The late October air was crisp, and the amber and red leaves on the trees were bright in the morning sunlight as the Stewarts made their way to church the following day. Heather put her arm through Matthew’s. “I love the sound of the horse and wheels driving over the fallen leaves and the musty fragrance they release.”
Matthew glanced at her each time the carriage jostled on the rut-filled road. She tried to hide her cringing, but by the concerned look on his face, he wasn’t convinced. In back, Douglas quizzed Mark about the number of rabbits he’d trapped. Mary sat in silence.
When they got out of the carriage and started walking toward the chapel, Heather took a deep breath. She had felt odd since breakfast had ended.
Sitting through the long service didn’t help. After, Mary pointed to a bench Philip had brought out from the school. “Mama, go sit down. I can get the baskets from the carriage.”
“I think I will.”
Heather rubbed her lower back to relieve the pressure and cramping and sat on the bench. Ten minutes later, Martha returned with Mary, each carrying a basket.
Heather only half listened to the women’s conversation around her while they ate. The children were in gaggles enjoying themselves, and the men were standing by the creek in an animated conversation. Discussing the Crown’s proclamation, no doubt.
An hour later, after bidding their farewells, most of the neighbors, laden with pots and baskets, made their way back to their wagons and buggies.
Heather smiled up at Matthew when he reached for her arm. “’Twill be good to get home.” He had been very solicitous the past week, checking on her numerous times each day. Was he thinking about Elizabeth and their baby and how they’d both passed away so quickly after she’d given birth?
The cramping had intensified by the time they reached the wagon. Mary lifted Douglas up to Mark, who was already seated.
A sharp pain left Heather breathless. She gasped and leaned against the front wheel. “Your father, Mary. Where is your father?”
Mary came to her side and held her. “He was speaking to Doctor Edwards. I will help you up.”
Matthew hurried to the wagon.
Heather gripped Matthew’s arm like a vise while he and Mary lifted her into the carriage. “We need to get home. ’Tis time.”
“I know.” Matthew kissed her cheek after getting her settled. “The Gordons and Betsy Edwards are coming right behind us. Everything will be fine.”
She looked over at him, trying to steady her breathing. “God willing.”
They headed down the lane at a rapid pace.
The older children were silent, but Douglas sounded excited and oblivious to her circumstances. “Go faster, Papa. Who are we racing?”
Mary nudged her brother. “Quiet, Douglas,”
In their bedroom back at the Green, Heather struggled to catch her breath between cramps. How long had she been there? Polly Gordon and Betsy Edwards were at her bedside. “I’m glad you came.”
Betsy squeezed her hand. “I wouldn’t be anyplace else.”
They appeared to have the situation well in hand. Matthew had come to the door a couple of times. Heather arched her back as the last pain seared through her body. Her eyes closed tight, and her teeth clenched. She reached for Betsy’s hand. “How long has it been ... the time?” She squeezed it as the pain reached its peak.
“I believe it is five or a little after.” Betsy’s easy smile held no concern.
She took another deep breath as the pain subsided.
“’Twill not be long now. Polly went downstairs to let Matthew and the children know how you are.”
“Oh.” Another pain, so soon. She bit her lip.
Polly entered the bedroom carrying a large bowl. “How is she doing?”
“The pains are getting closer. I believe Heather will be holding her baby very soon.” Polly set the bowl down on the stand nearby and rubbed a cool, damp cloth across her face.
The pressure to bear down intensified. Aye, it must be soon. Her friends at the foot of the bed sprang into action.
Minutes later, Heather held her swaddled baby girl close. Tears ran down her cheeks as she kissed the tiny face. A wee lass to love.
Polly asked, “Shall we get Matthew so he can meet his new little daughter?”
“Aye, please do. Would you prop me up first?”
Polly stepped out while Betsy placed some pillows behind her and brushed the damp strands of hair that had worked free from the rest.
Heather gazed down at the sleeping child in her arms. Tears flowed. Each life is a miraculous gift from God. I’m so grateful, Lord. She looked up at the sound of the door opening.
Matthew entered, smiling, and Betsy departed.
“My love, you look lovely holding our daughter.” He sat on the side of the bed and pulled back the cloth. “She is beautiful, just like her mother.”
She reached up and caressed his cheek. “She is precious, and I’m so thankful.” With his kiss, her tears returned. “Oh, dearest, I’m so overwhelmed with emotion.”
“You have every right to be after the sorrows you have known. Tell me, my sweet, do you think she looks like a Sara Stewart, or do you want a different name for her now that you have met her? She looks fair like you.”
Her mind raced back to her days on the Providence and her short but treasured friendship with Sara Macmillan, who perished on their journey from Scotland. You will be named Sara just like my wise and loving friend. “Sara Stewart she is, if that meets your approval.”
“It does.” He placed one arm under the swaddling cloth and lifted the quiet child, holding her close to him.
“We dedicate this child, this girl, and the woman she will grow to be to You, Lord. Please guide us as we raise her to know, love, and serve You all the days of her life.” Matthew bent over their sleeping daughter and kissed her delicate fair head.
He placed Sara back in her arms and stood. “I will bring the other children up if you wish. They are eager to meet their sister.”
“Aye, let them come and meet Sara.”
CHAPTER 19
Matthew washed at the well before heading inside, leaving Thomas and the boys still at work on the other side of the barn. It had been a fortnight since Sara’s birth, and he needed to talk with Heather alone. The trip to Philadelphia had to be done now, and he could no longer put off telling her. Since Sara had been safely delivered and Heather was recovering, he had been at odds with himself on how soon to leave, but he needed to be back before hog-killing time. More than once, the family had chided him about his distracted state. He’d take Heather for a walk since challenging topics were best addressed when they were free from distractions. Mary was inside and could watch over Sara.
Upon entering the kitchen and spotting a kettle boiling over, Matthew picked up a hook and swung the trammel, removing it from the heat. Heather must have left it to tend the baby and forgotten it.
He walked to the common room. Heather was seated and mending near a sunny window, tapping on one of the cradle legs to make it rock. What a look of pure joy she had watching the sleeping infant. “I was hoping we could have some time together, maybe take a walk to the pond. I can ask Mary to watch over Sara while we are gone.”
She looked at him and smiled. “I would like that. We need to talk. Mary is in the kitchen making soup.”
“Mary was not there when I came through. I shifted the boiling kettle away from the fire.”
“Oh, my,” Heather got up and walked toward the kitchen. He followed.
Just as they both got there, Mary came through the back door and rushed to the kettle. “I went to the garden to pick herbs for the soup. I did not think it would boil that fast.” Her lips pressed together and brow furrowed.
Heather stifled a grin. “No harm done. You are not the first young woman to let a pot boil over or even burn a meal. We have all done it, and more than once.”
“What about the soup?” Mary asked.
Matthew came alongsid
e Mary. “Add some more water and ’twill be fine.”
Mary sighed. “In Philadelphia, my biggest concern was what to wear to an assembly or which fork to use with the chilled crab.”
Matthew put an arm around her. “Unless you marry a wealthy man, you need to know how to cook and keep a house.”
Mary returned his hug. “Marrying a wealthy man sounds more to my liking.”
Heather laughed. “Running a fine household has its own troublesome tasks. Such a lady must manage and care for servants, budget funds, allocate purchases, plan meals, and perform other chores you might find disagreeable. Nobody’s life is as carefree as you might think.”
Mary poured water into the kettle and began chopping the herbs. “’Tis not likely I would meet, much less marry, a man of means.”
Matthew returned the trammel holding the kettle to its spot over the fire. “Our hope for you children is that you marry a person of godly character whom you respect and love. Since you are not yet sixteen, you have plenty of time. Heather was near thirty when we married.”
“How dreadful to still be unmarried by—” Mary’s eyes widened, and her hand went to her crimson cheek. “I did not mean ...”
Laughing, Heather put her arm around the girl. “Marriage for me came past the age when most girls marry, but waiting turned out to be a blessing.” Heather approached Matthew and put her arm through his.
“’Twill happen in God’s timing, poppet,” Matthew said. “Would you mind caring for Sara while your mother and I take a walk?”
“Of course.” Mary nodded. “And I will make sure the kettle is moved before it boils again.”
Polly came in the kitchen door. “A coach is approaching.”
Heather placed her hand on Polly’s back. “Matthew and I were just about to take a walk.”
“Go ahead. I will see to the guests.”
As Polly headed to the door, Matthew said, “We shan’t be long.”
A minute later, Polly returned to the kitchen. “’Tis the Duncans.”
Matthew looked at Heather. The disappointment in her eyes matched his feelings. “Our walk will have to wait.” He would have to tell her later.
Todd, Mark, and Philip approached the Duncans’ carriage when it came to a stop in front of the Green. Matthew and Heather drew near, smiling and waving.
“First things first.” Maggie climbed down. “Looking at you, I know a baby has been born who I long to meet.”
Adam helped the children step down from the coach. The Duncan boys took off in Mark’s direction. Jean grinned when she spotted Mary coming out the front door.
As hugs were passed around, Heather waved to Adam and the others. “You must be hungry. We will have plenty for supper. Come inside and meet Sara.”
Heather ushered them to the cradle in the common room. “Meet Sara Stewart.”
Maggie leaned over the sleeping babe. “She is beautiful.”
Douglas stood near the cradle. Maggie squatted and opened her arms to him. “What do you think of your baby sister?”
“She is small, very noisy, and sometimes smells.”
Everyone laughed.
Later, Matthew took Adam aside near the well. “How is your family? Maggie seems less anxious.”
“We are well and adjusting to Donald’s absence. Heather looks besotted with Sara.”
“She is a charmer. I’m grateful both Heather and Sara are doing well.” Matthew looked around. No one else was in sight. “I will be gone for a while to purchase some Devon cattle and other things for the farm. I put it off long enough. I have not mentioned it to Heather yet, but I wanted you to know.” His life was becoming a series of half-truths, but there was no other way. Confiding in his friend would bring a measure of peace, but it wasn’t worth the risk. “We should join the others.”
“We are on our way to Leesburg. Are there spare rooms for us to stay here tonight?”
“Certainly, we have no other guests.”
They joined the others in the common room. Matthew poured cider into two tankards and handed one to Adam.
After supper while they were still seated around the table, Matthew leaned toward Mary. “The soup was quite good.”
“Thank you, Papa.” She winked at him and turned to Maggie. “What do you hear from Donald?”
Maggie’s expression grew solemn as she studied her bowl.
Adam cleared his throat. “We understand he was in the Hampton area with Colonel Woodford and the militia.”
Heather glanced at Maggie. “Is trouble expected there?”
Matthew got up and added a couple of pieces of wood to the fire. “With the Royal Navy and Lord Dunmore still in the area, a confrontation is expected.”
Adam’s eyes met his. “A ship left Alexandria full of Tories headed to England. I suspect more will follow. Last week, two ships left from the port of Norfolk.”
Matthew rejoined the group. “Events are moving fast. We are praying for Donald’s safety, as well as that of the other soldiers.”
He could no longer put off telling Heather of his intended departure. She would need a couple of days to adjust to the idea. He did not want to leave her upset. He hated the idea of leaving her at all.
The next day after the Duncans’ departure, Heather watched Matthew as he strode toward the barn. What was bothering him? Perhaps they could go for their walk now. She sighed and placed her hand on Mark’s shoulder. “Please take Douglas inside and watch over him. I want to speak with your papa. Sara should sleep for a while.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Shivering in the crisp fall air, she wrapped her shawl tighter around herself and entered the barn. As her eyes adjusted to the diminished light, she looked around the large expanse. Sounds from one of the stalls directed her path.
Matthew was brushing down the mare but stopped when she approached.
For a moment she stood silently. His brown eyes, so penetrating, caught hers. “Are the boys inside?”
“Aye.” She looked around until she located an old crate, which she moved closer to him and sat upon. The sounds of the animals were pleasant, but they would not answer her questions. “Matthew.”
“What is on your mind?”
“That is the question I have for you. What has you so unsettled? You are not yourself.”
He returned to brushing the mare, slowly and deliberately. “I need to go away for a time, around two weeks, maybe more.” His eyes met hers only briefly. “Some farm business. I am looking into purchasing some equipment and some Devon cattle.”
“This is the first time you said anything about a trip. How long have you been planning this?”
“I wanted to wait until after the baby came. I need to get this done before hog-killing time.”
She studied him. Something didn’t feel right. “Purchasing farm equipment and animals has you troubled?” She got up and walked to where he stood on the opposite side of the mare. She reached up and stroked Tillie’s smooth chestnut neck. “You seem so distant lately.” She tried to make eye contact with him.
He avoided her gaze. “Please forgive me if I have not been myself of late. My thoughts have been on the farm and all the talk of separating from England.” He put the brush down, walked over to her, and opened his arms. She stepped into them.
He gently brushed the loose hair from her face and held her close. “You are dearer to me than you will ever know.”
His kiss reassured her, but as he pulled back, something in his face still begged questions. He took her hand and led her to a bench against the wall. “Winter is coming. We will have more time together then.”
“Gone a fortnight?”
“Possibly more.”
“We will—” His warm mouth on hers made it difficult to think straight. His kisses always made her lose her train of thought.
As they walked hand in hand back to the Green, she listened to his instructions on what to anticipate during his absence.
He glanced toward the cottage. “Thomas a
nd the boys can take care of anything that might occur.”
She took a deep breath as they approached the door. “When will you be leaving?’
“Day after tomorrow.”
“Where are you going?”
The door opened, and Mary stormed outside. “Oh, good, you are back. Where were you?”
Mark was right behind her, scowling. “I told you, they were in the barn.”
“Please tell Mark to leave me alone. He keeps pestering me.”
“Shall we discuss this inside and not annoy the Gordons?” Matthew steered them back into the common room. “Now, what is the problem?”
Mark looked defensive. “There is no problem.”
Douglas, seated at the far end of the room near Sara’s cradle, looked confused.
Heather picked Sara up and sat on a bench, shaking her head. “You two need to work out whatever petty quarrel you are having. What upset you so, Mary?”
Mary shook her head. “’Tis not worth all the fuss. Forget about it.”
“Philip and Mary were kissing.” Douglas’s words brought silence to the room, and everyone’s focus shifted to him.
Like speeding bullets, Matthew’s eyes met Heather’s before turning to their daughter.
Mary’s face turned crimson. “’Tis not as Douglas says.”
Heather placed her hand on Mary’s shoulder. “I am going upstairs to feed Sara. Perhaps you should come with me and tell me what happened.”
Mark held up his hands. “I did not tell them.”
Mary scowled at him before she headed upstairs.
Heather followed. Lord, please help me to listen and to advise with the right words.
Mary, still blushing, reached the upper hallway. “Your room?”
“Aye, ’twill give us some privacy.” They sat on the large bed. She began feeding Sara while Mary’s eyes filled with tears.
“It did not happen as Douglas suggested, exactly. I went for a walk after the Duncans left, but I soon headed back. I cried, thinking about Donald being in the militia, and Philip came over and asked me what had troubled me. I explained and ... he held me ... like a brother. You know how tenderhearted Philip is.”
A Heart for Freedom: He longs for freedom, but won’t risk the lives of those he loves. Page 12