The Mayflower Bride

by Kimberley Woodhouse

  “I’m in here.”

  William came through the curtain. “Your sister was worried about you.”

  “I just wanted to visit my father and give him the news.”

  “That was a wonderful idea. Did you get to tell him?”

  David nodded and took a deep breath. “He was awake for a few moments.”

  “That’s good.” William turned his body toward the curtain. “Have you been up to see it yet?”

  He shook his head. Looking down at his father, he knew the man was in a deep sleep. David stood. “Is Mary Elizabeth up there?”

  “She is. And she’s excited to share it with you.” Mr. Lytton placed a hand on his shoulder and led him out of the quarters.

  “Mr. Lytton, could I ask a favor of you?”

  “Of course.”

  David clasped his hands behind his back like he’d seen so many of the men do as they discussed important topics. “Would you help me build a house for my family?”

  CHAPTER 17

  As the Mayflower drew nearer to the shore, a new sense of delight made Mary Elizabeth smile. After so many days at sea, they were finally here. No matter what they faced next, it couldn’t be near as horrifying as what they’d been through already. She was sure of it.

  With David at her side, she watched the approaching land.

  “Look at the birds, Mary Elizabeth!” David pointed up. “There’s a lot more of them now.”

  “Aye. There are.” She looked down at her little brother and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. “It’s exciting, isn’t it?”

  He beamed a smile up to her.

  “Mary Elizabeth—I’ve got some news.” William walked up beside them. “They’ve determined that it is indeed Cape Cod before us, and so we will begin to head south.”

  “We can’t stay here?” Her brother chimed in.

  William tilted his head. “Well, you see, we don’t have the documents that we need to stay here. Our patent is for Virginia territory—near the Hudson River.”

  “Ugh.” David slouched and smacked his forehead with his hand. Then he looked up to her. “Does this mean we have to stay on this boat for a lot longer?”

  Laughter started in her stomach and bubbled up as she watched David’s dramatic disgust with this new information. “Hopefully not a great deal longer. Just enough time for us to reach Virginia.”

  “And Master Jones will no doubt keep us close to shore as we travel, so we’ll get to see lots of new sights.” William nodded to David.

  Her little brother furrowed his brow. “How will he know where it’s safe to sail?”

  Mary Elizabeth grimaced. “I don’t know.” She looked to William—hopefully he knew more about sailing than she did.

  William took David by the shoulder and pointed. “See that man standing on the forecastle?”

  “Aye.”

  “That man’s job is to let the ship master know the depth.”

  “How does he know?”

  Mary Elizabeth was just as curious as David, and she stepped forward too.

  William chuckled. “He’s got two different lead lines. So he’s called the leadsman. One is a shorter line called a hand lead, and the other is called a dipsy lead or deep-sea lead. There’s a large weight on the end of a long line that the leadsman heaves overboard. He measures the depth by how much line goes out.”

  “Oh. That makes sense.” David nodded.

  William pointed behind them to Master Jones standing high up on the aft castle poop deck. “From up there, Jones can see everything that’s ahead. The leadsman shouts the depth, and then Master Jones can direct the helmsman who’s in the small steerage room below him.”

  “Do you think we’ll get there today?”

  “Probably not.”

  “Well, that’s no fun. I was hoping to run on shore today.” David turned to Mary Elizabeth. “Don’t forget about our race. You promised.”

  “I won’t.” The little imp. Of course he’d have to bring that up now.

  William raised an eyebrow and smirked at her. “What’s this?”

  David rolled his eyes and sighed. “Mary Elizabeth says she’s gonna race me when we get to the new land. She made a deal with me when I was sick. But you know girls. They’re not very fast. Especially when they’re old like she is.”

  William’s laughter echoed over the whole deck.

  It made Mary Elizabeth smile. “That’s quite enough, David. You never know, I just might beat you in that race.”

  “I don’t know.” William gave her a wink. “You’re awfully old.”

  Peter watched Lytton talking to those Saint people. Well at least he was occupied for the time being.

  He looked around the deck. John Alden was on the other side, talking to some of the other passengers. Enough people were top deck that maybe Peter wouldn’t be noticed if he snuck down below.

  Making his way down the steps, the dim interior of the gun deck was in stark contrast to the sunlight from above. No one had thought to open up the gun ports yet today. Probably because they were all too worried about seeing land and how they would get to the right place.

  It offered him the perfect opportunity to snoop.

  As he came to Lytton’s bed and trunk, he noticed the lock. Now why would a man lock his trunk unless he was hiding something? He’d have to make note of that to anyone who would listen when he brought all this to light. Another reason why Mr. William Lytton couldn’t be trusted.

  Peter dug around in the bed and came up with nothing.

  The book he’d seen Lytton so diligently write in must be in the trunk.

  Well, he wouldn’t be able to keep it hidden forever.

  The disagreements between the Saints and the Strangers would play right into Peter’s hand. If he could keep them from working together, then he could accuse William of sabotage for his own gain, and the man would lose the trust of everyone.

  Once word got back to the Merchant Adventurers, Peter could ask for the job.

  Then all would be as it should.

  The sunshine, the cold, crisp air, and the shore on the steerboard side of the Mayflower made William smile. They were here.

  Soon they’d find a place for the settlement and begin to build. This first winter might be hard since they’d arrived so late, but the days of being stuck on a ship with no land in sight were finally over.

  Mary Elizabeth had gone down below with David to help feed people too sick to move. But as the day progressed, many more of the weakened passengers made their way to the main deck. The calmer seas along with the knowledge that land was in sight was enough to rouse many from their beds.

  William watched several people lean on the larboard bulwark. With all the excitement of the morning behind him, he had to admit there was gravity in their situation. This wouldn’t be easy. The sixty-plus day journey had taken its toll on all of them. Most were weakened and on the verge of scurvy and who knew what else. Still many were bedridden with disease. Rations were low, and the beer barrels were almost empty.

  “Avast! Yaw, Yaw, Yaw!”

  William jerked his head toward the leadsman on the forecastle and then back to Jones on the aft castle. The leadsman pointed ahead.

  Jones looked through his spyglass and barked commands to the crew.

  Men climbed the masts like monkeys and began to work the five square sails. One man climbed out on the bowsprit to tame the spritsail. The Mayflower shifted its bow larboard, and William got a look at what lay ahead.

  Roaring breakers and white-capped seas tumbled over one another. This was what the ship master had been worried about. The uncharted seas between Virginia and Cape Cod held dangers they knew nothing about.

  Apparently, they were about to find out how dangerous.

  Footsteps sounded behind William.

  “What is it? What’s going on?” Mary Elizabeth tugged on his arm.

  “There seas ahead of us appear to be quite tumultuous.” William pointed.

  Mary Elizabeth gaspe
d and put a hand over her mouth. “What should I do?”

  “Make sure everyone is secure below and make sure all the gun ports and hatches are closed…just in case.” William gave her hand a swift squeeze. He didn’t have the right, but they’d been through so much together already and he wanted her to know his comfort. “And we really should pray.”

  Brewster stood on deck, directing his parishioners back below. His calm voice was reassuring and gentle. But William wondered what the man was thinking.

  He looked heavenward. Lord, You’ve brought Your people this far. They sure could use Your help.

  William wasn’t sure about how to pray, but Mr. Brewster had told him just to talk to God. For now, that would have to do.

  The wind was from the north pushing them south—which had been lovely and aimed them in the correct direction until they’d hit the breakers. Now they didn’t have a way to turn around or break free from the dangerous water ahead.

  Master Jones yelled commands that William didn’t understand. How would he be able to get them through? The ship sat sideways dangerously close to getting swept into the current and tide that seemed to go every which direction.

  As they were sucked into the waves, William got a closer look. These weren’t just treacherous tides and breakers, there were shoals just below the surface that could cause them to shipwreck.

  Lord, help us.

  CHAPTER 18

  After hours of fighting the seas and much prayer below decks, the Mayflower freed herself from the peril. Mary Elizabeth sat with her father and told him all about what had happened. She wasn’t sure if he could hear her or not, but it soothed her heart to be able to share it with him.

  The only problem now was that Master Jones had made a decision and turned them back toward Cape Cod.

  “Father, I don’t know what is going to happen. We don’t have permission to settle there, but Mr. Jones fears it is too dangerous for us to venture on. We don’t have enough food nor drink.” She sighed and looked down at the frayed handkerchief in her lap. “While most of us are eager to have the sea journey over and be on dry land, there’s still the problem with our patent. And so the bickering is back. Elder Brewster and Mr. Bradford are doing their best to calm everyone, but I am afraid it will be a mess.”

  “Miss Chapman?” The sound of William’s deep voice made her stomach do a flip.

  “I’m in here with Father.”

  He entered through the curtain and knelt beside her. “How is he doing?”

  “He hasn’t been awake for some time, but I was just telling him all about the adventures of the day.” Mary Elizabeth smiled. She felt such a strong pull—a connection—to the man beside her. Even though she knew little about his past—and so many other things.

  William covered her hand with his own. “I try to visit him often.”

  She ducked her head and felt the heat rush to her cheeks. “I know. Father told me.”

  “I don’t wish to make you uncomfortable.” He touched her cheek with his knuckle.

  Mary Elizabeth shook her head. “Not at all. I’m glad you’re here.”

  “I saw David a few minutes ago. He was entertaining the younger More children.”

  “He’s been such a big help.” She looked back down at the handkerchief. Awkward silence spread between them. Why couldn’t they just share their hearts?

  “Well, I thought maybe you’d like me to sit with your father while you go see Dorothy.” William rescued her from saying something silly.

  “Thank you. I know Father would like that.” She hurried out through the curtain and put her hands to her cheeks. This was exactly why she’d never spent time with a young man before.

  She had no idea what she was doing. William probably thought she was an ignorant and naive little girl.

  Shaking her head, she went to see Dorothy. Her friend had gotten worse, and the Raynsfords weren’t improving either. If only she could have a heart-to-heart chat with her friend right now. She needed guidance.

  Dorothy opened her eyes a hair’s breadth when Mary Elizabeth sat next to her. “Hi.”

  “Oh, my friend. How are you feeling?” Mary Elizabeth took Dorothy’s chilled hand into her own.

  “Not very good.” Her lips were chapped, and was that blood between her teeth?

  Mary Elizabeth worked to keep the tears at bay, but her eyes stung. “We’ll have you better in no time. We should be in a safe harbor soon.”

  “They’ve spotted land?” Dorothy’s voice cracked.

  “Yes. And it’s a glorious sight.”

  “God is good, isn’t He, Mary Elizabeth?” She closed her eyes.

  “Yes, He is, my friend.”

  “How’s William?” Dorothy’s lips stretched into a slight smile. “Are you betrothed yet?”

  “Dorothy Raynsford, hush your mouth.” Mary Elizabeth looked around to make sure no one was listening.

  A half groan, half laugh escaped her friend’s lips. “I have to tease you. You’re my dearest friend.”

  “And you’re mine. So I need you to fight whatever this is so you can tease me some more and keep me on my toes.”

  Dorothy gave a slight nod. “Give my little King David a hug.”

  “I will.” Mary Elizabeth leaned down to kiss her friend’s forehead. It was still so very hot, but Dorothy’s hands were like ice in contrast. “I love you.” Her whispered words floated in the air.

  Dorothy was already asleep again.

  Standing up, Mary Elizabeth left her friend’s side and checked on a few of the sickest. Little Jasper More hadn’t spoken in days, even though his siblings seemed to be improving. Then there was the beautiful Priscilla Mullins who’d been the first person to get seasick. As Mary Elizabeth went to check on her, she found the lady sitting up.

  “Miss Mullins.” Mary Elizabeth was shocked. “It’s so good to see you up.”

  “Thank you, Miss Chapman. I hear you are the one I need to thank.”

  “For what?” Mary Elizabeth sat down next to her.

  “For taking care of all of us.” The young woman had to be around Mary Elizabeth’s own age. But her cheeks were pale and thin.

  “It was the Christian thing to do.” Mary Elizabeth had never been good at taking compliments. She ducked her head.

  “I hope that we can be friends.” Priscilla’s hand touched Mary Elizabeth’s.

  She nodded. “I’d like that very much. Is there anything I can do for you?”

  “No. That is not unless you want to take me up the steps for some fresh air.” Priscilla laughed. “I don’t think I can walk yet, but I sure would love to see the sky.”

  “I don’t think I could manage it on my own, but let me recruit some help.”

  “That would be lovely.” Priscilla’s smile lit up the dim area.

  “I’ll be back.” Mary Elizabeth left with a lift to her spirits. Even surrounded by all these people for months on end, she’d felt alone in so many ways. And now God had seen fit to give her new friends. William, John, Priscilla…The future seemed very bright.

  When she made it back to her quarters, William was still beside her father. “William, could you find John Alden for me?”

  “Of course.” He stood. “Can I be of assistance in any way?”

  “Well, I was hoping John could carry Priscilla Mullins top deck, and then the four of us could see the stars together.”

  His smile filled his face.

  “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”

  The brilliance of the night sky couldn’t compare to the woman beside him. William watched Mary Elizabeth’s face as she gazed at the canopy of stars above them.

  “Do you know many of the constellations?” She looked at him, a sweet smile parting her red lips.

  “Sadly, no.” He pointed to the one he knew. “That’s the Big Dipper. And that’s the extent of my knowledge in the area.” How could he tell her that he lived on the streets of London as a child and didn’t have much schooling? Paul had helped him learn
the basics. How to read and write quite well, and to work with sums. But there hadn’t been time for anything else as he’d apprenticed as a carpenter. Would she think he was uneducated?

  “That’s all right. I don’t remember many of them either. I guess I would make a paltry sailor.” Her light laughter sounded like chimes in the air.

  “What are the things you love most, Mary Elizabeth?” William leaned on the bulwark and stared at her profile as she looked into the sky. She was beautiful.

  She turned her face to him and blinked several times. “Well…I’m not sure. No one’s ever asked me that before.”

  “What do you love to do? What are your hopes and dreams?”

  More blinking. But she didn’t look away. “Love to do? Hmmm …” She bit her lip. “I enjoy cooking. And sewing…Is that what you mean?”

  He smiled. “I just want to know more about you. Is that all you love to do? You also didn’t answer about your hopes and dreams …”

  “Well, I guess, I don’t know what I love to do. I enjoy many things, but I’ve always been pretty…occupied with chores and work. As to your other question, I want what I presume every young woman wants…to marry and have a family.” Her cheeks turned pink.

  “Anything else?”

  “To raise my children so that they love the Lord.” She looked back to the sky. “What about you?”

  William’s heart pounded in his chest. “I always thought I wanted to do something important and be somebody influential. But now, my dreams have changed.”

  “In what way?” She turned back to him.

  “I want to find love. Real love. Get married and raise a family.” He gazed deep into her eyes. “And I want to help orphan children. Not just take them in and work them as servants, but show them that they are important too. That they are…loved.”

  “Oh, William.” She took a step closer to him.

  “Good evening,” John called from the top step of the companionway.

  William took a deep breath and glanced at his friend.

  “Would it be all right if we join you?” His friend carried a lovely young woman over to the steerboard bulwark.

  Mary Elizabeth waved her arm. “Of course, that was the whole plan.” She moved a crate closer to her. “Here’s a place for Miss Mullins to sit in case she can’t stand for very long.”