The cacophony of the bustling London docks swirled around Olivia Newton as she stood beside her friend, Rain, the Duchess of Winterbourne. Sailors shouted orders, gulls screeched overhead, and the tang of salty air filled her nostrils. Her heart pounded with a dizzying mix of exhilaration and trepidation as she prepared to embark on the most audacious escapade of her twenty-one years.

She tugged self-consciously at her disguise—a plain white shirt, brown breeches, and a weathered cap pulled low to conceal her long sable hair. The coarse fabric chafed against her skin, so different from the gowns she usually wore, and the bindings flattening her chest were so tight she worried she'd cut off circulation. But it was a small price to pay for passage to America and the chance to confess her love to the man who had unknowingly held her heart captive for years.

Practising her most boyish gait, she paced the dock, trying to affect a masculine swagger. Eyeing her critically, Rain placed a gentle hand on her shoulder to still her.

"There's still time to reconsider this madness," her friend said, her cornflower-blue eyes filled with concern. "You know I will support you no matter what, but are you truly certain this is what you want?"

Lifting her chin stubbornly, Olivia drew a deep breath. "Yes. I've never been more sure of anything. All my life I've played the role society demanded—sitting pretty, dancing and smiling. Waiting for a gentleman to make an offer for me." She shook her head firmly. "I'm done waiting. I refuse to sit idly by a moment longer, pining after Dash like a lovesick puppy!"

A wry smile curved Rain's lips. "And so you've devised this reckless scheme instead? To chase after him across the Atlantic disguised as a cabin boy? Could you not wait for him to return to England?"

A flush crept into Olivia's cheeks, but she would not give in. "You know I cannot. What if he finds a wife in America? It seems quite popular. If you remember, my own brother married an American."

"I hardly doubt Dash is going there to find a wife," Rain muttered, and Olivia knew she was referring to their friend being quite the rake.

It was true that Dash had shown no inclination to find a wife and settle down. Just as he had shown no inclination to look at Olivia as anything other than a friend. For years she'd yearned for him. Wished he would finally see what was right in front of him... That he'd see her. Not as a friend. Not as his confidante. But as a woman he could love.

Meeting her friend's gaze, Olivia sighed. "I have to do this, Rain. The thought of him finding a wife in America, of losing him forever..." She shook her head. "I can't let that happen. Not without telling him how I feel. I need to at least have tried."

There was an understanding in Rain's eyes she wasn't sure she wanted. Her friend saw more than she wished to share. But they had known each other for many years, and while they had not been friends at the time, Rain knew all about her brother Jeremy and how he'd married an American woman and moved there to be with her. How he got sick and never recovered. The last time Olivia had ever seen him was when he had sailed off to America...

And now Dash was doing the same.

She could not allow it. Not without telling him how she felt.

"I just want you to be safe," Rain said quietly. "The journey won't be easy, and if your true identity is discovered..."

"It won't be," Olivia insisted, squaring her shoulders with a confidence she didn't quite feel. "I've practised my speech and my walk. No one will know."

"Well, if you're set on this course, I'm glad you'll be on Adrian's ship. He's a good man, and he'll keep you safe."

Olivia nodded, feeling a flicker of gratitude amidst her nerves. "Thank you for arranging this, Rain. I couldn't have done it without you."

"I would have come with you myself if I could as your chaperone, but I'm not able to go on a long journey right now." Rain pulled her into a tight hug, mindful of her growing belly. "Write to me when you can. And remember, you can always come home if you change your mind."

Home.

The word conjured memories of days spent wandering the fields and forests of her family's estate by the village of Tilbury. Of cosy evenings in the parlour, sipping tea and devouring novels with her friends. Safe. Predictable. A life she loved, but one where she might lose the one thing—the one person—she wanted most.

No, Olivia would not, could not turn back. She was determined to see this through.

With a final squeeze, she stepped back and took a deep breath. "It's time. Wish me luck."

As Rain led her towards the looming bulk of the Amelia, seeds of doubt sprouted. What if her disguise wouldn't hold? What if the crew uncovered her deception? An unaccompanied female, travelling in men's clothing—she'd be utterly ruined. But failure was not an option. She would prevail. For Dash. For their future.

Rain motioned to the gangplank leading to the ship, where a tall, broad-shouldered man with sun-bronzed skin and dark hair stood barking orders to his crew. Even from several yards away, his height and powerful frame radiated a commanding presence. Thick chestnut hair was swept back from a sturdy brow and striking, slanted cheekbones. A body honed from years at sea filled out the rich fabric of his well-tailored jacket and snug breeches.

"He... He's not quite what I expected of a merchant captain," Olivia stammered, unable to tear her eyes away.

"The Warble family is one of good standing and wealth." Rain arched one perfectly shaped brow. "It was quite the gossip when the second son of the Duke of Hoyton decided to pursue captaining a merchant vessel. This was all a year or so before our seasons, so I'm not surprised you never heard of it. Adrian rarely frequents the London season these days."

Olivia tried not to stare, but it was a difficult task. Captain Warble was one very handsome man. To think he was actually the second son of a duke. Whatever could have made him choose this unconventional occupation? Most second sons bought a commission to the army or joined the clergy.

"He looks... formidable." I may be in over my head.

Rain chuckled. "That's one word for him, I suppose." She squeezed Olivia's hand firmly. "You will be fine, I promise. But if you've changed your mind, I shall convey your apologies to the captain at once—"

"No!" Olivia burst out.

At that moment, Captain Warble's searching gaze landed directly on her with the air of a predator assessing potential prey. It took every ounce of her will not to fidget under the piercing scrutiny.

"No," she repeated, a little softer. "I am determined. I must do this."

A half-smile tugged at one corner of Rain's mouth. Raising a hand, she called out, "Captain Warble! A moment of your time, if you please!"

The imposing man strode towards them, long legs eating up the dock in a few strides, each movement imbued with a fluid, unconscious grace.

"Your Grace." He inclined his head respectfully towards Rain as he reached them, though one eyebrow quirked in subtle question. "I trust all is well?"

"Captain Adrian Warble," Rain said with a grin. "May I introduce you to Oliver, your new cabin boy?"

The man's gaze swept over Olivia, assessing her with a sharp intensity that made her heart skip a beat. Suddenly, she felt very aware of her disguise, and she prayed it would hold up under his inspection. She stared at the toes of her scuffed boots, certain he could see through everything.

"Bit young, isn't he? Look at those downy cheeks."

"He's old enough," Rain retorted. "I'm certain Oliver can provide you with everything you need."

The captain huffed, something in between a scoff and a laugh. "I will have to take your word for it, Your Grace."

"Though, as I mentioned when we spoke prior, you will need some patience and have someone teach him the ropes as he's new to life aboard a ship." Rain's voice took on a more serious tone. "I trust you to take good care of him, Adrian."

"Oh, I'm sure that won't be a problem." Captain Warble glanced over at Olivia again, and she could have sworn she saw the corners of his mouth twitch. "I'll make a man out of him. Under my...firm tutelage, he will be the best damn cabin boy by the time we reach America."

Why did that sound positively wicked? Hoping her cheeks weren't as red as they felt, Olivia plucked up her courage and met the Captain's gaze.

"I look forward to working under you, sir."

Rain made a strangled noise next to her, and she quickly turned to check on her friend. Was she choking? Had she swallowed a fly?

"Well lad," the captain said after a quiet moment also observing Rain. But she appeared to be fine. "Welcome aboard. We set sail within the hour, so best get your belongings stowed away."

"Aye, sir." She only just caught herself before dropping into a curtsy out of habit, and instead bobbed her head.

With a nod towards Rain, the captain strode away, barking orders to his crew. Olivia watched his retreating form, appreciating the wide set of his shoulders and the confidence of his gait before she realised what she was doing and mentally shook herself.

"You will be fine," Rain said again, her tone light and encouraging. Leaning in for another quick embrace, she mumbled, "Safe travels, my friend."

Then, with a parting smile, Rain turned and returned to her carriage where her husband stood waiting outside, his arms crossed over his massive chest. The Duke of Winterbourne was a beast of a man, but with a heart of gold. He would not let Rain go to the docks alone, but had agreed to give them the space they needed for their goodbyes.

Already missing her friend, Olivia sighed and picked up her satchel. Now was not the time to falter. She took a deep breath of briny air and marched up the gangplank with a confidence she didn't quite feel. As she reached the deck, she caught sight of the captain studying her from his place by the helm, something undefined flickering in his features.

Suspicion, or merely curiosity?

It couldn't be suspicion. If he knew she was a woman, surely he'd have kicked her off the ship already—or never let her board in the first place. She was being paranoid. Better busy herself so her mind couldn't play tricks on her. She ought to find where she was meant to put her belongings.

As the crew scurried around her, preparing to cast off, she couldn't help stealing another glance at the man who would be her employer for the weeks to come. Captain Warble certainly cut a dashing figure in his tailored coat and tall boots. Not that she cared. Her heart was fully taken by Dash.

She made her way into the ship's dim hold, but a wiry sailor with a weathered face and a shock of grey hair intercepted her.

"You there, boy! Where d'ya think yer going?" he barked, his accent thick from years on the sea.

"I...I was just looking for a place to stow my bag, sir. Before I find my bunk in the fo'c'sle—"

The sailor threw back his head and guffawed, his laughter echoing off the cramped walls. Olivia was rather offended. She thought she'd done rather well, remembering the name of the area where the crew slept.

"The fo'c'sle? Not bloody likely, lad. Captain's got special orders for you." He jerked his thumb back from where she came. "You'll be bunking in the captain's quarters, you will. Sharing his cabin, like."

Her stomach dropped to somewhere in the vicinity of her boots. Share a cabin with Captain Warble? That seemed like a recipe for disaster.

"Th...the captain's quarters?" she croaked. "Are you certain?"

"Aye, straight from the captain's mouth," the sailor confirmed with a shrug. "'Spose he wants to keep a close eye on his new cabin boy."

A hysterical laugh threatened to bubble up. Oh, if he only knew how much she dreaded the captain keeping a close eye on her.

Nodding her thanks, she clutched her satchel to her chest like a shield and scurried back to where she knew the captain's quarters were located. How in heaven's name was she to maintain her charade under the captain's watchful eye? In the privacy of his own quarters, no less.

Reaching the captain's cabin, she was surprised to find it much bigger than she had expected. It had a large desk and a sizeable dining table. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the large iguana lazing atop the captain's desk, its scaly tail dangling over the edge.

"Hi Ignacio," she mumbled, having come across the lizard before at Rain's house. The creature blinked at her, but made no attempt to move.

Walking further into the cabin, Olivia found the section containing the captain's bed. It was wider than she had expected and piled with blankets. Maybe Captain Warble was a creature of comfort after all. Her gaze snagged on a hammock strung up in the corner, no doubt meant for her. The thought of sleeping mere feet from the man who could ruin her with a word sent a fresh wave of nerves crashing over her.

Swallowing hard, she stowed her bag beneath the hammock and looked around, trying to familiarise herself with the space she'd call home for the foreseeable future. The room was tidy, but everywhere she looked, she could see traces of the captain—in the shirt tossed over the back of a chair, the gleaming sextant on the desk, the faint whiff of his cologne lingering in the air.

It felt strangely intimate, this glance into Captain Warble's inner sanctum. One he had invited her to share.

She drew a deep breath. She could do this. In fact, being in the captain's quarters might be better than sharing the usual area with the crew since she would be much more likely to find a moment of privacy here. Yes, this would work in her favour.

As long as she could keep her secret from the captain...

~~~~~~