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to say hello. “Thank you all for coming. Miss Lafayette, lovely to see you again.”
    She dipped into a brief curtsey without making eye contact. She didn’t want him to see her feelings until she had sorted through them. Wild thoughts were running through her mind. Was this woman the reason she had barely seen him at the party? Was he courting her too? While he had never shown his affection for Regina publicly, he now stood arm and arm with this pretty woman.
    “Thank you for having us, Mr. Carter.” Her father’s eyes skimmed over James and this other woman.
    James stood a little taller. Regina could feel James’ eyes on her but still refused to make eye contact. “Thank you for coming.”
    Another man joined the group. “There you are Abigail.”
    “May I introduce Mr. Abbot Worthy. He is visiting from South Carolina with his daughter, Miss Worthy.” James’ face was stiff but his tone was pleasant.
    “Pleased to meet you.” Her father shook his hand, introducing all of them. Then he turned back to James. “I must ask for the full tour. The deck of this boat is stunning.”
    “Of course. Mr. Worthy, would you care to join us?”
    “It would be my pleasure. Abigail, I am sure these fine ladies will keep you company.”
    “Yes, Papa.” Her southern drawl sounded like warm honey. She was buxom with glossy dark curls artfully arranged around her porcelain face. Regina hated her.
    As the men walked off, Abigail sidled up next to Regina. “My, isn’t he a vision? If I weren’t so cold, I would fan myself.”
    “Have you known Mr. Carter long?” Regina tried to keep her tone neutral.
    “I just met him last night at the ball.”
    Relief flooded Regina’s chest. She gave the woman a sidelong glance. She had never attempted to weedle information out of another person but today was full of firsts. “He is a divine dancer.”
    Regina saw the other woman’s face pinch with irritation and Regina ducked her head to hide her smile. They hadn’t danced.
    Abigail wasn’t finished. “I suppose I will find out when he joins us tomorrow evening. It is just an intimate gathering but Papa has hired a lovely seven-piece orchestra to play.” Abigail shot her a glowing smile.
    “Regina, let us walk about the deck,” her mother called.
    Regina began walking and Abigail matched her pace. Teeth gritted, Regina attempted to admire the harbor as they made their way towards the open ocean. Macie trailed behind them but Obediah and Clarissa were nowhere to be seen.
    “Did you see how broad his shoulders are and his arms are so very strong. How did he get so strong?”
    “He builds ships. I’m sure it builds a man’s physique.”
    “How do you know Mr. Carter?”
    “Much like you, my father is interested in his ships but he did stop me from falling on the docks. It sounds silly, but it was quite heroic.”
    “Oohhh, I think it sounds very heroic.” She bounced a little as she spoke. Regina was barely twenty but Abigail seemed so young to her. Younger even than Clarissa. Some might think Clarissa was youthfully impulsive but Regina knew that it was her sister’s way of getting what she wanted.
    “Yes, I suppose it does,” Regina murmured.
    “I bet being married to a ship builder would be very romantic.” The other woman bounced on her toes.
    “Perhaps. Moving to Maine from the South might be difficult.”
    “Oh I would never move. My husband will have to work near my family.” She looked assured of her ability to make this happen. Regina thought she should probably introduce Abigail to Obediah. He’d happily move south.
    They tacked out to the open water and then the other sails were unfurled to catch the wind. Regina stepped up to the rail inhaling deeply. Being on the open ocean was exciting. She felt her blood sing as the vessel picked up speed. She looked back to see several of the women, including Abigail, looking a little green.
    She gave them a smile of sympathy as the men rejoined them on deck. This