The Heart's Stronghold

by Amanda Barratt

  “I find the need to address an issue that has come to my attention today.” Christopher stood a little straighter and narrowed his eyes as he focused on the men. “The rumors that I hear among you about a curse being on this island need to stop. Henceforth. Immediately.”

  Shoulders dropped, faces frowned, and many disapproving glances were shot his way.

  “Attention!”

  Feet snapped together and frames straightened.

  “You are soldiers. In service to His Majesty, the King. And in such service, I will not tolerate any foolishness. That includes any talk of curses or bad luck. There is no curse on this island. It is not bad luck to have a woman here. Thusly, Miss Howland will be treated with respect. Is that understood?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Yes, sir.” The men’s voices weren’t as loud as they had been, but as least they understood his order.

  “Superstition has no place here. Our faith is in the Lord God Almighty.”

  “Aye!” A single hand shot up with the shout.

  Well, at least there was one sane man among them who hadn’t succumbed to the idea of the curse.

  “To make certain we are clear, I will not abide any ill treatment or hurtful remarks to be said to her. Neither will I allow the gossip and rumors to continue amongst your ranks. Repercussions will be faced by those who participate.” He scanned the men’s faces. At least they were listening, but Christopher was doubtful it would stop the tide. Those who had served for years under Colonel Brown were steeped in superstition. Christopher prayed the men would take his words to heart. “You are dismissed to your duties.”

  Whispers and mumbling sounded as the men dispersed. Christopher was certain they would talk among themselves about the curse and the fact that a woman resided on the island with them. But he’d have to remind them—daily if need be—that the rumors would not be tolerated. Neither would any abhorrent behavior toward Miss Howland. But even as the thoughts went through his mind, he realized as many times as he said it or thought it … the truth remained to be seen. As much as he’d tried to change the men’s thoughts and actions by being a good example to them, he knew he’d failed miserably. And the more he worked it over in his mind, there was no doubt that he needed to work on his own attitude more. To put others first. To be aware of those forgotten and neglected. But it was increasingly difficult. Especially when his men proved trying.

  His thoughts went back to Miss Howland. A small woman, she really was a mouse of a thing. While she’d held his gaze for a few moments without timidity, he knew that she had been ready for him to leave. Was it all because of what the men had said, or did she just feel uncomfortable around strangers?

  Of course she would feel uncomfortable. She was the only woman among dozens of men. On an island. Away from all that she knew.

  He couldn’t coddle her while she was here, but he could at least keep his men in line. The colonel would be back to inspect the troops and progress before the next supply ship arrived, but then he would be back in Boston for the winter. Which was a blessing. Because the man was the cause behind most of this chatter about a curse.

  Good thing the King wasn’t aware of it. As the head of the Church of England, surely he wouldn’t abide any such nonsense. Christopher shook his head. What was he thinking? Superstition seemed to reign supreme even among the royals and the church. Where had all the sane thinkers gone?

  He clasped his hands behind him and surveyed the trenches that had been dug for the foundation of the new fort. It would be a presence to be sure. The men were already calling it the New Castle—and it really would look like one this time. Not just a brick tower in the center.

  Orders had come down that this fort would boast even more armaments. The castle itself would have four bastions with thirty-eight guns and sixteen culverins, and it would even have the addition of a six-gun water battery.

  Christopher’s chest filled with pride. It had been his dream to command, and the fort would be completely his post next year. The colonel had already informed him of it—as long as everything went well with the construction and provided Christopher could keep all the men in line, drilled, and ready for battle.

  It was everything he’d ever wanted.

  Well, everything except a family. But as a captain in His Majesty’s army and commander of the fort on Castle Island, that wasn’t a probability anytime in the future. Especially with no women around. Oh, he’d been to Boston several times, but it hadn’t been for pleasure. Not that he expected to meet someone he could court in a day. The time for family would simply have to wait.

  His parents were back in England and didn’t care for the New World. Letters were few and at times disheartening for Christopher as they made him feel alone and separated from all he’d known, but God had brought him on this journey. For a purpose.

  Time to rest in that and do his job to the best of his ability.

  The bell rang for supper, and he watched the men hurry off. Most of them were living in tents until the fort was complete. Once winter set in, Christopher hoped they would at least have some walls completed so they could build fires and keep the encampment warm. But his men were sturdy stock. They’d been through worse and could handle a little cold and snow.

  The deep blue fabric of Miss Howland’s skirts caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. He turned and saw the Howland family heading toward supper as well.

  Perhaps he could offer to sit with them and answer any questions they might have.

  As he approached, the senior Howland lifted a smile in greeting. “Captain.”

  “Mr. Howland, Sam, Miss Howland.” Christopher bowed. “Might I invite you to join me for the meal?”

  “Of course. We would be delighted.” The senior Howland returned the bow.

  While most of the men sat on stumps and rocks since all of the chairs and tables had burned in the fire, there were two tables and a few chairs that had been constructed for the senior officers. It had taken them all these months to get rid of the debris from the fire and prepare for the new fort. Now that it would get under way, he could put some men in charge of building adequate furniture. They were civilized, after all.

  He held out a guiding hand. “Please join me at my table.”

  He snuck a glance at Miss Howland. Her cheeks were rosy from the heat of the afternoon, and it struck him that she really didn’t look mousy after all. Timid maybe, but her eyes held a depth he hadn’t seen before. In a man or in a woman.

  Curious. Behind the shy exterior, she must be quite intelligent.

  “Our cook does a good job feeding the hungry men every day. And ’tis better than just porridge.”

  “Excellent. I must admit, I am famished.” Sam rubbed his hands together. The younger Howland also had keen eyes. “It was exciting to see the area laid out for the fort. I am ready to get to work.”

  “My men are equally as eager. They have expressed their longing to sleep inside and have furniture again. Although, the first focus must be the protection and armament.”

  “Of course.” Mr. Howland took a chair and leaned back. “We will begin work on the forward bastions tomorrow. My son will be in charge of one, and I the other. Esther has an eye for finding the perfect stones to fit, so I shall leave her to instruct your men at the stone piles.”

  The comment took him aback. “Miss Howland will be assisting with the building? I am not sure the men will take instruction from a member of the fairer sex.”

  The object of his remark looked at him, hesitancy in her eyes. “I am certain Papa did not mean that I would instruct them. Only that I would show them the stones I choose for placement. Is that all right with you, Captain?”

  “Well … That is …”

  Mr. Howland held up a hand. “She will not be lifting anything, but I need her eye. It will help us move at a faster pace if she can instruct the men to bring the correct stones to us.”

  Christopher raised his eyebrows. Ther
e was that word again—instruct. But Howland didn’t bat an eye. Utterly unconventional, but the stonemason was in charge. “If you need her to assist you, I will instruct my men likewise.” As he watched Esther Howland, the look on her face made him curious. Did working among the men make her uncomfortable? How could it not? One, it wasn’t a woman’s place. Two, she’d experienced the rumors and gossip already.

  He might need to keep a close eye on things.

  One of the soldiers brought a tray of bowls to their little table. “Fish stew, Cap’n.”

  “Thank you, James.” Christopher offered a bowl to each of his guests. “Something we eat a lot of here on the island with the bounty of fish, but it is hearty and tasty.”

  Supper passed in rousing conversation with Samuel and Sam. It would be a joy to have them on the island during the building of the fort. While Mr. Howland was his senior by a good many years, his wisdom and wit were good companions. As well as his knowledge of the scriptures. Young Sam was several years younger than Christopher’s own nine and twenty, but his keen enjoyment of life and fervor for his work were encouraging.

  Christopher couldn’t help sneaking glances at Esther. While she was quiet, she was an observer. Watching not only them, but the other men around them. What thoughts could be going through her mind?

  “How do you like your quarters?” He looked each one of them in the eye.

  “They are quite amenable.” Mr. Howland nodded. “Thank you for building it.”

  “You are most welcome. I apologize for the lack of windows, but as you can imagine, it was difficult to get glass at the last minute.”

  “Quite all right. We shall not be spending much time there anyway.” The younger Howland shrugged.

  A slight frown flashed across Miss Howland’s face. Then it vanished as she stood from her seat, which initiated all of them standing. “If you will excuse me, I would like to attend to some mending.”

  “Of course, dear. We will not be long. Tomorrow will be quite demanding, so it is imperative to get plenty of rest.” Mr. Howland smiled at his daughter.

  “Thank you, Captain Latham. Supper was lovely.”

  “You are most welcome, Miss Howland.” Christopher bowed and watched her closely. Perhaps a window would have been wise. Especially if she wanted to hide away from all the gossip. The thought of her sitting in that dark little cabin by herself did something to Christopher’s insides.

  A group of soldiers and their raucous laughter moved by, blocking her exit for a moment.

  His ears burned when he overheard the word curse. Even after his speech this afternoon, the men dared to continue in this folly?

  Miss Howland scurried away after they passed. She most certainly heard it herself.

  Christopher narrowed his eyes at the group. With a quick glance to Samuel, he spoke through clenched teeth. “Excuse me for a moment, gentlemen.”

  Chapter 4

  The day had warmed considerably, and Esther found herself wishing to be out of the sun in all the layers of her dress. But Papa needed her there, especially since the soldiers hadn’t proven to be any good at finding foundation stones. It was a new task to them to be sure, but it was also clear that they didn’t appreciate being told what to do by a lady, so they tried in earnest to get better at the job. Only to fail time and again and be sent back to the rock pile for her advice.

  She pulled out her fan and waved it briskly. Her cheeks were no doubt pink from the heat. One of the downfalls of having fair skin.

  Surveying the pile of stones gathered, she walked around it to find the right one to finish the foundation of Sam’s bastion. It needed a good corner but a flatter top. Substantial depth and height as well. The soldiers who didn’t seem to mind her presence had helped to lay out the stones so she could see them, while the others voiced their displeasure at heaving the massive rocks and continually asked why one stone wasn’t as good as another.

  If it were up to them, the walls would be a jumble of rocks of all sizes, which would prove to be unstable and topple over. So she kept at it. She tried not to speak much and let her brother be the one to order the soldiers around. They were working quite hard.

  “The cap’n’s comin’.” A whisper-shout echoed from one man to the next.

  Esther lowered her brows. Just as the men said, the captain strode toward them, his red coat draped over his arm. She tore her gaze away. While she wasn’t surprised by his informality in this heat, the sight of him in his shirt and breeches made her heart pick up its pace.

  Captain Latham was a handsome man. And a very strong one. Of that, her eyes were certain.

  As soon as she looked back to the pile, she spotted the stone that would be perfect. “That one.” She pointed.

  The young soldier named Peter gave her a smile. “I shall fetch it straightaway for Mr. Howland, miss.”

  “Thank you.” But Peter wouldn’t be able to lift it on his own. It would probably take three men. She opened her mouth to say as much but then snapped it closed. The majority of the men didn’t like her giving her opinion.

  “Good day, Miss Howland.”

  She curtsied to the captain but kept her eyes averted. “Good day to you.”

  “Pardon me.” He slipped his coat back on. “I see they are making good progress on the bastions.”

  Lifting her fan, she whipped it faster than she probably needed. “Yes, Captain Latham. We just chose the last stone for the foundation of the north side.”

  “My men have told me that you are quite particular.” His grin made her feel at ease. “And that is a good thing.”

  “I wondered what you would hear. Most of them do not appreciate my presence, but the choosing of the stones is of great import for the structure to be stable.” The fact that she’d said so many words to him shocked her a bit.

  “I can see that.” He clasped his hands behind his back and began to walk among the pile. “Would you mind explaining to me how you choose?”

  She blinked at him. No one had ever bothered to ask such a question. “I would not mind at all.” She cleared her throat and prayed she could make sense and keep her tongue from tying. “We start with the largest stones at the base. I must see the space that we need to fill and then discern the dimensions and shape. Then I simply find a rock that fits.” Esther gave a little shrug. She’d been helping Papa so long, it was second nature to her.

  “What caused you to take an interest in such a task?”

  His questions weren’t of the polite sort to keep the conversation going. He genuinely seemed interested, and it lifted Esther’s spirits. Perhaps she could survive here with at least one man treating her respectfully. “Papa and Sam needed help one day as they were both down in a trench on their knees. Thankfully, it was a small stone, because I was not much older than ten at the time. It took all of my strength to drag it over, but it was a perfect fit. And it saved them a trip to the rock pile.”

  “Fascinating.”

  “Papa says I have an eye for it. I like to help when I can.”

  “Watch out!” The shout made her jump.

  Then a blood-curdling scream followed.

  Captain Latham ran toward the sound. Esther followed and put a hand up to shade her eyes so she could see. What happened? Lord, please let Papa and Sam be all right.

  Men scrambled from every corner.

  Papa ran toward her from the bastion. “Come with me, Daughter.”

  “But—”

  “Now, Esther. A man’s arm is crushed underneath that last foundation stone.”

  The cook examined the mangled arm. “Cap’n, sorry to say, but he’ll lose it. The barber-surgeon in Boston will have to do it. I lack the tools here.” He wiped his hands on a rag.

  Christopher let out a heavy breath. The colonel had insisted on taking their barber-surgeon with him everywhere he went. That left them on the island with dozens of men and no medical help. Christopher hated for men to get hurt under his command. And he’d done a pretty good job ensuring all was we
ll. But lifting massive stones was sure to create issues. It was a miracle the soldier was still alive. That stone could have crushed him—not just his arm. “I shall have some men get the skiff ready.” Turning on his heel, he was thankful the young soldier had passed out from the pain. An amputation was always hard to bear, but even more so if the patient knew about it ahead of time.

  “Captain, sir.” One of his sergeants stopped him. Steven had been a bit too outspoken about the curse and having a woman on the island. The look on his face said that his chosen topic of conversation would be precisely that.

  Christopher narrowed his eyes. “Be quick about it. We need to get this man to Boston.”

  “Yes, sir.” He lifted his chin. “But I saw the whole thing happen. Miss Howland was the one who instructed—”

  “Yes, yes. I know all about that. But she certainly did not have anything to do with the accident.”

  “But sir, she should not be here.” Steven lifted his chin.

  The ridiculousness of the statement made Christopher want to toss all the superstitious ninnies into the ocean. “This is neither the time nor the place. Is that all, Sergeant?”

  A scowl filled the man’s face. “Yes, sir.”

  “Good. You can row this man to shore.” His tone was gruff, but the man had overstepped. “Assign three others to go with you. I shall expect you back tonight. No excuses.”

  “Yes, Captain.” Steven stomped off.

  He couldn’t seem to squelch the rumors, but he could at least try and stave off the worst of it. No one needed to be blaming Miss Howland for this disaster. They’d had plenty of accidents on the island without women around to blame them on.

  With a shake of his head, Christopher headed back to the bastions where his men still worked. His legs ate up the distance, but with every step, his dread grew. If Steven was already blaming the lady, how many others would do the same?

  The sharp sounds of chisels and hammers hitting rock resounded throughout the work area. He headed straight to Mr. Howland.