For the duration of the race, Alice had felt like she was on top of the world. Her life had belonged to her. She had felt strong and capable of things. She had felt like she had friends. She had felt like a normal girl again. But now it was over. Now she had to face her husband and there was no way to avoid it. Her eyes darted to his form on the shore and away. God, he looked grim.

She knew she couldn't stay on board forever, but she took Miss Pennyfeather's invitation and lingered.