A Lion to Guard Us

The year is 1609. An unnamed sailor searches for the Trippett house on a cold, rainy day in London. When he finds the correct house, he asks the maid if he may speak to Mistress Freebold, but she is too ill to do so. Instead, the maid calls her daughter, Amanda, telling her a man from America is here. Amanda arrives, hoping to see her father, and is disappointed to find a stranger.

The sailor shares news about her father, James Freebold, whom he met in Virginia. He tells the young girl that her father was well when they parted and that he has built the family a home in Virginia. Amanda asks if she can give him a message for her father, but the sailor tells her he will not be returning to Virginia since the trip is so arduous.

While she is talking to the sailor, Cook begins calling for her to return to her duties. The sailor realizes she is needed and bids her a good day. Once he has left, Amanda realizes she never asked his name or said thank you. When she returns to the kitchen, her little brother peeks his head out from the small space where he is confined and asks if she spoke with their father.