There was more commotion at the pond. Evidently, another fish had made its way to Mary’s hook and now onto the grassy bank. Matthew went to where the children fished and praised their success. Kneeling, she cleaned up the remains of the picnic and repacked the basket.
Heather felt a sudden painful stab on the back of her neck. She screamed and swatted at her neck as a bee flew off. She grasped the painful spot and felt it swelling. The children stood staring in curiosity as Matthew dashed back to her.
“What happened?”
“A bee just stung me.” Breathless, she rubbed the nape of her neck.
“Let me see.” Matthew lowered himself and rested his left hand on her shoulder. He probed the sensitive area. “Be still. I will pull the stinger out. Have you ever been bothered by bee stings before?”
“Nay.” His nearness and touch agitated her as much as the sting, yet she remained still as his fingers pressed on her skin. His warm breath on her neck and the gentle assertiveness of his hands was not unpleasant. Did he hear or sense the rapid beating of her heart?
“I have it. See?” He moved his hand around in front of her face. Meanwhile, his other hand rested on her shoulder, where it had dropped when he dislodged the stinger.
She eyed the small stinger. It was so small, almost impossible to see, yet it hurt so much. She gazed into his large brown eyes, now so close to her own. Her gaze lingered on his lips, now curling up. She turned her head. Was he aware of the unsettling effect he had on her?
“Thank you. I feel quite foolish about all the fuss.”
“No need. A bee sting can be serious. I will pack some mud on it to keep down the swelling.”
He returned with mud on his fingertips and knelt down again behind her. “Can you do something with your kerchief? I am afraid the clay will stain it.”
She loosened the white linen kerchief tied modestly around her neck. His engaging nature and kindness broke down her intentional reserve.
The day had grown warmer—or was it her?
He rubbed some of the cool sticky substance onto her sore neck.
Mark ran up the hill to investigate. “Does it hurt?”
She wiped the perspiration from her brow. “Not really, laddie. A tiny bee sting has caused all this fuss.”
Matthew pointed to a field nearby. “I shall be working right over there. Stay here and rest awhile.”
“I am fine, truly I am.”
Matthew rested his clean hand on her shoulder. “Relax a few minutes. It will give Mary more time to fish.”
Mark returned to the pond.
She leaned back against the oak, watching the children impatiently wait for the next fish to bite. It was impossible to ignore the turmoil going on within her. What is the use of pondering what a genuine marriage would be like with Matthew? She glanced his way. He was occupying more and more of her thoughts. If they had both been unattached and met under different circumstances, would they have been drawn to one another? It was pointless to even wonder that. Neither of them was truly free.
Biting her lip, a tear rolled down her cheek. She was beginning to forget Robert’s face as well as his voice. She had loved the man without doubts or resistance. Trusting and opening her heart to him had left her vulnerable. Now, confusion filled her. Nay, she would not open her heart that way again. Better to stay distant, and remain safe.
Why had she been so foolish? Painful memories continued to surface. Would they ever subside? She would never forget when Robert McDowell entered her world and changed the course of her life forever. Had it been eighteen months since Robert came into Douglas Dry Goods in search of her brother? The charming barrister from Edinburgh had come to Perth looking for Ross because they had some business dealings. Heather flushed remembering how taken with this sophisticated gentleman she had grown over the months of his sporadic visits. She had long since given up hope for marriage and having children of her own. Her responsibility was to care for her father and assist in the shop. When Robert declared his love for her, she believed her life was taking a turn for the better. How wrong she had been.
CHAPTER 13
When the day of their trip to Alexandria finally arrived, Matthew brought the wagon to the front of the house shortly after dawn. They loaded baskets of farm produce to take to market. The plan was to use the proceeds to make necessary purchases from the local merchants. It was everyone’s intent also to fully enjoy the day with the Duncans.
He checked the harness again and made sure that Honey’s bag of oats was in the wagon. It would be so good to see Adam and Maggie again, and they would see that his family was faring well with Heather. He chuckled. The becoming lady he was bringing back to town today was strikingly different from the frail one he had married. There was no question that Heather was a novice at country life. Still, she had proved herself a willing worker and had been good for the children, even if Mary had not realized it yet.
Heather stepped off the porch with the basket Maggie had given her only three months earlier.
“Mr. Stewart, where would you like this in the wagon?”
“Here. I will take that.” He took the basket. “I think that is everything. Are Mark and Mary ready to go?”
“Aye, I shall get them.” She went around the side of the cottage and called the youngsters.
Thorpe was standing near the wagon. It was early for him to start working, but getting the horse and wagon ready for the trip woke him up.
The children got into the wagon. Heather had gone back inside to retrieve something she had forgotten. When she approached the wagon, Thorpe helped her up to her seat beside Matthew.
“Everyone ready?”
“Yes, Papa.”
“Good.” He glanced to his side. Why did Heather look so annoyed? She seemed pleased not ten minutes before. Women!
“I expect we shall be home around dark, Thorpe.”
“Fine, I have plenty to do to keep me busy.”
The first hour of their trip passed quickly. The children were in the back of the wagon chattering and playing guessing games. He and Heather rode in near silence up front.
He loved this time of day, and it promised to be a beauty. He glanced her way. Should he even try to find out what was troubling her?
“You are studying our route, Heather, as though you were worried about getting lost.” He chuckled.
“I am enjoying the beauty of it all—the sounds of the birds and geese mixed with the chirping of insects, and the variety of vegetation. The trees, the dense underbrush teeming with life, and the cleared rolling hills make the scenery come alive. It is so very different from home—I mean Scotland.”
He caught her glancing at him. She is winsome when she drops her reserve.
“It is very craggy in Scotland. Oh, there is grandeur about the moors, but there is serenity here.”
He laughed. “It is refreshing to see it through your eyes. I have lived here so long that I fail to appreciate it enough. Too often I see only all the toil involved in making the farm prosperous. I am glad that Virginia pleases you.”
“I do like it.”
I am grateful she likes the place, but what about her feelings for the family? For me?
Increasingly, when Heather thought about the quiet man whose home she shared, a fervent sense of pleasure filled her. Today, as at other times, she caught herself observing him. Other than the smile lines around his eyes, his skin had darkened from so many hours in the sun. His tall frame had also done some filling out since her arrival. Was she at least partially responsible? Matthew obviously had not eaten well, living alone. He was an attractive chap, but it was his admirable character that most impressed her. She turned her head away. Hopefully, he had not noticed her watching him or discerned her interest.
It was good to be heading to Alexandria. What a wonderful excursion for all of them, and what a relief to spend a day far from that Thorpe fellow. Even he could not upset her today, though he certainly succeeded in disgusting her before they left h
ome. She cringed, remembering how familiar he had been when he lifted her into the wagon.
Nay, today she would be free of that unseemly fellow.
Matthew reached over and briefly placed his hand on hers. “I am going to stop in a while to water Honey and give us a chance to stretch.”
“Aye, when we stop, I shall go sit in back and read to the wee ones for a bit. It might help them to pass the time faster.”
A short while later, they came upon a small stream. Matthew drew the reigns, stepped down from the wagon, and unhooked Honey. He led the horse down to the stream and waited while she drank her fill. Within a few minutes, they were back on the road.
Mary moved a bag to make room. “Are you going to read to us again from the Bible?”
“Aye, I planned to. Shall we start from where we left off yesterday?”
“We were in the sixth chapter of St. Luke.” Mary had a self-satisfied grin on her face.
The children quieted down and appeared attentive when she began reading.
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, and do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them that despitefully use you . . .”
Her stomach tightened, and a lump formed in her throat as she read.
They all sat in silence when she had finished the verses.
Matthew’s voice startled her. “These are the precepts that we are entreated to live by, children. The very ingredients of righteousness. We cannot choose how people treat us, but we can choose how we respond, even when we think we are being badly treated.”
She choked, trying to quell her emotions. His words were convicting. Have I honestly lived by these precepts, Lord? There was a barrier keeping her from peace with God. That joy she sought was elusive. Why had everything turned out so badly? She closed her eyes and wiped away a tear. Tell me what you want from me, Lord.
“Why are you crying, Heather?” The concern was evident in Mary’s voice.
“‘Tis nothing, Mary. ‘Tis nothing.”
Something was troubling the woman. Perhaps a change in perspective would help. Besides, he preferred having her in front beside him.
“It must be getting rather cramped back there. You want to move up here, Heather?” He looked over his shoulder.
“Aye, I think I will.” She got up and reached for his hand.
Perhaps sitting up here would shake her melancholy mood. He held out his arm and helped her come forward. They sat there in silence for a few minutes, keeping their eyes fixed on the road.
“Is something troubling you?”
“Nay. All is well.”
Soon, Mark and Mary’s cheerful banter provided a distraction and made the remainder of the journey go faster. Their chatter also masked the awkward silence between Heather and him.
When they reached the Duncans’ home, the children did not remain in the wagon long enough for him to come around and help them down. Jean and Cameron were the first through the door to greet the new arrivals, followed by Maggie and Donald.
Maggie, beaming, ran and gave him a quick squeeze. “Matthew, it has been too long.” She then turned her attention to Heather and the children. “Mary, come here for a hug. You too, Mark. I cannot begin to tell you how I have missed the two of you.”
Pure joy showed on each of their faces as the three embraced.
Maggie nodded at Heather. “You look to be doing well. It appears that country life agrees with you. It is nice to see you again, Heather.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Duncan. Anyone would look better than I did that first day here.” They shared a laugh. “I was a pitiful sight.”
As they walked into the house, Maggie turned to Donald. “Run down and tell your father that the Stewarts are here, would you, son?”
“Aye, ma’am.” The lanky boy shot down the stone walk.
The children vanished along with the young Duncans, leaving the adults in the front room of the house.
“Adam had some work to do for the mayor this morning but planned to be back well before dinner. I must say, Matthew, you are faring a far sight better than you were on your last visit into town.” Maggie smiled up at him with a twinkle in her eye.
“And you, Maggie dear, appear a bit altered. When do we get to see the new babe?”
“Wee William should be up at any time now.”
“Maggie, I have a full wagon to take to market before stopping at Brady’s for provisions. I decided to come by here first to inform you we had arrived and to turn the young ones loose.”
“I am glad that you did. So be about your business and be back in time for dinner.” Maggie smiled.
Matthew returned with the basket they had packed for the Duncans while Heather stood, appearing self-conscious.
He hoped that Heather would want to accompany him, but he knew he should give her that choice. “Heather.” He lowered his tone as he handed her the basket. “You may stay here with Maggie or go into town with me, whatever suits you.”
Heather considered his remark. She was eager to see more of Alexandria but thought she should stay and help Maggie. It was hardly fair to leave Maggie alone to manage all the children while also trying to prepare a meal. She felt she should make an effort to be friendly and helpful.
Before she was able to decline going along with him, though, Maggie spoke up. “Matthew, what is wrong with you? Of course she wants to go into town. You have had her out in the country for three months. Heather and I shall have a chance to visit later, during and after dinner. Now go, you two.”
Bless her. What a thoughtful and amiable woman. She wished that the Duncans lived as close as the Whitcombs. It would have been nice to have another woman around to socialize with, and it did not appear that Hannah Whitcomb would fill that need.
“Mrs. Duncan ...”
“Please call me Maggie.”
“Mrs. ... Maggie, I would so like to see something of the city, but it is not right to leave you to care for all the wee ones while also preparing a meal. Would you please allow me to clean the dinner dishes afterward while you rest? Oh, and we have brought back your basket with some produce from the farm you might be able to use.”
“Thank you, for both gifts. Now, go and enjoy yourself.”
By the time they reached the wharf, she was in high spirits. “Oh my, look at all those ships in the harbor, Mr. St—Matthew.”
Her excitement increased as she unconsciously rested her hand on his sleeve. She quickly withdrew it, but not before she caught his grin. How embarrassing. She was growing fonder of Matthew each day, but she dared not open her heart to be hurt again. Besides, she knew better than to confuse his friendly nature for a more serious attachment. In the days following Mary’s evening excursion, he had never brought up their brief romantic interlude. And he certainly had not kissed her again. He had given her no hint of his feelings for her. Was she weakening and growing too attached to him? Guard your heart, Heather.
When she did return his gaze, she glanced beyond him. Sober memories filled her as she spotted the ships in the harbor.
They drew to a stop not far from Brady’s. She caught Matthew studying her.
“What is the matter, Heather? One would think you had seen a ghost.”
“Not a ghost, just the ships. It is a reminder of where I have been and what I am. Not long ago, I was out there in the harbor, looking in at this village.”
“A great deal has changed since then.” He stepped down from the wagon.
As he helped her from the wagon, he peered again at the ships. “Your life has changed in many ways since you left the Providence.”
After they unloaded the wagon at the farmers’ market, he smiled and nodded at her. “I have a list here, Heather, of the things to be picked up at Brady’s. Would you go there, give it to Mr. Brady, and see if there is anything else we need? If you are interested, there is a shop up the street that has fabrics and items for the ladies.”
She hesitated.
“I have some not
es.” He reached out and passed them to her. “You said that you wanted some threads for Mary, and you might need some cloth for garments, for yourself or Mary. You decide. Say we meet at Brady’s in about an hour.”
She accepted the currency and returned the smile. He had extended her such liberty, and the sense of independence it brought was exhilarating. Minutes later, in the dry goods shop, she chose some loosely woven canvas for Mary’s sampler, along with some needles and embroidery threads. After fingering some attractive brocades and damasks, she found some osnaburg and blue linen. It would do nicely for shirts for Matthew and Mark as well as dresses for Mary and herself.
“May I assist you, ma’am?” The clerk approached her, interrupting her perusing.
“Aye, sir.” She gave him the specifics of what she wanted. “I shall be back in a bit to purchase them.”
All in all, she had a delightful time selecting the few extras at the cobbler’s and the dry goods shop.
Later, when she caught up with Matthew, he did not act at all concerned when she told him what they had cost. He had successfully sold all they brought from the farm, so it was no time before they were ready to start back to the Duncans’.
“I think Mary will enjoy the new primer, and she is excited about making a sampler.” The smile on his tanned face warmed her heart as he helped her down from the wagon.
Adam had returned in the Stewarts’ absence and was eager to introduce his friends to his tiny new son. The four caught up on all that had occurred in the months since their last visit. After a time, Maggie and Heather excused themselves to complete the preparations for their dinner.
“Were you able to find everything you needed in town?” Maggie handed her a platter of sliced ham. “I realized after you left, I never mentioned where you might locate anything.”
“Mr. Stewart indicated where the shops were so I was able to pick up some fabric.” Heather smiled and took the platter to the table.
Maggie’s expression was quizzical. “So, is everything going well at the farm? I imagine that you are quite busy.”
A Heart Set Free Page 12
