The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection
Page 1
The Crockett Chronicles
The Complete Collection
Jennifer Lynn Cary
Contents
Also by Jennifer Lynn Cary
The Patriarch
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Epilogue
Cast of Characters
Afterword
Acknowledgments
Reader’s Guide
Author’s Note
The Sojourners
42. Chapter One
43. Chapter Two
44. Chapter Three
45. Chapter Four
46. Chapter Five
47. Chapter Six
48. Chapter Seven
49. Chapter Eight
50. Chapter Nine
51. Chapter Ten
52. Chapter Eleven
53. Chapter Twelve
54. Chapter Thirteen
55. Chapter Fourteen
56. Chapter Fifteen
57. Chapter Sixteen
58. Chapter Seventeen
59. Chapter Eighteen
60. Chapter Nineteen
61. Chapter Twenty
62. Chapter Twenty-One
63. Chapter Twenty-Two
64. Chapter Twenty-Three
65. Chapter Twenty-Four
66. Chapter Twenty-Five
67. Chapter Twenty-Six
68. Chapter Twenty-Seven
69. Chapter Twenty-Eight
70. Chapter Twenty-Nine
71. Chapter Thirty
72. Chapter Thirty-One
73. Chapter Thirty-Two
74. Chapter Thirty-Three
75. Chapter Thirty-Four
76. Chapter Thirty-Five
77. Chapter Thirty-Six
78. Chapter Thirty-Seven
79. Chapter Thirty-Eight
80. Chapter Thirty-Nine
81. Chapter Forty
82. Chapter Forty-One
Epilogue
Cast of Characters
Afterword
Acknowledgments
Reader’s Guide
The Prodigal
83. Chapter One
84. Chapter Two
85. Chapter Three
86. Chapter Four
87. Chapter Five
88. Chapter Six
89. Chapter Seven
90. Chapter Eight
91. Chapter Nine
92. Chapter Ten
93. Chapter Eleven
94. Chapter Twelve
95. Chapter Thirteen
96. Chapter Fourteen
97. Chapter Fifteen
98. Chapter Sixteen
99. Chapter Seventeen
100. Chapter Eighteen
101. Chapter Nineteen
102. Chapter Twenty
103. Chapter Twenty-One
104. Chapter Twenty-Two
105. Chapter Twenty-Three
106. Chapter Twenty-Four
107. Chapter Twenty-Five
108. Chapter Twenty-Six
109. Chapter Twenty-Seven
110. Chapter Twenty-Eight
Epilogue
Cast of Characters
Afterword
Acknowledgments
Reader’s Guide
About the Author
Sneak Peek of Relentless Heart: The Relentless Book 1
Praise for the Crockett Chronicles
“This book is so good! If you like Christian Historical Fiction, you will love this book. It hooked me on the first page and I couldn't put it down.” —Ann Ferri
“I thoroughly enjoyed the book! A big fan of Christian Historical Fiction, this one was absolutely great! Looking forward to the rest of the series!” —Amazon Customer
“I was drawn in by the idea that this series chronicles the descendants of Davy Crockett written with the fictional imagination of a direct descendant. The time period and a glimpse of the Huguenots made for an interesting story. I am excited to read more.” —Jennifer Berry
“Exciting and grabs your attention from the first page! You find yourself there! A must read!” —Nova Forrest
“Excellent story of the Crockets. I could not put it down. The characters touched my heart.” —Mary Rima
Also by Jennifer Lynn Cary
Available now:
The Patriarch: The Crockett Chronicles: Book 1
The Sojourners: The Crockett Chronicles: Book 2
The Prodigal: The Crockett Chronicles: Book 3
Coming soon:
Tales of the Hob Nob Annex (May 2020)
Relentless Heart (July 2020)
Wedding Bell Blues (September 2020)
Relentless Joy (November 2020)
© 2020 by Jennifer Lynn Cary
Published by Tandem Services Press
Post Office Box 220
Yucaipa, California
www.TandemServicesInk.com
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/ or events is purely coincidental.
Cover photo credit: Aries 70 Studio
Cover design by Tandem Services
The Patriarch
The Crockett Chronicles: Book One
This book is dedicated to my loving family.
Thank You, Lord.
Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His loving kindness to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Chapter One
Versailles, France ~ 1668
No!” Antoine’s brain screamed. He had worked so hard, come so far. There must be a misunderstanding.
However, the look on Albert’s face told the truth. Antoine had a baby-minding assignment. How else could he think of it?
“The king’s cousin, albeit a distant one, needs to be chaperoned around the chateau during the fête and after when we return to Saint Germaine. His Majesty is sure you are the one for the job.” Albert crossed his arms over his chest, not bothering to hide his grin. He enjoyed this far too much.
Probably some old maid cousin with sour breath and a face like a pers
immon. Or perhaps, a dewy-eyed prepubescent who could not seem to decide whether to be twenty-one or three.
“What about Jean-Luc? He—” The glint in Albert’s eye stopped the words before Antoine could plead his case, but not before he caught the faintest hint of a . . . what was it? A smirk? Possibly. Or maybe Albert was aware of something, something … funny? Something that could undoubtedly be held over him.
If only Antoine could believe he would survive all this, the boredom or even the humiliation of having to be a caretaker and away from the action usually afforded his position.
That was the worst part.
At the age of twenty-five, Antoine thrived on the excitement he usually found in his work. Devoted to his duty to country and king, he did not like to be away from his responsibility.
Or opportunities for adventure.
For his king, he would even walk through fire. But this?
“The request comes straight from His Majesty himself.” Albert poked his finger into Antoine’s chest for emphasis. “He specifically asked for you and would take it as a personal affront if you were to refuse him.” Antoine’s friend and mentor smiled. “Think, man, two weeks of escorting his cousin to special events does carry some privileges with it. Access to the best of the carriages and stable, dining on the best of foods, and who knows how His Royal Highness will remember you when this is over?”
“So, I will be stuck here and there, bowing to her every whim, while you and Jean-Luc and the others will probably have the best adventure of your lives and—Stop laughing at me!” Antoine ground his teeth. It took all his willpower not to punch Versailles’ illustrious captain of the guard in the nose.
Albert gained control of his face—everything, that is, but his eyes. They continued to twinkle with amusement. “Come, your king expects you right away. Do not keep him waiting.”
They traveled down the hallway, Antoine dragging his feet with every step. Had it been anything requiring nerve, he would have put on such a brave face that even demons would have backed down in fear, or so he would like to imagine. But mind the baby? Fi donc! He was a soldier, not a nursemaid.
A voice drifted from the next room. The speaker seemed to be displeased, but considering it was someone in conversation with the king, the voice also sounded very respectful and controlled.
And definitely female.
Albert held the door.
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness in procuring an escort for me, your Majesty, but in truth, I do not need one. There are my books and my needlework. Or perhaps I can amuse myself with my sketchbook while Tante Marie goes about her business. I do not want to be a bother.”
The speaker turned her head. Tingles ran up Antoine’s spine. He soaked in the vision as if he had never seen a woman before. At that moment, he was not sure he ever had. Please, let her be the assignment.
His Majesty’s voice pierced through Antoine’s fog. “You do ride, do you not, my dear? I own the finest stable on the continent, and many of my horses have been brought from their home at St. Germaine for use during our stay. Surely you would not turn down an opportunity to ride while here?” The king caught Antoine’s gaze. Though not a word was passed, Antoine knew he had been caught in His Majesty’s web of matchmaking.
Rather than being annoyed, Antoine was more concerned for the lady’s answer, which seemed an eternity in coming.
“I do enjoy horses.” Her fingers picked at the folds of her gown.
“Let me assure you, my dear, that it is no bother at all.” The king winked at Antoine.
“Merci beaucoup, your Majesty. You are most gracious.” The lady curtseyed, a picture of grace and elegance.
“Good, then.” His Majesty clapped his hands once, his eyes twinkling and his smirk modest. “I should now like to present your escort, Monsieur Antoine Desaure Permonette de Crocketagné. Antoine, this is my beautiful cousin, Louise de Saix. She was named for me, you know.”
Antoine bowed over her hand and kissed it, daring to look up at her sweet face as he did.
A true beauty. Her light brown hair was pulled up on her head, with soft curls on each side framing her face. Dark, thick lashes rimmed her pale blue-green eyes.
Those eyes immediately captured Antoine’s attention. He liked to pride himself on his ability to read volumes in others’ eyes. The lady’s, though exquisite, were unreadable. She had a mystery about her. The challenge drew him. “The pleasure is mine, mademoiselle.” Antoine knew he spoke the truth.
“I would have you know, ma petite, Antoine is one of the finest horsemen in the land. In fact, the first time I saw him, he was riding so magnificently, I demanded to know who he was and immediately offered him a position. He quickly proved his worth and is now second-in-command of our palace guard, currently stationed here at Versailles.”
Heat crept up Antoine’s neck at His Majesty’s praise.
Louise glanced at him. Her eyebrows rose before she glanced away again.
“My dear, I am sure your bags have already been taken to your chamber.” The king rubbed his hands together, seeming anxious to proceed to the next part of his agenda. “I will have one of the servants show you the way so you may rest from your trip before dinner. Antoine will meet you later to escort you to the dining hall. However, I now need to speak with him. You as well, Albert.”
His Majesty motioned for Antoine and Albert to walk with him.
Antoine followed, looking over his shoulder at the captivating but diminishing sight.
* * *
The halls of Versailles teemed with people, either those who lived there, visited, or unobtrusively worked on the never-ending project. Everyone went about their business of making the chateau an oasis of luxury and peace.
Louis had loved the place from the first moment he stepped foot on the premises. “Did you know Versailles was originally built by my father? Now soon, this chateau will host a palace.”
He glanced at Antoine and Albert, who followed a respectful distance behind, and led the way through another hall. At a door, he waited for Albert to open it. “I do love this place. In fact, when Monsieur Colbert wrote suggesting the Petite Chateau be razed and rebuilt in a fashion more in harmony with the newer structure, I adamantly opposed. I approved the restorations needed but warned him that if repairs are botched, the new structure will have to be rebuilt identically to the original.” He smiled. “Good, we are here.” Louis sat, and the men stood facing him.
* * *
An elbow jabbed Antoine’s ribs. He jumped.
“Do you not agree?” His Majesty’s eyebrows rose, his head tipped to the side while his gaze narrowed.
Realizing he had missed a question, Antoine looked to Albert for help.
The king smiled. “I said, our guest is beautiful, is she not?”
Heat raced up Antoine’s neck, rising to warm his face.
“Oui, your Majesty, I believe Antoine agrees.” Albert chuckled.
His Majesty joined in the laughter.
“I am pleased, Antoine, that you find my little cousin such an appealing sight. I hope, in fact, you will enjoy your time with her and become very close.”
He would enjoy it more if he did not find himself pinking up like a schoolgirl every five minutes.
The king sobered, vertical lines appearing above the bridge of his nose. “She has been traveling with another cousin of mine who, shall we say, keeps me informed about many things. I find it uncanny how one little old lady can uncover things my well-paid spies cannot.” He snorted a chuckle and shook his head. “This cousin has been concerned of late about Louise who has always been a quiet, reserved young woman, even quite pious. However, Marie has not been able to draw her out.” With a sigh, His Majesty leaned back into his throne. “They have been traveling together for some months now, and although polite, Marie feels Louise is hiding something. The sole clue has to do with a half-finished letter to someone named Matthew Maury. I’ve learned there is a Matthew Maury who, along with the Fontaine family,
operates a salt and wine business in the south.”
The king stood and clasped his hands behind his back. “I believe he makes his home near Alsais, although he travels a great deal. That could be how Louise knows the man. If he is who we believe him to be, this Maury person is one of those Protestant Reformers. His business could be a clever way of passing information to and from different Huguenot cities.” He spun to face Antoine. “I am fearful for our sweet Louise. This possible traitor could be influencing her in a most unhealthy way.” The king paused, placing a jewel-encrusted hand on Antoine’s shoulder. “I hope you will be able to put my fears to rest, my friend.”