Chapter Nine
“I can’t believe you left Mrs. Crompton’s house.” Abigail broke the silence she’d held the first half of the drive.
“I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“You could have been hurt, or lost, or any number of things.”
Josephine frowned. “Is Savannah a dangerous city?”
“No. Not usually. But it’s not proper for one to go out without an escort. People will talk.”
Buildings disappeared and the countryside stretched around them. They were getting close to the Ross estate. Josephine sighed. “Are you terribly upset with me?”
Abigail reached out and took her hand, her expression warm yet firm. “Of course not. But, as the person in charge of introducing you to Savannah, please do consult me before running off like that.”
The carriage turned up their drive and Josephine gave her friend a small smile. “I can do that.”
Moments later, they rolled to a gentle stop in front of the house. The footman opened the door, and Josephine gathered her skirts as Abigail climbed out first. “Not to rush you,” she said over her shoulder, “but we need to start getting ready.”
Josephine stepped from the carriage. “Ready for what?”
“If you hadn’t snuck off, you would have heard. Governor Milledge arrived in town this morning, and he’s insisting on a sendoff party for the sailors.”
“A party?”
Abigail twirled. “Yes, you know, food, dancing, handsome gentlemen? Milledge does love his parties.”
Handsome gentlemen. Josephine perked up. Would the lieutenant be there? Her heart beat a silly, erratic tune.
Her friend picked up on her excitement. “Let’s go pick out another gown for you.”
“Another one? What’s wrong with this one?” Josephine smoothed the yellow muslin.
“That one is far too plain for this sort of event.”
Josephine bit her tongue to keep from saying it was the most extravagant dress she’d ever worn, the scorn from the Bellefleur twins still fresh in her mind. She shifted her weight. “I feel bad borrowing everyone’s clothing. I brought plenty of money to buy things here.”
Abigail laughed. “I have far too many dresses. Letting you wear them will make me feel better about all the ones I never get to. Besides, you want to look your best, don’t you? My modiste has impeccable taste.” She took Josephine’s hand and tugged her through the door.
Hours later, Josephine exited the carriage with Abigail, her ivory gown a soft shimmer against the night as satin skirts swished around her legs. Overlooking a square in the heart of the city, the pale pink stuccoed home boasted massive Roman columns and ornately carved trimwork.
Once inside, Josephine stared at the gilded molding and massive chandeliers twinkling with hundreds of candles.
Flecks of shiny gold studded the floral wallpaper and she had to clamp her hands together to keep from reaching out to touch it.
No need to make a spectacle of herself like she had earlier.
“Oh, look, there’s Samantha!” Abigail waved her hand wildly.
Josephine followed her gaze across the room and her breath hitched.
Lieutenant Caldwell had come. Wearing the same immaculate uniform he’d worn to dinner at her house, he stood next to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson.
She couldn’t drag her eyes from him as a fluttery lightness spread through her chest. He glanced up as if sensing her perusal and for a split second, blue eyes stared into hers.
She held her breath. And then he turned back to his friends.
What did you expect? She shook her head as they made their way through the crowds of people.
By the time they reached Samantha, the men had disappeared.
Standing along the wall, the trio watched the party unfold.
Partners crowded the dance floor, moving so close together, it seemed a miracle no collisions happened.
Drinks flowed freely, with servants moving about the room with silver platters full of glasses.
The music ebbed and flowed like waves upon the sea.
“Isn’t it lovely?” Abigail smiled as Josephine took it all in.
“I’ve never been to a party like this.”
Her new friend let out a happy sigh. “I’m sure someone will ask you to dance soon.”
A tenseness slid through Josephine as a couple moved in unison in front of them. She’d learned several dances in Tortuga, but had never practiced with a real-life partner. Also, these dances seemed so much more intricate than the ones she’d tried.
“You have danced before, right?”
“A few times.” The words came out thick, and Abigail reached out to squeeze her hand.
“Don’t worry. Most of the men here are so used to dancing, they could lead you through the steps blindfolded. I’ve the perfect distraction while we wait. I used to do this with Samantha. Close your eyes.”
With a lifted brow, Josephine followed her new friend’s order.
“Now, think about the perfect man.” Abigail gave a dramatic pause. “Who do you see?”
Josephine giggled and opened her eyes. “That’s easy. Lieutenant Caldwell.”
Abigail frowned. “He’s handsome alright, but ever since he showed up with Mr. Thompson earlier this year, he hasn’t shown so much as a hint at wanting to settle down.
Plenty of the ladies have tried to catch his attention, but he gives them no notice.
His job is the only thing he cares about.
If you’re looking for a husband, he’s the very last person to chase. ”
Josephine scanned the crowd until she found him once more, standing next to Mr. Thompson near a pair of French doors.
She studied all the men between them and sniffed.
Not a single one stood out to her. When she returned her gaze to him, her breath caught.
Those deep blue eyes of his were fixed on her.
She swallowed, unable to look away until he gave a slight nod and turned back to his friend.
With a shake of her head, she spun back to Abigail.
Gaping at the lieutenant like a fish certainly wouldn’t win her any favors.
“What about you? Who do you see?”
Abigail stilled. “Samantha never asked.” She closed her eyes and a wistful smile flitted across her lips.
“My problem is every time I try this, I see someone different. Tonight it’s Mr. Ainsley.
But that’s because he’s newly arrived in town.
I’m sure once I get to know him, he’ll turn out to be as dull or boorish as the rest of them. ”
Josephine grinned. “So, you want someone exciting. What about a Navy sailor? There’s plenty of them here.”
Abigail went pale. “No. Definitely not a sailor. I can’t stand the ocean, especially sailing on it.”
“Oh.” Josephine tried to imagine such a concept. “Living on an island, every man I’ve ever met is a sailor of some sort.”
“You probably think I’m silly.” Abigail hugged her arms around herself.
She shook her head. “Of course not. I’m just not used to all the options one must have living on the continent. What kind of exciting professions do men around here have?”
“Honestly, I don’t care what they do. I want someone who is kind and sees me for who I am, not just what I look like.
Someone who cares about me more than his bookkeeping or social life.
Problem is, every man who has shown interest thus far only sees me for one thing—a pretty placeholder for the title of wife.
” Sadness laced Abigail’s voice, and Josephine understood.
Having one’s hopes raised and dashed over and over again would take its toll on anyone, even someone as bright and vivacious as Abigail.
“Well, maybe Mr. Ainsley is the one. Besides, you are so lovely, I cannot believe for a second that you won’t attract that kind of man to you.”
Abigail’s shoulders straightened. “Thank you. I won’t give up. I know the perfect one is out there somewhere for me. It’s just—maybe this doesn’t make sense—but when you have wanted something for so long, and it doesn’t happen the way you think it would, it can be discouraging.”
Josephine reached out and patted her new friend’s arm. “I know the feeling well.”
Abigail smiled. “I’m glad to have met you. Now, let’s stop being so melancholy, lest the men notice. That’s a sure way to keep them away!”
The band started a new song and Josephine perked up. Finally, a familiar tune. She cleared her throat. “Standing alone over here in the corner is another way to scare them off. Come, let’s go ask our dream men to dance.”
“Josephine, wait.” Abigail reached for her arm but was too late. “We wait for them to ask us.”
“Well, if what you said is true, the lieutenant will never ask. Where’s Mr. Ainsley?”
With a sigh, Abigail fell into step beside her and pointed to the other side of the room. A tall gentleman stood alone watching the dancers. Josephine guided them that way. “Introduce me.”
Her friend slowed as they approached, and Josephine slid her a sideways glance. “Are you nervous?”
All she got was a quick nod in return. How could someone so beautiful have any reservations about talking to a handsome man? Look who’s talking. Between the fountain mishap and the fresh awkwardness at today’s market, she wasn’t sure she could face Lieutenant Caldwell again.
Mr. Ainsley noticed them and his face brightened. “Miss Ross. I hoped to see you here.”
She giggled. “I never miss a party.”
He grinned and turned to Josephine. “Who’s this? I don’t think I’ve met you before.”
“Mr. Ainsley, this is Miss Montclair. Her father is the governor of Tortuga.”
A faraway look crossed over his face. “Tortuga. Where’s that, somewhere in Europe?”
Abigail blinked and Josephine bit back a laugh. “It’s a Caribbean island.”
“Oh. Very nice.” He turned to Abigail. “Would you like to dance?”
She beamed and Josephine gave her a wink before leaving the happy couple behind.
Dance partners marched and twirled across the floor and as she approached the two men still conversing in the corner, her heart began to beat faster, the small amount of courage she’d gathered fading away.
The lieutenant faced away from her, the sound of his voice floating over the music.