She realised that the climate in Martinique would be hot and she therefore bought yards of voiles and muslins to make into gowns during the long voyage.
Although her father had taught her from books, her mother had been an expert needlewoman and had taught Melita to sew.
“Every woman should be able to use her needle,” she had said once, “and, dearest, you will find it useful in life to be able to make your own gowns should you ever have to do so.”
Her mother had just been talking vaguely, Melita had thought at the time. But now she wondered if perhaps she had been clairvoyant enough to know that one day her daughter would be very glad of such a feminine accomplishment.
The silk taffeta cape, which had been expensive, and her bonnet with its decoration of soft lace framing her face not
