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I need you to come up with another diversion."
    "You want me to help you cheat?"
    He flashed her his most charming smile. "I simply want you to help me change my luck."
    "That’s disgusting." She whirled away and put some distance between them. Turning, she hissed, "I was raised to be a proper lady, Mr. Masters. I am insulted that you would even ask me to consider such a proposal. Please don’t speak to me again."
    Chase leaned a hip against the rail and watched as she flounced away, her head held high, her feet tapping an angry rhythm. She would have made a fine Confederate soldier, he thought. Or a good candidate for mother superior.
    Maybe he had miscalculated, he mused. Maybe she was what she claimed to be. His smile grew. And then again, maybe she was just a clever actress.

Chapter Three

    In the dim light of the cabin, Annalisa lay on her bunk. The gentle lapping of the water lulled her, then caused her to stir. Eyelashes fluttered, then opened. Sitting up, she hurried across the room and threw open the small window. The setting sun was an orange globe on the horizon. Ribbons of firelight danced on the waves, trailing the wake of the boat.
    Above the murky waters of the Mississippi, the sky darkened. The wind off the water was cool, breathing life into the humid cabin. The ship’s horn blasted a warning to oncoming boats. An answering signal sounded on the evening mist.
    Once again, Annalisa had overslept the dinner hour. What was happening to her? She hadn’t slept in the middle of the day like this in years. It must be the fresh air and sunshine. Or perhaps this new sense of freedom, that permitted her to walk the decks, to explore, to prowl until she dropped from exhaustion. Whatever the reason, she thought as she removed a clean gown from her trunk, she felt more rested and refreshed than she could ever remember. And more alive.
    The light of the cabin reflected off a small vial in the corner of the trunk. Annalisa picked up the graduation gift Yvette had given her. French perfume. Lifting the stopper, she inhaled the delicate floral scent. It was deliciously sensuous, reminding her of something from her almost-forgotten childhood. Touching the stopper to her throat and between her breasts as Yvette had taught her, she felt the fragrance envelop her. For long moments, she breathed deeply, feeling beautiful and just a little bit wicked.
    She deliberately selected a cool, ice blue gown from the meager assortment the convent had provided. Buttoned primly to her throat, the long tapered sleeves had a dusting of lace at each wrist. With quick, practiced twists, she pulled her hair into a proper knot. As an afterthought, she added a bonnet and shawl.
    There, Chase Masters, she thought, studying her reflection in the mirror. You’re going to see a lady. A very proper lady. That should convince you that I am not about to help you in your devilish scheme to cheat at cards.
    A part of her hoped she could avoid seeing Chase tonight. He made her feel uncomfortable. He made her feel awkward and silly. He made her think and feel things proper young ladies should never indulge. But as she walked past the opened rosewood doors and entered the elegant salon, Annalisa found herself studying the faces, searching for that one person who could make her palms sweat and her blood pound. Would she have the same reaction if she saw him again?
    She was shown to a corner table, where gaslights hissed, casting a soft glow. She ordered quickly, then allowed her gaze to trail the partially filled room.
    She spotted him at a table with five other men. At the table alongside theirs, another, more intense poker game was in progress. Above the two tables, a pall of smoke drifted lazily. Waiters hovered, pouring drinks, brushing away stray ashes from the careless smokers.
    The atmosphere in the room seemed tense, expectant. An occasional grunt or oath from one of the players as the hands were shown was the only outward sign of intense