The Boots
Captain Hawkyns pulled a pair of boots out of
a trunk and held them out to Anne. “Try these on…lad.” He shook the boots a little when Anne hesitated and she
slowly took the shoes from the captain. “Now tell me,” Captain Hawkyns eyed
Anne with a curious gaze, “Where do you come from Anne Drew?”
“London.” Anne answered, pulling
the leather over her feet. “Nearby Fleet Street.” She looked up to gage the
Captain’s reaction. While Hawkyns didn’t give too much pause, his eyes
flickered and Anne took a chance, “My mother’s name is Frances Drew, most
people know her as Fanny.”
“Dear God.” Anne heard Captain Hawkyns
mutter under his breath before he managed a quick recovery, “How old are you
lass?”
“Sixteen. Seventeen in September.”
Anne could see Hawkyns counting in his mind, she held her breath and waited.
Hawkyns looked at Anne with a mix of awe, confusion, and suspicion. Anne had to
admit there was not much of a resemblance between the two of them, maybe the
eyes or the structure of their noses. “How’d you know I was a girl?”
“You’d have to be blind not to see
it, lass.” Hawkyns shook his head, “However, you’d do well to sign onto
Frobisher’s crew, I could even help you to keep him blind, not that he isn't already.”
“Why would you do that?” Anne
blurted.
Hawkyns gave Anne a smile. “I take
care of my men, Anne Drew. Especially
the ones who are like unto family to me. How do those boots fit?”
Anne grinned ruefully, she might be
able to get something out of being a captain’s daughter after all. At least
she’d get a lot more help out of Hawkyns. Maybe letting “Bob” tell Hawkyns
about her secret wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
Tomorrow brings the stories of Anne's knife and jewelry. Hope anyone who reads these little stories is enjoying them!
It's so strange reading these stories and having my heart leap up insisting, "I know these people!" A pity the Town Criers don't get the opportunity to spend more time with the ilk of the charming Captain Hawkyns.
ReplyDeleteAnd boy, do I ever look forward to when Frobisher will make his entrance. X)
These are so much fun. Good work, BOY.
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