Ch. 4 “Voyage upon life’s sea; to yourself be true, and whatever your lot may be, paddle your own canoe” – Sarah Bolton

Once Alla set her mind towards doing something, there was no turning back. She’d decided tolearn how to work the sails on the ship; figuring that it would be a perfect solution to keeping her mind occupied and her sad thoughts suppressed. After a few days passed by, she finally convinced one man, Braggs, to give in to her request. The task was not an easy one.

Braggs was a beefy looking sailor, stout in appearance, with a jagged scar running from his eyebrow and ending at his cheek. His most avid feature was his mismatched eyes of blue and brown. Alla had been asking others on the crew if she could assist them, but they all continued telling her ‘no.’ They became so used to her persistence, that they would tell her ‘no’ before she even put the question to them.

One night she had by chance approached Braggs with her idea of helping them and he laughed outright in her face. He insisted that being a woman, she ought to turn herself around, go to her room and spend the day deciding what frock to wear the next day, as if she were a nitwit! When Braggs turned his back to her in dismissal and laughed with the others, Alla started climbing the mast; the same way she had studied the other men doing. Braggs cursed at her and called her all sorts of names to get her to come down. But she simply smiled at him and stayed where she was, until finally, he gave a short, curt nod, unbeknownst to the handful of sailors that witnessed her ascent. Though he was spitting mad when her feet touched the deck, she thought she saw a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. He flatly told her ‘no,’ again in front of the men, who then laughed at her seeming gullibility, and when they dispersed he quickly took her aside.

Braggs told her that he would only teach her how things worked with a few exceptions. First, she was to stick close to only him during the night hours. No other soul, outside of the one sailor already present, was to find out that she was being taught anything. Secondly, if by a slim chance she was injured, she was to refrain from mentioning their names. The final exception stipulated that she was to remain out of sight of the other passengersat all times. Despite any of her objections, under no circumstances would she be allowed to work the sails with the other men. “I’m only teachin’ ye’ how things work, mind. No more, and no less. I’ll not yield on this. Yer’ feet must remain on deck,” Braggs sternly reiterated.

Although she had a fear of the darkness, Alla found that when she was around others, and there was an oil lamp nearby, it was bearable. Because she found a way to keep herself busy, her outlook became much more positive. Braggs had given her a pair of trousers, a shirt and a cap to use during the nights, which she kept hidden in her bedside table. If a person were to walk by Alla at night, they would think she was another man on the crew. They would think her a small one, but a man nonetheless. For no woman, either a lady or a servant; would ever don a man’s clothing.

Braggs held true to his word, teaching Alla how to tie knots in the ropes, and how to set the sails. At one point, he had hold of her hands and happened to turn them over. He didn’t say a word when he saw the blisters. Alla quickly slid her hands out of his, and waited for him to demand answers, but he continued instructing her as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Surprise etched her features and she wondered what he was thinking, but if he was suspicious about anything he never let on to it. In fact, it seemed as if he were more tolerant of her presence.

It didn’t take long for Alla to learn why his name was Braggs. It was evident enough when he was teaching her how to complete certain tasks about the ship. After he had showed her what to do, he would make her do it, all the while relating stories of his triumphs. He had apparently saved the ship from sinking several times, saved five crew members from drowning all at once, and single handedly fought off many pirates.

Alla was surprised that he failed to add fighting a giant octopus to his list of accomplishments. No one dared to question Bragg’s supposed achievements; to do so would be folly. It was apparent that Braggs, although small in stature, could wallop a person to death if he so wished. Alla figured that his forearm alone had to be the same size as her thigh, a thought which made her blush as soon as she had thought it.

Only one more day was left to pass before the ship docked in England. Tomorrow night, I will be in a new land. The thought of it amazed her. It was a shame that she would have to wait until night to join Braggs and the rest of the men. Alla nibbled on her bottom lip. The ideas passing through her head were not good; not at all. If she were to follow through, Braggs would be furious and the crew could get into trouble. The list of possibilities for disaster kept growing in her mind. Still, she couldn’t shake her thoughts. She smiled as she realized that she didn’t want to discard her plan to work the sails in the daylight. She wanted to see the ocean from high above the ship during the day. She wanted to know if being up that high would make her feel as if she were flying.

Another part of her felt guilty. She had not seen Breanne, or Godfrey for that matter, since their last conversation at breakfast days before. Her new routine of working at night with the crew kept her exhausted during the day and so she usually remained in her room, sleeping. She wouldn’t be surprised if Godfrey and the Crabtrees thought her most lazy.

She didn’t know what to do. She could either spend time with Breanne, the only possible friend she could make, or go against Braggs’ conditions, and give in to her own longing to be above the ship during the day. After debating the matter, she decided to spend her day with Breanne. If tomorrow seemed promising, she would try and climb during the day then. Although the men would be furious, it would be her last opportunity to feel a few seconds of freedom from anything and anyone before docking.

Her mind set, she threw her feet onto the cold wood planked floor and padded to the end of her bed where, at the floor, her clothing lay in a heap. Alla searched out the light pink gown and quickly changed. If anything could cause a person to get dressed quickly, it was the cold, and in her room it was freezing. After checking the mirror to make sure everything was in place, she hurried towards the dining room, eager to see Breanne.  What must Godfrey think of me? He hasn’t even come to my room since he lost his temper with me days before. What excuse can I give for my absence?  The only explanation she could come up with was to tell them that she had been ill.

Satisfied that her excuse was a good one; she walked on the deck, and headed upstairs towards the dining area. A whistle caught her attention. She instantly realized where the sound came from and smiled as she looked up towards the sails, returning a sailors’ wave and catching the disapproving eyes of other passengers on the deck. One woman looked at her with accusation before immediately turning to whisper to her companion. Alla immediately brought her hand down and walked into the dining room.

Chattering, glasses clinking, and polite laughter could be heard throughout the room as Alla walked in. She immediately searched out Godfrey and the Crabtrees, and found them sitting towards the back of the room at a corner table. Alla smoothed her hair out, and paced herself as she made her way to them. When she approached the table, silence ensued for half a minute until Breanne broke the awkwardness.

“Where have you been?” she inquired, smiling. “I have almost been to the point of perishing from boredom because of your absence,” she added, then quickly turned to her parents and Godfrey, “excusing the present company of course.”

Alla smiled at the girl. Breanne’s easy manner made Alla feel as if she had always known her. “I apologize for my absence. I was ill,” Alla explained as she took a seat. Godfrey’s expression changed from stony disapproval to worry and then guilt at her announcement.

“Well,” replied Mr. Crabtree, “we are pleased that you are well enough to join us this morning.” His wife nodded her agreement, and Alla instantly thanked them for their concern before turning towards Breanne.

“I was hoping that we could take a stroll on the deck. Tomorrow is our last day on board and I suspect everyone will be busy making preparations to disembark the ship.”

“I think the idea a fabulous one,” Breanne declared. “Shall we take a stroll after breakfast?”

Alla nodded in agreement and the two turned their attention towards their meals. Idle chatter dominated the rest of the conversation at the table until the two women excused themselves. Alla followed Breanne out of the dining room and onto the deck. Breanne walked up to the side rail of the ship and looked out over the ocean.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” she questioned. Her hands were braced on the rail as she took in the view.

 Alla walked up to stand beside her. “It is,” she responded.

“I do not look forward to returning to city life,” Breanne confided. She dragged her gaze from the ocean and turned towards Alla. “I have told you that I love England, I meant what I said...it’s just…the ton.”

What’s a ton? Alla didn’t want to voice the question. She already felt foolish enough around Godfrey.  “What about the ton?”

Breanne sighed. “My parents expect me to make a great match,” she said rolling her eyes and smiling at her. “I don’t care for any of the pompous men, or the haughty women, that make up the ton. Don’t misunderstand,” she hastily amended, “some of the men and women are, I’m sure, very pleasant…I just haven’t had the privilege of meeting them yet.”

Alla slowly smiled at that comment.

“I predict you will be a smash,” Breanne told her.

 “How can you be so assured of that?”

Breanne fully turned towards her, examining her once more. “You make your own fashion,” she declared, gesturing towards her with a hand. “You wear your hair loose and unbound, when the style is to wear it up. Your green eyes seem as though they could look through a person.  Your dimple will cause the men to go mad trying to secure your hand and the women to turn green with jealousy. You are petite in stature, not to mention that I have the impression that you possess a brain, therefore, you will no doubt stand out among the ton.” Breanne ended her explanation with a firm nod and a smile.

Alla laughed. She couldn’t remember the last time she had actually laughed, before meeting Breanne. The girl, though sweet, was entirely wrong. If anyone was going to be a smash, it was her. Her blond ringlets and deep blue eyes had already drawn attention since the two of them had walked out on the deck. “I have serious doubts that I will make any man’s head turn, or woman’s pigment change, on account of me being myself.”

“I guess we shall just have to see,” Breanne said. “I would make a wager with you over the matter but it would not be proper.”

Alla nodded, acknowledging her comment and stared at the ocean in silence.

“Of course,” Breanne continued as they both faced the sea, “I have never been accused of being proper,” she tilted her head, reconsidering her statement. “Well, I suppose I have by my parents and those who do not know me quite that well.”

Alla turned and gave her a wide grin, causing her dimple to deepen. “Are you reconsidering your decision?” Please say yes, I could use the funds.

Breanne nodded, “I am. What say you? Are you willing to put propriety aside and enter this wager with me?”

Alla eyes lit with excitement. “I am.”

“Wonderful, now we only have to settle on an amount.”

“How about fifty pounds, would that be too much?”  Alla bit her lip as she made the suggestion. She would make that amount from her employer, wouldn’t she? She could always save up. Besides, she wouldn’t lose the wager.

Breanne didn’t look the least bit shocked, didn’t even blink. “It’s a deal. Shall we seal this agreement with a handshake?”

Alla extended her hand and the two shook on the arrangement. When Breanne continued to hold her hand, Alla began to feel uncomfortable.

“Katrina,” Breanne began, “what—?”

My blisters! She’d forgotten to put on her gloves! Alla instantly wished that there was a rock aboard the ship that she could crawl under. The last thing she wanted was for Breanne to think less of her, though it was bound to happen.  Her thoughts were interrupted when Breanne turned her hand over and inspected her palm.

Alla stared at Breanne’s curls, waiting, and she prepared herself for the revulsion that she would soon see in her newfound friend’s eyes. Breanne would now be reminded of how different the two women were. Alla belonged in a different station; to be honest, it was even worse than that. According to everyone involved in any kind of society, she belonged in a different world. When Breanne’s eyes met her own, what she saw surprised her. Breanne appeared…upset.

“Who did this to you, Katrina?!” she demanded.

“It’s nothing,” Alla assured her uncomfortably, sliding her hand from Breanne’s grasp. “I took my duties seriously, that’s all.”

“And what, pray tell, were these duties?” she inquired furiously. “Did you have to drag this very vessel into port, or dislodge trees by hand from a lawn perchance?”

Alla couldn’t help herself, she laughed in amusement.

“How could you laugh at such a thing as this?” Breanne asked disapprovingly. It was no use for Breanne to remain completely serious. Alla could see that her own laughter had lightened the mood.

“Was your previous employer that hard on you?” Breanne inquired softly. Feeling that the conversation was hitting too close to the truth, Alla made light of the subject.

“Really Breanne, it was my own fault. I took my duties very seriously and went above and beyond what I was supposed to do.”

Breanne looked at her inquisitively a moment longer. “You’re deflecting,” she stated. “That’s fine,” she hurriedly amended before Alla interrupted, “I only hope that someday you will be able to tell me exactly how this happened.”

Alla barely nodded. Silence came between them, and the pair stood for quite a while, hearing only the sounds of the sea.

“So would you like to thank me now, or at a later date, for the discomfort I have just created between us?”

Alla laughed mirthfully. “Would you like to take a walk around the deck?”

Breanne responded by removing her hands from the rail and offering her arm to Alla. Alla grinned as she accepted it, and the two began strolling along the deck. Passengers inclined their heads to them in greeting. Alla watched Breanne return the gesture, and she followed suit.

“I will never fail to be impressed by the power and beauty surrounding us,” Alla observed, looking around her.

“Have you never been on the ocean?”

“Stepping foot on this ship provided me with the opportunity to see the ocean for the first time. I have to admit, I have never felt this free in all my life.” Alla inwardly groaned at her double meaning. She did come from the colonies, after all. She would have to be more careful of what she said and of how she said it.

Breanne’s eyebrows’ furrowed together in confusion. “I misunderstand…did you not come from Charleston?”

“I did, but I did not live near the ocean and I was always preoccupied with some sort of errand at my place of employment.”

  “Ah, well I concur with your statement on feeling free. English society can be restrictive in dress, grooming, and lord knows propriety. I find though, that when I am on the sea, I can be myself. I can act however I wish to whomever I want without feeling as if I am somehow going to be ostracized. Does that sound strange?” Breanne asked her.

“Not at all,” Alla responded, “in fact I feel somewhat similar.” Alla still felt as if she were bound somehow by someone. In fact, she realized that she didn’t really know who she was. She was never allowed the chance to even try and solve that particular puzzle. All she knew was that she felt anger, the one emotion she was told to never express. But it had always been there, waiting for the right moment to explode. She decided that she would pity the person that her anger came down on and had prayed fervently that it would come down on that woman should they ever cross paths again. Several times, she had come close to loosening the reins on her temper, but her mama’s safety always came first. She was taught as a form of survival not to feel anything for anyone. Yet, her own nature forbade the suppression of her feelings. She always fought to keep her feelings inside, and probably always would.

“I am so pleased that we will be in the same town together. We shall be each other’s confidant,” Breanne announced.

“I wasn’t aware that we would be in the same town,” Alla returned, instantly perking up.

“I neglected to tell you that? I am sorry for that blunder. Yes, we shall be in Liverpool. The manor is located some distance from where my family is situated but we are not too far from each other.”

“That is wonderful to hear,” Alla said with genuine pleasure. “So, we can possibly attend some functions together?”

“Definitely,” Breanne confirmed. “In fact, I’m counting on you to save me from the clutches of my very eager mother. She has it in her mind that I shall catch a duke, viscount or anything in between…as if they were fish.”

“Well,” replied Alla, her eyes sparkling, “we shall have to bring a pole to the functions, that way you shall be sure to catch something.”

Breanne laughed. “We are going to be trouble together, you and I.”

“Breanne!”  Alla and Breanne turned around at the sound of Mrs. Crabtree’s strained voice; she was fast approaching them from behind.

“Breanne,” her mother began, when she reached them. “Tis time for luncheon.” She glanced from Breanne to Alla. “Have you girls been out here this whole time? I have been searching all over for you.”

“We have been out here all the while, mother. You were sitting there at the table earlier when Alla and I announced we were going for a walk, do you not remember?” Breanne asked in exasperation.

 “Well, of course I remember, it’s only—Breanne! Could you please come inside the dining area at once?”

It was apparent that Mrs. Crabtree was quite flustered. Alla couldn’t, for the life of her, understand what the problem was. Breanne groaned.

“Must you make such a noise?” Mrs. Crabtree inquired. “Tis quite unladylike,” she censured. Breanne opened her mouth to speak, paused, and resorted to sighing in exasperation as if something had just dawned on her.

“Mo-therr,”Breanne dragged out the word. “Would you be so kind so as to tell me who you are so eager for me to meet inside the dining area?” Alla’s eyes shifted between the two women. Mrs. Crabtree glanced at Alla, accessing her; then quickly dismissed her, returning her piercing gaze to her daughter.

Alla was stunned to realize that Mrs. Crabtree saw her as a threat. Why would she? I’m of no import. I’m nothing but a servant for heaven’s sake!

“The Viscount Torrington is inside and has decided to grace us with his presence,” she whispered furiously. “At my urging, your father invited him to dine with us and he accepted! Do not question me any longer, miss. Come inside at once!” Mrs. Crabtree turned and bustled towards the direction of the dining room.

The two women were left standing baffled in her chaotic wake. When Alla turned to look at Breanne she found that her eyes were large and her mouth agape.

“Brean—?”

 Breanne’s cold hand grasped Alla’s arm. Tight. “Katrina, if you have any sort of feeling for me as a friend whatsoever, for the love of all that is true and good, do not leave my side.”

Alla laid her hand over Breanne’s, which still rested on her arm. “I’ll not leave you. I promise it.”

The two walked inside the dining area. “I’m sure I shall say something to embarrass myself and my family,” she whispered on their way to the table.

“That is not true,” was all Alla could say before they reached the table. They both were only given a view of the back of the man’s head. Alla could see that he had light brown hair, but that was about it until…oh my lord, she thought.

The man was very attractive. He had stood, turned and faced the two women. He seemed about six feet tall, and looked to be in his thirties. He positively towered over the two women. His brown hair curled loosely at the ends, a feature that any girl would envy. Alla noticed that his eyes were almost golden in color. His nose was straight and he had a strong chin. He bowed low over Breanne’s hand.

“The pleasure is all mine,” he stated after the introductions had been made to Breanne. He then turned to Alla.

 Don’t Speak to me. Don’t speak to me.

 “And you are?” he asked bowing towards her.

Curses! Before Alla could respond, Godfrey answered him.“This young lady is in the employ of the Duke of Manchester.” Godfrey’s explanation implied that as a person of employ, she didn’t need an introduction.

Alla had never felt so out of place in her life.  She had no doubt that the viscount would snub her. Why would he talk to a person of employment? He was completely out of her station. She gathered that he was a man of importance. This was especially apparent because of the way Breanne’s mama was fluttering about. For a split second she wished that she was back on the plantation with the few people in the world that loved her, but that feeling vanished for a second when the viscount smiled at her.

She blinked at him in confusion. He didn’t acknowledge that Godfrey spoke at all. In fact, he raised a brow as if he were still awaiting her response.

Alla cleared her throat, then immediately cursed herself for doing so. It sounded horrible. “I am Katrina, my lord, Katrina Bates,” she mimicked how her present company had addressed him, and hoped it didn’t sound too awkward coming from her lips. A feeling of nervousness ran through her body. “I am pleased to meet you.” She curtsied, immediately bumping into the server behind her.

Alla turned and faced the server, “I’m so sorry,” she said, the mortification of it all making her wanting to cry. She turned back towards the viscount, glancing at him, and then quickly looked at Breanne.

“Was that only your first time unsettling a server, Katrina?” Breanne innocently inquired. “Tis the truth I have done it so many times so as to lose count.”

Alla could have hugged Breanne.

Mrs. Crabtree started coughing on something or another and was glaring daggers at her daughter.

“You jest, my dear,” her mama said with a steely voice, her words were drawn out and slow. “You have always been the epitome of style and grace, and have never committed such a mishap.”

“No mother, I never jest,” Breanne stated with a straight face. Alla smothered her laughter with a cough.

“Would you like some water, Katrina?” Breanne asked wickedly, her eyes sparkling.

Alla couldn’t speak. She could only shake her head in a negative response. When she remembered to look at the viscount she saw amusement in his eyes.

Once the women were seated, the table was quiet for a split second; until Mrs. Crabtree began chattering away. Her conversation centered on Breanne, and Alla instantly felt sorry for her. Her demeanor gave the impression that she was uncomfortable with what her mother was doing. Honestly, it was as if the woman were trying to sell her daughter. The viscount, Alla noticed, had been listening to Mrs. Crabtree with politeness, but would watch Breanne. When Breanne would look up at him, or respond to a question her mother would ask her, the viscount would turn his full attention upon her and smile. It was as if he wanted her to continue talking, but Breanne would not cooperate. Alla couldn’t blame her. If those golden eyes were turned on her, there was no way she would be able to speak either.

“My daughter has stated that she loves the sea air, in fact, she has felt rather cramped lately on this small ship, especially in this very room,” Mrs. Crabtree informed the viscount. Breanne groaned, drawing another warning look from her mother. The viscount raised a brow.

 Alla felt Breanne’s hand grab her leg like a vise under the table, and she quickly looked at her. Breanne’s attention was focused on her plate, and though she appeared calm, Alla suspected that the bruises that would show up on her leg the next day would be proof of the opposite.

To say that the ship was small was laughable. Not to mention the viscount knew that they had just come in from the outside deck, so why would she need air now?

 “I would be honored if you would join me for a walk around the deck,” the viscount invited. Breanne looked up at him, and shakily returned his smile. Mrs. Crabtree was grinning from ear to ear and appeared quite pleased with herself. One quick squeeze from Breanne was all it took for Alla to gather courage to speak up.

Clearing her throat, she looked over at the viscount, who at the sound, turned his attention to her. She couldn’t very well invite herself along, could she? To do so would be too presumptuous. Alla glanced at Godfrey who was already daring her with his eyes to defy what he had told her about staying in her station. However, she couldn’t leave Breanne alone when she’d defended Alla not five minutes before. Prepared to lose her employment, Alla opened her mouth to speak, when the viscount interrupted her.

“Would you care to join us on our walk, Miss Bates?” he drawled a bit sarcastically.

 Alla smiled at him. “I suppose I could do with a bit of fresh air,” she quipped. A tiny smile appeared on Breanne’s face and her hold on Alla’s leg loosened.

Mrs. Crabtree looked livid, Mr. Crabtree appeared bored, and Godfrey seemed…dumbfounded. The viscount took the liberty of excusing the three of them and escorted them outside. He automatically held his arm out to Breanne, and she accepted. Alla stayed behind them. She didn’t want the viscount to offer his arm to her. Not only did she feel unworthy of such an honor, but she wanted Breanne to have a little bit of time with him. She suspected that Breanne did like him, and hoped that the viscount would see what she had already seen of Breanne’s infectious personality.

Breanne occasionally turned to look back, making sure that Alla was still trailing them. She smiled at Breanne in reassurance each time she turned around, and after a while, noticed that Breanne did not look behind her as often. She even heard her laugh a few times and smiled in response to it.

 Alla observed Breanne and the viscount walking up to the rail on the stern of the ship, and she immediately walked to the side rail. She wanted to be near Breanne for support, yet at the same time wanted to give them privacy to speak freely if they wished. Truthfully, she wanted a little bit of time to herself as well. A heavy responsibility lay ahead, and she hadn’t the slightest idea as to how she was going to accomplish anything to the standards of a duke. Indeed, it helped that she was taught to read, but there had to be more to the assignments she would be given.

“What have I gotten myself into?” she whispered. Though promising herself that she would be positive, that she would only look ahead, she found herself breaking that promise and thought of those she had left behind.

“Did you not hear me calling your name, Katrina?” Alla whipped around and found Breanne and the viscount standing directly behind her. She looked at Breanne as she swiped the wind-blown strands of hair from her face.

“I apologize,” she told her. “I was preoccupied, I did not mean to keep you or inconvenience you in any way.”

Breanne waved her excuse away with a hand. “Never mind that Katrina, you could never inconvenience me. The viscount and I have decided to return to the dining room as it is getting cold out here in the sea air; I wanted to see if you would like to accompany us.”

Alla searched Breanne’s face for any sort of expression that would say in panic, “please come in with us.” Yet she saw none. Knowing at once that Breanne would do very well on her own, she decided to stay out on the deck a bit longer, and asked Breanne if she would be so kind as to inform Godfrey of where she was.

Once alone, she watched as the waves of the sea crashed all about the ship. By tomorrow night, the ship would dock in England. She looked to her feet and took in a deep breath in hopes of calming her nerves. Her head jerked upwards when she felt, more than heard, someone stand next to her.

Braggs observed the sea as she did when he spoke. “There must be a weighty matter; aye, an important one, upon your wee shoulders to have you starin’ at the sea as if you’re willin’ it to grant wishes.” Alla looked at Braggs, smiled faintly, and looked back at the sea, saying nothing.

“Ah come now, lass. It can’t be that bad.”

“Yes,” Alla replied. “It bloody well can.”

Braggs smiled slightly at her response. He and his men were rubbing off on the girl. He turned around, his back to the rail, and watched Alla as she kept her gaze on the ocean. “I’m known for bein’ a mighty good listener,” he lied. At her silence, he grabbed her hand and startling her, turned it over. “Does it have anything to do with this?”

When Alla yanked her hand from Braggs’ grasp, a cool mask of indifference came over his face. He straightened up and was walking away when she grabbed his arm. “Please, I meant no offense. Its only…there isn’t a way on earth that you can assist me.” She let go of his arm and turned back towards the horizon. “I am on my own.”

Braggs stepped back up to the rail next to Alla. “You are never alone lass. Aye, you’ve made friends this voyage. If ever you need an ear, or a place to go, you’ve got me and Reed,” he told her.

Alla turned towards him, smiling. Although he was a man with a gruff personality, he had a kindness about him. She was certain that if she were to tell him so he would take it as an insult; so she gave him a quick hug instead, laughing aloud at his expression after she’d done so.

He responded by giving her a quick nod, a hard pat on the back, making her almost fall forward, and bidding her a good day. Alla smiled at his retreating back and then caught the eyes of Viscount Torrington standing outside of the dining room entrance watching her. He had probably seen the whole display.

Fiddlesticks! Unsure of her next move, Alla let her eyes slide over him and turned away, pretending that she hadn’t seen him. It was a bold move on her part. She could feel her ears burning, and her cheeks felt as if they were on fire. When she finally turned to face his direction again, he was gone. She heaved a sigh of relief, praying that he kept what he saw to himself. Part of her wanted to return to the dining room and see how Breanne was getting along; but another part, the coward in her, wanted to run back to her room.

Resolving that it’d be better to face the viscount immediately, rather than putting it off, she walked into the dining room, found their table, and sat in the empty seat next to Breanne. She glanced around avoiding the viscount’s gaze, and noticed that Godfrey was not present.

“I’m afraid we were all about to retire to our rooms,” Breanne said apologetically. “Mother and father have taken ill over something they have eaten. Your friend has already retired to his quarters because of the same affliction. Thankfully, the viscount has offered to escort you back to your quarters,” she said smiling.

Alla looked over at Breanne’s parents and immediately looked away. Both of them were sweating and looked…green. Mrs. Crabtree had already gagged twice since she had glanced their way! How Breanne could calmly take her time and explain about her parents, while they struggled to hold down their food, was beyond her comprehension. Alla was sure that if Breanne’s parents had felt slightly better they would have throttled her for her lack of haste. She realized quickly that she had to find some way to escape from being alone with the viscount.

“But…..but Godfrey said that I mustn’t ever be alone with a man,” Alla stammered.

 Breanne gave her a peculiar look before placing a comforting hand over Alla’s. She then leaned sideways and whispered to her. “It shall be fine. The viscount has a splendid reputation and would never jeopardize yours. It’s only down an itty bitty hallway for heaven’s sake, and I do think he likes me. He wouldn’t dare offend you, when he knows you are a friend to me.”

Alla looked up at the viscount, who watched her with calculating eyes. Although Breanne whispered, she wondered if he had heard anything and had taken offense at the possible affront she made to his character. She thought of mentioning the idea of returning on her own and then thought better of it, not wanting to send Mr. Crabtree into another bout of hysterics.

 Alla nodded in agreement, and everyone around the table rose to take their leave. After only hesitating for a second when the viscount offered his arm, she accepted it and the two walked in silence. When they reached Alla’s room, however, he waylaid her.

“Miss Bates,” he began uncomfortably, “I—“

“-Must be wondering why I was speaking with, and hugging a sailor,” she finished.

 He nodded once.

“I was merely troubled. The sailor gave me advice and I thanked him with a hug.” She clasped her hands together in front of her, smiling serenely, sure that her explanation would please him.

Adam Torrington figured that the woman before him was mad. It was quite possible since she hailed from the colonies. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t interject into a stranger’s life. However, something about her…vulnerability, or for lack of a better word, her awkwardness in society, made him want to help her in some way.

“Miss Bates, I am not completely familiar with all of the traditions in the colonies, but surely you must know that to embrace a man of the opposite sex that you are not engaged or betrothed to is simply unacceptable. I assume you do not know this man?”

“Today was my first time making his acquaintance,” she lied. “My lord, it was broad daylight. He has to be at least thirty years my senior which—“

“-Means absolutely nothing,” he interjected. “Miss Bates, please do not misunderstand. I do not wish to attack your character, nor your intentions. The man you will be working for, however, is expecting you to refrain from doing anything that can cause gossip to flare upon his family name. If you so much as steal one kiss—“

Alla laughed, but hurried to explain when it appeared that he took offense. “My lord, I haven’t the slightest intention of kissing anyone. Truly, my only goal is to do the work my employer bids me.”

“Your employer, a close friend of mine, is expecting you to do just as he says. Should you even banter about with him like you are doing with me right now, I assure you; the results you receive will not be to your liking. The actions you take can not only affect the lives of your employer and family, but also your friends.”

He really hoped that she would take his words to heart, for if she did not, his friend would eat her alive for brunch. He would then, of course, be forced to intervene on behalf of Miss Crabtree and the awkward chit herself. He inwardly grinned at the havoc this girl was going to bring to his friend’s life. Good, he thought, Manchester needed chaos in his life.

 Alla’s mouth gaped open. “My lord, I would never pull my friend into a less than admirable light.” She paused and took a deep breath. She would not continue her tirade. The viscount was fully aware of what he was talking about, she recognized that much; and felt sorry for herself. This was a completely different culture that she was immersing herself in, and she hadn’t the slightest clue as to how she would make it through this new life of hers without offending someone on a regular basis. She wasn’t sorry for showing her affection to Braggs. However, she didn’t want the viscount to realize that, so she tried to make amends and at least pretend she was contrite.

“You are right,” she kept her head bowed. “I was—no, my actions were careless. I apologize.” She peeked up at him when he remained silent.

“You are going to drive him crazy,” he muttered .

“Pardon, my lord?”

“Nothing,” he said coughing behind his hand. “I only urge you to realize, Miss Bates, that I only say this out of a warning to you. Miss Crabtree thoroughly enjoys your company. It would be a shame to let idle gossip over something to cause a rift in that friendship.”

“I understand.” When would the man go away so that she could think, for heaven’s sake? The viscount turned to leave, paused, and turned back towards Alla.

“What, may I ask, is troubling you? Can I be of any assistance?”

“I thank you for your concern, but my problems are of a personal nature.”

The viscount nodded his acceptance of her answer. “If ever you need assistance, feel free to contact me. I’m sure we will see each other plenty of times once we are off of this ship.” Tipping his hat to her, he turned to leave. Alla wanted to call out to him and make sure that he did not mention her association with the sailor to anyone else, especially her employer. Though the urge to do so was strong, she refrained, resorting to staring at the viscount’s retreating back. Sighing, she turned to go inside her room.