Heather set the plates around another table. “You all have been working constantly. Polly, Douglas, and I can gather the branches and put them in a pile.”
Polly got up to help serve. “We have so much to be thankful for. No one was hurt.”
Heather nodded. “And the Green and the cottage are not damaged.”
Thomas stood and stretched. “The animals and chickens were panicked, but they have all settled back into their normal routine.”
The summer had come to an end, and the children would be home soon. On Sunday morning, Heather got Douglas ready for church. Hearing an encouraging sermon and spending the day in the company of so many friends would be a blessing.
Seated in their pew, Douglas slipped his hand into hers as she listened to Reverend Grayson speak on the Book of Job and God’s faithfulness to this godly man who endured such suffering yet remained steadfast in his faith. I hope, Lord, if I ever am faced with such severe trials, You will find me faithful and able to endure.
Douglas interrupted her silent prayer when he nudged her in the side. She bent close to him, hoping not to disturb others nearby. “What is it?”
“Why is Mrs. Whitcomb crying?” He pointed to their neighbor seated across the aisle.
She reached for his extended hand and held it. “Do not point, dear.”
A tear streamed down Hannah’s cheek that she dabbed with her handkerchief.
After the service, the congregation gathered for a shared meal. Polly sat with Laura and Douglas under the large oak tree while the Gordon boys brought chairs out from the schoolhouse. Heather retrieved the baskets with their food from the wagons. She turned when she heard Hannah’s raspy voice.
“The curtains you and Amelia made look nice.”
Heather smiled. “Many thanks.” Hannah looked tired but appeared sincere.
“Here, let me help you with that.” Hannah reached for the basket Heather was lifting.
She handed Hannah the basket with the vegetables and looked for any sign of her earlier melancholy. “The window coverings should keep the room warmer in the winter months, so Mr. Martin can get by with less firewood.” They walked back to where the others were gathered. The silence was odd. Hannah always had something to say. “We have not spoken since Matthew left. How are you and your family? Will Martha be back from Williamsburg soon?”
Hannah came to an abrupt stop and faced her. “Did you notice Tobias is not with us?”
“Why, I ... Is he ill?”
“He has joined the militia, the First Regiment.”
“Oh, Hannah.”
“I fear this fight will spread, and Tobias will never come home again.”
“Do not say that.”
“We have no business going against our king and country.”
Heather juggled the basket of oatcakes and cheese and put her arm around Hannah. “I am so sorry. I can only imagine the worry this causes you.”
“Worry. I can hardly sleep thinking about my boy getting shot.”
“Perhaps things will settle down and there will be reconciliation with England now that the Continental Congress has sent the King the petition.”
“George says this Olive Branch Petition won’t accomplish anything. He believes the current hostilities will mean outright war is certain and soon.”
“I hope not.” Her stomach tightened at the thought of it.
She joined Amelia in the shade of a large tree beside the creek. Emily, Ellen, and Douglas splashed in the edge of the shallow creek.
Thomas and Betsy Edwards walked by the little group. “Good day, ladies,” Doctor Edwards said. “It must be only about another month for you, Heather, until you add to your clan.”
“Aye, Doctor Edwards, I believe this wee bairn is longing to join us.”
“And Matthew will be returning with the children soon?”
“They are expected back later this week.”
“If you need assistance or anything else before they return, let Betsy or me know.”
“You are both so kind, but I am fine and in no immediate need of help. I have Polly and Thomas. I am not concerned about Matthew’s absence, yet.”
“Very well, we will look forward to seeing you next Sunday.”
Amelia stood, picked up the blanket, and stretched. “I saw you with Hannah earlier. Did she tell you about Tobias?”
“Aye, she did. I fear my attempt to reassure her that war is not inevitable brought little comfort, but I understand her anxiety.”
“Our Cole has made comments about joining the militia. ’Tis no wonder, with the men constantly talking of war.”
“Perhaps the petition to England will settle the dispute. These boys are young and inexperienced. How are they to fight against the Crown’s army?”
Amelia frowned. “None of us knows how this conflict will end, but the siege of Boston and the recent battle at Breed’s Hill makes me think we are closer to becoming part of it.”
“All I think about is Matthew and the children coming home.” She rubbed the small silver Celtic cross that hung from a pale blue ribbon around her neck. It had brought tears to her eyes then and brought warmth to her cheeks now. She got up and signaled Douglas to join her on the creek bank.
“Douglas, we must gather our things and be on our way. The Gordons have already headed back to the Green.”
CHAPTER 16
Heather looked up from the sheet she and Polly were draping over the privet hedge. The approaching wagon on the drive caught her attention. “They are back.” Her heart raced. Having her family reunited brought tears to her eyes. There would surely be no reason for them to be parted again.
“What is all the commotion?” Todd came from behind the Green where he, Philip, and their father had been working on the stone fence. Douglas followed right behind him.
Mary and Mark were waving from the wagon as it neared the house.
Matthew reined in the horses and smiled. “This is a nice welcome home.”
Philip ran to the carriage and helped Mary down.
Thomas approached. “Todd, Philip, help me get these trunks and things inside. Let the Stewarts catch up a bit.” He took the reins while the boys saw to the unloading.
Heather embraced Matthew. Then she went to Mark and Mary for hugs before they headed inside.
Heather peeled Douglas off Mark. “Let Mary and Mark settle in, laddie. ’Twill be plenty of opportunities for you to spend time with them.”
Over the next hour, they reported on the activities around the Green and the surrounding neighborhood. Mark and Mary shared their impressions of the people and places in Philadelphia.
At three, Heather got up to prepare dinner. “Mary, would you help set the table?”
Mary uttered a long sigh. “Yes, ma’am. My brief respite appears to be over.”
Heather took a deep breath. “Holidays end and life with its responsibilities resumes.” She tried to muster sympathy. Lord, help us all to extend patience and grace to one another.
When they sat down to dinner, Matthew had no sooner finished the blessing when Mark began chattering. “Grandpapa took me to the Port of Philadelphia. I read The Life of Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver’s Travels.”
Heather smiled. “Impressive. Mr. Martin will be gratified to know he is motivating his young charges to further their education even when they are not in school.”
Heather turned to Mary. “It sounded like you were busy making calls, shopping, and attending assemblies. What delighted you the most?”
“All of it. We met interesting people, even some members of the Continental Congress. Grandmamma and Grandpapa said they enjoyed our visit, even if sometimes we might have tired them and taxed their patience.”
“I know they enjoyed your visit.” Matthew’s secretive grin at his daughter and the sheepish glance Mary returned sparked her curiosity. Hopefully, he would explain later.
Later that evening, Heather sat on Mary’s bed holding one of the frocks they had unpacked. “These ar
e lovely gowns your grandparents gave you. ’Twas generous of them. I hope it was not because they did not approve of your clothes.”
“Oh no, Grandmamma liked the dresses, but she enjoyed taking me shopping. I think she wanted me to have some gowns that were more elegant for the social engagements we attended.”
“I suppose life in the city would require finer clothes. And she probably had pleasure in having a young lady to shop for as she once did for your mother.” She ran her hand over the ivory dress richly embroidered with a variety of colored silk threads.
“I wore the yellow dress often, and I received multiple compliments on it.”
It touched her that Mary appreciated the dress she’d remade for her. “I have no doubt you were stunning in all of the gowns. You sound as though you genuinely enjoyed yourself.”
“Yes, but I was ill at ease at times. Grandmamma suggested I should work on my deportment. I fear I embarrassed her on more than one occasion. There is so much to learn about serving coffee, which silverware to use for each part of the meal, or handling one’s fan, when and how to address someone, correct conversation, oh, and so much more.”
“Your grandmother is sure to understand that away from the city, you would have little occasion to learn or use these social graces. Perhaps I focused too much on getting your wardrobe ready. I did not even consider you might benefit from reviewing society’s manners.”
“’Tis not your fault. I have no recollection of my mother being as refined in her behavior as Grandmamma, though she must have been before she came to Virginia.”
“I’m sure your grandmother brought your mother up to be a genteel lady, but it may have not been something your mother viewed as essential here.”
Mary hung gowns in the wardrobe, pressing the skirts out with her hands. “I wonder if I will ever have occasion to wear these again.”
“Oh, I suspect you will, my dear, and I will look forward to seeing you in them. Tomorrow, I want to hear all about the people you met and about your visit with the Duncans.”
The frown on Mary’s brow suggested she had some tales to tell, but it would need to wait until later. Heather made her way downstairs.
From his seat in the common area, Matthew smiled at her and turned to Mark. “Well, young man, if you wish to go fishing tomorrow morning, you must complete your chores first. Head off to bed with Douglas.”
“Chores?”
“You have not been gone so long to forget that you still have responsibilities.” Matthew carried the drowsy Douglas upstairs with Mark following.
Less than an hour later, Matthew came into the kitchen, put his arms around her, and nuzzled her neck.
“I got the bread started for tomorrow,” she said. Why did she allow anything to trouble her when this wonderful husband made her life so complete?
She turned and drew her arms up, wrapping them around his broad shoulders. “I’m so glad you and the children are home.”
He gently caressed her cheek and neck and then held up two of his fingers with a dusting of flour on them. “You have immersed yourself in your work, my dear.”
“Well, I am exhausted and ready for bed. Are you ready to go up?”
“After I make the rounds outside. Thomas and I will need to get started on repairing the barn. I’m thankful none of you were hurt in the storm.”
Upstairs, she checked on the children before going to their room, pausing to take in the sights of Mary and Mark in their beds. How she’d missed them when they were gone. But now, her family was all gathered close again.
She left the children to sleep and went to her own bedroom. She had braided her hair by the time Matthew came through the door.
“Now tell me,” she said, “what was your impression of Mary and Mark’s visit with their grandparents? Do you believe it went well?”
“John and Louisa were very grateful to spend time with them.” His mischievous smile intrigued her.
“What else?”
“I suspect they were also pleased when I came to retrieve them. Who would blame them? It has been a long time since they had youngsters around.”
“Of course. Were there problems? Mary had rather a coy look about her at dinner.”
“Having an attractive, maturing young lady around may have posed challenges they had not anticipated.”
“Oh, Matthew, please explain that.”
“Mary caught the attention of the young Irish cabinetmaker she mentioned in her letter, and I doubt John and Louisa were prepared for some of the flirtation between the two of them.”
“Oh, my. Mary and I will need to chat about that,” Heather said.
“You are much more equipped to guide her through some of these areas than I am, my love. God blessed me when you showed up on the Providence.”
“I think we both agree the Lord worked in mysterious ways that day. Good night, my love.”
CHAPTER 17
Heather walked around the side of the Green, dragging the small wagon filled with squash and root vegetables. She approached Mary. “Polly and I picked these, but she needed to see to Laura. When you can, please take these down to the cellar.”
The girl’s eyes narrowed. “Where is Mark? I have been finishing the laundry.”
“He went fishing after helping the Gordon boys split wood this morning. ’Tis been over a month since the two of you returned from Philadelphia, yet you seem to be having a hard time adjusting to the work involved in a farm and ordinary.”
Polly returned with Laura.
Mary’s shoulders sagged. “I apologize and will take them down as soon as I finish spreading the laundry.”
Polly handed Laura to Heather. “I will help Mary.”
“I appreciate you both. Once this wee one is born, I will be back to my old self.”
The sound came of a horse and rider rapidly approaching on the lane leading to the Green. Heather shaded her eyes from the sun as she peered down the drive “’Tis George Whitcomb. I wonder what brings him here at such a pace.”
Polly wiped her hands. “He is not coming from his farm.”
Matthew jogged from the barn and joined the women as George pulled the horse to a stop. “What is it?”
“Word came ...” George caught his breath. “The King issued a proclamation in August declaring the colonials are ‘engaged in open and avowed rebellion.’”
Still holding Laura, Heather turned to Matthew. “What does that mean? Surely the King has known of the events occurring throughout the colonies.”
Matthew removed his hat and wiped the perspiration from his brow. His focus shifted from George to her. “’Tis a formality that will serve as a precursor to whatever actions result. The British, particularly those loyal to the Crown already on this side of the Atlantic, will direct more aggression toward us.” Matthew waved at George. “Come inside and have a cool drink.”
George pulled the reins of his horse. “No. I got the news at the Falls Church and have stopped several places already. I need to get home. We can talk at church tomorrow.”
Matthew nodded. “Tomorrow it is.”
George turned his horse’s head in the direction of his farm and rode off.
Mary walked over from the hedgerow, frowning. “Will the fighting with the English get worse, Papa?”
“’Tis likely to, and we need to be prepared.”
Heather and Matthew looked into each other’s eyes. His face was a picture of resolve.
She had prayed that an agreement could be worked out, but it sounded now as if all hope was gone.
Later that day, Matthew sat on a bench in the barn cleaning another hunting rifle when he heard Mary calling him. “What is it, poppet?”
“Two gentlemen just rode up looking for you. Do you want me to send them in here?”
He walked to the door. Stephens and Jones again. “Yes, ask them to come over here.”
“Do you think they will be staying? I can go and tell Mama.”
“No need. They shan’t be staying.
”
She tilted her head. “How do you know that?”
“I just know. Go inside and help your mother. She is near her time and needs rest.”
From the barn door, he watched Mary return and deliver his instructions, then wander inside.
Stephens reached the door first and whispered, “You alone?”
“Yes, come over here ... out of sight.” Matthew pointed toward one of the stalls, which was out of view from outside but a good spot from which he could keep an eye on the door in case anyone approached.
Jones thrust a packet at him.
Stephens looked nervous. “’Tis for Ferguson in Philadelphia.”
Matthew looked briefly at the sealed packet. He could not leave Heather now, not this close to the child’s arrival. He had been just as anxious as when Douglas and John were born. Did this packet have anything to do with the King’s proclamation? The danger was increasing in this venture. “You find out anything about that chap, Cranford?”
“Not yet.”
“What is the reaction in Philadelphia and Alexandria to the King’s proclamation?”
“The Convention reconvened mid-September. The announcement did not catch the Patriots by surprise and will only embolden Loyalists. Be careful, in case you are being observed or followed.”
Matthew wiped the perspiration from his brow. “I’m not leaving for a few weeks.”
Jones’ brow furrowed. “Why not?”
“I’m not leaving my wife until after the baby is born and I know she is well.
Stephens and Jones looked at each other.
“’Twill either wait until next month, or you may find someone else to make the delivery.”
Stephens grimaced. “Just get it to him as soon as you can.”
“I will.” He was torn, but as long as Heather and the baby were doing well, he would honor this commitment. After this trip, he would need to determine whether to continue.
CHAPTER 18
A Heart for Freedom: He longs for freedom, but won’t risk the lives of those he loves. Page 11