“Bert Tomlinson.” He shook hands with Diane first, his grip firm but careful, then with Colin. Mary watched the two men size each other up, testosterone and suspicion thick in the air despite their pleasant expressions. “Nice to meet you.”
“She’s been wonderful company for my aunt,” Colin said smoothly. His smile was charming, but Mary saw the way his eyes had sharpened, taking in every detail of Bert’s appearance and manner. “Though I’m sure she’s much happier to have you here. How long can you stay?”
“Through the end of the cruise,” Bert replied, his hand moving back to Mary’s shoulder. “I managed to arrange the time off work. Couldn’t let my girl experience all this beauty without me.”
My girl. The words made Mary’s stomach flip. Bert was playing his role perfectly, but there was an intensity in his gaze when he looked at her that went beyond acting.
The next hour was a blur of introductions and explanations. Passengers came by to meet the new arrival, congratulating them on their engagement with enthusiasm that made Mary’s cheeks burn. Eleanor wanted to know how they’d met. Thomas and Carolyn offered advice on maintaining romance during long separations. Another couple shared stories of their own courtship.
She saw a few people stare at her bare ring finger, and she quickly said, “We are going ring shopping together once the trip is over.”
Bert’s gaze dropped to her hand, and he smiled quickly. “I want it to be just right. A ring that’s as special as she is.”
The oohs and aahs sounded out, and Mary breathed a sigh of relief. She’d had no idea how Bert would pretend to be her fiancé, but he was knocking the act out of the park. If she wasn’t careful, her heart would start to believe it as well. Through it all, he kept a hand on her shoulder, called her “sweetheart” with ease, and looked at her with an intensity that made her pulse race.
But they didn’t get a chance to speak privately, to discuss strategy, or coordinate their approach to the Colin situation. The dinner bell chimed, and passengers began filtering into the dining room, a space that managed to feel both intimate and elegant despite the ship’s compact size.
The dining room reflected the River Duchess’s aesthetic. Warm wood paneling and white linens, soft lighting from brass fixtures that looked like they belonged in a much older era. Large windows lined one wall, offering views of Saint John Harbor as twilight descended. The tables were arranged to encourage conversation, and Mary found herself grateful for the ship’s small size. Fifty passengers meant everyone knew everyone, which would make it easier to keep Colin under observation.
They were seated at a table with Diane and Colin, along with Eleanor, another couple Mary had met briefly, and George, who seemed to be over his illness. Somehow, George managed to sit next to Diane, and Colin was left to sit next to Eleanor.
The server brought menus and explained the evening’s specials while Mary tried to focus on something other than the way Bert’s arm pressed against hers, warm and solid and reassuring.
“So, Bert,” Colin said as they settled in, his tone friendly but his eyes sharp. “What do you do for work? Must be a flexible job to allow you to take off on short notice like this.”
“Security consulting,” Bert replied smoothly. “My boss is understanding, and I had vacation time saved up.”
“Security consulting? So do you two work together?” Colin’s interest seemed genuine, but Mary caught the flash of unease behind his pleasant expression. “That must be fascinating work. Do you travel much?”
“Yeah, we’re coworkers. And we do some international work.” Bert’s hand found Mary’s under the table, his fingers lacing with hers in a gesture that felt far too natural. “But I prefer to stay close to home when I can. Especially now that Mary and I are planning a wedding.”
Mary nearly choked on her water. A wedding. They were really committing to this cover story. She squeezed Bert’s hand, partly in thanks for the solid support and partly to ground herself in the surreal situation.
“Have you set a date?” Diane asked, and her enthusiasm seemed genuine. Diane looked more alert than she had that morning, and her eyes were certainly bright and engaged. But there was something almost manic about her energy, like she was trying too hard to appear normal.
“Not yet,” Mary said, finding her voice. “We’ve been so busy with work that we haven’t had time to plan properly. This trip was supposed to give me time off work to think about what I wanted.”
“And what you wanted was me here with you,” Bert said, his voice low and intimate. The way he looked at her made Mary’s breath catch. “Which is exactly where I belong.”
Colin’s expression remained pleasant, but Mary saw his jaw tighten slightly. He didn’t like this development. Whether because Bert’s presence interfered with whatever he was planning for Diane, or because he’d been enjoying having Mary’s attention as part of their small group, she couldn’t tell.
The meal progressed with light conversation, the kind of getting-to-know-you small talk that happened when strangers shared a table. But Mary was hyperaware of Colin’s behavior, cataloging every detail. The way he cut Diane’s meat without being asked, as if she couldn’t handle it herself. The way he refilled her water glass and subtly moved her wine away, limiting her alcohol intake in a gesture that looked caring but felt controlling. The way his eyes kept tracking back to Bert, assessing the threat this new presence represented.
Diane continued to seem bright and engaged, laughing at appropriate moments and contributing to the conversation. But something was off about it, something Mary couldn’t quite define. The older woman seemed to be performing normalcy rather than experiencing it, working too hard to appear alert and engaged.
“Are you feeling better?” Mary asked during a lull in conversation. “You seemed tired this morning.”
“Oh, I’m fine now!” Diane’s smile was wide, almost too wide. “Colin was right, I just needed rest. I feel wonderful. Ready to enjoy the rest of the trip.”
“She tends to overdo it,” Colin said with fond concern. “She wants to see and do everything, but she needs to pace herself. Don’t you, Aunt Diane?”
“Yes, dear. You’re quite right.” Diane’s agreement was immediate, almost automatic, and Mary saw Bert’s hand tighten on his fork.
After dinner, passengers dispersed to various activities. A lecture on maritime history was held in the library, a movie screening was in the lounge, and more card games were just off the upper deck. But Mary was ready to head to the stateroom. For her, pretending all evening was exhausting, and she wanted time alone with Bert to coordinate what they needed to do. Bert left to have a private and brief conversation with ship security before returning to the dining room. Finally, they were able to retreat to Mary’s cabin.
The moment the door closed behind them, the easy intimacy of their act dropped away, replaced by professional assessment and the awkwardness of the situation they’d created.
“Okay,” Bert said, looking around the stateroom. “This is... cozy.” His duffel had been placed near the closet.