The ship reached its first stop which was the Island of St. Helena in the west Atlantic. This island was used to replenish the vessels for food and supplies for the next journey. The island was a British territory and in the early 18th century, it was in control of the East India Company. in 1834, the island was transferred to the authority of the crown.
This island was a very important strategic location for European ships to travel to Africa or Asia. Most of the ships passed through it and that's why the island was rather prosperous.
The ship was anchored at the port city of Jamestown. All 300 passengers were tired and their bodies were stiff from the travel. They much needed the fresh air.
It was going to take a few days to resupply the ship and that gave everyone the time to take a breath of fresh air on the beautiful island.
Evan and his companions got off the ship with their basic luggage. Since the ship had much more to travel, everyone only took a few of their clothes and necessities, and important things with them outside the ship.
The Jamestown port was docked with various merchant and armed ships, and people were very busy and the place was bustling with activity. Various sounds of metal, hammers, chirring sounds of wood, and indistinct chatter could be heard all around the place.
Evan and his companions decided to search for an inn to stay in for three days. The ship would only be staying on the island for three days as such they were informed by Jacob.
Evan commissioned a few carriages for himself and his companions. He asked the coachman for advice on which inn would be the best to stay in.
The coachman was rather witty and immediately recognized Evan to be someone important. He said, "My Lord, there are a few inns in the town but they wouldn't be suitable to your needs. I can recommend one which is at the base of Mount Actaeon. It is suitable for your stature My Lord."
Evan did not want to stay in a luxurious inn as he was not on a vacation but there were still a few more months of journey remaining and Evan felt like living comfortably for a few days.
"My Lord, we will all stay in the town... you can go ahead and stay where he says." Evan's officers said with thumbs-up. They seemed to be curring some favor.
Evan agreed, and he decided to take James with him.
A few carriages left from the port leaning in different directions. Evan and James were in a single carriage as they were going toward Mount Actaeon.
The island had a lot of greenery as Evan noticed while he watched the scenery during the journey.
The island's one-third land was suitable for framing and forestry. People raised crops such as corn, and green vegetables. Evan also saw some poultry, sheep, pigs, cows, and cattle being raised around the farmland.
As one would expect, the island had no major industries or minerals mining and all its income came from the funds allotted by the British crown, agriculture, the port, and fishing.
'This place is rather peaceful' Evan thought.
The island was not that big, it was only 10.5 miles in length and 6.5 miles in breadth. The carriage reached its destination in just a few minutes.
The mountain view was beautiful and the scenery was breathtaking. The air was fresh and full of oxygen because of the greenery. Evan also saw the big mansion-like wooden house which was multiple stories high. It also had farmland on which a few vegetables were growing.
Evan went inside with James, there was a beautiful lady with water-blue eyes and long red hair at the reception. She smiled and welcomed the guests cheeringly.
Evan brought out two gold coins from his pocket and placed them on the medium-sized reception table, "Two best rooms please." Evan said.
The lady took the coin and placed it in the drawer. She then asked for the names and wrote them down in the register. After the formalities were done, she smilingly handed the keys to Evan in a professional manner.
Evan took the keys and left. Only after when Evan had left that the lady mutter to herself in a lower voice, "Oh my, so handsome."
The room was very clean, the curtains were made out of rich fabric which gave off a premium feel. The room was quite spacious with a balcony, a living room, a small kitchen, study tables, and a sitting arrangement. There was also good furniture such as a cupboard, table, and bookshelf
When Evan went to the balcony, the mountain view was great with greenery and a valley-like view.
Evan went inside and closed the curtains. He decided to take a bath first and get refreshed before doing anything. He was someone who believed in hygiene. The day was sunny with birds chirping and the plants swaying with the cold breeze. He removed his clothes and went into the small wooden box which was supposed to be a bathroom. The hot water was already stored inside the bucket.
People used sponges and water to clean themselves in the 18th century, only the wealthy class had something like soaps which were only made in the mid-18th century.
After he was done getting refreshed and getting into new clothes, Evan sat in the chair and smoked a cigarette. He finally felt truly relaxed and peaceful as he leaned back on the cushioned chair.
"That's right, I must meet with the governor here and try to know more about the place." Evan thought to himself.
A knock suddenly sounded and the door opened after a few seconds. The red-haired lady had come with some welcome snacks.
"I brought some pastries and coffee, sir. As a welcome meal. You must be hungry." She said and placed the tray on the table. There was the plate for the pastries and a small container of sugar, utensils, a teapot, and a cup.
Evan was surprised by the great service of the inn. This place wasn't really bad for vacation, his opinion was reaffirmed.
The red-haired lady bowed and was about to leave when Evan stopped her and asked, "Miss, what's your name?" with a smile, and she answered, "Olivia," and left.