6

After returning to London, Pocahontas became used to the bustle of life. She grew accustomed to her new last name, while maintaining her identity as Pocahontas. She became friends with Mrs. Porter as well as some other wives in London, who were also intrigued by her uniqueness and cute critters. It wasn't long before she literally became the talk of the town.

Still, she had the sense she was somewhat envied by others. A few women would stop to ask her questions: How did she know of the famed Captain? Where did they meet? Was she his wife? How did she manage to get him to fall in love in her? The latter question she didn't understand. She had no secret: It simply occurred. It soon became obvious that John had been acquainted with quite a few women in London before they had met. While this hadn't caused her to doubt her husband's devotion, she was somewhat curious of her husband's character before he came to Virginia. She asked Mrs. Porter while they went for a walk one afternoon.

"John has been quite a character in the time I have known him. I vaguely remember before he traveled to Virginia, he'd often tease the ladies around town. Though I've never seen him take any one of them too seriously. They always appeared to fancy him more than he did them... . I often told him he shouldn't lead them along. I suppose he was also fearful of becoming too serious, as he was required to be away for long periods at a time. Nevertheless, it appeared he didn't realize the affects of his charms; thinking himself only as friendly. After his return, he was different. Not so much teasing... ." She added, "You're quite the lucky one, Mrs. Smith." Pocahontas beamed in agreement.

One particular day, when John and Pocahontas headed down to the market together, she couldn't help but feel as if all eyes were on her. Two particular sets of eyes she noticed were from two women standing on the corner. One had red hair, while the other was a brunette. The redhead whispered something to the brunette, while the brunette whispered back. They appeared to know John, but she wondered how.

"John, who are those women?" she asked, pointing to them. Turning to see, he looked amused, then chuckled. "Don't mind them, they're nothing but trouble." And they went in another direction to the market. -

There were so many options Pocahontas had rarely seen before. So much fresh fish. She picked out something called Cod, an unusual fish she hadn't heard of. Corn, abundant in her world, was apparently a new commodity in London. John managed to grab a handful. She noticed John was passing out small metal items, or coins to the men behind the items. She remembered John explaining to her it was money-or their way of "trading." John used many coins to purchase the corn. Corn was expensive. Other purchases included potatoes, and a layered cake with frosting on top called a "trifle," which John explained was a dessert. After all the purchases and planning, she was certain it would be a good evening and supper for the two of them. -

Later that afternoon, John had to meet with King James I. Pocahontas thought about rearranging the flat a bit, to feel more at home. While getting ideas and preparing supper, she was interrupted by a knock at the door. She was greeted by the two women she saw at the market.

"Good day Miss, or is it Misses?" It was the brunette. "I'm Susan Wilkins with Scarlet O'Hearn. "We noticed you in town with Mr. Smith, and thought we'd visit as old friends of his."

"Old friends? He's introduced me to many friends of his, but he's never mentioned you two before."

"How strange," Scarlet mused. "Oh, perhaps he didn't want you to know. Are you his whore?"

"I beg your pardon?" Pocahontas' eyes furrowed.

"The little tramp is clueless." Susan snickered. "You truly think you're the only women in his life? That the likes of Johnny would be happy with one woman?"

"I am his wife!" She held up her hand with her ring. The two looked appalled for a minute. Then Scarlet, now in her face, huffed, "My, 'isn't that lovely. Johnny has himself a foreign bride. You might think yourself pretty but..." She noticed the necklace. "My, isn't that lovely also. Was that another gift?" She went to grab it, but Pocahontas pushed her back.

"'Tis high time for you both to be leaving."

"Now don't be rude, we've only just arrived-and just in time for supper," Susan could smell the food cooking. The two attacked her at both ends, breaking off the necklace as well as her ring. Just then they heard a humming noise, followed by a snarl.

Percy had gotten a hold of Scarlet's dress "Stop it you! Sit!" But the dog couldn't be shaken. "Eek!" Susan let out a shriek. The bottom of her dress was moving. Jumping up she revealed Meeko tickling her feet. "Away with you! Shoo!" he chased her out of the room.

Then Meeko returned to Scarlet who had had enough of Percy who was now chasing her out. "This won't be the last of us. Ouch!" Flit had stung her. Percy continued barking while Meeko shook his fist, until they were both gone, with her belongings.

"Thank you," she said, hugging Meeko and Percy and perching Flit in her hand. "John should be back soon, let's clean the place up," she said halfheartedly, wondering how she would get her jewelry back. They helped her arrange his books and maps on shelves in the correct order and tackled the dishes and laundry. She hoped he would be pleased. But she was stirred by the recent events, trying to hold back the tears and anger. -