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Show Page 50 changed my mind. I shook my head. "I have come to accept your first offer, your offer of help should I have need of it." "So things have not gone well for you since our arrival?" he asked. There was nothing in his voice or manner to tell if he was disappointed by my second refusal to wed with him. "My aunt's fiance is dead and I must find a way to secure my keep," I answered as calmly as I could. "I heard there are some indentured children in the colony who must be educated. I was wondering if perhaps you know of a settlement that has need of a tutor for such children. I am well-learned. My father was a schoolteacher and spent all his free time tutoring me." "Though I know little about any settlement other than Martin's Hundred," he said, "--and little enough about that-- I can soon discover if there is a need there for such a person. One moment." As he returned and spoke to the three men waiting nearby, my heart was squeezed with hope. Martin's Hundred! I crossed my fingers 'neath a fold in my skirt, for I knew of no other settlement where I would rather go, since it was there Anne would be. Of course Richard would be there also, but I did not feel this would create much discomfort for me. Richard turned and waved me to them. "This is Mr. John Jackson and Mr. John Boys," he said, neglecting to introduce |
