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She could hear beautiful music drifting across the night air and rippling through the water outside. Blanket in hand, she stood up while stooping, and felt her way along the rafters until she bumped into the steps with her feet. She was glad she had made it without stepping on anyone. Climbing the narrow steps she headed toward the main deck and the direction of the sound.

Once on the deck she tried to locate the source of the music she heard, and saw that it was coming from a table on the other side of the boat. Captain Drake and several of his sailors sat, singing softly as two of his men played their flutes and one played a tambourine. It was as though the stars were dancing in the moonlight to the rhythm of their tune and it was a heavenly sight to behold.

Anna walked over to where they all sat, her red hair unbound, hanging loosely about her face and flowing down her back to her waist. She still had on the light purple gown with the rounded neckline that she had worn all day, and she carried her blanket in hand.

Captain Drake stood up, dressed in his white shirt and tan breeches, and taking off his black canvas hat he announced, “Why Miss Pemberton, you are captivating vision of loveliness this evening. We were just singing about a beautiful mermaid with long red hair who turns into a woman and then you walk up. If I didn’t know better I’d think we conjured you right up with our song.” He allowed with a slight smile, while pulling out his stool for her to sit on. Finding an old wooden crate he quickly pulled it up beside her and sat down.

Flattered, she blushed. “Thank you Captain Drake, you are too kind.” His offer was much more than she expected and she was thrilled. “You can tell your men that we’ll start classes tomorrow around midday, that way it gives everyone one more day to recover completely from the seasickness.” She told him, her voice brimming with excitement.

Anna was filled with joy, not only would she help other women learn things that gave her so much joy, but she, a woman, would also be teaching men. She found it strange but exciting that on this ship it was like being in another world, where men and women were finally equal. She would cherish the opportunities that were given her on this ship.

**

One evening in the fourth week of the voyage, it was so hot and humid in the between-decks that Anna found it unbearable to sleep. Anna could hear a few people breathing heavily as if they were asleep and more than a few were snoring, but the room was so pitch black that she couldn’t see a thing. If only she could light a candle or lantern to read but that wasn’t allowed in the between-decks she had been told, for fear of starting a fire on the ship.

Good, he seemed receptive. “Captain Drake, you know I read to the passengers everyday during the time they were seasick.” He nodded his head and she continued. “A group of women came to me and asked if I could teach them how to read and write while we were on this voyage. I know that it’s highly unusual for women to learn such things, but if you don’t mind I would love to share what I know with them. I won’t do it if I am going to get you in any type of trouble.” She finished up, feeling the sweat on the palms of her hands.

She was so excited when the women had come to her yesterday and asked about her teaching them. Nervousness had filled her, when she thought about talking to Captain Drake about this matter, and wasn’t sure what his feelings would be. Anna knew it was possible that he might even get into some sort of trouble or be punished for encouraging the education of women. She didn’t want him punished or anyone else for her actions.

He looked at her curiously as he studied her, and then he replied. “The ship is my world when we’re on the open sea Miss Pemberton and falls under no other authority than my own. I think I like the idea, since I have a few sailors who could do with a bit of lessons themselves. You could hold your classes in the between-decks.”

He smiled at her again and said. “You are a remarkable woman, Miss Pemberton.”

“If that’s true it’s partly due to your care and skills. Wherever did you learn to take care of sick people like that?” He quizzed, as he returned her smile.

“Actually Captain, I am quite good at taking care of hurt animals and doctoring them back to life, so it wasn’t too hard to do the same for people.” She managed to say, as she thought of her home and family back in England.

Her father was the main one to bring her all the hurt animals, and taught her how to care for them. It had been a few days since she had time to think of her family and she missed them sorely. More than once she wondered if she made the right decision, and if the ship had left a day later, would she have backed out. First thing she wanted to do when she got to Jamestown was to write her family a letter and let them know she was okay. Anna knew they would be worried.

She turned her attention back to Captain Drake and the reason she had come to see him. “Captain Drake, I need to ask a favor of you, and I completely understand if your answer if no.” She squeezed out finally with her courage bolstered.

“Sure whatever I can do for you Miss Pemberton you know I will. Now, tell me what I can do to help you?” He asked his voice filled with kindness.

Anna went down to the between-decks carrying a small bucket with some rainwater in it and poured a little into a bowl and added some of the lavender from her trunk to wash up with. Dressing in her light blue gown with the square neckline and ruffled overskirt, she combed her hair and repined it into a loose bun in the back. She wanted to look her best when she spoke to Captain Drake this morning and when she finished headed to the deck.

Captain Drake saw her as she climbed up unto the half deck, where he stood. He had taken a liking to Miss Pemberton and the other ladies. They had already made the voyage more pleasant than his usual runs to Jamestown had been all the years prior. Women had a way of brightening up a man’s day, he thought.

He still couldn’t help wonder why Miss Pemberton had resorted to searching for a husband in Jamestown instead of England, not that she wouldn’t be a welcome sight in Virginia. He knew the Virginia Company of London was sending for brides, in hopes that if the settlers married, it would increase the possibility that they would stay in Virginia. He knew they had a real problem with the gentlemen in Virginia, making their fortune in tobacco, and then heading back to live in England. The Virginia Company who hired him said if King James was to continue allowing the charter, they had to find a way to get the settlers to stay.

“Good morning Captain Drake.” Anna said cheerfully. “Did you know all of your passengers are finally well and on the main deck this morning?” She prompted with a smile on her lips.

(stay tuned for chapter 4 - part 2)