The Unrelenting Promise: The Promise Series, #3

By J. Anne Lezsley

Kadosh has given His word for the people of the Willow Springs Settlement: they are to be blessed profoundly in every way imaginable – so much so that they must prepare to receive what is forthcoming. Yet when personal tribulations begin to prick at individual lives, the initial jubilation that had risen after receiving that good news quickly dims. Hardship and heartache take over.

As the year progresses and reaches into the next, a new generation rises up and begins to step into its calling and destiny. Kinship and other familial bonds are deepened, forged, and tested. Undeniably, the purposes of Kadosh are directing lives all across the Settlement toward an unknown and unenvisionable future – into which they are only assured He will walk beside them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Glass Willow Press
• Release date: Jul 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781719435444

Book preview

Chapter 1

Early Mid-January 2153

Andrew, you’ve been here all night, haven’t you? Why did you never return home? Shoshanna cried for you this morning when you weren’t to be found.

The Governor shook the frost from his hair with both hands. Don’t kneel, Beloved. The grass is damp, and we’ll never get you off the ground again in your state.

Smiling as she cradled the largesse of her womb in her arms, Caeleigh opted rather to seat herself on the park bench beneath the willow. My love, I fear we’ll have a similar trouble accomplishing the same for you – you’re not the young man you once were.

I’ve needed to be on my knees for this, dear wife. I’ve been receiving instruction of Kadosh for what He means for our Settlement in this coming year.

I hope this child of ours is atop the list – I do so miss the sight of my feet.

Andrew pinched his wife’s toes with a grin. "They’re yet there, Beloved. Rest assured, they haven’t run away from you. ...Speaking of running, if you're here, where is Shoshanna?"

Lydia’s watching her for me at the meetinghouse. I told her and David that I needed to seek you out without assistance. They were happy to oblige.

You bless them, by allowing them to so share in our daughter’s life, dear one. Though David has confided little to me of that season of his life, it’s been plain to me that the void of their absent children remains deeply felt when it’s acknowledged. Pressing himself up from his prolonged kneeling position, the carpenter brushed the ground-matter from his clothes. Perhaps I ought stop at home and change, lest anyone recognize I’m yet in the same clothes from yesterday and think their Governor has become a vagabond.

No need. From within the folds of her wrap, Caeleigh handed forth a clean shirt for her husband, having anticipated the requirement.

Receiving the garment and pressing it momentarily to his face before tucking it inside his own coat, he sat beside her on their private bench. You are the perfect wife, he murmured, cradling her face between his hands. How have I ever earned such blessing? Kissing her firmly until she hummed contentment, he refused to withdraw until he himself was nearly breathless.

My love, it’s January. While maternity keeps me warmer than I find comfortable, I’d rather not linger in the cold – nor that you contract one. You’ve been outdoors too long already.

Conceded. Andrew smiled as he rose to his feet and together he and Caeleigh began the laborious task of gaining hers. Though I assure you, blessèd wife, that the shelter of the Most High provides for all of one’s needs, including the corporeal. I’ve not grown tired all night, nor suffered cold or fatigue.

What awaits us in the months to come? the Governor’s-Wife enquired as she toppled into her husband’s arms.

A son, for one. Confirmed by the Spirit of Truth that this new gift upon our lives is to be a boy.

He won’t displace Adam, Caeleigh insisted firmly, pressing Andrew’s chilled fingers over the child yet within her.

He shook his head in agreement, murmuring, I no longer fear that he might, my love. Our second-to-be-born shall be unique and independent of his brother. Fret not on the matter. After a pause during which he cleared his throat, he continued, It is the latter half of the year for which you and I must prepare ourselves and our Settlement with the covering of prayer. The time has not yet arrived, yet shall before the next Christmastide, to make the Elections.

Elections?

Andrew smiled at the bewilderment in his wife’s eyes as they neared the meetinghouse, and stopped her with a gentle grip of her elbow. "Three young men to prepare to send. Young though our Settlement is, Caeleigh, Kadosh has indicated that, in the next year or two, it will be time to send out a Planting. There is a season of discipleship that must occur ahead of that, of which I’d told you on the day of our betrothal. I wish to be certain that the men the Spirit of Truth guides me to choose are as well-prepared as Ezra, Simeon, and I were, when Caleb sent us."

You’ll wish to visit with him, then, for guidance, as well, she supposed aloud as they entered the building.

Grinning at the ear-splitting squeal of Papa! that rang out the moment he passed through the dining room doors, Andrew nodded to his wife. I haven’t seen him, or Amelia, since Thanksgiving. Becoming a parent has made me appreciate them in my life all the more.

Caeleigh rubbed a hand over her swollen girth. Then go, for a day or perhaps two should you need the time, while we yet have it. We won’t, in a few more weeks.

You bless me over and again, Beloved. In every way. He might have kissed her once more, but that David approached with his daughter in that moment, Shoshannah lurching toward him, arms extended.

Papa, Papa, Papa! Up, Papa! Up!

Shoshanna, come and play with Timothy for a moment – your Papa needs his coffee in order to be hale and strong for you, Philip’s voice sounded from the hall outside the music room into which Andrew had ducked to change into the clean shirt Caeleigh had provided him, before the convening of the morning meal.

Yes, play, Sosanna! the young boy echoed.

Exiting his hiding spot as he fastened the last of the buttons, Andrew received the steaming mug extended toward him. "Bless you, Philip. On more than one matter. I’m loath to forestall her, yet – some needs are paramount. He drew deeply from the beverage. I spent all night in the grove in prayer."

Philip raised his own mug in solidarity, before quipping with a wink and a nod toward his Governor’s toddler daughter, Wait until they outnumber you.

Andrew chuckled. You threaten me, Brother. Where has gone your respect for authority?

It was a caution from one who has gone before you – Timothy. Don’t pull at Shoshanna’s hair, son –

Papaaa!

Permitting the vintner to seize the coffee from his hand, Shoshanna’s father knelt to collect her in his arms and lift her from the floor. It’s alright, my darling, he murmured, smoothing her hair.  You’re alright. He kissed the side of her head, as she’d climbed too high upon his shoulder to reach anywhere else.

I’m sowwy, Timothy apologized at his own father’s prompting. "I saw a ting in Sosanna’s haiw, and I wanted to get it out."

Unable to hold his youngest child with both hands occupied as they were, Philip gently corrected, "Shoshanna isn’t your sister, Timothy. You cannot simply roughhouse with her as though she expects it the same as Rachel does. Besides which, Rachel’s older than you are, and Shoshanna’s much younger. You must learn to be gentle – in the way that Ephraim is gentle with you when you and your brother play together."

The young boy nodded. Yes, Papa. I’m sowwy, Sosanna. May we yet be fwends?

Shoshanna continued to cling to her father’s neck and cry.

Give her time, Timothy, Andrew offered gently. He shifted his daughter to one arm to retrieve his coffee from Philip once more, that his Elder could take his youngest child by the hand and they could all return to the dining room. We’ve responsibilities to attend.

Caeleigh nearly bolted from her seat at the sight of her child in tears as they arrived.

Calm yourself, Beloved. Too much excitement is unhealthy for our son, her husband intoned to soothe both her and their daughter. "Shoshanna may stay as she is, until she becalms herself. It was a simple misunderstanding with Timothy. Philip and I have handled it. You rest."

Between their coordinated efforts, Carinne and Lydia coaxed the anxious mother to be seated once more, as Andrew stood at the head of the room yet holding his child.

Papa needs to speak loudly to everyone, he murmured to her. Will you cover your ears so that I’m not shouting upon you?

With a nod that showered him with the last of her crocodile tears, Shoshanna quashed her chubby little hands over her ears.

Andrew chuckled and kissed his daughter’s forehead before raising his voice to the room. "Good morning to you all, my beloved friends! I beg your pardon if I am in my display a bit disheveled this morning. Know that I come to you from a full night’s vigil on the behalf of our Settlement, and that Kadosh has promised many enterprising blessings for this new year upon us.

"I’ve been granted His leave to announce that we shall be met with bountiful harvests, should we obey the directive to expand in both the spring and late-summer sowings. This is to be a year to expand our tent-pegs in every regard, my friends. Walk your fields in fallow, now, and pray over the land, for it shall bear as never before. Philip, Anthony – cultivate cuttings as you prune the vineyard. Ezra, you as well ought seek likewise in your orchards. Those who are occupied in other trades shall be called upon to assist in turning over new earth for all fields.

"Those not employed in agriculture, the same applies to you, as well. Thomas and Judah – you both shall be occupied long hours at the smithy, in the crafting of new ploughshares and harvest scythes both. Peter, my Brother, you and Joseph shall be employed in expanding the mills this spring to prepare them for the harvest. Zachary, you’ll be in want of an apprentice. This has been proclaimed a year of abundance. To those of you coming of age in the forthcoming months, should you have not yet chosen a trade into which to seek apprenticeship, I counsel you now: pray earnestly that Kadosh would guide you and direct you. Many hands will be needed for the work ahead, in all areas.

There is more I would say – he, as well as several others throughout the room, chuckled when Shoshanna began to squirm impatiently in his arms – though, as you see, nearer duties demand that I not at this time. Simeon – would you offer thanks for the meal to be laid before us?

Chapter 2

Mid January 2153

Dear son! Caleb called to the young man he sighted approaching on the horizon. To what do I owe this unannounced yet no less welcome visit?

The carpenter answered the cattleman with equal grin and laughter. I would seek my elder’s counsel – father to son, and ... Governor to Governor.

My son, the elder man slapped him into an embrace the moment his feet alighted upon the ground, "it’s been over two years, and yet you seek counsel of which you have no need. How is there anything after such length of time you have neither witnessed nor experienced, that you might have need of my guidance? Come. We’ll have Elam stabled at the ranch, where he may rest in relative peace. How are your lovely wife and daughter?"

Anxious and precocious in their turns, Caleb, Andrew laughed at his surrogate father’s rapid navigation through so many and variant themes. Kadosh has informed me that Caeleigh is to be delivered of a son, this time, and Shoshanna continues to grow, in exuberance as much as in stature.

A son. Caleb murmured the words, his fingers wrapping around the carpenter’s wrist. Andrew, how has your soul received this news?

Andrew slid his hand into the elder man’s. I am at peace, Father. This boy will not be Adam. Nor will he supplant him. The two are brothers, and each shall have his own place in our life and our hearts.

Together, they stripped Andrew’s stallion of his tack and saddlebags.

You mean to visit for more than the day? Caleb enquired, noting how much had been packed.

Andrew grinned. My blessèd wife has released me for two days. Simeon and Ezra will have matters well in hand for that little time. I am in need of this time with you, and your tutelage. Contrary to your lavish confidence in me, there is in fact a responsibility to which I am beholden as Governor, for which I have neither frame nor wisdom.

I need to attend the herds this morning, my son. Join me should you so wish. Allow me first, however, to check in on Amelia. She’s been unwell in this cold weather. The Governor of the Blue Creek Settlement turned from his personal stables toward the house. Come in, son. Little doubt you departed before breakfast and have not had so much as a cup of coffee this morning.

Saddle bags slung over his shoulder, Andrew followed, chuckling. Am I truly so transparent?

Perhaps not, Caleb replied, grinning. Though neither are you quite so coherent.

Together they laughed as they entered the house.

Amelia, my treasure, her husband called as he angled toward the front parlor. Our third son has returned home for a visit with us. He claims yet to have need of his parents and brings news that he and Caeleigh shall soon bless us with a grandson.

Andrew! the woman ensconced in blankets and curled up in the wingback chair extracted her arms to extend them toward the younger man.

He knelt before the chair, receiving and returning the maternal embrace. I’ve missed you, Mother. Caeleigh sends her greetings, though she’s understandably incapable of the journey.

Amelia smoothed back Andrew’s hair from his eyes, petting him as though he was not a grown man but a young boy and her one and only darling. How fares she in the last days of maternity? Yet no illness?

None at all. We’ve been fortunate this second time, as well as the first. And Shoshanna has behaved splendidly for her mother – there have been precious few tantrums of late.

"She’s beginning to grow up now, my son. You’ll see more of it, once her brother arrives. Only take care to remind her of your affections for her, as well, when the newborn requires so much of your attention."

Andrew nodded. We’ve been counseled similarly by many others who have multiple children. He clasped Amelia’s hands within his own. "I’m sorry to hear that you are in less than enjoyable health. May I prepare you some tea while we’re in the kitchen?"

That would be delightful. I thank you, Andrew.

Kissing his surrogate-mother’s forehead as he stood, he winced. Perhaps also a cool cloth for your fever, he added, and proceeded directly to the kitchen without need of invitation, leaving Caleb and Amelia to a moment of privacy.

The carpenter prayed effusive thanks for the man and woman whose indistinct murmurs floated to him as he moved about the kitchen he knew nearly as well as his own, preparing Amelia’s favored tea from memory. The recollections of his own long-absent parents had grown fewer and dimmer with the passage of years; yet these who had loved him in their stead from his youth were a blessing beyond compare. He knew well they deserved every credit for the man into whom he had grown, and continued to marvel at the providence that had found him welcome upon their doorstep.

"Is that you, brother? I thought that was Elam I saw in the stable. Is all well in Willow Springs?" Caleb’s eldest son’s grin mirrored his father’s as he entered the kitchen via the back door.

Quite well, Silas. It’s good to see you again. How is Louisa?

The dark-skinned man smirked his pride. With child.

Again? Andrew sputtered congratulatory joy. Brother, I am amazed at you. This is what, now? Four?

The creases of Silas’ grin deepened. "Five. We’re to be blessed with twins this time. The news was delivered only yesterday."

The carpenter embraced his elder brother, delivering a hearty slap to his back. My deepest congratulations to you, Silas. I am glad beyond words for you.

And I for you, Andrew. Nathaniel and Rebecca have informed us that you and Caeleigh are soon to welcome another of your own.

A son, Andrew elaborated, withdrawing as the kettle announced that it had begun to boil.

Truly? Silas perched against the countertop as he watched the preparations being made. Is your soul well over the news?

Dearly at rest. How long has Mother been unwell? Andrew retrieved a soft cloth from a drawer beside the sink and held it beneath the stream of cold water issuing from the tap.

Silas glanced toward the hall and back before lowering his voice. Too long, in my mind. I worry for her, Andrew. Father and Melinda both have tended her well, and Darius has seen her at least once; yet...

Do not entertain the thought, brother. Neither give it voice. We needn’t invite such fear into our lives. This portends to be a year of blessing – let’s not permit it otherwise with such negative thinking.

The rancher shook his bowed head with a grin. "Do you hear how much of Father is sounding in you? He raised his eyes and winked. Being made Governor of Willow Springs has been good for you, Andrew – you’ve grown in confidence and stature of heart, in these past years."

We’ll continue this in a moment. Having thoroughly wrung the cloth and gathered it into one hand, he collected their mother’s tea to deliver both.

Caleb crossed paths with him in the doorway. Will you be joining us today, son? We would benefit from another hand.

Gladly, Father. Andrew grinned. I’m here to spend the time in your company. Allow me to see to Mother, and I’ll join you momentarily.

On what do you wish to speak, my son? Caleb noted that Andrew had chosen to stay near him, rather than Silas, as they’d parted to begin goading the heard to move downslope to new pastures.

With a self-derisive chuckle, Andrew apologized to Elam for his clumsiness with the hickory switch while attempting to swat a wayward calf. It’s been too many years since last I’ve driven cattle.

You’re a master craftsman, Andrew, Caleb reminded him. "You can’t expect to be skilled in all things."

Speaking of craftsmen and skills, you ought visit us and see for yourself what Alexander has accomplished in the past months. The man is remarkable. I truly believe now that to have kept him a carpenter would have underserved his talents.

After redirecting a particularly belligerent heifer, the other Governor replied, Perhaps once Amelia is recovered and feeling better able to travel, we will. You know how I wish to visit often both of our Planted Settlements – you’re as our children, all of you.

On the matter of Planting, Caleb... the carpenter stared over the horizon, as though marking the herd’s progress, yet taking in none of what lay before him.

Deference. This must be serious. The cattleman nudged his stallion nearer alongside Elam. Tell me, my son.

Andrew sighed heavily. I’ve received the instruction, Father.

To send a Planting? So soon? Not that I dare to question Kadosh...

The younger Governor smiled and shook his head. "Not yet. Only that I am to make the Elections this year. How will I know, Caleb? How do I choose the men upon whose shoulders such weighty responsibility is to be placed?"

"The Spirit of Truth will call them out for you, my son. And though, as I had concern when you were unmarried and neither had you yet Bonded when I was directed to name you alongside Simeon and Ezra, you might feel that one or more of them is unprepared at first, they will be ready by the time you send them. That is why you disciple them before you make any announcement. You prepare them, Andrew. You instruct them to prepare themselves, as they walk with Kadosh in their individual lives. All of this is groundwork. No man is born ready for the destiny to which he is called. We are each of us shaped by our life experiences, training, and relationships."

I, for one, am unspeakably grateful for ours, Father. I would be lost without your counsel.

No, you wouldn’t, Caleb retorted with smirk and a wink. You might come by things by a longer, more circuitous route, yet you’d arrive all the same – eventually. With a flick of his hickory switch that intentionally snapped lightly against Andrew’s lower back as he whipped hard on the nearest bull, he gave a giddy shout. "Hya! Come on, Eloi! Let’s run this young buck!"

Laughing as he pursued his father and the herd down the hillside, Andrew called to Elam, Are you willing to be so bested? Let’s show him we haven’t forgotten how to run! Standing in the stirrups and crouching over the paint’s neck, he urged that they race, feeling freer than he had in longer than he could recall.

Truly, Father! What madness overcame you out there? Inciting a stampede... Silas sought to fume, yet struggled to conceal his mirth. "You’re far too agèd for such nonsense – I am growing too agèd to keep up with it!"

Caleb simply laughed. Silas, my son... Continuing to chuckle, he drew the man into a side embrace. Should you continue to shun ‘such nonsense,’ you shall indeed grow agèd. Mirth and merriment, dear boy, are the elixir of youth.

Andrew, unsaddling Elam in an adjacent stall, said nothing. He did, however, consider Caleb’s words within the context of how he himself now felt, having raced the sixty-six-year-old man across several acres of hill country in the course of carrying out his work over the span of the morning. They’d each in turn bested one another at different points of their unannounced competition, laughing and shouting as youths might have done.

He looked to Elam. "What say you, my boy? Have we had youth restored to us, you and I?" Poor creature, Andrew belatedly thought. Have I overexerted you after a more comfortably sedate life these past years? The sorrel, however, seemed to have enjoyed himself and appeared eager for more, pawing at the stable floor.

Andrew laughed and ruffled a hand through the paint’s forelock. Yes, yes. I agree, my friend. We mustn’t allow ourselves to behave so old. I’ll see to it that we are given more time to run from now on. Though with the baby soon to arrive...

Elam nudged his shoulder, as if to indicate that he comprehended.

My son, Caleb called to Andrew as Silas began to unsaddle his own horse. I beg you forgive the imposition, but would you tend Eloi for me after you’ve finished with Elam? I wish to return to the house and see whether your mother is readied to attend the noon meal with us.

Mother is asleep at present, Papa, his youngest child called from the stable door nearest the house. Best allow her to remain so.

Melinda! Andrew called in greeting, beckoning the woman not much younger than himself nearer. Sweet sister, where were you hiding this morning when I arrived?

She walked directly into his waiting embrace. I’d gone for an early ride, brother. Hadn’t you noted, when you stabled Elam this morning, that Snowmist was absent? She nodded toward the Appaloosa mare in the stall adjacent.

He’d not yet had his coffee, Melinda, Silas interjected. "The man was fortunate to recall his own name. You know how dependent he is upon it for coherency."

Andrew lobbed a soft brush toward his elder brother as they all laughed at his expense. "Now who sounds as Father?"

I speak truth, Silas rebutted, snatching the brush from midair. "Besides which point, I have biological connection to my favor. I ought resemble the man. Though, I daresay, you were the one who chose to engage in his antics this morning."

Andrew’s grin cast wider. Perhaps it is a characteristic of Governors, brother.

Silas chuffed in feigned annoyance. Malachi would never behave in so undignified a manner.

Melinda, what’s wrong? Andrew turned abruptly toward where she’d begun unsaddling Eloi during her brothers’ repartee, his worry moderated by tender affection.

His enquiry had drawn Silas’ attention, as well.

Did neither of you note the expression in Papa’s eyes when he departed for the house? she murmured. He’s beginning to fret over Mother, again. Looking to Silas as he took the saddle from her hands, she added, You’re apt to need to ask that Gideon or Lucien take charge for the afternoon’s proceedings and duties.

Andrew cast bewildered eyes from one to the other of them. When did – ?

I attempted to tell you this morning, brother. Silas’ voice was nearly too low to be perceived. I am not the only one with concerns. Father’s confidence has begun to ebb.

Chapter 3

Late February 2153

Alexander jolted awake from the peaceful rest he’d found with Sarah tucked close to his right side. Turning his head, he saw that his wife had pulled backward from him a short distance and begun to tremble and weep, which must have been the disruption to have roused him.

Sweetheart, he murmured as he raised a hand to her face. Sarah, Beloved – what troubles you?

She, however, further recoiled, curling inward upon herself.

Sarah, Alexander repeated softly louder, shifting onto his side. Sweetheart, tell me what’s wrong.

As she continued not to respond, he realized that his wife had not awoken. Further attempts at pursuit to comfort produced further retreat. After the second such, Alexander withdrew himself, and inched from the bed.

He’d shower early, this morning, and attempt the morning routine in the kitchen on his own. Perhaps surprise her, though attempting a service of tea at the bedside was likely inadvisable. Perhaps to the kitchen table, he promised himself. At the least, I ought be able to manage that.

However, he’d scarcely made half the distance of the bedroom’s open space before the injured muscles of his inner thigh seized entirely. Searching about for where his cane had been abandoned the night before, he whispered an utterance of frustration. It had fallen and rolled beneath his wife’s dressing table, and been abandoned there as they’d stumbled to the bed embraced of one another, laughing for the sheer delight of their love.

Forcing aside both the image and the pain that shot through him as he lifted and replaced his left foot, Alexander continued on toward his intention of the morning. As he surrendered to the fatigue of his body and sat upon the tiled bench in the oversized stall shower – one of myriad features of their atypical home which had been devised with his need in mind, again, by his darling wife, in concert with the Settlement’s architect – the woodcarver bowed under the blast of the hot water and grieved in prayer.

"Kadosh... You must mend me, Father. He knew not whether he pleaded or demanded with the words. I am unfit for my bride in this state. It is not rightful – even according to Your own scriptures – to continue to turn her away, for fear that I might father a child, in the completion of my marital duties to my wife as her husband. I love my wife. I thank You for her. I daresay that I would not have survived these past years without her, and I openly acknowledge that Sarah has been the instrument in Your hands by which You have preserved my life in more ways than I am able to count. However, now the situation has so turned that to love me is a punishment upon her. She weeps unconscious for the entitled affections I withhold! Yet I cannot heap further inequitable unjustness upon her, nor may I make her understand that that is what I’m attempting to do... Nor does it seem rightful to pray that You would prevent us from conceiving a child simply so that we may enjoy the pleasures of marriage. It’s ... simply wrong! Indulgent, and selfish, and vile! I cannot use my wife toward such ends! She is far too precious to be so ...

I need Your intervention, Father. He ran a firmly-pressed thumb along the length of the thick white surgical scar he yet bore. "I need You to mend this. I wish to be a full husband to my wife. I wish to bring her tears of joy – no more of sorrow. The thief intruded upon our lives to steal and destroy; Your Son the Christ intervenes as a restorer. Restore me, please, I beg of You. I cannot continue on as half a man. My Sarah deserves so much more than I am able to give on my own. She has already given so much that ought never have been asked of her. Please. Please..." His words dissolved into sobs as tears as heated as the water pouring over the back of his head began to fall.

Alexander. Sarah’s call proved fruitless as she followed him to the meetinghouse for the morning meal.

She’d awoken to a pleasant day, or so she had presumed it would be. Yet when his questions regarding a matter of upset in her sleep served only to confuse, her husband’s mood promptly soured and he spoke no further to her. Now, despite a notably affected gait, he seemed determined to outpace and avoid her, in another of his melancholy spells.

Good morning, Daddy, she sighed gratefully upon falling into his welcoming embrace as she coincided with her family at the entrance to the dining room.

Good morning, my sunshine. Philip kissed the crown of his daughter’s head before parting from her. What troubles Alexander? He refused to meet my eyes when I greeted him.

Sarah sighed, dejected. I’ve no idea what’s befouled his mood. He woke before I did, this morning. Perhaps he stumbled and fell – it always frustrates him to be reminded that he’s less than perfectly whole, no matter how many times I repeat that he needn’t perform feats of strength to impress me.

Bear patiently with him, sweetheart, the vintner soothed, before turning in pursuit of her younger sister, who had escaped Carinne’s watchful eye, diverted by Timothy.

Beloved, I’m needed at the millinery this morning, Sarah made a final entreaty of her husband. They’d spent the meal and subsequent teaching in isolating silence, side by side with no contact whatever made. Please be well.

Alexander grasped her hand as she pushed her chair back from the table and rose to leave. Forgive me, Sarah. The grit of his voice betrayed the tears that had been shed whilst she slumbered.

The milliner’s apprentice resumed her seat. Alexander, I worry for you when your mind so darkens. The fingers of her free hand slid over and between the woodcarver’s. I love you as you are. I married you with wide open eyes, Beloved.

Go on. He flexed his fingers, releasing one hand and dismissing the other. I’ve no wish to cause you to be late to your work.

Alexander –

Sarah, you needn’t protest. I’ll be alright. I merely need to take care with myself this morning. The muscles seized again when I attempted to cross the bedroom to retrieve the cane.

Though the stern comportment belied him, she left as he’d requested, more so that he’d not see the tears blooming in her eyes.

Andrew and Philip, who’d been standing in conversation not far from the door as she passed through it, both turned from one another – the carpenter to relieve his wife of their daughter, that she might pursue her apprentice unburdened, and the vintner toward his own apprentice who fortuitously approached in that moment.

Seth, he spoke in an urgent low tone, something is remiss with your Brother. For my daughter’s sake, I beg you seek it out. Anthony and I will handle matters in the vineyard until you arrive. Counsel the man, I beg of you.

Judah would be better suited, sir, the lean young man replied. Their kinship is nearer.

You look as though you might benefit from another. James set a steaming cup of coffee before Alexander, then seated himself in the chair opposite with one of his own.

The meetinghouse dining room was otherwise vacant, the tables cleaned and those serving in the kitchen busied with the washing of dishes.

Alexander’s grunt of acknowledgement bordered on inaudible, and sat well within the boundaries of impolite.

The new chief cook sipped patiently.

Perturbed at last by the Englishman’s contented silence, the woodcarver spoke. "You show nothing but kindness to people who have regarded you with suspicion and mistrust for over a year. Why do you not... Why?"

As an outsider, another man earned the distrust that I must forebear. It is my responsibility to earn the trust I wish to have displace it.

Relenting, Alexander reached for the coffee he’d been offered.

On the matter of trust, I know there hasn’t been much between us, but I can’t help noting that you’ve been more out of sorts than usual this morning. Your wife seemed a bit dazed, as well. Have either one of you been experiencing night terrors?

She did, this morning. Caught entirely unaware by the question, Alexander hadn’t realized his intention to answer it until after he’d done so. Though she had no memory of the occurrence after she woke.

James leaned forward, elbows resting upon the tabletop. Ah, and now it is discovered why the Spirit of Truth prodded me forth to you. It’s possible that what happened to Sarah was no ordinary nightmare. Forgive the intrusion of the question, but did she thrash about, or cry out at all?

No, the woman’s husband replied, intrigued by the line of inquiry. Rather the opposite.

The Englishman pushed back his chair and stood. I won’t intrude further into your marriage, than to advise this: ask her what she prayed concerning last night. Odds best, there was a connection. With this enigmatic statement, he returned to the kitchen without a backward glance, leaving Alexander to his coffee and this new rumination.

Alexander.

The blacksmith who waited in the woodcarver’s shop was agitated, his anger evident. "Brother, that Seth sent me to you upon Philip’s request ought convey to you the urgency and the purpose of my presence."

Yet puzzling over the possibility James had supplied him, Alexander found himself to have little patience for the reprimand he sensed was forthcoming. My wife understands that these foul moods are an inescapable extension of my recovery that has yet to complete.

"Your wife was in tears this morning, Alexander. Her father noted it. He is merely concerned for his daughter. I, Brother, am incensed. How could you be so negligent already of the costly blessing you’ve been given?! Two days, Alexander. Two days after that selfish