London Spring 1607
******
"Miss?"
Her young maid's voice rang through the oak door and straight into Rose Duewipucator's ears. Today was the day that she would leave all that was known to her and all for a new land.
"A moment!" she shouted through the door, feeling her stomach already sink. Months earlier she had asked her mother Ruth why they had to leave first class London for the newly English founded setlement of Jamestown. Her mother replied, "Rose, there is talk of gold. Mountains of it enough to help us settle the debts that your father left behind."
It didn't make Rose feel any better when Cal Hockley was introduced into her life. Being 17, Rose had been expected to already be married but Rose was always "to peticular," according to Ruth. At the last social event of the season Ruth had thrown Cal her way. Rose was imediately charmed by him. At least, until after the first slap wich had been delivered to her when she had, "misbehaved." That was how Cal put it to her when the sting had lessened. Now weeks later, Ruth and Cal arranged for Rose and him to be married. She was
given no choice as she excepted his offer. They were to be married at the beginning of the next social season that is, the offer for more wealth presented itself. Cal insisted in going, since he felt Rose's family was worth less than what he could find in Virginia but her mother determined to further her status persuaded Cal to let them travel with him. That was where she was now, standing at the foot of the carraige and letting the footman help her up into it's seat.
******
"A full house?" the Italian's voice rose.
"Yeah, that's right," the young man replied smiling.
"Damn it! Ya can't do this, it's my only chance!" protested a short chubby man whom sat at the far end of the table.
"Well," the blond man said, "if your only chance was as good as your bet, then perhaps it's best you don't go!"
The tavern exploded in laughter and the man ducked as a punch was thrown his way.
"Two tickets," said another man that stood beside him.
"That's right," the man said.
"Who are you going to take?"
The blond turned to him, "Was thinkin you."
"Me?"
"Yes."
"What about it aye Thomas?"
The 2 men shook hands as Jack Doson handed Thomas his ticket.
******
"Wingapo father I'm so glad you've come home safely," an indian woman said as she hugged her father.
"Seeing you gives me great joy. Come with me we have much to talk about."
She followed him into his wooden longhouse and spoke first.
"Father for many nights now I've been having a strange dream I think it's
telling me something's about to happen. Something exciting!"
Her father smiled, "Yes, something exciting is about to happen."
"Really, what is it?"
"Cokoum has asked to seek your hand in marraige."
"Marry Cokoum? But he is so serious."
She looks out the window at the stern faced warior.
"Father I think my dream is pointing me down another path."
"This is the right path for you. My daughter, Cokoum will make a fine husband," Powhatan said.
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