The Truth About Lily

By Patricia Collier

The Truth About Lily continues the adventure and romance of the Matthews brothers. Seth Matthews seems to be having difficulty with women in the community of Washington, Georgia. He welcomes his trip to Savannah once he learns that an old friend has included him as a beneficiary in his will. He is delighted with the first gift, but the second is totally unexpected and unwanted.

This book continues the love and friendship that was introduced in Book 1 and 2 of The Hornet’s Nest series. All the previous characters make an appearance, which is to be expected by this loving group of family and friends whose faith in God ties them together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Jan 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781642379150

Book preview

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Chapter 1

Savannah, Georgia

Autumn, 1785

How can this beautiful animal be mine? Seth marveled as he patted the bay, half-Arabian stallion, attempting to absorb the fact that the magnificent creature was really his own. His name was Beau, which Mr. Duvall said meant handsome. When he received notice that Jeb Williams had left him something in his will, he never thought that he would leave him his prized stallion.

Jeb held you in high regard, Mr. Matthews.

Seth glanced up at Pierre Duvall, the bespectacled attorney who seemed to be reading his mind.

There is another matter where Jeb trusted you to care for his, ah, property. If you will join me at the house, we will conclude your inheritance.

There was more?

He reluctantly left the stallion in his paddock. As much as he had enjoyed his journey to Savannah, he missed his brother Isaac’s family. He smiled when he thought of them. What a surprise he would have for them when they saw the half-Arabian!

As he stepped across the wide veranda and entered the first floor of the house, he admired the polished wood of the staircase and floors.

Please follow me to Jeb’s study, Mr. Duvall instructed as he led Seth down the long corridor and into a room on the right at the very end of the hall.

A fire burned in the fireplace, welcoming those who entered and warming them against the early autumn chill.

Please be seated, the attorney stated, gesturing to the settee that faced the polished, oak desk where Mr. Duvall seated himself. Hmm, I have managed to drop some of the honey from my biscuit that Lily brought me this morning. He moved a stack of what looked like letters to the side of the desk, then took out a handkerchief from his sleeve and rubbed at a spot.

Seth lowered himself, finding the settee more comfortable than he had thought.

Would you care for something to drink? Perhaps coffee or tea?

Yes, coffee, please.

I thought you might, so I had Lily prepare us some. There was the rattle of dishes, then Mr. Duvall continued, I believe she is coming.

Rising respectfully, Seth turned toward the door to see a petite, young woman enter the room pushing a rolling table with cups and saucers and a pot of coffee.

Lily, I would like to introduce Mr. Seth Matthews. Seth is the man I mentioned to you.

Was that alarm in her eyes? It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss . . . .

McKenna, sir, Lily McKenna, she replied as she dropped a curtsy. Turning to the attorney, the young woman asked, Shall I pour, sir?

Mr. Duvall shook his head, seemingly agitated at the question. No, no, Lily! I will do that. You may run along and finish your packing.

I have done that Mr. Duvall.

You have retrieved the items that Mr. Williams willed to you?

Yes, Mr. Duvall.

The attorney nodded his approval. Then go say your farewells to everyone.

Lily glanced Seth’s way, then replied, Yes, sir.

Once she had exited the room, Seth ventured a question. She is without employment now that Jeb is dead?

Yes and no, Mr. Duvall answered. She no longer is employed here, but she will be leaving Savannah to work elsewhere.

She is not traveling alone?

No, she will be quite safe. She will be traveling with you.

Me?

Yes, she is now indentured to you.

Lily sat on the unadorned, wooden bench in the hall, nervously clasping and unclasping her hands. She could hear his raised voice, the shock evident in his words. Mr. Duvall had intended her to be elsewhere, but she had already said her farewells.

I do not intend to take an unmarried woman with me when I return home even if she is indentured. And I have no wagon for her and her belongings.

Jeb has provided you with his wagon which you may keep if you take Lily with you.

He thought of everything except a chaperone.

Moses will accompany you. He is a free negro. He was freed after his military service during the late war. He intends to work as a wheelwright in South Carolina.

There was silence for several seconds, then Mr. Matthews spoke again. Why did he not sell her indenture or set her free?

Jeb wished her to be safe. He knew she would be well cared for by you, just as his stallion would be in good hands.

What am I going to do with a bondwoman?

Lily felt tears welling up in her eyes. Would he hate her? Mr. Williams had assured her that Mr. Matthews was a Christian and would be good to her. But sometimes a man or woman were not what they seemed to be.

Chapter 2

I have enough trouble with women back home. Seth groaned as he sat his horse. He glanced over at the wagon where Lily sat by Moses and listened intently, then laughed at his words. It was evident that they were friends.

They would arrive home today, hopefully in time for the midday meal. He smiled as he thought of what his sister-in-law might have prepared.

Moses’ horse and Beau, the half-Arabian, were tied to the back of the wagon. The stallion seemed at ease with the gelding, partly because they were familiar with one another. That was more than he could say about his relationship with Lily. She watched him at all times when he was near her. When he stepped up to where she was preparing their supper, she almost knocked the stew into the fire. He could understand her reaction if he was as large as his friend Duncan McBride.

The journey home had been uneventful, for which he had been thankful. He had been concerned that thieves might be eager to steal Beau, not to mention their other horses. Then there were men who would think nothing of abducting Miss McKenna.

He turned to look behind him just as she tucked a stray strand of her dark brown hair beneath her cap. She blushed and immediately turned to Moses, continuing their conversation. Was that shyness or fear?

Lily tensed her shoulders, her abdomen feeling as though it was in knots. A huge animal rose from the porch of a log cabin that stood in the clearing. Was that Goliath? Mr. Matthews had not exaggerated one bit when he described the dog that had adopted his family. The beast barked, a deep sound that she was sure had frightened those who were strangers.

Goliath, we have company. Show your best manners, Mr. Matthews called to the animal.

Suddenly the door opened; a man similar in height to Mr. Matthews and with the same blonde hair stepped onto the porch.

Welcome home, little brother!

So this was Seth’s older brother Isaac. She sat quietly watching the scene before her.

Good to be home. Seth directed his words toward the wagon. This is Miss Lily McKenna and Moses Houston.

Isaac Matthews stepped over to the wagon, smile upon his lips as he said, It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss McKenna. Then he turned toward Moses and added, Welcome, Mr. Houston.

Moses smiled and replied, Thank you, Mr. Matthews.

The man suddenly spied Beau. Whose horse is the bay? I believe he is part Arabian.

He is half Arabian. His name is Beau. He is my gift from Jeb, Seth explained as he dismounted.

What a blessing! We can improve our stock with such an animal.

Moses, please take the wagon to the barn and water the horses. Miss McKenna, let me assist you down from the seat, Seth instructed, reaching up toward her.

Once again she was aware of the strength in his hands and arms as he lifted her down. She attempted to straighten her clothing, avoiding eye contact with him. She was suddenly aware of Goliath at her side sniffing her hand.

He will not harm you, Isaac said as Moses drove the wagon toward the barn.

She gasped at his nearness.

Pardon me, Miss McKenna. I did not mean to startle you.

She smiled, then slowly extended her small hand for Goliath to smell. Instead, he licked it, causing her to giggle.

Seth observed her smile, something she had not shown him. Her giggle was almost musical. He glanced up at Isaac who lifted his eyebrow questioningly. Now was the time to explain her presence.

Jeb also entrusted Miss McKenna to my care. She is my indentured servant.

Isaac glanced from Seth to the young woman who stood before him, an expectant look upon her face. Well, I did not think Jeb would will a person to you. Then he asked Miss McKenna, How much longer do you have on your indenture?

Seth watched her as she lifted her head, relief evident in her words, Only a year, sir.

"You must stay with my wife, Taberah, our daughter Ruth, and me. We have