Music Inspiration: Two Steps From Hell- "Heart"
The Rolfes of Davenport
7 September 1777
Caroline managed to convince Ratonhnhaké:ton to travel the frontier for a visit to his childhood village. She had never traveled anywhere near the land of the natives that inhabited the New World before colonial conquest. She refused to believe it was colonial occupation when numerous countries from across the sea had settled along the coastline for almost two centuries. Her fiancé had agreed to grant her entrance to his old life and there was hope in bridging both of his worlds. His bride was not the type of woman to chastise or demean his views or traditions, encouraging him to partake in his culture. She wanted to see the place of his childhood and a world different from hers to gain more perspective on her future husband. It stirred intrigue within her more than apprehension but she believed exposure and understanding could bridge the gap between their two worlds. Well, that and the lack of reachable weapons.
Together, the two had left Davenport with enough supplies for the trek north and promised to return in time for Martha's dress fittings. Caroline had reluctantly agreed to wear a new dress for the wedding and had chosen a rich burgundy to greet the coming fall. Her little sister would marry in October and she wanted everything to go smoothly for her. Ratonhnhaké:ton had rummaged through his drawers to find a suitable outfit for his future sister-in-law's wedding to avoid looking shabby. He was not going to risk embarrassing his family right before his own wedding and resorted to using Ellen's catalogs for accessorizing. Their new tailor was gifted and kind in her work, assisting him in figuring out exactly what he needed to order and why.
The gentle breeze of the lingering summer and the changes of the foliage provided great weather with a view for travel. The spring would have been too cold in the night and the summer would have been unbearable with the bugs. Winter would have frozen them stiff so it was fitting that they ventured to the village before their vows. He was still trying to determine how he would approach the Clan Mother on his future wedding, especially since she was his maternal grandmother. The expectation had been for him to find a native woman of his own tribe but his heart decided on another path. It appeared that everything he had expected from a young age had veered in a completely opposite path but he would venture down the road nonetheless.
Caroline jerked him out of his thoughts with a gentle hand to his shoulder while he tended to their campfire. They would stay there for the night before finishing the last leg of their journey to reach Kanatahséton by mid-morning tomorrow. He had not visited the village in almost a year after the tense blowout between him and Caroline led him to leaving Davenport to ruminate on his future. Back then, he felt his different roles clashing against one another wildly as balance was lost and feared one would shatter the other. Thankfully, he and Caroline picked up the pieces to create a new mosaic to define his turbulent life.
His redheaded confidante had not left his side and he was proud that she put up a fight in not giving up their broken relationship. She had been bound to him from their first meeting and he was glad that she sought him for friendship while he had been initially wary. His early interactions with colonists had not been great or peaceful but she was a breath of fresh air in the new unknown world. He smiled fondly when her head rested on his right shoulder to muse softly, "My wolf is pensive tonight."
He poked at the embers of their campfire to keep it burning for the rest of the night. They had been able to catch fish along the river that fed into the lake that surrounded Kanatahséton, which served as a fresh meal for the couple. Caroline never failed to bring along a small bag of salt while Ratonhnhaké:ton knew what fresh herbs to pick in the wild. Their short trips during that year allowed the two to become familiar to camping out together and he tended to take longer watch shifts to keep her safe.
"I'm thinking on how far we have progressed" he remarked truthfully to his rumination over his life and the past seven years. They would soon bring an end to the current year in three months and would begin a new one as a married couple. Dropping the stick to leave the campfire alone, he wrapped his left arm around her waist to pull her close. Caroline returned the embrace by curling up against his side for warmth and affection, a happy smile on her lips. His voice was soft but it reverberated against her skin as he spoke sincerely, "I left my village as a young boy with nothing but my weapons, provisions, and a bed roll. It was a very lonely time for me. I did not know anything about the world past my village. I am grateful to have crossed your father's path because meeting you swept that away."
She had been intrigued by the native boy from their first meeting and that innocent curiosity settled into respect. Her affection burned brightly like a star despite the passing years and doubted it would ever wane. Their shrouded privacy away from the world, tucked away in the dark forest, left them as the only two human souls around for miles. A smile touched her lips before she pressed them against his cheek to preen, "Figures I'd eventually tag along for this trip."
He appreciated her lighthearted jokes during the night, hoping they would share evenings like this in their future home. Brushing his fingers over her braided hair, he returned the fond kiss to her soft lips and reminded knowingly, "Because you will be my wife."
Her cheeks flushed a rosy pink to hearing that wonderful word but that could have also been from the kiss. He sent her heart spiraling into a cascade of warmth and she wanted to bask in that emotion forever! Her role as his wife also brought nerves but she focused on the positive side of things. For the moment, her newest position took the most time to fill into those new shoes. Despite her year of training alongside him, being an assassin meant she had to be more vigilant, cautious, and responsible.
Her left hand adjusted the navy collar around her neck to keep warm as a cool gentle breeze settled through the forest. Just like she had been gifted her new handy dandy but lethal hidden blade, Ratonhnhaké:ton had commissioned a new overcoat for her from Ellen. She had almost been tempted to mimic his colors for humor's sake but decided to choose navy with charcoal for the fabric over the inner torso to avoid being detected easily. It would also mean it could take a punch in dust and blood in case she couldn't find a river quickly enough to clean it. Unlike her partner, she chose silver buttons for the darker colors of her coat and Ellen tapered it at the waistline for a feminine silhouette. The edge of her hood and the hemline of her coat were covered in dyed lace to add another feminine touch to avoid the look of the masculine coats.
She was in love with her beautiful coat because it protected her better in the elements compared to her lightweight jacket that she wore onboard the Aquila. Her role as navigator had gained another layer but she would balance her new life one day at a time. Raising her hood over her head, she chuckled sheepishly to admit, "I'm still adjusting to the Assassin role."
He did not want to overburden her and stretch her time thinly, offering without question, "If you're not ready to marry-"
"Oh, I'm ready" she intervened giddily with a cheeky smile and leaned forward to kiss him again. He smiled fondly to the bright hue of her eyes against the illuminating fire, especially while lurking under the dark hood. The young Caroline he knew, the one that had cried from confusion to her true identity in the world, had finally been unleashed. She cracked his calm exterior by puckering her lips to kiss the air between them, stirring laughter from him. He was not bold enough to ask what dwelled in her amorous mind.
"I'm always by your side, Caroline" he promised earnestly to give her support if she ever felt overwhelmed. She lowered her hood to shed that new part of her identity to return to being his fiancée. Hugging him once more around the chest, her nose nudged against his neck to sigh with content.
8 September 1777
Caroline's innocent curiosity gave way to a plummet of confidence at entering Kanatahséton. The logs that served as a barrier to protect the village made her feel tiny against its daunting height but Ratonhnhaké:ton held her hand with support. He would not enter his childhood home unless she was allowed but one colonist against a village would hardly be a threat. At least, his redheaded bride anyway.
The scouts guarding the walls at its base allowed them entrance with reluctance since Ratonhnhaké:ton was one of their own. His strange companion, however, stuck out like a sore thumb. He assured the suspicious men that he would be heading to the Clan Mother to speak with her. That had been his primary goal with traveling to let her know of his decision to live in Davenport but it didn't mean he would cut his ties to the Kanien'kehá:ka.
It was a surreal feeling for her as the village reflected a mirror image of what Ratonhnhaké:ton must have felt in the city during his first visit. She was a fish out of water in the new environment and raised her blue hood to cover her head to hide her bright red hair. He squeezed her hand tightly with support, especially when the villagers working outdoors to dry furs and weave fabrics turned to stare at them. Offering a sheepish greeting, he continued their straight path north to the Clan Mother's hut.
The layout of the village kept their warriors by the perimeter of the village with the outskirts holding their crop fields. With the harvest season being over, the fields were used by children to play before winter struck. Their herb gardens were the only ones sprouting greens year-round and beside them, the wooden racks that held their catches of the day- whether fish, rabbit, venison, etc.- were hung to dry until ready for storage. A straight dirt path led past their fields of sustenance to the longhouses that sheltered the clan and at the end of that road, the Clan Mother's hut stood tall.
Two women guarded the entrance of the wooden hut and Caroline's gaze swept over the strips of timber and rope that held it together. There were strings of beads and feathers decorating both sides of the entrance, gently swaying in the breeze. It reminded her of the log cabins but instead of the sturdy logs that created the frame, strips and rope bark were used instead. Ratonhnhaké:ton stopped short of the entrance, greeting the women politely before beckoning, "Oiá:ner."
"Ratonhnhaké:ton?" her elderly voice called out from within the hut and they heard quiet shuffling of fabric and dry plants. He assumed she had been crushing dry herbs for medicine or meditating before leaving the hut to see her people. This time, Caroline wasn't the one tugging at his hand and she squeezed his hand firmly to bolster his courage. He had told her about the respected elderly woman that led the tribe, who also happened to be his grandmother, but he had unknowingly grown closer with her family. Finally, he heard her voice command his presence, "Ká:ts."
He didn't waste a second and pulled Caroline into the hut with him, surprising the women standing guard. She offered a modest apology for his impulsivity because he was a force to be reckoned with when charging. Her hands moved back the leather tent flaps to enter the dimly lit hut, huddling close to her partner when his steps slowed down. He kneeled to greet her politely before sitting cross-legged, tugging on Caroline's hand to follow. The redhead was mesmerized by the revered but petite woman sitting in the center. Her frail shoulders were covered in a warm beaver pelt while a simple deerskin dress held beadwork over the midsection. Her grayish hair was tied neatly into one braid that laid down her back.
Snapping out of her trance, she whispered a greeting to use the little language of his people that he had taught her. Sitting down similarly to him, she kept her gaze on her folded hands to appear humble. She did not want to add more negative stigma to the stereotype of her kind and hoped to show that not everyone was like that. Each culture held their good and evil traits and they would prove that they were on the good side.
"You return. . .with one of them" the clan mother stated simply with neither admonishment or acceptance. It was not surprising to her but he had also been determined to find a way to keep the newcomers off their territory. Her grandson lived between two worlds that tugged on him for dominance while he sought balance. Unfortunately, that was easier said than done. Her face softened with sympathy to his journey in the harsh world and she murmured, "I suppose it is expected, given your mother's history."
"I brought her to show our way of life, nothing more" he spoke earnestly to bridge his new world with his old because Caroline would not be leaving. Back in 1770, he expected the energetic redhead to find more interest in the forest than him. Seven years later, now bordering on eight, she refused to budge. She had never deceived, lied, or disrespected him- a polar opposite from his parents' relationship. Their bond would not break easily, not after everything they had faced, and he stated firmly, "She is not my father."
Caroline wanted her fiancé to enjoy his time among his people, not defend her presence. She did not want to rock the figurative boat with an entire town where she had only one ally. He had never failed in defending her, fluttering her heart happily for that devotion, but she would not jeopardize his return to the village.
"I don't mean to intrude" Caroline whispered with burning cheeks to overstepping her boundaries. This was a home for the Kanien'kehá:ka and she did not want to be intrusive. She had felt like an outsider in the cities and that rejection was not comforting, pushing her to walk away from it. Raising her hands, she shifted in her spot and spoke up quietly, "I will leave if it disrupts-"
Ratonhnhaké:ton refused that option instantly because he hoped his grandmother of all people would give Caroline a chance. Her parents had done as such for him to provide a sense of home and it would shame him if the same wasn't returned for her. His tone lowered as he asked carefully, "Am I not a part of this clan? I have done nothing but protect our people."
"You will always have a place here, child" she assured to dissuade thoughts of abandonment but she also had to oversee the best course of action for their tribe. He was still a child of the Kanien'kehá:ka and had not committed any wrong by pursuing a similar path of exploration like his mother. Her spirit lived strongly in him and it was admirable to see his attempt to bridge peace between two cultures. However, it was no easy feat and she advised solemnly, "But allying yourself with the white men that seek to take our land is not wise."
"I will see to it they do not" he vowed to protect their innocent village from any danger. Remaining neutral and out of the fight for either side, they would have a better chance of not drawing attention from the warring groups. He did not want them to be labeled as hostile savages by either group and asserted firmly, "Do not engage with either side or it will only yield problems. Send a messenger to me if anything should happen."
"We've done nothing and they have still approached our borders" she explained serenely to the silent stalemate that their village took against both sides. Despite the isolated location of their village, settlers eventually managed to find them. They would remain cordial to avoid any bad blood but it was apparent that the men associated to the warring factions weren't pleased to their lack of action. Ratonhnhaké:ton had faced harsh treatment throughout his life from settlers and she reminded, "You of all people should remember."
"Everything I do is to keep the peace" he pointed out quietly to maintain stability and stop needless bloodshed. Some said it was a fruitless venture but he refused to believe that. If one did nothing, then nothing would change. It was the hope that he could remove the Templars from power and deescalate the war or at least, bring a quicker end to it. He was growing tired and somber from seeing burnt buildings, bodies lying in battle fields, and innocent people losing all they had. Th death of his mother was a traumatic wound and he would work his hardest to prevent the same from happening to another child. Shaking his head, he conveyed his ideal for peace by stating, "I do not want the blood of innocents on my hands."
"Do not let those in power veil your judgment with words or empty promises" his grandmother spoke wisely and lightly tapped his forehead with the flat knobby end of her walking stick. The cold was starting to settle into the forest across the lake and her bones weren't getting any younger for long walks. He frowned slightly to the gentle reprimand since she would often do so in his childhood when he got too far ahead of himself. It was times like this that he wondered if his mother would approve of his path? Of his actions? Of his upcoming marriage?
Ratonhnhaké:ton was aware that there were master manipulators in society and he tried to pick apart every conversation for deception. Caroline broke into his bubble of thought when she turned to him to whisper meekly, "I agree with her."
He turned to her with surprise because he wanted her in his corner, sighing with dismay, "Caroline."
"You've seen the slave trade and the treatment toward natives" she explained carefully with raised palms to show she meant no ill will against his character. She would always defend him but he still had flickers of naivety and impulsiveness that she kept an eye on. Her own personality had weak points that he kept in check as well to keep both fighting and thinking effectively. War was not meant to be taken lightly and he was risking his life for the Patriot cause. Despite she believed in the cause, it was not perfect and she continued, "Right now, the Patriots focus is freeing the colonies from the crown. The colonies mean just that- residents like myself. Slave trade will likely continue without change and if they win, they will push west just as they did when the first colonies were established in 1607. If we hope to keep villages like this safe, then we need it in writing from Washington himself that this is our reward for aiding them."
While Ratonhnhaké:ton believed in a verbal agreement which was the common practice among his people, hers were different. Her future husband had to play smarter and delve further into the colonial world to keep an edge against those who would harm his people. Neither of them had a college education but she knew enough common business practices and law lingo to get by in the world. If he was going to keep running into battlefields for them, he was going to earn something for it.
Although words were their bond among the tribe, the clan mother motioned to the modest redhead to state wisely, "You speak the truth."
Caroline was struck with shyness for speaking up, a rare feeling after being encouraged by her family to speak freely. Ratonhnhaké:ton was amused to her subdued nature, briefly reminded of her early adolescence. They had been awkward children around adults but now, they were the adults. Her worried eyes met his with apology to deliberate further on her opinion, "Everyone talks about independence as the main goal but what about those with no voice? We must play at their level to succeed at this without bearing harsh losses. If they win, what is to stop them from desecrating this village in the name of whatever country we become or stealing our homesteads? We might have had luck in filing legally for a homestead but the Fortier farm could lose everything. Even Mr. Davenport."
Their town was incredibly diverse and the respect shared between each other was not privy everywhere else. They treated everyone as part of the family but if the new government that formed after the current one found them, the priority for land would be to those originating from the Old World. Their bonds would be tested throughout the war and its aftermath, regardless of the outcome, but she would fight to protect her home and its people.
The clan mother respected her passionate words and saw a familiar spark of her grandson in her. Instead of weaving a tapestry piece by piece like him, his young friend was studying each thread beforehand to correlate all possibilities of the end work. Maybe together, they could find a better path than her daughter. Extending her palm out to the redhead, Caroline placed her fair hand over the elderly woman's with a kind smile. Her wrinkled fingers grasped hers to acknowledge her with a sweet tone befitting a grandmother, "Caroline, is it?"
"Yes, ma'am" she replied earnestly with a quick nod, trying not to let her heart hammer too much.
"You may stay the night, only with the hope that you take what you see here and tell your people that we wish to be left alone from this fight" she spoke carefully to pass on her judgment and her hope for any future encounters between them. Caroline nodded silently with agreement to convey that sentiment to any militia that was encountered. The tribe had the right to their privacy and to live in peace, just like her town.
This time, she turned to address her grandson and advised him wisely, "Ratonhnhaké:ton, don't stray into the darkness blindly."
He said nothing to acknowledge her words but Caroline expressed her sentiments, "Thank you for your kindness."
There was still another matter to settle for Ratonhnhaké:ton and he looked to Caroline for privacy, "Meet me outside."
Her blue eyes squinted with playfulness that told him to mind his manners but excused herself quietly to return outside. The sunlight struck her face at returning to the outdoors and she occupied her time by studying the longhouses. She would not touch anything but merely observe to avoid any disrespect. If there was anything that she could incorporate for their homestead, she would use it to provide her husband a better sense of home.
From inside the hut, the two family members were afforded confidentiality and she asked with an interested tone, "She is not simply a friend, is she?"
He came from a sharp line of women and it was not a surprise that he would choose one of similar character. His wife, however, had been born to a society that would sooner chase him out than accept their marriage. Still, they persevered against that close-mindedness together and he answered calmly, "Akhsó'tha, Caroline will be my tiakení:teron."
The clan mother had hoped he would eventually choose a Kanien'kehá:ka but his time among the colonists changed that outcome. She would not condemn him for his choice but it would not be an easier road for him. Nothing in his short life appeared easy and, in her heart, she worried about his spirit. Repeated tragedy and disappointment could strengthen or break a man but such trials were not for the faint-hearted. Her voice lowered as she asked tentatively, "This is your decision?"
It was not what his tribe hoped for but he could not order his heart to end its love. He had tried repeatedly during their two years apart and it ultimately failed. Like the moon and stars, they were destined to be together and no force on earth but death itself could separate them. He would protect her from anyone that dared to harm her and she would do the same, like a loyal pair of alpha wolves. Closing his eyes, he revealed the decision of his future life and answered, "Hen. I will have no other. . .even if it means your disapproval."
"Not disapproval but hesitation" she spoke earnestly to her apprehension because he would only continue to become involved in colonial life. Generations had tried to seek peace but one conflict after another kept stretching hope thin. Maybe he would bring great change or maybe not- nothing was for certain. She had a tribe to protect from harm and left him with grim words to their unclear future, "Their kind will not rest until they satisfy their hunger for land."
"She is not like them" he insisted with resolve because they knew each other like creases in their palms. Seven years of camaraderie had produced an efficient sailing team that could fight off any enemy and a vigilant pair that protected their town. Between all their roles, love had flourished for each other and he would not disrespect her by comparing her to the same people that would sooner spit at him than shake his hand.
"That may be, but a drop of water did not split mountains in a day" she pointed out wisely because change was not swift. It was the momentum of numerous persistent attempts until one finally cracked the earth.
"But they can if they persist each winter" he stated with a different point of view because a water drop that settled into crevices would turn to ice and from that, rock could be split. It was how glaciers formed before breaking off into icebergs and he had seen enough of those at sea to know their silent threat. He knew he would not succeed in one strike against the enemy but he was not new to patience and lying in wait for the right moment. Although the Templars were quiet on their end in Boston and those in New York had scattered for the most part, the rest of the colonies were at risk. His subordinates were currently carrying out missions to flush out enemies from infested areas to focus their efforts elsewhere.
"You are much like your mother and like her, I will not stop you" she sighed softly to his determined nature, seeing the same strong-willed spark of Kaniehtí:io in his eyes, and added one last piece of advice, "All I ask is that you stay aware of your surroundings and empty promises. Stay safe and live happily because peace will be fleeting. Ó:nen:ki'wáhi."
"Ó:nen:ki'wáhi" he repeated faintly to bid her farewell and quickly climbed to his feet to exit the hut. It had gone fairly better than he expected but not his best-case expectation. His grandmother had hoped a future marriage to one of his tribe or another from the Iroquois nation would bind his spirit to their people more so than those from his father's world. He would always carry both worlds in his heart but he would make the decisions in his life that brought the least danger to others.
Caroline knew the risk of being associated with him and accepted it, choosing to marry him. Her people were of Davenport, nowhere else, and they accepted him. More importantly, they accepted them as a couple. He found his future bride balancing herself on the heels of her feet while observing the nearby homes. Her curiosity lightened his heart and he cleared his throat to beckon her attention, "Let's go."
They left the area in silence but his heart was lightened when her hands slipped into his. She would be his strength when he needed that extra push and he squeezed her hand. Traveling on his own, the open clearings brought immense freedom but at the cost of loneliness as he grew older. Once he had Caroline onboard to travel, that feeling faded away and the world felt perfect for a split second until they returned to society. With their marriage only three months away, they could begin planning for outdoor trips once winter left.
"No matter where we travel, we will be outsiders" he stated somberly to the reality that awaited them but his heart went out to Caroline more than himself. He had learned to live with the awkward staring and hushed whispering while Caroline tended to lash out. Having the same demeaning behaviors towards their future children would likely increase that fury in her. His true sanctuary would be their future home- for him and his family.
"Not in our home, not in our town" she disagreed with a fond smile to the wonderful people of Davenport. They had seen them grow up and help the community blossom into prosperity. They never felt out of place there and he was glad that they had a place of refuge when both of their societies turned from them. Her hands grasped his shoulders to squeeze them with comfort and she soothed, "I'm sorry, Ratonhnhaké:ton."
"I have apologized to you for similar" he soothed with a fond smile to their entangled lives but they refused to budge from each other. On the bright side, they hadn't been kicked out. That had been his worst-case scenario but he would not push their luck. Touching his temple to hers as they walked further north of the huts, he whispered, "All I need is you."
She leaned forward to embrace him tightly around the shoulders, matching his pace unsteadily. He gripped her by the waist to balance their strides or they would end up butting heads. Caroline laughed merrily to his chivalry as they descended a small grass slope to meet the peaceful lake to the north. It really did remind her of the cove of Davenport but there was more tree clearance from the village's side in comparison to their community.
A yelp left her lips when he picked her up in both arms and she covered her mouth before they alerted anyone nearby. They were there to visit quietly and enjoy the nature around them, not appear like lovesick puppies. She was surprised to his sudden break of character but would not complain to being held like a princess from one of Martha's fictional tales. Her palm lightly smacked his chest with blush tinting her cheeks, hoping she didn't weigh heavier than a log.
Ratonhnhaké:ton matched her delighted smile because he never imagined bringing his future bride to his native homeland. Regardless of what was thrown at them, they would face it together. They would keep to themselves on this visit to avoid inciting more strange glances and he proposed to a new campground with a view, "We can camp under the moonlight again and watch the stars glide over the lake."
She absolutely adored that idea and wrapped her arms around his neck to squeeze him with glee, "I'm going to catch you the fattest fish here."
"My endearing wife" he whispered fondly before leaning down to kiss her lips. Her fingertips smoothed over his freckled cheeks before cupping his jaw, returning it wholeheartedly. She was the luckiest woman alive to marry the love of her life and their home was underway to being built. Godfrey had sent the two off on their trip since they had been active in building their home with the crew, assuring them that nothing would go wrong.
"All I need is you" she replied to convey her love with his words and wiggled her legs to signal her release. She didn't want to ruin his back until they finished breaking down the Templar Order. He leaned down to return her back to the ground on her feet and she grasped his right hand tightly into hers. Eager to explore the new land that was a gift to experience, she smiled broadly to beckon, "Let's walk around the lake. It reminds me of home."
He agreed to a day of adventurous excursion and catching their meals to stay true to their lifestyle to thrive in nature. The thought of smoking fish was a welcome one and he could trade upon their return for fresh vegetables. They would make their night a memorable one and he agreed, "I will show you my favorite spots as a child- let's go."
The couple practically ran down the lake shore with excitement to frolic in his old home. For her, it was a privilege to step foot in their land and she would respect that chance. The gentle breeze rolled through the pine trees while the lake lapped at the earth delicately, providing a sanctuary for the two. Sure, there would be wild animals dwelling inside the forest but it was better than dealing with dangerous colonial settlements.
5 October 1777
With the harvest season coming to yet another end, the last months of the year were left for relaxation. Construction and recreation were greatest around this time to enjoy the end of fall before winter struck and Davenport was full of sawing and nailing that fall. Martha's nuptials were upon the Burnett family which led the two joining families to prepare for the wedding. Walter allowed Martha and the women to plan the majority while he focused on constructing their new home behind the Mile's End. He wanted to keep business outside of his private life and to allow his grandparents their own privacy there as well. Martha wanted to keep close to her family but like himself, retain some privacy in the woods.
Godfrey and Terry were busy outside of work with the final touches of her home to ensure it was ready by the wedding. Martha admired her father's knowledge of home building and lumber, grateful that he took part in its creation. Her childhood home had never sprung a leak on the roof during thunderstorms and expected the same from her own now that she was moving on from her old life. The young couple needed to decorate their new home a week before their nuptials but Martha assured her parents she didn't mind waiting if any hiccups arose. The best part about marrying an innkeeper's grandson is that they could always occupy a room there for emergencies. Catherine, however, would have none of that and wanted her daughter to be married off properly.
Caroline didn't envy the wedding fuss at all because it took the spotlight off her completely. With one wedding rounding the corner, her mother focused on that one while eyeing the other sporadically. Hopefully, she would be tired after Martha's nuptials and not fuss over hers at all. Her wedding date was set for December to enjoy the beauty of a winter wonderland so it gave her and Ratonhnhaké:ton time to plan their intercultural ceremony. They wanted a simple wedding due to their traveling lifestyles because they wouldn't be home all the time to plan everything. Their focus was blending their lives as one so their private home would take the most importance rather than the ceremony itself.
She was sorting through sketches for their hardwood front door that Lance had sent them. He had become fascinated with using burning tools alongside his regular tools for whittling designs into wood and they let him have him with it. Ratonhnhaké:ton was keen on a Celtic knot that contained the portrait of two horses with their necks facing each other. She liked the design for the barn, mainly because the one Lance designed with a howling wolf in the center was more to her liking for the house. It would make one think twice before knocking on their door! The designs were so intricately beautiful that she offered to post them in their Boston shop to draw more clientele for the carpenter and Lance modestly agreed.
Her thoughts were scattered when Catherine beckoned her from the main room, "Carrie, you have to try on your dress!"
Confused to what her mother meant, she set down her papers on the bed to holler back, "What dress?"
"For Martha's wedding" she pointed out with a sigh to her daughter's forgetfulness and Caroline jumped off the bed to join the family.
"Oh!" she exclaimed bashfully to focusing entirely on the exterior design of her home. The framework of the house was almost complete which would leave the interior room partitions, doors, windows, and roofs to be created. It was slowly coming together but she didn't mind.
Her mother and sisters were gathered in the main room since Martha's dress had been finished. She was going to reveal it on her wedding day but had brought her sisters' attire as well. Ellen had done a fabulous job with the dresses in Martha's book, especially with three weddings to fulfill before the year's end. Exiting her bedroom with haste, she smiled widely to slide out of her own wedding spotlight, "Seeing as that's my newest dress and my wedding's in December, can I wear that-"
She stopped instantly at seeing the reprimanding glare of her mother that threatened to engulf all cheer. Well, it seemed she really wanted her daughters to dress differently for their vows. Throwing her arms into the air, she relinquished her hope and reached for the brown paper package that had her name written on it. Martha muffled a laugh behind her hands when Catherine chided the redhead, "You will have your own dress, even if your father and I have to make it."
Caroline's eyes widened to that monstrosity of a dress, imagining a kilt with a ruffled blouse on top, and chuckled awkwardly, "I'd rather have Ellen do it. . .eventually. . . no offense."
Her sisters, who were gathered around the dining table, snickered and laughed at their sister's nonchalant response. She was not letting the wedding planning affect her at all because everything would fall into place as destiny intended. Catherine, however, was not impressed by her organization skills and placed her hands on her hips to advise matter-of-factly, "You barely have two months left!"
"A total of 60 days, mother" Caroline corrected cheekily to her calculation because each week had a task assigned. She and Ratonhnhaké:ton had the Aquila, the Assassins, their new home, and their wedding to jot down on their calendar. He was transitioning her to the inner workings of Davenport's Prospect as well and the joint business with Walter. Her life had gone from a navigator on the Aquila and inventory management at the lumber mill to adding multiple new roles. The wedding would be the least of her problems because her priority was Ratonhnhaké:ton and their new life together. Raising her chin, she declared firmly, "I will wed him in a potato sack if it means my home is perfect."
"Well, I can't fault you for that" her mother relented with a smile after instilling that a warm and loving home kept the heart cozy. Caroline, Elizabeth, and Samuel had helped with small tasks when constructing their home when she had to tend to cooking and chores. Amelia, Martha, and Alice were the ones who enjoyed working in the interior while the other half enjoyed the outdoor work. It was of no surprise to her that Caroline spent hours beside her husband and Ratonhnhaké:ton in the evenings for insight to her home. While Martha trusted her father's judgment for her home, Caroline sought his knowledge for hers. It was the last time they would work together on a home for themselves and a way to say farewell to that life.
Laughter and happy smiles soon echoed in the room when the sisters opened the packages concealing their new dresses. For Caroline and Martha, these would be the last dresses from their parents before cleaving their new lives as married women. No matter how much her parents fussed, Caroline refused to have them pay twice for her and had silently paid Ellen for her wedding dress. Amelia, Elizabeth, and Alice would remain with new season dresses of their own and attire to wear for the upcoming weddings. Home was always their safe zone and Caroline opened her package to reveal a burgundy dress to usher in fall. Turning to the bride to be, she quickly asked out of curiosity, "You're not wearing blue, are you?"
She shook her head to provide one clue about her wedding dress to avoid sharing the same color. Caroline brushed her fingers over the white lace neckline of her dress to admit softly, "I want a simple sapphire gown to contrast the snow. It will remind me of my new home."
Her priority was on their home entirely after they prepared the designs from numerous brainstorming sessions. At one point, she suggested living on the Aquila but having children onboard was an accident waiting to happen once they began to crawl. That, and her parents would likely chase after her and Ratonhnhaké:ton (for agreeing).
"Your home is almost finished" Martha reminded hastily to her relaxed attitude because she was scrambling to tie every end before her wedding. Hmm, maybe she shouldn't have been hasty to plan it before winter. Her oldest sister was thriving on it but then again, she had been brave enough to step foot in the Arctic. Leaning over to poke her midsection, Caroline stifled a laugh and she teased her, "If it is complete, you might as well move in and start your marriage-"
"It still needs furnishings, the road, a well, a fence" Caroline interjected hastily to the unfinished portion of building the homestead. Their home was one thing but the barn, horse pens, well, and the dirt road to their home were still nonexistent. They had enough time until their wedding and she wanted to enjoy the move to her new home rather than rush it. That would be the easiest way for them to make mistakes and she waved a hand to dismiss, "Lots of stuff! December is fine."
Amelia chuckled softly to her excuses because her sister carried a fearless front to hide her worries. Being the oldest, it fell to Caroline to protect her and her siblings from any dangers. Even with her own emotions, she kept the troublesome ones private to avoid stirring the pot with any other family matters. Patting her on the back, she mused gently to let her know being nervous was normal, "It's all right if you're getting cold feet."
Caroline scoffed at the thought and shook her head vehemently to declare, "No! I'm more than ready to throw him in the nearest bed-"
"Carrie!" her mother shushed her bold words and hoped none of the neighbors heard. Although her front door was locked, the windows were wide open. Her cheeks flushed pink to her daughter's lack of censorship, mainly the topic, and made a sewing motion over her lips to silence any more shenanigans.
Caroline's face turned red at forgetting her mother was present and Martha reminded hastily, "Language!"
Elizabeth turned to Alice to pull her little sister close, placing her hands over her ears to declare woefully, "For shame, we still have little ones present."
"I'm almost your height" Alice pointed out with a soft laugh to her silliness because their heights were close to matching. Despite being younger, her growth spurt had turned her awkward to how quickly she outgrew clothes. She no longer felt like herself as an adolescent but her sisters helped her transition after experiencing the changes themselves. Her new dress would cover her ankles which were now peeking out terribly from last year's fall dress.
She was no longer the little girl that arrived in the woods of Davenport seven years ago. Elizabeth flicked her right ear playfully to pretend that she had never grown at all. She still remembered Alice playing with her grass and fabric dolls but they had been replaced by books and flowers. Appearing surprised by the revelation, she joked gently, "How did that happen?"
"Sorry" Caroline mumbled sheepishly to her slip of the tongue, reminding herself she wasn't among the crew of the Aquila. Boy, she could cuss her head off with them. Setting down her open parcel on the table, she looked to Martha for understanding before gazing at her family to confess, "I'm not afraid of being married but. . .it won't be easy leaving you all."
"You'll be down the road" Catherine reassured gently, comforted by the fact that her girls wouldn't be heading off to different colonies. She could easily check in on them within a fifteen-minute walk rather than a five-day trip.
Caroline bit her bottom lip with worry before murmuring hesitantly, "I know but. . ."
"It will not be the same" Martha agreed gingerly to the permanent changes coming their way. Their sisters and Samuel would carry on their normal lives once their weddings were done but for them, their new life would begin. They had never shared their lives with anybody else but their family and it brought a loss of control over the unknown. What if they burned the food? Forgot to milk the cow? How would they change attire in front of their husbands? Would their husbands know how to help them with tightening a stay? What if they accidentally farted in bed? Even taking a bath was nerve-wrecking! Martha rubbed her arms nervously to mumble sheepishly, "We've grown up alongside everyone that leaving will make us a little homesick."
Caroline nodded firmly to the shared sentiment because her routine at home would change. Instead of chopping wood for her parents, watering the garden, or feeding their livestock, those chores would transfer over with Ratonhnhaké:ton. Sure, they would still milk the family cow for a few servings since they would only keep horses and chickens. She would have to remember the layout of her new home rather than the old familiar turns of her childhood one to avoid hitting her foot in the night. Or worse, her head. Clutching the back of one of the chairs, she admitted, "I've gotten used to coming home from the Aquila but instead of walking straight down the main road, I'll be turning right into the woods."
"None of you will be there anymore" Martha pointed out to losing her main support system and best friends. She could always come home to them and vent her concerns, even if they weren't completely listening. Her sisters would be home at night by the fireplace while she would have her own with only Walter for company. Who would listen to her frustrated whining? Despite her love for him, there was immense sadness at leaving her family.
"I've lived with you all my life and don't know anything else" Caroline mumbled softly to let her brave front drop to let her worries purge. Her hands fidgeted enough over the back of the chair that it began shaking under her grip. She should not have felt upset at leaving them, given that she would not be far, but never returning to her old room severed her family bonds. The days of waking alongside her siblings would be long gone and her husband would take their spot, pushing her to tackle the role of a dutiful housewife. Thankfully, she had traveled with Ratonhnhaké:ton in close quarters to know his personality and she sighed, "Even on the Aquila, I have a little room of my own but I still return home to you all. After the wedding, I won't return."
"Come here, my little birds" Catherine soothed with a sympathetic smile, remembering her own nerves at leaving home. She had been older than Martha but younger than Caroline when she married Godfrey and leaving her family had been a bittersweet moment. There was joy in marrying one's love but hard work would follow to make a family thrive. Her children were now ready to embark on that new milestone and drew them into a tight hug. They latched on with furrowed brows and thin-lipped smiles but she reassured them, "We are a family and that stays in our hearts, no matter how old we become. I will not be here every day of your lives but I will always be with you. When you're old ladies, you remember our good moments."
The other three girls pouted to the unwritten future where they would be the adults and their parents would not be there. They had grown up behind their mother's skirt until they reached her height to head out and explore their path in life. Caroline had a future in the naval trading business, Amelia had achieved her dream of teaching, Martha had a choice between cooking at the inn or running the general store, Elizabeth was happy taking care of Ratonhnhaké:ton's horse rehab, and Alice was dipping her feet into teaching. Only Samuel was left and their little brother had begun tackling his father's chores with Patrick while also tagging along to bundle cut lumber together. Regardless of how old they became, they would always be Godfrey's and Catherine's children.
"I'm not ready for that future" Martha confessed weakly with blurry eyes, wiping them quickly. She leaned on her mother heavily for support and waking up one day to no longer see, hear, or talk to her would be crushing. The same would follow her siblings but she knew that Caroline, Elizabeth, and Samuel carried wayward spirits that could lead them away from Davenport. She knew it was impossible to grow and stay with her family but memories would be all that remained of them. Shaking her head, she hugged her mother tightly around the shoulders to sniffle, "You, boban, my sisters, and Sam- I can't bear that thought."
Amelia rubbed her little sister's back while Caroline tried to keep a straight face. How did Ratonhnhaké:ton keep his stoic expression so seamless? She cleared her throat, shuffling behind her two youngest sisters, to compose herself. Amelia ushered Martha into her own arms to squeeze her tightly and advised wisely, "We're growing older, time is something we can't stop."
"I'm not saying it will happen soon but look at us, we left Glasgow in our twenties to live in the colonies" Catherine promised her children because she would speak to them like adults now rather than the children they used to be. Life was not eternal but her love would never waver for them. She wanted her daughters to carry on their tenacity to survive because the frontier would likely remain untamed for their lifetimes, at the least. Amelia and Alice were not suited for harsh winter survival alone while Martha was surprising her by falling in between the former girls and Caroline and Elizabeth, who could survive a snowstorm. Patting the rosy freckled cheeks of her daughters, she encouraged sweetly, "The future is unknown so you must live your life to its fullest."
"I'll always look after you" Caroline promised her sisters with a warm smile because she could never leave them. If they chose to leave Davenport, she would respect their choice and visit if they lived within coastal reach. Letters could always be written but their bonds would always remain. They had their little spats during adolescence but at the end of the day, they were siblings. Their tearful faces subsided, except Elizabeth who was trying not to get teary-eyed, and she smiled earnestly, "Even if I have five toddlers sticking to my legs, I will be at your door when you need me."
Martha smiled faintly to the sisterly support since their homes would be a short walk away. Still, she couldn't depend on her sisters for everything and sighed despondently, "I can't keep you bound to me. I have to pick up my skirt and keep a stiff upper lip."
"If Carrie's not here, I will be here" Amelia reassured because someone would likely remain in Davenport. Ratonhnhaké:ton had brought everyone together to build their community and Caroline would not be far from him. With the school being in full swing in spring, summer, and fall, she would remain as well. Alice would likely stick beside them for familiarity and she continued, "Elizabeth and Alice will be here-"
"Maybe" her little redheaded sister interjected nonchalantly with a small shrug to her future. Catherine shot her a motherly glare for skipping out of town, not surprised in the slightest. She was taking after Caroline a little too much but unlike her sister, Elizabeth appeared more willing to explore extensively without returning home. Her little redhead pouted dramatically for earning silent disapproval and insisted, "Mother, I plan to travel once I'm deemed fit by the sharpshooters and boban!"
Caroline tugged lightly on her braid with a playful smile and laughed when she hugged her tightly for support. If her eldest sister didn't approve of her lifestyle, who would? Squeezing her tightly, Caroline hoped her thirst for adventure would keep a level head but time would tell. Alice was on the opposite spectrum by keeping to their homestead and piped up gently, "I'll still be here, Martha."
Martha grabbed her quartet of sisters into a hug, tearful to their upcoming separation. She had never been apart from them, even when she had snuck on the Aquila with Elizabeth, and would miss their days together. The freedom given to her by her parents, the open forest, and the rural lifestyle granted her a rare chance as a little girl growing up and she was grateful for it. Now, her life would be lived alongside Walter and focus on running her daily chores and her job at the inn. Walter had been kind in allowing her to continue working rather than sit at home and be alone.
"My time as Martha Burnett has come to an end" she sighed somberly to shedding her old life and beginning anew was another journey awaiting her. Her memories of growing up alongside her sisters and brother would be with her forever but they would never be relived. She would no longer huddle together with her siblings for mealtimes and snacks or share their bedtime stories during winter to keep warm by the fire. Touching her engagement ring to run her fingers over it, she proposed softly, "Martha Rolfe has a nice ring, doesn't it?"
"A fitting one" Catherine said encouragingly to strengthen her resolve to fly out of the nest first. She wouldn't carry their family name anymore but the name given to her at birth would stay the same. Martha returned a nervous smile but wedding jitters were normal for young women from any close-knit family.
20 October 1777
Ratonhnhaké:ton had never attended a wedding and much less, one for colonists. He felt completely out of his element until Achilles advised him on what to wear, given that he would be joining the family of the bride soon. The young assassin had frowned at meeting his old enemy- the cravat- and did his best to make it look presentable. He gave up after twenty minutes to focus on the rest of his ensemble to appear polished for Caroline and her family. He would make it a priority to not wear the confounding thing for his own wedding.
"You will be fine, weddings are a short affair" Achilles assured to lay off the pressure to appear spotless for the wedding, amused by his protégé's frustration with English clothing. He would be safe from any fashion critiquing with the joyful celebration to Davenport's first wedding. Their town enjoyed dressing comfortably rather than poshly but Ratonhnhaké:ton did not want to disappoint his future wife. Achilles, however, did not see that problem happening and pointed out, "The attention will be on the bride."
"I have to be at my best" he replied worriedly and frowned at himself in the mirror at seeing the uneven cravat. How did people even tie it on? Caroline often found his fussing amusing but he wanted to prove he knew how to dress appropriately when they wandered to the city as a couple rather than for work. Twisting one end of the white fabric over the other, he glared at his reflection to mutter, "I can't appear unkempt. Caroline might think I will show up similarly to ours."
Achilles highly doubted that would happen after seeing the two trailing after each other a month after meeting. He had not been ecstatic to learn she had joined the Order because if anything happened to her, the Burnett family would be devastated. The fact that they knew about their secret society heightened that risk as well. Still, he would trust his judgment on that decision and spoke with encouragement, "That young lady would marry you in simple rags."
"She deserves my best" Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled faintly to his dedication for her because she returned the same for him. He felt extremely lucky in finding a woman to share his entire life with and would treasure her until his last breath. Not giving up on his struggle, Achilles decided to undo his own cravat to demonstrate how to wear it. Ratonhnhaké:ton appreciated the gesture after trying to figure it out on his own, even after Lance tried his best with a lesson last summer. Quietly, he murmured, "Thank you."
"Can't have you disappointing your future bride" he chuckled softly to his fretting because fashion disasters would be the least of a couple's marital problems. If anything, the two would have to wear sturdy clothing to withstand the elements, explosions, fire, and water with their secret lives. The two men faced one another and Achilles quietly showed him how to tie his cravat. It should have been his father teaching him the skill but Achilles would step into the role to help the young man.
Down the road, Caroline buttoned the back of her sister's golden dress while Amelia adjusted her hoop skirt. Ellen had managed to find the beautiful fabric with Walter's help and embroidered white flowers around the hem of the bell-shaped skirt. Like Caroline, she wanted to remember the seasonal colors of her wedding day and the changing foliage of the forest provided a beautiful color scheme. Gold, pale green, and red-orange coated the dense forest of Davenport and the summer wind had given way to chillier days.
Martha had tied her long brown hair into curly ringlets with ribbons, which Alice had happily brushed out into gentle waves. She had never been one for wearing makeup often, given their rural lifestyle, but Caroline had snuck a few rouge colors for her from her trips. The redhead had dabbed a rosy color over her cheeks to brighten her complexion and a light dab to her lips finished the ensemble. To her, Amelia and Martha were the prettiest while Alice and Elizabeth carried more delicate features.
"Carrie, I'm nervous" Martha whispered to the butterflies erupting in her stomach and dried her sweaty hands on a nearby washcloth. She hoped that would fade or Walter would wonder why her hands resembled water. This would be the last day spent in her childhood home and she was nervous to leave her old life. She loved her future husband and chastised herself for being so childish about her wedding.
Catherine sat on her daughter's bed and watched her other daughters ready their sister for her ceremony. This would be the first of numerous wedding preparations in her home and she readied herself to losing her little birds. Her little honey-eyed newborn had grown into a confident woman ready to take her vows. Although she loved all her children equally, Martha and Amelia shared much of her motherly temperament. The brunette had stuck to her skirt, much like Alice, but mimicked her in all her daily work. She would entrust Walter with her best cook and assured Martha, "Everyone is nervous on their wedding day. I cried several times before the ceremony."
Martha, being new to the unknown role, questioned nervously with concern, "What if I'm not a good wife? What if-"
"As long as you don't starve or beat him up, you'll do fine" Caroline smiled cheekily to relax her fretting and tied the leather threads of her stay to keep her hourglass figure. Amelia finished smoothing down the bell-shaped skirt to keep her sister spotless and Caroline buttoned the back of her golden dress, brushing her fingers over the wooden buttons with a fond smile. It was a sweet homage to their parents and their father had been happy to supply the wood for the buttons. Wagging her finger, she resembled her mother when she advised carefully, "Now, if he dares to do that, I'll stuff him in the nearest pickling barrel."
Amelia sighed with dismay at her bold attitude but Caroline simply shrugged for speaking her mind. If anybody hurt her siblings, she would be grabbing her pistols. The redhead moved away after finishing the test of strength against Martha's corset and let Alice continue the rest. Her smaller sister tied a triangle-shaped lack kerchief over Martha's shoulders to pin the ends at the front with a pearl brooch. Her wedding ensemble came together beautifully in their view and Amelia smiled brightly, "Think of it as a new chapter."
"I won't be coming back home" Martha pouted to being homesick on her first day as a married woman. It was painfully embarrassing but she had to get over it. Otherwise, she might make Walter think she was not ready or worse, did not love him.
Elizabeth rapped her sister on top of the head to avoid leaving a mark on her forehead. The brunette hissed to the abuse and she quickly smoothed down her hair to avoid appearing messy. Her little sister shot her a small glare because she'd always raved about finding her husband and reminded carefully, "Your home is with Walter now but . . . we will always be here for you."
She and Elizabeth had squabbled the most with Caroline coming in a close second. Martha had always been closer to Amelia and later, Alice, but the recent two years had brought her and Elizabeth close. When Caroline had left them in 1774, responsibility fell on both their shoulders with their eldest sisters being gone. Despite their bickering for independence, they realized that Martha handled the housework better than the outdoor chores. Together, they had bridged peace and the return of their sisters a year later brought the role models they leaned on for support. Their sisters had returned as different people from the war that raged in the colonies but it only brought them all together.
Flicking her little sister's left ear, Martha smiled somberly to tease her one last time, "I'll miss you too, ye old country pumpkin."
Catherine smiled with appreciation to the bond her daughters shared and held the best hope that they wouldn't sever. Nobody knew when life would come to an end and she wanted to leave her children stronger together rather than separate. Each of them held unique traits and they would fend for one another like a wolf pack. Standing up, she smoothed down the navy skirt of her dress to smile at them, "Now then, let's not be late for church."
Taking a deep breath, Martha calmed her hammering and stepped forward to the door. Each step felt like a mile and the clicking of her heels echoing through the air didn't help. Her arms were seized by Amelia and Elizabeth as the two looped their arms through hers to help her onwards. Catherine opened the door to lead her troop of ladies forward with Caroline and Alice securing the rear.
Catherine squeezed Martha's shoulder as the young woman stared at the church with uncertainty. Her support shook away the last lingering nerves and she managed to smile at the inbound guests piling into church for her wedding. She had always been curious as a young girl what her wedding would be like after peeking through the open church doors in Boston for the lucky few who managed to pay for a private wedding. Most were done in the bride's home to cut costs but living in the country with a church in the heart of town granted her that lucky find.
She could ask for no better wedding by having her friends and family present, smiling brightly at her mother. Her groom awaited her inside and he would undoubtedly be chatting with sincere thanks to the guests. It would be best not to leave him alone to handle all of it and to her father, who was awaiting her outside the church to begin the procession.
Catherine saw her initial nerves wear off and gave her one last sweep of the eye to check for any imperfections. None whatsoever. Her daughter was the spitting image of a blushing bride and she ushered her gently, "Now, off to your boban while the rest of us find our seats."
Martha nodded quietly and waved to her family as they clumped together in one group to head inside. Patrick grabbed Samuel to guide the eager boy indoors, greeting the residents for joining their family. Her sisters followed the duo inside with a wave of goodbye in her direction but Caroline grinned happily to seeing her future groom waiting for her at the church's entry. He was dressed handsomely in her eyes in a blue coat, navy vest, white tunic, gray trousers, and dress boots. He refused to wear the odd European shoes with heels for men, finding them strange for walking. To Caroline, he was a fine specimen and she held out her hands with a cheeky smile, "Mind accompanying me inside?"
"Might as well sneak in practice" he smiled modestly to their own ceremony and would keep a vigilant eye for future reference. He did not want to commit a mistake in front of her family and the townsfolk that would embarrass her. Grasping her hands, he tugged her close to his right side with a fond smile to walk inside as a couple.
"Always one step ahead" she chuckled softly to his preparation, highly doubting that he would make an error. Even if he did, she would gloss over it and let their wedding continue.
He held out his left arm to Catherine, stirring a motherly chuckle to the gesture, but she kindly accepted. Caroline was quick to place her in the center as their dear mother, squeezing her hand when looping her arm through hers, and walked forward. She and Ratonhnhaké:ton would have time to practice their own entrance to the church but today, she would stick beside her parents. Her mother was jolly and modest in nature but bidding farewell to one's child was not an easy transition. Squeezing her mother's arm with a sympathetic smile, Caroline piped up confidently, "Let's make this Martha's best memory."
The couple led their bashful mother inside and they smiled happily when Elizabeth waved her arm from the first pew. The Burnett parents and the Miller grandparents would share the pew to give away the groom and bride. After that, Martha's siblings and Patrick would share the next pew in which Samuel had claimed the far end to stay out of sight. Catherine was quick to revert to motherly mode and chastised quickly, "Child, we do not wave our arms inside a church like a playground."
"It was never a playground to begin with" Caroline chuckled softly, flashing her mother an innocent smile to avoid her ire for the jab. Ratonhnhaké:ton tried not to sigh to the family jesting and led Catherine to her seat, releasing her arm with a polite nod. She smiled warmly to her future son-in-law before shooting her daughter a knowing look for her sass. Caroline winked silently with a playful smile before bidding her mother farewell and turning to the front of the church where the groom awaited his bride.
"Ready, brother?" she encouraged with a friendly smile to whisk away any lingering nerves. Binding one's self to another was a serious commitment and it could become a fruitful union or a burden. She had nothing but hope for her little sister and the young man that had swept her off her feet. He had been nothing but hardworking upon arriving and she was thankful that he built their homestead close to the home of her parents. Her family would be nearby and so would hers come December if they ever needed a hand.
Walter managed a nervous chuckle but his eyes were trained on the church entrance, awaiting his bride. His grandparents were happily chatting with Catherine, absolutely delighted to call them official family now. There was another piece missing on that pew and she consoled gently, "I'm sorry that your family couldn't make it."
"It's quite all right, I actually prefer it that way" he replied truthfully since his letter had been received by his parents. They had excused themselves with running the shop and he assumed that either his sister couldn't run it, had convinced them not to travel, or both. His parents had written that they would send a care package but they happily accepted his union. Walter didn't mind being left on his own, quietly used to it most of his childhood, and he admitted, "All I need are my grandparents and Martha."
Father Timothy entered the church in his religious black attire, tightly clasping his old but faithful bible against his chest. He greeted the residents with a kind smile and a joyful tone at conducting the first wedding in Davenport. They were nowhere near a city, shrouded in the deep forest, but nothing eluded the eyes of God where hope was concerned. The volume of conversation only grew louder at his entrance to signal the beginning and he ushered the guests, "If you would all take your seats, we can begin."
With all the guests gathered inside the church, Godfrey nodded to his daughter to smile gently, "Ready, Martha?"
"I am, boban" she replied happily with bright eyes, squeezing his large hand between both of hers. She remembered a time when only her hand could grasp a single finger but they were both growing older with time. He had worked his hardest to keep her fed and she would not disappoint him by not giving the same dedication to her own work. Her eyes blurred to cutting the last binds with her parents and she whispered, "Thank you for everything."
Wiping her eyes with her free hand, she blinked away the salty droplets to murmur softly, "I know that I wasn't humble like Amelia or strong like Carrie-"
"I love my girls equally" he interrupted with a fatherly laugh to her fretting because he did not prefer one child over the other. His goal as a father was to clothe, feed, shelter, and love his children- which was no easy feat with six little bundles of energy. As adults, he would be there to offer advice and lend a hand when they needed it. He enjoyed the different personalities of his children and explained matter-of-factly, "I don't expect any of you to be the same. Life needs a little variety or it becomes dull."
Drawing in a deep breath, she calmed her aching heart and sighed with lament, "I'm going to miss all of you."
"We're a simple walk down the street" he reminded with a happy smile to not losing his daughter to another colony or worse, across the ocean. Her girlish dreams had made him believe she would be the first to run off into the cities but her city-born husband preferred their quaint town. How lucky were they? She had planned for this day like any lady of her time and he promised her, "We'll be checking on you once winter arrives."
She dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief to clear them, fanning her face to avoid the dreaded weepy face. The town would find her silly for being sentimental now of all times. It wasn't the end of the world so she had nothing to fuss over. Her wedding was ready to begin with everyone waiting on her and she straightened her posture to nod firmly, "All right, I'm ready."
Godfrey mimicked his daughter to show the same commitment, earning a cheerful laugh in return. Holding onto his daughter for the last time, he walked forward to enter the church at a leisurely pace to let their guests see the bride. Martha, however, got eager feet and her pace picked up to join the new man in her life when she noticed him at the front. Caroline and her family tried not to laugh at the shift of balance in the father-daughter walk but they managed to make it with Martha pulling her father by the hand. It appeared that the Scotsman wasn't as ready to release her as expected.
Martha squeezed her father's hand before letting go, practically skipping over to her expectant groom, and grasped Walter's hands. The young man blushed faintly to his beautiful bride and hoped he had done a half-decent job on his own appearance. Martha had chosen a brown suit for him to complement her dress rather than a stark formal black. They would celebrate the fall and remember this day for years to come. The young groom's happiness faltered when he noticed Godfrey's fatherly stare and the redhead advised carefully, "I would give up the mill in a heartbeat for my Kate so I expect the same for commitment for our Martha."
He would not let the Scotsman down and squared his shoulders to answer swiftly, "Yes, sir."
"Boban" Martha warned with dismay to his last-ditch attempt to scare off her paramour. The Burnett family was not for timid men or those that didn't value hard work. Walter had proven himself already but Godfrey couldn't help the fatherly drive to protect his children. He wasn't giving away his eldest right now, whose fiancé carried an arsenal of weapons to kill a militia, which placed Martha as the one that needed his fatherly protection.
Father Timothy, however, was not having family drama on his watch and kindly oriented the family, "Mr. Burnett, you may take your seat."
Godfrey agreed with reluctance to taking the backseat in Martha's life and leaned in to whisper to her, "All right, but I'll be only a pew away if you change your mind."
"Boban" she laughed with burning cheeks to the family support and squeezed her father's shoulder to reassure him she would be fine. She squeezed Walter's hand with the other, noticing the nervous tension in her groom and shot her father a reprimanding look.
"I'm kidding" Godfrey smiled jovially to the newest addition to their family and held out his hand. Walter blinked awkwardly before leaning forward to grasp it firmly, accepting the responsibility of caring for Martha. He wouldn't let them down and Godfrey released him with a short nod to offer one last piece of advice as both a father and husband, "Take care of my daughter and don't let your love wither. Marriage is not an easy road but it brings a lifetime of treasured memories when you're old like me."
Martha felt tears welling in her eyes again and quickly shooed her father with a hand. Godfrey took his step back as a father, turning around to find his seat beside Catherine. His loyal wife grasped his hand tightly to intertwine their fingers to offer her empathetic support. They had done well in raising their daughter and they had no doubt Walter would keep her warm, safe, and loved.
"Let us begin" Father Timothy announced cheerfully now that everyone had settled into place and the couple faced him with nervous smiles. Every young couple started out that way but within a year, most settled into a life of routine after growing familiar with each other. Raising his hands towards the couple, he began the familiar words of every wedding ceremony, "We are all joined here today to welcome the blessed union of Martha May Burnett and Walter James Rolfe in holy matrimony."
Walter smiled widely to the fond squeeze of his arm by Martha but his bride kept her gaze trained on Father Timothy. The elderly father opened his bible to a specific page he had bookmarked with a leather tie and continued, "To begin our wedding sermon, Mrs. Burnett has chosen a passage for the new couple."
Catherine had never been one for public speaking but when Father Timothy requested speakers for the passages, she had accepted and offered one. She had carried the family bible with her from their home, smiling fondly to its numerous trips around the New World, and began with a gentle tone:
"Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm;
for love is strong as death,
passion fierce as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
a raging flame.
Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can floods drown it.
If one offered for love
all the wealth of one's house,
it would be utterly scorned."
The Burnett children smiled with glee at the short but powerful passage dedicated to their sister. Martha turned around to thank her mother with a fond smile and Godfrey chuckled under his breath, "You remembered the favorite from our wedding."
"I remember everything, my dear" Catherine replied sheepishly to the long years she had shared with him and the children born from that love. She would grant the same hope for her daughter on her new journey and quietly turned the page to the correct passage when Father Timothy resumed the wedding ceremony.
The short ceremony quickly transitioned with ease to the lengthy reception at the Mile's End as the residents walked back in one cluster. Oliver had never closed the Mile's End until that day to celebrate his grandson's marriage for the evening. In the meantime, he had set out a table of food in the public parlor for anybody traveling through that desired nourishment. Being in an isolated community, he wouldn't let wandering travelers starve. It would be a long while before they reached Boston or another cabin.
Everyone had lent a hand to begin the celebration by leaving the inn ready for dining and drinking. While the Burnett women helped the bride prepare and the men readied the church, the innkeepers and the other women had helped to decorate the inn with a collection of fall leaves and pinecones. Ratonhnhaké:ton and Samuel had enjoyed foraging through the forest to find the picks, remembering their younger days of frolicking around and setting up plays for the fall. The last decade had flown by considerably fast as the original children of Davenport became adults and a new generation had been planted.
"Is this how most weddings are?" Ratonhnhaké:ton asked curiously, watching the dancing couples and children. Martha and Walter only had eyes for each other under the illuminating glow from the lanterns, bathing the new couple in its warm light. The Galloways were enjoying the festive mood like newlyweds all over again while Catherine managed to convince Godfrey for a dance. Caroline had only seen her parents dance back in Scotland but they had a joyful mood to celebrate today. Even Myriam and Norris were partaking in the dancing but they were more of a laughing mess of jumbled legs. Still, they were all happy.
"Yes, and we're lucky to have a church to sign our paperwork" she smiled cheekily since Father Timothy had managed to find a loophole for their license. Their homestead had been registered in Boston to avoid having their land stolen and despite Ratonhnhaké:ton believed the earth belonged to everyone, he conceded out of respect. For their registration, she had used her maiden name while he used his paternal surname for the head of household. The names had no trace of sounding foreign and Father Timothy accompanied the two to Boston to the registrar's office when their homestead had been approved through the mail. With their homestead registration in hand and a head of church accompanying them to the office, the clerk had no choice but to certify their marriage license.
They had been eagerly awaiting their monthly mail since the lumber mill received all incoming parcels. Ratonhnhaké:ton was not entirely hopeful they would earn it but dressing in his colonial attire and speaking fluently in English had convinced the clerk he had been raised in the colonies despite his native features. Caroline withdrew the small but precious envelope from a seam between the chest layers of her burgundy dress to hand it over. Ratonhnhaké:ton grabbed it from her fingers to open the folder with disbelief and removed a small paper from within. He smiled faintly to seeing an official marriage license and his eyes lingered over their names: Connor Kenway and Caroline Grace Burnett. His father was only good for his English name but if it allowed him to marry her, he would accept it.
Quietly, he read the precious words of validation with extreme care, "This Marriage Certificate certifies that Connor Kenway and Caroline Grace Burnett are unified in holy marriage on this officiated day of October 1, 1777 in Boston, Massachusetts under the laws of God and the laws of the state of Massachusetts."
He couldn't believe his luck after the numerous setbacks in his life and smiled at his happy partner. They were willing to live illegally but their newest resident had encouraged them to keep hope alive and trust in their Lord. He had helped them tremendously and Ratonhnhaké:ton would never forget that. Caroline flashed him a playful smile before declaring with approval, "Father Timothy is quite crafty, Mr. Kenway."
"Don't sour the bright mood" he sighed with dismay to being called the same name as his father. Being a Templar was not on his goals but removing them from power. He folded their new license, proud to see that he and Caroline were legally bound and only needed their ceremony to start their new life. Well, that and their home. Simply looking at the paper made him want to run to the cove and pick up a hammer but he had Martha's wedding to finish. He handed the envelope to Caroline for safekeeping, who quickly returning it to the safe confine between her dress and stay. The only hand that would be allowed there was hers or his- anybody else's would be shot off.
"You can keep your surname" she spoke softly to keep the other part of his identity, even if he was begrudgingly accepting it. He did not find that prospect appealing and she mentioned with a small shrug, "I know that your grandfather was an Assassin. It could bring back that old splendor with you."
"My father has tainted everything he touches" he disagreed with disappointment to the tattered relationship with Haytham. Every interaction did not end peacefully and there would be a day when they would face each other in combat. For now, he would hold those dark thoughts at bay and focus on the happy laughter echoing through the inn. Squeezing her hand, he met her warm gaze and stated simply, "I am Ratonhnhaké:ton. It is the name that my mother bestowed on me and she was the one who loved and raised me. I don't need anything more than that."
He was not keen on speaking more on that and Caroline respect it with a small nod. Changing the subject, she looped her arm through his to squeeze it fondly and asked, "How is a wedding among your people?"
"The bride wears tokens from loved ones and celebrating occurs over several days" he explained in remembrance of experiencing a few from his youth. For the most part, he clung to his mother from the loud noises but the food drew him away from her skirt. After the passing of his mother, he was usually found frolicking with the children and snacking. When thinking about their own upcoming ceremony, he admitted, "Everything is handmade which is quite similar to our own."
Caroline motioned for him to sit down in the nearest chair and darted off to pile food onto a plate for both. The innkeepers had gone all out with the couple's favorite foods and Caroline smiled at seeing her mother's work with Martha's favorite blueberry pie. Food had always been her mother's way to show her love and her sister would no doubt appreciate it. Mainly because half of the pie was already gone.
Ratonhnhaké:ton watched her sort through the dishes to pile slices of ham, baked potatoes, buttered corn, and pieces of pie onto one plate. Just like the couple who danced to their heart's content in the center of the inn to the fiddle music and piano, he would be able to share in the same enjoyment soon. His bride was a patient woman and he smiled at her return to their table, promising to make the return trip for their second helping of food. Caroline shooed the thought away, setting the plate down between them, and handed him a fork to request eagerly, "Tell me about your traditions, we might as well integrate them now before the ceremony hits us."
"Our marriage ceremony is sacred and people remember it by holding it in their hearts" he explained carefully since their traditions were carried from generation to generation. Based on the season, the wedding would be altered accordingly but most tried to marry in the warmer seasons to lengthen the festivities.
She nibbled on a piece of sweetened ham to wag her eyebrows and teased, "Is this the part where you call me a white heathen for daring to infringe on your traditions?"
"Grace" he warned with a small laugh escaping his lips and she covered her mouth to muffle hers. She was becoming fond of the use of her middle name by him. Their mixed cultures would make an interesting marriage and he shot her an amused expression before stating quietly, "You're anything but that."
"I like to keep life fun for my worried groom" she smiled fondly with excited nervousness to their upcoming wedding. Their home had been their priority and now that Martha was married, her home would be then next project to be finished.
He ate the flaky and buttery potato but sliced half of it for her to accept. Caroline gleefully dove into it with her fork and he informed her, "For the groom's gift, the bride sews and embroiders new white deerskins into moccasins. For your gift, seeing as you paid the deposit for your dress, I will contribute the rest with no complaints from my bride. Normally, we would make your dress and add decorations like feathers, beads-"
"Let's do it! I stored eagle feathers a while back" she grinned excitedly to reveal her trinkets from her forest excursions. Colorful rocks, pieces of aromatic wood, feathers, and sharp claws would be kept for future use. She had even managed to find a discarded antler from the deer shedding season to craft it into a coat hanger inside the main foyer. She tapped her fork against the tin plate, chewing on her delicious bite of ham, and smiled eagerly, "I'll ask Ellen for tips on amazing moccasins . . . actually, I might have to ask you for reference seeing as it's your clan."
He was amused by her enthusiasm to stitch moccasins by hand and gave her points for commitment. They were comfortable to walk around town but in the rugged outdoors, leather boots were better. He cut off a piece from the blueberry slice, trying not to smile at her eager grin, and explained, "The clan mother would ask each of us a set of questions but with our ceremony being here, I will give them to Father Timothy."
"Do I get to peek?" she asked sweetly, her mind running circles of curiosity to what they could be.
"You will be fine, I'm the panic-stricken lost party here" he spoke gently to assure her that there would not be fear-inducing questions. Her interest in his culture was heartwarming but he was still trying to figure out how their combined ceremony would turn out. Colonial customs eluded him since Martha and Walter depended on their families for help. Although Caroline had hers for the Scottish customs, he was trying his best alone for his own through memory.
Caroline brushed her thumb across his freckled cheek to smile proudly, "Not my tall and dashing captain."
She turned to nibble on the leftover piece of sweet blueberry pie while he tried not to blush at her compliment. He held his free hand out and hers slipped into his without hesitation, squeezing his fingers. It was not often that she was able to hold his gloveless hand nowadays and he continued, "At the end of the ceremony, we exchange marriage baskets. They are a spiritual symbol that is exchanged instead of wedding rings. We voice our dedication to each other and our new tasks as we do the exchange."
She would have no problem with that one and sipped her cup of hot coffee to keep herself warm. The evenings were growing chilly and the town was in consensus that winter would arrive earlier than expected. Hopefully, it would not be a brutal one with snowstorms and blizzards. Ratonhnhaké:ton placed his cup of mint tea besides hers for visual comparison and explained, "The woman's marriage basket contains clothing to represent that she is committed to her husband and future children. This is a symbol that she will sew, mend, and clean for the household."
"Once there's children" she emphasized carefully because she would be nobody's cleaning lady. Ratonhnhaké:ton laughed softly at the odd image of her being a meek colonial housewife and shook his head. He would not be taking her for granted as a housekeeper and she wagged a warning to state firmly, "I will be your partner, not for your pleasure-"
"Grace" he interjected quickly before anyone, especially children, overheard them. His cheeks grew warm to the bold words but laughter left his lips and was soon joined by her. He shot her a 'you know better' glance and she blew a raspberry to being censored. Squeezing her hand to settle her playful nature, he finished, "The groom's basket contains a cake baked from cornmeal or cornbread. His basket symbolizes his commitment to provide food for his wife, children, and the children of the whole community."
"And here I thought about putting in a brand-new pistol for my great protector" she sighed with feigned disappointment to arming her hero against their enemies. With winter inbound, she mulled over stitching wool undergarments to keep her weather-defying partner cozy. He could plow through snow like a bear while she resembled a hopping rabbit.
She was killing him with her humor and the jovial mood wasn't helping. The town residents were pleasantly surprised to hear his rare laughter echo when he pointed out to her, "I won't be able to protect you if I starve."
"You'll be frostbitten before starvation hits without my sewing fingers" she laughed merrily, wiggling her fingers in the air, and proceeded to gently poke his right shoulder. The festive mood only spurred her to become playful with him in public. He grabbed her by the hands, locking his right foot behind the leg of her chair to close the distance between them. Her cheeks flushed pink to his strength but her blue eyes brightened the next second as she declared, "I'll bake you the best cake you've ever tried! You'll get one more for every year we survive each other."
"What will I do with endless cakes?" he asked helplessly since he hoped their marriage would last forever. They would not be eternal but he loved her enough to stay alive for her. She had enjoyed making cornbread cakes beside him in their childhood during the fall to share them with her family. Now, they would make them together for their own.
"Hand them out to Davenport, we have to protect and feed our town" she smiled widely at their protective nature over the little community that had now grown into a town. Her family and the Galloways had been there first to build their homestead and now, they had a school, a store, an inn, and even a trade business! What would happen within the next ten years to expand their town?
He agreed with that suggestion instantly because the residents had become family. He had been a kid trying to find his way in the turbulent world but they had helped each other. He would not be the same man without Caroline, her family, Myriam, Norris- everyone in town- in his life. It appeared that they had made a clan of their own in less than a decade.
Caroline intertwined her fingers with his as they sat together, leaning over to kiss his cheek. It was the boldest affectionate token she would grant to avoid a lecture on propriety, leaving the chaste lip kisses to the newly married couple. Martha was finishing another helping of sweet pie alongside Elizabeth while Walter devoured a baked potato with butter and cheese. Their nerves from earlier had disappeared to give way to joy and a raging appetite. With plenty of hot food to go around, everyone could dive in for third helpings.
"Look at her though" she sighed with lament to the passing years and the divergence of their lives. Her siblings no longer tagged behind her with happy giggles and unsteady feet. Their days of frolicking around the small hill that had seemed so large to them had come to an end. Hunter, Daniel, Samuel, Anne, and Maria were now the new generation flourishing after theirs and Caroline realized she was slowly stepping into the shoes of her mother. Is this how she had felt at leaving her family on her wedding day? On her last day in Glasgow?
Her eyes blurred towards her little sister, who was clapping with Walter to encourage Samuel's dancing, and Caroline smiled forlornly, "My little sister now has a family of her own."
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders to squeeze her tightly when she began sniffling and soothed gently, "Caroline."
"I'm not crying" she assured weakly and wiped her left eye to rub away the droplets. It was not very convincing but her fiancé was great at letting slips of emotion fly by with a kind smile. She could choose nobody better spend her life with and hugged him fondly in return.
"You're free to weep" he stated quietly because similar to Catherine, she was losing someone vital to the Burnett family. Apart from her parents, she had watched and protected her siblings like a hawk. Now, she was releasing one of her beloved siblings into the care of another that she hoped would protect her with the same ferocity.
She straightened her shoulders to keep a tough front but it crumbled rapidly. Breaking out of his hold, she darted forward to pull her little sister into a hug while Martha was caught in mid-laughter to the party. It was a girlish and absolutely silly thing to do but Caroline let her shields fall for the little sister who had caused her more frustration than Elizabeth. The blushing bride sighed with sympathy to her sister's solemnity and drew her into a hug. They would not greet the morning in the same house come tomorrow and she whimpered, "My little Martha."
Walter laughed softly to the family bonding when his bride began bawling in return, calling forth her brigade of sisters. The four sisters joined the hug to convey their love and sadness to see their first sibling leave their home. Martha had always looked to Amelia and Caroline as her protectors but now, she would carve her own road. Although she heckled Elizabeth and lectured Alice, it was only to protect them from harm or being laughed at. None of her siblings needed her guidance anymore and they would eventually follow her road away from their little house on the hill. Samuel groaned with embarrassment when his sisters yanked him into their group hug as the last piece of their family. He had been their only brother to survive infancy and it was an unspoken expectation that he would outlive them all.
Godfrey wrapped an arm around Catherine's shoulder as she wiped her blurry eyes. She promised she wouldn't get the dreaded red nose and eyes but that had been a lie. Bidding farewell to one of her children wasn't an easy transition after her diligent care for the past two decades. She was a mother through and through but he soothed with a warm voice, "Our kids will do just fine, Kate."
"They grew up, Godfrey" she whispered sadly because they were slowly leaving their home to begin their own lives. Thankfully, two of her daughters would remain within close range rather than moving across the sea like she had. She had stayed awake numerous nights when her babies had been sick, given up her own meals to feed them when hardships hit, and snuggled them close to her body heat to keep them warm during harsh winters at the logging camps. After losing two sons, she refused to lose any more and did everything possible to keep her children safe. That hard work paid off and she sniffed into her handkerchief, "It happened quicker than expected."
"Just you wait" he comforted with a fond laugh to her fretting but understood her sentiments exactly. He had taken a heavy risk in bringing his young family to the New World and despite their struggles to make a living, everything had gone to their children. He had sewn patches over his worn boots to save a few coins to buy wool for them to stay warm during the winters. They were innocent enough to never wonder how poor they were and he made up for that with the time spent together with them. Elizabeth and Samuel had enjoyed frolicking in the woods of the logging camps to set hunting traps, Amelia and Caroline would visit the lakes and rivers with him to fish, and Martha and Alice would help him in preparing fur pelts for selling. It was vital work but their quality time activities kept them clothed and fed.
Now, they would undergo their own work to survive in the outdoors but he had immense hope for them. His daughters were as capable as any man and his only son would have an easier life than he had. He and Catherine could begin the next stage of their lives, living off their land and mill, while their children branched off into their own work. His twinkling eyes met her forlorn blue and he pointed out to their bright future, "Soon, you'll have grandchildren to fawn over."
"No, my girls need time to adjust to married life before children" she chuckled softly with a faint smile at becoming a grandmother. It was not uncommon to become pregnant within the first year of marriage but she would be there for her daughters. She had no worries for Martha rearing her own children but her heart contemplated over Caroline. Her marriage to a native would be a tricky one when venturing to the cities and their children would need protection from discrimination if they took after their father. She would love and protect all her grandchildren, smiling earnestly to beam, "But they will be a delight."
Terry clapped his hands to call attention from the bawling women and began playing on his fiddle to liven up the atmosphere. Weddings were not about to turn into a sad funeral affair on his watch. Being Martha's godfather, he would not let her first day as a married lady to end on a sad note. The Burnett children wiped their eyes and Samuel scrambled away to help his unofficial uncle with the festive mood. Clapping his hands, the redheaded boy ushered the residents forward to dance a jig and encouraged, "Come on, this is my sister's wedding!"
Catherine chuckled softly to his peppy energy and tugged on her husband's hand to bring him to the dance floor with a satisfied smile, "They'll do just fine."
"Thank you, everyone, for being here today" Martha spoke aloud with gratitude to the town that had become family over the last seven years. Time would eventually separate them but the memories made on that day would forever stay with them.
The new couple beckoned her parents forward while the Burnett siblings scampered off to find a dance partner. Ratonhnhaké:ton groaned with dismay when Caroline latched onto his shoulders with a giddy grin to claim him. Her family would be his and with great reluctance, obeyed his future wife- especially when seeing Godfrey dancing with his happy wife. He would more than likely step all over her feet but it kept her smiling. Amelia chose Lance since the carpenter enjoyed their yearly parties to dance his feet off while Alice meekly asked Patrick, still too shy to venture out. Her cousin laughed at her awkwardness but adolescence struck everyone that way, reassuring her that she could leave if she found a better dancer. Elizabeth decided one dance partner wasn't enough and grabbed the newest couple, Norris and Myriam, to dance with her. Samuel caused his sisters to fawn when he asked Anne with a sheepish smile, earning a playful fatherly 'oi!' from Terry, and she accepted. Diana chuckled behind her hands at seeing her daughter enjoy her first dance while not being tied to her skirt.
Martha's heart beat happily to the flurry of skirts and clapping hands throughout the inn. Even the innkeepers were dancing like a young couple. She could not have asked for a better wedding in the rural outdoors, finding herself silly for wanting to live in the cities. Her heart belonged to Davenport and her roots would settle into the soft dark soil for decades.
A/N: Happy New Year to everyone, even though we're almost at the half point. This chapter came out longer than I expected but Martha and Walter are officially married and off to live their own life. I didn't expect to write such life into my characters but this little family of redheads and brunettes is endearing. At 50 chapters, the children have grown up a lot and they're finally branching off on their own. Caroline and Connor were able to achieve their legal dream with a little tweaking from Father Timothy but Norris and Myriam's wedding will be next before theirs. Boy, those two chapters will be long but after that, we'll roll in the year 1778.
Thank you to all my new readers since the last chapter and my reviewers:
Danelleprae: A rabble of cute children chasing him through the forest is absolutely hilarious and cute. Being an only child, he was never used to siblings until meeting Caroline's large family so he's cautious by sticking to two, lol. I have definitely had patients that delivered 9, 10, and even 11, children, in this modern age- one actually named their daughter after me since she had not picked a name yet which was my highlight of the week. Thinking back on Connor, I have a small dreamcatcher over my bed that a couple gifted to me during their last day with me.
East Coast Captain: I can already see the kids tagging along after Arno with endless questions, haha. It wasn't until the 1970s in the United States that dads were allowed to stay for the entire birth. Even before the 1960s, mothers couldn't stay in pediatric wards overnight which tears my heart at having to leave a sick child without a comforting parental presence. You are on point with what Caroline will do during labor to keep him occupied and productive!
Faron Oakenshield: The homebuilding between them is adorable. Nowadays, a huge majority of people just buy a house while in older times, people build them with their bare hands and whatever was available to shelter their families from experience. It's impressive to me because I would not know where to begin!
Chriswill02: Thank you for always enjoying the chapters! Stress just got worse after the holidays because I expected a huge climb in numbers but not to the amount we're seeing now (my state is number one in daily rates). Our morgue keeps filling to max capacity that trucks are being brought in to collect the excess corpses. It's sad because non-covid related emergencies like stroke, heart attacks, and trauma accident patients can't even secure a bed when they normally would which is raising mortality even more with hospital beds full to the brink. Our maternity unit has been split in half to accommodate covid overflow which is something I've never seen. Aside from that, I need to write out more of these happy weddings to keep me and all the readers happy in this current world situation! :)
Next Chapter Excerpt:
Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline were on their daily perimeter check of the town. Their first stop had now become Martha's new home but the new bride settled into her new home without a fuss. Being close to her family, they were a short walk away and Caroline had dropped off a rabbit from a recent hunt. Animals were preparing to hibernate which meant the hunters of the homes had to take advantage. With neither Walter and Martha having the best experience at shooting, the outdoor couple had taken Walter under their wing. He was great at catching fish and setting traps but winter would freeze the rivers solid and Caroline was certain Martha would not be keen on dried fish and small game all winter.
"Thank you" her little sister spoke gratefully for the fresh meat since she didn't want to depend on the stock for the inn. That meat was for the patrons but Corrine always snuck them off a crate full of food. Being married less than a month, she was still waiting on her hens to lay eggs but she had made plenty of preserves for the upcoming winter.
"Always, my dear sister" Caroline smiled warmly to brightening up her day since Martha's fresh pork was running low. She could use the last of it in a stew and add in the rabbit with fresh vegetables for a hearty soup. Martha had no idea how her mother and Corrine became experienced in delicious food but she would try until she matched them. Thankfully, Walter was kind and had yet to complain if she overcooked anything.
She was tidying up the house with the last morning chores before joining Walter at the general store. The dry goods he had ordered were coming in every day to ensure everyone had food to last the winter. Flour and beans were in heavy demand while Ratonhnhaké:ton footed the bill for fancier things like coffee and sugar. Walter promised they would have a glass jar full of it at home for the winter and although Martha didn't need it, she appreciated the sentiment.
Ratonhnhaké:ton repeated his partner's sentiment by meeting Martha's sheepish gaze to remind, "Fetch us if you need anything."
"You're spoiling me" she chuckled softly to the outpour of care from her family and counted herself absolutely lucky. Caroline waved a dismissive hand, laughing to her modesty, before beckoning her partner back onto the main road. Her little sister had chores to complete to stay on schedule and she wouldn't take up her time. Descending the porch steps from the cozy home, which had been painted a pretty pale blue, the couple waved in farewell to the brunette. Martha leaned against the doorway of her home with her new catch, keeping an eye on the two until they returned to the main road.
Caroline raised her arms in the air to pop her joints to wake herself against the lingering cold of the morning. The bright sun in the sky and the lack of cloud cover would soon dissipate the chill so they would hurry along. Adding a mental check in her mind, she proposed, "Seeing as we've checked off the inn and Martha, let's check the general store. I have to make sure nobody hassles our new brother."
"I doubt that would happen" he stated dryly to the safety of their town and the lack of danger from humans. It had become a scarce possibility with their power in numbers and ability to fight but Caroline wasn't leaving anything to chance. Ratonhnhaké:ton shook his head to her skepticism and pointed out, "We did convince him to keep a shotgun."
"We have to protect our little birds" she smiled fondly at the new role of not only an older sister but a protector. The burning flame of vigilance over her siblings as a child had shifted now that she was a woman. There was a maternal edge growing in her heart and she welcomed it, embracing the new emotion. If she could turn out like her mother who braved danger, traversed the Atlantic Ocean, survived the elements, and built a safe home- she would do fine.
He was about to remind her that they weren't exactly little anymore. Alice had barely reached his waist when they met and the brunette now brushed past his shoulder. Even Samuel was up to his chest and he was not finished growing which meant Catherine would need Ellen's help to keep up with demand. Before he could open his mouth to speak, two hands grabbed his shoulders from behind. With Caroline clearly at his side, it was not someone he allowed to breach his personal space.
Not knowing who it was, he wrestled the stranger to the ground but before they landed, he heard Caroline exclaim in complaint. Not at the newcomer but at him. Glancing down, he realized with embarrassment that he had flipped Norris onto the dirt. The miner was too overjoyed to care about the attack and threw up his arms while on the floor to exclaim happily, "My friend!"
Despite his cheerful demeanor, Ratonhnhaké:ton quickly grabbed him by the left arm to lift him onto his feet. Caroline was trying her best to ignore what happened and covered her face with both hands to fight back her burning cheeks. He didn't mean to throw him over his shoulder and shot his friend an apologetic look for the accident. His personal space was a very guarded zone and only Caroline was allowed, followed by Robert when at sea and her family at home. The miner, however, didn't bat an eye to what happened which led Ratonhnhaké:ton to inquire, "Norris, what are you doing?"
"She said yes!" he blurted with delight to tell his best friend the best news of the day. Although his courtship with Myriam had not been long like his friend's, he had loved her for years in pining silence. He had finally dared to ask the question last night after dinner at the Mile's End and a stroll under the stars. Whether she accepted or not, he had the pride in knowing he tried on his own this time. Thankfully for him, she had accepted on the condition that he allow her to continue her hunting.
"Myriam?" he asked with disbelief because he expected more resistance from the huntress. Like Caroline, they were both not conventional brides of their time and preferred living in an isolated wilderness.
This time, Caroline smacked him across the left shoulder to chide sarcastically, "Of course, Myriam, who else has he been chasing after?"
Norris clapped enthusiastically to reveal, ecstatic to tell the town, and declared with pride, "We are getting married!"
Myriam managed to catch up to her overly excited fiancé from behind, catching her breath, and shook a playful fist at him, "I told you not to touch him, Norris!"
Ratonhnhaké:ton tried not to recoil when he earned his future wife's wrath when Caroline lectured, "What did I tell you about flipping people in Davenport?"
Thank you for reading and stay safe out there!