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“Well, I’m happy to see I could provide so much entertainment on what could have otherwise been a boring voyage.” She teased back. Anna was actually glad to see Captain Drake laughing again, and in his usual jovial state.

Captain Drake’s face sobered. “Now, to the real reason that I’ve asked you here. I’d like to know what you know about your friend Joan.”

“Why? Is something wrong? I am more than willing to stand up for her character Captain.” Anna pleaded softly looking concerned for her friend. Heavens she thought, this young woman can’t be in any trouble.

“Why heavens no, nothing’s wrong. I just… well I mean… I just thought… if you don’t mind…” Captain Drake muttered not making any sense.

Now it was her turn to laugh and Anna was laughing so hard, she had tears streaming down her cheeks. “Now who did you say was amusing everyone?” She shook her head and grinned widely.

“Well, I never should have brought up the subject to you. You can go.” Captain Drake mumbled, looking frustrated, and finding the subject too hard to talk about.

Men, she thought. “It’s okay Captain.” Anna waited till she got his attention, and then added. “Joan’s full name is Joan Bancroft and she is a wonderful young woman.” She smiled at her friend, and then added. “Joan’s told me a little bit about herself and I’ll tell you what I know. She ran away from home at eleven to live with an aunt when her father tried to marry her off to man four times her age. Recently though, her aunt died, and she only had two options open to her. One option was going home and allowing her father to marry her off, or going to Jamestown and choosing her own husband. She picked Jamestown.”