When Jade turned back to the governor, she saw his eyes were dark with lust but she couldn’t do anything about that. Ignoring the obvious, she gave him a tremulous smile, smoothing an imaginary string from her skirt. Lily joined them, carrying a hair brush and a large magenta hibiscus flower made of silk. With an economy of words, she had Jade sit in the chair just in front of the desk while she brushed out the mane of black hair. Jade bit her lip in effort to not cry out over the knots in her hair. When Lily was finished, she pinned the flower over her right ear. At the governor’s frown, Lily took it out and pinned it over the girl’s left ear.<br/><br/>“You are not to flirt with any of the guests” she bent to whisper in Jade’s ear. “You are his property. Don’t forget.” And Lily touched the flower to underscore her words.<br/><br/>Lily had also brought her a pair of brightly colored jute espadrilles. Jade was surprised they fit so well. Having shoes on after the last few days of being barefooted made her feel almost like quality people once more. Jade ran her finger around the collar she wore. Lily shook her head imperceptibly. That collar was there to stay.<br/><br/>Out in the great entry hall a  huge commotion took place. A man’s voice was demanding and there was a crash of what Jade thought might be one of the ceramic pots that held an indoor palm tree. She looked at Lily and then at the pirate, who had stood up. The voice drew nearer and she could hear the voices of several of the men servants pleading with the man to wait and they would call El Senor. She could hear Iron Face wheedling that she would bring him a nice pitcher of sangria if only he would wait in the great hall. Boots clattered on the tile and with a loud crash, the double doors into the office exploded inwards.  Lily whisked around to stand behind her. Jade knew this was the unpleasant one to whom she would have to plan hostess tonight.<br/><br/>She stood, taking in the tall, red faced man with broad shoulders and vicious eyes, like those of a wild boar. Glancing toward El Senor, she waited in dignity and hoped her heart didn’t pound out of her chest.