There would be time enough to spend with them before they reached Bombay.
Suddenly there was a bell ringing in the corridor and passengers were being called to a lifeboat station drill.
Justina found herself gathered together with no one she knew. The Arbuthnots had obviously been allocated to a different lifeboat.
Outside, someone clanged a gong to announce that luncheon was served.
Justina realised that she was hungry. She picked up her hairbrush and tried to straighten out the tangle the sea breeze had made of her hair. As she reduced it to some sort of order, the Arbuthnots knocked on her door.
“We thought we had better collect you,” said Mrs. Arbuthnot. “Dear Lady Elder said you knew very little of how life is ordered on board ship and we were to be sure to look after you.”
The Arbuthnots had removed their hats and outer garments. All three were wearing prettily pin-tucked shirts and Mrs. Arbuthnot had a cameo brooch pinned to her high-necked collar. Faith and Charity had both arranged their hair so that it fell in graceful waves from little combs high up on their heads.
Beside them, Justina felt a mess. Dorcas was going to have to work hard on her appearance for dinner that night.
“Now, dear,” Mrs. Arbuthnot was saying as she led the way along the narrow corridor, putting out a hand to steady herself as the ship moved up and down.
“I have spoken to one of the Dining Saloon Stewards. When I explained that Lord Mansell’s daughter was one of our party, he was very happy to arrange for us to have one of the small tables. So much more recherché than having to mix with anyone and everyone at the long table in the centre of the Saloon. We shall be so comfortable and can really get to know one another.”
She smiled at Justina.
“I am sure you will approve. Such a little, one might almost say, machination. Don’t you agree, girls?”
“Mama, you always know how these things should be organised,” said Faith with a little sigh.
“You know how we hate having to talk to just anyone,” added Charity.
Justina, not knowing what to say, gave an uncertain smile.
When they reached the light and airy Saloon, she understood what Mrs. Arbuthnot had meant. Down the centre ran a long table, already almost full with a variety of passengers. At the top of the Saloon was a large, oval table with only a few passengers seated round it.
“The Captain’s table,” Faith breathed in her ear.
Around that end of the Saloon were a number of small tables.
“This is how we should dine,” gushed Mrs. Arbuthnot with a smile of satisfaction as they were shown to one set for four.
An astonishingly comprehensive menu was produced, but Mrs. Arbuthnot waved away the wine list.
I don’t think so, thank you. I am sure Lord Mansell would not approve of alcoholic refreshment for his daughter, would he, Justina? I may call you that, may I not?
But before Justina could say anything, Mrs. Arbuthnot continued,
“Now, girls, can we see anyone we know among the passengers?” Then she gave a little smirk, “or anyone we want to know?”
Faith leaned gracefully towards Justina.
“Mama is certain Charity and I will meet our fate before we dock at Bombay,” she whispered, her voice fading away at the end of her sentence.
“Your fate?”
“A suitable husband,” Charity joined in, sounding excited.
“Amongst the passengers?”
It had not occurred to Justina that the voyage to India might introduce her to an eligible young man.
Could this beautiful boat with its splendid decorations and spacious luxury provide the background to romance?
She pushed the thought away.
She did not want to have to think about suitable husbands until she reached India. But it sounded as though the Arbuthnot girls did.
“Are there any young men who are – ” Justina hesitated, wondering how to phrase it. “Young men you could fall in love with?”
Faith gave a tinkling laugh.
“Fall in love with? Mama, isn’t Miss Mansell the sweetest thing?”
Charity stared at her.
“What a curious voice you have. I should not like to have such a deep one.”
Justina flushed, but tried not to mind.
“You speak as though I had some choice in the matter,” she retorted.
Faith said in a soft voice,
“So far I have not had much opportunity to find out details of our fellow passengers. But part of the fun of the voyage is finding out who is who.”
Mrs. Arbuthnot suddenly gave a start.
“Why,” she said, “surely that is Sir Thomas Watson?”
Justina looked round.
Coming into the Saloon and heading in their direction was a tall man of striking appearance. Fair hair was slicked back from a broad brow.
He had the face of a Grecian statue and his eyes were a sparkling dark brown.
Mrs. Arbuthnot gave a small wave.
“Sir Thomas,” she called in a clear voice that carried above the clatter and chatter.
He looked around, hesitated and then approached the Arbuthnot table.
“Dear lady, what a pleasant surprise,” he said and bowed over her hand.
“Dear Sir Thomas, I thought you had long since returned from London to Bombay. In the Colonel’s last letter he wrote that he hoped to meet you when he next had the opportunity of travelling down there.”
“Still stationed on the Afghan border?”
“Alas, yes. I don’t think you have met our daughters, Faith and Charity? They have just finished school in England.”
“What an unexpected pleasure,” Sir Thomas said and there was something in is tone, a subtle suggestiveness, that made Faith and Charity simper in a way Justina already found infuriating.
Sir Thomas bent over each of their hands in a manner she thought of as Continental.
He straightened up and looked directly at Justina with a question in his eyes.
“Is this another daughter?” he asked with a laugh.
“Why I have just said that already she is almost one to me. This is Lord Mansell’s daughter, Justina, who is travelling to visit her brother in India. Her aunt, the dear Lady Elder, requested me specially to look after her.”
“Lord Mansell? I am delighted to meet his daughter.”
This time it was Justina’s hand he raised almost to his lips.
She felt his breath warm the back of her hand and a very strange feeling flooded through her. It was the sort of excitement she felt when her horse went for a high fence.
“Do you know my father?” Justina’s voice deepened even further as it always did whenever she was struck with strong emotion.
“We belong to the same Club,” he answered and his eyes seemed to laugh at her, as if he found her voice amusing. “Are you going to India for the first time?”
“My brother is a Subaltern, serving in the Central Provinces. I am going to visit him.”
“What an exciting prospect for the Central Provinces as well as for you.”
At the look in his eyes, Justina flushed. She was not used to admiration from men.
“Are you looking forward to discovering India?”
All the bustle of the Saloon faded away. Justina found she wanted to talk to this attractive man. She felt he would have interesting stories to tell her.
“Yes – ” she started to say, but Mrs. Arbuthnot interrupted.
“Sir Thomas. Will you not join us for dinner tonight? We should all love to hear of your plans for when you reach Bombay.”
He gave a glance around the table that seemed to include all three girls.
“Why, nothing would give me greater pleasure. Here was I thinking that, though this brand new ship is most beautiful, there was no one amongst the passengers to interest me. Four weeks of boredom, I thought. Then, lo and behold, in an instant, everything has changed. Now I can look forward to a most pleasurable time with three, no, four, most attractive females.”
Mrs. Arbuthnot flushed with pleasure.
“Until tonight, Sir Thomas.”
He gave a bow and continued to his table.
“Well, girls,” Mrs. Arbuthnot sighed with pleasure after he had left. “Now we know we are in for a most entertaining voyage. How kind of him to say that you, too, are attractive, Justina.”
“Oh, Mama, you are not being fair,” piped up Faith. “Justina’s hair is a little wild, but her freckles couldn’t really be called disfiguring. It’s a pity her eyes aren’t blue, but they are quite large.”
“Please do not talk about me as though I was not here,” Justina countered stiffly. Inside she was boiling with anger.
“Oh, what does it matter what Justina looks like,” said Charity. “Tell us about Sir Thomas, Mama.”
“Sir Thomas Watson, Baronet, my dears.” Mrs. Arbuthnot spoke in a breathy whisper. “Impeccable background, he can trace his family back to William the Conqueror, I believe, and a most successful business man.”
She paused for a moment.
“Doing what, Mama?” asked Faith expectantly.
Justina was just as interested in Sir Thomas as the twins.
He had made her feel attractive as no other man had ever done.
“Oh, whatever his business is,” Mrs. Arbuthnot said vaguely. “Import – export, you know. His house in Bombay is one of the largest and his carriage is simply splendid.”
“Is he married, Mama?” queried Faith.
“Why, no! He is the most eligible bachelor in Bombay, if not the whole of India. And he is to dine with us tonight!”
Faith and Charity looked just as excited as Justina felt.
For once in her life she had met a man she actually looked forward to talking to. She was sure he could tell her all about India.
She seldom met men who had seen her father in action.
Could he have been in the House of Lords’ Gallery at the same time as herself and her mother? Justina had been there several times.
It was always a pleasure to hear her father speak. Lord Mansell knew how to command the attention of his audience and put over clear and concise arguments.
But Justina was sure if Sir Thomas had been in the Gallery at the same time, she would have noticed him.
As soon as dessert was over, Mrs. Arbuthnot rose.
“My dears, what a thing, we shall have to try and make the most of ourselves this evening, we owe it to Sir Thomas. We must rest this afternoon.”
Justina went to see if her maid had brought order to her cabin. If she had not already managed to unpack some of her evening dresses, she must do so immediately.
Dorcas was not in the cabin.
A Steward gave Justina instructions for finding the Second Class accommodation.
The maid was sharing a cabin with several other women. She, though, was the only one present. She lay on her berth, eyes closed, her face a pasty white.
Worried, Justina asked if there was anything she could do to help. In a voice so faint it could only just be heard, Dorcas said that she wanted to die and please to leave her alone.
Justina found the Stewardess for her cabin.
“Oh, miss, she’s a one. Ship’s hardly moving at all and she’s like death warmed up and not so warm at that. Nothing to be done, I’m afraid, until she adapts to the motion. I’ll look after her, don’t you worry, but it’ll probably be days before she’s any great shakes. We’re in for a bit of a blow, is my understanding.”
Justina resolved to make every effort not to disgrace her family that evening.
She might not be as attractive as the Arbuthnot girls, but her grey satin dress, once part of her mother’s trousseau, had been refashioned with great style. What a pity, though, that Dorcas would not be available to do anything with her hair.
*
In his First Class cabin, Lord Castleton pushed away the pile of official papers he had been studying and stretched out his arms.
Ever since the ship had sailed that morning, he had been working. Lunch had been a sandwich and a glass of beer at his desk.
Now he was tired.
He looked at his watch and wondered whether to order supper to be served in his cabin.
Even as he considered this question, he seemed to hear a little voice at the back of his mind saying, ‘go to the Saloon, Marcus, it will do you good.’
It was what Ariadne, his wife, would have said had she been here.
Lord Castleton had been widowed for five years now. Ariadne had died giving birth to their still-born son.
He had been devastated.
They had been so close, quite often each could anticipate what the other would say. Now he had adjusted to his loss, but he still knew that Ariadne would have told him he had been stuck in the cabin for long enough.
He quickly spruced himself up.
In the Saloon he was greeted by the Head Steward.
“Good evening, my Lord, I have arranged a table at the back for you.”
“As always, Merton, you know my tastes.”
“Of course, my Lord.”
Passengers had only just started arriving for the evening meal.
Lord Castleton thought there was a good chance he could eat and leave before the noise grew too loud.
Settled at his table, he ordered one dish and a bottle of wine, then brought out some of the papers he needed to study before arriving in India.
Concentrating hard, Lord Castleton was quite unaware of the Saloon gradually filling up with passengers.
Until he heard the sort of buzz that signalled an unexpected happening, he looked up.
Coming through the room was a girl of seventeen or eighteen years. The first point that caught Lord Castleton’s attention was the shock of copper coloured curls that surrounded her head in an aureole.
The second point was that no one seemed to have told the girl that passengers did not dress for dinner the first night at sea for she was arrayed in the most formal of evening dresses in grey satin.
It was immaculately cut, showed creamy white shoulders and displayed her willowy figure to perfection, but nothing could alter the fact that she had committed a faux pas of the worst sort.
As he heard murmurs of ridicule and the odd derisive laugh circulate the Saloon, Lord Castleton knew that Ariadne would have expressed more compassion for a girl hardly out of school.
Despite that wild head of glorious hair, this was definitely someone in need of protection.
As Lord Castleton watched, he saw the girl gradually realise that she was the only passenger who had changed into what his father would have called ‘the full rig’.
Her huge eyes widened and shock flooded her mobile face as she recognised the magnitude of her error. She hesitated at a table for five near to Lord Castleton’s, where sat a middle-aged woman with two girls of her own age.
Horror-stricken, the girl turned, as though to leave the Saloon. But the woman caught her arm, pulling her down to sit at the table.
“Don’t make more of a fool of yourself than you already have,’’ she snapped and her voice was cruel.
Lord Castleton found it difficult to credit her behaviour. The girl must be travelling with her, so why had she not explained what was expected?
He beckoned to the Head Steward.
“My Lord?”
“Who is the young lady who came in just now in evening dress?”
“Miss Justina Mansell, she is the daughter of Lord Mansell, my Lord.”
“Thank you, Merton.”
Lord Castleton knew Lord Mansell.
About two months ago they had shared a whisky at the House of Lords and talked about the very aspect of India that had brought him on this voyage. At the time he had not known he would be sent on this diplomatic mission, but he remembered Lord Mansell mentioning that a daughter of his was travelling out to spend time with his soldier son.
Could not the man have organised a better chaperone for his daughter?
Lord Castleton gathered his papers together and rose, waving away the Steward that hurried up to his table.
The girl was sitting with downcast eyes. He could imagine her embarrassment. No doubt she was hardly able to speak.
So far food had not been served to her table, it seemed they were waiting for the fifth member of their party.
“Miss Mansell, isn’t it?” Lord Castleton began. “I am a friend of your father’s and I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
Justina looked up and he was taken aback at the expression in the grey eyes that dominated her face. Far from being embarrassed, they blazed with anger.
“Will you allow me to introduce myself,” he continued smoothly. “Marcus Castleton.” He gave a slight bow. “And may I compliment you on the speed with which your maid has unpacked? There are few passengers on the first night at sea who are able to appear so beautifully turned out.”
The first hint of a smile.
“You are too kind, sir. If my maid had not been completely overcome with seasickness, she would no doubt have explained that most passengers take the easy path and spared me the effort of dressing. But I am delighted to meet a friend of my father’s. Please, may I introduce my fellow travellers?”
Mrs. Arbuthnot was all of a flutter.
“So delighted to meet you, Lord Castleton. The Colonel and I were at a Vice-regal reception with you a few years ago in Bombay.
“But so charming to know we are all to be sailing together for the next four weeks. You must join us for dinner one night, I shall insist, my Lord.”
Too old a hand to be caught making promises he had no intention of keeping, Lord Castleton murmured something about the pressures of work that had followed him on board and took his leave.
As he turned away from the table, he gave Justina a smile and found that she was grinning at him in a way that suggested she knew exactly what he thought of Mrs. Arbuthnot.
She was a girl with grit and he thought how much Ariadne would have liked her.
Delighted not to be leaving her in tears and conscious his status had gone some way towards rescuing her reputation, he threaded his way through the Saloon.
“Castleton!”
Lord Castleton stopped.
“Sir Thomas Watson,” he said coldly.
“Travelling on the same ship, by Jove! What a coincidence.”
The man seemed no more pleased with the encounter than he was.
“You look as though you have finished your meal, but no doubt we shall meet again. A ship is a small place.”
It was a sentiment with which Lord Castleton could heartily concur. Even this ship, larger than any he had so far travelled on, was far too small to avoid those he would rather not encounter
As he made a curt acknowledgement and continued on his way, he wondered how much longer the man would be travelling First Class. The story going around was that Sir Thomas had made a series of unfortunate business moves and was on the point of bankruptcy.
Lord Castleton had not been surprised to hear this news as the man could not be trusted, either with business or with women. No doubt he would now be on the lookout for a rich wife to see him through his troubles.
Just before he left the Saloon, Lord Castleton could not resist turning back to look at the remarkable girl who had graced the room in her finery.
He felt more than a moment’s unease as he saw that Thomas Watson was now seated at her table.
*
Justina watched Lord Castleton leave the Saloon with regret.
She would never forget her sense of humiliation as she realised that, instead of bringing credit on her family with her efforts to make the most of herself this evening, she had disgraced them.
She heard the derision, saw the contempt in the eyes of the other passengers and instinctively knew that Mrs. Arbuthnot’s cruelty was a reaction to the embarrassment that Justina had caused.
After all, her chaperone should have warned her about the dress code.
But when Lord Castleton stopped at their table and spoke to her with such warmth, Justina had sensed that the mood of the Saloon had changed.
He must be a gentleman above reputation to achieve such a startling turn-around.
She might be regarded as an innocent but she knew that he had seen her predicament and had rescued her from public ridicule.
Moreover, he had looked at her with admiration in his eyes. After that, she had not cared what the other passengers thought.
But why had Mrs. Arbuthnot not made sure she was aware that no passengers dressed for dinner the first night out? She sat straight in her chair. Let other passengers think what they liked, Lord Castleton had admired her.
What a pity he had left so quickly.
As tall as Sir Thomas but with dark hair, he somehow managed to look more distinguished. His face was finely sculpted, he held himself with an unassuming authority and Justina could not forget the warmth in his eyes or how very deep blue they were.
She wondered if Mrs. Arbuthnot’s silliness had driven him away or did he really have so much work to do? Would he spend the entire voyage working in his cabin as he had intimated?
She hoped very much that they would meet again.
Then Sir Thomas Watson arrived.
He bowed and wished them all good evening, but as his eyes took in Justina’s appearance, a startled expression came over his face.
However it seemed that it was not her faux pas that had surprised him. He looked at Justina with admiration.
First Lord Castleton and now Sir Thomas. There must be something about her looks that appealed to older, more sophisticated gentlemen rather than the younger ones she had encountered during her Season.
“You are the most beautiful woman in the room,” Sir Thomas whispered to her and his eyes seemed to bore into her in a way that made her feel unsteady.
“Oh, Justina has put us all into the shade,” Mrs. Arbuthnot cooed sweetly but with a hint of steel. “But, then, what else should we expect from a member of the Mansell family? Such position, such wealth, such everything that is so desirable!”
Justina wanted to say that it was her aunt who possessed the riches. Once she would not have hesitated to do so but, now, having already committed such an error of etiquette, she did not like to contradict Mrs. Arbuthnot.
There was also another reason that stopped her.
This was a sudden thought that Lady Elder might have exaggerated her brother’s financial state to enhance Justina’s standing in Mrs. Arbuthnot’s eyes. It did not seem all that likely, but Justina could not quite dismiss the possibility.
By this time Sir Thomas had sat himself in the empty place between Faith and Charity, which meant he was opposite Justina.
“Are you looking forward to returning to India?” he asked Faith.
She blushed and muttered something about being sad not to live in Bombay.
Justina was immediately interested and abandoned any thought of correcting the impression Mrs. Arbuthnot had given of her father’s wealth.
“Is Bombay very special?” she asked.
“Ah, Bombay,” Sir Thomas said and his dark eyes sparkled. “You know the island was a gift to Charles II from his Portuguese wife? Would that every wife brought such a dowry!”
He laughed and for a moment there was a coarseness about him that took Justina aback.
Then an abrupt lurch of the ship had everyone grabbing at plates and cutlery to prevent them spinning to the floor.
More lurches followed.
Their meal arrived, but soon all three Arbuthnots laid down their knives and forks.
“You must excuse me,” Mrs. Arbuthnot said rapidly as she rose. “I think I should say goodnight.”
Faith and Charity also stood, looking pale and unhappy.
“Do you want to come, too, Justina?”
She felt no necessity to follow them.
“I feel fine,” she said. “I am sorry you do not and I hope the sea will soon be calmer.”
“Well,” Sir Thomas said as he watched them hurry from the Saloon, followed by one or two other passengers. “I suppose I should say what a pity. Instead, I feel most fortunate to have you to myself. You really do not feel at all uneasy at the motion of the ship?”
“Not in the slightest,” admitted Justina honestly, feeling flattered at being called beautiful. “Now, tell me more about Bombay.”
She thoroughly enjoyed listening to him and asked eager questions about other aspects of India. She found herself laughing at much of what he said and was thrilled to realise she would see him frequently over the next few weeks.
When, however, Sir Thomas at the end of the meal suggested that they take coffee together in the ship’s Lounge, she looked round the now nearly deserted room and decided it would not be wise.
She had made enough of a spectacle of herself already that evening.
“You won’t?” he said in surprise. His eyes narrowed slightly. “I thought you were enjoying my company.”
“Indeed, I was,” Justina hastened to reassure him. “But it has been a long day.”
She stood and picked up her beaded reticule.
“I am sorry you refuse my exceedingly well meant invitation,” he said softly in a way that made Justina feel uncomfortable. “I am not a man who expects to be refused, especially when the lady is as beautiful as you are.”
Justina took a step backwards.
“I – thank you – Sir Thomas,” she stammered. “Perhaps we can have a cup of coffee together tomorrow instead?”
Immediately the slight sense of threat vanished.
“Of course, my dear. And of course you must be tired. I have to thank you for keeping me company this evening.”
The ship gave another of its lurches and he put out an arm to help support her.
She shivered slightly at the touch of his sleeve against the bare skin of her shoulders.
“Be careful. Let me help you across the room.”
She pulled away, half wanting the touch of his arm to remain, but nervous at where such familiarity might lead.
“Thank you, Sir Thomas, but I can manage quite well.” Sir Thomas followed Justina out of the Saloon and accompanied her along the corridor towards her cabin.
Once there, she turned to thank him.
“No need for such a beauty to thank a poor Baronet for keeping her company,” he said with a look that made her heart beat faster.
As Justina opened her cabin door, he remained standing close to her and for an instant she wondered if he expected to come inside.
She pushed away such a ridiculous thought, gave a dextrous flip of her gown’s skirt and moved lithely into the cabin.
With a last goodnight, she closed the door.
Alone, she chided herself for fearing such a move from a gentleman like Sir Thomas.
The prospect of meeting him again sent her to bed with a delightful feeling of expectation.