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settled a stern look upon Sophie. “Please promise that you won’t disappoint me, Sophie. I would like to enjoy the evening knowing that you will behave appropriately.”
    The pointed remark hurt for only a moment, for other than Amanda, Fanny, Jefferson, and George, Sophie knew the entire family considered her a miscreant. Not that she minded. She’d made a genuine effort to overstep the family’s boundaries of stuffy social mores. After her mother’s death the previous December, Sophie decided she would no longer be restricted by rules of etiquette or family expectations. Of course, there were those who thought she’d been a troublesome daughter prior to her mother’s death, but of late she’d given new meaning to the word, and her behavior had been the topic at several family gatherings.
    “So long as the three of us have your permission to attend the dance afterward, I promise to be on my very best behavior for our supper with the captain.” Sophie was certain her condition would be met with immediate approval. Her aunt wanted to enjoy her meal, and permitting the girls to attend the dance wasn’t truly a concession. She would expect the girls to attend the dance.
    “Why, of course,” Victoria replied.
    “By ourselves,” Sophie added, “without Daniel or Paul acting as our escorts.”
    She watched her aunt’s smile begin to fade and then quickly return. “Should either of the young men offer to act as an escort, you have my permission to refuse. However, I can’t possibly prohibit them from attending the dance. It is open to all properly attired passengers, and I’m certain Mrs. Medford will want to attend for a time. I want to make an appearance myself, especially if the captain plans to escort us into the ballroom.”
    Sophie would gain nothing further by arguing with her aunt, for she knew the woman would never consider slighting the ship’s captain.
    “If you girls will excuse me, I’m going to speak with Minnie and Veda. I want them to see that our gowns are in readiness, and you must remember we will need to share their services. I will arrange to have them assist me with my hair and dress, and then they can help you girls.”
    The minute she left the cabin, Sophie motioned her cousins to draw close. “I have a plan to keep Daniel away from Fanny.”
    Fanny scooted closer. “I knew I could count on you, Sophie. Tell me.”
    “We must go to Daniel’s cabin. I’m certain he and Paul are still commiserating on the promenade deck. We will go through his belongings and remove all of his formal attire.”
    Fanny lurched and looked as though she’d been struck by a bolt of lightning. “You’re not serious!” She stared at Sophie. “You are serious.”
    “Of course I’m serious. It’s a marvelous plan. If he doesn’t have the proper attire, he will be refused entry to all of the formal functions throughout the voyage.” She brightened. “And in England, too. It will save you a great deal of heartache, dear Fanny. ’Tis a simple plan that will work if we hurry to his stateroom.” She took her cousin’s hand. “Just think of it! You won’t be required to dine or dance with Daniel. That thought alone should stir you to action.”
    Amanda wagged her finger. “You would be stealing his belongings, Sophie. Such behavior is completely unbefitting a young lady—and it goes against biblical principles, I might add.”
    “Do stop speaking like a prudish spinster and come guard the passageway. If Daniel approaches, get down on your hands and knees and pretend you’ve lost your earring and ask for his assistance.”
    Before her cousins could further object, Sophie grasped Fanny’s hand and pulled her to her feet. “Go on,” she hissed, giving Amanda a tap on the shoulder when they neared Daniel’s door.
    Amanda turned and folded her arms around her waist. “I refuse to be involved unless you promise you won’t destroy his clothing—or throw it overboard.”
    “I promise! Now go on