Doubts filled her mind as she walked to the common house. She wasn’t normally a confrontational person. Other than her spat with the sailor on board the Mayflower, she’d never confronted anyone. Ever.
She took a deep breath and entered the common house. Now or never.
William sat in the corner with John as they broke the fast over a barrel.
“Mr. Lytton, could I speak to you for a moment?”
His head snapped in her direction. “Of course.” Standing up, he nodded to John.
“Thank you.”
William took her elbow and walked her outside. “You look lovely this morning.” His blue eyes seemed sad.
Unsure of the best way to handle it, she went straight to the point. “William, I can’t let you end our betrothal. I’ve made a commitment to you, and you can’t brush me aside so easily.” She twisted her hands in front of her. “I understand you are trying to protect me in some way, but this is not the way to do it.”
His face turned toward the hill where the cannons now sat. The muscle in his jaw twitched. “I can’t risk your well-being along with my own—”
“But isn’t that what marriage is all about? The two—side by side?”
“We’re not married yet, Mary Elizabeth.”
The words stung. She fought back tears.
“Until we know the outcome of their ruling, I can’t even consider putting you in a scandalous situation. Your reputation is on the line along with mine. That’s not fair to you or to young David.”
“But it’s not true! You aren’t a spy. You haven’t done anything wrong.” Tears slipped out from under her lashes.
William took her hands in his own. “I love it that you think that, Mary Elizabeth, I do. It lifts my heart to the heavens to know that you believe in me. But I have to do this. It’s for the best.” He squeezed her hands while he gazed at her. Those blue eyes burning with sorrow.
Then he let go and walked away.
Mary Elizabeth stood in the middle of their street and cried.
CHAPTER 31
The hurt look on Mary Elizabeth’s face stuck with William all morning. And he was the one who’d put it there. It was bad enough that people didn’t trust him anymore and half of them thought he was a spy, but now he’d tossed her aside. A little more of him died with the thought. It didn’t matter that he had to do the noble and right thing by her. That he had to protect her reputation from tarnish. He’d never get that look out of his memory.
After leaving her in the street, his decision became even clearer. He’d have to pack up his belongings and leave with the Mayflower. Mary Elizabeth would stand by his side no matter what, but if the people rejected him, didn’t trust him, then her reputation would be linked with him. What future did that give her? And little David?
It didn’t take him long to pack his things. All that was left was to secure passage with the master. It was best this way. The people of Plimouth could carry on and not have to worry about who to trust.
As he left the shelter of their fort—the fenced-in little group of buildings—William headed to the trees. The little colony of Plimouth would be having their ceremony for Captain Standish today, and while he wanted to be a part of it, he didn’t think the people wanted him. Since he couldn’t be much use anywhere else, he could at least chop some wood to make furniture.
The walk gave him a chance to pray. Lord, this isn’t going the way I’d planned. But I want to trust You. I just don’t know if I’m doing the right thing. I didn’t feel like it was wrong to take the job, but I should have listened to Your prodding and shared with my friends.
Everything had changed. But he wouldn’t trade his new relationship with the Lord for anything. He just wished that he could change some of the other circumstances.
They were finally all living in the new settlement. It should be a time of rejoicing, yet William’s future wouldn’t be here.
As he smashed the ax into a large tree, it felt like all his hopes and dreams were smashed as well.
Discouragement tried to strangle him. Lord, what do I do?
With each swing of the ax he prayed. Over and over and over again.
The verse from 2 Corinthians came back to him. “ ‘We are persecuted, but not forsaken; cast downe, but we perish not.’ ”
The words soothed his anguish a bit. And so he said it again.
“ ‘We are persecuted, but not forsaken; cast downe, but we perish not.’ ”
He swung the ax again and decided to quote every verse he’d memorized. If he couldn’t think on anything but the doubt and discouragement, he would change that by thinking on what was good—God’s Word.
As a second tree fell, William looked back toward the settlement. Breathing hard, he leaned on his ax. God was in control. He knew that and trusted in it. He’d have to leave his fate in the Almighty’s hands and simply do the best he could. Even returning to England.
Would he ever get over Mary Elizabeth? No. The thought of her brown eyes made him want to cry. He’d never loved anyone but her. And there wouldn’t ever be anyone else.
Movement down by Town Brook caught his attention.
His eyes widened. Indians!
And not just one like the other day. There were at least forty—no fifty!—men.
The ceremony for Captain Standish should be taking place now. Were these men readying an attack?
William picked up the ax and wound his way through the trees to get a better look.
What if he was the only one who could warn them? Those natives looked like warriors. They could kill everyone in a matter of minutes.
He couldn’t let that happen.
Mary Elizabeth waited outside the door. Peter had gone in, and eventually he would have to come out. And when he did? She’d be waiting.
The ceremony would start any minute, and she wanted this over with.
The door opened, and Peter stepped out.
Mary Elizabeth stepped in front of him.
“Excuse me, Miss Chapman.”
“I don’t think I will, Peter.”
His smile looked pasty. “I’d like to go to the ceremony.” He offered an elbow. “Would you like me to escort you?”
“No. I would not.” She placed her hands on her hips. “But I would like to know why you still have William’s money.”
His eyes shifted around and then stared at the ground. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do.” John Alden exited the house behind Peter. “It’s right here. Along with a few other things that don’t look like they belong to you.”
Running as fast as he could, William took a longer trek back to the fort by going around the back side. If he could just warn someone, maybe they could prevent a disaster.
When he made it to the assembly, he noticed Mr. Bradford standing near the rear. “Bradford!”
Several people looked in his direction, but he didn’t care.
“Yes, William?” The man turned to him.
“There’s Indians at the brook.”
“How many?”
“At least fifty.” By this point, half the crowd had turned to stare at William.
Governor Carver stopped his speech and walked toward him. “Where did you see them?”
“They’re across the brook. I don’t know what they’re intentions are, but I felt I needed to warn you all just in case.”
Their leader furrowed his brow and then rested a hand on William’s shoulder. “Thank you. You did the right thing. Let’s hope they are the Wampanoag that Samoset told us about.”
As William caught his breath, he noticed Mary Elizabeth with David and John across the crowd. She smiled at him.
His heart ached to go see her, to hold her hand. But he knew he couldn’t.
“Samoset!” Governor Carver’s exclamation made everyone turn the other direction. “Welcome!”
The tall native man walked straight down the center of their street again, and this time he had a friend. They car
ried some skins and fish and didn’t seem to be bothered by all the staring.
“We’re glad you came back.” Governor Carver smiled and bowed.
Samoset nodded. “This…Tisquantum.”
The governor moved closer. “Do you know anything about the men at the brook?”
He nodded again. “That…Massasoit. Sachem of Wampanoag.”
“And he’s here for what reason?”
Silence covered the crowd as they all waited for the Indian’s response.
Samoset poked Governor Carver in the chest. “You talk.”
Mary Elizabeth paced inside the common house. Edward Winslow had been sent with Tisquantum back to meet Massasoit to deliver a message that the people at Plimouth wanted to be friends with the Wampanoag. They would trade with each other, protect each other, and be at peace with each other.
Winslow stayed at the brook with Massasoit’s brother while the sachem and twenty of his men came into town. Governor Carver, Captain Standish, and Elder Brewster were all in a house, speaking with the chief at that very moment.
And so everyone waited.
As much as she wanted to have peace with the natives, she had another matter of urgent business. She couldn’t wait for this meeting to be over so she could speak to Governor Carver about William.
The door to the big room opened, and the governor walked in with Massasoit. “We have a treaty!” Mr. Carver smiled.
The crowd clapped and cheered while Massasoit raised his eyebrows and simply nodded.
Mary Elizabeth had to admit the man was quite striking and an imposing figure. Thank the Lord a treaty had been reached.
Elder Brewster brought forth a parchment. “I shall read you all the terms.” He cleared his throat. “One: That neither Massasoit or any of his, should injure or do hurt, to any of our people. Two: That if any of his, did hurt to any of ours; he should send the offender, so that he might be punished. Three: That if anything were taken away from any of our people, he should cause it to be restored; and we should do the like to his. Four: If any did unjustly war against Massasoit, we would aid him; if any did war against us, he should aid us. Five: He should send to his neighbors confederates, to certify them of this, that they might not wrong us, but might be likewise comprised in the conditions of peace. Six: That when their men come to us, they should leave their bows and arrows behind them. Likewise, when we visit them.”
The men in the room all nodded.
Mary Elizabeth did too. It sounded like a wonderful peace treaty.
Massasoit turned away and left the building. Everyone watched as the noble-looking man walked down the street with his men.
Governor Carver held his hands up again. “I do believe we need to praise the Lord for this historic event today.”
Amens were heard throughout the room, and people began to talk over one another. The excitement of having so many Indians in their midst was thrilling.
Mary Elizabeth walked up to the governor. “Mr. Carver, I think it’s high time that you and the elders discuss William Lytton and the accusations against him.”
Peter walked forward, his head ducked.
“I believe that Peter has something to say to all of us.”
The room quieted.
The man who’d accused William stared at his shoes. “I should probably tell you that I had planned on accusing Mr. Lytton from the beginning of the voyage.”
“Why would you do such a thing?” Elder Brewster moved toward the young man.
“Because I wanted the job that had been offered to him. It was only after I saw Mr. Crawford offer him the job that I came up with the plan. If I could tarnish his reputation, then you all would believe that he was a spy and out to see us ruined.”
Mr. Bradford also moved forward, his brow deeply creased. “What made you come forward today?”
Peter glanced up at Mary. “Miss Chapman came to me and said that if I didn’t tell the truth, she would. And she would …”
“Yes, go on,” Governor Carver pushed.
He sighed and ducked his head again. “She would present the evidence that I have been stealing from you all. She said I deserved the opportunity to confess first.”
CHAPTER 32
The room erupted in a jumble of words. Maybe it was better for William to exit now. He could grab his belongings and go speak to Captain Jones. Even with Peter’s confession, the people would still consider him a spy and would feel betrayed by him. There wasn’t any other course of action for him. But at least people knew the truth now.
As William walked toward the door during the ruckus, John caught his arms. His friend whispered in his ear. “You aren’t going anywhere.”
Governor Carver raised his arms. “Please, everyone.” He turned to Peter. “What have you stolen?”
Peter ducked his head and laid the items out in front of everyone. William felt sorry for the young man—something he wouldn’t have felt before he came to know his Savior.
Several gasps were heard, and William spied the coin pouch he’d been given by Mr. Crawford. Oh, if he could only go back and tell people the truth.
Governor Carver worked to get everyone’s attention. “Settle down, settle down. We need to conduct ourselves in an orderly manner.” He turned to Peter. “What do you have to say for yourself, Peter?”
Peter apologized and confessed to everything—his plan to accuse William and stealing from the others.
“Mary Elizabeth?” Governor Carver turned to the beautiful woman William wished he could marry. But that dream would have to die.
She tried to convince everyone that he was a good man. Then John Alden vouched for him. Several men spoke up next of the good work William had done and how he’d helped others. And Mr. Bradford reminded everyone that William had warned them all about the fifty warriors that showed up unannounced.
Peter walked up to him and returned the pouch with the money.
William looked out at the crowd. These people that he’d lived with and worked with for all this time. They might not trust him, but he could at least do the honorable thing. He held the bag aloft. “I know that my actions have made many of you distrust me. It was never my intention to spy on anyone or to be dishonest in any way. So in an effort to ask for forgiveness, I’d like to donate these funds to put toward the debts owed by the colonists. This should help.” He tossed the bag to Governor Carver and strode toward the door.
The governor asked for other testimonies so they could vote.
William couldn’t bear to see Mary Elizabeth any longer. His departure would be best for all of them. If only he’d learned this lesson earlier—before he’d lost his heart to her. He snuck out of the common house and headed to the stream. His future was in God’s hands. Exactly where it should be.
The brook was beautiful this time of day with the sun shining down on its clear water. It made William think of being washed clean.
The rustling in the grass made him look across the brook. Captain Standish escorted Peter and looked to William. “This young man would like to speak with you, Mr. Lytton.”
“I know you probably hate me after what I did, and I don’t blame you. But I’d like to ask for your forgiveness, William.” Peter’s hands had been bound once he’d admitted to stealing. While William wanted justice done, he hated to see that.
William stood and faced his one-time accuser. “You are forgiven, Peter. Just as Christ has forgiven me.” He turned to Standish. “What will happen to him?”
“Master Jones has agreed to take him back to England. The company will decide what to do after that.”
He turned back to Peter. “I wish you well, Peter, and do not wish any harm to come to you.” At one time, he wouldn’t have been able to say those words. But God had done a mighty work in him.
A call from the fort reached his ears. William looked out across and saw John Alden waving his arm in the air.
“You better go. We will be right behind you.” Captain Standish nodded.
Willi
am walked back to the little town. Dread lodged in the pit of his stomach. He’d have to find a way to say goodbye to Mary Elizabeth and David. The thought made his stomach turn.
John shook his hand as William reached the fort. “They’ve voted.”
“And?”
“Well, you have to go inside and hear from them.”
They walked toward the common house, and the crowd met them outside.
Governor Carver came forward. “It was unanimous, William. There are no charges against you.”
Relief flooded his chest, and he felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders.
“It’s quite unfortunate that we’ve put you through this difficult time.” Mr. Bradford came forward and shook his hand. “We’re all very grateful that you have been part of our community, and we’d like to ask you to stay and remain a part of our community.”
William blinked several times. Had they known he was leaving? “You want me to stay?”
Faces around the room were filled with smiles.
Mr. Bradford clapped him on the back. “Of course we want you to stay!”
John Alden was the next to come forward and whispered in his ear. “They knew you had packed to go, and that impressed many of the offended—that you would sacrifice your future for their trust.”
William looked around the room again.
Elder Brewster came forward. “There is no hesitancy in our trust of you, Mr. Lytton. Rest assured.”
The words touched his heart, and he let himself look for Mary Elizabeth. She stood in the back with David, a teary smile on her face.
John put a hand on William’s shoulder and shouted to the crowd. “Looks like it’s time to have a wedding!”
William walked to Mary Elizabeth as the crowd hushed. “Are you willing?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Aye, William Lytton. Always and forever.”
Tuesday, 3 April 1621
The day was warm in the gorgeous sunlight. Mary Elizabeth walked down the beach toward the long sandbar and thanked the Lord for all that He’d done and provided. After so many months of hardship and devastation, they were looking forward to a brighter future.
The Mayflower Bride Page 22
