Isabel drew her shawl tightly about her shoulders against the chilled mist billowing up from the sea. Leaning over the railing littered with tiny droplets, she peered into the gray haze, searching for the familiar turquoise of the ocean, but only the purling rush of water against the hull assured her the ship maintained its speed. Cool moisture soaked through the sleeves of her gown, and she stepped back from the rail.

Oh, Frederick. How long had they been at sea now, ten ...