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Show Page 48 homeward, his shirttail flapping behind him. As we started back to the house-Anne and Cisly trailing behind-I thought I had a glimmer as to why Rose chose Edward over Henry. Not for the house he told her of, for even in James Towne I had yet to see a house near as fine as one tradesfolk lived in in London. Nay, Rose chose Edward because with him she could play the termagant she truly was. Henry looked a man whose temper would run short, a man who would not be ordered about by a slip of a girl. But Edward was not one to stand up to a wife who spoke to him overboldly. And no doubt Rose would do just that--or worse. Poor Edward Howe! Walking back, Anne and Cisly must have spoken openly to each other, for by the time we had reached the Pierces' home Anne had given Cisly her promise. They were married soon after. During the ceremony I had managed to appear lighthearted, as much for my own sake as for Anne's. But later, returning to my hosts', alone once more-and this time for good now that my friend was wed-I again felt crushing despair wash over me. I lowered myself onto a nearby rock to ponder my bleak future. What was to become of me? Would I be forced to return to England, where I would be as alone as here in Virginia? Worse, would I be forced to wed? Would that be the only way I could provide for my keep in this land? My thoughts ran to Richard Kean, who had asked me to marry him. Would it be so terrible being his wife? It was true I did not love him. In truth, I |