<div style="text-align: justify;">Carlota nodded, handing the letter to Peter. She hoped it would reach her father safely and that he would not delay her ransom. And the other ladies' too, of course. She would not accept that he paid for her and not for them. "I will stay on this side, Captain. As I stated before, I do not wish to cause any sort of trouble".<br/><br/>Carlota's cheeks blushed a little when Peter talked about that Dutch tradition. "I believe it will not be necessary. Before that time is over, I believe you will have your money ransom in hand, and I will have my freedom to go back to my home".<br/><br/>After one month, Carlota was already anxious. She knew it would take longer than a month, but it wasn't really easy to wait knowing that time was running out for her. Every day was agony, having to be in there, in that ship, close to that man she would end up having to marry if her ransom was delayed.<br/><br/>Carlota was worried, and Peter's words worried her even more. She crossed herself when Peter mentioned the possibility of her father dying. "Diós, no", she murmured, before taking a deep breath. "Someone will. A trusted servant or a close relative. But please, do not say anything similar to that again".<br/><br/>Carlota shook her head and paced back and forth for a moment. "I appreciate your kindness in not harming me or the other ladies, but I just wish to go home as soon as I possibly can, instead of marrying you and staying here. No offense meant".</div>