'Dark Horse' by Damhnait Monaghan

It was agreed that each maiden could take one tea chest on the voyage overseas. In the weeks before we set sail, the young women shared snippets about their trousseau: sweet perfumes, shimmering frocks, and lace ribbons, all designed to catch the eye of a handsome man.

My father knew his daughter well. He filled my case with precious tea. Safely ashore in the New World I sold it at great profit. The men spurned me but I didn’t mind. I bought a store with rooms above. I never found a husband, but instead a beautiful wife.