The Unbroken Promise: The Promise Series, #2

By J. Anne Lezsley

The Willow Springs Settlement has been inaugurated in a season of abundant blessing that portends to continue with few disruptions. Thus when the unspeakable – indeed, the unknowable – occurs within the community yet growing into its identity, not a single life remains untouched by the catastrophe.

Either directly or indirectly, every soul is affected by the event, and all must reach for one another and for the God they had believed they'd comprehended, as they seek to recover as individuals and as a whole, to heal, to trust, and to believe Him for His promises despite the storms of life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Glass Willow Press
• Release date: Nov 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781544147529

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© Copyright 2017 – J. Anne Lezsley

All rights reserved. This book is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. Scripture quotations are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Text design by Glass Willow Press

Cover Design Conceptualized by Glass Willow Press

Cover Assembly by Art by Keyzus

Cartograph design by Tullison Ryan

ISBN: 978-1544147529

For Worldwide Distribution, Printed in the U.S.A.

My Deepest Thanks

Abba, Father God – Oh, Daddy, I cannot imagine what swell fills Your heart, knowing what is in my own. With every word, line, passage, and chapter of this – even more than the first story You gifted upon my request – I have felt the same confirmation over and again: I am inhabiting what You have purposed me to be. The work of our co-creation, together You and I, has become a beautifully seamless and seemingly effortless dance, the steps of which You must have taught me as I slept, for I have no memory of learning them. The vividness and vibrancy of the scenes herein have wrung tears from me of soaring joy and searing torment both – this is what it is to create Story, as led by the Master. Each time I have sat down to set words upon the page, I have come away from it full in the knowledge that I have stared into the face of everything You intended when You contemplated the very idea of me. It is filling, affirming, completion. When I participate in this act, I am whole, apart from anything and anyone, excepting You – just as it ought to be. Everyone upon this earth should be so blessed. I love you with a gratitude that stretches as far as the East is from the West.

NGL – Your input and collaboration in the fine details has been invaluable. You’ve consistently reminded me that I do know my own mind, and need only dig deeper to break past the blocks. Your enthusiasm and your encouragements are a buoy beyond compare. The suggestions you’ve made have improved this story exponentially and set up the line for so much more further along. Sharing the art and the craft with you in the future will be my great joy. I have been proud and grateful to know you as I have been privileged to do.

To my own long-awaited promise – I had hoped that we would have found one another by now, but then I also hadn’t anticipated that the entirety of this story would be composed in only six months’ time. Remain assured that I continue to pray that the day soon arrives when promises are fulfilled as they have been spoken from so many sides, all collected and stored up in my heart. The whole of it weaves into an intricate tapestry of a tale that I cannot wait to share with you. Ours is the story I most dearly anticipate, for it will be exquisite and riotous and counted well worth all that it is taking to arrive in wait and weight.

Additional Thanks listed after the Story . . .

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Chapter 1

Late Mid-September 2149

Will this ever cease to feel extraordinary to me? Andrew thought as he stood at the front of the crowded meetinghouse dining room before the noon meal, waiting for the community which had elected him their Governor to fall silent, that he might speak.

My dear friends, he called when they had done so. It has been my great joy this past month to enter into the office of your Governor, and all of its duties. I am humbled daily by your esteem of me, and endeavor always to serve you to my utmost in all ways. That said, I must confess – he grinned openly – there are some benefits to this position which are decidedly my favorites. This is one of them. Today it is my great privilege to announce to you that Thomas and Abigail have chosen the date upon which they are to be knit, soul-to-soul, in the sacred covenant of marriage.

Your wife has begun wearing off on you already! Peter shouted from the corner of the room, raising a chorus of laughter throughout.

The newly-minted Governor – and married man, as had been pointed out – stilled the jubilant raucous. You have celebrated my blessing enough, now, my Brother. Smiling at his wife, he continued in a milder tone, Yes, I am blessed beyond all capabilities of the wildest of imaginations. Now it is time we celebrate the joys of another. Though I do thank you. I thank you all. Receiving the glass timely handed to him by the woman who anticipated his every thought, Andrew raised it along with his voice. To Thomas and Abigail – we celebrate with them six weeks hence!

After offering thanks to Kadosh for the meal the gathered assembly was about to partake, and the many blessings besides that the Willow Springs Settlement enjoyed, Andrew took his seat, glad to relinquish authority and simply be a man.

I ask too much of you, my Brother, Thomas apologized not for the first time that day.

Nonsense, Thomas. Ask what you will.

I would have you speak before the ceremony, as Caleb did at yours. You know why this is important. The smith canted his head nearly imperceptibly toward his and Abigail’s clasped hands, resting on the table between them.

Indeed I do, Brother. Are you certain you wish me to speak on it? That to which they alluded was a matter upon which Thomas had never spoken, save on the single occasion, private between them, when Andrew would be persuaded from himself no other way.

Thomas nodded. "I trust your judgment. Moreover, let the past be past. Abigail is my present and my future. After a moment’s pause, he lit with a jocund smile and winked at the man beside him. See? I told you that day that I would extend respect to whomever Kadosh appointed in the office of authority over this Settlement – even you."

Andrew’s answering laugh disrupted the women to either side of them, who had been attempting a conversation of their own. Drawing his wife into an embrace, while yet chuckling, the Governor apologized with a kiss to her forehead.

Feigning irritation with her husband, Caeleigh addressed Thomas instead. Abigail tells me the two of you are planning a morning ceremony. That’s rather unusual, isn’t it?

The request was mine. The smith continued to grin. The earlier an hour the proceedings begin, the less opportunity she’ll have to wake upon the day regretting her decision and flee before the last minute.

At this, his betrothed jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow.

Andrew merely laughed once more, affirming yet again that the union he’d been asked to bless was indeed Divinely orchestrated.

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Beloved, will you be able to complete the work required of your trade in so short a time? Andrew enquired of his wife as he escorted her back to her millinery after the conclusion of the meal.

My work orders are few at present. And, to be truthful, Abigail came to me a few weeks ago, shortly after their betrothal was announced. The project is already begun. The fabric should arrive any day, in fact.

That’s my wife – always the adept tradeswoman. He marveled at how greatly swelled with favor his life had grown in so short a time. How fare you without Sarah’s assistance, this last week?

Though too young to officially have begun her apprenticeship, the informal council of leadership that had preceded Andrew’s installation as Governor of the Willow Springs Settlement had at Sarah’s parents’ request granted that she be permitted to assist and receive lessons in the interim, since the girl had already made her intentions known to the milliner and received her parents’ blessing. This was, of course, subject to her mother’s need of her in the home, which had taken precedence in recent days.

I’ve not suffered without her. How is Rachel? You see Philip more frequently than I do Carinne these days, obviously.

Andrew seated himself in one of the millinery’s more comfortable chairs, tugging Caeleigh by the hand to perch upon his knee. He says she’s resilient for a child so small. Stephen stands by his diagnosis of colic and assures them it will pass, if they will but be patient. Carinne misses you, dear one. If your work permits, I’d recommend you take a few hours to visit with her in their home some afternoon over the next few days. Beth and Laurel have gone to see them a few times, yet I know your friendship with her and Sarah both is something special to them.

I will, Caeleigh promised. Perhaps tomorrow, since it’s the Sabbath, or Monday. I’ll strive this afternoon to finish as much as I am able, to free the time. With that, they both rose and Andrew moved toward the door to take his leave to return to his own workshop for the latter half of the day.

Kissing his wife with tender affection, he bid her good afternoon. I shall see you at this evening’s meal, Beloved. And I shall think of you every moment until then.

Best, then, to give Alexander charge of anything sharp, came his wife’s tart reply.

Never question why you are at the center of my every stray thought. The carpenter chuckled, stealing another kiss before she ousted him from her establishment. When you say such things, I only love you all the more.

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"You are newlywed, sir..." Alexander grinned without raising his eyes from the diagram he studied, pencil in hand, as the man to whom he was apprenticed entered the workshop.

Upon what, precisely, do you base your sequitur? Yet in jubilant spirits, Andrew was poised to receive the jest.

Uprighting himself, Alexander looked his tradesmaster in the eye. There is a light in your countenance that has not dimmed since a fortnight before your marriage ceremony. If anything, it has brightened. Has it anything to do with the piano that arrived via Isaac’s special shipment last week? The young man had been one of several called upon to assist the mercantile shopkeeper in maneuvering that enormous, cumbersome article into the Governor’s residence, and the one entrusted with uncrating its precious contents.

Music makes my wife happy. One day you will understand, my young friend, that there is no greater buoy for a man’s soul than to bring joy to his Beloved. For now, let’s resume our work. Andrew pulled a leather apron over his head, calling a halt to the blithe repartee for the afternoon.

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Thomas hesitated upon his entry to his smithy, drawing Judah’s intuitive notice.

Is everything alright, sir? the apprentice enquired.

I’m not altogether certain. Mind the shop while I investigate. I’ll return in a short while, I hope. I’ll be at the veterinary stable, if I’m needed. Turning in the doorway, he retraced the steps he’d just taken, returning to his betrothed.

He found her pacing amongst the stalls.

Abigail. What troubles you, Beloved?

The enquiry seemed to have had the opposite of its intended effect. Stepping cautiously toward the proverbial skittish foal, he softly cautioned, You’ll undo all the progress you’ve won with Barnabas, if you don’t calm yourself.

The farrier closed her eyes and sighed.

"Tell me. Far seldom are you this out of sorts."

The voice with which she replied unsettled him nearly further than she appeared to have been, herself. Were you truly jesting when you expressed your fear that I might flee in advance of our marriage ceremony?

He gently yet firmly gripped her shoulders, as though in contrite reprimand. Beloved, I would never truly level such an accusation against you. He bowed forth and kissed her forehead. What incites you to ask?

I have need to return home to the Cypress Ridge Settlement.

Thomas bore the news patiently, silently calming himself and trusting that Abigail had reason. May I ask why?

I’ve received a letter from my parents earlier today. I cannot tarry – I need to go soon.

Recalling a similar letter he had received from his own parents, Thomas’ frame promptly stiffened with trepidation. Are they alright?

My father has made the decision to close his veterinary practice. His hands have become enfeebled by age, and he says he would rather not continue than to work at less than his best ability.

Alright, Thomas replied, so slackening with the dissolution of anxiety that his hands fell to his sides. How may I help?

Abigail smiled up at the blacksmith. He’s offered me the tools of his practice. I wish to go and retrieve them.

Collecting his Beloved into his arms and drawing her close, he nodded at the request. Then we shall leave promptly on Monday morning. I would greatly care to meet your family before we are wed. We’ll visit with your parents for the day, and return in the evening with your inheritance.

Flooded with gratitude, Abigail held tightly to him. She wondered if her betrothed realized the duplicated gift of love he had just extended to her.

Yes, Beloved. I know.

Chapter 2

Late Mid-September 2149

Carinne, Beloved, you need rest. Philip knelt before the chair in which his wife more slouched than reclined in her exhaustion, pleading as he clasped her trembling hands in his field-dirtied ones. Much as I don’t want you apart from myself, you need to get away.

I daren’t inflict Rachel upon anyone, as fussy as she’s been. Nor Ephraim – the boy is a wild man.

No, Beloved, he corrected softly. "Leave the children with me. All of the children. Sarah can assist me with the younger ones. I worry for you." The faint streak of mud that traced along his wife’s cheek following behind his caress brought a smile of reminiscence – How often had such occurred during their courtship when she’d visited him in the vineyards? How often had he tasted of the earth kissing it away?

Knowing his mind, Carinne returned his smile. You’ve dirtied my face again, haven’t you?

I added a bit of color. You’re grown far too pale, sweet light. Her expression informed him how long it had been since last employing the favored endearment of their early years together.

It isn’t during the night that Rachel is tormented, only the afternoons. I don’t understand – neither of the others had such a phase as this in their infancies...

Peace, Beloved, Philip murmured, gathering his wife into his arms and cradling her against his shoulder. I know you’re frustrated for her welfare. Stephen has done all he is able to do, as have we. We need remain patient, as he’s instructed. ...And you need to rest, he gently repeated, drawing back to study her haggard face. "Before you protest that these are already waking hours, your eyes are rimmed with shadows black as cast iron. You’re exhausted, Carinne. Now that I have Seth and Anthony to mind the vineyards, I can be spared for more time at home. Both young men are quick studies and have learned in a month what I thought to teach them in four. Never had I thought that I would have two apprentices concurrently, but Kadosh has blessed us in our time of need – perhaps because of it. Allow me now to bless you, sweet light. Let’s seek what we must to restore the light in your eyes that first gave me love for you."

The tears he’d sought to avert from her tumbled over Carinne’s paled cheeks.

At the least, come and sit in the sunshine with me, Philip requested in earnest. The windows are open if you feel the need to listen.

Sensing the leaning of compliance, he lifted her wholly and carried her outside, delighted as her arms wound around his neck.

Not so far from the house, she pleaded as he moved to step off of the porch.

He redirected toward the side verandah and its swing. Alright, he intoned patiently, seating not her but himself, and keeping her held close.

I’m so sorry, Carinne murmured into the side of her husband’s neck as her head rested heavily upon his shoulder.

You needn’t apologize, Beloved.

You do. You’ve surely muddied my dress by now.

Philip chuckled softly. I’ll make it up to you by taking charge of the washing myself. And I’ll sweep the parlor.

I’d be content if you removed your boots before coming indoors.

I did. He lifted one bare foot on display for her to see.

She, however, had already begun to drowse.

Dear, sweet light, he murmured as he stroked her arm and kissed her forehead. "I fail to serve you well. How do you yet love me?"

Thus they remained for well over an hour, nearly two, while Rachel slept and Sarah minded Ephraim, keeping him occupied in moderately quiet play on the lawn. When the anticipated wail rose from within the house, Philip looked to his eldest to respond before their mother could be awoken.

Quickly she spoke to her brother in hushed tones and darted indoors. Ephraim clambered onto the porch and approached his parents. Is Mama unwell?

Gently shushing the boy, Philip replied softly, Mama’s been quite tired by worry for your baby sister. She needs more rest, just as Rachel does. Will you be a help to me and be good for your mother? Help her to rest more?

Ephraim nodded eagerly. I’ll do anything for Mama.

I know you will. I’m proud of you for that, Ephraim. I’d invite you to climb up here beside me, but we don’t want to wake your mother, do we?

The boy shook his head vigorously in the negative.

I’m already awake. You’re about as quiet as your son. Carinne smiled as her husband flushed.

Forgive me, Beloved. You were sleeping so well.

A mother is attuned to the needs of her child. How has she quieted?

Philip brushed his wife’s hair back from her face. Sarah’s gone to see to her.

As though on cue as her name was spoken, the elder of their daughters emerged via the nearest door, the younger whimpering in her arms. At the sight of their mother, Rachel’s voice rose in both pitch and clamor as she strained against her sister’s hold of her.

Carinne rose and received her youngest child, desperate to soothe her. Philip embraced the other, seeing her disappointment at having failed that which he’d asked of her.

Ephraim moved in imitation of his father, wrapping his arms around his elder sister’s knees with a force that nearly knocked her off-balance, but for their father’s countering hold.

Sarah tousled her brother’s hair with murmured thanks, until a moment later her expression widened in fear to see Caeleigh approach the house. Have I neglected an appointed responsibility at the millinery today? she asked.

Not at all, the woman who would someday become her tradesmistress assured, smiling, as Philip stepped forth to greet her as his Governor’s-Wife. You know full well that you are wholly released from any obligation to me for as long as your mother needs you here. This is only a social call to visit with you both... and a long-overdue one, at that, if you’ll forgive me.

On a Monday? Carinne enquired over her youngest’s head. You aren’t overwhelmed with work at present?

You’re worth my time, dear friend. I’ve missed you.

Having assisted Caeleigh in ascending the porch steps, Philip reached to relieve his wife of their infant daughter. Finding her fearfully reluctant to relinquish the child, he reminded her in a tender murmur, "I am Rachel’s father, Beloved..."

It wasn’t until the little girl herself canted into his arms that Carinne yielded.

Kissing the tiny darling’s head and smoothing the smock that covered her clothes, he urged his wife, Spend time with your friend. Go for a walk among the vineyards. Get some sun on your face, my sweet light.

Yes, Mama, let’s go to the vineyards! Ephraim sprang from the porch, ready to run ahead.

Philip recalled the boy promptly. You stay here with me, son. Allow you mother her visit alone. Sarah, you may go as you wish if you’re welcome. He jostled Rachel gently as her whimpers resumed.

"I’ll stay and help you, Father, Sarah volunteered. It’s likely Rachel needs her bottom changed, and I mean you no disrespect, but... you’re a man about it." She did her level best to contain her smile.

"What, precisely, does that mean? I changed yours when you were her size."

Carinne, by contrast with her firstborn, grinned openly. It means that if the job is to be well done, give our daughter to her sister to see it so. Your hands are skilled in the earth, Beloved, beyond compare and without rival. Less so with folding and tucking.

Sighting a glint in his wife’s eyes for the first time in longer than recount, Philip did as had been asked of him and swept her up for a warm kiss. Go now – and don’t return to me until this light cannot be quickly extinguished. Though hurry back, as well. His second kiss lingered until she pressed away from him, whispering that not all their audience were their children. Hastily he mumbled apologies.

Caeleigh simply chuckled as she and Carinne linked arms and began on their way down the gently sloping hill.

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What weighs upon you, my friend? It grieves me to see you under so heavy a burden. Caeleigh had waited until they’d paced two rows of bare vines before speaking.

Rachel is little improved. You saw how much attention she requires to be becalmed.

The milliner nodded. There’s no illness of which Stephen has found evidence? No sensitivities of any sort?

Only colic, he ever says. It’s become as a catch-all explanation in my mind that otherwise means ‘intemperate child’ – but I cannot see my sweet baby girl in so negative a light. She wasn’t that way before a few months ago.

You blame yourself. The observation was gently made.

I moved her out of our bedroom earlier than I had Ephraim when he was that young. Philip didn’t have an apprentice at the onset of the harvest this time, and he needed to sleep what few hours he could before rising prior to dawn.

Carinne – Caeleigh grasped the contrite mother’s hand tightly as she halted their progress – "no one I know is more devoted to their children than you. Sarah’s becoming a remarkable young woman, even before coming of age, because of the model you’ve set for her. I absolutely cannot believe that something as simple as transferring Rachel to the bedroom next-door to your own a few months sooner than you might otherwise have done would have so dramatically altered her daytime behavior and disposition."

Tears began to fall from tired eyes. Philip has said the same, over and again... Somehow, I couldn’t hear it as truth from him – it only seemed as though he was attempting to appease my battered conscience.

Battered by whom? her friend gently pressed, raising her chin with the light touch of a hand. You’re far too harsh with yourself.

Carinne fell into Caeleigh’s arms, sobbing. She needed no comfort, only release. So long did the two women stand together, eventually both of them in tears, that they were discovered by Seth, the elder of Philip’s two apprentices.

A tall, rail-thin lad of seventeen, he approached in timid silence and asked if he might assist, or seek to send his tradesmaster to them. Caeleigh told him no. Seeing Carinne’s tears, Seth offered the clean handkerchief from his pocket and volunteered to retrieve them both cool water to drink as the noon hour approached and warmed the day. She thanked him for both.

I’d approve of him for my Sarah, Carinne murmured after he had departed toward the nearest shed in search of the beverages. He’s exceptionally thoughtful and polite.

Caeleigh smiled in reply. Oh, I believe he may need to search elsewhere...

Oh?

"Alexander now delivers to the millinery whatever tools I mention to Andrew I may wish to borrow. I haven’t visited my husband’s workshop since before we were married."

Oh, my... Carinne let forth a girlish giggle.

It’s good to see you laughing again. From what I hear, it’s been quite a time since last you did.

"I have been tired of late."

And morose. Admit it.

Carinne sighed. I have. You’re right. Oh, I owe Philip so many apologies. He’s out-forborne Job, tolerating me and caring for Ephraim in my stead, of late.

Don’t forget, the milliner countered, smiling, "how long Job complained before Kadosh humbled him."

Let not be the same said of me, was answered with a smile of her own.

"Never. That’s one piece of information that has passed to me through our husbands. That you’ve never once complained – between the two of us, I believe it has made the two of them anxious that you haven’t."

Philip worries that I might implode emotionally. I’ve heard him say as much in his prayers during the night when he believes me to be asleep.

Their conversation abruptly silenced with Seth’s return, delivering cold water for each of them as promised. Ever courteous, the vintner’s apprentice promptly returned to his work several rows of vines away, leaving the women to the privacy of their conversation.

Caeleigh studied her friend. I know that look. You wish to speak with your husband. Let’s return to the house now – she volunteered at Carinne’s diffident nod – and I’ll assist Sarah with minding Ephraim and Rachel while you and Philip talk.

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"You missed the noon meal, Beloved. And I missed you. Andrew wrapped his arms about his wife the moment she entered the carpenter’s workshop and nuzzled the side of her face, inhaling deeply. Mmm... he murmured. You smell of the vineyard – and sunshine. Was your morning a success?"

Very much so, I believe. Carinne’s spirits were much lighter by the time I left. Where’s Thomas? she enquired in reply. Traditionally the smith spent a portion of his afternoon visiting with Andrew, on the days when his workload was light.

Gone with Abigail to visit her parents in Cypress Ridge for the day. I expect they’ll return by the evening meal.

How is Sarah? Alexander dared enquire, only after husband and wife had separated from their embrace.

Caeleigh offered the young man a knowing smile. She’s well, Alexander. She asked that I tell you hello, and that it will yet be a time before she returns to the millinery. Her mother continues to have need of her in the home.

Rachel is yet unwell? Either Andrew’s apprentice had witnessed their conversations on the subject, or Sarah had informed him.

It’s difficult to know, she replied delicately. Her parents, and Stephen, are doing everything possible for her. From my own observations, it seems that the bond Sarah has with her eases some of the distress.

Hence her mother’s need, Alexander concluded. I wouldn’t draw her from that, either. I understand why you’ve released her indefinitely, now.

We’ll see you to the millinery, Beloved, Andrew volunteered. We have supplies to retrieve at the mercantile.

I have some, as well, Caeleigh recalled. I’ll join you.

More time with my wife at my side. The carpenter grinned unabashedly as the three exited and Alexander closed the workshop behind them. I find little upon which to complain in that. He hummed his contentment and pressed her hand to his forearm as she’d slipped it into his elbow.

Alexander strode along in step with his tradesmaster at his other side, watching them with admiration. I find you a commendable tutor in many things beyond the trade of carpentry, sir, he murmured.

You say that now, Andrew retorted with a grin and a wink. I happen to know my wife has ordered at the least one roll of leather.

And I shall shoulder it gladly, that you might dote on her a while longer, sir, his apprentice replied with a broad smile of his own. "When my turn at love arrives, I shall ask the favor returned."

The elder man laughed joyously, and offered a zealous handshake. You have an agreement, my son.

Chapter 3

Late Mid-September 2149

It was late in the morning that Abigail guided Thomas in navigating the streets of her childhood home Settlement. The wagon and team, they’d borrowed from Peter, since Thomas had previously had no need of his own, working in concert with Marcus in the Blue Creek Settlement, and not having had time or means to procure his own since the initiation of the Planting of Willow Springs. Abigail regretted