Rae Muir

Endine 'Dina' Wilmount is sent to India, from one uncle to another, to find a husband. Uncle George wants her to marry Capt Freemantle. Dina has no illusions about marriage, but refuses to wed the cruel and dishonest Freemantle. She decides to return to England aboard the Pearl Stallion about to leave port. Capt Anson Saurage intends to return her to Calcutta, but storms, sabotage to their water and a bad navigator all play a part in her staying aboard. The story involves the ship's journey show more to Russian America (today's Northern CA and southern Alaska), Sandwich Islands (Hawaii), China and then back to India over the course of a year. During the trip Dina learns to sew, navigate and teaches the sailors to read and write. It is not glorified and she makes many mistakes. The Capt and crew are partners in all things, so Dina is off limits to all; eventually forming deep friendships with the men. Dina's and Anson's relationship builds slowly. I really liked the depth of character portrayed by the author. Very well done. show less

Kept my interest, which is unusual for an historical romance. Not a bad story considering how long ago it was published.