Kings Road

By Bonnie Mikel

Kings Road was inspired by the story of my grandparents whom sailed across the ocean in the 1700's arriving in Virginia before settling in Indiana. Its a story of love, hardship, faith, and struggles. They encounter many twists and turns, including arson, the mineral springs and their fight against slavery. I hope you enjoy and hard to put down. Love to all!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781665523493

Bonnie Mikel

I was born and raised in a small Indiana Town I graduated high school in 1977. I love researching genealogy and inspired me to write this book, battling cancer, the death of my daughter an divorce had put this on the shelf for ten years but after retiring in 2019 and it became a reality at last. I enjoy gardening, writing, flea markets, dancing, painting and time with my seven grandchildren

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AuthorHouse™

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2021 Bonnie Mikel. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  04/20/2021

ISBN: 978-1-6655-2350-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-2349-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021908232

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

In remembrance of my daughter Tiffany

Mikel 1976-2013, with love.

CHAPTER 1

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BLUE LICK, INDIANA

ca. 1830

M AY THE LORD BE WITH you, Amen.

Those were the preacher’s last words at the funeral of Amanda King’s mother, her sudden death was a shock to everyone. It had been only a few weeks since she had received a letter from her and everything seemed fine. Wiping her eyes, she made her way towards the door. The small church was filled with people who had come to pay their last respects. Passing by a small group who were gathered together, she thought she overheard her name being mentioned, then the words; Poor child was almost burned up in that horrible fire.

Shrugging it off, she made her way outside to get some relief from the stifling heat. Amanda was a small child when her parent’s decided to move to Ohio. After the death of her husband, Betty King returned to Blue Lick where she lived out the rest of her days. Outside in the church yard, she went over to speak with her cousin Holy, giving her a warm embrace.

How are you holding up Amanda, I’ve been worried about you?

I’m alright, but I’m missing my mother so terribly right now.

I understand, maybe you should stay here for a while, take a ride out to the farm and spend a few days.

"Amanda thought that was the last place she should go, it’d only make it hurt worse. But then again she didn’t feel like going back to the city right away either.

You know I just might do that.

Do you think you can find your way out there?

I think so. You know Molly, I do regret not coming to see her more often. It was always so difficult though to get a day off let alone time for a vacation.

Don’t be so hard on yourself.

Realizing she was probably right, she told her goodbye then climbed into her buggy, setting off towards the countryside. Pulling off her hat, Amanda welcomed the cool breeze which helped her to unwind. After plodding along down a winding dirt road for several miles, she came to a sign that read; King’s Road. She remembered that her grandfather had named the road after his nephew·.

Turning down the rut filled lane which was partially shaded over by a thick growth of trees, she noticed a tall black man standing at the side of the road trying to wave her down. Wondering who it could be, she brought the buggy to a hault.

Sorry ma’am, dis is a dead end an’s I thought ta save you from havin ta backtrack.

I’m heading to the old King’s place.

Oh I see, well I 1 s been da caretaker der fo sometime now, but wif Miz Betty’s passin I’s don’t know, he replied scratching his head."

You must be Chester.

Yez ma’am, Chester Wood.

I’m William and Betty’s daughter, Amanda. She remembered being told that her grandfather had saved his parent’s from being sold off in a slave auction.

Praise be, I’s know your whole family since I’s jus a boy, Miz Betty wuz, a mighty good woman.

"Shifting his gaze towards the ground, he took on a more serious tone.

You see, I’s don’t like goin ta funerals.

I understand Chester, I did notice the lovely flowers you sent though thank you very much.

Taking a handkerchief out of her bag, she wiped at the beads of perspiration on her reddened face.

Why don’t you come up an sit a spell an I’s git you a cool drink, dis sun is gain ta git da best of uz.

I am feeling a little overheated, Amanda shot back.

Climbing down from the buggy, she went up and took a seat in a wobbly old chair. A short time later, he returned handing her a glass of lemonade.

So you knew my grandfather well?

I’s sure did, many a night I’s sit an listen ta him an my poppa swap stories. If’n you has time I’s be happy ta tell you all about it.

I’d like nothing better.

Let see, how bout we start wif da Inn, no we best start way back wif da ship.‘."

CHAPTER 2

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THE VOYAGE

ca. 1765

H URRY UP AVERY YOU’LL BE late!

Pulling on his boots, Avery King went to give his mother a kiss goodbye then his father a hug. With tears in their eyes, they watched as their son left the home he knew since birth. Climbing up onto his horse, he took off leaving a trail of dust behind praying that he wasn’t too late. Digging his heels into the brown mare’s flanks, he sped up down the long narrow path. The ship Isabella was to set sail at noon and he planned to be on it. It’s destination… America.

Reaching the dock, it was bustling with activity. People were boarding as cargo was being laden into the ship’s massive hull.

I’m going to miss you old girl, he said giving his horse a quick pat on its rump. Spotting a dock boy, he handed him the reins giving out instructions.

My father’s to pick her up.

What’s the name sir?

The horse or my father?

Wise cracker you are, the boy shot back.

Name’s James King, Avery replied flipping him a coin. Hissing his catch, he picked it up then bit down making sure that it was real. Slinging his bundle over his back, he made his way up the ship’s wide plank carrying the only possessions he owned, which were a few articles of clothing and a bible. Once on deck, he walked among the other passengers until spotting a crewman giving out orders.

Are you trying to figure out where to go? the sailor asked.

Yes sir.

‘‘Following him down below, Avery noticed how weather beatin the old man’s face looked guessing he had spent many a year at sea.

Here’s your quarter’s, he informed him while lighting a oil lamp.

"Name’s Marvin, but everyone calls me Corky. Turning around to thank him, he was gone.

Throwing his bundle down on the berth, he noticed the ship smelled of dead fish and damp wood. Returning up on deck to watch the ship’s departure, Avery leaned against the railing looking out at the fading coastline. Suddenly aware that he was being carried out further away from home, the realization of leaving set in. The thought of his parent’s entered his mind, they were probably having their afternoon tea by now. As tears began to well up in his eyes, he quickly brushed them away with the back of his sleeve not wanting to be noticed. It wouldn’t do me a bit of good to get homesick now, he thought. I’m a grown man, this is what I’ve dreamed of for a long time and God willing I’m on my way. Solemnly gazing out until the coastline disappeared, he waved goodbye as if it were to an old friend.

Excuse me!

Startled by a soft feminine voice, he turned to find himself staring into the most beautiful blue eyes he’d ever seen.

Could you direct me to where I might find the Captain?

I seen him earlier, if you’d like to follow me I’ll show you, he replied.

Please forgive me for not introducing myself, I’m Nancy Brown.

Nice to meet you, Avery King here.

As they went along, he couldn’t help noticing how her right foot slightly curved inward as she walked. For some strange reason he thought it cute. Stopping in front of the Captain’s door, he turned to face her.

I’ll leave you to your affairs now miss.

Please stay. Nancy didn’t know why, but the words just flew out of her mouth. Just when Avery was about to speak, the door swung open and the tall white haired Captain stood staring at the both of them.

May I help you?

Stepping forward, she spoke; Captain sir, I don’t mean to be a burden but when I was putting my belongings away, I seen a rat scurry across the floor settling under my berth. I must say it scared the wits out of me, as well as my roommate.

Heaving a sigh, he looked over at Avery and smiled.

Would you care to follow my mate here, I’m sure between the both of you, you can help this young lady with her dilemma.

Entering the women’s quarters, the two men proceeded to search the room looking under the berths, lifting trunks and around the floor until both stood there perplexed.

I don’t see the varment, Corky said scratching his stubbled chin. Spying a crate over in a darkened corner, Avery went over and gave it a swift kick causing the rat to flee.

Stomp on it, Corky yelled. But it was too late, the rat had escaped down into a hole. Frustrated he shook his head, Maybe he’ll end up in your bed tonight, he told him laughing.

Even better you’ll have him for supper, Avery replied. Surprised, the old sailor looked over at the young man smiling back, he had a sense of humor like himself, he thought. After stuffing a rag into the hole, they started back up on deck.

Nancy sat in the galley sipping hot tea, while sharing pleasant conversation with the Captain when Avery returned.

It’s safe to go back now.

Thank you for all your trouble, I can sleep in peace tonight. Excusing himself, the Captain left leaving the two alone which pleased him very much. Glancing over at her, he was just about to speak but she beat him to it.

The Captain has invited us to join him for dinner tonight if you’d like to come, as well as my roommate Marie of course.

Not wanting to sound overly eager, he hesitated.

Well I …

I really hope you’ll say yes.

How could I refuse then, yes I’ll come.

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Avery lay on his bunk staring at the ceiling above. No matter how hard he tried to occupy his mind, his thoughts kept returning back to Nancy Brown. He wondered what prompted her to make this journey alone. Looking down at his feet, he noticed several of his toes were sticking out of his sock.

I can’t wear these clothes tonight, he said out loud. He did have an extra set that were for Sunday. Smiling, he remembered how his mother used to scold him for wearing them for other than church. Drifting off to sleep, he dreamt of the young woman who was stealing his every thought.

Sleep evaded Nancy no matter how hard she tried. After tossing and turning, she finally gave up and went over to her trunk. Opening it, she looked down at the neatly folded clothes her mother had placed in it, causing her to cry. After her father’s death, she and her mother went to live with an aunt in Cornwell until she had finished her schooling. At her mother’s urging, she then arranged her passage to come work for a prominent family in Virginia to teach their children. She was very excited about coming to America, but in the back of her mind she wanted to be free to choose her career.

"Oh it won’t do me any good to have red puffy eyes, she mumbled wiping her face. Outside the door she heard a thump and went to investigate. Tip toeing past Marie’s bed who was sleeping soundly, she opened the door and peeked out. A small red headed boy was busy bouncing a ball against the wall. Discovering he was being watched, he stopped causing the ball to roll away. Looking up at her with his mouth wide open, Nancy thought he resembled a baby bird waiting for its food.

Hello, she whispered.

Hi mum, he replied cheerfully before taking off to find his toy. Covering her mouth to keep from laughing out loud, she tiptoed back inside to begin her toiletries.

What a sweet child, she said to herself. Running a comb through her hair, her thoughts shifted to Avery. He is quite handsome and very polite, not like some of the men back home all stuffy and rude at times. Sticking a hair pin into place, she dressed quickly then departed.

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Whatever are you doing? Avery asked sitting up on his bed.

I didn’t mean to startle you, Seth his roommate replied. You were having a nightmare I guess, so I thought I should wake you.

It’s okay, do you have the time?

Its five thirty old boy, he informed him sticking his watch back down into his pocket.

I’m to have supper with a lady I met today, Avery announced.

Lucky you.

Nancy wasn’t ready to go in yet, she was too early but that wasn’t the only reason.