Riverbreeze: Part 3 Read Online Free PDF Page A

the Captain and the women. He was a charming fellow, full of good cheer. And why not ? Elizabeth thought. After all, he had a string of customers coming to look and purchase his goods.
    Another couple, Alison Wyatt and William Barber, were waiting at the rail to depart. William Barber was holding a large bundle tied with string, but his face didn’t show any signs of regret or resentment towards the lady beside him. In fact, he looked utterly enamored of her.
    “Oh, Evelyn, Elizabeth…” Alison smiled broadly, coming forward to greet the twins. She also glowed with new love and looked far younger than her forty-something years, like a jeune fille at her first ball. “I hoped I would see you two today. Evelyn, I’m going to need your expertise soon, and your talent, Elizabeth.” She glanced shyly at William, her cheeks turning pink as a primrose. “You see, William and I…” She hesitated slightly, glancing at William again as if for permission. When he nodded once, her words gushed out excitedly. “We’re getting married in two weeks, and Evelyn, I’ll need you to help me sew a gown. Will you do that, Evelyn?” She asked, pure hope in her eyes.
    Of course Evelyn answered yes. That was her passion. And Elizabeth knew that this gown would be the fanciest gown in all of Virginia if Evelyn was given a free hand. The two of them embraced while Robert, Jamie and Captain Van Dijk all pounded William on the back, heartily congratulating him. He seemed to take the beating quite amicably.
    “And you’ll sing, Elizabeth?” Alison continued. “At the ceremony? I do so love your voice.”
    Elizabeth blushed. Of course she would sing! That was her passion! “’Twill be my pleasure.” She said.
    “You’re all invited, of course.” William interjected. “The ceremony will take place after services on the 10th and Thom and Chiffock have graciously offered to have everyone over for a reception afterwards.”
    “We’ll definitely be there, my friend.” Robert said, once again clapping William on the shoulder. Elizabeth would be surprised if the man wasn’t bruised the next day!
    After a few more words between them, Alison had the last word. To Elizabeth and Evelyn, she said. “The merchandise is wonderful. You’ll love the selection. ‘Twas worth the climb.” She gave a short laugh, making her ample bosom jiggle provocatively. Elizabeth caught William Barber eyeing that bosom just then. Is that all that men ever thought about? Were all their minds always full of lustful thoughts? She glanced over at her husband, and he was watching her , Elizabeth, his eyes full of anticipation or remembering their wedding night! Yes, he was guilty! Rascal !
    Elizabeth smiled to herself. At least he was watching her instead of Alison’s chest. She wondered how spoiled she could act on this shopping venture. How far could she push him?
    And then as if he were reading her mind, he winked at her and slowly ran his fingers of his left hand over the palm of his right hand.
    Oooh, the devil !
    She jerked her head aside, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Captain Van Dijk, will you show us your wares now?” She asked sweetly.
    “Of course, Mistress. My first mate will take you below decks.” He said, bowing at the waist, oblivious to the silent exchange between them. And then as if the first mate had been waiting for the signal, he waved from the hatch where he had been standing the whole time. “Ladies, this way, please.” He called.
    Robert and Jamie elected to stay behind, talking business while the twins went below one level with the first mate. It had been agreed upon that the girls could buy whatever they needed, up to a certain value. The value of the items would be subtracted off the amount of what the brothers’ tobacco sold for back in the Netherlands. This was a dangerous practice; potentially the items bought could exceed the brothers’ profit, but Captain Van Dijk was confident that their tobacco would bring a