A Place in His Heart

by Rebecca DeMarino

  They stood there, three sisters, arms crossed to hold the other’s hand. Their eyes met in unspoken agreement.

  Winnie beamed. “It is like I taught you, Mary, three sisters of the land: corn, beans, and the squash. Mary, Patience, and Winnie.”

  “I love that, Winnie. With each other we are complete. We can do anything.”

  Barnabas stood on the shell-strewn shore and watched The Swallow with its sails at rest in the calm air. He paced as he waited for Jeremy to appear on the deck.

  Word came early morning a ship had dropped anchor, and he’d wasted no time getting down to the landing. Hallock’s Landing they now called it.

  Jeremy was long overdue and concern for his safety was almost a daily conversation with Mary. Hopefully she would not be too upset with him. He should have told her right away The Swallow had arrived. But Jeremy should have the bed and that needed to be a surprise. The house wasn’t finished yet, and he would need to figure out how to store it until it was.

  The crew unloaded cargo from hand to hand. At long last Jeremy appeared up through the scuttle, and Barnabas let his breath ease out.

  He met Jeremy halfway up the gangway, and the brothers clasped each other in a bear hug, neither wanting to let go. At length, they pulled back and viewed one another.

  “You’ve got a might more gray there, Barn, eh?” A big Horton grin plastered his face.

  “Mary prefers to call it silver. And you have as much, little brother.” Barnabas clapped him on the back. “The bed, Jeremy. You brought the bed?”

  “Certes. I would not have come back without it.”

  “Aye. But truly, where have you been? You have had us all worried. Mary, especially. She needs news of her family, of course, but she’s been worried your ship had fallen to its fate.”

  “I’ve had a few good go-rounds to be sure, but my Swallow’s a hardy one and there’s not much I cannot outmaneuver. I did wait out a few storms, though, while in England, and it gave me time with Mother and Father and some time in London.”

  “I thought you were going to tell me you met a lady and were detained.” His chuckle caught the attention of the rest of the men.

  “Prithee, let me introduce you to my crew. They will help us get the bed to the wagon. And of course, I have a trunk which we’ll take to your cottage, filled with trinkets and letters from home. But you will need to tell us how you want to present the bed to Mary. I know it’s a surprise.”

  “The cottage is not much more than a hut at present, but what I’m building is much more than a simple cottage. ’Twill be a house with plenty of room for little Hortons.”

  “Heigh-ho, Barn, is there finally a poppet running around? Mary must be overjoyed.”

  “Nay. But someday there will be.”

  Jeremy began to say something but closed his mouth with a shrug instead.

  The men formed a chain once again and handed the goods up to Barnabas and Jeremy, who packed the wagon. When all was loaded, the two brothers climbed aboard and turned Northstar toward the center of town.

  Once the bed was hidden beneath shingles behind the new house, Barnabas went on at length about the construction of the timber-framed house. He described how he determined early on to use shingles as weatherboards and shingle the whole house and not just the roof. He showed his brother how he cut the shingles and explained the hand-hewn beams were from only the straightest of white oak. The pegs were carefully squared so once pounded into the round holes he drilled they would wedge in tight. The large house would only be the beginning. He had plans for two more additions as the family grew. After he conducted a tour of both house and grounds, they retreated to the wagon and rode toward the hut.

  “We’ve learned much from the Indians, but their woodwork is the most interesting to me. They know how to take a tree and turn it into almost anything. Sycamore is the tree of choice. I’ve hollowed out trunks to make storage bins, and I’ve hewn some smaller ones into buckets and tubs. I’ve made a long trough to water Northstar. Mary particularly likes the sieve I made her.”

  They neared the hut and Smoke ran to Barnabas. He jumped from the wagon and knelt to pet him as Jeremy marveled at the wolf dog. Mary sat with Winnie and Patience. The work here was unceasing, with no time for a ladies’ group, but he was pleased she could nurture their friendship even as they labored.

  Mary jumped up as they approached. “Jeremy! Where have you been? Do you know what worry you have caused us?”

  “Aye, your husband has duly informed me. But take heart, little one. I am fine and I bring much news from a family that misses you.” He hurried to get off the wagon and embrace his sister-in-law. “And you. You are fine too?”

  “I am now. I am now. Come, you must meet Winnie and Patience.” She pulled his hand and flashed a smile at Barnabas as Smoke followed him. “He likes you, my husband.”

  Jeremy chortled. “Dogs, cats, women, and babies all love Barn.”

  Barnabas ignored him as he began the introductions. Jeremy was the one Horton who, though he possessed all of the Horton looks and charm, found himself a bit awkward with the ladies. Mayhap not the ones who were unavailable, like his Mary, but give him a sweet young maiden who just might steal his heart and he was all mush.

  Fortunately for his brother, he knew Mary would not waste time dragging her brother-in-law and his trunk into the house. True to his prediction, she gave her friends hugs and explained Jeremy would be weary from his journey and she must give him some refreshment and help him unload the trunk.

  Barnabas gave the ladies a wink. “Ah, the trunk.”

  Winnie stood and offered to find Joseph and Benjamin. “Patience, come, they are helping Reverend John.” Patience nodded to Jeremy and Barnabas with a blush and reluctantly followed Winnie.

  The two men lifted the trunk between them and fell in step behind Mary as she walked toward the hut.

  “Do you remember the Terrys, Jeremy? Patience is a sweet girl.” Barnabas didn’t wait for his brother’s reply. “You’ve made up with her, I see. Yes, Mary?”

  “It was really Winnie who convinced me. I’m a little embarrassed I ignored her like I did. You are right, Barney, she is a very sweet girl.”

  They lowered the trunk to the dirt floor, kept tidy with reeds strewn about, and waited for Joseph and Benjamin. Soon the family bent over the treasure while Jeremy distributed the appropriate gift to each member. There was fabric, pewter, and silver for Mary; tools of iron for Barnabas; and books and writing horns for Joseph and Benjamin. Jars of honey, loaves of sugar, and sweets of all kinds were packed too. But the real treat was the letters from Elizabeth and Grandmother Horton. Mary decided they would save those to be read after supper, before a warm fire.

  Jeremy told his sea stories as Mary worked to put together a fine meal. No pottage tonight. Barnabas watched her pull out a salt pork and root vegetables, then glanced at his sons, who listened with rapt attention. It was good to have family surround him.

  “Tell me, does Ezekiel see his way here yet? Any chance they will come?” He asked more for Mary than himself, a little surprised she didn’t bring it up.

  Jeremy looked at her instead of his brother. “I continue to work at him. Elizabeth would come in a moment, to be sure. There are a few things I continue to work to bring to completion.”

  Barnabas noticed that Mary looked at Jeremy, and his brother gave her a meaningful nod. “Eh? What’s that, brother?”

  “Our parents, of course. If they gave up the Horton Estate, ’twould be a miracle, but those things do happen.”

  “Aye. I like that. They would have a room at our house. Certes.”

  During an evening of stargazing, Jeremy shared his newest telescope with Joseph. As they all moved back in for the night, Mary hung back and asked Jeremy about the blue slate. Her voice was low. “Were you trying to tell me you haven’t been able to get the blue slate? Is there trouble getting one?”

  “Nay, no trouble. I have purchased it and the words are being engraved. No
doubt it is finished by now and waits for me in London.”

  “So you shall be able to bring it?”

  “I will have it for you next trip, I promise. Only so much cargo a ship can hold. I leave on the morrow and will be going directly back to London to do a quick turnaround. My next cargo is the human kind. It continues to be very dangerous in England, as you know. It won’t be expected for me to come into port and leave quickly. We’ll be gone before suspicions are formed. I’ll have your blue slate.”

  “Do you not have repairs to be done on the ship, provisions to load? Would it be safe to just put people aboard and be off without maintaining your ship?”

  “Aye, all that is being prepared for. I spent an extra month in London to work over The Swallow before I sailed here. She’s more than ready for another go-round. Provisions will be ready to load before we set port, and we’ll load during the cover of night. These ventures are planned to the minute detail. They must be. And we have God to guide us, do we not?”

  She looked at the infinite heavens, alive with dancing stars, and thought about the people in England gazing at these same stars each evening. The same stars that would guide them across the ocean. God was miraculous. She smiled at Jeremy. “Thank you. ’Tis so very good that you are the ship’s master, and God is yours. What should we do otherwise?”

  They settled in and Barney took down the Bible. She poked at the fire with the iron. It flamed a bit, warm and inviting. She took up the stack of letters and sat next to Barney. After the lesson this evening she would read them to her family. As he read about the importance of a thankful heart, she truly was thankful. In this wild land she had much. She had family. Could she have his love too?

  28

  October 1639

  Barnabas stood back from the house and admired his work. It was not finished yet, but the chilly nights proclaimed winter would not be far off. He would rather get his little family settled before the weather turned.

  Walking across the lane to the church, he found Reverend Youngs. “John, you must come and see the house. I think today I outdid myself and I am ready to bring Mary to see it. We will stay in the house tonight if the boys have not given me away. ’Twill be a surprise for her.”

  “Barnabas, that’s wonderful.” He clapped his friend on the back with a thud as they started back across the road.

  “I know Mary has felt a bit neglected whilst I’ve worked on the house. Joseph and Benjamin have worked hard too. But, I am the first of our settlement to finish a home. I do hope that fills her with gladness.”

  John chuckled. “I think it will. I think it will delight her, in fact. I noticed she and Miss Terry have become quite good friends. I suppose it was a blessing for her while you were otherwise engaged.”

  “Aye, that is true. While we built the church she thought me absent too much. But she became acquainted with Wauwineta, and the two apparently decided they would befriend Miss Terry. She is a very sweet-natured girl, once you know her. I’m quite happy they are friends.”

  “Ah. God is working in her life and I must say Mary’s friendship with Wauwineta is such a good thing for our relations with the Corchaugs, do you not agree? Mary is like an ambassador to them. Quite remarkable, she is.”

  Barnabas nodded. “She is, at that. She has amazed me with her resilience.”

  They stood in front of the timber-framed house, the first of its kind on the east end of Long Island.

  “You’ve done a magnificent work. I truly am in awe. What a tremendous amount of labor and love. Your wife will be pleased, I know. Shall we bow our head for a blessing?”

  “ It’s not quite done yet, but there’s oiled paper in the windows and the hearth is ready for a fire. Please do come in.”

  The two men stepped inside and John’s voice filled the room. “Our heavenly Father, bless this house to Your good will. May all the meditations within be a joyful noise to Your ears and all that enter seek to serve You. Amen.”

  “Amen,” echoed Barnabas. And may You bless us with many joyful little noises, amen. “I’m going to find Mary. I sent the boys down to the harbor just so I could surprise her.”

  “Aye, so right. You will be at tonight’s meeting, I presume?”

  “Certainly. I will bring Joseph with me. I know Mary has looked forward to the new house. I shall let Benjamin remain with her and the two can go about getting settled. The boys and I will help her bring up a few things, and then on the morrow we shall move the rest of our belongings.”

  They shook hands and John went back across the road. Barnabas made his way down the lane. He found Mary, Wauwineta, and Patience huddled together as if in prayer. As he approached, all eyes turned to him.

  He smiled broadly to the ladies but went directly to his wife. Kissing the top of her head, he announced to Wauwineta and Patience, “I must interrupt your work here and take Mary away. She might not be back.” He liked the mystery his words contained.

  “Forever?” Wauwineta looked aghast.

  Patience looked at Barnabas with the impish grin she’d bestowed on him since she was a child, then at Wauwineta. “They can’t go far. There are no ships in the harbor to journey back to England on, or anywhere else. But pray tell, Mr. Horton, where are you taking Mary?”

  Mary looked up at Barnabas with a question on her face. “We were sorting beans. Not my favorite activity, mind you, but we do like doing that chore together. Is this important?”

  “Aye, I would not take you away from your companions if it were not. If you wish, you may come back later. But my hope is that you will not.” He chuckled as he offered his arm and led her in the direction of what was becoming the center of their township.

  “Does anyone else know about this, Barney?”

  “Aye, my sweet. Most everyone knows about this. The reverend most recently accompanied me, but you will know why, once you have seen it.” He hadn’t really thought he could surprise her. She was more than aware of his labors, but he enjoyed this small attempt at intrigue.

  As they approached the house, her grip tightened on his arm. “Oh, my goodness, I knew you were spending from sunup to sundown toiling, but I had no idea you were so close to completion. Last Sunday it was but a shell with a roof.”

  “Aye, I’ve put the wood-lap siding on and the doors. And do you like the steps?”

  Wide, flagstone steps, imported from Boston, led to the front door.

  “I love the steps and I have never seen a more beautiful house. You have worked so hard.” She turned to him as he enveloped her in his arms.

  With one swoop, he lifted her from her feet and carried her over the threshold. His lips sought hers and he kissed her with a passion they had not shared since their wedding night.

  “This is the home I promised you.” His voice, husky with emotion, broke.

  “Barney. Thank you, so much. I’m so choked on my tears . . . I cannot speak.”

  He kept her in his arms as the tears streamed down her face. He bent to kiss each and every one. His desire to provide for her had been his driving force. His hope and prayers were they now would have the child they prayed for. Lord, I am determined to be the husband she desires. I am in Your hands. “I have something more to show you. No one else has seen it, not even John. He came over to bless the house today. But this I have saved just for you.”

  He carried her to the bedroom and gently laid her down on a sumptuous feather mattress that had been assembled on a beautiful, ornately hand-carved bed.

  “How did you do this? ’Tis the most beautiful bed I have ever seen.” She ran her hand over the heavy green brocade curtains hung from the four posts, and she fingered the gold tassels that held them.

  He sat down next to her. “I asked Jeremy to bring it over with him. I told him to search for the most exquisite bed that was ever built, and I think he did well. I told him I needed it before I finished the house. Joseph and Benjamin will have their own room. I made a third room that I hope someday will sleep our daughters.” He kissed her a
gain.

  “I don’t know if we will ever have any daughters, or sons. ’Tis been a long time that we have tried. I’m sorry, Barney, but I’m afraid I shall let you down once more. I have actually been happy that you have been so occupied with the house. I want to live in it, but ’tis a difficult thing for me as well.” She sat up and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

  “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I promise you, you do not disappoint me. I will not bring up children again, if that makes you happy. I will do anything, my sweet. I just want to see your smile.” He tenderly cupped her chin with his hand and pulled her face up toward his.

  Her eyes were sad blue, not stormy gray. That was a good thing. He knew what to do with sad. His mouth moved to form the words, but his throat closed. He could not say what he knew she longed to hear. He could not.

  She reached out. “Barney?”

  He held her tighter. “Just let me hold you.” Why did his throat ache so?

  “Are you all right?” Her voice was low, expectant. She did not look him directly in the eyes, but bent her ear toward him.

  He knew what she wanted, why was this so hard? “Certes . . . in all this earth, you mean the most to me, my sweet.”

  As he drew her close, joy lit her face and he took pleasure in knowing his words were a gift that meant even more than the gift of the bed. But how could he believe his own words when he knew his true love was Ann?

  Before the town meeting, they walked back to their hut to collect a few of their provisions and to bring the table and a few chairs to the big house. Mary sent Jay and Ben in search of dried moss, twigs, and bark for kindling. She planned a warm, welcoming fire in their magnificent hearth. Winnie and Patience offered their help and she gladly accepted, knowing she would have the opportunity to give her first tour of their new home.