The Heart's Stronghold

by Amanda Barratt

  The older man had sweat trickling down his temples.

  “Mr. Howland.”

  The man looked up with relief on his face. “Captain. How is the boy?”

  “I am afraid he will lose the arm, but other than that, I believe he will be fine.”

  Howland shook his head. “ ’Tis sad to hear. I tried to warn them about the dangers, but these young men believe they are invincible.”

  “Aye, sir. No one is blaming you.”

  “But they are blaming my daughter.” He pointed a finger toward the soldiers. “I have heard it. And she has too. So I allowed her to return to our cabin for a bit of respite.” Howland sat on a rock and swiped at the sweat on his face. “I heard tell of what you said to your men, and I appreciate it, Captain Latham. But I will not stand by whilst they say horrible things about my daughter.”

  “I would not expect you to, sir. I will speak to the men again. Do you know who it was who is spreading the rumors?”

  “No, the names of most of them are still unfamiliar to me. But I saw Esther’s face when she overheard it. She’s a strong and quiet one, but I saw the hint of tears.”

  “I shall go apologize myself. After I speak to the men. Again.” Christopher didn’t wait for the man to respond. Pure anger pushed him forward.

  “Atten-tion!” His harsh tone caught everyone’s attention. The soldiers all moved in to form their lines and ranks.

  For the next five minutes, he berated his men for their participation in gossip and superstitious lies. Additional duties were added for everyone. He wanted to deny them all supper as if they were a bunch of careless children, but he couldn’t do that.

  Silence engulfed the group as Christopher yelled his orders once again. No gossip. No curse. No ill treatment of Miss Howland. Then he ordered that each man apologize to her individually as soon as they saw her next.

  Not that it would cure the problem. But he could hope. He stepped away, his ire still growing. But he needed to calm down before he saw Miss Howland. He had to show her that they could be gentlemen. And that he was in charge of his men.

  But how? They clearly had no shame in believing in a silly curse. Even when that defied orders.

  The ground crunched beneath his shoes as he approached the small cabin. Would she even answer the door? He hoped so. To his utter consternation, the stonemason’s daughter occupied his thoughts all too often of late.

  He lifted his hand and knocked.

  A shuffling noise sounded. Then the door opened a crack. Her blue eyes peered out. “Captain Latham.” She opened the door a bit wider.

  “Miss Howland, please allow me to offer my apologies for the men yet again, letting their mouths take off without them. I told you that gossip would not be tolerated, and I am working on that now.”

  She looked down at her hands, a lacy handkerchief twisted between her fingers. “ ’Tis not your fault, Captain. But I appreciate the apology.” She moved to close the door.

  “Please. Hiding away is not going to make this any better.”

  Her head tilted as she gazed at him. “I do not see any other appropriate plan, sir.”

  “Take a walk with me.” The words were out before he realized what he’d said.

  “Pardon?”

  “Forgive me.” He swallowed. “Would you care to join me on a walk of the island?”

  “I …”

  “Miss Howland. I know that your time here so far has been nothing but heartache and embarrassment. I am not wishing to cause you any more discomfort, but I do believe that if you hide away, the rumors will only grow. Let the men see that you are not afraid of them and that you have nothing to do with any ridiculous curse.” He offered his arm. “Thus, the walk. They will see you in public and will see that I certainly do not believe in any such nonsense.”

  Much to his surprise, she exited the cabin and closed the door. “Thank you. A walk would be nice.”

  Her father had said she was strong. But all he’d really seen was the quiet and shy woman. He watched her for a moment. Her hair, plaited and wrapped in a knot at her neck, glistened in the afternoon sunlight. The cap on her head covered too much of it. Why did women always have to cover their hair? Didn’t scripture call it a glory?

  She turned her head and looked at him. “Is there something wrong, Captain?”

  He blinked several times. “No. Not at all. Why do you ask?”

  “You have a frown etched on your face.” She pulled away. “If you have other duties to attend to, we do not have to go.” Her eyes snapped with a fiery light.

  He liked it. “I have no desire or need to be elsewhere, Miss Howland.” He let a smile emerge. “I admit I was pondering a question, but now I would like nothing more than to show you our island.”

  A soft smile lifted the corners of her lips and made her whole face light up. “Lead the way, Captain.”

  Chapter 5

  Water sloshed with each rhythmic pull of the oars. Steven watched Castle Island come closer and closer as he plotted his next accident. Captain Latham thought entirely too much of himself. And not enough of the curse.

  Steven didn’t mind bringing the rumors to the forefront of everyone’s minds. It was the only way to dispel the eventual doom of them all. Hadn’t they learned anything from the past?

  Of course, he hadn’t meant for anyone to lose his arm. The kid had tried to be a hero and stop the stone from injuring anyone else. Selfless. Yet stupid.

  It didn’t matter now. The kid would live. Would return to his family and learn how to live with one arm. What did matter was getting everyone’s attention. And making sure they were all on his side. The captain couldn’t stand against all of them if they banded together.

  It wasn’t that Steven wasn’t fond of women. He was. Very fond. But they had no business being at the fort. It only brought danger and death.

  It was his job to stop it.

  The island wasn’t very large, but it was very interesting. Flat, and for the most part without trees, the island afforded Esther a spectacular view.

  Captain Latham had given her the history of the island, including the forts. The first one had been built by the donations of the governor and his council. It had boasted two platforms and had a strategic location to be the first military defense of Boston.

  “Was that the one that burned last year?”

  “No. That one was built out of timber after the scare of the French warship coming through in ’44.”

  “Ah, yes. I see.” She’d never understood why they built so much out of wood when it was an easily burning fuel. Perhaps being the daughter of a stonemason gave her such thoughts.

  “Nothing will compare to the fine fort your father is building though.”

  “He’s a master at it, to be sure. What he envisions will serve for decades and stand against any storm.” Pride in her father’s work rushed to the surface. Papa was the finest stonemason in all of New England.

  “The men like to fish off of this point.” Christopher led her around the south side of the island to a peninsula that jutted out to the water like an arrow.

  Esther took the moment to study the man before her. While his periwig covered his hair, she imagined it to be dark like his eyebrows. His eyes were a shade of green she couldn’t name. Striking. Commanding attention.

  Taking care of Mother had kept Esther from pining after any of the young men who’d attempted to get her attention when she was younger. Studying the man before her now, she was thankful she hadn’t given her heart to any of the boys her age. Where that thought came from, she didn’t know. But she couldn’t deny it.

  There was something about the captain that she liked. Trusted.

  Even though he’d had a man injured and probably needed to attend to a number of other things, he’d taken the time to make her feel comfortable.

  It was sweet. And caused her to be bold. “Do you enjoy fishing as well?” It was the first personal question she’d ventured to ask.

  “I do. But there
’s not a lot of time for it, unfortunately.”

  They stopped their walk and stood in silence for several moments. Seagulls squawked above them, floating on the breeze.

  “I cannot help but notice that you are quieter than most women I have had the privilege of having an acquaintance with.” The captain turned toward her and quirked one eyebrow.

  Esther couldn’t stop a slight smile. “ ’Tis true, the fairer sex are commonly more talkative. But I have always enjoyed listening more. My mother was the talker of the family.”

  He tilted his head a bit. “What is it that you listen for?”

  “That is a good question. I am not sure … I guess, what people aren’t saying.” Lifting her shoulders a bit, she prayed he wouldn’t think her odd.

  His mouth opened an inch and then closed. “You are a very interesting person, Miss Howland.”

  “Thank you. I believe.” He puzzled her.

  A deep chuckle filled the space between them. “I meant no disrespect. It’s the first time I have heard a female—or, well, anyone for that matter, speak in such matter-of-fact terms. ’Tis refreshing. Honest.”

  “I find joy in observing people. Quite simple, really.”

  “And what do you discover in observing them?”

  “If they have a need. Or perhaps they are hurting. Is it not pleasing to God for us to care for one another?”

  “Indeed it is, Miss Howland. I simply have not run into anyone of late that actually takes that to heart.” He dipped his head with the words.

  “Oh, but Captain Latham, that cannot be true.”

  “Quite true, I assure you. The world has become a selfish place.”

  “I did not take you to be a pessimist, Captain.”

  “I never thought to be one. But alas, here we are.” He stood a little straighter and seemed to ponder the silence. After several minutes, he took a step back toward the fort. “We should be getting back.”

  Her heart plummeted. Why was she so disappointed? It’s not as if she had reason to take up all the man’s time. “I am sure you have much to keep you busy.”

  “My apologies for not taking you all the way around. Perhaps another time?”

  “That would be delightful, but I can always explore it myself too. The island is not very large. But thank you for the invitation.”

  “You are most welcome, Miss Howland.”

  The walk back was enjoyable enough. He asked questions about her father and the work he’d done. She answered, but something in their conversation had changed. They were back to the aloof chitchat of society. Perhaps when she’d called him a pessimist he’d taken offense? Best not to say anything. She was already in his debt for attempting to quell the rumors. And she didn’t want to wish him any more strife because of her.

  When they reached the little cabin, the captain bowed.

  “Thank you for the walk.” She curtsied.

  “ ’Twas my pleasure. I hope to see you at supper?” He lifted an eyebrow in question.

  “Of course. Until then.” Esther went inside and closed the door. As she leaned up against it, the few facts she knew about Captain Latham swirled in her mind. Not that she had any right to be thinking of him at all. Although it did give her something pleasant to ponder.

  After a quick use of the necessary, she went straight back out to the bastions where the men worked. The captain was right. Hiding wasn’t the answer. She would just have to prove the rumors wrong.

  Chapter 6

  A strong chill in the air greeted Esther a few mornings later. And it wasn’t just from the men. The sweltering heat they’d been enduring in September appeared to be on its way out in a hurry now that October was upon them.

  Grabbing another shawl from the cabin to take back to the bastions, she lifted a prayer heavenward. Lord, I give You this day. I don’t know what it will hold, but I pray for safety for the men, for grace toward me, and for many stones to be set.

  Every little mishap that happened had been blamed on her. Whether it was a man tripping, a fly in someone’s stew, or the man whose arm was crushed. Apparently everything bad that happened was because of her presence. It had gotten to the point where she dreaded being around the men. But Papa insisted he needed her help. And she remembered the captain’s words about hiding. Even though that was what she wanted to do, something inside her also wanted the captain to be proud of her.

  When she made it to the rock pile, Peter stood waiting for her.

  “Good morning, Peter.” She dipped her chin.

  “Good morning.” He followed her around as she looked at the rocks.

  When she turned to head the other way, his nearness made her step back. Roughly around her own age, he seemed eager for … something. “May I help you with some task?”

  He opened his mouth and then closed it. Then took a deep breath and opened his mouth again. “I would like to learn, Miss Howland. In watching you yesterday, it fascinated me how you were able to see how each rock would fit with the others.” He looked at his feet for a moment. “I think maybe I would like to be a stonemason one day.”

  “And a fine one you will make.” She gave him a smile. “My father and brother are the ones who really know the craft. I am just good at finding the stone.” The fact that, as a man, he was even willing to work with her was amazing.

  “Can you tell me how ya do it?”

  “I can try—”

  “Peter, do not be listening to her nonsense, now.” A sergeant gripped Peter’s shoulder. “If you know what is best for you, you will stay away from her. I think you need to work with Mr. Howland today.”

  Peter looked from the sergeant back to her. “Uh …”

  “Get to work.” The sergeant stepped closer.

  “Yes, sir.” Shoulders slumped, the young soldier walked away.

  The sergeant’s eyes shot daggers in her direction, and he stuck his finger in her face. “You just keep your ideas to yourself. We all know that you have brought the curse down upon us once again.” With a glance around him, he straightened his shoulders and smoothed his coat. Then he turned and marched toward the north bastion.

  Esther watched the blond-haired man walk away. And then glanced over at Peter. The young man was eager to learn but wouldn’t disobey. Would he have the nerve to ask her father for his guidance? She prayed so. Her heart sank at the thought of the encounter she’d just witnessed.

  No matter what Captain Latham ordered his men, the rumors of the curse were alive and well. And Esther wouldn’t be able to persuade them otherwise. In their minds, a woman shouldn’t be here. Especially working with the men.

  Was there any way for her to help Papa and Sam without putting the men in an uproar?

  She went over to the bastion where Sam was working a pulley system they would use to lift the stones above their heads. Discouragement fought against her good sense, but she shook it away. “What do you need next?”

  “The north wall is coming along nicely. The men are getting better at choosing stones for the wall but not for the corners. Papa is getting ahead on his side, so I want to step up the pace.”

  “I shall work on finding good cornerstones. And staying out of everyone’s way.”

  Sam gave her a sympathetic look. “I am most sorry, Esther.” So much was conveyed in those words.

  “ ’Twill be all right.” She headed back to the large rock piles and studied all the stones, looking for just the right ones to be corner pieces.

  But it couldn’t take her mind off the sergeant’s words. It wouldn’t be all right. She shouldn’t be here. Women had no place working among the men. It was one thing to help her father and quite another to be the object of rumors and gossip. Any determination she’d felt before melted away. She wasn’t strong like her brother. Couldn’t take the weight of all the men’s scorn.

  Esther had felt the hatred coming from the sergeant. Did all the others feel that way too?

  While most of the men stayed away, a few greeted her. Some had even apologized f
or their behavior. Most likely because Captain Latham had instructed them to do so, but still … She’d felt a bit accepted and less of a pariah.

  But now?

  Things weren’t getting any better. If anything, they were getting worse.

  Heavenly Father, my soul aches. You know I’ve tried to have a good heart about being here and how I worried about how the men would react. But it’s too hard. Now I fear that it was a grave mistake to come. But what choice did I have? What should I do?

  Feeling disrespectful for questioning God, she tried to focus again on the large stones in front of her. But it was no use. She felt the stares of some of the men. As if they were burning holes in her back. Her personality was not to stand and fight. She’d much rather hide.

  “Help! Get me down!” The shout pulled her out of her thoughts of self-pity. When she turned around, she saw Peter hanging upside down from the pulley.

  Men ran from all directions. But she stayed back so they couldn’t blame this on her too.

  “Sam!” Papa’s voice boomed over the commotion.

  Her brother was already running toward their father.

  “Hold this rope tight so he does not get caught in the mechanism.” Papa handed the rope to Sam. “You, and you!” He pointed at two others. “Get below his head. Once we release the pressure, we do not want him to fall. The rest of you, stand back.”

  Esther took a few steps forward. Peter dangled a good fifteen feet in the air. How had that happened? Papa was always good at instructing the men on how to stay clear of the ropes.

  She held her breath as they maneuvered and then released the pulley. Peter was on his feet on the ground in moments, and she let out a sigh of relief. Before anyone could see, she returned to the stone pile. But out of the corner of her eye, she saw Captain Latham headed their way.

  If only she could disappear among the rocks.

  Christopher paced in front of Peter, Samuel, and Steven. “Exactly how did you become entangled in the pulley?”

  “I am not sure, sir.” Peter gripped his hat in his hands. “I did what Mr. Howland said and watched my feet around the ropes. But before I knew it, I was hanging upside down.”