Love, Joanah

By Julie Mitchell

Joanah's journey of love and self-discovery is beautifully portrayed in this historical romance, capturing the complexities of relationships and the power of following one's heart.

Readers will be drawn into the emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by Joanah as she navigate her feelings for Thomas and Andrew, ultimately learning valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and personal growth. As Joanah grapples with her conflicting emotions and the challenges of wartime, readers will be rooting for her to find happiness and fulfillment in her choices. A timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of the human heart. Love, Joanah is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and romance.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Julie Mitchell
• Release date: Dec 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393321255

Book preview

For Rylie

1

August 1772

Joanah sat on the camel-back sofa, the fire crackled in the silence of the living room.

Her father, Bartholomew Bryant, dragged his hand down his face as he looked at his eldest daughter.  His other two children, twins Olive and Oliver, were asleep upstairs.

You are 13, Joanah. Boys who are not meant to go to university go off to apprenticeships by the time they reach the age of 14. You know this.  Thomas will be 14 next month. 

Joanah hiccupped a sob, clenched her fists tightly, and willed the tears back into her eyes.

I understand that, it’s just.... Her shoulders trembled as her dress stained with tears.

Lost at how to deal with it all, Bartholomew looked to Joanah’s mother, Ellen, who had been working on her needlepoint.

Nellie please, Bartholomew pleaded.

Ellen smiled, set aside her work, and shifted closer to Joanah on the sofa. Bart, a young heart can’t help it. It will exaggerate its feelings without permission.

Ellen wrapped her arms around Joanah’s small shoulders, pulling her daughter closer. Shhh, Joanah, it will be all right.

Joanah sobbed into her mother’s chest, relaxing as her mother stroked her soft honey brown hair.

I know you don’t want him to leave Joanah, but he will be back before you know it, Ellen soothed.

Not until he is 21! Mum, why does he have to go? Why can’t he stay here and work for Dad? This isn’t fair! Joanah flung herself over the arm of the sofa.

Ellen huffed and pulled Joanah up. That is enough Joanah! I understand that you are upset. I also understand that this is a shock to you. He shouldn’t have told you today. With that aside, you are being selfish. You are not thinking about how Thomas feels. He is excited to go. He doesn’t want to go to school in the traditional way. He doesn’t want to be a cobbler like his father, or a merchant like your father. He wants to make his own way, he wants to be a cabinetmaker and build furniture. There is only one way for him to be able to do that and that is for him to go study under a professional. Thomas has actual talent. You saw the dresser that he made for his mother at the age of 11! Fannie Norton thought it was imported. I know you love Thomas, but you have to think of him first and not yourself. Stop crying, crying isn’t going to change what already is, Ellen commanded.

Joanah wiped her wet face with her sleeve, hiccupped another sob, and stammered Yes Mum.

Joanah, you know that I love you. I hate to see you so upset. But I promise you will feel better very soon, Ellen kissed Joanah’s temple. Now it is late, kiss your father good night, and go upstairs to bed.

Bartholomew took his daughter into his arms, Everything will be all right Joanah. Sweet dreams sweetheart, he kissed her softly on the forehead and sent her upstairs.

The crackling of the dying fire was the only noise between husband and wife.

Ellen broke the silence Bart she will be fine. This is a good thing for her, a chance to grow up. Changes happen and it takes a strong person to deal with them. She joined her husband by the fire, wrapped her arm in his and leaned against him. Joanah needs to get used to the idea, and by morning, she will have.

Bartholomew could feel his wife smile as his lips touched hers, You are right, as always Nellie. I hate seeing her so upset. I can only hope Olive isn’t this difficult.

Ellen chuckled, Young girls are never easy and neither are young boys! Oliver came home today covered in mud. When I asked him what had happened his response was, Nothing, but know that I won. That boy, I swear, we just need to take it day by day and be thankful that they are happy and healthy.

A loud laugh came out of Bartholomew. Our children are something else. Let’s go to bed, love, it’s been a long day.

He smothered the remaining flame and followed Ellen upstairs.

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Joanah cried herself to sleep, but in her cries, she realized that her mother was right. Joanah had been only thinking of how Thomas’ leaving was going to affect her and not about his happiness.  He was talented and he deserved to train and become the best at what he loves.

Every day, since they were seven, she would meet Thomas by the giant old oak that grew on the Bryant’s property. Today wouldn’t be any different.

She remembered the first time she and Thomas had met. His mother Sarah had been childhood friends with her mother Ellen, both grew up in the same social circle in Hartford. Both of their fathers had been council members and were advisors to Governor Jonathan Law.  Over the years, the women had lost touch, but kept in annual correspondents.

In 1766, Sarah and her husband George Davis moved to Danbury on the insistence of Ellen. The town was looking for a new cobbler and George was renowned in Hartford. 

Ellen had told seven year old Joanah that she would soon have someone her age to play with.

Joanah had a hard time making friends, the other girls and boys her age thought she was odd since she would often miss the obvious and take things very literal.

On the day of the Davis’ arrival, Joanah sat outside her father’s store, doodling in the dirt with a stick.

A girl, Abigail Shaw, who was a year older than Joanah, and her older brother James walked up in front of Joanah.

Why Joanah, that dress is so beautiful, it has you written all over it? Abigail said in a sickly-sweet voice.

Joanah looked down at her dress a puzzled look came over her I don’t understand what you mean?

Abigail and James started to laugh uncontrollably.

Joanah scrambled to her feet, tears brimming her eyes. Why are you laughing?

Joanah watched as a figure rushed over and pounce on James.

Dust filled the air as the two boys fought on the ground; James struggling to get up. 

James, let’s go! Abigail grabbed her brother’s arm and dragged him away from the scuffle. Then they ran away down the street.

The smaller boy dusted off his pants and turned towards Joanah Are you okay?

Joanah smiled so that her insides warmed; other than her parents, no one had been so nice to her. I’m Joanah Bryant; this is my father’s store. A friend of my mother’s, Sarah Davis, is moving here with her family and they should be here any moment. What is your name?

The smaller boy smiled a toothy smile Sarah is my mother. I’m Thomas Davis.

Thomas leaned against the trunk waiting for her. He  tossed a ball into the air, catching it with ease each time.  His posture straightened when he saw her. He shoved the ball into his pocket.

His eyes twinkled as he smiled at her. Hi Joanah. It’s good to see you. 

You’re acting as if we don’t see each other every day, Joanah gently pushed him as she took a seat on the ground. Thomas joined her.

The air was thick with childhood awkwardness; neither knew what to say to each other.

I’m sorry..., they said in unison.

You go first, Thomas offered.

She pushed her hair back and placed her hands in her lap. I just wanted to say that I am sorry for how I acted yesterday. I shouldn’t have run away without saying anything to you. I was being selfish, I should be happy for you; I mean I am happy for you.  This is something you’ve been working towards for a long time and I am just so embarrassed at my behavior. Please forgive me, Joanah muttered please under her breath.

Thomas’s head shook, No, I’m sorry. It is my fault for not telling you earlier, I had known for a whole month.

Thomas stirred up the dirt around his feet I didn’t know how to tell you. Honestly, if you were leaving, I would be upset too. You have become such a good friend and a part of my daily life.  I’m going to miss you very much while I am away with Mr. Morris. I promise I will write every day.

Joanah smiled. You better, she poked his shoulder.

I can’t wait to hear about everything you do in Middletown.

Thomas rested his back against the trunk. It’s unbelievable that I’m leaving in two days. He flung a pebble into the air Want to know a secret? He smirked as he caught the pebble.

Joanah took in the sight of him. The sun was bouncing off his golden hair. His mischievous smile almost went up to his almond shaped sapphire blue eyes. She smiled taking in his good looks.

The pebble came close to her face, she gasped back into consciousness. What?

My trunks aren’t packed yet, Thomas laughed.

Thomas Davis! My God how can you not have packed yet? Your Mum must be ready to kill you! Joanah stood up and began to pull his arm. Get up, you have to go home and finish. She pulled him again, but he didn’t budge.

Joanah dropped his arm, What’s wrong?

It’s hard to pack when I’m leaving for so long, he sighed.

Joanah scanned his face; she could tell that he was excited, nervous and sad all at the same time. She sat next to him again. I get that, but you have to finish.

Joanah reached over and brushed a stray hair out of his face. I’m going to be here waiting for you.

Joanah bit her lip. She wanted to tell him how she felt, but how could she tell him when she wasn’t even sure of it herself. Her face flushed.

They stared at each other.

Joanah’s throat was dry, heart pounding, this was all new territory, new emotions.

Thomas licked his lips, leaned in, and kissed Joanah.

Her eyes bulged. She never kissed anyone other than a family member before. Let alone in a romantic way.

Her body jerked back.

I’m sorry Joanah. I...I ...I should go. Thomas leapt up and raced back to his house up the road.

Joanah watched him as his figure grew smaller in the distance she had tried to speak, but no words would form.

Her lips still tingled that was the moment she knew that she was hopelessly in love with Thomas.

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July 1775

June 30, 1775

Dearest Joanah,

This letter is bittersweet; the conflict in Boston has found its way to Middletown. Mr. Morris is joining the Army. He had earned rank of Colonel in the last war. He will be leaving at the end of next month. What all this means is that I am coming home. While I am upset over the abrupt end of my apprenticeship, I am overjoyed to be able to see you again. I’ve missed you. It was such a pleasant surprise that you visited with Mum and Dad for my last birthday. I have to end this letter here; I have a lot to do before it is time to leave. I love you Joanah.

-Thomas

Joanah burst into the hot kitchen, Mum! I received a letter from Thomas!

Ellen hunched over the fire preparing the family’s dinner. She unfurled her body, wiped her brow with her sleeve, and looked at her daughter.

"You get a letter from Thomas almost every week what makes this one so special?

Joanah handed her mother a handkerchief, He’s coming home.

Coming home? Why? Ellen’s hands brushed against her apron then stretched out to take the letter.

Mr. Morris needs to be in Boston at the end of the month. Thomas has no other choice but to come home, Joanah summarized as her mother read.

Stop being so euphoric Joanah. Thomas doesn’t want to come home, he says so himself, Ellen pointed to the paper. Poor thing, he has so much talent and has learned so much. He was on his way of opening his own shop, who knows what the future holds now. Ellen handed back the letter.

Joanah ripped the letter back. This is typical! Oh, Joanah is thinking of herself, she’s so selfish! I am not happy that he is leaving something he loves doing, it’s just, Joanah shrugged. I’ve missed him Mum. I love him.

Drop the attitude Joanah. I wasn’t calling you selfish. I want you to realize that he won’t be completely happy he’s home. Yes, he will be happy to see his family and even you; but he’ll still wish he wasn’t here. Something to learn early is that war is never easy, it has a ripple effect and no matter what you do, you will be affected by it in some way. Ellen sighed, lost in thought for a moment. She blinked as she stared at Joanah.

Ellen sighed again, I’m sorry that I snapped at you. You are just excited to see your friend. She pulled Joanah into a tight embrace.

Now help me finish here we have to clean and have dinner done before your father returns. Ellen pulled the pot off the flame.

Yes, Mum, Joanah turned to take down the tableware from the shelf.

Where are Olive and Oliver? Ellen questioned smothering the remaining flame with some dirt.

Oliver and Olive were Joanah’s 12-year-old, almost 13, twin brother and sister, though the only thing they have in common is their golden-brown hair, which they inherited from Ellen.

The Bryant’s were not the wealthiest family in Connecticut, but they did all right.

They lived simply and were a typical upper middle-class family.

The Bryant’s had earned most of their wealth from generations of buying and selling land.

Bartholomew’s father, John, like Ellen’s father was a council member. He was the advisor to Governor Roger Wolcott.

That is how Bartholomew met Ellen. Her father Henry introduced her to Bartholomew and after two years of courting, they married on January 25, 1758.

As a wedding present, Bartholomew inherited a 40-acre estate that was once a working farm bought from Samuel Scott by Bartholomew’s father.  Bartholomew opted to not follow in his father’s political footsteps and began work as a merchant. He still went to town meetings to stay up to date on the happenings of the time.

Two years into his marriage and after the birth of Joanah in 1759, he opened his general store in downtown Danbury.

With Bartholomew in trade, the fields were overgrown. Ellen and Joanah maintained a small garden for a few herbs and small crops. Whatever wasn’t used for personal use was sold in the family’s store.

The store was filled with everything someone needed and if it weren’t there, Bartholomew would get it. Until recently, some goods had been imported from Europe. The acts that had been enacted by Parliament from the Townshend Act to the Coercive Act caused the Bryant’s to slow in business since they refused to import certain items into their store.  Most people in town praised Bartholomew for standing up against tyranny and continued to shop in their store. 

With