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Show Page 11 It was then I had an unexpected encounter with Lieutenant Richard Kean. Lieutenant Kean was one of the one hundred paying passengers besides Aunt Mary and me. He was on his way to Martin's Hundred, a particular plantation near James Towne, where he was to be chief lieutenant. I was coming nigh the hatch when he stepped in front of me. After he had executed a short bow and put his hat back upon his pate, he said, "My condolences, Mistress Douglas." (Though how he learned my name I knew not.) "I am certain the loss of your aunt is a grievous one. If I may be of any service to you, now or when we reach Virginia, please call upon me. I would be honored to assist you." "You are most kind," I answered, my eyes downcast. "But someone will be meeting me at James Towne." "Are you then already promised to some fortunate young knave?" he asked. I gathered my wits to make a reply. "Nay, I am not promised," I answered, after I had reclaimed my breath. "It was my aunt who was promised. It is her fiance, Edward Littlefield, who will be there to meet me and help me find a good home. Still, I thank you for your kindness." Not waiting for him to speak again, I swept around him and went below. As I climbed down the ladder, I marvelled I had been able to find my tongue to give him decent reply. Having grown up without a brother-and for most of my years the only man of |