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Show Page 52 idle. We have great need of all sorts of willing workers for our settlement." I could not stop myself. Beaming, I clapped my hands together in glee, causing the three Johns to grin back at me. Even Richard allowed a tiny quirk to tug at the corner of his mouth, and the small, unexpected look of triumph in his eye made me halt my rejoicing and regain a sober mien. But inside, my heart capered with joy. ******************** Though the day seemed to have been dragging on forever, it was only early afternoon when Richard came to collect me and my goods, sending my two chests ahead. As I watched them being carted off by two sturdy men, they did not seem much with which to begin life in a new land. Indeed, when I thought of all we had left behind in England I was wont to weep, for Aunt Mary and I had sold all the household belongings to raise money for my fare and some provisions, at first keeping only my mother's wedding ring, which I wore on a chain round my neck. I had managed to stay dry-eyed as our furniture was taken, though my heart wrenched within me when first my father's desk, then the cradle I had slept in as an infant disappeared down |