She nodded in silent approval as they entered their cabin.
Harrison Marlowe wasn't cheap when he did something for his daughter.
It was a first-class cabin, with twin beds and private bath.
He hadn't hesitated, either, when she'd suggested that Rina would need a new wardrobe. Instead, he'd simply written a check for a thousand dollars and told her that if it wasn't sufficient, she should let him know.
They had got only a few things in New York; the rest they would get in Paris. But without saying anything to Rina, she had ordered several things and had them sent directly to the ship.
She couldn't wait to see the expression on Rina's face when she saw them.
The boxes were on the bed but she did not call attention to them. She wanted the moment to be just right.
She took off her light spring coat and sank into a deep, comfortable chair.
Opening her purse, she took out a package of cigarettes. It wasn't until after she had lit one that she became aware that Rina was staring at her. Then she realized that Rina had never seen her smoke.
She held out the package.
"Have one?"
Rina hesitated.
"Go ahead," she urged. "It's all right.
You'll find most European women smoke; they're not so provincial as we are."
She watched Rina light a cigarette and laughed as she coughed.
"Don't swallow the smoke."
Rina held the smoke in her mouth and let it out slowly.
"How's that?"
Margaret smiled.
"Fine." "This is fun, Miss Bradley."
Margaret looked at her.
"Now that we're really on our way, I think we can dispense with formalities.
From now on, you may call me Peggy."
She got to her feet. "Would you like to bathe first, Rina?"
Rina shook her head. "No, Miss Bradley, you can go first if you like."
Margaret shook her head, smiling. "Peggy."
"I mean Peggy."
'That's better," Margaret said.
She looked up as Rina came out of the bathroom, tying the belt of her robe.
Her long blond hair fell to her shoulders, looking even more silvery against her dark tan.
There was a low knock at the door.
Rina looked at her questioningly.
"I ordered sherry," she explained. "It's good for your appetite the first day at sea. I find it helps prevent mal de mer."
She took the tray from the steward and gave one glass to Rina.
"Cheers," she said, smiling and sipping the wine slowly.
"It's nice," Rina said.
"I’m glad you like it."
Rina put the glass down.
"Shall I wear my new blue suit tonight?"
Margaret assumed a shocked expression. "First-class dining is formal, Rina."
"I have a few of my party dresses," Rina said. "I can wear one of them."
"Not those horrible dresses they wear at the school dances?"
A hurt expression appeared on Rina's face. "I thought they were very pretty."
Margaret laughed.
"For children, perhaps. But not for a young lady going to Europe."
"I don't know what to wear, then," Rina said helplessly.
She had teased Rina enough.
"Those boxes on the bed are yours," she said casually.
"I think you might find something to wear in one of them."
The expression on Rina's face as she opened the boxes was all that Margaret had hoped for.