Page 36 of A Castaway in Cornwall
Of the wealth that I find on the wave;
I spurn the control of dominion of man,
Mine’s the life of the free and the brave!
I sail where I like,
And never I strike
My flag to another, d’ye see;
O’er my billowy home
Unfetter’d I roam—
Death or Liberty, boys, for me!”
The crowd enthusiastically clapped along. Laura glanced over at Alexander to see how he would react to such a song and noticed his gaze linger on the singers with speculative interest.
The party continued for several hours. Families with children begged off earliest, followed by the residents of Fern Haven, Uncle Matthew claiming an early morning.
Together they walked up the rise, humming “The Pirate’s Song” tune as they went.
When the others dispersed to their rooms, Eseld darted first into her own bedchamber, then followed Laura into hers.
“Surprise!” Eseld exclaimed. She tried to suppress a grin, which only served to deepen the dimples in her cheeks. In her hands she held two large bright red apples.
“One for you and one for me. Happy Allantide.”
Every year it was the same. Laura smiled back. “Thank you, Eseld.”
“I know you’ve refused me before, but this year I insist you sleep with it under your pillow.”
“Under my pillow? Why not put a rock there instead!”
“What is some slight discomfort to the chance to dream of your future husband?”
“You know I don’t believe in such things. And I doubt Uncle Matthew would approve.”
“This is harmless fun, Laura. Don’t be a dry stick. Do you not want to see the man of your dreamsinyour dreams? Learn the identity of your future husband?”
“Not particularly.”
“Come, it will be diverting. You are too polite to refuse a gift. I bought it at the Allan market especially for you. You can’t say no.”
Laura accepted the apple. “Very well. I shall do it for you.”
Eseld’s smile flashed, and her eyes shone with excitement. “I will be back in the morning for steps two and three.”
A few minutes after Eseld left, Newlyn came in to help her undress, still humming a tune. Seeing the apple on Laura’s bedside table, the maid said, “You’ve one too, miss? So have I. Can’t wait to see who I dream of.”
“Have you done this before, Newlyn?”
“Oh, iss. Ever’ year since I were twelve.”
“And has it worked?”
“Not yet.” She grinned. “But I amthatsure thiswill be the year!”
