Solemn Contract

By Morgan Cheshire

Connecticut, 1720: In an attempt to give his family financial security, school master Jem Bradley hires himself out as an indentured servant – and thus begins an odyssey which will take him to the small settlement of Kennet and a burgeoning friendship with enigmatic blacksmith Will Middleton. Trouble is never far away, however, and when Jem is accused of committing a bloody murder his future begins to look very bleak indeed…

• Language: English
• Publisher: satis fiction
• Release date: Aug 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201260095

Book preview

ONE

Connecticut, in the year 1720

Lamplight cast its glow across the neatly-bound hair of his sister. As a child, a year or so older than he was, it had curled more riotously than his own, but age and marriage had tamed it into at least a semblance of submission.

Worried by her silence, which had already lasted through supper, Jem reached across the table to take her hand.

What's wrong, Meg?

She looked up swiftly, wanting suddenly to deny both to him and to herself that anything could be wrong, but the loving concern in his eyes reminded her that she had asked him to come precisely because there was a problem. Shaking her head, she gripped his fingers tightly. I shouldn't be worrying you with this.

Why not? What else am I good for?

Instantly, she was projected into their youth, listening as he received yet another lecture from an aggrieved parent. Impatiently, with more superstition than she would admit to, she pulled at his hand. Stop it. You sound exactly like Father.

Pleased that his device to distract her had worked, James Bradley grinned. So, tell me what's wrong.

A sigh escaped. Her voice was soft, reminiscent. You remember all the things Father said about Neil, all the reasons why I shouldn't marry him? It was a painful memory for both of them, but most of all for her.

I'm not likely to forget.

*

Well, most of them have turned out to be true. Not that it really bothers me most of the time, but lately... She hesitated, biting her bottom lip. I don't know what to do. She smiled bravely and tried to control herself. I don't know what you can do either, but I wanted to talk to someone who would understand.

Squeezing her hand, he tried to reassure her. Whatever it is, it can't be so bad that we can't sort it out between us.

Eyes large and frightened, she looked straight at him. They're threatening to send him to prison.

Prison?

For debt. You know what he's like, one scheme after another; this time he got involved in a shipping venture and it failed. He'd put all our money into it, as well as some we didn't have. And now his creditors are getting... She broke off.

This was worse than he had expected; Meg had every right to be scared.

We'll think of something. Whatever happens, Neil won't go to prison. I promise you.

It would kill him. Her voice broke on the words.

It won't come to that. Do you know how much money is involved?

I don't. Not exactly.

All right. We'll talk about it when Neil comes in.

Looking into sympathetic eyes, Meg remembered how Jem had always stood by her, tried to protect her from their father's anger. He was still protecting her now, in spite of the fact that she was the elder.

I love him, Jem, for all his faults. Perhaps even because of them - because he needs someone to love and look after him.

I'm glad to hear it, he smiled. I'd hate to have gone to all that trouble for someone you didn't love.

Meg returned the smile and lifted her chin determinedly. I believe this time he's learned his lesson. Do you know what bothers him? What makes him do those insane things? He's got the ridiculous idea that I 'gave up everything' for him. He wants to prove he can give me a standard of living I don't really want.

Bradley nodded. Yes, well, I can understand that; you're the daughter of a landed family, after all.

Yes, but with more background than money! Her voice was derisive. If not for him I would have been married off to some rich nobody who only wanted to add prestige to his family pedigree.

Jem smiled, remembering their life of ease back in Lancashire; his sister had kept the fowls and the dairy and he had constantly been dragged from his books to be an assistant to anyone who needed him. Out on the hills pulling sheep out of the snow in winter, helping the shepherd at lambing, digging in the vegetable garden - he'd done it all in his time at home. I know. But when did the truth ever stop people making assumptions?

That's why I prefer it over here. At least people accept you for what you are, not what they expect you to be. She shook her head. Why did he do it? We were comfortable, there was enough to feed and clothe our children and provide something for the future - we didn't need anything more.

*

Pushing open the door, Neil Iveson caught his wife's last remark and flushed darkly. He had behaved like a bloody fool and knew it, but there was no need for her to tell everyone about it. His shoulders drooped. They'd know soon enough, anyway.

He stepped into the room, causing them both to look up at him, their relationship clearly shown in brown-eyed resemblance. Bradley rose and extended his hand; Neil took it briefly.

You're late, scolded Meg, coming to help him take off his great-coat.

There were some extra bills of lading to be copied and they had to be done tonight. At least, that's what Tanner said. He stretched out his hands to the fire. Are the children asleep?

Yes, hours ago.

Neil went to sit down, suddenly tired from long hours and never-ending anxiety. I suppose Meg's told you all our troubles as usual?

Neil!

Bradley silenced her outrage with a shake of his head. She told me you'd been unlucky with some investments.

Unlucky? He sighed. You could describe it like that, I suppose.

Possibly with two of us we can sort it out? suggested Bradley.

Neil refused. This is nothing to do with you.

It's everything to do with me. You're my family; all I have.

Their eyes met in understanding. Very well, we can talk about it, but that's all.

You can talk when you've eaten, declared Meg.

*

Much later, still awake, Meg heard the bell strike for one o'clock. Try as she might sleep would not come, her mind replaying the events of that evening as the three of them had schemed and planned how best to deal with what had happened. In some ways it had been worse than the arguments with her father, because this time she had both of them to deal with. In the end, letters had been written to the worst of their creditors with arrangements to pay what was owing to them. The piece of land bought for Peter's future was to be sold to Simon Perry the butcher - somewhat below the market price, she reflected bitterly, but it would pay the biggest debt immediately. Others would have to be paid in instalments.

It had been far worse than she'd realised. Not only was there the money from the loan, but Neil had also run up debts in the town. She knew he felt badly about it, but her sympathy was being stretched. After Jem had gone, Neil had broken down and wept, promising everything would be all right, that he would never get them into such trouble again.

She turned onto her side, inwardly praying that God would give her husband strength to keep his promises.

*

The following day was no better. Neil insisted on going to see his creditors alone, taking the letters they had drafted. Meg fretted through the day, unable to settle to anything for long, and that evening it all began again. Meg saw the children into bed, arriving back in time to hear her brother.

You say Ferguson won't wait for his money?

No. I think he wants me to go to prison.

Meg stood behind her husband, her arms around him protectively.

There is one way, and it's the only way I can see out of this, offered Jem, slowly.

Go on, Meg encouraged.

I can borrow the money myself.

How? protested Neil. You have no collateral. You own even less than I do!

I have one thing you do not. My freedom. I have no one depending on me.

Jem! exclaimed his sister.

I can arrange a loan, using my intention to seek an Indenture as collateral.

No! Meg's demurral was immediate.

Who'd make that kind of deal?

I know some people I can approach; it shouldn't be impossible.

No, repeated Meg.

Jem shook his head. Of course, if you can think of another way out... He stood up. Think about it - and think about what will happen if we don't get the money. Shrugging into his coat, he came across to his sister to kiss her cheek. Think about the children. I'll see you tomorrow.

When he'd gone, Meg sat down at the table. We can't let Jem do this, she said. There was no response. Neil, we can't!

I'm not happy about it, but he's right. I don't see any other way out either, unless I go myself.

No! I need you here. The children need you.

Neil shook his head. Sometimes I think you'd be better off without me.

Getting up, Meg went to wind her arms around him once more. Never!

*

Bradley pushed a weary hand through his hair and yawned. This was the second night running that they had grappled with Neil Iveson's financial morass and he was tired. I can't honestly see that we have any choice, he repeated.

No. Meg's voice was still firm.

Bradley's patience ran out. Meg had been with them from the beginning; she knew the problems as well as they did, and her refusal to accept what was necessary was beginning to irritate him. Then what are you going to do? Let your husband go to prison for a miserable fifteen guineas when we've already done so much? Because that's what will happen.

It's spite, that's all it is, Neil said angrily to no-one in particular, remembering his interview with Isaac Ferguson.

Whatever it is, he wants his money and he wants it now - not next month or next year. You've seen us go through the figures, Meg; it just isn't there to give him.

She shook her head stubbornly. I'm not going to let you pledge away your...

My what? interrupted her brother, doing his best to sound unconcerned. All it means is that for the next five years I'll be doing farm work instead of teaching - and doing it here in Connecticut. It's not as if I'm going off to Carolina; there's nothing to worry about.

I don't like it.

None of us likes it, retorted Bradley, more sharply than he had intended. Unable to cope with Meg's guilt, he turned to his brother-in-law. Tell Ferguson he'll get his money; I've already discussed my intentions with Master Ransome and he'll advance me the money until I can find a placement. It might be a good idea for you to ask around, to see if anyone needs a good Indentured Servant.

Jem, I'll pay you back. I promise.

A smile entered Bradley's tired eyes. You just concentrate on keeping to those agreements we managed to make. When they're clear, then you can start worrying about me.

His wife's guilt assailed Neil. I don't like it either.

Bradley shrugged off their misgivings. It's the only way that makes any sense. You earn more money than I do, and there are the children and Meg to consider. They need you here, not off working on some farm. There's no-one relying on me.

Except us, whispered Meg, kissing him.

Kissing her back, Bradley tried to lighten the atmosphere. I think we deserve a drink.

Neil went to the cupboard and brought out a bottle of brandy he'd been saving.

I didn't see this listed among the assets, laughed Jem.

I thought it might be more useful to have it around, explained Neil dryly.

A toast. Bradley raised his glass. To our benefactor.

Both our benefactors, added Meg, still unhappy with the situation.

Both, repeated Neil and swallowed the spirit in one gulp.

*

Lawyer Ransome handed Bradley the money he'd requested. You're a fool, you know that?

He's my sister's husband.

There aren't many would do as much for a real brother. You can have no idea what kind of man you'll be working for.

Don't look so worried, I'll be fine. And I am grateful.

I'm not worried about you. I'm wondering who else is so bad at cards that even I can beat them!

Bradley laughed. I'm going to miss you.

And I you. Ransome held out his hand. You could just owe me the money.

It's tempting, but no. Thank you for the offer, but I value our friendship higher than that. Let me know if you hear of anything.

I will.

I doubt I'll be leaving as soon as tomorrow.

Then we'll welcome you for dinner as usual.

I'll see you then.

Ransome sighed as the door closed behind his friend - a fool, but an honourable one.

*

In anticipation of leaving, Bradley resigned his position at the school but found himself with no occupation as the weeks slowly passed. He maintained himself by offering a little private tutoring and writing letters home, or to sweethearts, for those who could not do so themselves, and began to worry that the planned Indenture would not materialise. He knew Ransome would never press him for what was owed, but as August slipped away into September the situation weighed heavily upon him.

*

The low-ceilinged room was dark, and Neil found it even more oppressive than usual; it was difficult to concentrate on the bills he was supposed to be checking. His spirits hovered between relief at the knowledge that he was safe from being arrested and thrown into prison, and a sudden overwhelming guilt when he thought of what Jem was planning to do. But it would be all right, he told himself firmly. Five years wasn't long, not really - although that depended on the situation, his conscience reminded him before he could smother it completely. An Indenture was perfectly respectable, a lot of decent hard-working people had started out in life that way - although not educated people like his brother-in-law, the inconvenient voice insisted, refusing to be silenced.

Master Iveson.

Neil started and got up from his seat. Sir?

Your mind does not appear to be on your work.

The two junior clerks exchanged amused glances. It wasn't often Iveson was caught out. A sharp look from the Owner quelled them. "Come