Free Archer, Jane by Tender Torment

unaffected by the woman's words, but dreading a meeting with Captain Sully.
    "And Alex—" Caroline began as she paused at the door.
    "Yes?"
    "Since Jake will be so busy, why don't you just rest in the morning. I'm sure you need it, and we can ride another day."
    Yes. Yes, that will be fine. Good night."
    "Good night, dear, and sleep well."

Chapter 6
    "Miss Alexandra. Miss Alexandra," called Leona as she drew back the drapes, letting the warm afternoon sun flood the room.
    Alexandra awoke, struggling out of her sound sleep, and for a moment couldn't place the deep, soft bed with the ornate hangings, or the bedroom with the slow moving dark woman. But gradually her memory returned and with it the problems, frustrations, and horror that had filled her recent life, but she determinedly pushed these from her mind as she sat upright. She hadn't slept so well since long before Olaf's death, and she felt refreshed, ready to face whatever was necessary to complete her promise to that old friend. %
    "Miss Alexandra, you done slept through half the day," Leona said, almost scolding. "Course, Mister Jake said not to disturb you on no account. And, after all, now Mister Hayward, he said get you up after noon so you could go riding with him when he came home. So—that's what I'm doing. Can't please them all, all the time—" Leona's words trailed off as she set a breakfast tray across Alexandra's lap.
    Breakfast in bed! What a luxury for Alexandra after the days in the cramped cabin of the schooner.
    "Do you know—is Captain Jake here?" Alexandra asked, almost shyly, hating to admit her interest.
    Leona grinned knowingly. "That's some man, ain't he? A girl just can't resist him—"
    "Oh, no. It's just—"
    "I know, honey, but remember he's Miss Caroline's man while he's here."
    "That's fine with me. I'm certainly not interested in him—that way. I merely wanted to know how his repairs were coming."
    "He's been gone since daybreak—out at his ship. Seems to me that he's in some hurry to get out of the Bahamas. I can remember the time—but we'd best get you dressed if you're finished eating.
    Alexandra would liked to have heard what Leona had been going to say, but she stilled her impulse to question her further.
    "This here is the best we could do on such short notice. It's one of Miss Caroline's old riding habits, and I must admit it's seen better days. Still, it's all there is. I altered it slightly, but it's a little short."
    "It'll be fine, Leona. I really appreciate what you have all done for me."
    In fact, Alexandra thought that Caroline had purposely chosen a habit completely out of style and one that would not look good on her, but she would simply have to wear it. She thought longingly of her trunks of fine clothing, but dismissed them as being lost to her. Yet, if Captain Sully was coming to dinner, she might be able to get her things returned. She shuddered at the thought of being with him again, of having to ask for her things. What would he do? What if Captain Sully decided to tell them that she came from New York? He knew she had money, but that was all he knew. Alexandra breathed a little easier; the captain of The Charlotte couldn't really identify her.
    After Alexandra had dressed, she surveyed herself in the full-length mirror. The outfit accentuated her curves, making her realize that she was indeed a full grown woman. She had been isolated for so long that she had never given it much thought until Stan Lewis and Captain Sully had made it obvious that they thought she was a woman, a woman to be desired.
    "I'm working on another gown for you to wear this evening, Miss Alexandra, to the dinner party," Leona told her.
    Alexandra felt chilled, remembering Caroline's words of the night before. Yet, she needed her trunks. How was she to get them back if she didn't face Captain Sully? Anger and necessity gave her more courage as she thought of her treatment at his hands. If he came, she would have to approach him, she