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Unfortunately, me homeless little dove was quite busily constructing a new nest for herself on the island. Her days were most filled by the concerns of others, and her attempts to remedy these concerns. But her nights were filled with family matters, with planning a new domicile, and with Estaban. She'd not be keen on me intent to uproot her again. Me one incentive–for her–was that Estaban must go and if she wished to stay, their inevitable parting would be all the sooner. 'Though to use this fact, alone, to sway her mind, would be as cruel as pulling a rug from under her feet just to see her move. She would never understand why the captain and I saw need to force the issue, now. Why could we not delay our plans awhile? What was the imperative? And she'd not readily be forgiving us for pursuing what she'd believe to be our own selfish interests.
I had to accept it was unavoidable; I must reveal to her all that I know of this situation with that nefarious Pankhurst. I must apprise her of her imminent peril. If that were not enough to move her, she would soon–and readily–draw the connection between her presence on Nemusmar and all of the tremendous devastation, the terrible suffering and the unconscionable loss of life exacted on her people. The realization of the grave danger to every life on this island–caused by her mere presence–will make her insist upon leaving. I just dreaded being the one who must lay all of this at her feet. Yet there was not another soul who could, or should do this deed–save Mam' Tiére. And God save Mam' from such a dreadful task. No, it was me own obligation—alone. The message was so weighty, that only a papa could carry the burden of delivering it to his daughter.
So I tramped about the island for an hour or so; but I always seemed to be just trailing in Annalea's footsteps, arriving at any given place just aft' her departure. As I came to pass our lodgings, I thought to meself, "A clever hunter does not go banging about the forest, ever in the wake of his prey. If he comes upon that animal's lair, he does rest there quietly, and simply lie in wait for his prey to return to him."
I'd thus convinced meself that a short nap was in the offing, and was quite practical, while I awaited me sweet birdie's return to the nest. Apparently, I set a better trap than I know; since I was awoken by voices speaking in a manner that would indicate that those talking believed themselves alone. Being roused, thus, from me sleep, I was at first disoriented. It sounded to me as if Annalea was talking to herself–or causing an echo of her speech. What I was hearing were three very similar, sweet, giggly, girly voices.
It took a few minutes for the sleep to leave me ears and the fog to leave me brain; and then I realized it was Annalea and the Oglethorpe sisters I was overhearing. To a growed man's ear, little girls' voices are so sweet, and women's private conversations so strange. And at the age of these young ladies, it was an indescribable mix of the two. I don't consider meself nosey, or disrespectful of the rights of others to privacy; but me ears were drawn to the nymph-like voices, and I deliberately kept me presence hidden.
I thought it wonderful that out of all this, something nice had happened. Annalea finally had peers: playmates of her own age and gender, whose European education and upbringing complemented and enhanced the tutelage we'd provided her. I so enjoyed hearing her bubble over with giddy laughter. I'd oft' felt touched by the sweet, murmuring sound of that little girl voice–through all her stages and ages. Yet it never occurred to me she was mostly interacting with growedups: trying–even at her youngest–to speak to their level of understanding. How very different the sound–and the usage of words–when youngsters (especially girl youngsters) communicate with their own, thinking no one else is about. 'Twas fascinating!
Then I considered a devilish trick; I'd prance 'round the corner and surprise them with an "Aha!" That would embarrass the little dears! But the worm did turn, and I seemed destined for embarrassment. The innocent patter of the fledgling women had turned to matters of boys and love and sex. From the halting, naive–giggled-over–questions of the Oglethorpe sisters, I could assume their total inexperience in such matters. Their obvious innocence caused them to gasp and giggle at each of Annalea's answers, and caused them to press earnestly for ever more detail!
Blimey! What a predicament I'd put meself into! I thought, "Well, I suppose–should the subject ever come up–I could ensure Oglethorpe of his sweet daughters' innocence and virginity."
But that is not a subject easily broached with another man. And even if the news is good–reassuring to a troubled mind–a father does not wish to hear it of his daughter, especially from another man. Most would prefer to ignorantly assume their daughter's childlike innocence, at least until her belly betrays the undeniable presence of her first offspring. I knew that feeling; I understand that desire for blessed ignorance.
What added discomfort to me predicament was the level of detail Annalea provided in her answers. Areas of physical and emotional delight, expectation and profferance, of which I'd little understanding. I mean, I'd been present–unintentionally–at one such joining as she now described. I was an unseen, uninvited witness to more than I'd ever expected me eyes to behold. But I'd neither seen nor understood the depth and detail of what she was now illustrating in word to these captivated young women. And these innocent, young virgins seemingly comprehended and related to her words and intent much better than did I!
The three little pixies continued, so. They were having themselves a marvelous time. While their earlier conversations were enchanting to me ears, their prolonged discourse on matters so tender and personal were now torturing me conscience. That–coupled with the fact that I'd soon relieve me bowels in me own bedding if I delayed departing for the outbuildings much longer–caused me to fake the commotion, grunts and other noises of a man who'd just awoken and was coming about. Having thus given them a moment's notice, I rounded the turn to face them, pretending surprise at their presence.
Three sweet young pixies sat on the matted ground staring up at me–their jaws all hanging open. As if concerted, simultaneously, the blood drained from all three faces–giving each a pale, ghost-like pallor. In an instant, the blood returned with a rush, causing each such a blush as would make a rose seem pallid.
"Oh dear," I thought, "what have I done to these poor children?"
But afore I could utter a word of comfort, or even greeting, one Oglethorpe sister was on her feet and dashing out the doorway. Looking to the other Oglethorpe sister, I attempted a kind smile and prepared to speak, gently. But her mouth closed, her cheeks crinkled, her eyelids drooped and she began weeping, uncontrollably!
Annalea–now on her feet, with her fists pressed into her hips–scolded, "Oh, Papa!"
I was bewildered, embarrassed and remorseful; but, mostly, I was pained from so long denying nature's call. I meekly called back, "Sorry!" as I whisked out the doorway.
Nevermind the embarrassment of social situations we find ourselves inexplicably thrust into, I was within moments of causing meself far greater embarrassment in public–a social "stain," if you would. I moved like a rampaging bull to the closest available outbuilding and burst inside. Quite of course, that was where the first Oglethorpe sister had taken sanctuary. This sudden invasion was enough to startle her and put horror in her face; but the site of me drawers already drawn down to me knees–in eager anticipation of the release I sought–certainly did nothing to alleviate her fear. She screamed like a wild banshee! Without recovering me pants, I grabbed her by the arm and threw her out of the building–still screaming!
As I took me seat, relieved me pain, and gradually regained me composure, I could hear her just beyond the door–doubtless, still perched on the ground where I'd dumped her–screaming and screaming and screaming!
"Oh yes, 'tis wonderful to involve the female side of nature in your life! Especially the young'uns!" Having relieved me bowels, I sat mocking and chastising me previous attitudes. As I collected me thoughts, and corrected me clothing, I could still hear her beyond the door, still screa
ming–but fainter, and continually interrupted by urgent gasps for air.
When I came back through the door, I found–not surprisingly–a crowd had gathered 'round her. But she would not allow anyone to touch her or help her or speak to her. I thought, at first, to apologize to the young lady, and explain this happenstance, and all that preceded it, to this mob of curious onlookers.
But then I thought better of it. "I am Crockett! Crockett has a standing in this community! Crockett need explain hisself to no man!"
And then–quite aloud–I spake to the crowd. "If you miserable, bloody shirkers don't shove off and find yourselves usefully occupied, I'll put you to sleep with the broad side of me hand! Move out, you lazy bastards!"
That (mayhaps coupled with the strong odours emanating from those buildings) caused them to clear the area, directly. Now I was left with naught but that sack of rumpled girl, still squat on the ground. Near all out of breath–and doubtless exhausted and bewildered by her experiences with this gruff, tyrannical, "obscene," old man–her screams were now reduced to a mild sob, and then played out in a whimper. Enough was enough; mayhaps I could make it right, later. For the time being, all I could think to do was to grapple her up like a sack of flour, and lug her back to me quarters–and Annalea.
As I returned, carrying this lump of girl in me arms–obviously afraid of me, yet afraid to let go of me–Annalea cried out, "Papa! What have you done to her?!"
All remorse, embarrassment and other foolish notions were gone from me brain. Rather than apologies and explanations, 'twas the stern voice of her papa which Annalea heard. "Go and fetch the other Oglethorpe girl right now, pet. We must return them to their papa, straight away. For you and I have matters of great concern to discuss, privately and without delay."
Annalea sensed the urgency of me words and, ever the obedient daughter, she set to acting on me wishes without further comment or question.
Once arrived at the Oglethorpe lodgings, I'd hoped to simply dump the sisters into the care of their father, thus fulfilling any obligation I felt for maintaining their welfare. However, Oglethorpe seemed aghast at the distressed condition in which I returned his daughters. Upon his countenance were written a hundred questions, that only I could answer. Feeling obligated to the man for all his kindnesses towards our people–and sharing a father's ceaseless concern for daughters–I decided to spare a few moments to explain the circumstances which produced, ultimately, two such disheveled creatures.
Looking to Annalea and the sisters, I commanded, gruffly, "Sit you down, here, and await us!"
Placing me arm gently over Oglethorpe's shoulder, I bid him walk out with me, so's we could talk in private–man-to-man. Oglethorpe found the entire episode most amusing; and when I narrated the outbuilding incident, he doubled over in laughter. Tears were still flowing from his eyes when he regained his posture. I tell you–as the captain first told me–there was nothing about this man you could not like.
As we approached the girls, upon our return, Oglethorpe looked to his disconsolate cherubs and began again to laugh. Doubtless believing I'd revealed too much of their most intimate conversations, the girls' faces were again emblazoned from the blush of embarrassment and shame. And me former "privy companion" released a flood of tears and sobs that made me ears burn and me head ache! Shaking me head in obvious annoyance, I looked to summon Annalea and beat a hasty retreat.
But Annalea–having regained her mature demeanor–was ahead of me. "Come, Papa, you said we had matters most urgent to discuss."
"Aye, pet!"
As I headed down the path with Annalea, Oglethorpe put an arm around each sulking and sobbing daughter and walked them into their lodging.