Page 14 of An Imperfect Scoundrel

A light tapping came at the door.

After crawling from the bed, Alana stumbled across the room, grabbing the wall to steady herself.

“Who is it?” she called through the door.

“I have come to offer my services,” Mrs. Parker’s boisterous voice replied. “It was quite an adventure to dress while the ship was rocking, and I suspect you may be having a bit of trouble on your own.”

Exhaling a relieved sigh, Alana opened the door and peered around the edge, her eyes darting up and down the corridor.

“Mrs. Parker, your intuition is astonishing.”

Following Alana into the cabin, Mrs. Parker closed the door behind her.

“Hugh will meet us on deck. He’s decided to stop in the salon for a bit and chat with some potential investors.”

“Investors?”

Alana passed her dress to Mrs. Parker, who instructed Alana to turn around with a small circular gesture. Pulling the frock over Alana’s head, she tugged the material down, smoothing out wrinkles as the dress fell down over Alana’s hips.

“Yes, Hugh’s quite an astute businessman. His latest venture paid for our trip to England.” She fussed with Alana’s hair, fixing the haphazard pinning Alana had done after pulling off the bodice. “He adores traveling. It gives him the opportunity to meet people who never would have granted him an audience.”

“Do you live in Boston?”

“We’ve recently relocated to Boston. Hugh has some interests out there.” Mrs. Parker smiled, but the light didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m looking forward to our adventure. Although I won’t know anyone there, I’m certain I will meet new friends. I’ve heard American society is much more welcoming.”

Alana reached out, placing her hand on Mrs. Parker’s arm, and squeezed.

“Youwillknow someone. I’m moving to Boston as well.”

“You are?” Mrs. Parker squealed with delight, placing her hand on top of Alana’s. “We shall have a grand time, balls, and parties, and luncheons…”

Groaning inwardly, Alana forced a smile. “Will you not want to spend a little time with your family?”

“My family?” Blinking her eyes, confusion flashed across Mrs. Parker’s face.

“Surely, your husband has family in Boston.”

Mrs. Parker licked her lips. “Hugh has no family. He’s the sole surviving heir.”

“Does he not want children?”

Stepping away, Mrs. Parker stared out the small window, her haunted face reflected in the glass.

“I cannot have children.”

“I’m sorry.” Alana stepped forward, but Mrs. Parker held up her hand.

“Don’t feel pity for me, Mrs. Dubois, I have accepted my lot.” She paused. “However, if I may be bold, why do you not have children? You were married for two years.”

Alana glanced down, digging her toes into the floor.

“We lost one.”

She hiccupped.

She hadn’t told Aidan or her father. Only Sebastian knew. They buried the baby, just the two of them, wracked with grief. Sebastian fell ill shortly after.

“Well, now that we have revealed our deepest secrets, we shall be lifelong friends.” Mrs. Parker lifted her skirt and crossed the room. “I do hope it’s time for dinner. I’m famished.”