For an instant she wondered what it would be like to be married to Sir Thomas. She would have a great house of her own and her mother and father would undoubtedly be delighted. They would consider she had done extremely well.
But, she thought, would she come to love Sir Thomas as Vicky loved Edward?
As the mantilla was arranged over the comb, Justina heard Mrs. Arbuthnot’s voice.
“Girls, girls! I can understand your chagrin. You are both so much more attractive than poor Justina. But, remember, for the last four days she has been the only girl not confined to her cabin. Men in a desert, you know! Now things are very different and I think you will find that her charms, such as they are, will be completely overshadowed by those of my lovely daughters.”
“Someone who doesn’t appear to be c
