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She was nervous. Pocahontas already knew that the English weren’t as open-minded as her friend, whom she had met long ago.
Even John Rolfe had some difficulties understanding her culture. And now she was to meet his parents before the couple were to sail to Virginia.
What would they say? Would they accept that their son had fallen in love with a girl from the forests of the New World? She desperately needed the answers, but there was nowhere to get them.
She looked through the small window of their carriage as they rode through the countryside. John was asleep, completely unaware of his betrothed’s distress. He had fallen asleep shortly after they left London. But, before he had, she had asked him how long their voyage would be. He told her it would be around three days.
This was only the middle of the first day, and she was already bored.
They were in a carriage with only the driver for company. She wasn’t allowed to take her pets on this voyage, so she had absolutely nothing to do. She rolled her eyes and just sat back in her seat.
A few more hours passed until they had a short stop.
She was grateful for the opportunity to stretch her legs after so long sitting in one place. Pocahontas loved to run but she knew she wasn’t allowed. Ladies in England didn’t run or climb trees.
“Pocahontas!” Rolfe said as he walked up to her. “Don’t do that,” he scolded, watching her as she stretched her arms and did a few turns and bends.
“I’m sorry. I just wanted to get some exercise before we go back to the carriage,” she explained. “I’m still getting used to being stuck in one spot for so long…”
“You’ll get plenty of occasions to walk when we’re at my parents’ house. They have a huge yard and my mother enjoys her stroll in the rosary. Just… don’t try your ‘exercise’ there, please. A noble lady shouldn’t act like this.”
“How do they relax their muscles during such long voyages then?” Pocahontas asked, curious.
England was still foreign to her, but she was willing to learn. She wanted to understand this culture and its customs. She knew it was her life now. She wouldn’t return to her village, she’d live in Jamestown after the wedding. Or so she thought. Until that point, John Rolfe hadn’t proposed to her, but she hoped he would at his parents’ house.
“They simply don’t,” he replied. “They’re used to traveling. Or if they have no other option, the ladies just walk. They don’t stretch. It’s indecent.”
“Like wearing underwear that coveres nearly their whole body?” Pocahontas giggled, remembering how John Rolfe reacted when he saw her wearing an incomplete outfit.
“Yes. A noble lady is to be fully dressed when she leaves her room,” he replied seriously. “Especially when visiting another noble family.”
“What else do I need to remember?” She asked.
John mentioned a long list of things she could and couldn’t do. Somewhere in the middle of it, she got lost but didn’t admit it, to not upset her betrothed. She hoped she’d remember enough to not discredit him in front of his family. It was difficult for her to fully adapt to English life, but she was doing her best. She cared for John, and she wanted to one day be a good wife for him.
“Do you think you could remember everything?” He asked, a little worried. Pocahontas could tell John was anxious about this visit. Was he having second thoughts, she wondered.
“I think so. I also hope you’ll tell me if I do something wrong. Would you, John?” She smiled, but it faded away, as she saw his serious face.
“Yes. But I hope I won’t have to do it too often. Pocahontas, this is a very important visit. My family is very demanding and they pay special attention to details like manners and etiquette.”
“Even more than you?” She teased him.
“Please, it’s a serious matter. Just try to act like a noble lady,” he sighed heavily. “Now, come on. It’s time to go. We need to reach an inn before dark.”
Finally, they reached the mansion of the Rolfe family. Pocahontas was impressed by how huge the house was. It indeed had a magnificent garden, visible even from a long distance. She had never seen a house like it. Could this truly be a possession of just one family? She didn’t have time to ask as their carriage stopped in front of the entrance.
Pocahontas looked at John. He was more and more nervous. But why? Was he afraid they wouldn’t accept her?
“John? Are you alright?” She asked and wanted to hold his hand, but he only opened the door of the carriage and got out.
“Yes. Now, it’s time,” he said, offering her his hand.
There was no way of saying anything. The moment they got off the carriage a butler walked up to them.
“Good day, Master. Did you have a good trip?” The elderly man asked, bowing his head.
“Yes, thank you,” Rolfe replied officially. “Take our belongings upstairs. I need to talk to my parents.”
“Of course, sir. They are in the library.”
“Thank you,” Rolfe said and led Pocahontas inside the house.
She felt strange, walking down the posh corridors, wearing a dress she had gotten from her betrothed. It was probably the most expensive one in London. Fine blue fabric that rustled with every step she took.
She was used to walking carefully without making any sounds, but it was impossible in this outfit and uncomfortable shoes. She’d much prefer to wear her deerskin dress and soft moccasins, but John explained that a noble lady needed to wear fine clothes to show her status. And there she was, doing her best to act like one.
“Please, remember what we talked about last night,” Rolfe whispered and knocked on the library’s door.
“Don’t worry, John,” she said softly just when they heard a deep male voice letting them enter.
John gave Pocahontas a sign to wait for him, while he opened the door and entered the room.
“Father, Mother,” he said officially, bowing his head. “It is good to see you in good health.”
“What brings you here so unexpectedly?” His father asked. “Had something happened?”
“Yes, sir. I came because I would like to introduce my betrothed to you,” Rolfe said politely.
Pocahontas listened to the conversation and couldn’t shake off the thought that John was extremely formal while talking to his parents.
She understood his respect for them, but if she had been so distant towards her father it would certainly upset him. If she were to describe her first impression of the relationship John Rolfe had with his parents, she’d say it was cold and devoid of love.
“You're betrothed?” Mrs. Rolfe asked, surprised.
“Yes, Madam. I know I haven’t written about her, but this is a little unexpected, so I preferred to come with her.”
“Where is she then?”
“She is waiting outside the door. Shall I ask her to join us?”
“Yes, please,” his father said, his voice even more formal than a moment ago.
John left the room and walked up to Pocahontas, as she waited in the corridor.
“They’re ready for you,” he said, his face reflecting how nervous he was. “Please, do your best…,” he whispered before composing himself. He stood straight and offered her his arm.
Pocahontas could feel that every muscle in John Rolfe’s body was tight. It seemed to her as if this was the most stressful moment of his life. But why? Was he afraid his parents might not like her? If so, why did he even bring her here? She had no idea, but feeling his anxiety, she was getting nervous as well. She had a bad feeling about this visit in general.
“Father, Mother,” John said, walking up to his parents with Pocahontas at his side. “This is Pocahontas.”
“What an unusual name,” Mrs. Rolfe spoke first, as her husband was too shocked to say anything. “You are not English, I presume?” She added maliciously.
Pocahontas had not even a hint of what to do. Was she to answer, or was she to stay quiet and let John speak? Suddenly she realized how little English she knew.
“No, Pocahontas is… is… a princess of the nation living in Virginia…,” John explained hesitantly.
“Virginia?” The father asked. “Are you trying to tell us your betrothed is a pagan?”
“But she will be baptized soon, sir. Pocahontas is learning fast. Mrs. Jenkins is helping her,” John became pale.
“Mrs. Jenkins, she was always spoiling you. And now she’s tolerating a savage under your roof. I do hope she is making sure this girl is not trying anything with you at night!” Mr. Rolfe said coldly.
“Father!” John stood still, his hands cold as icicles. “I swear! Nothing ever happened. I would never…”
“Well, if you claim your betrothed is not a savage, we will give her a chance. Prove to us that she is worthy of being your wife,” Mrs. Rolfe said. Her husband wasn’t so keen on this idea, but he surrendered to his wife’s wish.
After the conversation the couple was dismissed.
As they went to the backyard, John took a deep breath and collapsed onto one of the benches. Pocahontas started to have second thoughts about their visit. Would John bring her here suspecting what his parent's reaction could be?
“John?” She asked, not hiding her irritation. “Did you know they’d react so harshly? That they’d call me a savage?”
“I… I didn’t know what they’d think, but… I was afraid they might be shocked. You see, the Rolfes are one of the oldest families in England. They have never mixed with another nation before. We’ll be a first marriage like this.” He explained.
“Marriage? Is this your way of proposing to me? Or is it a custom in England that a man doesn’t ask a woman? Is it a custom that a man simply announces to his family whom he’s willing to marry?”
“No, usually the parents are choosing a husband for their daughter. A man can try to ask a woman’s parents for her hand, but it doesn't happen often. Only the royal family has more liberty in this matter. And the peasants, but they don’t count.”
“Are you saying people from the lower class are worse only because they don’t belong to the high society?”
“Pocahontas, please, don’t make it even more difficult. Just do your best to act like nobility and everything will be fine. How much do you remember from what Mrs. Jenkins told you before the ball?”
“Enough to know that my ‘manners and etiquette’ are not like those of a noble lady. John, I don’t fit here, and you know that. Why don’t we go back to London and just sail to Virginia? You wanted to have a farm there, maybe plant tobacco. Can’t we just do this?”
“We can, and we will. But first, please just try to act like an English lady. If you do, my parents might even overlook your accent.”
“My accent? What’s wrong with it all of a sudden? You never mentioned it before!” Pocahontas was confused.
“Who was the first to teach you? That soldier who intruded on my house the night of the ball?”
“Yes, and his name is John Smith, for your information.”
“A perfect name for a commoner. No wonder you picked the accent of peasants. But don’t worry, it can be changed. Now, come on. I’ll show you to your room. I believe we both need some rest before my brother is back. He and his wife went to see their oldest son.”
Pocahontas’ blood started to boil in her veins at Rolfe’s words, but she decided he was still jealous of Smith and this was the reason why he was so angry.
She decided to ignore the harsh remarks, obediently following her betrothed inside the house and upstairs to the guest room.
When John left, she rested on the bed. She slowly closed her eyes and began thinking.
Pocahontas didn’t realize she had fallen asleep until she heard knocking on the room’s door. She immediately got up, adjusted her dress, and opened the door.
“My brother is back. Lunch is served,” John explained.
He didn’t even ask if she was alright. It only gave Pocahontas more to think about. But she didn’t say anything, she just nodded and followed Rolfe to the dining room.
“So, this is this exotic lady who had stolen my brother’s heart!” A tall man wearing a fine suit said as he walked up to John and Pocahontas. “Well, I guess if you know how to behave, you might fit into this family.”
“Thank you, sir,” Pocahontas replied politely, though inside she was furious. Everyone was trying to make fun of her, and John never reacted. Like at the ball…
They finally sat at the table, and Pocahontas tried to remember how she should behave. Her mind was swirling though. Knife in the right and spoon in the left hand? The opposite? A small glass for wine and a bigger one for water? She gave a quick look to John, but he was already lost in conversation with his father. There was nowhere she could seek help from. She finally decided to simply observe the family to see what they do.
“John, you didn’t teach her how to use the cutlery?” Mrs. Rolfe asked. “This poor thing cannot know this herself! The savages surely eat with their bare hands! Oh, how different it is from when Sarah came here for the first time!”
Pocahontas had no idea whom the lady was talking about, but she got her answer even sooner than she expected.
“Mother, I am aware that Sarah was accustomed to the English etiquette, but Pocahontas will be too. She is in our country for only a few weeks. She needs time…”
“Too bad you didn’t find a girl like your sweet Sarah.” Mr. Rolfe said, giving Pocahontas a cold look.
As if this was not enough, a little boy stormed into the room, holding a broomstick as if it were a rifle. He pointed it at Pocahontas and laughed.
“I’ll kill myself an Injun! Or maybe two or three!” He sang playfully and imitated gunfire.
“Excuse me?” Pocahontas asked, deeply shocked.
This was the strangest and most humiliating thing that ever happened to her. She would never think that a child would be allowed to play such disgusting games. To her disgruntlement, the entire family laughed. Apart from John, who just sat there, not knowing what to do.
It was too much for her. She got up from her chair and stormed out of the room.
She ran upstairs and started packing her belongings. Pocahontas decided to go back to London, find John Smith, and beg him to take her home. He was her only chance. She’d go to Rolfe’s house only to take her pets and the rest of her belongings, and she’d leave England forever. She had never been so furious before. She regretted ever meeting John Rolfe. Pocahontas was about to leave when John stood in the doorway.
“Where are you going?” He asked, looking at her luggage.
“I’m going back to London, right away!”
“So you’re saying you’re just gonna leave? We’re not gonna go back together like we planned?” Rolfe was puzzled.
“I’m just not comfortable here. I'm tired of being constantly humiliated and insulted. For your information, I AM NOT A SAVAGE! I may not know English customs, but once again the English have shown me what barbarians they are! And who is Sarah? Mind explaining it, John Rolfe?” Pocahontas was at the edge of her temper.
“Well… Sarah… she… she was my wife,” he sighed heavily. “But she died a few years ago. She got very sick and there was no way to save her, even with the help of the best medics in England.”
“And you didn’t think I should know? You wanted to hide it from me forever? I thought you were a bachelor, but now I find out you’re a widower! How dare you! And you think I could trust you after all this? And on top of this, your family is treating me like… like… ugh!” She was beyond furious.
“They just don’t know your culture. The English society is all they know, how they grew up. Maybe try to tune them out?”
“Tune them out? I’ve had enough! Your parents treat me like trash, your nephew pretended he wanted to kill me. And you just sat there, doing nothing. It's like a repeat of the Hunt Ball! You also stood there like a rock, helpless as a baby. You stood and watched as the guards took me away. You knew they would sentence me to death, but you didn't do anything! What would you do if John Smith hadn't shown up? What? Answer to me, John!” She yelled, feeling tears forming in her eyes.
He was silent. He had no answers for her.
“Of course, you don’t know. But you judge others only based on their origin. Typical for the English, isn’t it? You all think the only people who are people are the people who look and think like you. The problem is, you’re too blind to see it, to at least try to understand others. Anyone who doesn't look or act like the English is a savage to you.”
“Oh, that Smith did understand, huh?” Rolfe lost his patience as well.
“I don’t know. But at least he has respect for my people. He doesn’t want to change them or force anything on them. This conversation doesn’t make any sense anymore. Just let me go!” She said, trying to push through him.
“Wait! Please! I’m sorry. We can go back to London tomorrow morning and we’ll sail to Virginia with the next ship. We can have a happy life there, I know it for sure.”
“Do you really think that after everything that happened today I still want to spend the rest of my life with you? You are wrong, John! I don’t want to ever see you again!” She exclaimed and as she slapped him, she finally was able to leave the room.
It took her a few days to reach London since she walked all the way.
She didn’t care. She needed to escape from a relationship that had no future.
She had escaped from being constantly scolded and criticized for who she was. And at this moment her only worry was getting back to her homeland. She decided to get her belongings back and then immediately go to the docks in the hope of finding John Smith. She didn’t know any other sailor who could help her.
As soon as she entered London, she narrowed her steps to John Rolfe’s house. She remembered that Mrs. Jenkins always kept the back door unlocked even at night, so without knocking, Pocahontas went inside and directly to her room. Her pets greeted her right away. She hugged them, as tears rolled down her face.
“We’re leaving this place,” she told them. “We’ll leave and we’ll never come back. I almost made the biggest mistake in my life,” she sniffled.
“Pocahontas!” Mrs. Jenkins exclaimed entering the room. “Goodness gracious! What happened? Where’s Johnny?”
“He’s with his parents,” Pocahontas replied, not even looking at the maid. “I’m leaving, Mrs. Jenkins. I saw what a noble English family is like, and I don’t want to be a part of it,” she added, and as she let her pets get inside her backpack she put it on her shoulders.
Soon she was in the docks, Utti following her. When she told him what happened at the Rolfes’ house he immediately packed his belongings and went with Pocahontas. They were now searching for the ship that belonged to John Smith.
“Excuse me, do you know which ship belongs to Captain John Smith?” She asked one of the sailors passing by.
“The one that is about to leave,” the man pointed at a ship only a few dozen yards from them. “But I’m afraid you’re late, they’ve already lifted the gangway.”
“Thank you,” she replied and sprang towards the ship. She had to push through the crowd, but she managed just when the captain ordered her to untie the ropes.
“John!” She cried out! “No! John, wait! John!”
Smith was standing on the upper deck, watching his crew but when he heard Pocahontas’ voice, he immediately ordered his men to stop the departure.
“Throw the mooring lines back! And lower the gangplank! Reef the sails!” He yelled and the moment the crew fulfilled the orders, Pocahontas ran to him.
“John! I’m so sorry! I’m sorry!” She sobbed uncontrollably and threw her arms around his neck.
“It’s alright,” he said softly, hugging her carefully. “Tell me what happened.”
“First, I must ask you something. Have you ever been married? Do you think my accent is weird? Did you ever want me to change who I am? Do you mind that I can’t act like a noble lady? Can you help me get home?” She asked and at this very moment Smith felt all her muscles go limp, and she fell flaccidly in his arms.
Smith held her tight, and as he lifted Pocahontas, he looked at one of his sailors.
“Get a medic, quickly!” He ordered and carried his beloved to his cabin. He gently placed her on the bunk, covering her with his blanket. “What have you gone through?” He asked though he knew he wouldn’t get an answer for a while.
The captain looked at Pocahontas more carefully and noticed her torn and dirty clothes. Her hair was disheveled and her face was covered with a thin layer of dust. She looked like she had run away from somewhere or had an accident. Or maybe both? It crossed his mind. All he knew was that Pocahontas needed help, and she came to seek it with him. He heard some commotion on the lower deck.
He stood in the doorway of his cabin to see what had happened. He saw a tall warrior trying to push through a dozen sailors. He recognized him right away.
“Let him pass, men,” Smith ordered. “He’s a friend,” he assured and when the warrior stood next to him, Smith let him inside his cabin.
“I’m sorry, I know I don’t speak your language well… What happened? Did you get in trouble?” He asked as they closed the door behind them.
Utti explained to him in sign language that Pocahontas had left with John Rolfe but had returned alone after her would-be husband's family treated her like a savage. Smith had to guess most of it, but the message was clear. It was beyond his perception that Rolfe let his family treat Pocahontas this way. How could he let it happen? Smith thought that if he had been in Rolfe’s position, he’d have protected the woman he loved. And if she didn’t feel comfortable, he’d take her back home right away. Were conventions so important? More important than love? He couldn't understand it. Nonetheless, he had very different priorities in life…
Smith wanted to say something, but the doctor entered the cabin, so Smith and Utti left, letting the physician check on Pocahontas.
Less than half an hour had passed, but for Smith it felt like ages until the doctor left the cabin and walked up to the captain.
“How is she? Is she gonna make it?” John asked, feeling his hands become sweaty. He was terrified.
“She should be fine soon. But she needs to eat something and drink lots of water. It’s only exhaustion. It’s nothing that would put your friend’s life in danger,” the physician said with a hint of a smile.
“Can she travel in this condition? Or shall I postpone the departure?”
“As long as she can rest you can set sail. There’s no danger. Just make sure she stays in bed for a day or two.”
“Thank you,” Smith said and paid the medic. And when he left Smith returned to Pocahontas. Utti following him.
“Could you stay here with Pocahontas?” John tried speaking Algonquin. “I will go to get a few things for her.”
The warrior only nodded but gave Smith a smile.
“Thank you,” he replied and left the ship.
Smith knew he had to set sail that day, but before that, he needed to get more supplies. He had two more passengers on board, and also three unexpected pets.
He tried to make a list of what would be needed. He had to make sure Pocahontas would have everything necessary for such a long voyage. She asked him if he could help her get home. Of course, he would. He’d take her right to her village if that would be her wish. He’d do anything for her. Despite what happened just a few weeks before, he still loved her with all his heart. He always would. Ever since they met for the first time, his heart belonged to Pocahontas. And suddenly new hope sparked in his soul. If Pocahontas came to him in search of help, could she still have some feelings for him? Would it still be possible for them to be together? It couldn’t be a coincidence that she stopped him merely seconds before he sailed off. This had to mean something. Or so he hoped…
The captain bought everything he could think of that Pocahontas would need for their voyage and was about to go back to the ship when he spotted something in the jeweler's window.
Two silver rings, together in a small box covered with blue fabric. Something deep inside his heart told him to go inside and buy them. He couldn’t explain it, but he followed his heart, just like Pocahontas had taught him.
He spent the last of his money on the rings. Smith hid them in the pocket of his vest and went back to his ship.
“Get ready to set sail,” he ordered his crew as he got on the main deck. “We need to leave London today.
“What about the lady and her companion?” Asked one of the sailors.
“They’re coming with us, together with their animals. And if anyone harms them in any way, I will make sure he will spend the rest of the voyage in chains under the deck. Now, let’s set sail,” Smith said firmly and went to his cabin.
Hours passed and the ship left London behind. It would continue its voyage through the waters of Thamise for a few more days before reaching the open sea. Smith decided to spend this time calculating a new route for his expedition.
He was to explore the land up north from Jamestown, but with the new circumstances, he decided to first go to the settlement and make sure Pocahontas got home safely. Only then he would continue his venture.
He would much prefer to stay in Virginia forever, but would it be even possible? Could he stay there and be close to Pocahontas, but not be with her? Would she accept him, if he’d propose to her? All the memories from his first voyage to America came back to him with increased force. He’d give up everything to be with Pocahontas again, to be her future.
But he knew he couldn’t hope for it. Too much had happened. Nothing could be the way it used to be. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, wanting to clear his mind. He sat on a box holding his belongings, and as he rested his elbows on his knees, he hid his face in his hands. He had no idea what to do at this point. For the first time in his life, he was lost, and couldn’t figure out his way. This time any cartographic equipment was of no use to him, for this path couldn’t be calculated or measured. He had to wait for what life would bring.
“John?” He heard Pocahontas’ voice.
She’d been asleep all the time, but she had finally woken up. It brought Smith a feeling of relief. He raised his head a little and looked at her with his tired eyes.
“How are you?” He asked softly.
“I’m alright, I think. Where are we?”
“A few miles away from London. The doctor said you can travel, as long as you stay in bed for a few days. So… I ordered the crew to set sail. Don’t worry, we’re going to Jamestown. In about ten weeks you’ll be home,” he explained.
“Thank you,” she replied shyly.
For a moment they were silent, just looking at each other. Suddenly it felt awkward for them to be in only each other’s company. Smith knew why, and it caused a sting in his heart. They drifted distantly.
Once passionately in love with one another, at this moment they were as good as strangers. He’d do everything he could to change that though. And he hoped he would get his chance the moment Pocahontas got on the deck of his ship.
“Uttomattomakkin told me what happened,” Smith said sadly. “I’m sorry you had to go through so much.”
“I guess I asked for it,” she sighed heavily. “I knew nothing about John Rolfe. He was married before… and as I think of it now, this boy at his parents’ house could have even been his son.” Pocahontas sighed and told Smith how Rolfe’s family treated her.
All of a sudden her questions from a few hours before made sense. They also gave him hope. They could mean Pocahontas still cared for him and needed to know if she could get another chance with him.
“No, it’s not your fault, Pocahontas. He should have told you about his past. You had every right to know. When you came upon the deck this morning you asked me if I was ever married,” he said gently and risked looking into Pocahontas’ beautiful dark eyes. “No, I’ve never been married or even engaged. I also don’t have any children. I’m a bachelor, I always have been,” he said honestly.
“Do… do you think,” she swallowed heavily. “Do you think I’m a savage?”
“No! Pocahontas, I could never think that of you!” He said firmly.
Smith noticed that speaking became difficult for Pocahontas, so he handed her a cup of water.
“Here, this will help you.”
“Thank you,” she replied and took a few sips. “And I’m sorry for storming on your ship. I… you were my only chance to escape from England. I didn’t know who else to ask for help.”
“It’s alright. I’m glad you got to the docks in time. A few minutes later and I wouldn’t be able to stop the ship,” he said thoughtfully.
“Will you have to completely change your plans because of me?”
“No, just a little bit, but I think I like this change. Thanks to it I will see how Jamestown has changed over the last few years.”
“It grew a lot. There are houses there and whole families live there. When…,” her voice shook a little. “When you were leaving…,” she couldn’t talk anymore, feeling a lump in her throat.
This told Smith more than even thousands of words about her feelings. He decided to do a bold thing and as he squatted next to her bed, he held her hand in his.
“It’s alright now,” he said softly. “At last, I’m going back.”
“Do you think you’ll stay in Jamestown?” Pocahontas asked before she realized she said it out loud, her voice still shaking.
“I don’t know yet,” he chuckled. “I can’t decide without asking you a question. Would you want me to stay there?”
Hearing this, Pocahontas’ heart skipped a beat. John was asking her if she’d want him to live in Virginia. Could this mean he had feelings for her even after everything that happened?
“Yes. But what about your plans and dreams?” She asked, worry mixed with hope reflected in her eyes.
“I will make at least one of them come true,” he said softly and risked pressing a light kiss to Pocahontas’ hand. “I will stay in Jamestown, for as long as you want.”
Several weeks passed and though Pocahontas and Smith didn’t talk about the future anymore, they got closer to each other. Their friendship flourished.
They were often spending all night talking and joking like they used to years before. But one day, Pocahontas was suddenly silent. Just as silent as the sea for the last two days. The ship was motionless. There was no wind to push the vessel towards its destination. Smith never liked this part of the voyage, it was always annoying him. But this time he was rather worried about Pocahontas. It was a warm sunny afternoon when he finally decided to talk to her. He sat next to her in the gallery beneath the sterncastle.
“Is everything alright?” He asked gently. Somehow he felt that Pocahontas was thinking of something that was making her anxious.
“Yes. I’m just thinking… John… when you said you’d stay in Jamestown for as long as I’d want…,” she said hesitantly.
“I meant forever,” he finished for her with a soft smile. “The truth is, if Ratcliffe hadn’t shot me I would never have left Virginia. I wanted to settle down there,” he admitted frankly. “I guess it’s time to be completely honest,” John sighed heavily and closed his eyes, resting his head against the railing. “There was no time to tell you back then, but I was hoping to spend the rest of my life with you. When you saved me, and you were in my arms, I made a plan. When we’d make sure the fight had stopped, I wanted to ask you if you’d marry me… I also wanted to talk to your father… But things just got out of control.”
Pocahontas listened to Smith in speechless amazement. She noticed a single tear running down his cheek which made her throat tight with emotion. She forced herself to speak.
“Is this something you still want?” Her voice was barely audible.
"Yes," he admitted, sniffling. "But I know it's not that simple. When I came to tell you about my audience with the King, I acted like a complete idiot. I didn't ask what you wanted, I just talked like crazy about travels and discoveries. Like a schoolboy. But the truth is, you were always the most important thing to me. I regret not telling you this. I don’t know what got into me back then.”
As he spoke, Smith covered his face with his hands, but she could still see his lower lip and chin trembling. She’d seen him crying before, but this time he didn’t even try to hide it. Pocahontas rested her head against his chest and clung to him.
“I don’t know what got into me either. I don’t know how I could ever let you go,” she whispered, finally letting her tears flow. “I’m so sorry.”
“I should be the one apologizing,” he said softly, holding Pocahontas close to him. His voice was still stuck in his throat. “I’m sorry for being such a fool,” he added, burying his face in her raven hair. “I love you, Pocahontas. I always have, and always will.”
“I love you too,” she replied and as she raised her head, she looked deeply into John’s sky-blue eyes. “I always have, and always will.”
Smith looked at Pocahontas, his endless love for her reflected in his eyes. She was his whole world, and life at her side was his greatest adventure. He slowly leaned forward and brushed her lips with his. To his endless joy, Pocahontas returned the caress, making their kiss deeper and more passionate. It was their reunion, the promise of their forever.
They completely lost the notion of time or the world around them. At this very moment only their love was important. Only their closeness. They wanted this moment to last forever. But suddenly they felt a soft breeze around them. Pocahontas slowly pulled away and smiled. A playful wave of leaves surrounded the couple and then climbed higher, up to the reefed sails.
“The wind is back!” Pocahontas said happily.
“Lower the sails!” John called to his crew, but never let Pocahontas off his arms.
The couple watched as the crew lowered the sails, which were immediately filled with wind and the ship was finally moving towards its destination again. Smith couldn’t help but have the impression that the wind that helped them at this moment was the same breeze that helped him get to London in time when he was wounded. He wanted to tell this to Pocahontas, but she beat him to it.
“Do you believe in spirits, John?” She asked, smiling.
“After what I’ve experienced in Virginia I cannot deny it. But I thought such miracles could happen only there.” he replied, pulling Pocahontas closer to him.
“What if I was to tell you that my Mother’s spirit is the wind?”
“That would explain a lot,” John chuckled playfully. And then a memory hit him. “When we first touched… a wind blew and the leaves surrounded our hands…”
“Yes, and it also made me understand you.”
“And it helped me get to England on time… And now this… It’s still beyond my perception, but the only explanation I see is that there must be a caring spirit living in the wind. The spirit that wants us to be together. The wind started out of nowhere when we kissed…”
“Yes. And I believe this is a sign that we are meant to be,” Pocahontas said happily, resting her head against Smith’s chest. “John? Where would you like to live in Virginia?”
The captain smiled brighter at this question and thought for a moment. He’d always imagined they’d live in Pocahontas’ village, but he didn’t want to decide. He wanted Pocahontas to pick the place.
“Wherever you want, Pocahontas. When I was thinking of it before, I was always imagining us living in your village, but as I think of it right now… I don’t want to force anything on you. No matter where we live, I’ll belong there, because you’ll be there too.”
“I’m not sure. On the one hand, my village is all I know, but on the other, I’m curious about Jamestown. I was always only visiting, I never stayed there longer than a few hours.” Pocahontas said thoughtfully.
Smith thought for a moment, something Pocahontas told him long ago came to my mind.
“ Lathuso Utataia Norwottuck , in the middle of the river. How about we find a place in the middle of the distance between your village and Jamestown?”
They decided to build a farm in a place that was the same distance from Jamestown as from Pocahontas’ village. And soon after they arrived in Virginia, John started the construction of their house, of their home. Shortly after they moved in, the couple got married. On the day of their wedding, John had a surprise for his beloved. He finally showed her the rings he had bought on the day they set sail from England. He finally understood why something deep in his heart told him to buy them, to be ready for this most important, most wonderful day of their lives. Their greatest dream came true, they were together for the rest of their days. They knew they had found their happiness in the middle of the river.