Though they had done nothing wrong, Alannah felt humiliated and vulnerable. She also sensed that the woman before her to be some sort of authority figure. Trying not to stutter, she said, "I'm . . . my name is Alannah . . . Alannah Ferguson." She winced when she spoke her last name aloud and she curtsied out of habit when meeting a figure of authority, nervously.
"You've come all the way from Germany? Or is that a Irish accent I detect?"
"Yes ma'am I was living in Germany for three years prior to coming here, but I'm from Dalkey Ireland originally-" She flinched as the woman looked her up and down once more, reassessing Alannah.
"And you boy, what is your name?"
"Nicolò Giovanni, ma'am."
"I see. And just what is it that the two of you are hoing to find on Storm Haven Island Island? What are you running from girl? Are you trying to get to the Mission?"
Alannah stared at her, there it was again, someone else had picked up the notion that she was running from something.
"If I may, ma'am, we have come here seeking only a warm place to live for Alannah. You see, coming from Germany to the United States, she was bit by a rat. Alannah ended up cathing the plague and nearly died. Had it not been for the doctor on board that was watching us that night, she would have."
"Watching you?"
"Yes ma'am, I was working on the ship and Alannah had purchased a first class ticket. She had intended for us to be together that night, but I respect her too much." He said looking over at Alannah. "I didn't even know she had gotten bit until much later."
Alannah looked at Nicolò with caring in her eyes. "What he says is true, I have been sick, I am only looking for a peaceful place to live, I do not know of this Mission you have spoken of, ma'am. I was hoping to find some sort of work here, and a quiet place to live. As far as running from something, what I am running from is my own business." For a moment she wondered if the woman would or could set things right. Her heart sank, however, when the Señora raised an eyebrow and spoke again.
"Well, I am terribly sorry to hear that you have been ill. This island is a wonderful place to call home for those seeking its healing powers. But I am afraid that you're stranded here for at least two weeks, at the very earliest. The man that brought you here is wanted for crimes such as this. Surely you would not want him to come back and take you to the main land? And there is no ship scheduled until the one carrying my floriculturist arrives in two weeks. So young lady, should I open my home to you as my gues, then whatever you are running from becomes my business as well. You seem like a sensible girl so I will give you 24hrs to think on this, tell me what you are running from and be welcomed in my home as a guest, or you can find your way to Port Cayo and find your own luck. The men of the town there don't look too kindly on women working, just thought you should know that. So you best think that one through young lady. Now for you young man, what is it that I can help you with? What kind of work are you able to do?"