To Capture Her Heart (23 page)

“It's the Dutch who make the Indians to the north dangerous, trading them guns for pelts.”

“That may be, but no—you will not be riding out there again. Wells and I have been elected as deputies to the court and will be going to New Haven within a fortnight. We'll petition the court to negotiate his release. I'll talk to John today. Mayhap we can leave sooner.”

Benjamin rubbed his neck. Thank goodness. He didn't like the plan anyway. But he'd rather it be Father who told Joseph. He scooped some oats from the old oak cask and dumped them into the pot, the water now a rolling boil.

The chatter of his younger siblings drifted down from the upper chambers and he heard Mary come down the stairs with them. He startled when he overheard her greet Heather Flower at the bottom.

His father gave him a curious look. “Oh. I forgot to tell you we have Heather Flower with us.”

April 25, 1654

Benjamin rushed out to the front hall. She looked frail like a bird. Her dark eyes lacked their fire and had the softness of a frightened doe. She gave him her small smile, almost as if she felt shy with him. But she possessed the kind of beauty that could weather rain, hardship, or whatever life tossed her way and it would not be lost.

Mary stepped forward and threw her arms around him. “Ben, you are back. How I've prayed for you and Joseph. You are both safe?”

“Yes, Mother. Everyone is. We're all back. Heather Flower, I am both pleased and surprised to see you here.”

Mary turned and put her arm around her. “She became ill, Ben. She'll stay with us until she gets well.”

Heather Flower's voice was soft and tentative. “Thank you, my friend. I am grateful to see you. Grateful you have returned.”

“What about Winnie? Does she not want you there?”

Mary spoke for her. “She does. Very much. And I think soon
she will go there.” She looked at Heather Flower. “You get stronger every day. And Winnie has told me that she will let you stay. You don't have to go back to Montauk. Not until you are ready.”

Benjamin hoped she would never be ready to go. Mayhap this was his chance to convince her to stay.

After everyone had some porridge, his father kissed Mary goodbye and walked across the road to meet with Reverend Youngs. Before he left he said he expected they would call an emergency town meeting in the afternoon and he hoped Benjamin could get some work done in the fields before that.

Benjamin was reluctant to leave Heather Flower, but labor in the fields was a family obligation. His three younger brothers followed him out and they gathered tools, the wheelbarrow, and the stone boat—a large flat sled without runners. He let Joshua help Jonathan hitch up Star and they led her out to the field.

He loved this time of year when winter's quiet gave way to bird songs and insects chirping. Mary kept honeybees out back by the orchard, and they just now were waking and drowsily buzzing about. He could remember how happy she'd been when Uncle Jeremy had been able to bring over a shipload of hives from England. Not a favorite cargo of his, however.

Caleb and Joshua both favored their father and looked like Joseph at a younger age, except Joshua had Mary's lighter, hazel eyes. But Jonathan looked much like Mary's papa, and bore his name. All three boys were at an age where they could be helpful in the fields. They were pretty good with a sling and a bag of stones too, and could bring home quail and occasionally a pheasant.

Today they would be doing a man's work, pulling the larger stones from the field that the women had not been able to remove.

The first stones they dug around, and while Joshua and Caleb both pried with shovels, Benjamin rolled them onto the sled. When they had the sled full, they worked on a couple of larger stones that they would not be able to move as easily. They dug a deep hole next to each and then pushed the rocks into it. They shoveled enough dirt to give them something to plant over it and called it done. They worked throughout the morning with little talk until they headed back to the house for dinner.

Joshua looked up at his brother as they walked. “Ben, do you like Heather Flower?”

He laughed, his dimples showing. “Why, yes, I'd say I do. You do too, do you not?”

“Oh, yes. I just thought maybe you'd marry her and then she could always stay here. I don't think she wants to go home.”

“Well, little brother, I wish it were that simple. But life is not like that, I'm afraid.” Oh, how he wished it were.

Caleb smiled a knowing look. At fourteen he'd begun to have some thoughts of his own about the girls in their small hamlet. “You've had a sweet spot for her for a while now, haven't you?”

He thumped Caleb's shoulder. “You've found me out, but you mustn't tell her.”

Caleb laughed and ran ahead, calling back. “Oh she knows. I know she knows.” Joshua and Jonathan took off after him and the three chased each other in circles while Benjamin went inside.

Barnabas came home for a dinner of ham, beans, and a hearty brown bread. He said little except Benjamin needed to come back with him for the meeting. Joseph would meet them there too.

Benjamin wolfed his food quickly, watching Heather Flower pick at hers. Finally he asked her if she would like to take a walk in the orchard. They got up, leaving the rest of the family with eyebrows raised, and walked outside.

The day was a cool spring day, but the sunshine warmed his face. Hopefully it felt good to her. “I wanted to tell you about my trip to Flushing.”

“Your mother did, Benjamin. What Barnabas told her.”

“Yes, well, I want you to know that I didn't receive any word about Lieutenant Van Buren. He didn't show in Flushing and there were no attempts of contact with the Dutch militia. And Father will handle matters from here on. He intends to leave for New Haven as soon as possible. We'll be discussing that at our meeting.”

“You do not need to explain, my friend. I know you dislike Dirk, but I don't believe you would harm him.”

“It's not a matter of disliking him. It's more disliking the Dutch interfering with our lives. They are not peaceful neighbors, though they sometimes pretend to be. They'd rather take us over. But the issue now is Johnny.”

“I think you dislike him.”

She wore her pouty smile and he wasn't sure if she teased or if it truly made her unhappy that he didn't like Van Buren. “All right. You said it and I suppose it's true. I don't like him. He makes my teeth grind and I want to punch him. There. Is that what you want to hear?”

“Yes, because it is true.”

The apple blossoms were in full bloom and she plucked one from a branch and brought it to her nose. A bee followed close and Benjamin swatted it away. She moved toward him and he could not help but take her in his arms. He wanted to protect her. He held her tight and she rested against him. He'd never stopped loving Anna, even after she'd married the Tucker boy. It would always be the same for Heather Flower, he feared. She loved someone else. But did that mean they shouldn't be together?

“Benjamin?”

“Yes?”

“I should go back to my aunt. We should have a courtship. An English courtship.”

“We both have broken hearts, Heather Flower. We need to be honest with each other. I love you, but not in the same way as I loved Anna. Is that all right with you?”

“
Nuk
, my friend. Yes. Winnie tells me today is God's gift. We do not know if we have a tomorrow. Dirk is gone from me and I cannot stop loving him, but I must not think of him.”

He lowered his cheek to hers and whispered in her ear. “Yes, then. We'll court. And then will you marry me?” Why was he pushing? She'd just told him what he wanted to know.

“I think so, my friend. If your family will have me.”

They walked toward the house and already doubt beat at Benjamin's resolve. If this was right, why did it feel so bad? This would be so much like his father's marriage to Mary. A marriage of convenience. For the first time he could understand what it had been like for his father when his mother had died. But there was a difference. He was pretty certain Mary had loved his father when they wed. Heather Flower came to this union from the same place he did. In love with someone else.

They walked into the kitchen and no one looked at them, save for Hannah. But the raised eyebrows had been replaced by merry little smiles, and it was a forgone conclusion that his family would welcome her with open arms.

Abbey arrived for the afternoon, and took Hannah, Sarah, and Misha to the upper chamber for a nap. Mary and Heather Flower worked in the bakeshop and the first afternoon hours
were busy with patrons. They said hello to Mrs. Corey and Mrs. Wells and sent them home with loaves of thirded bread, Mary's specialty, next to her pies.

Mrs. Case and Mrs. Budd always stopped in to sample, whether they bought or not, and shared a little gossip. Today they exclaimed about the apple blossoms in full bloom.

Mary nodded. “We'll have quite a crop to be sure. I'll be drying the pips all winter.”

Patience and Lizzie finally came by to pick up sacks of ginger cakes. Lizzie's home, built by Zeke, Barney, Jay, and Ben, had its own large kitchen complete with baking oven. She had the joy of filling her own home with the delightful smells of baking. Times had changed since those early days in Mowsley, and as harsh as things could be, they had settled into a nice life in Southold.

Lizzie nibbled on a crust of bread. “The weaver will be coming through tomorrow, Mary. Did you remember?”

“Oh yes. I did some spinning last night. I've plenty to give him. Patience, let me put your bread order together.”

“Give me a few biscuits, too, for the little poppets who are good.”

Mary smiled. “According to you they are all good. I'll give you a baker's dozen.”

As much as she enjoyed the company, she was a bit relieved when they were gone and she had a few minutes to talk with Heather Flower alone. “You look so much better today, really this is the first day I could say that. I've been so worried.”

“I do feel better, Aunt Mary, and I know it is time to go back to my aunt's home.” She stood by a bucket of water, washing out the bowls and platters from the earlier meal. She ladled a bit more water from the hot cauldron.

Mary wrinkled her brow. “Is that because Ben is home?”

“Yes.”

How did she mean that? “Because he makes you uncomfortable?”

“No, my friend. He makes me feel good. Happy. Happier than I've been for a time. I told him he could court me, but I must go to my aunt's for it to be right.”

She rushed to hug her. “Oh, Heather Flower, I'm so happy. 'Tis good for both of you. Ben has loved you for a long time.”

“I know. I want it to be good for him.”

Mary drew back and fell silent. She busied herself with wrapping the remaining loaves in cloth and brushing the crumbs off the table. Muffkin rubbed her side against her leg and she stooped to pet her. She sensed something in Heather Flower's answer. Was Heather Flower just giving up? Was her heart truly with Ben, or had it shattered when Keme died? Or worse, was she in love with that Dutch lieutenant?

April 28, 1654

Mary was encouraged to see Ben spend his spare time, short as it was, at Winnie's after Heather Flower returned. She'd had her doubts in the beginning, but the more they saw each other, the more she became convinced they shared an enduring love. Ben had been crushed when Anna married. Now it was his turn to be happy.

The courtship was more a formality, like the banns. As soon as those could be posted, they could marry. They both knew each other well enough.

She'd helped plan several weddings, and with Lizzie's and Patience's help, this one would be lovely. In Boston a wedding was hardly an affair at all, but Southold tended to keep the celebration a slight bit reminiscent of old England. The men seemed to tolerate it, even enjoy it. And for Mary with her Anglican upbringing, it just seemed natural.

The women were gathering today. Abbey was already here to watch the girls, the men and boys were out working in the
fields—except for Barney and Mr. Wells, who'd gone to New Haven—and Winnie was on her way with the bride-to-be.

Mary finished with her baking for the morning, set out platters of little cakes and tarts for the ladies. Lizzie and Patience arrived and they pulled out some of Mary's best laces, bolts of blue brocade, and soft silk from her trunk. “I'm not sure what Heather Flower will want to wear, but if she would like a nice gown, I've got the fabric.”

Lizzie didn't waste a second. “I'll make her dress. I'd love to.”

“I'll help you, Lizzie. And Mary, I'll help you set up for the dinner. We can decorate with wild iris and it will be so beautiful.”

“Thank you, Patience, and thank you, Lizzie. We'll need to see how much she and Winnie will let us do. But she did tell Ben she'd like a Christian wedding.”

Rachel and Ruthie joined them and soon everyone arrived. Winnie's face glowed as they talked about the plans. Mary and Barney would prepare the feast and include both English and local dishes. Baked fish and roast turkey would be on the menu, but venison would be the focal point of the meal. Barney would bake the cake, and of course the table would be laden with English savories and sweets.

Heather Flower was quiet through most of the chatter, but when they looked at the fabric and lace, her face brightened. She ran her hand over the smooth, shiny blue and cream satin and listened as Lizzie told her how she could embroider the blue brocade for the fitted bodice, and create a full skirt with the blue satin. Billowy sleeves of cream-colored satin would be tied above and below the elbow with blue ribbon.

Mary hugged her. “It will be a dress truly for a princess, Heather Flower.”

The ladies decided they would not wait for the banns to be posted to begin the dress, and they all helped cut the fabric, holding it up to Heather Flower and measuring. They moved her arms straight out to her sides, turned her this way and that, smoothing, snipping until finally they had all of the pieces cut for Lizzie to take home to stitch.

They began to fold the pieces and Mary told the story of the cake Barney baked for their own wedding day again, and they all listened like it was the first time.

Lizzie giggled. “Tell them how you cried and he had to promise to bake you one every year.”

“Oh, they've heard that too, I'm afraid. But he does, no matter what.” That still meant as much to her as it did on the day they married.

“Winnie, you've sent a message to her parents, haven't you? Have you heard from them?” Patience loved the details of a wedding and was always good at keeping track of what had been done and what still needed to be accomplished.

“We sent a messenger, and yes, they will come when we set the day. Benjamin will journey to Montauk. He tells me that he must ask permission of Wyandanch.”

Mary straightened from her folding and put her hands on her hips. “What if we say the twenty-seventh of May? That way Benjamin can tell Heather Flower's parents when it will be and it gives us one month to prepare. 'Tis a Saturday, a good day for a wedding feast.”

“That is good.” Patience was the first to agree.

Everyone looked at the others and nodded their heads in agreement, then broke out in chatter much like clucking hens. Heather Flower found a chair in the corner and settled into it. Mary meant to say something to her, but Barney entered. His
presence still filled up a room and the ladies still noticed him. All eyes turned.

“Barney, you are back. What did they say at the court?”

He looked from her to the group of women. “The men will meet tonight and William and I will give our report. The men will then tell their wives. It's best I keep it that way.” He bowed to the ladies. “Prithee, understand.”

Patience nodded. “Of course.”

“Very well.”

Patience stood up. “We were all getting ready to leave.” She nudged Lizzie.

“Oh, yes, Barnabas. We are just gathering up what we need for Heather Flower's wedding dress.”

He turned to Heather Flower. “Good morrow. Have you a date for this wedding?”

She stood. “Benjamin and I would like to marry soon.”

“We've decided just now on the twenty-seventh of May. Do you think that would be suitable, Barney?”

“Aye, my sweet, more than suitable.” He bowed to Heather Flower and kissed her hand. “Welcome to our family.”

Lizzie gave Heather Flower a hug, and hugs began all around as the ladies left. Abbey handed Sarah to Mary as she gathered up Misha to go home.

With the baby on her hip and Hannah at her skirt, she stirred the pottage on the fire. “You must be hungry. I've never known a Horton man to not be.” She smiled up at her husband.

“That would be true. Give me Sarah and you dish us all up.”

She handed over the baby and he grabbed Hannah's hand. “What say you we go find Benjamin and the boys? Are they in the barn?”

“Yes, Papa.” They started out the door.

“Barney, wait.” She stopped stirring and tapped the wooden spoon on the side of the pot. “I know you said you shouldn't say anything until after the meeting, but I just have to know. What did you find out about Johnny? Will they help get him back?”

He cocked a bushy eyebrow. “I suppose it doesn't matter if I tell you before or after the meeting. It will be the same either way. Aye. Stuyvesant set bail and we'll pay it. New Haven also requested the reverend write a letter asking for his release, which I expect him to do of course. I'll take the letter and the bail with me this Monday. Joseph will go with me.”

She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand and a smile flit across her face. “Good. I will be so happy when Johnny is back safe and Ben and Jay can stop having wild thoughts about rescuing him.” She turned back to her pottage.

He sat at the head of the old oak table and looked around at his family. With another meeting at the church planned for after supper, Barnabas sent Caleb to fetch Joseph and Jane to join them. Now they all clasped hands for the blessing of the food.

Joseph sat to his right with Jane beside him. Benjamin sat to his left and then Caleb and Joshua. Next to Jane sat Hannah with Jonathan on her other side. Mary sat at the end of the table with little Sarah on her lap. She looked tired but so content holding their babe, and smiling—no, glowing—at their large family.

Tonight he was thankful for his family as he led them in grace, and humbly spoke of his love toward them as well as for the Lord.

“Amen.”

They all looked up and waited for him to spoon the pottage
into a bowl, add a hunk of bread and pass it. The first bowl was passed to Mary and each bowl after was passed until everyone had their supper. When Barnabas served himself, they began to eat. Old memories were treasured, but making new ones was important to him and Mary.

Barnabas mopped up the gravy with the last piece of bread. “That was good, Mary. Thank you.” He stood and looked to his two eldest sons. “We need to get over to the meeting.” He glanced around the table, nodding to Jane. “Prithee, excuse us.”

Jane gave a pat to her husband's hand as he stood, and Barnabas walked to the end of the table to kiss Mary's cheek and the top of Sarah's head before leaving with his sons.

The men who were gathered inside all turned as the Horton men came in. Barnabas walked up the center aisle to the clerk's table, where William Wells and Reverend Youngs sat. He and Wells would not begin to serve officially until May 1, but the reverend requested they sit up front for this meeting because of the gravity of the situation with his son.

Joseph and Benjamin sat in the Horton pew up front. The room was silent save for the door and the shuffling as the rest of the townsmen entered and took their seat.

At length, Reverend Youngs called the meeting to order. The reverend led the men in prayer and then Barnabas stood to read the report from New Haven, including a bail to be paid for Johnny and a letter request from the reverend stating he desired the court to take action. The men voted to accept both items, and John Youngs said he would write the letter that night.

“Thank you for your prompt action in the matter,” the reverend began. “I cannot tell you how concerned his mother and I
have been. I still worry for his safety after the release and would like to request an escort on his behalf.”

William Wells tapped the table. “I ask for a show of hands of who is in favor of sending the horse troop to meet Johnny and bring him home.”

Every man raised his hand.

Barnabas raked his hair back with his fingers before he stood. He turned to Reverend Youngs. “Joseph and I will sail before dawn on Monday and deliver the bail and letter directly to the court.”

“Thank you, Barnabas. It is settled then, and we are close to having Johnny home. I thank you all. I know he has been something of a rascal, but you all understand a father's love. If anything happened to him, I would blame myself.”

“Hear, hear, John—we all understand. Prithee, no explanations required.”

“I appreciate that.” He folded his hands on the table before him. “Is there anything else we should discuss while we are here?” Reverend Youngs sounded tired.

Timothy Brush stood up. “What about the wedding, Horton?” He nodded at Benjamin.

“Thank you for asking. I'm proud to say my son will be marrying the daughter of Grand Sachem Wyandanch.” Murmurs trickled through the group. The custom of whites taking a native woman as a wife was not always well received by either the English or the Indians. But did not God create mankind equal?

Barnabas knit his brow and looked around the room. The issue went far beyond the intricacies of living with the native people. He and Mary both thought the Quakers, and others who did not share the same religious beliefs, were precious in God's sight too. He prayed for them continually, and his fervent
desire was for those people who followed a different theology to find another place to live and worship, as he had done when he left England.

He cleared his throat. “Mary informs me they have selected the twenty-seventh of May for the date, and you know how the ladies are. They are already busy with the preparations. I am certain that includes a feast at our home. The wedding will be here in the church, but I, as magistrate, will officiate. Benjamin, is there anything you want to add to that?”