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Show Page 32 The town itself had overgrown the original fort and was spread outside the triangular palisade. It would seem the colonists had gone tobacco crazy, for the sotweed was planted everywhere, even in the streets, and we had to take care as we walked not to tread on a plant by accident. Anne and I (how fortunate we were to be put together) were taken to the home of Captain William Pierce and his wife. He was captain of the guard at James Towne. She was a kind soul who, at times, reminded me of and made me yearn for Aunt Mary. A tub of steaming hot water awaited us. I could not recall when a scrub felt so heavenly and must confess I tarried in the water until my skin wrinkled like a dried plum. After we had finished bathing and Captain Pierce was allowed back into his home, I asked him to enquire as to Edward's whereabouts. "He came to Virginia last year with a team of men under Captain Bluett," I told the Pierces, trying to keep the worry from my voice. "They were to build an ironworks. Aunt Mary had one letter from him, mailed soon after he arrived. He is living at a place called Falling Creek. Perhaps he is on his way or perhaps I simply missed him in the crowd that awaited us." Even as I said this I doubted it was true, for it would be nigh impossible to miss Edward in a crowd of any size, he |