She grabbed his hand. “Ye did return, Joseph. But yer running again. I won’t give up, though. God has not deserted me, and I know He’ll bring my husband back.”
He pulled his hand away and strode to the door. Pausing, he turned back, his eyes full of pain. “Sarah, I want to believe enough to trust. I do. But I don’t yet. Do pray. Keep praying. I’ll be back.”
* * *
So much for God’s protection.
Joseph sat back on the old creepie and stared at the manacle around his ankle. Dirty, achy, and flea-bitten from the old rag they called a blanket, he doubted he would ever get out, let alone see Sarah or his sons again.
“Hey Crockett, you have a visitor.” The guard brought another man to his cell, a man he’d never seen before.
Approximately his father’s age, this man at one time stood much taller. Now time and life had rounded his shoulders and stooped his back.
But it had done nothing to his vocal cords. “Crockett? No, you mean Crocketagné. I knew his father. Almost as handsome as moi.”
The guard opened the door and let the stranger in. The man swept off his hat with great flair and bowed. “Jean-Luc de Turenne, at your service.”
“So, you are the famous Jean-Luc of whom my father speaks. I am Joseph Louis Crockett, and yes, it is Crockett. Father changed it when we moved.” Joseph wiped his hand on his pants and held it out to the man.
“Nonsense.” Jean-Luc pushed the hand away and wrapped him in a strong hug. “Whew, you stink, boy. Let us get you away from here.” Turning, he called over his shoulder, “Guard.”
The little sentry returned and unlocked the cell for Jean-Luc. The big man paused, his hand on a bar. “I will return. Do not go anywhere.” He shuffled on his way.
Funny man. But if Jean-Luc could get him out, Joseph would laugh all day at his humorous quips.
True to his word, though, Jean-Luc returned less than an hour later, an hour that had dragged as slowly as thirty years. The same little guard escorted him to Joseph’s cell and unlocked the door. “Are you coming?”
Joseph glanced at Jean-Luc and then at his ankle.
“Oh, but of course. How stupid of me. Monsieur, see to his manacle.”
And the guard did.
Joseph rubbed his leg and walked out, looking over his shoulder for someone to shove him back in and say it was all a joke.
Jean-Luc draped his meaty arm over Joseph’s shoulders and leaned in. “You just have to know how to talk to people.” He clapped Joseph on the back. Joseph thought he felt every one of the bones in his spine crack. “First we get you out of here and to a bath.” As they walked into the sun’s light he added, “Maybe clean clothes too, no? Then we can go for a ride.”
“A ride?” Was he being kidnapped?
“You are here, so close to where your father and Albert and I had our famous exploits. You would not want to leave without seeing that, now would you?” Jean-Luc’s laughter made him question what was humor and what was to be taken seriously.
But the idea of bathing and clean clothes helped him to be more agreeable. After all, the man had just gotten him released from a French jail after five months of being forgotten. The least he could do would be to see what Jean-Luc had in mind.
* * *
“So, how did you know where to find me?” While soaking in the bathtub, Joseph had thought of many questions. Now, more comfortable in clean clothes, he was ready for some answers as they sat eating at a table in the corner of the local pub.
At the beginning of his incarceration, he had tried to get word to someone who might help. After so long without a word, he had given up on any message getting through.
“I happen to have a great appetite.” Jean-Luc behaved as if that explained everything.
Joseph gave him the look his father used to give him when he only had half the story.
Jean-Luc roared with laughter. “That, that is the look of your father. You are his son. I would know that look anywhere.”
“But that isn’t all of the story. I would like to know how you found me.”
“True. But it is the beginning. When I was younger, women and wine soothed my appetite. Now that I am more mature, food has taken over the care of my passion. So, I was enjoying a lovely meal when I happened to overhear a conversation. The guards at your jail are not as discreet as their employer might think.” Jean-Luc leaned in to whisper. “You apparently wrote some notes looking for help? Well, they intercepted them, hoping to expand their fortunes. Little did they know, I sat at the next table and overheard every word. So, I finished my meal and sought you out. And that is the whole of my story.”
Joseph took a bite of his dinner, struggling with the coincidence. He didn’t want to believe God helped him when it had taken so long.
“And now, it is my turn.” Jean-Luc cut into his meat and stabbed a large piece. Plopping it into his mouth, he spoke around the food. “Wha ig oo do?”
“Pardon?”
The big man swallowed. “What did you do? You know, to be stuck in such lovely accommodations.”
“Oh.” He still wondered about that himself. “I arrived aboard a ship and got off at Calais where I purchased a horse. I spent the night in the town with plans to leave the next day. But guards broke into my room before dawn. They dragged me to the cell. I wasn’t even given a trial. When I asked about it, I was ignored. At least I know why I was allowed paper and quill at first.”
Jean-Luc wiped his sleeve across his mouth. “So that is their game. I wondered. You, my friend, purchased a stolen horse. But not really stolen. The owner sells it to you and then reports it stolen. You are arrested and allowed to contact help by note. They use the information in the note to get money for your release.” He slapped the table as if his hand were a gavel. “But they didn’t count on me. And they didn’t count on my connections to those in authority over them. Their days of this little game are numbered, I’m afraid. But someone else will find another game, so do not let down your guard.”
Jean-Luc threw a few francs on the table and stood. Joseph followed suit. The men went upstairs to the room Jean-Luc had rented.
With only one bed, Jean-Luc tossed Joseph a blanket from his pack and then took the bed for himself. “Get some rest for tomorrow we ride.”
He put the blanket on the floor and stretched out. Though not as good as a bed, it was much better than the cell. “Where are we going?”
“Joseph, my boy, how can you ask? We ride to Versailles.”
* * *
Three days later, Joseph rode up behind Jean-Luc to a country house near Versailles.
“Wait here.” The big man dismounted, shuffled up to the door and pounded. “Open up, I’ve brought a guest.”
The door swung open. “Oh, you great oaf, come in, come—”
Joseph spotted his mother’s best friend, Mimi de Grillet.
She ran from the house to where he still obediently sat on his horse. “Joseph Louis Crockett. Come in. Oh, Jean-Luc, you made him sit out here.”
He dismounted and Tanté Mimi immediately hugged him. He kissed her cheek and walked with her into the parlor.
“Oh my, I cannot believe you are here. Tell me, how is Sarah? And Wee Joseph? Please I want to hear all.”
No, not everything. But he did tell her about Wee John and Wee Thomas. She squeezed his hand, and a tear rolled down her cheek. When he told about the pirates and how everyone was safely with the Fontaines, he could see the excitement in her eyes. “And so, I had thought to move us to France.”
“Oh, my. I am surprised. I did not expect to hear that.”
Jean-Luc remained with them. He cocked an eyebrow once or twice while Joseph talked, but never once said a word.
“When will Albert return?”
“I expect him anytime. He has gone to look at a new horse.”
Jean-Luc stood. “I think I will wait for him outside.” The older man shuffled out the door.
“He is such a contrast. His voice booms, and
he seems full of laughter and joking. But he moves like an old man who is tired of life. I don’t understand him.”
“His friends all married and had families. In fact with you, his friend’s son has a family. Jean-Luc flirted and loved all the ladies. Oh, he was so charming in those days. His life was full of adventure and risk, but he missed out on the one adventure he really wanted. You will find he has a heart of gold. I do not know how he was a soldier with so tender a heart.” Mimi stood. “We’ve been talking all this time, and I never offered you tea. May I get you some?”
“Yes, I would like that.” He followed her to the kitchen while she prepared a tray.
“I am so glad you are here, Joseph. I have wanted to tell you something for a long time, but the opportunity never presented itself.”
“What did you want to tell me?”
“Besides how proud I am of you and the wonderful man you have turned out to be?” She tweaked his chin. “I want to thank you for all you tried to do for our Alain-Robert. Your mother learned from Shannon what you did, and how hard you worked to save my son. Thank you. You are a good man, Joseph.” Though her lashes were damp, she didn’t cry. Rather she gave him a motherly kiss on the cheek before she picked up the tray of tea and scones.
He took it from her, carrying it back to the parlor.
They had just poured when Albert and Jean-Luc entered.
He stood and Albert rushed to him, hugging him the same as Jean-Luc. “Joseph, you do not know how glad I am to see you. And I know Our Father in Heaven arranged this.”
“You do?”
“Oui. Sit, sit. I will tell you how I know. I received a letter today, today from your mother. They are worried because no one has heard from you. Sarah wrote to them that you had come to France but had heard nothing more. They asked if I could find information.”
“Perhaps, then, you are right. Maybe God has orchestrated my release.” Joseph still didn’t want to admit it to himself, though.
“Wait, that is not all. Joseph, I have news that is hard. Your father is not well. They have asked that if I find you, to see you get home to Edenmore without delay.”
“My father? He hasn’t been sick in his whole life. Are you sure?” Though he knew Albert wouldn’t have told him if it weren’t true, he hoped for something, anything to show it was a mistake.
“I am sorry, Joseph, and I know you have not had much time to rest…”
“No, no, that’s not it. I…I need to leave.” He stood. “Tanté Mimi, thank you, Jean-Luc, I don’t think I can thank you enough. Oncle Albert—” Joseph drew Albert into a hug. “I must go.”
“Wait, we are taking care of that. My new horse, it is swift and strong. Jean-Luc and I will ride with you to Calais and get you aboard ship. If we can just get you to Dublin, you can go overland from there.”
Joseph paused. In the heat of planning, an important point was missed. “I have no money. My bag, my purse, everything was taken when I was arrested.”
“Arrested?” Mimi’s question reminded him he hadn’t shared that bit of information.
Albert shook his head. “I will tell you all after we have him on the ship, my love, but for now, that problem is nothing.”
Jean-Luc must have explained everything to Oncle Albert before they came in. Albert went to another room and returned with a purse, putting it into Joseph’s hand. “This should get you home to Edenmore and to Bantry Bay after.”
“I can’t accept this.” Joseph tried to hand the purse back.
“You cannot refuse. Joseph, I owe you more than I can pay for all you did for my son. Please, allow me to help the son of the best man I ever knew.”
He is the best man I ever knew. And he may be dying. “Thank you.” He could hardly get the words out for the catch in his throat.
If only he could make it there in time.
Chapter Forty
The house appeared deserted. Fear clenched Joseph’s heart as he rode up to Edenmore Manor. Leaving his horse out front, he mounted the steps and hesitated. Did he knock? Just go in?
The door pulled from his hand, and Lucy flew into his arms. “Joseph you are here. Thank God. We didn’t know what happened to you.” She dragged him through the doorway.
He gazed about, taking in the timelessness of home. “Is Father…”
“He’s upstairs in his room.” She started up the staircase and he followed. “No one knows why, but he’s still alive. Mother thinks he’s been holding on for you.”
When they arrived at the door, Lucy opened it and stepped back for Joseph to enter.
He wasn’t prepared for what he saw. His father, always a virile man, appeared old and frail on the bed. His eyes were closed, but his chest rose and fell with a rhythm that proved breathing. Joseph blinked the moisture.
His mother sat on a creepie next to the bed. When he walked in, she glanced up. The joy in her face brought more tears to his eyes. “Joseph, you are home. Thank God.” She stood, a bit slowly, and embraced him, kissing his cheek.
“How is he?” Joseph hoped to hear something other than what he could see.
“Why do you not ask me?” His father’s eyes opened, and a slow smile came to his face.
Joseph sat on the creepie his mother had vacated and grasped his father’s hand. “Then tell me, Father, how do you fare?”
“Better, son. Your mother has been worried about you, and you know how that bothers me.”
The corner of Joseph mouth twitched at his father’s humor. “I heard you felt neglected and wanted some attention.”
“Oui, son, but I’m sure there are better ways of getting attention than dying.”
The smile faded. “Father, don’t talk that way.”
“Son, we all know it. Everyone must at some time leave this life for the next. I have lived a remarkable life with a remarkable woman. I have been blessed beyond what most people could ever imagine.” His father’s grip strengthened. “I hope I have left you all a legacy in what I believed. Joseph, there came a night when I needed to make a choice, a choice for my family, a choice for the future. There would be no going back, whatever I chose. As I wrestled with it, I opened my Bible. This is what God showed me.” Antoine closed his eyes. “A wicked man shows a bold face but as for the upright, he makes his way sure. There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the Lord. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.”
He had heard that Scripture many times, and the story behind it. But this time it was different. It was a baton his father passed, a battle cry of the spirit.
“So, my son, make sure you are right, then go ahead. How do you make sure? You rely on the counsel of the Lord. Trust him, Joseph. Trust God.” Antoine’s voice faded, and the grip on Joseph’s hand slackened.
His mother touched his shoulder. “Go rest from your trip, son. I am glad you are home. We will talk again later.”
He stood, allowing her the stool once more.
Lucy waited in the hall. “Daniel put your horse in the stable and brought your bag up. I’ve put you in your old room.”
He nodded, suddenly very tired. He tried to stifle a yawn, but Lucy caught him.
She gave him a playful elbow in the ribs. “Don’t worry about it. Go rest. I’ll wake you for dinner.”
He gave her a hug and noticed something. Holding her away from him, he stared at her abdomen, which appeared a tad fuller.
“Lucy?”
“Yes, big brother?”
“Are you…?”
“Am I what? Gaining weight?” She slugged his arm. “Am I expecting a baby? Is that what you are trying to ask?”
The heat rose in his cheeks.
“You are so adorable, Joseph. Yes, Daniel and I are expecting our second baby in about four more months. You will be an uncle again.”
“Again? How old is your other one? A boy? Girl?” He should know this. Why hadn’t Sarah told him? Because he avoided her, giving her no time to share anything.
; Lucy gave him a funny look. “Daniel and I have a little girl. She is a year old as of last month. Her name is Rebecca Louise.”
“May I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Does it ever frighten you? Or Daniel, does it ever frighten him?
“What do you mean?”
“Giving birth, all the possibilities…”
Lucy wrapped her arm about his waist. “No. Well, since Daniel doesn’t have to do it, I’d say no for him. Maybe, for me, a little bit, before Rebecca was born, but no. Life is a gift, Joseph. I have to trust the Gift Giver since He is the One who knows it all. I don’t pretend to know. But as long as He does, I will trust Him.”
Joseph gave her a squeeze and planted a kiss on top of her head. “Wake me up in time for dinner, please.”
“I said I would.” She started to close the door.
“And, Lucy, thank you.”
She blew him a kiss and closed the door.
He laid down on his bed and fell asleep.
* * *
True to her word, Lucy woke him in time to eat with the family. Everyone was there but his father, whose chair remained empty. Gabriel was home with his new bride, Agnes. Sarah Beth and Ian MacKenzie sat near them. Lucy and Daniel were seated on Joseph’s left, and Robert and his fiancée, Rachel Watkins, were to Joseph’s right. Mary Frances, who still lived at home, was seated between Robert and Joseph. James and his wife, Martha, sat directly across from him, and his mother took her seat at the end of the table opposite her husband’s chair.
The family had grown. And this didn’t even include all of the nieces and nephews.
Or Sarah.
By all rights Sarah should have been there at his side. As much as he loved his little sister, Mary Frances made a poor substitute for a wife.
Mary O’Toole had taken the job of housekeeper for the family. Her son Liam helped out on the estate and they lived in Joseph’s old cottage.
The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection Page 56