Read Online Crossing on the Paris by Dana Gynther - Free Book Online Page B

room,” she said, putting out her hand to give his a light shake. “It’s been a pleasure.”
    â€œThe pleasure has been all mine.” Dr. Chabron took her hand with a slight bow. “I always enjoy meeting fellow admirers of Mr. Holmes. Well, perhaps I will have the occasion of seeing you and your sister later on during the voyage, Miss Stone?”
    She opened her mouth to correct his mistake, to inform him that she was, in fact, a missus. But, instead, she decided to let it go. After two weeks as Faith’s frightfully dull, older, married sister, she wanted a few days all to herself, to be young again. To not be Mrs. anything.
    â€œOh,” she replied simply, “my sister didn’t care to join me.”
    â€œWell,” he drawled with a keen smile, “it is she who will miss what promises to be an excellent crossing. Now then”—his voice resumed its courteous, professional tone—“perhaps you should get some rest. And, please, if you have any more headaches, or problems of any kind, come back to see me. I’m afraid, Miss Stone, I must now take my leave and see how they’re faring down in steerage. Au revoir! ”
    Constance stood outside her door, watching Dr. Chabron make his way down the hall. What a pleasant man! Gazing at his tall frame and quick step, she thought it frustrating—unfair even—that a woman’s history could be told in a single word: missus. A man’shonorifics—Doctor, Captain, or even Mister—revealed absolutely nothing about his private life. But really, what did it matter if the ship’s doctor called her Miss or Missus? Surely it was just a compliment, a small commentary on her youthful appearance.
    She unlocked her room and, back inside, pulled a mystery novel out of her bag with a smile.

    On the fringe of a large group of unhappy third-class travelers, Julie listened hopefully to the doctor in the common area. He greeted the roomful of patients with a hearty voice, welcoming them on board.
    â€œI understand you are feeling seasick,” Dr. Chabron continued. “Well, that’s normal for a first voyage and I’m sure you will all get your sea legs soon.”
    There was a general groan of incredulity, followed by expectant silence.
    â€œNow, my advice to you is to lie on your beds and close your eyes. This will restore your sense of balance and calm your nerves.” He looked around the room at the seasick voyagers, his eyes traveling from face to face. “Alternatively,” he suggested, “you could spend time on deck. Remember, it’s the center of the ship where you feel the ship’s roll the least. And keep your eyes on the horizon. It has a curative effect that is most beneficial.”
    â€œBut, Doctor, sir, is there no medication we can take?” inquired an older man in the front, nearly begging. “Something to put our stomachs to rights?”
    â€œNo, I’m afraid not.” Dr. Chabron shook his head with an empathetic frown. “Your body must get used to the motion. But don’t fret; I’m sure you’ll all feel fine soon.”
    Dr. Chabron wished his patients good luck, then quickly left them below to return to the patients on the top decks. With audible sighs, the green-faced passengers dutifully began drifting off totheir cabins, surrendering themselves to their bunks, or climbing the stairs to the mooring deck, in search of fresh air and the horizon line.
    Discouraged, Julie remained motionless on the side of the room. The doctor’s recommendation of resting or going up on deck was unavailable to her. Like the other women working in the steerage dining room that evening, she was expected to begin serving dinner—in various shifts, to over eight hundred passengers—in an hour.
    Julie suddenly heard brisk footsteps coming from the dormitory and Simone Durat, a girl about her age, entered the room. She was from Harfleur, a