The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection

by Jennifer Lynn Cary

  “Good. We can talk after dinner.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  So, you see, Reverend, I believe I have much to offer. Would you be…” The man in the mirror shook his head. No matter how he tried to phrase things, it never sounded right. Joseph knew he would sound like the fool he was and no one, not even the good Reverend Fontaine, would be willing to help him learn to be a success.

  He tied his hair back and took one more look. Good grooming couldn’t fix what he lacked. But if he didn’t come up with something, he would lose Sarah.

  For her, he would try.

  For her.

  The Reverend Fontaine agreed to meet with him after the noon meal. Joseph excused himself early to come back and…and what?

  What would he say to the Reverend given the chance?

  Chance. That was the word. All he wanted was a chance. A chance to try, to prove to Thomas Stewart he could provide for his daughter. But even with that chance, Joseph wasn’t sure but what he might end up flat on his face.

  Down the stairs, Joseph tried to keep his focus on his goal. Sarah. You can do this, for her.

  The reverend waited for him in his father’s office. Once again, Joseph sat in the chair opposite the desk. Once again, the person behind controlled his life.

  “Sir, I understand my father spoke with you concerning my interest. I have helped manage the farming aspect of our product for several years now. With Gabriel in the ministry, James will be the one to inherit Edenmore. I would therefore like to learn about the export side of the industry. My father thought you would be the better one to teach me.”

  The Reverend Fontaine listened, his hands on the desk. “Joseph, there is a problem with the business.”

  Of course there was. Why shouldn’t there be, now that he wanted to be involved in the export portion? He leaned back in the chair, ready for whatever blow was about to come.

  “The British Government has declared it unlawful to export woolen textiles.”

  The blow left his mind reeling. He couldn’t think beyond unlawful to export.

  “Your father and I have discussed this. I have a plan and have asked your father to join me. He is praying about it. But I make the same offer to you. I am moving to Bantry Bay where I will begin a fishing export business. There is a great call for the fish in Spain. My business partners in London have a winery outside Madrid. We would unload the fish and pick up the wine. Send the wine to Barbados and pick up molasses there. The molasses goes to Virginia where we exchange it for tobacco and then return. The business should be quite lucrative, and we have a three-year contract with the gentlemen in London. What do you think?”

  Joseph leaned forward. “How soon would you need me?”

  “Would you be able to leave with me in two days?”

  Two days.

  “I would need to build a house there and make plans to return to be married. Would that be agreeable?”

  Jacques Fontaine’s face broke into a wide grin. “Married, you say? And who is the young lady? Do I know her?”

  “I believe you do, sir. Miss Sarah Stewart.”

  “Thomas Stewart’s daughter? Ouí. I remember when she was a little girl. But of course, you must build your house and come back for that lovely young woman. I hope you will let me be the one to marry the two of you. Oh, but you will have Gabriel here, too. And someone will have to look after things while you are gone. Oh the plans, the plans we can make.”

  An explosion of fireworks went off in Joseph’s brain. He would be able to do this. He would be able to marry Sarah. Finally, something good was about to happen. He fell back in the chair. “I can’t believe it.”

  The reverend laughed. “Perhaps you need to believe it, because we will be leaving Edenmore in two days, whether you believe it or not.”

  * * *

  “Two days?” Sarah couldn’t believe it. “Why only two days? Why can’t ye stay here and handle the business?”

  Joseph pulled her close as they stood in the nursery, but it didn’t help. How could she stand being so far from him?

  “Sarah, I know, I know, but the sooner I leave, the sooner I can come back for you. The sooner I can ask your father for your hand. The sooner we can be married and be a real family. You will still wait for me?”

  “Oh, Joseph, ye know I will. Hold me tight. I don’t want to forget the feel of yer arms.” Sarah buried her face into his shoulder. Though she tried to stop them, tears still welled.

  “And you won’t let my son forget about me, will you?”

  Sarah shook her head against his woolen waistcoat. “I’ll tell him about his handsome, brave, and strong father every day.”

  “Tell him his father loves him, and that his father loves a certain red-haired lass who is getting his shirt all wet.”

  Sarah batted at his chest. “Oh, Joseph, did ye think I would not cry?”

  “No, my tender-hearted love, I knew you would.” He ran his fingers gently across her cheek, catching a tear. Sarah closed her eyes, memorizing the touch of his kisses lightly placed on her eyelids. Her knees grew weak. She knew if she didn’t step back, she’d have no control whatsoever.

  “Go, go make yerself ready for this trip.”

  Joseph’s eyes shimmered with the silent question.

  “I will be here, waiting. Do what you must. Ye know where to find me, love.”

  He caressed her face, then walked out the door.

  Leaving her behind.

  * * *

  “We’re getting old, my love.”

  Antoine pulled Louise close as they snuggled in their bed. He caressed her cheek. “You are still as lovely as the day we met.” She shook her head, but he continued. “Your hair soft about your face, and then you look at me with those eyes. I’d never seen such eyes. And to think I may gaze on them every day.” He tilted her chin and kissed her.

  Louise melded to him, her cheek against his shoulder. “Thirty years and seven children will age one. We’ve seen much. You have worked hard to make Edenmore a legacy for our family. As much as I want to leave our recent sorrows, I believe it is here God has planted us and given us root.”

  Antoine scooted up against the pillows. “I had not—How did you know?”

  She rolled, leaning on his chest. “It was not so hard to guess. I could see the gleam in Jacques’s eyes. Where would he have us go?”

  Drawing her back into his arms, Antoine shared the reverend’s offer. “So, if we went, it would be back to Bantry Bay. We have memories of there. Two of our sons were born there. I told Jacques I needed to pray about it. So far, I believe we are to stay.”

  “I said it before and say it now, wither thou goest, my love, wither thou goest.”

  Lovely, disarming, with eyes that peered to the very bottom of his soul; that was his wife. How blessed beyond measure to have known her love and gentle spirit. But that gentle spirit had greatly suffered of recent, and with no time to grieve, she continued to see to others’ welfare.

  “You worry too much.”

  Antoine ran his fingers through her hair, already coming loose from her braid. She too easily read his mind. “Why do you say that?”

  “I say that because it is true. You worry for me, now. I have mourned our great loss. God has heard my cries over and over. But can we only accept blessing and not suffering from our Lord? Both Josephine and Shannon knew Him. They were ready. Mary O’Toole has allowed me into her home, and we have spoken many times. And while Master O’Keefe slowly improves, his nephew has taken over their establishment. Not that I condone that type of place knowing what it does to you men.” She gave him a playful pinch.

  “Ow. You men, is it? When was the last time you saw me go imbibe at the Stray Dog?” He began to tickle her. “Perhaps you think I am so old I need to sit in my corner and regale others with my tales of conquests?” He rolled, looming over her. “Or perhaps I have conquests yet to make?”

  “No, sir. This battle you have won before you start.”

  And with
a chuckle, he kissed her.

  * * *

  Robert brought the horses to the front of the house.

  Standing on the front steps, Sarah watched as first the Reverend Fontaine and then her heart walked out the door. She held Wee Joseph on her hip and Bridget, ever still her shadow, held Samuel by the hand.

  Joseph placed his portmanteau in back of his saddle.

  Sarah had slipped a hasty note inside so that when he unpacked, he would think of her and know she would wait.

  Though they spent every moment possible together, she had yet to confess her part in the attack. She hadn’t even told him of her promise that seemed ages ago. If he knew those things, would he still love her? Or worse, would he ever trust her again?

  No, she had Joseph’s love. She would not risk it all with a confession of what God and Shannon had already forgiven.

  Joseph stared at her. Could he see inside? Could he tell how selfish and manipulative she was?

  Smiling, he guided her around the corner of the house.

  “Joseph…”

  He put his fingers to her lips. “This is what I want to see when I close my eyes. You, holding our son. I’ll make a home for you, Sarah. We’ll make a life together.”

  “Aye. Oh, Joseph.” She embraced his neck with her one free arm and held on. If she let go, she was afraid she would drown in her tears.

  Joseph loosened her grip. Tipping her chin, he peered into her soul. “Sarah, I love you. I will come back. I promise.” He kissed her, melting her like snow under spring sunshine.

  She returned it with her whole heart.

  “A-hem.”

  Joseph released her.

  His father stood there, a familiar smile on his face. Yes, there was something about those Crockett men and their lopsided grins. She knew her face was turning redder than the scarlet of her best tartan.

  “Son, it is time.” Antoine returned to the front of the manor.

  Joseph grasped her hand. She let him lead her back to the family.

  He gave her hand a squeeze before letting go and hugging each sister in turn. An embrace from his father, a kiss from his mother, and playful punches from his brother before he mounted the horse.

  Reins in hand, Reverend Fontaine turned to Joseph. “Ready?”

  Joseph stared at Sarah, looking straight into her heart. He nodded. “Ready.”

  As they left, Sarah hugged Wee Joseph tighter. Somehow, she knew, whatever happened, she would be ready too.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Mistress Fontaine called out to him. “Letters. Joseph, you have two of them.”

  Standing, he stretched his back, put his hammer into the loop at his side, and lowered himself from the roof.

  Taking the sealed notes from her hand, he noted her curiosity. “Thank you, Mistress.”

  “She has a lovely script.”

  “Who does?”

  “Why, your mother, of course.” But her smile told him different.

  Joseph laughed, knowing that later she’d want all the pertinent details. She seemed to look on him as a fresh font of information. Perhaps she worried her husband’s trough of knowledge might run dry? No, he shook his head. She just had an insatiable thirst to know what went on in the world.

  Finding a barrel over by the new salt house, Joseph sat and debated which one to open first. He wanted to read Sarah’s, but he’d never get to his mother’s if he did. With a chuckle, he broke the wax seal.

  Dearest Son,

  Life here at home remains much the same, only there is a hole where you should be.

  I know Sarah is writing, too, so I will let her regale you with tales of my amazing grandson. Suffice it to say, he is brilliant, adorable and growing very fast. He looks more and more like you every day.

  I am thinking we may have some more weddings on the horizon. Master McHugh’s eldest son, Daniel, has asked permission to call on Lucy. She greatly pinks whenever anyone speaks of it and rushes to care for something in the kitchen. I think the two of us will talk later this evening.

  I also learned Sarah Beth and Ian Mackenzie, Gabriel’s friend, have been corresponding. I should have guessed but was preoccupied with other things. Master Mackenzie wrote to your father to say he’d like to come for a visit, so we will see what transpires.

  And since I mentioned your father, I should tell you he is doing well. He is very proud of you, as we all are.

  Sarah visits every day and spends much time with Wee Joseph. They are bonded as any mother and son. Young Samuel joins in the fun, and I think Sarah would keep him, too, if James would let her.

  James moved into your cottage and is slowly healing. He either works very hard for your father or spends his time with Samuel. I miss his smile and ready laugh but know God will return those in due season.

  We love you and miss you.

  Sending you love and prayers,

  Mother

  News from home always felt bittersweet, but now he could spend his time with Sarah.

  My dearest love,

  As I write, I am watching your son take his nap, and can’t help but see you in him. I miss your touch and your voice. I miss you with all my heart.

  You would have been so proud of Wee Joseph yesterday, though I was scared to bits. He woke from his nap and someone had left the nursery door ajar. He toddled out of the room and headed for the stairs. When I found him, he had turned around and was crawling down the steps backwards, quite carefully mind you, and was half-way down. For fear I’d startle him, I bit my lip and watched him negotiate the rest of the way, whereupon I raced to the bottom and scooped him up. He is a brave and determined lad. Something more he gets from his father.

  I have begun sewing my wedding dress. It makes me feel like you will be home soon, and we will then be a true family. I will not tell you about it, but Bridget gives her approval.

  Come home soon, my love. Each night I fall asleep, thinking I cannot miss you more, and then I awaken to find that isn’t true. But my heart is. I love you and cannot wait to see you again.

  I must close now and post this note to you. May God keep you safe and bring you home to me soon.

  Your loving Sarah

  Soon. Joseph gazed at all the work still in need of completion. He shook his head. Soon might as well be a million years from now. The Fontaines hadn’t even started on their own home but were living in the salt house for the moment. And Sarah’s father would not give his blessing without her having a proper home.

  He folded the letters and put them in his pocket. A quick scan of the area located the reverend by the wagon, helping unload the new press. Joseph ran the short distance, joining in the work.

  “Reverend, might I speak with you when this is unloaded?”

  Jacques Fontaine grunted, gave another lift, and the press came free of the wagon. The men lowered it to the ground, and the reverend pulled out a cloth to wipe his face.

  “She’s a beauty. Now, Joseph, what were you saying?”

  Joseph ran his sleeve across his brow and smiled. “I asked if I might speak with you after the press was unloaded.”

  “Of course, Joseph, of course. Let us get some water and we can talk.”

  How should he explain the need to build a house, not a cottage, when there is still so much to be done?

  Sarah. Remain focused on Sarah. Reverend Fontaine will understand.

  Please let him understand.

  * * *

  “Wee Joseph, I have a letter from your da.” Sarah picked up the toddler and swung him around. “A letter from your da. Shall we read it?”

  Wee Joseph nodded most seriously. Sarah sat him on her lap and opened the letter. His baby hands kept reaching for it, so she finally sat him on the floor and began to read.

  My lovely Sarah,

  I didn’t think the day would come when I could write this, but finally I can say, you have a house of your own in Bantry Bay. It is not as big as Edenmore Manor, nor as imposing as Ballylawn, but it is more than a cottage. The
first floor has a parlor, study, dining room, pantry and kitchen. The second floor contains four bedrooms so there is room to bring Bridget with you (though I am sure your father would send her if you didn’t bring her yourself). There is a small bit a thatching yet to finish and I will let you plan how you want your rooms to look.

  The reverend has gone to London to meet with the sponsors. When he arrives back, I will be coming for you, Sarah. You and our son. Make ready, my love, for I am soon to be there. I love you and long to hold you in my arms once again.

  Hug our son for me and let him know his da mightily loves him.

  Do you still wait for me, Sarah? Have I taken too long? I will be there soon, I promise. I love you with all my heart.

  Ever your Joseph

  “Wee Joseph, your da is coming home.”

  Home

  Yet…

  What if he changes his mind when he arrives? What if he learned about her promise? Might he think she wanted to marry him out of duty? What if he ended up preferring Kathleen to her?

  No, Joseph would come home to her and they would live together happily just like his parents and her parents. That is what happens when two people in love marry, correct?

  It had to be.

  Her heart depended on it.

  * * *

  Sarah burst through the door at Ballylawn and dashed up the stairs. “Mother. Da.” She waved the letter from Joseph in her fist. “Mother.”

  “Sarah. Whatever is the matter?” Her mother stood at the landing.

  “I have a letter from Joseph. He’s coming home.” Sarah grabbed her mother’s hands and twirled her.

  “Whoa. Stop, before we tumble down the steps.”