Page 50 of His Perfect Bride
“We are still taking this trip alone, which is unsuitable for a single man and single woman. If I admit to the captain—or anyone in Centreville—that we aren’t married, then I shall likely tarnish your reputation.”
“We took the trip to Salt Spring Island, and no one thought anything of it.”
“That was to visit your family. Your sister and Caleb were our chaperones, and we weren’t alone there. But here, we shall be alone for most of the voyage with no one to oversee us.”
She hadn’t really thought about the ramifications of traveling with Jackson. But was he right? Would people think the worst? And by worst, would everyone assume she was Jackson’s kept woman, his mistress, a lover?
Mortification rushed through her. Rumors would certainly spread and hurt not only her reputation but also Jackson’s, possibly even Augusta’s. With such a scandal, the dear woman would be left with no choice but to terminate Sage from her position as lady’s maid.
“When the captain made a comment about us being married,” Jackson continued softly, “that’s why I didn’t correct him.”
“I see.”
The steamboat veered toward the shore where a wharf and a warehouse stood, both containing stacks of corded wood. Several weathered gray clapboard establishments faced the river, their windows shining with welcome warmth and light. A couple of simple log cabins sat a distance back, along with a barn and corral. Stumps littered the cleared area where tents were propped up and a cluster of men congregated around a campfire.
“This is Centreville?” It was much smaller than she’d anticipated.
“This is it, primarily a place for steamboats to refuel.”
This was the wilderness of British Columbia, a place as far from and as unlike Manchester as any place on earth. At least she had Jackson by her side…as her pretend husband.
“So,” she said, “do you think it’s best for the duration of our trip that we carry through with the pretense of being man and wife?”
He hesitated. “If you’re not agreeable to it, I shall set the record straight with the captain and do my best to uphold your reputation in spite of the unfortunate circumstances.”
What else could they do? She honestly didn’t know. “I never like to speak falsehoods, and I would hate to do so now.”
“I respect that.” He sighed and then was quiet as the steamboat whistle blasted in the quiet, alerting those on shore of its approach.
If the captain already had assumed they were together, then most people would, and how would they be able to explain to everyone the nature of their relationship without casting doubt onto both of them?
After all the gossip Jackson had already experienced as a result of the bridge collapse and because of his failed engagement, she couldn’t subject him to more gossip about having an illicit affair with her.
The only thing to do was let people believe they were married. “What if we refrain from outright lying about our relationship but just neglect to correct wrong assumptions?” It would still be deceptive, but was it the lesser of two evils?
His expression was grave. “I don’t want to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.”
“It will be an awkward situation either way, but more damaging if people think I’m your mistress instead of your wife.”
“That was precisely my conclusion.”
“Then we’ll bemarriedfor a day or two. It won’t be long. And when we return to Victoria, no one needs to know, right?”
Again, he hesitated. “Let us hope so.”
His answer wasn’t reassuring. “Is there a chance your friends and acquaintances in Victoria might hear of our pretend marriage?”
“Anything is possible.”
“Is it likely?”
“If by chance any acquaintances of mine spot us together, I shall privately explain the situation in more detail and hopefully curtail any problems.”
It seemed like a good plan. “This shouldn’t be too difficult. Let’s pray we find Augusta quickly, and then she can act as our chaperone on the return trip.”
The steamer was nearing the wharf, and a dock worker had come out of the nearby warehouse and was standing ready to secure theWidower. Within minutes the boat came to a standstill, the landing stage was lowered, and Jackson carried both of their bags from the steamer, not intending to spend the night on the steamer since it had no private cabins.
Among the scant buildings that made up the town, Sage didn’t see any that looked like a hotel or inn, and she couldn’t imagine setting up a tent and camping.
