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Show Page 29 part the maids aboard fell silent, awed by the crowd waiting to greet them. All except Rose. She stood at the rail and waved at the men, exchanging ribald words with any in earshot. Many could scarce take their eyes from her low bodice. The Jonathan was tethered to trees on the bank so there was no need for boats to ferry us ashore once the gangplank was lowered. I held back, letting the "brides" go ahead of me. "Go on," I told Anne, who stood beside me. "Do not dally on my account." "Nay, I'll stay with you," she laughed. "Truly there seem to be plenty of men to go around. Certain I am there will be one left when I get ashore. "Have you been able to see your aunt's fiance in the crowd?" she asked. I had been anxiously searching the throng for Edward, but had yet to see his towering frame. Perhaps Falling Creek was too far for him to have arrived as yet. "Oh please let that be the reason he has not come," I prayed silently. Aunt Mary had met Edward the previous year, before father died. I didn't know who was more daft with happiness when he asked her to follow him to Virginia to be married-Edward, Aunt Mary, or me. I would miss her terribly, but I did so very much want her to be happy. Then the pox took father, and Aunt Mary gave up her plans to follow Edward, saying I needed her more than ever. I was |