“I confess Virginia has cast its spell on me.” McCaskey drained his drink with relish. “In the words of one former colonist, I am overcome by the ‘fair meadows and goodly tall trees, with such fresh waters running through the woods as I was almost ravished at the first sight thereof.’”
“Stay on, then,” Xander said. “Cast your lot with the rest of us, a motley assortment of men and not nearly enough women. Here you’ll no longer be concerned with importing tobacco as factor but growing and exporting your own.”
McCaskey stroked his clean-shaven jaw. “I suppose I must grow a beard as you ruffians do.”
“Nay, all that is required are callused hands, a willingness to work, and a sound knowledge of Orinoco.”
As the men talked, Selah took out her fan and stirred the heated air. To her relief, Xander went to a window and opened it, hinges creaking. McCaskey began questioning him about indenture contracts, leaving Selah to manage conversation with the now sullen nurse.
“I can only imagine how hard coming to a strange land must be,” Selah said quietly.
“I had little choice in the matter. My circumstances forced me into the role of nurse since my parents perished in the last plague that swept through Britain.” Nurse Lineboro looked to her lap, smoothing a fold of her skirt. “I thought by coming to Virginia I might better my chances of marrying bereft of a dowry.”
“Husbands are as prevalent as tobacco, truly.”
An arched brow. “Yet you remain unwed. Have you no suitor?”
Did she? Though Selah’s entire being coaxed her to look at Xander, she would give nothing away.
“Of late, I’m needed more at home. My brother is away, you see, and my father continues unwell.”
“Your father ... a kind, capable man, Widow Brodie says. A friend to the Indians. How is it having an Indian child beneath your very roof?”
“Watseka is delightful, and mastering English much faster than we are her tongue.”
“Isn’t it unusual for so small a girl to participate in such official dealings?”
“On the contrary, her presence signals the Powhatans’ peaceful designs,” Selah explained. “Women and children always do.”
As the hall clock struck eleven, Oceanus returned with Watseka, smelling of the stable, straw sticking to their hair and garments. Nurse Lineboro looked aghast.
McCaskey, ever a foil to her straitlaced ways, burst into laughter. “Jumping in the haymow, no doubt.”
Oceanus gave a sheepish smile. “Watseka is fond of my pony. She calls itAranck. What means she?”
“Aranckmeans star, likely for the star on your pony’s forehead,” Xander said as the children came to stand before him. “Well named.”
“We have rumbling stomachs, Father.”
“And I thought it the sound of thunder.” Chuckling, he plucked some chaff from his son’s tousled hair. “Have Aunt Henrietta fetch you some cheese and butter bread from the milk house.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Remember your table manners,” Nurse Lineboro put in. “Sing not, hum not, wriggle not.”
Her terse words chilled Selah’s heart as much as Xanderwarmed it. Oceanus said nothing, though his face darkened and grew shuttered. Beside him, Watseka picked at her own frayed braid, darting a glance at Selah as if seeking her approval before they went out again. Sensing Xander’s aunt might need a hand, Selah pocketed her fan and excused herself. Xander followed her as the factor and nurse resumed their parlor conversation. By the time she reached the riverfront door, he’d overtaken her.
“We’re to have an evening’s entertainment Saturday next.” Resting against the door frame as if in no hurry, he looked down at her. “Will you come?”
She nearly sighed. Could he sense her utter delight at being asked so personally? “A host of warring Powhatans couldn’t keep me away.”
“They’re not among the invited guests.” His wry smile was her complete undoing. “You are the very first.”
She turned breathless, her pent-up feelings magnified by his nearness. “Rose-n-Vale has never had a frolic, to my remembrance.”
“’Tis time, mayhap.” His gaze sharpened in intensity. “Time for a great many things.”
Her heart beat out a question she could not ask.Many things?
