Ah yes, the ship they rode to London, The Sea Maiden. It was such a large and lovely boat, fully equipped for ocean travel. Linda and her new husband Dashon had a room reserved up near the top of the boat, along with her parents. Yet Raven had been confined to the lower quarters, with the excuse that there simply was no more room higher up for her.

Not that she would complain. It wasn't like it really mattered much in the end. After this sailing trip Raven knew she would be put out on her own, so it was probably best not to get too comfortable. After all, now was as good a time as any to prepare herself for a new life after London.

Though, Raven did wonder how poor Linda was fairing. Her sister had successfully escaped her husband the previous night with feigning illness, loneliness without her sister in bed at her side, and even fear of sleeping in a new and unfamiliar bed. This night however, there was no escape—for either of them, it seemed.

*

“Here you are, miss, floor five. Enjoy your stay,” the servant mumbled.

Raven gave the young man a nice smile as she stepped down and started searching for her room. People stopped to stare at her curiously, noticing her fancy clothes, no doubt. If only they knew the truth about her, though…

"My, my! Aren't you a lovely little lady? What are you doing all the way down in a place like this?" a drunk old man asked.

Raven frowned and stuck her head up high. Down in the ship’s underbelly, there really were the worst sort of people… "Good sir, please refrain from addressing me so informally. You are not even an acquaintance of mine,” she scoffed with a commanding air.

The man scowled, but remained silent, no doubt intimidated by her implied superiority. She quickly took that moment to rush into her dark and dingy-looking room for solace.

It was not very nice within, but it was better than nothing. There was a single dirty-looking bed in the corner, and a small oil lamp on the table end. It was utterly depressing! Though Raven supposed she had been used to far worse accommodations in her youth as a street orphan.

She sighed and took to laying out a nice dress to attend supper in. Linda would not stand to feel her absence at mealtime, so she could not to be late. She knew her sister was probably already concerned about her low-class accommodations, so she did her best to dress up and appear wholly confident in herself and her situation.

Just a few more days. Then she could stop pretending. For good…

*

Upon arriving on time and well-dressed for supper, Raven was met with a most unusual evening. She had always thought Dashon to be a good man and a good match for dear Linda, but tonight at supper he wanted to prove his own goodness even further, it seemed.

*

"What was that sir?" Raven asked with disbelief.

Duke Norwhal just nodded at her with a big and beaming smile. Linda sat at his side, clinging to his arm like a happy newlywed and looking quite proud of herself.

"You heard him, Raven! My new, dearest husband has offered you a fine new position in London as a governess for his sister!" she exclaimed, laying on a tone of fake admiration.

Dashon smiled a little wider, quite pleased with himself, looking to be the happiest man in the whole world.

"Indeed! Linda told me about your determination to make something of yourself by your own means, and I greatly admire such resolve. I tell you, my sister is in need of reputable governess. She has been through too many to count, some of them too harsh for the children, some of them stealing from the estate. I dare say she will be most delighted for a young and fresh face such as yourself! And I will be sure to relay just how pleasant and amiable your company is, dear sister,” he said.

Raven glanced towards Linda's parents, who were beside themselves with disappointment. Then she turned back to her very clever sister with a wry smile. “Well, thank you, Mr. Norwhal. I cannot tell you how happy and honored I am to receive such a generous offer. I cannot wait to start! I am sure your sister is a woman of the highest order."

Dashon nodded with approval at her acceptance and compliment. “She is indeed! I certainly think the two of you will get along swimmingly.”

Then he reached over to kiss Linda's hand. "Ah, there you are, my dear! Now your sister will be but ten miles from us!" he said gently.

Linda gave him her biggest and loveliest smile, ignoring her parents’ disapproving glares.

“Oh, dearest, you truly are my hero!" she lied.

Raven had to stifle a giggle as her sister's husband leaned over to kiss her cheek. Linda's face fell momentarily, though she allowed the gesture in the end. Then Mr. Norwhal when on to discuss all the things London had to offer the both of them.

Raven smiled to herself and ate her food slowly, finally feeling like a break had come along for her. Now nothing could separate her from Linda! Not even Linda’s greedy parents.