To Capture Her Heart (6 page)

August 31, 1653

Mary was in her confinement, but on this Tuesday Barney and the children went to church to give thanks for the first harvest of wheat. The celebration was called Lammis Day, and Reverend Youngs consecrated the loaves.

Abbey had the day off for the celebration, so after church Patience came over with armloads of leeks, carrots, and dill from her garden to help Barnabas with dinner.

Mary stopped rocking and put her needlework down on her rounded belly. “Look what you have—those are beautiful! I've missed working in the garden.”

“Have you forgotten how hot being in that sun is?” She set her baskets on the floor and took her cap off. As she hung it on the peg near the fireplace, her straight blond hair slipped from her combs, and she reached to secure them.

Mary pushed her foot at the floor to continue rocking. “To be cooped up like a hen is not my idea of healthy. The Corchaug women work in the fields with only a pause to have their babes, and it seems to me they have a much easier time, do you not think so, Patience?”

“That they do, I must agree. But other than that, how are you?”

“I could go on and on about all my aches and pains, or is that simply a polite greeting?” Her laughter tinkled.

“Why, of course I mean that, Mary. You may go on and on if you like, but I was really wondering if you had some peace whilst the family was at church?” The clatter of dishes and children erupted from the kitchen, and their eyes teared with laughter.

“I suppose I did, but I must confess I miss the noise and the children when everyone is gone from the house. I love the commotion of our big family.”

Patience sat down in the chair opposite Mary. “Remember when it was just you and me and Winnie? Your boys were old enough to pretty much look after themselves, and Lizzie and her family hadn't come across the pond yet. Jeremy brought your horses and you taught us to ride. We felt like there wasn't anything we couldn't do.” She smiled at the memory.

“Abbey was old enough to watch her younger brothers and sisters. Winnie had so many. I thought I'd never even have one.” She wished she hadn't said it the moment the words were out. She suspended her rocking. “I'm sorry, Patience. I know that hurts you. I didn't mean to say it.”

“Oh look at you, so big and round with child and so worried about me who has none. 'Tis all right. I love your children like they were my own, and truly they fill any maternal need I have. And I don't have to stay up all night with them when they are sick, the dears. I long ago decided the good Lord did not intend to give me my own. Instead I teach the little ones, and I do believe it's my calling.”

“I don't know what we would do without you.”

A shout outside brought Patience to her feet. “What could that be?”

Mary pushed herself out of her rocker and moved toward the door. It swung wide before she got there, and Joshua rushed in. “Mother, you will not guess who is coming—Uncle Jeremy! He's here.”

He stood back and in walked Jeremy. His Horton presence filled the room. He was tanned and dark blond hair fell across his forehead. Except for some additional crinkles around his mouth and eyes, the years had not changed him. Mary almost lost her balance. Patience and Jeremy both dashed to her side to steady her.

“Why, Jeremy, you smell of the sea.”

He chortled as they helped her to her rocker. “I should. I've just arrived from Barbados. And I've some molasses and sugar for you. Some for you too, Patience. Trading was good this trip. Where's old Barn?”

“He's in the kitchen preparing dinner. It will be a feast you will enjoy. Patience came to help him.”

He turned to Patience and her cheeks turned crimson. Her confidence about her spinster state a few moments ago seemed to have disappeared. She scooped up the baskets and hurried toward the kitchen, blond hair tumbling down her back. She stopped just before leaving the room and bit her lip. “I'll see what I can do to hurry things along. You must be starving, Jeremy.” Then she was gone.

Mary turned back to her brother-in-law. “I think Patience always finds herself feeling awkward around you, Jeremy.”

His tanned face held a hint of a flush too. “I don't know why. I've always found her to be a pleasant respite from my ocean-going ways. Someone to talk to if she but takes a moment to spend with me.”

“Patience has always worked hard. She needs someone like you to slow her down, find the goodness in life.” Did she say
that for Jeremy's benefit or Patience's? Surely they both seemed to have found goodness in life on their own, without anyone else. Perhaps for some people that was how it was meant to be.

But she hoped not. She and Barnabas, though they'd had a rough beginning, were perfectly matched, facing their joys and sorrows together—each other's rock. People needed a helpmeet, did they not? She looked at Jeremy. Did he think she meddled?

“Patience loves the children in her care. She doesn't have time to think on affairs of the heart like you do, Mary.” His eyes danced.

He was teasing her, but it was her turn to feel her cheeks flame. “I do not have time for such things either and you know that well. But I worry about her. And you, Jeremy. You cannot be sailing the seas forever, can you?”

“I can very well try, can I not?”

“And Patience is not the only woman who can run the Dame School.”

“Have we had this conversation before, Mary?” He was chortling at his comment when Barney bounded through the kitchen doorway.

“Jeremy, so good to see you. We were concerned you'd lost that ship.”

“You are concerned every time I make the voyage, Barn. Good to see you.” They clasped each other in a bear hug and pounded each other's backs.

“Well, Mary is too. The whole town is, for that matter. Dinner will be ready shortly, so your timing is impeccable.”

Mary smiled. “You always arrive in time for a good meal.” She giggled. “We are so glad to have you here. I hope you stay a good long while. Joseph and Benjamin will want to know right away that you are here.”

Jeremy nodded toward the door. “Joshua went to get them.”

Barney disappeared into the kitchen.

“Sit, Jeremy. There's so much to bring you up to date with.”

He took the chair opposite her, and she told him the story of Heather Flower's kidnapping and how Lion Gardiner had paid a ransom for her and Ninigret left her in the woods to die. When she told him of the Dutch lieutenant, Dirk Van Buren, finding her and bringing her to safety, he found it amazing that the English and Dutch had joined together to accomplish her rescue.

“She and Benjamin grew up playing together?”

“Yes, Ben has always been fond of her, and now it seems Lieutenant Van Buren is as well.”

“What about Anna Budd?”

“She married the Tucker boy. She broke Ben's heart, but he would never admit it.”

Jeremy smiled. “A man's got to protect his image, you know.” He winked at her. “And Heather Flower? She is back in Montauk?”

“No. Winheytem died, Jeremy. Winnie is in mourning. Heather Flower is staying with her to make sure she eats and to keep her company. But Joseph says that the Dutchman has been spotted near the Indian fort.”

“That sounds like trouble.”

“Yes, it is. Jay and Ben would like to see the Dutch off Long Island altogether, of course. Reverend Youngs's son is behind that, I think. He constantly talks of training the horse troop, and not just for protection.”

“Well, being ready to defend the town is one thing, but these young rousers need to realize it is peace that Parliament wants.”

“Is it, Jeremy? 'Tis so hard to know because we are so far away. We get conflicting reports with no way to verify anything.”

“Aye, I know. And it doesn't help that Parliament changes with the wind.”

“Heather Flower's parents are worried about her. They are upset she is not home with them and they are embarrassed that she might have romantic notions about the Dutchman.”

“I would think Lion Gardiner and Reverend Youngs would be as well.”

Joshua ran through the door. Jay and Ben were not far behind and had Jane in tow.

“Uncle Jeremy, it's so great you're here.”

“It has been too long. We've much to talk about.” He turned to Mary. “Mayhap on the morrow we can sit and I'll tell you and Barn the news from home and how Mother is doing.” He turned back to the boys. “And I've a trunk or two that needs to be fetched with a few trinkets from England. A book or two as well. We'll do that in the morn.”

The younger children came down the stairs and more bear hugs were exchanged before Patience came out to call them for dinner.

Soon they were seated at the two long tables, with Hannah insisting she sit next to Uncle Jeremy. Muffkin, Barney's cat and a little ball of gray, would not be ignored either and jumped up on the bench between them. They all joined hands and Barney led them in prayer.

Mary looked at her family as they all said “Amen.” She rubbed the strain in the small of her back before she began to eat. She was worn out and ready to retire as soon as they were finished eating and the kitchen was cleaned. But for now she was content to sit back and enjoy their family, friends, and bountiful food. She was thankful for what they shared, and hopeful for what the morrow would bring.

September 1, 1653

Mary woke with a sharp twinge low in her belly. It was brief, but the next one was sure to come. She lay still, counting off the seconds, then minutes. Each stab lasted a bit longer. She writhed while she held her breath and ground her teeth as she remembered the births of her sweet baby boys and little Hannah. All would be well, she prayed. She waited to waken Barney. His beloved Ann had died in childbirth. Now he worried with each birth, and Mary wanted to savor her anticipation of this new life.

She looked to the window and saw a black sky scattered with crystal chips. Her breath caught as she thought of God the Creator, and she whispered a prayer for a safe birth. Dim memories of her mother embraced her like a gentle hug.

Her fingers brushed the soft gray fur of the little cat curled at her side. Muffkin stretched with a purr. Her dainty, pink tongue gently licked her thumb, and Mary fluffed her fur between her ears. “There, there, little Muffy. Everything will be all right.”

She prayed, rather timidly, for a little girl. Truly she'd be thankful for boy or girl, but the memory of Rachel, Ruthie, and Hannah playing together as little girls made her want a little sister for their daughter. They'd named her after Lizzie's youngest and she was the sweetness in this brood of boys. Lizzie's Hannah grew up and married well in Mowsley, and when the Fannings made the decision to come to Long Island, Hannah and her husband remained in England. Joshua—Lizzie and Zeke's only son—also stayed in Mowsley, much to Lizzie and Mary's sadness.

The sky lightened to gray, and she continued to count the minutes as the darkness dissolved to pink on the eastern horizon. She clenched her fingers into a fist, and Barney's hand reached out to cover hers. She tried to roll over to him, but her stomach was rigid and all she could do was squeeze his hand.

The bedcovers flew, and Barney hovered over her. “It is time? Our babe is coming?” His gentle hand skimmed her belly as her muscles relaxed and the pain receded. He reached to smooth her hair back and bent down to kiss her forehead. She thrashed as the next wave began.

“Caleb! Caleb, go get Abigail. Your mother needs Abigail!”

She was only half aware of Caleb entering the chamber, stuffing his nightshirt into his breeches. She listened to him clamor down the stairs, then pain peaked and she concentrated as it subsided. Her skin was damp with pinpricks of sweat. She heard Barnabas and knew he was talking to her, but he seemed far away.

“Mary, I'm going to build up the fire and fetch some cloths. I filled the pot with water last night. I'll get the Bible and read to you whilst we wait for Abigail. God be with us.” He scooped up Muffkin and pounded down the stairs.

Alone, she tried to remember to keep breathing. She'd rather hold her breath, but Abbey would tell her to breathe. She didn't want to moan and wake the little ones, so she bit her lip and turned her face toward the pillow. Her back arched with the knifing pain that was stronger and longer than the previous one. Where was Abbey? Where was Barney? She strained to hear them below. Did they not know this little babe wouldn't wait for them?

At length she heard Barney enter and she forced her eyes to open a crack and watched him bring in a stack of cloths, several wet. He placed a cold one across her brow and for a blessed moment it soothed her. “Abigail should be here soon. I told Caleb to go get Patience and Elizabeth after he talked to her and I told him to have James ride out to the fort and fetch Winnie.”

“It seems to be taking so long for Abbey.” She spoke through gritted teeth.

“Aye, it seems that, but truly it's been only a short while since he left. She'll be here soon.”

He fussed about her, rearranging her pillow and wiping her brow. Finally he sat and opened the Horton Bible and turned to the page marked with the frayed blue ribbon. Ann's. When she'd died in childbirth so many years ago, he'd thought he couldn't go on. Anything and everything reminded him of her and tossed him into a black pit of despair. But Mary's love changed that and any other day he could touch the ribbon and remember Ann tying her hair up and smile. But Ann died giving birth to their baby girl and now he was terrified.

His hand was gentle on Mary's as he said a silent prayer for God's help and strength. Then he began to read to her from
his Bible. Jonathan crept into the room and climbed into his father's lap and not too long after little Hannah was crawling into the big bed to snuggle with her mother.

“Come, Hannah, sit with me. Your mother will have a brother or sister for you today.”

Mary reached for her little girl. “Nay, stay with me. 'Tis all right for a moment. I love you.” The last was said in a whisper, and Hannah looked at her papa with a question in her big hazel eyes.

“She will be all right. Give your mother a kiss and sit still for her.”

Hannah snuggled her face into Mary's neck, her little arms hugged tight. Mary kissed her daughter's soft brown hair. “Good girl.” She settled back, eyes closed, her little girl's soft breath warm on her neck.

But the next moment pain gripped Mary again. Barnabas stood quickly and with Jonathan in one arm, scooped up Hannah and took them down to the front parlor. He set them in the chairs before the fire and poked the logs to give the flames new life. A sleepy Joshua shuffled down the stairs. “Be a good boy and stay with your sister and brother. Mother will have her babe today and Aunt Patience will be here soon to take care of you.”

Joshua went to sit with Hannah. “Do you think it's a boy?”

A groan came from the upper chamber, and all the children's eyes grew wide. Barnabas started for the stairs, but said over his shoulder, “We won't know until it's born. But if I have my guesses, it will be a big boy.”

Before he could reach her, the front door flew open and in hurried Abigail and Lizzie with Patience close behind them.

He bounded back down the stairs in two long strides. “You're here. We need you now.”

Lizzie's violet-blue eyes flew open and she hurried past him, up to Mary.

Abigail stayed but a moment. Her hand touched his arm with a gentle pat. “Mother will be here soon. James left right away to get her. He took the horse.”

“Ah, that's good, Abigail. Mary needs you. She's been asking.”

She glanced at the children huddled in the parlor as she hastened to the stairs and stopped. “Do the neighbor ladies know it's time? Did anyone hit the skillet outside with the mallet?”

Blank faces stared back.

Patience removed her hat and hung it on a peg near the front door. “Ah, I shall tend to that at once, Abigail. She leaned down to the little Hortons. “And how are you three? Are you excited about a baby?”

The boys jumped up and down with smiles, but Hannah pouted. Patience bent and drew her close. “Shall we go find some porridge and perhaps a bit of cheese, sweet one?” She winked at Barnabas and he nodded. “I shall ring the news with the skillet too.” She gave Hannah a gentle squeeze. “You may help me if you like.”

Hannah's face brightened and Patience led the siblings toward the kitchen.

Barnabas called to her. “Aye, that's a good idea. When Caleb gets back, I shall take him and Joshua to visit with Zeke. Mayhap you or Winnie would come fetch us when the babe arrives?”

“Yes, of course. You should go say goodbye to Mary now, before things get too exciting. We'll be just fine here, won't we, sweet one?” Hannah clung to her neck and she carried her to the small, front kitchen, trailed by the two boys.

He entered the bedchamber quietly. Mary's face twisted with
agony, droplets of sweat—tears?—trickled to the bolster beneath her neck. She clenched and pulled the sheet. He grabbed her hands and brought them to his lips as Abigail talked his wife through another pain. As it subsided, Abigail turned to Barnabas. “Give her a kiss and leave now. I am going to prepare her for the birth.”

He slipped his hand beneath her damp head and bent over her. Her glassy eyes, wide with fear, had a gray cast as she tried to focus on him. Her mouth was pulled back in a grimace that showed her teeth. His stomach knotted and he wondered if he should leave her at all. She threw her hands up toward him and he thought she would hit him, but instead her arms wrapped around his neck tight, clinging with a strength he thought not possible.

He attempted to rock her, and spoke low, soothing. “Mary, my sweet, you are going to have our babe. Soon we will all be rejoicing over our beautiful child. Be strong. Be brave. Abigail is here. All is well. God be with you, my love.”

With that he pried her arms away and held them tenderly across her chest as he kissed her cheek. “I shall return soon.”

He left the room without looking back, for if he did he would surely stay.

Heather Flower arrived with Winnie and Caleb. After Barnabas left with the two older boys, Winnie went up to Mary's chamber to help Abigail.

She followed Patience back to the large back kitchen, added to the original house to accommodate the bakeshop. “We should put together dinner for everyone. Mary will be hungry once the babe is born.”

Patience nodded to Heather Flower. “She has a ham that I thought would be good, and last night I put some beans to soak and I brought them with me.” A weary smile formed on her lips. “I'm making a turkey pie too. And a pippin.”

“I'll make a corn pudding like Winnie does. She said it is Mary's favorite.” Heather Flower set to work cutting fresh kernels from cobs of corn. Her mother mostly dried the corn and she was intrigued by the fresh corn pudding Winnie had learned from Mary. “Do Benjamin and Joseph know?”

Patience looked up from the ham she sliced. “Everything has been happening so quickly, I don't think anyone has told them. Unless Barnabas stops by on his way to Zeke's. And Jeremy stayed the night with Joseph and Jane. I suppose they will all know soon.” She raised her arm to brush back a wisp of blond hair with her sleeve. “I did ring the skillet, but who knows if anyone heard it.”

Heather Flower continued to chop without replying.

“How are things with you and Benjamin? We all know he is sweet on you.” Patience smiled as she said it.

“There are no things. Only friendship.” She looked up to make her point.

“Mary hopes that is not so. She is fond of you, and she knows her son's heart. She hopes you will return his affection. I know things have been hard for you, but do you ever think you will?” She kept her eyes on the ham as she spoke, turned it this way and that as if she were trying to be casual about the conversation, but she didn't conceal her curiosity well.

“Will what?”

Patience giggled. “Return his affection.”

She could not help but laugh too. “He means much to me, Patience. He has been my friend forever. I do not have a heart
to give him now. Maybe never. I don't know. I don't want to lose him as my friend. That would be too sad.”

“Someone thought they saw the Dutchman hanging around the fort. Did he come to see you?”