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fall along gender lines.”
    A strong gust of wind snapped the sails above them, and Rose startled at the noise. Lillibet clicked her tongue soothingly as Madeline held Rose’s leg still so the Frenchwoman could successfully tie the bootie’s ribbon. “I’ve been studying Fourier’s teachings quite closely,” Madeline said, resting Rose against her shoulder. She patted the baby’s back as she added, “He did admit that as much as two years might be required to complete the abolishment of Civilization and the establishment of total Harmony.”
    “Two years?” Lillibet repeated, grimacing. “Yes, I can see how some men might be slower in accepting equality for women than others. André must work at that a bit himself. How about your husband, Madeline? What about Mr. Sinclair?”
    Madeline laughed. “I imagine it would take years to convert Brazos. Of course, if he did change those diapers, perhaps there is hope for him after all.”
    “On, there’s definitely hope for him. I quite admire the man, Madeline. He’s knowledgeable and intelligent. He’s been tutoring some of our members about farming methods well suited for Texas.” She lowered her voice. “He’s also handsome enough to swoon over. I have to tell you that a number of wagers have been made on the question of whether this marriage of convenience becomes one of fact.”
    Madeline laughed aloud. “Oh, Lil, I hope you didn’t waste your money. That is one point Brazos and I agree on completely. There will be no consummation of this marriage.”
    “But he has joined the Society and paid a considerable amount of money to do so. Doesn’t he intend to join us at La Réunion?”
    The Uriel took a long pitch forward, and Madeline closed her eyes against a lingering quiver of seasickness. She groaned, whether as a result of the illness or of the idea of making a home with Brazos Sinclair she could not say.
    Uncertain how to reply to Lillibet’s question, Madeline hesitated. With the trip well under way and the next port of call Galveston, Texas, she could afford to make public Brazos’s intentions to leave the colonists as soon as the Uriel made landfall. After all, Considérant wasn’t likely to put her and her temporary husband overboard in a lifeboat once the truth was out. Everyone aboard knew the circumstances of her marriage. Few would be surprised by the announcement of a pending annulment.
    But for some strange reason, she wasn’t prepared to have the colonists learn that the boorish Texan wanted as little to do with her as she wanted to do with him. Well acquainted with rejection, Madeline knew it shouldn’t matter. But it did.
    She phrased her reply carefully. “Mr. Sinclair and I have yet to settle all of our plans. In fact, Lil, that brings up a point I wish to discuss with you.” She tenderly brushed a finger down Rose’s petal-soft cheek and asked, “Could we stroll for a bit and talk? I’ve something important to discuss with you.”
    Lillibet frowned. “I don’t know that this is a good time, dear. Rose is tired. I’ve noticed that she always fidgets like that when she needs her sleep. Why don’t I bring her to you after she wakes, and we can have a nice chat then.”
    Madeline sighed as guilt added another dimension to the sick feeling inside her. Of course the baby was tired. She should have recognized it herself. I ’m terrible at this mothering business , she thought. Simply awful . Her chin trembled as she pressed a kiss to the baby’s forehead and handed her to Lillibet. “Certainly,” Madeline agreed, attempting a smile. “We can talk later, after Rose’s nap.”
    Her steps heavier than before, Madeline resumed her walk around the ship’s deck. Worry assailed her. Maybe she should ask the Brunets for more than a temporary arrangement. Maybe Rose would be better off without Madeline as a mother altogether. Maybe they all would have been better off if she’d succumbed to mal de mer.
    She shuddered at the thought.