The Heart's Stronghold

by Amanda Barratt

  “Yes. He said you are a wonderful cook, and it would help the other men let go of their fears.” His eyes had taken on a tender look. “I must admit that I have missed seeing you, Miss Howland.”

  The words made a blush rush up her neck. “I’d be happy to help you out, Captain Latham. Whatever I can do.”

  “Thank you.” He went to open the door. “Supper has not yet been prepared, so …”

  “You need me straightaway.” She offered a slight smile.

  “Yes. If you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all, Captain.” She headed to her bed. “Just let me fetch my cape.”

  She had a new spring in her step. No longer would she have to be cooped up in this little cabin. It didn’t even matter that a few of the men still thought she was bad luck. She was needed, and she wouldn’t have to be alone any longer.

  The men were lined up for inspection before supper. The snow poured down on them so Christopher could barely see. But as soldiers they were trained to deal with the weather no matter what.

  “I’ll remind you men one last time that there will be no disrespect directed toward Miss Howland. As long as you want to be fed, you will keep this rule.” He shot a glare at Sergeant Jones.

  “Yes, sir!” Men shouted from their lines.

  “Good. Let’s eat.”

  He clasped his hands behind his back and watched the men traipse into the tent. It would be wonderful once the fort was finished and there was a roof over their heads, but until then, this would have to do.

  Moving to the open flap of the tent, he watched the men as they went through the serving line.

  Miss Howland smiled at each one, and he noticed that many of the men spoke to her. Her face never registered fear, embarrassment, or shock. That was good. Perhaps things could finally settle down.

  As he continued to watch, Christopher had an odd sensation in his gut. He wanted Miss Howland to feel wanted and appreciated. And he knew that would be very difficult because the men had been quite ugly to her before. But she had agreed to stay and cook for them until a replacement could be found. That was a step in the right direction, was it not?

  While the rest of the men were served, Christopher watched—guarded their new cook—and was ready to pounce as soon as he heard a negative word.

  But nothing happened.

  In fact, Miss Howland looked quite happy. The smile that lit up her face took his breath away.

  “Captain?” Was she speaking to him?

  “Pardon?” Getting his thoughts back in check, he stepped forward.

  “Are you going to eat?”

  “Oh yes. Most certainly. Thank you.”

  She ladled him a bowl of something creamy looking. A big whiff made his mouth water. “It smells delicious. What is it?”

  “Potato soup.” The grin she sent him made him want to keep it there forever. Her white cap covered her light brown hair while the blue of her dress brought out the color of her eyes. While he’d thought she was lovely before, there was something different now. And he couldn’t put his finger on it.

  He went to sit at his table, where Samuel and his son were sitting. “Good evening, gentlemen.”

  “Good evening.” Samuel smiled. “It looks like Esther is doing well.”

  “Yes, it does.” Christopher snuck another glance at her. Not seeing her for a couple of weeks had made him look at her differently. At first he’d thought it would be good to get his mind off the fact that he was drawn to her. But now? He wanted nothing more than to stare at her or go and talk to her. He needed to get his thoughts back in order. He was in command here. “How is the work coming?”

  “This snow will slow us down.” Sam shook his head. “I wasn’t expecting it this early. Especially not in storms like this.”

  The elder Howland nodded. “ ’Tis true. I haven’t seen anything like this in many a year. It will make things more difficult.”

  “But it looks as though the bastions are all almost complete.” Christopher offered a smile.

  “Yes. Which is good. But I must admit, I was hoping for a bit more progress before the snow piled up.” Samuel looked over to his daughter. “It’s good to see her smiling. These past few weeks have been very hard on her.”

  “I’m sure they have.” He didn’t want to admit how difficult the weeks had been on him. He could only imagine how it had been for her, locked up in the cabin by herself.

  Sam nudged him with an elbow.

  Christopher blinked and turned his gaze to Miss Howland’s brother.

  His eyebrows raised and a small smile lifted the corners of his mouth.

  Christopher was caught. Oh well, the younger Howland didn’t seem to be bothered by it, so Christopher spooned some more soup into his mouth. He wasn’t sure how she’d done it, but she’d creamed the potatoes perfectly into a thick and hearty soup. He knew it wasn’t very exciting to cook for dozens of men with a limited amount of ingredients, but she had done it well. Several comments from the men around him proved that she was winning them over.

  “Papa.” Sam tapped his spoon on the table. “I wonder how much effort it would take to get one of the areas between the north and east bastion covered so that there would be a gathering place of sorts for the winter?”

  Howland leaned back in his chair. “Hmm … We’d have to put off finishing the other two bastions for a time. Then there would be two more walls that would need to be built on the interior before we could put a roof on.” The older man nodded. “But it could be done.”

  “Maybe we should focus on that with the way the weather has turned. It would help the men not catch their death of cold.” Sam turned to him. “Captain, would that be acceptable to you?”

  “It actually sounds warm at the moment, gentlemen, so yes, that is most acceptable.” He finished off his soup. “And as long as the fort is done by next spring, I don’t think anyone will complain about which parts get finished first. Especially if it would keep us all from freezing our toes off.”

  Chapter 9

  By the middle of November, Esther’s feet were numb most of the time. Not only were they cold, but being on her feet day in and day out had made them ache. Papa told her that morning, however, that they should be able to cook and eat in the new gathering room they’d built between the front bastions by tomorrow. The thought made her want to jump for joy, but she attempted to control herself as she served the men in line. The thought made her want to laugh. What would they do if she started jumping while she served them dinner?

  Only three of the men still gave her disapproving looks. But even they couldn’t keep her spirits down. The rest of the soldiers and officers spoke to her at every meal. Many complimented her cooking and told her that her sweet disposition lifted their spirits. And why had they ever believed the rumors? Their words did her heart a lot of good.

  Lord, thank You for what You’ve done to change things around here. Thank You for the encouragement, because I know it’s only because of You that I am receiving it. And thank You for Your provision. Even in the storms and snow we can rejoice. Just like First Peter says.

  “Miss Howland?” The captain’s voice made her open her eyes.

  She blinked several times and remembered where she was. “My apologies, Captain Latham. I was praying.”

  “Forgive me for intruding.” A slight smile lifted the corners of his mouth as he held his bowl aloft. It made him appear like a young boy. Even though he definitely was not.

  “My apologies.” Her stomach did another little turn, as it did every time she saw him of late. What was that all about? She wasn’t certain. But even with the busyness of their schedules, the highlight of every day for her was seeing the captain’s face.

  Why was that?

  She shook her head. The answer was all too clear. Probably not a question she should even answer right now. When she’d come to Castle Island, their initial acquaintance had not been a pleasant one. Not because of him, but because of the horrid circumstances. But somewhere al
ong the line, things had changed.

  “Would you care to sit with me by the fire?” The captain was speaking to her again.

  She looked around and saw that all of the men had been served. It wouldn’t hurt for her to get off her feet for a few minutes and eat her supper. “That would be lovely.”

  He pulled up two stumps in front of the fire. “It’s been quite chilly of late.”

  “Yes, my feet haven’t thawed out yet.” Esther slipped her feet closer to the fire. Cupping her bowl in her hands, she lifted it to her face and let the steam fill her senses. Tonight was another fish stew. A dish she was getter better at every day. At least the men appreciated the way she tried to change it up. Not that any of them would complain. The soldiers were looking all too skinny the last week. “Will supplies be coming anytime soon?” The last supply ship hadn’t come because the harbor was frozen.

  “I’ve been told they will come across the ice as soon as they know it’s safe. But a skiff has to get close enough for them to attempt it. Too many deaths have occurred in the past when they’ve tried to venture across ice that wasn’t solid.” He took a bite of his stew. “This is delicious.”

  “I remember a little boy fell through the ice and died when I was young. It’s made me scared of walking on ice ever since. I wouldn’t want anyone risking their lives to bring us supplies.” Although provisions were getting scarce. But how did she tell him that?

  “I can’t imagine that we have enough to see us through until spring.”

  She let out a breath, relieved that he’d brought it up. “No, I don’t think we do. But I can get creative for a while. As long as the men don’t mind eating a lot of the same thing over and over.”

  “You need to let me know when things are dire. Perhaps when we can get the message about needing a new cook to Boston, we can let them know about additional supplies as well.”

  “Have you ever been through a winter as harsh as this one here?”

  “No. Not on the island.” The captain looked at her intently. “Which I must admit worries me just a little. Especially since we don’t have adequate shelter for everyone yet.”

  His answer made her pause. Would they be all right here? The island wasn’t very protected. And it seemed that one storm after another had hit them. Sergeant Jones glared at her from across the tent. Thankfully, Captain Latham had been near every time the sergeant came through the line, but it didn’t keep the angry man from giving her looks from time to time. “Captain Latham, might I change the subject for a moment?”

  “Of course. Is something wrong?” He looked behind him.

  She put her attention back on him. How much should she say? His eyes were kind and he waited patiently for her to speak. Best to be honest. “No. I don’t think so. But Sergeant Jones makes me quite uncomfortable.”

  “Has he said something to you?” The captain straightened, and his congenial expression changed to one of fierce distaste.

  “No. But he glares at me whenever he has the chance. His looks seem so … hateful.”

  He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I’ve written a letter to my superiors about the man’s behavior. But nothing has left the island the past week because of the weather.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Captain. I just need to ignore him. I’m sure he means no harm.”

  “Could we dispense with the ‘Captain’ title? When it’s just you and me, I would prefer your calling me Christopher.” His face softened.

  She took a moment to glance around. That wouldn’t be inappropriate, would it? “Thank you, Christopher.”

  “As for the sergeant, I will speak with him.”

  She put a hand on his arm. “No, please. I don’t want to get him in any trouble. It will only cause him to despise me even more.”

  He looked down at her hand and then covered it with his own. “As long as you promise me that if you do not feel safe, you’ll let me know.”

  “I promise.” The heat from his hand warmed her whole arm. “And please, call me Esther.”

  Without the men supporting him and the curse, Steven found himself disliking Miss Howland even more. There had to be some way to get rid of her. If only he could turn the men against her again.

  He’d had two allies. Now he was down to one. And he only had him because he’d threatened the young soldier. How had his plan fallen apart so fast? The disciplinary action against him had kept him so busy, he hadn’t even had time to set up another “accident.” He was too smart to ignore the curse. No man was safe. Why weren’t the men more concerned?

  They would be. As soon as people started dying. Which was inevitable with her here.

  If only the colonel was in charge. He would get rid of the lady the minute he set foot on the island.

  But what could Steven do now? Without any way to reach Boston safely, he was stuck with a woman on the island.

  A woman who was destined to bring them nothing but trouble.

  Chapter 10

  Esther …” As her name rolled off his tongue, Christopher realized he’d longed to say it aloud for some time. The fire in the stone fireplace crackled and the glow from it lit her face.

  “Yes?” Her sweet smile was back now that her gaze was off the sergeant.

  He took in her features for several moments. The noise from around the room seemed to diminish, and he could almost imagine they were alone and not in the midst of dozens of other men. Her eyes held such intelligence, warmth, humor—light. They made him want to sit and gaze into them for hours. Her shy manners were for the most part gone now that they had spent a good deal of time together. Nevertheless, she was still often quiet. But he found that her silence was usually because she was observing others or thinking things through. He found it endearing. Just like everything else about her.

  “Did you forget what you were going to say?” A slight teasing in her tone made him laugh at his own distraction.

  “No. That is … Well, I have been wondering … how is it that you are not betrothed to anyone back in Boston?” The question was out, even though he knew it was entirely too forward. But he couldn’t help it.

  A blush crept up her cheeks. And then her smile turned sad. “Well, my mother became very ill a few years ago. I stayed by her side and did not have time for visitors or courtship. The young men—suitors—who were interested eventually gave up.” She gave a little shrug.

  “Then they were not worthy of you.”

  Esther dipped her chin. “That is very gallant of you to say, but everyone needed to go on with their lives. Even though my own felt like time stood still. Sickness and grief will do that.”

  She kept her eyes cast down.

  A sign he’d made her uncomfortable. “Forgive me for being so forward.”

  Swiping at her skirt, she tilted her head. “The simple chitchat of society exhausts me. So I appreciate your forthrightness, as always. And I must admit it is nice to have someone to talk to. Most of my friends are all married and starting families. Papa and Sam are all I have, and the fort has consumed much of their time.” Her gaze caught his. She studied him for several moments until her lips lifted in a slight grin, the hint of humor back in her eyes. “It seems only fair that I ask the same question of you. How is it that such an eligible gentleman is unmarried? I imagine most of your fellow officers are married?”

  “ ’Tis true. They are. Which has made it quite insufferable when I am around them.” He shook his head as he laughed. “I jest. It brings me joy to be around families and children, but my service has kept me here.”

  “You have been on Castle Island for some time?”

  He leaned back and let out a long sigh. “Indeed. I have been serving here on the island for several years, all in hopes of it one day being under my command. My focus has been here, with the protection of Boston and the soldiers’ duties. That doesn’t allow for much companionship. As you know, there aren’t many ladies around to court.”

  “Yes, I can see that.” Amusement filled her gaze. “Forgive
me for asking, but I thought you were in command.”

  “Colonel Brown left me in command but will not be turning it over to me officially until the fort is complete. That’s why I must oversee every aspect.”

  “Ah, I see.”

  He wanted to get back to the topic he’d initiated. As awkward and intimate as it was. “At nine and twenty, my dreams are to command, yes, but I admit I have longed to have a family. My service to the King has been important, and the colony must be protected.” Would she understand his interest in pursuing her? His job and what it entailed for the future? How did one go about these things?

  “From what I have witnessed, you are an impeccable leader, Captain Latham … I mean, Christopher.” The pink rushed to her cheeks again.

  He found it enchanting. “Thank you, milady.” He bowed his head in a dramatic fashion. “I hope to one day be able to command and to have a family.” He longed to say so much more to her, but social etiquette didn’t allow for such. Especially since he’d already crossed the boundaries. Lord, help me to do better. I find myself wanting to bare my heart to her, and patience is not my strongest suit. But I don’t wish to scare her away.

  “I will pray for the Lord to bless you with both.” She stared into the large fire and wrapped her arms around her waist. “Have you enjoyed the work you do?”

  As much as he wanted to pursue the other conversation, this would have to do for now. Because at least he was getting time with her. “I have. And I do. Some days are better than others. When I really feel like I have accomplished something and the men are listening. Others … Well, I feel like I’m trying to get children to do the job of soldiers. Those days are not as enjoyable.”

  Her light laughter washed over him like a rain shower in spring. Lovely. He took in her form. Her slight frame was attractive. Especially when she wore her blue dress. Of course he liked her in the green one as well, but the blue was his favorite.

  She tilted her head again in that very attractive way, her eyes studying him. “Is this what you want to do for the rest of your days?”