The Glovemaker's Daughter

by Leah Fleming

  It was time to say farewell to our rescuers. There were embraces and promises to visit again. They gave us gifts of beaded necklaces and animal skins. I was ashamed that we had little to give in return but I would find some way to thank them soon.

  ‘Are thee well, Friends?’ Jacob sat alongside me.

  ‘The Lord has been merciful to us and taught us much,’ I replied. ‘Tamar will speak for herself. She has found her voice at long last.’

  ‘Joy kept us alive and gave us hope when all was lost. I owe her my life,’ she added, making me blush. ‘We have prayed for this homecoming.’

  Jacob did not reply, looking ahead. He turned his attention to Jan, ignoring us. As we drew near to Good Hope, I felt a stone in the pit of my stomach. Something was wrong. This was not the welcome I expected from the man who was supposed to be my intended husband. It was then I feared the worst, for no mention of Mary or the children was made. As we rode through Main Street there was no line of welcoming citizens eager to hear our story. What was the reason for this stony silence? Why did I fear that some heavy judgement was to fall upon our heads?

  APRIL 2015

  Hi Rachel

  I guess you have read the account of her capture by now. There are many written accounts of how captives lived to tell the tale. I have read quite a few. These two were lucky to survive.

  We have talked to many Lenape descendants and learned much about their way of life that fits with Joy’s account. Haven’t we travelled far and wide in following her story?

  I would like to know about this Titus Cranke character. He sounds a right trickster. Is there any record of him your side of the pond?

  We’re nearly at the end of her Journal and are planning to have it published in the Fall. Would you be willing to come over as our guest? It would make the event even more special to have one of her direct descendants present.

  Think about it.

  I will ring you later.

  Sam

  37

  As I alighted from the cart, Jacob turned to me. ‘There’s to be a meeting this night and you must attend to give testimony of your sufferings.’ Tamar rose with me but he turned to her. ‘You will reside with Widow Harris.’ He pointed to a small cottage in a clearing. ‘You must abide there.’

  ‘But I need to speak with Thomas,’ she said.

  ‘We will deal with that matter at the meeting. Everyone now knows you’re not his sister nor his wife. It is not proper for you to be under my roof.’

  ‘I don’t understand,’ Tamar turned to me for support.

  ‘What have we done to be treated so coldly after we have endured? What has happened?’ I snapped.

  ‘It will be discussed at the meeting. There have been events of a serious nature.’

  ‘Are Mary and Liddy safe?’

  ‘Aye, your conduct in that matter was exemplary. Joseph will speak on thy behalf.’

  Tamar was deposited by the cottage door and I made my weary way up the farm track. I took comfort in the sight of golden leaves still on the branch, the corn stubble, smoke coming from the hearth. After so many weeks away I longed to see the children running to greet me but no one was waiting at the gate.

  ‘So you’re back at last.’ Mary looked up from her sewing as if I had just been down to the store on an errand. ‘Skin and bone you are and dressed like a savage.’

  ‘Where are the children?’

  ‘With a neighbour for the night. I don’t want them to witness all that must be said.’

  ‘Please tell me what’s wrong. I sense a cold coming. Tamar is bewildered. She has so much to tell.’

  ‘It can all be said at the meeting. There’s some broth in the pot. You look half starved.’ It was the first kind thing anyone had said and I burst into tears as I thanked her.

  ‘I’ve set aside some of my old clothes but I doubt they’ll hang on you proper. Take those skins off. I don’t want them frightening the bairns. Liddy has bad dreams and cries out of a night.’

  ‘But she is safe and found you. How far were you from us?’

  ‘Too far away to be of any use, but she ran with the devil at her heels straight into my arms, poor little mite. We never thowt to see you again.’

  ‘Aye, so I gather and not pleased at our return by all accounts.’

  I was weary and sickened by this unexpected coldness.

  ‘There’s reasons but you’ll hear them at the meeting. Not that I’m ungrateful for saving Liddy. I’ve told them but I have to ask,’ she put down her sewing and looked straight at me. ‘Did them savages dishonour you in anyway? Is there a half breed in thy belly that must be seen to?’

  ‘No, we are both as we were. Plenty of beatings and cruelty, starvings and shame but we were never touched in that way. Many braves treat white faces as we treat them and would not wish to lie with one. We were to be sold on as slaves, ransomed or married off but we escaped before that happened. There were two Dutch men captured. One of them died while we escaped. Jan was found by Lenape and we were shown much charity. Without them we would have perished. Now I am thinking perhaps better to have died than to face all your stony faces.’

  I hid my tears in the corner of the room. After the freedom of loose skin clothing, it was hard to be laced up in Mary’s old jacket and skirt that still retained a hint of vomit from the ship’s hold all those years ago. My feet found it hard to be forced into heavy leather.

  ‘Where’s my chest?’ I couldn’t see it in its usual place.

  ‘Liddy wanted to play with it so we gave it to her.’

  ‘And my gloves, have you sold them?’

  ‘Not yet. I was planning to take them to the city.’

  ‘That won’t be necessary. I have made other plans for them now.’ My words came out like ice. How could they scatter my few precious possessions?

  ‘All in good time, lass, hardly through the door and thee’s mithering about gloves. You need a clean cap and collar. Your hair’s a mess of coils and stinks of lice oil. We need you to look presentable.’

  ‘Why? When have I not been clean and tidy?’

  ‘It helps to stand before Friends looking your best.’

  ‘Am I on trial?’

  ‘No, there’s just a lot of talking over things. Matters to set to rights,’ she said while continuing on with her sewing. Mary was talking in riddles to me and I was tired and ready to curl up in a ball in my own space to sleep. Now I had to go before the meeting to make an account of myself.

  There was a forest of black hats and bonnets bobbing along the benches of the meeting house. It felt like First Day worship but without the usual silence. Tamar arrived in a grey cloak and cap, sitting beside me shaking. I feared she would lose her voice again. ‘Don’t be afraid. Tell them the truth of your story. If this is about Titus, it will be your word against his.’

  ‘Thomas has gone,’ she replied, bowing her head.

  ‘Gone where?’ Yet I was not surprised at this news.

  ‘Fled from the township and they think I helped him.’

  ‘But you were with me. What’s he done?

  ‘No one will tell me. They think I already know.’

  We were sitting in a half circle, our bench set a little apart from the elders who sat in a line with a table before them. The room went quiet and all eyes were on us. Why did I fear we were in a court of judgement?

  Elder Mathews rose. ‘We are assembled to address the welcome arrival of Friend Tamar and Friend Rejoice. We rejoice at their safe return after many trials and hardships. We are grateful to the native tribesmen who like the Good Samaritan offered them shelter.’ He paused and turned to us. ‘But in thy absence situations occurred that have burdened us with doubts. We must have explanation from these our Friends before we continue with our regular business. Friend Moorside, how did thee come in possession of this?’ Elder Matthews produced Jordan’s pistol from a sack and held it for all to see. ‘What purpose did this disobedience serve?’

  I shot to my feet. ‘It was given to me
for protection at a time when danger threatened us all.’

  ‘But we do not hold using firearms in a conflict.’

  ‘I know, but my friend felt it was necessary for my personal safety.’

  ‘So thee is above our rulings on discipline?’

  ‘In this matter I felt I must search my conscience in the light of our teachings and other opinions.’

  ‘What Friend among us would lead you into such disobedience? He looked around the room but no one spoke.

  ‘He is not of our persuasion and was concerned that the town should be protected.’

  ‘I take this to mean it was a military man who tempted thee with this . . . thing?’

  I nodded. ‘His name is Captain Thane, who came among you to advise better safeguards. He was the man who helped save George Emsworth’s life. He is a man with a good heart.’

  ‘Why then in seeking thine own conscience did thee choose to hide this firearm out of sight?’

  ‘In case of sudden attack, it would give me chance to protect the children.’

  ‘And were thee attacked?’

  ‘Yes, Friend.’ I replied knowing where this was leading.

  ‘And did thee seize thy weapon?’

  ‘No, it was too far away to be of use to us.’

  ‘So the firearm did not protect you or bring you back to us unharmed?’

  ‘No, that was down to God’s mercy alone.’

  ‘What firearms did you see in your captivity?’

  ‘Axes and Tomahawks that put many scalps on the belts of our captors. They wanted to exchange us for guns and rum, I was told.’

  ‘Indeed. So why did you encourage a little child to run and find this weapon?’

  ‘I thought if Mary and family could defend themselves, it would save their lives.’

  ‘Or did you promise the gun in favour of the child’s release?’

  ‘Never!’ Tamar shot up in my defence. ‘Liddy was released solely by Friend Joy challenging the honour of our main captor. She asked him to show mercy on the child and take her in her place. She was so brave and showed no fear. His respect for her saved all our lives.’

  ‘Be that as it may. Thy turn will come. Be seated,’ he continued. ‘So words alone were your best defence?’

  ‘In this case, yes, but—’

  ‘Let me continue. It has troubled us much that you consort with a worldly man, not of our beliefs, choosing to take his offering knowing the military among us deny our peaceful ways.’

  ‘I did as you say.’ I had no heart to fight his arguments.

  ‘And would thee do so again?’ His eyes fixed on me with concern.

  ‘Aye, I would.’ There was a gasp around the room. ‘We have witnessed at close quarters the savagery of our enemies. Tied neck and foot, beaten and fearing a burning death at the stake. Should that happen again I would want to end the suffering of all around me by shooting all first.’

  The room was in an uproar of disapproval.

  ‘Silence!’ Elder Matthews boomed out. ‘Friend, you are in dire need of reflection on these words of yours. Sadly we cannot have among us one who undermines our principles and consorts with unbelievers. You show no signs of remorse.’ He sat down to discuss with his elders and then delivered the judgement of the whole room I feared.

  ‘We shall take it upon ourselves to visit with you to ascertain what is thy decision. For be it known, we cannot harbour one who consorts with a man such as Thane. We are a loving and merciful people. Come before us in humility to confess thy mistaken judgement and no more will be said on this matter.’

  ‘But—’

  ‘No more. It is now time to turn to Friend Tamar in order to obtain all she knows about the disappearance of Thomas Black and why she chose to come among us as his alleged sister acting as one who was dumb of speech. Miraculously she now finds her voice restored. You have also much to explain, Sister.’

  Tamar remained sitting and muttered. ‘What is it thou wants to know?’

  ‘How came you to be his consort in deception.’

  ‘That is not how it was. I came with him in fear and trembling. I was struck dumb with what I had witnessed when our ship was wrecked. I lost my husband and child. Thomas Black, as I knew him to be called, promised to protect me. I was easily led, I confess, but knowing what I knew . . .’ Her voice failed.

  ‘Speak up. What did you know?’

  ‘Firstly my name is Tamar Wilson, widow of Erasmus Wilson late of Hull. We travelled in the Warrior in the company of Thomas Black and his sister Dora, or wife, I know not which. They argued much. When the ship sank and my family were lost to me and likewise Dora was also drowning, Thomas kept me afloat. When his sister approached the raft he did not help her and I fear she drowned with the others. I think he thought I had property and means but when he saw I had witnessed his treachery, he silenced me never to speak of it. I was weak and grief-struck. I thought him kindly at first. When he realised I had little to offer in worldly goods, his manner became cold and critical. He said if we were to continue to together then I must become his sister.’

  ‘So you had no knowledge of his schemes?’

  ‘What schemes? I did fear the loss of the collection for George Emsworth was no accident, seeing him often in drink. He consulted me on nothing and I kept in his shadow. Where is this man now?’

  ‘That is something all of us would want to know. Three weeks ago a woman dressed in scarlet arrived claiming to be his wife. She had come from Chesapeake Bay in search of her erstwhile husband, Titus Cranke, both having assumed new names on entering into the fellowship of Seekers. She claimed he was seduced away by the charms of a married woman on board. They tried to drown her when the ship sank. However this woman survived the wreck and has reverted to ungodly ways. She came seeking vengeance on her husband.

  ‘Thomas was summoned to explain himself and there was an unholy scene of violent altercation between them. The woman had to be restrained from assaulting him. It was then we saw the true colours of his heart in his cursings and threats. The constable came to put him in the lock-up to cool down his fury but in the morning by some foul means he had escaped with her connivance, we are sure. There has been no sighting of them since that day.’

  ‘But none of this I knew. How could I, being in mortal danger myself.’ Tamar jumped to her feet. ‘I am entirely innocent of any of this.’

  ‘But if you had spoken out and told the truth . . .’ The questions continued.

  ‘Hold fast,’ I rose by her side. ‘I told Jacob Wrathall that I recognised this man as the charlatan Titus Cranke but I was assured he had changed his ways as well as his name for a good reason.’ I paused to take a breath, looking round the room for support. ‘And when the collection was lost, I warned again that it was suspicious but none of you believed me. Do not blame my friend here. She has suffered such losses as to render any person speechless but is now restored to health. Her only fault was to let us think them related, but a poor woman without means needs protection in a strange land. I think I might have done the same.’

  ‘Thy opinion so readily given was not asked for. Sit down. It appears Friend Tamar has been much maligned by our suspicions but we had to hear the truth from her own lips. I think we are satisfied by her explanation.’ He looked around the benches to see everyone nodding. ‘There will be no recorded note of this unfortunate happening. Now we can proceed with the business of the meeting and thank everyone for thy attendance and consent.’

  I looked at Tamar, seeing relief flooding over her face. I watched Jacob make his way to offer her an apology, I hoped. It was time to exit this stuffy room full of coughs and sneezes to drink in fresh night air, collect my thoughts and cool my own fury.

  I was to be chastised like a naughty child, not with a rod but with endless words of admonishment and arguments that I no longer wanted to hear.

  It was Joseph who came out to stand by me seeing my distress. ‘Have no mind, lass. They’re doing it for thy own good. Better to stay within t
he meeting than be shunned for marrying unlawfully.’

  ‘I have no promise of matrimony,’ I replied.

  ‘Just as well then that yon soldier thinks you’re dead.’

  My ears were suddenly alert to this news. ‘How so?’

  ‘None of us expected to see you again in this life. We have heard such stories of slaughter. A search party was sent and the Captain, give him his due, spent days in the forest tracking your path. They found a shoe and feared the worst. Better he thinks you gone. No point in being pestered by his attentions. It would sadden Jacob’s heart to see you shunned.’

  How could I tell Joseph that his words had frozen my heart with fear? I didn’t want Jordan Thane thinking me dead, taking comfort in the arms of another perhaps. It was then I knew that he alone was for me.

  As for Jacob, there was no space within my heart for him to reside. As we walked home in the darkness, there was a chill wind heralding the long winter to come.

  With each step towards the farmstead I felt a spurt of defiance growing within. Tamar and I came close to death, so close to despair, but the thought of returning to Good Hope – and back to the man I now knew to be mine own – had pushed me forward. How could I survive the winter without seeing him again?

  38

  Once the formal meeting was ended, life was expected to resume its normal pattern for me. I was allowed to mind the children, to serve out my duties and chores as before. Mary was pleasant enough. I was even given a new brown jacket and skirt as compensation for all that was lost. I still wore White Deer’s comfortable fur-lined boots, kept my head down and spoke little. The public embarrassment still rankled. Better to keep my own counsel as I scrubbed and washed but my mind was racing with defiant thoughts. There was only one thing that mattered to me now and that was to see Jordan Thane. I wanted him to know my change of heart but with winter upon us this decision was urgent.

  After the first visitation of the women’s committee to instruct me in more compliant behaviour, I felt my hackles rise at the worthy words poured over my head like cold water. To return to the fold would take courage and humility and a certainty of faith. None of which could I find within me.