Fearful Hearts

By Patricia Collier

Duncan McBride, the local blacksmith, is seeking a wife, and he thinks he may have found her in Susannah Brian. But why is he hesitating to declare his intentions? And what is it that new resident of Wilkes county, Molly Wilson Ferguson, is hiding? Why has she become such a distraction?
Molly is grateful to be reunited with her brother David, but her peace of mind will be threatened if her brother marries. Just how much longer can she hide her past?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Mar 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9781642375794

Book preview

Chapter 1

Washington, Georgia

Autumn, 1784

Duncan wiped the sweat from his forehead with his kerchief as he walked away from the forge. He dipped water from the bucket and drank the tepid liquid. There was a time that he would not have complained about clean water, even if it was not cool, but now that he could have all the cool, clean water he wanted, he relished the blessing. He lifted the wooden bucket and stepped outside to the well. He had just retrieved the well’s bucket and was filling his own from it when a male voice hailed him.

Duncan, I was on my way to invite you to dinner Saturday evening, Tom Masters greeted him as he approached.

Duncan smiled at his words. Is Becky matchmaking again?

Tom grinned. Probably. Susannah Brian will be present, as will Doctor Wilson’s sister, Molly Ferguson.

Mrs. Brian and one of Becky’s delicious meals; definitely worth the ride to Tom’s cabin. I will be there.

Tom stepped closer and lowered his voice. Molly Ferguson is a lovely, young lady. You might thank my wife for inviting you. Of course, the Matthews family are invited.

That was Tom’s way of letting him know that Seth Matthews would be another unattached bachelor present. The evening would not be boring.

What is the doctor’s sister like? Duncan asked as he entered his blacksmith shop, closely followed by Tom.

I think Becky said she has strawberry blonde hair. She is comely. Once the unattached males of this community discover her presence, David will have his hands full.

Duncan shook his head thoughtfully. I cannot imagine what David must be feeling having his little sister returned to him after all those years thinking her to be dead.

She has moved to his cabin. Seth and David added another bedroom. They are strangers in many ways. She was only ten when she was taken by the Cherokee, then sold to the man who raised her as his own.

Perhaps her presence will help soothe David’s unpleasant memories from the war, especially his imprisonment in New York, Duncan replied, his lips meeting in a firm line.

Tom rested his hand on Duncan’s broad shoulder. I know that you had a taste of the King’s hospitality.

Duncan met his gaze. Aye, but not as long as he did.

Some memories of these past years will never leave us, but only God can remove the hate, Tom stated, heaving a sigh. Then he smiled as he added, Becky hopes you will bring your guitar and play for us.

It will be my pleasure, Duncan replied.

Molly looked down from the wagon seat to meet the mischievous, blue eyes of Seth Matthews. She leaned forward to allow him to assist her to the ground.

Thank you, Mr. Matthews, she said with a smile as she smoothed her petticoat, stepping away to allow him to assist his sister-in-law, Taberah Matthews, to the ground.

Molly watched as Seth reached over the side of the wagon and gently took his niece from Uncle. The Cherokee was called that by everyone since the Matthews had adopted him into their family after the death of Taberah’s first husband. He was the babe’s great uncle, and he doted on little Ruth.

The babe reached up and touched Seth’s chin, causing him to chuckle. I shaved tonight, Ruthie. As if she understood his words, Ruthie smiled up at him.

Molly started after Seth and his niece once she saw her brother David had assisted Susannah Brian from the back of the wagon, followed by Uncle. It was no secret that her brother was smitten with the widow. She was not sure she approved.

Well, everyone is here! Tom Masters greeted them as he opened the door, stepping aside to allow them into the warm cabin.

Becky Masters stepped forward, immediately taking Ruth from Seth, hugging her close. Mrs. Masters, who was childless, obviously longed for children of her own.

Molly noticed a tall man approaching them. He moved across the room with confidence, his piercing, blue eyes holding her gaze as he approached. She felt uneasy for some reason, but that quickly disappeared when he smiled down at her.

Tom Masters turned toward her. Miss Ferguson, this gentleman is Duncan McBride, our blacksmith. Mr. McBride, this lovely, young woman is Molly Ferguson, David Wilson’s sister.

Mr. McBride bowed slightly at the waist. It is an honor to meet you, Miss Ferguson. I hope our community does not seem too uncivilized to you.

Now why did he say that? He knew very little about her past, only what she had decided to tell. She knew that her expression must have displayed her confusion when he spoke once more.

Forgive me, Miss, Mr. McBride added. I could not help but notice your gown. It is quite attractive, much finer than what most of us are accustomed to seeing. If you are the milliner, you should open your own shop.

Molly glanced at the silk material that she was wearing, touching it lightly. I have had this for several years, Mr. McBride. I cannot lay claim to the skills of the woman who created it. You see, sir, she was my late mother or, I should say, my adopted mother.

His blue gaze softened. It is a blessing to have something made so lovingly by your mother, adopted or not.

Molly smiled at his response. Yes, it is.

Duncan had to agree with Tom. The lass was comely. There was something in her manner and words that spoke of a more genteel background, unlike her brother, David, who was blunt, which he often used to disguise his true feelings.

Becky had seated Miss Ferguson, or was it Miss Wilson, next to him at dinner. Seth Matthews was seated beside Susannah, who smiled at his teasing. Susannah worked for the Matthews, but she had long since become a member of their household. Seth still lived with his brother and sister-in-law, which gave him easy access to the charming lady at his side. It was impossible to discern her true feelings for him. She seemed to enjoy the attention of the three men in attendance that were unattached, the third being David Wilson, who had met her during their recent war for independence. After the death of her husband, she had remained with the Continental army, nursing the ill and wounded.

How do you like living here, Miss Ferguson?

She glanced up at him as she reached for her water. It is lovely country, but wilderness.

True enough, but given time, it will be tamed.

I agree, Miss Ferguson responded with a nod of her head, pausing to take a sip of the water.

Pardon me, but how do you prefer to be addressed? Is it Miss Ferguson or Miss Wilson? Duncan asked with a lift of an eyebrow.

She remained silent for a moment before replying. I suppose that I prefer my true name since my adopted parents are dead.

Duncan nodded. Then Miss Wilson it shall be.

He noticed that the young lady was watching Susannah as she spoke to David, who was seated across from her. Was that a frown on her lips as her brother chuckled at Susannah’s words?

Later that night Molly lay quietly in her bed, listening for several seconds. There it was again. That is David’s voice. Someone must be ill. Perhaps she could assist him in some way.

She wrapped her quilt about her and stepped to the door, cracking it open. The cabin was in total darkness. David, where are you?

No response. She stepped cautiously into the hall just as she heard her brother speak again. He must be in his room, but who was with him? No other voice answered him. And there was no light beneath his door.

Molly knocked softly on his door, listening for a response. Silence. She slowly opened the door, only to hear David cry out.

Where are you?

I am here, David. Molly rushed over to his bed, taking his hand between hers. She could barely see his features as he suddenly sat up, jerking his hand from her grasp. I think you had a nightmare.

He stared at her for several seconds, then looked away. Yes, a nightmare.

Would you like some water? I will bring you a cup.

I will get it myself, Molly. You go back to bed.

If you wish, she stated, turning away.

David caught her hand. Thank you, Pest.

His unexpected use of his pet name for her warmed her heart. It was a connection to the boy she once knew.

Chapter 2

You need an apprentice, Duncan, Seth Matthews announced as he entered the smithy.

I am of the same opinion. Do you have anyone in mind? Duncan replied. Perhaps you would like to learn an honest trade.

Seth chuckled at his words. I don’t think my niece, Ruthie, would allow me to be away from her.

I think it is her doting uncle that will not be away from the lass, Duncan stated as he walked over to retrieve the candlesticks he had made for Taberah and Isaac Matthews. If Taberah has any objections to these, bring them back, and I will make her another set.

Seth took the candlesticks from him, nodding his head in approval. Since you were seated by Molly Ferguson at Becky’s dinner, I would like to know what you think of David’s sister.

Duncan folded his muscular forearms across his aproned chest. The lady is quite attractive.

Seth sighed, a mischievous smile upon his lips. Other than her obvious attributes, what do you think of her?

She is reserved, or perhaps cautious would be a better word.

Seth’s brow furrowed. I feel the same way. She does not seem eager to talk about her past.

The past years hold painful memories. Miss Wilson, she asked me to call her that, may have her share.

Seth lifted an eyebrow. I wondered if she would ever acknowledge her birth name.

Duncan began to remove his apron. Have you eaten?

Not since I ate a biscuit Susannah gave me as I went out the door to ride into Washington, Seth replied.

Then come join me at the tavern. You can tell me what Ruthie has done lately.

Seth looked down at his feet in embarrassment. I suppose I do talk about her a lot.

Duncan laughed, placing his arm about the other man’s shoulders. You can tell what a man is by what he chooses to share with others. Some men talk about themselves, but you, Seth Matthews, tell tales about a bonnie, wee lass who has won your heart.

On such a fine day, shall we take our meal outside? Duncan asked as he nodded at the open space between the two log cabins that comprised the tavern.

We should take advantage of this mild weather, Seth replied. We will be inside soon enough.

We can only pray that this winter will be milder than the last, Duncan stated as they found seats at the tavern. I had no complaints with the heat of my forge.

Once their meal of venison stew was set before them, Seth gave thanks. Duncan watched as he took a bite of one of the biscuits that accompanied their meal, attempting to keep from grinning as the other man frowned.

Mrs. Brian and Taberah have spoiled you for what passes as biscuits here, Duncan said with a shake of his head.

A man who does not know any better would not be disappointed, Seth agreed as he washed down the hard biscuit with cold cider.

You better look for a wife who can cook as well as those two ladies, or at least is willing to take lessons from them, Duncan teased. Unless you have plans for a future with Mrs. Brian?

I am not looking for a wife any time soon, Seth answered with a smile. I may build a cabin of my own, but I can still take my meals with Isaac and Taberah.

Be careful, my friend, or someone else will marry the widow, Duncan teased before spooning the stew into his mouth.

Seth glanced up from his bowl, one eyebrow lifted questioningly. Are you that someone?

Duncan smiled at his words. Susannah Brian is a lovely lady. A man could not make a wiser choice for a wife.

You did not answer my question, Seth replied.

Possibly, Duncan stated with a nod of his head.

Well, you will have competition.

Then you are considering ending your bachelor status,Duncan responded.

Seth met his gaze. I am talking about David Wilson.

Yes, I know. There is no doubting his love for her, Duncan answered. Then realization dawned. You are not interested in courting her?

Seth sighed. "I have come to