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Show Page 49 scarce knew him well enough to know if I liked him. But he seemed an honorable man with a promising future, though at times he appeared quite pompous and vain. Perhaps I would be forced to indenture myself after all, though my mouth went dry at the thought. 'Twas then an idea came to mind, an idea I marvelled I had not thought of before. I could indenture myself to Anne and Cisly. The long years of servitude would be tolerable if they were spent working for someone I cared for and who cared for me. But then I thought of the couple beginning their married life with me trespassing upon their privacy and my determination wavered. I was sitting there trying to decide if I should wed with Richard or indenture myself to the Mills.(both choices that made my heart thump with distress), when a handful of children tumbled across the path playing squat-tag. I leaped to my feet, for I suddenly knew what I would do. I found Richard near the shore speaking to three other men, one being John, the servant. Upon seeing me approach, Richard stepped aside and came to meet me. "Is it possible the marrying fever that has so infected all ashore has struck you also? Have you come to tell me you have reconsidered my offer of marriage?" he asked, his face serious as usual. I felt a blush creep above my collar, for I had not thought how seeking him out might make him think I had |
