The Bride Ship. Regina Scott

is very wise, and every sailor we’ve met is strong and able. They’ll see us safely through this storm.”

      “But it’s so bumpy,” Gillian said, huddling closer.

      “Think of it like a carriage ride along a country road,” Allie advised. “Just a few bumps and then we’ll be at our destination.”

      “Seattle?” Gillian piped up hopefully.

      “Seattle,” Allie promised. “But not for a while yet. We must be patient.”

      Just then someone pounded on their stateroom door, and she recognized Mr. Debro’s voice. “Mrs. Howard! Mrs. Howard! Come quick! It’s Mr. Howard, and he’s in a bad way!”

      * * *

      Clay couldn’t remember being so miserable. He kept his eyes tight shut as the ship bucked and rolled. With a whoosh, a wave heaved up over the bulkhead and doused the door of his stateroom. An answering slosh told him that some of the seawater had forced its way under the door and was spilling across the hardwood floor.