OCR Text |
Show Page 25 "Please, sir," I ventured. "Forgive me my forthright words. Judge me not too harshly, for I fear sorrow has hardened my tongue and made me into an unmannerly chit. I thank you for the honor you have given me. Still I must refuse you. I am only fifteen and have no desire to wed at the moment. Perhaps in a few years ..." "Only fifteen?" he remarked. In truth, I thought you must have seen at least eighteen years. Yet even so, fifteen is of an age to marry." "Aye, for some girls," I answered. "Yet do I feel I should stay a maid for a few years yet. Mayhap there is some other woman amongst those aboard who would suit your fancy and your needs, since you are willing to marry below your station." I managed to still the sarcasm in my voice. Then an imp took hold of me and I made a bold suggestion. "Mayhap Mistress Anne Bell would be to your liking," I said. "She is a good-natured person and would make a man a willing wife." "'Tis true Mistress Bell's spirits seem as bright as her hair. But I need not a bubbleheaded wench to be my helpmeet. I must have a commonsensed person who thinks commonsensed thoughts. It is a difficult task I undertake-to protect innocent English lives from murdering savages. Of course, my military presence will doubtless strike such fear into the hearts of the natives we will be able to live in peace in Martin's Hundred. Yet had I hoped for a wife to share my burden and my days. |