Music Inspiration: Helen Jane Long- "Broken"
Farewell
30 April 1774
Amelia had been in a daze since leaving Boston as she finally received the news she was looking for. Unfortunately, the news was bittersweet as her good fortune meant she had bigger steps to take now and leaving her family would not be easy.
It was only after her belongings had been returned to her shared bed with Caroline and she'd changed to a simple brown day dress that she announced the news.
Her family had gathered in the dining area to prepare lunch when she waved a piece of yellow paper in her hand to declare modestly, "I found a job."
Her voice had not been loud but the message caused everyone to stand still as she smiled weakly. She was bursting with joy for her success but melancholy at having to leave her family. It was a moment she had looked forward to and dreaded at the same time as her life began that ultimate change into the working world. Her father had already learned of the news and he laid a supportive hand on Catherine's shoulder.
Instantly, the young woman before her could only be seen as the small infant she'd been. The same uncertain blue eyes that had looked to her when she'd begun to walk looked to her now and Catherine smiled with optimism, "That's wonderful news, Amelia. We've been having such a good year, sit down and tell us."
She needed her little bird to have the courage to step into the world with confidence but it wasn't easy for Catherine. It would've been far easier for a son to leave home but her unmarried daughter would be alone in a town or city without her to chase away louts. Amelia folded her letter to tuck it into her dress pocket and sat down just as Alice fixed the cutlery around the table. She ran a hand down one of her long brown braids, remembering donning the same hairstyle a few years back.
Taking a deep breathe to calm the flutters in her stomach, she looked to her awaiting family to explain, "I will be a governess for two children in east Boston for the Bruce family. I saw an advertisement in the post office and decided to head there directly in my best dress."
Caroline chuckled to her gumption and Amelia continued, "It turns out that their last governess left for another job a few days ago and they need the position immediately. Mr. Bruce gave me the job but under the condition that I begin next week so I have enough travel time to plan my curriculum. I can't be choosy and this is the best chance to grow while staying somewhat close to Davenport."
Catherine placed a hand on her cheek to the short time frame and sighed, "Oh my, that's quite quick. We won't have enough time to make you new dresses to wear. Simple dresses like this won't do if you'll be living under a household."
"Don't fret, Catherine" Godfrey assured as he smiled gently to calm her bashfulness over their daughter's state of dress. Yes, they were simple folk but he expected the family wanted their daughter in their home to teach rather than wear fashionable attire. Catherine frowned to the mere idea of not having her daughter appear presentable and her husband compromised, "We have enough saved to buy her a few dresses from a tailor in Boston. It's what the emergency fund is for."
"A trunk! She needs a good sturdy trunk to travel with" Catherine added in quickly as she began to make a list of what Amelia would need. It reminded her of the day she'd left to marry Godfrey and remembered her mother jotting down every single item needed. This time, she had to do it herself to prepare her little bird to leave the nest for good. Her hands wrung together nervously over her apron as she rambled nervously, "Goodness, we have a lot to plan starting tonight but don't you worry. For now, I want you to eat and take a bath afterwards."
Amelia nodded in attention and spoke softly, "Thank you, mother, I appreciate your help since this will be my last week here."
Alice almost spilled the milk as she filled Amelia's cup and the older sister noticed her eyes were watery as she went about her task. She took the glass bottle from Alice's hands and asked gently, "What's wrong? Are your eyes itchy again?"
"N-No" Alice stuttered meekly as the news failed to bring her cheer and wiped her bleary left eye. Were all of her sisters going to start leaving? She felt ashamed for feeling upset in front of her happy family and admitted sullenly, "I don't want you to go live with another family. We're a good family and you'll be far away."
"It's not that, Alice, I'm going to teach them just like mother taught us" she explained gently and pulled her sister into a hug before tears trailed down her cheeks. Alice sighed softly to the thought of Amelia leaving them forever and sniffled at never seeing her again. Would Amelia forget her? She couldn't help but voice it. The older redhead rubbed her back in circles as she reassured, "I'm an adult now and this is going to be my job from now on. I will write to you every week and I will visit whenever I can. You'll still have all the others here so you won't be alone."
Godfrey grabbed his sniffling daughter to place her on his knee and comforted, "We've been lucky to have Amelia with us for years but we have to let her fly. This is her dream and one day, you'll have yours as well."
"No, I want to live here forever" she murmured despondently to the idea of ever leaving their town and her siblings smiled to her devotion. Why would she want to leave? There was open land, friendly people, her family, and a warm home to keep her cozy and safe. What else could she possibly want? With a somber pout that shook, she wiped away unshed tears and spoke faintly, "Davenport is perfect and safe- it's home. Everyone's happy here . . .but I don't want to be selfish and keep her here. I . . . I'll miss her is all, boban."
Amelia lost a bit of her appetite then at hearing her sister but Catherine urged her to take a bite from the hot supper. Caroline gave Alice a cup of milk to calm her and suggested with a warm smile, "Why don't I take you on a ride with Sophia after supper? We can go pick some flowers and dry them out so Amelia can put them in her trunk to make her clothes smell of Davenport."
Alice nodded with a weak smile because horses were always so pretty to her.
Amelia made to add in that she'd join them but with a full mouth, Catherine beat her to it with a lecturing shake of her finger, "Oh no, you have to pack, young lady."
By the late evening, Catherine had drawn up a purchase list of items for Amelia while her daughter simply nodded away. Mr. O'Donnell had been commissioned to craft her new trunk to take into the city and her old one would go to Martha. Amelia had begun to calculate what she would take, leave behind, and give to the girls. She didn't own very much but the majority of her books would stay in Davenport and her simple work dresses would go to Martha or set aside for Elizabeth as she grew. Caroline had offered giving Amelia one of her best dresses so their parents didn't have to waste money but Catherine insisted that her children would all get proper attire when they left home for either jobs or marriage.
When it was time for bed, Amelia was able to share her true worries with her best friend. Their father had created wooden partitions for three bedrooms that would be completed soon. Hers and Amelia's would be one while another would belong to the girls and the last would be for Samuel. Their father and mother had already completed their bedroom, beautifully furnished with a handcrafted door made by Mr. O'Donnell. For the moment, Alice slept with the other two girls since she was small but Caroline knew her mother would make changes. Once Amelia left, she would undoubtedly bunk with Martha but she hoped to change her mind with either Elizabeth or Alice. Her comments on her life choices had hurt and she'd rather lay in bed with Ratonhnhaké:ton, whom loved her with all of her faults, rather than her.
Caroline brushed her sister's hair as the childhood ritual had become habit now that they were older. Somehow, it had not taken with Elizabeth and Martha while little Alice looked to anyone to help her since she was the youngest girl. Amelia peered at the yellow curtains of their window as the candlelight illuminated her melancholy smile, "I'm very afraid to go, Carrie."
The oldest could barely hear her faint words and scooted next to her with a warm smile. Amelia's blue eyes shone as she leaned against her sister and the two sat the side of the bed towards the window. It was pitch black outside as the lanterns reflected off the glass and Amelia spoke softly, "They are a courteous family and you know me, I can't speak ill of anyone. I've never been away from home and although we lived in Boston, it isn't the same. None of you will be nearby and to be underneath a stranger's roof . . . I don't want to be alone so far away from home."
"I don't think anybody does but mother has prepared us to live on our own too, you know" she spoke gently since they could sew, cook, clean, and read like any lady. They were ready to partake in the world like grown women and her little sister was exploring a path that wasn't taken often. It was natural to be nervous about moving elsewhere and Caroline empathized, "I know sleeping will be the hardest without the familiar noises and sights but go to sleep with those fond memories. As long as you're safe and warm, that's what matters."
"I love the tranquility of Davenport but I wish I didn't have to leave it for my profession, I'd rather people lived here so I could just walk next door" she murmured sullenly about their quaint little town in comparison to the city. It was an ocean in comparison to their little pond of Davenport and it made her stomach uneasy when she thought of it. Her family wouldn't be around the corner and she would have to fend for herself in all situations.
Caroline smiled sympathetically since that would be her number one worry one day and suggested, "Write to us whenever you can, write to me. Boban will certainly visit you to soothe mother's worry but you will find your footing in this new life."
Amelia wasn't so certain about that but if everyone thought she could, why not? She wished to have Elizabeth's fearlessness but she was timid and polite in nature. Hopefully, the transition would not be difficult once she had the orientation to the layout of her employer's home.
"I won't lie, I'm going to miss you dearly but I am most proud of you" Caroline smiled tearfully as she hugged Amelia to soothe her own sadness. It wasn't every day that one lost their closest confidante but she had to begin severing the binds. It wouldn't be easy but her sister needed her encouragement more than ever, "You are the proper little lady mother raised us to be. None of us four can compare to your example so I know you will be at your best when you enter that home."
Amelia shut her eyes to avoid crying since she never imagined parting from her sister would be so soon. They had been inseparable since infancy due to their one year difference and always imagined living nearby when they were little old ladies. Knowing that herb mother and father were far away from their own siblings only served to remind her that her sisters would eventually leave her. She grasped both of Caroline's hands into her own and requested with a soft voice, "Please visit me with boban."
"I will" she promised with a gentle smile because nothing would stop her and cleared her throat to remove the stuffiness settling there. Crying over the inevitable wouldn't help either of them and she showed her sister the brush to remind with a lopsided smile, "Now, let's finish braiding your hair for bed."
3 May 1774
Achilles informed him one of their residents would be leaving and Ratonhnhaké:ton sincerely hoped it wasn't Caroline. Their contact had been brief since he departed as she substituted in her father's place at work when he needed to bring Amelia to Boston for interviews. With that knowledge in hand, his worries were extremely low as he figured Amelia had found a new place to call home. Having built a new relationship with Caroline would also require his partner to inform him if she was having second thoughts or decided to seek a new life. Or at least, he hoped she would.
Unfortunately, Achilles had shuffled off to tend to the horses before he could ask and he'd gone directly to the Burnett household. If he wanted answers to his questions, he needed to go to the source directly. It was either that or risk annoying his mentor and he preferred to have one calm day in Davenport before having to train for six hours straight.
"Caroline" he greeted as he found her outside at the front as she cleaned the windows. The chores of the day were almost complete since he'd finished his own on the Aquila after docking. The surprise and delight when her blue eyes met his filled him with joy to their reunion. He'd never seen her move faster than that very moment as her arms wrapped around his shoulders.
"Ratonhnhaké:ton, goodness, I haven't seen you in weeks" she smiled brightly and embraced him tightly as the sight melted away her worries. The sea was not something to take lightly and holding him against her brought relief that he was home safely. The captain's garb was cold against her touch but grasping his hands rewarded her skin with warmth.
Her leisure days had been a thing of the past once he left and Amelia began traveling to Boston. Work kept her focused from the loneliness but at night, her mind ran amok and the isolation hit. She didn't want to release him so quickly and sighed against his shoulder, "I'm so relieved to see you well. Your letters said one thing but the worry is always there."
He squeezed her shoulders fondly before sneaking a quick kiss to her cheek and replied earnestly, "I've been well, Caroline, only a scratch or two."
"How big of a scratch are we talking here?" she asked curiously since her partner tended to tiptoe and hide pain of any kind. He was a stoic man at times but she'd keep trying to crack that part of him. He merely smiled faintly to keep his secrets locked and she chuckled against the fabric of his coat, "All right, I'll let you slide for now but one day. . ."
His bright brown eyes brought a bigger smile to her face as he amused her without saying a single word. She chuckled when he embraced her once more for that familiarity and Ratonhnhaké:ton admitted, "I missed you terribly when the weather was gloomy though. It is hard not having someone my age to talk to on the Aquila."
"I missed you too, always" she admitted lovingly to comfort his loneliness and hugged him close. The distance tested them as a new couple but they were devoted to ensuring their relationship survived each bump.
Lowering his hands to cup her elbows, he maintained their intimate space and inquired, "Achilles told me one of you was leaving- is it Amelia?"
Her smile faltered slightly to the impending loss and answered, "Yes, she's leaving for Boston tomorrow so we've been helping her pack everything she needs. Mother is the one helping her prepare everything. She'll be a private teacher for an upper class family there that needs the position filled right away. I'm very happy for her."
"It will be normal to miss her, Caroline" he soothed gently as he caught the worried undertone in her voice as her closest relative left home. Her gaze turned downcast since Amelia's departure should be a happy occasion but melancholy bit her heart.
"Guilt laces into the mix for wishing a few days' time with her but she has a life to begin" she sighed softly with honesty she only confided in him. Luck had been on her side to grant her two close confidantes but now, one would leave indefinitely.
Ratonhnhaké:ton embraced her close to wash away the sadness and reminded, "You have to be strong, especially with your younger siblings who will undoubtedly feel the same. I will be here if you need me . . . at least for the next month."
She smiled warmly to his aid as his presence set her at ease and sighed softly, "Thank you but there are some things I must be able to handle on my own."
"Not all of the time so don't fear drawing strength from me" he supplied gently to remind her that she didn't need to be in control of every situation. He understood that being the oldest carried great responsibilities but it shouldn't encompass every aspect of her being. He cupped her chin with his fingers to lock their gazes and comforted, "It isn't weakness nor should you feel ashamed of doing so. I'm more than certain your family would agree. Just as you help them, I will help you."
"I'm a flustered mess of emotions right now" she admitted sullenly to the roads of life they were all currently leading. Changes were coming and she hoped that they would be good rather than bad. Inhaling deeply to calm her fluttering stomach, she whispered softly, "But you're right, I do need you for this."
He couldn't help but smile to the admission and she asked with a happier tone, "Have you eaten yet? I'm sure Sam is waiting to hear your tales of the sea and you can help keep the young ones occupied while I help mother."
He chuckled softly as she jumped from one task to another, squeezing her shoulders once before letting go, "One step at a time, Caroline."
She waved her hands bashfully as she turned to head inside but within two steps, she turned around to kiss him on the lips. The softness of her lips and the light exhale of warm breath against his skin from her nose was heavenly after weeks at sea. His cheeks flushed immediately to the unexpected move and she pulled away with a wide smile, "Welcome home, Ratonhnhaké:ton."
Well, that was quite the welcome. The young assassin entered the Burnett home with a bashful smile and flushing cheeks, which he was trying to subdue as quickly as possible. Caroline moved to the dining table to put together a quick meal for him while the youngest children practiced their reading lessons. The second set of footsteps behind their sister broke away their focus and Samuel grinned when he turned his head, "Connor, you're back!"
The two quickly abandoned their book at the table as they ran up to him with a rabble of questions. Caroline merely chuckled as she removed two corn cakes from their bread basket to place them on a tin plate. Her gaze met his as he decided which question to answer first and she teased with mirth, "If you weren't hungry before, you will be after this."
Alice grabbed the end of his captain's coat and smiled to her brother, "This one is so much prettier than the other coat. Carrie fixed it really well."
Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't understand the fascination and preference to his captain's garb compared to his assassin's attire. Caroline met his confused gaze and pointed out with a witty grin, "Everybody loves a captain."
"Except pirates! I bet they cringed when they realized whose vessel they boarded" Sam spoke up excitedly to hear his friend's stories and Ratonhnhaké:ton patted his head with amusement. He worried the Burnett's would lecture him one day about his storytelling and he tried to keep it children friendly. . .but it was rather hard since traveling overseas involved a lot of fighting.
"No, it was rather peaceful this time" he explained to keep the sword fighting and pistol shooting memories to himself. Alice smiled happily while Samuel pouted to the idea of no adventures at sea. Could that even be possible? The young man ruffled Sam's auburn hair to remind, "Discovering new lands is adventure in itself. I brought you tokens from a new place I visited in the southern colonies."
The happy squeals and thank you's alerted the rest of the Burnett household, leading Elizabeth to investigate. Her head popped out from the side of the doorway as she peered in to see what was occurring, mostly because packing Amelia's belongings was getting rather boring. When she saw Ratonhnhaké:ton reaching into his coat pocket, she gasped aloud with glee, "Did you bring me pirate booty?"
Caroline sighed with dismay to her exclamation and pointed out, "Eliza, you know Connor is not going to be looting trunks for treasure to bring home," turning to her partner, "Are you?"
His lips parted in bewilderment for a moment to what she suggested and justified, "And risk having their associates track me to Davenport? Of course not . . . I used it to buy items to repair my ship weeks ago."
Elizabeth groaned with disappointment at losing pirate treasure and clung to the wall with a frown on her heart-shaped face. Caroline raised her left eyebrow to her reaction since their mother would've been lecturing her immediately and the young redhead replied, "It's pirate treasure, Carrie. I could've saved it and earned money by regaling fake tales of heroism or kept it to build a reputation that warned people to keep at bay from Elizabeth Jane Burnett."
Before the same thought could transfer to Samuel's head, Caroline nipped it in the bud by stating, "Mother will spank those ideas out of you if it's ever said, even at our age."
"Completely worth the pirate loot" her sister reasoned with a scoff and Caroline shooed her back towards the bedrooms. It was best that Elizabeth's ideas didn't rub off on the children since two rebellious young women were enough for their parents.
Caroline tried to spend as much time as she could with Amelia when she was free from packing or receiving her last lessons from their mother. Nighttime was the best time since the solitude of their room offered privacy for spilling their innermost worries. Still, Caroline wanted to offer her a suitable farewell gift and had stolen Amelia away for a sunset ride with Sophia across the pasture of Davenport.
"And you wonder where Eliza gets her rebellion from?" Amelia called out as the wind whipped against her face as she rode behind Caroline. The elder redhead held the reigns of her golden horse with a wide smile as the endless fields offered freedom.
"Are you telling me you're not loving this?" Caroline laughed with a voice that echoed through the air as Sophia's clacking hooves were the only sound. The sky was palette of pinks and oranges as the peaceful azure had faded to welcome the hour of sunset. Sophia's speed had their skirts fluttering against the wind and Caroline stated matter-of-factly, "Tell me where in the city you will see two girls on horseback riding like this?"
Amelia was ready to reply but a jump from Sophia as she took a different path further south to the cove turned it into a yelp. She had followed her sister into adventurous moments since birth as they walked hand in hand together but this would be their last endeavor. Life had deemed it time to separate them and Amelia chuckled to the bittersweet moment, "Nowhere."
They reached the top of one hill and Amelia's eyes widened with delight to the scenic overlook below them. All of the pastures were covered in a multitude of colorful flowers, resembling a patchwork blanket underneath the blue sky. Caroline grinned to the serene sight that would remain until late summer and informed, "This is my parting gift to you. We were seedlings when we arrived here and now we've blossomed to show the world what we can do."
Sophia descended the hill in a slow trot to prevent crushing too many flowers on the greenest path she could find. Amelia wanted to run her hands over every flower and wondered if she laid down, would she be hidden from the world like a secret? She wished to have the skills of an artist to paint the beautiful scene as flowers of every color imaginable swayed gently with the wind away from the cove.
When Caroline pulled the reins for a stop and dismounted Sophia, Amelia was more than eager to grab her hand. The moment her feet touched the grass, she pulled up her skirts to kneel down and smell the flowers. The sweet aroma entered her nose and she closed her eyes to sigh blissfully, "Thank you, Carrie. I have been fortunate to call you my sister in this life."
"As have I" Caroline replied earnestly as she turned away from brushing Sophia's mane, knowing her mare wouldn't wander far from her. Leaning down, she embraced her sister from behind with a laugh and admitted, "You've been in my life since my earliest memories and I'll always be with you. I still remember when the women at the log camps thought we were twins when mother dressed us in similar dresses."
Amelia's gaze turned towards the cove since water had always been around them for as long as she remembered and added in, "We were boban's 'little porcelain dolls' but one fabric roll was all we could afford back then. I never want to return to that old life, Carrie."
Caroline tilted her head to the side since Amelia had never complained about their life, always keeping optimistic like Catherine taught them. The younger Burnett avoided her gaze as she realized the leaving her family meant divulging all of her concerns to her best friend. Her gaze softened as she looked to the calm water and admitted quietly, "I will always treasure the love our parents showed us but our childhood was bleak. We wore the same dresses until we outgrew them, our shoes had to be patched up to last the year, and food had to be rationed when boban had to wait on companies to pay him. I see why boban was determined to find a better life for us and I need to continue that to prevent the same from ever befalling my future children."
Her brow furrowed to the hardships they'd faced the moment they arrived in the colonies and Caroline wrapped an arm around her to compliment, "That just shows the strong resolve we carry as Burnetts. Life will never be easy here but we have to do the best we can. I know you hated wearing patched shoes, it's why I switched yours with mine whenever holes appeared. Remember how happy you were when we turned them into pots to hold the dirt for planted seeds?"
"Yes . . . you made my childhood bearable, Carrie" she thanked sincerely with a fond chuckle at remembering their bean plant inside her old left shoe. Without her sister, she would've been shy and alone until Martha was born two years later. Meeting her gaze, she thinned her lips with nervousness and stated, "But now I have to care for myself and cope with whatever comes my way."
Her fingertips trailed over the lilac petals of a flower and she smiled forlornly, "Do you remember how nervous we were to come to the great big woods of Davenport? That's how I feel right now- the unknown scares me."
"Take it one day at a time, you will adjust to Boston" she reassured and squeezed her shoulder fondly since she wholeheartedly believed Amelia to be the best of all of them. As the oldest, living with her parents and unmarried would eventually earn Caroline the spinster status. Amelia, however, had studied endlessly for months to pass her licensing exam so she had high expectations for her. With a bright smile, she sat down on the green grass and pointed out, "You passed the hardest hurdles so I know you can do this. There's nothing you can't achieve but if you want to come home at any time, I will ride Sophia there myself and bring you home."
Knowing her sister would support her through anything, it set her heart at ease. Amelia kneeled down to smell the abundant flowers that stretched across the hill like a blanket. The colors were absolutely stunning at that distance and she smiled at her sister, "Thank you again for bringing me here. It's given me the freedom to truly express myself. I could never do it at home but here, in the open, you've allowed me to."
"I figured you'd like it since Boston won't have endless forests but you'll be close to the sea like we are here" she smiled encouragingly and squeezed her shoulder affectionately. Their homestead was unique but she needed to remind Amelia that she'd have her own adventures now. The cities were bustling with life so she was certain she'd find a way to entertain herself whether by visiting libraries, marketplaces, or simply walking the roads. Untying the linen ties of her blue bonnet, she removed it to feel the sun shine on her head and beamed at Amelia, "I wanted one last ride with my sister before adulthood takes full claim of our lives."
Amelia kept her own bonnet on to prevent a sunburn like a proper lady and stated confidently, "I'm certain that you'll have outing ideas when I visit."
6 May 1774
The day had arrived for Amelia to depart but Caroline had a hard time the moment she'd embraced her in farewell. This would be the last time she would hold her on their homestead and releasing her would send her into the arms of another family. Caroline hoped they would be as kind as the other residents in Davenport. Is this how their mother felt as having to relinquish her first child into the world?
"Please be careful and write to me whenever you can" Caroline requested tearfully and hugged her sister tightly as their days together had come to an end. They couldn't hope to be children forever but they'd formed such a tight bond that Caroline could find no greater friend than her. Well, Ratonhnhaké:ton would come in second but he had become the one she loved.
"Paper is so expensive but I doubt I'd have many expenses" she chuckled nervously since she'd be making her own money and buying items for herself. Aside from food and hygiene products, she didn't really need anything else. Knowing her own nerves, she would be sending Caroline a letter after arriving there. She smiled supportively to prevent the sadness from seeping in and reminded fondly, "Don't be so sad, Carrie. You'll see me again and better it be Boston than New York."
"You're right, it's just sisterly worry" she chuckled sadly since luck was on their side to have her living in the closest city to Davenport. The first goodbye would always be the hardest and she needed to be strong for both Amelia and her family. Sighing softly, she spoke aloud to soothe both their worries, "After never being apart for more than a few days, this will hurt, but we will endure. We're Burnetts."
Amelia nodded and turned to Ratonhnhaké:ton, who stood quietly behind Caroline. He had dropped by to help load the wagon since both parents would accompany Amelia to Boston, leaving their oldest in charge. The Galloways would look after the children as well which alleviated some of the Burnetts worry. Always ready to help others, Amelia knew her sister would be safe with him and smiled, "Watch over her while I'm gone and I hope I can call you brother sooner than later."
He clasped her shoulder in farewell and assured, "Of course."
With her goodbyes finished, she headed to the wagon without glancing back to make the transition easier. If she dared to look, she'd be liable to embrace her siblings and never let them go. Godfrey helped her into the wagon first to get her settled for the trip while Catherine hugged all of her children goodbye. She added an extra squeeze to Alice to strengthen her little heart.
"You listen to Carrie until we return and look after each other" she instructed her children with a stern wagging finger and they all nodded. Diana watched her friend with amusement since she'd be there to protect the young ones while her friends were away. The redhead look to her most stubborn child and reminded firmly, "Elizabeth, no yelling. Sam, don't wander away from our homestead alone."
"Don't you worry, we'll look in on the bairns" Terry assured her since he was a godparent to at least two of the Burnett children. There was no way he'd let them come to harm and have an angry Godfrey after him. The man was rarely angry and when he was, well, you'd better have wings on your feet. He tipped his straw hat towards his longtime friend and bid him goodbye, "You three get to Boston safely."
Catherine took one last look at her children before scuttling off to the wagon to join Amelia's side. Godfrey offered a hand to help her settle in and gave his children his trademark grin, "We'll be back before you know it. Listen to your aunt and uncle while we're gone and no roughhousing. Caroline, I trust you with the house and Connor, keep an eye on Sam and Eliza."
Caroline straightened her posture at hearing him use her full name and realized the responsibility he was placing in her. Samuel grinned at having his friend on the lookout for him while Elizabeth pouted at having a third babysitter. Did she really need that many? Terry ruffled her hair at seeing the puffy cheeked chipmunk expression on her face and she calmed down before her parents decided to break into a lecture. If she held them from departing on time, she'd never hear the end of it.
Ratonhnhaké:ton watched the wagon depart from his perch as the girls hugged Caroline for support. Amelia squeezed her mother's hand for the same as the wagon left her childhood home behind for the city. Each bump of the wagon served to remind her that they were on the road away from Davenport. Elijah followed dutifully to the picket fence since he'd never seen both his masters leave the house and whined when the wagon didn't come back with them. Caroline felt her entire frame trembling to the separation but kept back her tears. Women had to keep a stiff upper lip during tough times but it was incredibly hard for her with four siblings in tow. Ratonhnhaké:ton pulled her hand into his to offer support, knowing she needed it now, and she squeezed it as pain ate at her heart.
The wind felt colder as the wooden wagon became smaller and smaller down the road. The tiny wagon contained the last shreds of her and Amelia's free untamed youth as it moved farther away and she knew things would never be the same. When it returned in two days, it would be without Amelia. It was the end of a chapter and the beginning of another for her and the family. Caroline kept watch on that wagon, the sturdy beacon of hope that had brought two young girls to the frontier, fade between the green hills and finally ushered with a dry mouth, "All right, let's go inside before anyone catches illness."
Alice was trying to hide her leaking tears by wiping them but they were too much for her small hands. Elizabeth muttered she had an eyelash in her eye and quickly headed inside to avoid an emotional moment. Samuel hid his sadness by fetching Elijah so the dog could come inside the house to stay warm. Ratonhnhaké:ton kneeled down to give Alice a blue handkerchief for her tears to dry her rosy face and she managed a stuttering thank you. Martha tried to maintain the stoic face women were taught to use and reminded Alice, "You're going on eleven years, Alice. You're not a little girl anymore, little ladies must always keep a brave front."
"Boban says a lady can always cry when there's a just reason among family" she pointed out without raising her voice and for the first time, Alice defended herself. She was a sweet child but she was slowly learning that the world was not entirely innocent and one needed a proper head to survive. She had bid her sister farewell, a moment that was not easy for her, and that was reason enough for her to reply, "Amelia's gone, I can cry all I want."
Ratonhnhaké:ton ushered Alice back to the house by the hand and the young girl followed him. He complimented her brave stand in private, bringing a warm smile to her face. Diana hugged both girls remaining to offer her support and smiled with encouragement, "I'll be by later for lunch to check in you. Carrie, if you need any help before then, come fetch me."
"Thank you, Aunt Diana" they replied politely since she became their mother figure until Catherine returned. It had been that way for years whenever her parents needed to run errands and they were lucky for the helping hand.
Caroline turned to Martha since they were the ones in charge of their siblings. Her sister was aching to be the boss for once, especially now that Amelia's space was vacant, and Caroline instructed firmly, "You will listen to my orders but if you have any suggestions to make the work run faster, do tell me. We have to keep this house running smoothly until mother comes back because she had her own set of chores apart from ours. We can do this but I will need you to refrain from arguing with Elizabeth at every little comment and be gentle with Alice."
Martha scoffed immediately to being the culprit in Elizabeth's tantrums and began, "I'm not the one-"
"I'm not here to play the blame game because we have a household to upkeep" Caroline interjected quickly because she was past petty arguments at her age and their home came first. Although she and Martha weren't seeing eye-to-eye on many things as of late, maintaining a safe environment for her siblings was the priority. With a small sigh, she admitted, "Amelia and I never fought but I cannot compare you two to us like that, it isn't fair. I can, however, remind you to implement the same words you spout so if you want to switch to work with Alice, we can do that for the sake of peace. Maintaining our home is the priority right now."
Her sister didn't hesitate at all when making her choice, "I'd rather work with Alice."
"All right, let's start the light chores since they're undoubtedly a little sleepy from all this" Caroline murmured as she covered her mouth to yawn and glanced one last time to the green hills that led away from Davenport. The tranquil lilac hue of dawn peeking through did not help her nerves at all.
"She's Amelia, the best out of all of us- she'll be fine" Martha spoke up suddenly with insight that surprised Caroline as they stood alone on the porch. The eldest smiled faintly with a quiet nod since there was nothing that could be done now and ushered her inside.
Preparing supper for the first time had felt awkward and wrong for Caroline after years of watching her mother relay orders and work next to her. Now, she was off in Boston undoubtedly preparing or buying a meal for her father and Amelia. Martha was more than happy to run the indoor chores so Caroline filled her mother's shoes for the night. It didn't make it easier with three members down but they made do.
Ratonhnhaké:ton had been her strongest support system in the past three days as he checked in on the Burnetts. The youngest children were more eager than ever to spend time with him to decrease the loneliness felt with their missing family members. For the moment, he had whisked away his partner as Martha and Diana looked in on the children. Caroline knew she'd best keep her clothing spotless and her hair combed neatly to avoid any scandalous rumors from floating to her mother. Otherwise, she'd never see Ratonhnhaké:ton until their wedding day.
Caroline squeezed his arm as they strolled through their secret spot near the cove and sighed, "You know what this means, don't you? You'll have to write double so I don't fret about your safety too."
"You really read what I write? Even if it isn't adventurous?" he asked since her siblings painted him as a dashing groundbreaking explorer of the frontier. His letters included nothing of the sort as she promised to keep them private and assumed she'd skimmed over the bland portions. His life as an assassin was dangerous and keeping that hidden was a priority, no matter how much he wished to share his worries with her. Kicking a small pebble with his boot, he admitted quietly, "Even I have to admit most of my letters have been dry in content- very dry."
"Of course, I miss you when you're not here" she admitted warmly and kissed his lower cheek in emphasis. Every time she received a letter, she read it at least twice to put herself in his shoes. Chuckling softly, she reminded him gently, "Letters are all we have to communicate when we're apart. You can be as dry as you want, all I need to know is that you're safe and well. I don't need to be regaled with adventurous tales like my siblings, my main concern is your safety."
Glad to have her by his side, he smiled, "I will always return to you, Caroline."
That comforted her more than letters ever could and she squeezed his arm, hoping he would keep his word. When he was in Davenport, the stresses of life melted away for her as he kept them at bay. She beamed happily to shower her quiet partner with affection, "And I will be here with open arms."
Approaching the shore, Caroline opened the wicker basket she'd brought to pull out a blanket to splay over the ground. She wanted a nice afternoon just for themselves, away from their duties. Setting the basket full of snacks on top, she stretched her arms with a lazy yawn. Wrapping her arms behind the young man as he admired the cove, she mused playfully, "What should we do first?"
"Let's swim, the weather's perfect" he suggested and before Caroline knew it, he was heading for the shore with enthusiasm. Spring was in full swing and the sparkling water beckoned him to play. Even though he was a captain and traveled over the ocean for weeks, he was only comfortable swimming at home. Nobody knew where he lived, especially with the way he covered his tracks, and danger was extremely low.
Her cheeks reddened instantly when he simply cast aside his brown linen coat and began removing his boots like nothing. He paused when he noticed she wasn't at his side, a moment of bashfulness flooding him, and he turned to look back at her. The bright shade on her face was a cause of concern and he asked warily, "What is it?"
"Settlers don't show their skin easily, it's considered improper" she admitted sheepishly since she only swam with her sisters and nobody else. He felt the first inklings of inadequacy since they were from two different cultures and hoped he hadn't gone down in her tier of respect. Caroline caught the downcast look on his face and approached him to grasp his shoulders as the simple white tunic hung off one of his bronze shoulders. His skin was soft and warm against her touch as her fingers trailed upwards to cup his chin, teasing gently, "Oh no, don't give me that face. It's a good thing your country girl could care less about the rules of English propriety."
His eyebrows rose since he expected a lecture on their different cultures and etiquette. Instead, she followed his lead as she smiled innocently, "Nobody will be none the wiser to our frolicking adventure. Unbutton the back of my dress, please?"
He smiled fondly as she turned around, not for the unbuttoning request (he'd earn the fastest slap in the world and a horrid end to his first relationship), but her dismissal of appropriateness where he was concerned. His culture clashing against hers was always at the forefront of his mind- well, his being an assassin was number one- but a problem had yet to arise. She didn't try to change him or chide any of his cultural aspects and she chuckled when he embraced her from behind instead.
His nose buried into the crook of her neck as he squeezed her once before keeping their embrace loose. He couldn't help treasuring her and needed to convey that. Her hands laid on top of his as she leaned back to press her cheek against his to smile at the sky, "You have a way of never saying words but giving meaning to each action."
"There is no need to when you understand me" he replied earnestly and released her to undo the vertical row of round buttons. It was unnerving him out of the irrational fear that somebody could stumble upon them at any moment. Each black button that he broke free revealed porcelain skin underneath with freckles dotting her back. For a moment, he was curious to know how it would feel to run his fingers down her skin. Since he was already pressing against her rules of propriety, he told her he was finished once he undid the last one and watched her run off to change. Quickly, he called out with concern, "Be sure to check the bushes before you change!"
He didn't know what dwelled under all those layers nor was he going to start and risk the appearance of a cherry. Turning around, he took a fresh breath to the idyllic peace around him and removed his tunic to head in for a swim.
The cold water was invigorating now that the temperatures climbed steadily over the months. He would be leaving his home during the most beautiful time and returning when the heat was greatest in mid-summer. Looking to the clear blue sky overhead, he hoped he would eliminate his first assassination target soon. It wasn't easy traveling back and forth between the colonies, especially those of other countries, but he was adapting one day at a time.
Hearing an approaching splash, he smiled at seeing his partner and remembered why he loved returning home the most. She wore a white sleeveless dress and he assumed it was an inner layer or attire she snuck into the basket. Her cold fingers swept over stray locks of hair clinging to his cheek and she spoke softly, "Don't feel shy around me, you're in trusting non-judgmental hands. Never hide who you are or feel ashamed."
It did make him feel less awkward at knowing she wasn't taking notes on each of his words and actions. His Caroline was laidback but he always wondered if he'd falter and cause a scene one day. A cold finger tapping his nose snapped him out of those thoughts and their eyes met, leading him to admit, "The worry is always there."
"I. . .I understand, I worry about being too brazen for you" she chuckled nervously to show he wasn't alone in his thoughts. He flicked a few drops of water in her direction as he chuckled to the silly idea. Her open mind and kind temperament, along with her principles, were enough for him. Caroline returned the playful splash and smiled broadly, "But I do know this: my heart is yours."
"Let's ensure that by returning you home with perfect hair in place and dry clothes" he reminded quickly because he wanted her to return in the same condition. If her mother caught wind of anything that was astray, he'd be knocking on a door that would never open again. Or worse, one that opened followed by a rifle and a very angry parent. He cupped her face with one hand as he treaded water and stated, "I'd hate for this to be our last outing together."
"I'm sure the sun will dry us completely by the time we return" she reasoned with a confident smile since the hike didn't have much tree cover. After the bobcat incident, Caroline didn't tread into the interior of the forest alone or with her siblings.
She splashed his face and laughed when he wrapped an arm around her waist to trap her like a little fish. Just being able to laugh carefree in the open relieved the inner stress of the moment. She didn't have to hide any turbulent emotions from him and it was why she loved him. He smiled unabashedly when she grasped his face to kiss him on the lips and joked gently, "Cheerful already?"
"Why wouldn't I be? You're with me in this beautiful land we call home" she beamed fondly and brushed back the raven strands that always seemed to fall beside his face. Embracing him, the heat from his skin penetrated into hers and she felt like a moth drawn to a flame with each passing second. She'd never experienced any kind of skin contact with a man and couldn't find anyone worthier of it but him. Was that the level of the blissful comfort that awaited her when married? He was the only one she could ever considering handing her heart to for the rest of her life.
It was an innocent affectionate embrace that she wouldn't delve further into since he was alluring enough to intoxicate her senses. The tip of his nose nudged against the back of her ear and his voice tickled her ear, "Comfortable?"
"More than you know" she chuckled mischievously and turned her head to meet his gaze. His lips pressed against hers to initiate another soft kiss since he'd yet to do so. Neither would complain about practicing their kissing skills on each other after finding the easiest way to express their affection. Hand holding was great but hiking did not give them ample opportunity and their palms would be sweaty by the end of it. Her blue eyes glittered brightly compared to the water and she doted, "But you should know you are the only person I would ever do this with . . . my wolf."
"And I will do my best to keep it that way . . . and prevent your parents from chasing me with Charlotte" he promised because she was the one he planned to spend the rest of his days with. There was no hesitance in that decision. The 'courtship' process had been almost as stressing as training itself but he was a determined man. He meant the latter part as a nervous playful joke but when Caroline joined his laughter with the same tone, he stopped. Quickly, he asked with worry betraying his tone, "Wait, will they really chase me down?"
"We Scots are a great but terrifying people" she joked with amused laughter and pulled him into a supportive hug when his face fell. She could hear him mumbling about being serious and she chuckled fondly, "Not unless we do something scandalous, which we will not. Sweet kisses and hugs are all you will receive until a wedding day."
The worry disappeared from his face as his emotions broke through for the first time and he stated softly, "I can live with that, especially if it means my life and our relationship."
To calm his worries, she planted a soft kiss on his lips and reminded, "The eagle will always protect her wolf."
Words like that led to wishes of having her by his side through all of his adventures but he couldn't. All he could do was cherish his time with her and lament their separation when he was on his travels. She pointed to a small ball, made of dark animal skin, which floated around them and grinned excitedly, "All right, let's play with this ball we brought before we turn wrinkly."
11 May 1774
"Welcome back, mama" Alice squealed happily as she bounded up to embrace her mother tightly.
The young girl hadn't hesitated to welcome her parents back as the wagon returned by late noon. She'd been the first one to fly through the doorway and called everyone to the front of their homestead. Catherine's face showed weariness from the short trip and the children assumed the farewell was a large part of it. Godfrey unhitched the horses to give the mares freedom to roam the pastures and turned to the children with a kind smile, "Have you been holding down the fort?"
"Godfrey" Catherine chastised gently because none of her little ones were going to be running off to fight a war anytime soon. Her children were meant to be safe homebound folk.
"They were very well behaved" Terry praised warmly as he embraced his friends with welcome to their safe return. Samuel puffed up his chest with pride for doing his uncle proud and beamed at his parents. Shaking Godfrey's hand, he complimented with a friendly grin, "You've taught them very well but I expect no less from you and Catherine. All chores were done on time, no random fires, or missed baths."
Diana embraced Catherine since it was never easy to bid one's child goodbye and asked gingerly, "How did it go?"
"There's no easy way to let go of your child but she'll be in a good home" she sighed softly with a modest smile and hoped her little one would be safe. That's all she could do from her side. Her gloved hands wrung together as Diana's kind face threatened to break the surface of her true worries, leading her to state, "She's optimistic as always and I have to encourage it. The motherly worry will always linger but it's time my children begin leaving the nest."
"I'll be checking in when I'm in town to make sure she's well" Godfrey reassured his wife to keep the beaming smile he loved on her face. Parenthood brought happy and bittersweet moments but he'd be there to support her on that road.
Catherine smiled faintly and dismissed her fretful worrying with a quick wave of her hands, "All's well that ends well."
Alice frowned with disappointment and looked to her siblings to murmur privately, "But I don't want everyone to leave and not see each other. We're a family."
Elizabeth hugged her by the shoulders to bring her close, pressing her cheek against hers, and grinned wildly, "We'll run off into the west and be the Burnett girls of the frontier! That way, we'll never be apart."
"But what about me? I'm a boy!" Samuel pointed out quickly as the only male in the party and crossed his arms. A future adventurer like himself couldn't be mixed in with his rabble of sisters to battle for popularity.
Martha shushed their shenanigans since the adults were still talking and the three settled down. Samuel kept the pout on his face at the idea of being the only boy in a group once more while Alice's eyes widened to being on her own in the wild outdoors. Caroline put an end to it by embracing the two and rubbing their backs to settle their nonexistent worries.
"Nobody is wandering off into the wild" she chuckled softly, bringing a weak smile back to Alice's face. She didn't have the adventurous streak of her three siblings.
Diana caught the children fidgeting in their spots and smiled at the older couple to divert their attention, "The girls and I cooked supper. We figured a good stew would do wonders for the heart at moments like this."
"What would I do without you, my dear friend?" Catherine sighed softly with grateful appreciation because cooking had been the last thing on her mind. Exhaustion had led her to requiring her bed as soon as possible but she couldn't deny a good supper. Quickly, she turned around to gather her young ones with a smile that brightened as she saw each one of them, "Come on, my dears. Let's not linger before the drafts roll in."
The youngest children forgot how much they missed the motherly coddling until that moment. Of course, they could live without the stern lectures but they were what crafted a true mother like Catherine. Alice was quick to grab her hand to reestablish that maternal bond and piped up eagerly, "Mama, did you see pigs and other animals in Boston?"
"Oh yes, saw cattle as well" Catherine chuckled softly and squeezed her small hand. Amelia might have left for a better future but she still had five other children that needed her. It was a blissful relief to be home with her loved ones and away from the city.
Everyone headed indoors into the Burnett household to continue the reunion, except for two.
Godfrey smiled sympathetically at his oldest, knowing she was itching with unasked questions about her sister. Reaching into the inner pocket of his wool coat, he pulled out a white envelope and handed it over, "Amelia began to feel homesick on the first day and began writing before we even went to the tailor. She says to expect more the next time I visit."
She chuckled with amusement as she felt the separation anxiety as well the moment she'd left. It had taken days to adapt but holding the letter in her hand was like Christmas Day for her. Clutching the thin envelop to her chest, she smiled widely, "Bless the simple commodities that allow us to communicate like this. I miss her, boban, but writing to her will help considerably."
"I've no doubt on that" he agreed wholeheartedly since his girls were determined once they set their sights on a goal.
She thanked her father and spoke with a solemn voice, "Letters are all we have now."
Their cheerful home would take a few days in regaining its old joy but Godfrey would keep his family united. All of his loved ones were grieving, primarily his wife and oldest daughter. Amelia would not be coming home anytime soon and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders to comfort his child.
"Come along, Carrie" Godfrey ushered his oldest as she looked to the twin hills of the silver-purple horizon with melancholy. The lingering gaze reminded him of the day he'd left Scotland for the colonies, ever watchful of the old road home. Her face turned crestfallen as she allowed her father to see her in a weak moment and he comforted, "We have to carry onwards and live our own lives. However, we do not forget our own."
Caroline nodded quietly to the truth, as sullen as it sounded, and the two walked back to their cozy home.
A/N: A little late with this chapter but I finally landed the nursing position I wanted in my specialty as a new graduate so I've been studying for new certifications and just plain over the moon at delivering babies. Just one more chapter and I can start rolling in the next residents! I've been waiting on bringing in Norris and Myriam due to that specific chapter so I'm excited for it now. I want all of the homestead residents mingling and having fun. Connor and Caroline are at least happy with each other as they sneak off to spend time together with no culture clashes. :)
Thank you as always to all of my readers and reviewers (new and old)!
Dungongolah: Thank you, it took a while due to hectic life but I'm getting the updates back on track. I try to make the chapters longer too after the wait. ;)
TK: Martha is that character you want to throttle out of all the Burnetts. We'll see her character develop as time goes by, for the better. We'll see Warren and Prudence in the next chapter and the next residents will be piling in after the next chapter. I've been putting them off from arriving, primarily Myriam, for one reason so they're just around the corner.
Inari of the Skies: Yes, this story will always continue (thanks to writing a draft and outline at the beginning).
GuildMaster: Thank you so much, I'll try to update faster as well from now on. :)
Next Time: The Wanderlust Bug
Caroline felt restless with the passing weeks and when Martha began journeying to Boston with her father, it poked her at seeing everyone was passing her by. Her catches could only be sold in town by her father due to her gender and she couldn't afford boarding on her own in Boston by being a seamstress. Her current homemaking skills pertained to sewing, cooking, and helping in a mill so not a lot of options were open to her. Adding in that she was a woman, half of those limited options closed shut. There was one alternative poking her in the back whenever she walked through town and given her desire to explore the unknown, she jumped upon it.
She had her father's gumption so it was better to ask and receive a 'no' than be left wondering about what could have been. With that in mind, the young woman strode onto the platform that led to the Aquila. Her leather shoes made no sounds against the wooden board but curious looks were sent her way from the men on the dock. They didn't expect any of the residents to be that far out in the cove but Sophia made quick work of the distance for Caroline. The top deck was void of its usual activity now that the crew was on shore leave but she spotted the second in command right away near the mast.
Aiming to prove herself, she strode forward with her head held high and asked aloud, "Mr. Faulkner, who here can teach me to use a sword?"
Faulkner blinked with surprise to who stood in front of him, never expecting a young lady to stand on the deck of the Aquila. He remembered seeing the redhead once during the reconstruction of the Aquila but her father sent her home for her safety. Back then, she'd barely reached his chest and now she matched his height. The redheads of Davenport belonged to one family alone and knowing the captain of the ship was keen on the oldest, it didn't take long for him to put two and two together. He hesitated on asking why she was there in the first place, "Eh, Ms. Burnett-"
"Pardon my manners, I forgot to add the good afternoon and please" she added in with a quick nod to maintain politeness. Mother always said to show the utmost respect but knock around heads when ears turned deaf. Looking to the great white sails that were currently tied down, she continued, "I am here because I'd like to know more about what you encounter in your voyages and your styles of fighting."
His face didn't hide the bewilderment to her request because he expected inquiries about Ratonhnhaké:ton. His captain had been clear on what he would rehearse to her to keep their business hidden. How was he supposed to answer this? She had gumption, he'd give her that. On one hand, he didn't mind regaling old tales upon new generations but this was a young civilian woman, not to mention his captain would undoubtedly have a few words with him about it.
"Ms. Burnett, the docks is no place for a young lady like yourself- much less fighting and sea voyages" he declined with reason to her uncommon request. It was a rarity for women to desire fighting skills and sending a Burnett child home with a black eye would bring forth an angry parent and an annoyed Achilles.
"Mr. Faulkner, you'd be surprised to how many rules of etiquette I break daily" she stated with an amused smile to her behavioral quirks, "I've realized that although there is danger in almost every corner of this land, I want to explore it. In order to do that, I need to be capable of survival- hence, why I am here. Connor leads a strong ship and that tells me you're all capable on your own to hold the Aquila together."
She knew she was pushing the limit and reasoned, "I can hunt, wield an axe, and shoot a gun, and I've no issue with that. However, swords and hand to hand fighting is unknown to me. I will repay any teachings by working on whatever repairs the Aquila needs. I'm the child of a lumberjack so I know my way around wooden repairs."
"Your parents and Connor will have my hide for this if I even dared" the second-in-command declared to the idea of three angry people chasing him out of the cove.
"You let me worry about that" she assured confidently with flippant wave of the hand. It was worth risking their ire for learning the skills she required.
Thank you again for reading and have a wonderful day or night to all of my readers!