The Heart's Stronghold

by Amanda Barratt

  No. Most certainly not. They would only blame her for the fire that burned down the fort. Christopher doubted that she’d ever been thanked by a single soldier. Of course he hadn’t shown her any appreciation either. And now she was gone and it was too late.

  He went down on one knee and removed his hat. The colonel probably wouldn’t even allow a proper burial. Especially not on the island.

  The woman had no kin. That’s why she’d come to work here. Skin and bones, she’d slaved away each day, all so she could eat. She’d be forgotten—other than as the woman who had brought devastation to the fort. The thought was intolerable.

  God, grant her peace. I pray she knew Thee. His heart twinged. So many had abandoned God and the church for worldly lusts and superstitions. Why hadn’t he thought to speak to the woman about her faith?

  Probably for the same reason he’d neglected speaking to his men. Guilt wrenched his gut. He took the blessings of life for granted. His comfort. Provisions. Until death brought thoughts of faith and God barreling forward. That shouldn’t be the way of things. Was he truly so selfish that he would go about his daily business and forget about people’s souls?

  As he gazed around at the ruins of the fort, an invisible weight pressed on his chest. His gaze was drawn back to what was left of a life. Neglected. Forlorn. Oh Lord, what have we done to this woman?

  Six months later

  Waves lapped at the sides of the small skiff as Esther Howland watched the shore of Castle Island draw near. She tugged her shawl tighter and tried to disappear into the corner of the little boat. It was really happening. For the foreseeable future, she’d have to live on an island—the only woman among men.

  Papa’s voice floated to her from the bow of the skiff. His excitement about building the new fort bounced back and forth with her brother’s. Stonemasons by trade, they were indeed good at their craft. But had Esther been given a choice, she would have turned down the work. Especially since it meant leaving their home and living on the island for the next year.

  But not Papa. Samuel Howland was a proud descendant of John Howland, who had come over on the Mayflower, miraculously survived falling overboard during a storm, and was the patriarch of their family.

  Those who’d arrived here first were held in high esteem by the many weary travelers who made their way to the New World. And Papa wanted the Howland name to live on in history. By building the new fort, he meant to ensure that. At least that’s what he told her every night.

  It had been one thing to live in Boston where there were women and children, stores, and church. But now he was taking them into uncharted territory—at least for her. The fort on Castle Island was a legend in and of itself.

  The men stationed there took their jobs seriously ever since the French had come into the harbor all those years ago. The legend had grown in exaggerated detail, and Castle Island had become the place where the people of Boston put their trust. Who would dare come against them by sea when The Castle was protecting them with all its armament? The Castle was known for firing its cannons at an incoming vessel until the ship yielded and acknowledged the fort with a raising of its flag.

  But what would this mean for her? At seventeen Esther was still unmarried. The past two years she’d taken care of Mother until she passed while all her friends were starting families of their own. Now Papa was taking them to the island. Which was all well and good for Sam—her brother—but what was she supposed to do?

  Since her closest friends were recently married, it would be unseemly to ask to stay with one of them. So she hadn’t asked. Regretting that decision, her mind flew to thoughts of how awful it would be for her to live on an island of men. She’d heard the rumors. Some believed the island was cursed—that if a woman set foot on it, tragedy would follow. The rumors started when that warship came and scared the people with an invasion. A woman had been on the island then. A few years later, a woman had snuck on the island and one of the guards shot her and two other men. And when fire had burned the fort down this past spring—once again, a woman had been there.

  This indeed felt like a very bad idea. But Papa had insisted she come with him.

  Sam made his way from the bow to the corner where she huddled. At twenty he was strong and handsome. He had his eye on sweet Mary Whitham who was two years Esther’s junior. It wouldn’t surprise her at all to see them betrothed once the new fort was completed. Having Mary as a sister-in-law would be wonderful. But would there ever be a wedding for Esther?

  Her brother put a hand on her shoulder. “Certainly, ’twill not be as bad as you think.”

  She puzzled at his statement. “Pardon?”

  “I can see the storm of doubt on your face. The rumors are not true, of that I am sure. The colonel must be a reasonable man. Even so, you are so quiet, no one will even know a lady is around.”

  Poking her elbow into his side, she shook her head. “You are quite the uplifter, brother.”

  “You must know I am teasing. Papa would be overjoyed if a good man here took a fancy to you.”

  “Hush!” She gasped. “Please tell me that is not why he insisted I come?” Heat rushed to her face.

  He chuckled beside her. “No. Again, I jest. My apologies.” He nudged her with his shoulder. “You should know how protective Papa is of you. As am I.” His tone turned serious. “And the only way to ensure your safety and well-being during the building of the fort is to keep you with us.” He leaned in closer. “Besides, you have always been the best at picking the perfect stones for placement. He would not want to do this monumental task without you.”

  “ ’Tis true. And do not forget that anytime soon.” She allowed a small smile. “But your compliments do not change the fact that I will be the only woman. The thought makes me quite uncomfortable.”

  “I will be there with you.”

  “Not at every moment.” She crossed her arms over her waist. “Which is what concerns me. What if something terrible happens and they blame it on a woman being present?”

  “You worry too much, little sis.” He winked at her. “Once you have been there a while, the rumors of a curse will be labeled as nonsense and superstition. The soldiers will be clamoring for your attention. Just wait and see. Nothing bad is going to happen.”

  Chapter 2

  We can’t be havin’ a woman here! Have ye lost yer mind?” The stout man that greeted them at the shore stood with his hands on his hips, a deep crease in his brow. “ ’Tis exactly why the fort burned down to begin with!”

  Esther slid behind her brother, hoping to disappear from view. Papa was saying something, but she didn’t even want to hear it. It was just as she feared. No one wanted her here. They thought she was a curse. A bad omen. Bad luck.

  Heavenly Father, how am I to endure this?

  Tears sprang to her eyes, but she lowered her head and blinked them away. How was she supposed to live here for months if this was how the men would react?

  More men voiced displeasure in a woman being present. Talk of bad luck and the colonel who believed the island was cursed. She prayed she could stay away from him. Whoever he was.

  As the arguing increased, so did the beating of her heart. With a deep breath, she tuned it out and pressed her forehead against Sam’s back. Her mind went back to her scripture reading last night with Papa. They had just started Peter’s first epistle, and verse six of the first chapter had stuck out to her. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.” The words echoed in her mind.

  They’d discussed suffering and the apostle’s instructions. This verse struck her heart. No matter the trial, she should rejoice. But how? “For a season”? How long would that be?

  As quiet as she usually was, her mind always spun with questions and thoughts. Probably much more than Papa would approve of. Especially when she questioned scripture. But she simply wanted to understand. Wasn’t that good in the sight of God?

  Papa’s v
oice was drowned out by several others. Apparently even more soldiers had heard the news and had come to voice their displeasure.

  Sam stood firm and still. She felt like a child cowering behind his back, but it hurt too much even to think of showing her face. Couldn’t the men just allow them to go to their quarters in peace where she could hide for the next twelve months?

  “My daughter is not a curse!” Papa’s voice sounded strained—and angry.

  “She will be the death of us all!” someone shouted above the din.

  “What—by the name of the King—is all this commotion about?” A deep voice silenced all the others.

  Esther peeked around her brother’s shoulder. A man, about the height of Sam, commanded everyone’s attention. His long red coat hung from broad shoulders over his breeches, which were gathered into bands at his knees. Whoever he was, he looked spotless and authoritative compared to the disheveled appearance of the soldiers.

  “The stonemason has brought along his daughter, Cap’n. A female.” The stout man lifted his chin. “And ya know how the colonel feels about women on the island, sir.”

  The captain glanced their way. His piercing gaze found hers, and she gasped, hiding behind Sam again as quick as she could. Maybe if she closed her eyes, it would all go away.

  “The colonel has made his superstitions well known, but they are just that. Superstitions. Which are not real, gentlemen.”

  Grumbling sounded through the voices ahead. After several minutes of it, she couldn’t keep her eyes closed. She braved another look.

  The man in his red coat stood with his hands behind his back. Clearly unhappy. “That is enough, gentlemen.” His voice was clear and strong. “I believe I have given my orders. Please escort the Howlands to their new accommodations.”

  “Captain, might I have a word with you?” Her father stepped forward.

  “Of course, Mr. Howland.” The captain gave a stern look to the soldiers. Probably to keep them quiet.

  “The behavior of your men is completely unacceptable.” Papa lifted his chin. “While it is an honor to serve the King by building this new fort, I refuse to stay if my family is to be treated in such a manner.”

  “My deepest apologies.” The captain bowed and then raised his eyebrows as he stared down the men and spoke to them in a loud, commanding tone. “There will be no talk of a curse, gentlemen, nor any negative comment about a lady being on the island. Serious repercussions will follow if my orders are not obeyed. Please show our guests to their quarters.”

  She hid behind Sam again as the captain’s gaze traveled her direction.

  Footsteps sounded and then stopped. But she dare not look. “Without any more of this superstitious nonsense. Mr. Howland is a fine stonemason, and we are grateful to have him—and his family—here to help us rebuild. Is that understood?”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  “Yes, Cap’n.”

  Voices sounded from all around. Albeit hesitant and just a touch whiney.

  Esther let out her breath and waited to hear the noise of men shuffling away. After several moments passed, she whispered up to Sam’s ear. “Are they gone?”

  “Most of them. Except for the ones carrying our belongings.”

  “I knew this was a bad idea. Me … coming here. Did you see how they reacted? Like I was the plague.”

  “Now, Sis, ’tis not all that bad. Just a little excitement at the beginning. I am certain it will all be taken care of. The captain called it nonsense and gave them orders. ’Twill blow over. He seems like a good man.”

  She braved taking a step out from behind her brother. “Indeed, I was glad to hear it. But I am not sure that will be enough.”

  “Come. Let us trust that the good Lord will take care of this, all right?”

  With a nod, she picked up her small bag. It wasn’t like there was anything else that could be done. Except pray. In abundance. She’d have to leave the matter in God’s hands. “Let me walk behind you just in case?”

  “Of course.”

  Following Sam’s steps, Esther attempted to ignore the whispers she heard as they made their way through the fort. She kept her head bowed, looking down at her feet so she wouldn’t have to see any of the men who thought she was a curse upon them all. Sam was right. Where was her trust? God had brought them here for a purpose. It was her job to rest in that. The longer they walked, the steadier she felt. Papa needed her here. She would just stay out of everyone’s way and do her best at whatever task she was given. If she worked hard, perhaps the time would pass quickly, the fort would be completed, and they could return to Boston.

  “Daughter.” Papa’s voice made her lift her chin. The captain’s apology apparently made everything better for him, because a big smile lit up his face. “You go on in and get settled. Sam and I will meet the soldiers and see how well they have followed my instructions for digging the foundation.” The twinkle in his eye showed Esther how much he loved his work and how excited he was to be in charge of the building. As he walked away, her heart tightened in her chest. She didn’t want to be the cause of his displeasure.

  If only she could love being here as much and show him her support. Papa had done everything he could to fill the hole left by her mother’s death, but it had been difficult on them all. Maybe over time the talk of superstition and curses would die down.

  One of the soldiers stared at her.

  Or perhaps not.

  She turned on her heel as quickly as she could. The sooner she could get inside, the sooner she could shut the door on all the prying eyes and gossiping tongues.

  “Oomph.”

  Esther stepped back. Embarrassment and horror washed over her. “My apologies.” Who had she run into?

  The captain emerged out of the darkened doorway. “No, Miss Howland. I am the one in your debt. I simply came to check on the cabin the men had built for your family. After the atrocious way in which you were greeted, I wanted to offer my own apology to you personally.”

  Now that they were in closer proximity, Esther noticed that he was a bit shorter than Sam. Leaner and yet stronger looking. “I am most grateful. But ’twas not necessary.” She held his gaze but wished he would leave so she could be in misery alone.

  “If you are in need of anything, I shall see to it myself.”

  “That is very generous of you, but I think we will be fine.”

  “The last supply ship of the season to Boston will not run for a few more weeks, so keep a list.” He stepped away from the doorway, and she was tempted to run inside. “Your father has probably already told you, but your family will eat meals with the rest of the men, thus you will notice that there are no pots or utensils in the cabin.”

  Wonderful. How could she become invisible when she’d have to be among the others three times a day? She managed a nod and switched hands on her bag.

  “The necessary is through the back door. I made sure that a private one was built.”

  “Thank you. That was very kind.” Attached to their cabin and everything. Well, that was at least one pleasant thought for the day. She’d been afraid of how to take care of her needs on an island full of men, and out of embarrassment she hadn’t asked Papa.

  “I shall let you see to your things. Your father and brother are wanting to see what we have done with the building site, I am most certain.” He nodded and bowed. “ ’Twas a privilege to meet you, Miss Howland.”

  “And you as well.” She dipped into a curtsy.

  He walked away, and she allowed herself a long, deep breath. No matter what all the other men on the island thought, the captain seemed to be honorable and a gentleman. At least there was that bit of encouragement.

  She rushed inside the cabin to find a single room. Removing her bonnet so she could smooth her hair, she took a deep breath. The room was dark without any windows, so she lit a candle and glanced around. Indeed, there was a back door. She ventured forward and found that it led to a privy. How thoughtful. They wouldn’t have to trudge o
ut into the snow or rain. That was something to be thankful for.

  Three small bedsteads were arranged on three walls, with a curtain hanging in one corner. Obviously for her privacy. A simple table with three short stools sat near the fireplace.

  Even though their cabin was small, it would be adequate, and the fact that someone had acknowledged that she would be with her father and brother lifted her spirits. Even if the men were superstitious.

  She went to the small table and set down the candle.

  Placing her hands on her hips, she surveyed the room one more time. The least she could do was organize their small trunks by their beds and put the bedding out.

  When dinnertime came, she’d just have to bolster herself and pray that the good captain had spoken with all the soldiers about her presence. Otherwise she might have to hide until the new fort was built.

  Chapter 3

  Standing on the spot where the Castle had once stood, Christopher gathered all the men for inspection. He watched Samuel Howland and his son, Sam, walk back toward their quarters and waited a moment before he spoke. A hush fell over the group.

  “Men. Tomorrow begins the stonework on the new fort. All the stones you have hefted and piled these past months, all the digging and clearing out—it has not been in vain. Now that our stonemason is here, he is satisfied with the foundation work that has been done and is ready to get started.”

  Cheers sounded from the crowd.

  Christopher held up a hand. “But this will be a lengthy task. It will take every ounce of our strength and stamina as we work through the fall and winter months. The work will be grueling. But rewarding. In addition, we must still prepare for any threats that might come to bear against His Majesty’s holdings.”

  “Aye!”

  “Long live the King!”

  Voices shouted from all over the square in front of him. The excitement in the crowd was contagious. Everyone was ready for the bigger and stronger fort to be built and to show their might. It was the perfect time to broach the subject of the gossip.