To Challenge Destiny: Celia Martin Series, #1

To Challenge Destiny

Celia Martin

To Challenge Destiny

First edition, published 2019

By Celia Martin

Cover Image Courtesy of Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay

Interior Book Layout: Tim Meikle, Reprospace

Copyright © 2019, Celia Martin

ISBN-13: 978-1-942661-20-7

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

Published by Kitsap Publishing

P.O. Box 572

Poulsbo, WA 98370

www.KitsapPublishing.com

This book is dedicated to my loving husband Ken who has supported me in my writing career from day one. Second is to the members of my writing group. They not only encouraged me, they taught me more than I ever learned in any writing class. They are: Alice Anderson, Cheryl Berger, Mike Donnelly, Dee Eide, Carson Farley, Kathy Kvam, Cynthia Percenti (Penny), and Sue Riddle.

Professional Book Review

"Celia Martin invokes this historical era with feeling and fidelity illustrating that she is, indeed, a student of history and not just a teacher. Martin possesses the literary powers necessary for transforming the texture and tone of 17th century life into dramatic form while still maintaining the aforementioned historical accuracy. Too often such works fall into the trap of populating its fictional landscape with one dimensional character while focusing the bulk of its attention on nailing down details, but Martin avoids such pitfalls with To Challenge Destiny. The novel’s four primary characters are rendered in a multi-dimensional fashion and never strain credibility.

The novel’s conclusion is powerful and convincing. Overall, To Challenge Destiny more than lives up to its billing as a romance adventure and Martin proves throughout the course of the novel that she has the vision and talent to make bygone times come alive for modern readers. The book, as well, has a near ideal length and the pacing keeps readers involved and attentive rather than risking their loss of attention throughout self-indulgent sideshows. Lovers of historical and romance fiction alike will enjoy this novel."

Anne Hollister, Professional Book Reviews

Endorsed by award-winning author Curt Locklear

"If you yearn for a story skillfully told – if you like characters who find a home in your heart – if you enjoy historical accuracy blended masterfully into a story with robust action and enthralling, heart-wrenching romance, then To Challenge Destiny is your new favorite book.

Being a historian myself, I cannot help but carefully monitor historical works for accurate details, and I am delighted with To Challenge Destiny. The attention to the accurate portrayal of seventeenth century America and the customs of a variety of new-to-America Europeans; the topography of the new colonies; the exactness of the procedures for operating seagoing vessels; and even the plethora of languages and accents, add to the authenticity of the tale.

The characters feel so real, it is as though you can reach out and touch them. The main hero and heroine, with their passions constrained by duty and honor, yearn for each other, but cannot unbind the knots of their lives with which destiny has bound them. Only when fate changes course is their love allowed to burst forth in exquisitely portrayed, intense scenes of passion.

In amazing action sequences: the battles, the escapes, the weather, and, especially, the horrendous villains all play havoc on the characters. Who will survive? Will love triumph?

You will thrill. You will cry. You will love To Challenge Destiny, your new favorite book. To Challenge Destiny is: Masterful story-telling! Exquisite passion and breath-taking action! A historical romance feast!"

Curt Locklear, Award-winning Author, Editor and Presenter. Winner of the National Laramie Award. Invited speaker at the 2019 National Historical Novel Society Conference.

www.curtlocklearauthor.com

A Collection of

Romantic Adventures

Follow the romantic adventures of the D’Arcy, Hayward, and Lotterby families and their captivating friends in seventeenth century England and the American colonies. Dive into: To Challenge Destiny and savor the rich tapestry of the alluring past. And be sure to watch for A Bewitching Dilemma when the dashing Captain Garrett D’Arcy sweeps Tempest Winslowe from the gallows where she was to be hanged as a witch, Coming Soon!

Excerpt from

A Bewitching Dilemma

At the end of the book.

As a history teacher, the best thing about teaching is bringing history to life. Of less importance are the dates, the wars, the statesmen and generals; it is the lives of the everyday people that make history fun to experience. Travel in the cramped space of a sailing ship across the vast ocean, struggle to build a home in a new land. What do you eat? What do you wear? What kind of home do you live in and how do you keep warm in winter and survive the heat and insects of summer? History should be exciting and eye opening, and never boring.

Visit my web site at:

cmartinbooks.kitsappublishing.com

Prologue

England September 1651

Adler Hayward slumped in his saddle but kept his eyes glued on the bobbing lantern light far ahead in the dark. His arms ached, his legs ached, his head throbbed, and his parched throat cried out for a drink, a drink of anything. What he, a yeoman farmer, was doing on a damned horse traveling down narrow, poorly maintained country lanes in the middle of this dank dreary night was a question he guessed he would never be able to answer.

He could blame his younger brother Caleb for being so blasted good looking with his dark auburn hair and green, heavy-lidded eyes, he had won the heart and hand of Sir Yardley’s older daughter, Sidonie. Or he could blame Sidonie’s brothers Cyril and William for being so persuasive they convinced Caleb and then him to join their cavalry troop despite his and his brother’s meager riding capabilities and lack of experience with swords or pistols.

’Tis no matter do you fight on foot with musket and pike or on horseback with sword and sawed-off musket, but fight you must unless you want to live out your life under Roundhead mastery, said Cyril Yardley. We need ride hard to join up with the King. You cannot cover the miles afoot. The Yardleys provided the Haywards with horses and armaments and off they went, joining up with King Charles in time to share in his defeat at Worcester. Now they made up part of the King’s guard as he hit out into the hinterland in a desperate bid to escape capture by Cromwell’s victorious forces. Adler had no idea where they headed, he but followed his King.

Pay heed, his brother said, look we leave the lane.

Glancing to his right, Adler saw a dim glow appearing to the east. Soon the sun would peep over the horizon and the country populace would be about their morning chores. The King needed to be hidden away by then, concealed from curious stares. Nudging his tired horse over the low hedge lining the rutted lane and into a field of stubble, Adler followed after his brother. Trotting past a few sheep foraging through the remnants of grain, they headed into a woods. Low hanging branches tugged at hats and coats, and Adler heard curses from his fellow guardsmen. The curses helped guide him, the lantern being difficult to discern through the autumn foliage. Some of the men, due to wounds, weariness, or lame horses, were dropping out, unable to continue the mad march. They would hope to find shelter and sustenance in local cottages. Some might well be betrayed and captured. The thought of prison tore at Adler’s gut. He did not know how he would survive such an ordeal. He had too great a love for the outdoors. And too much fear of enclosed places.

Breaking out of the woods, they rode through another field, up a hill, and into less dense woods that soon opened onto a grassy meadow. And so they straggled along, fording streams and urging their horses up more hills and down into valleys until they trotted out of yet another woods onto a rough trail and could see their goal silhouetted against an overcast sky. A manor house or hunting lodge, Adler knew not which nor did he care. The gate to the walled enclosure surrounding a half-timbered house opened, and the King disappeared inside.

Arriving at their destination in the King’s wake, Adler slid from his saddle. He had had no order to dismount, but his buttocks told him he had endured enough. Others copied him, including his brother and Cyril Yardley. Leaning his head against his horse’s rump, Adler longed for sleep. Never in his twenty-five years had he been so tired; not after days in the field behind a plow, not after a gargantuan struggle to get a stump out of a field his father wanted for an apple orchard, not even after the fight he had with a bear that had wandered out of the woods. The poor creature must have escaped from some show. He had a frayed rope collar about his neck and numerous patches of missing fur. He was hungry and angry, and Adler had the misfortune to stumble across him. Adler bore teeth indentations on his shoulders and claw scars across his chest and back, but he had managed to get his knife into the bear’s heart before the big jaws had closed over his head. William Yardley had found him, mauled and bleeding, and carted him home across his shoulders. Adler owed William his life, but he had not been able to return the favor this day. William died at the end of a Roundhead’s sword but a few feet from Adler.

A cavalryman named Draye who had recently joined their squadron dispatched the Roundhead, but the fighting had been too fierce to retrieve William’s body. Adler knew Cyril was grieving. Telling his family of his brother’s death would be difficult, but to know William would have no decent burial would be heartbreaking to those who loved the vibrant, good-natured cavalier. A year younger than Adler, William had been a close friend and confidant. They had attended petty school together then continued their education at the town grammar school. Eventually William and Cyril went on to Oxford and Adler and Caleb continued to work on their father’s farm. A prosperous yeoman owning his land outright, their father had encouraged his sons to seek professions other than farming, but both loved their farm and the land. Now that the King had lost his bid to reclaim the throne, Adler wondered what awaited him and Caleb and the other members of their squadron who had escaped out of Worcester. He doubted they would be allowed to pick up their lives, resume their daily routines as though they had not trotted off to war.

Their squadron captain, Nathaniel D’Arcy, had followed King Charles into the house. He emerged as Caleb, eyes drooping, shoulders sagging, handed Adler a dipper of well water. Best we got for now, his brother said. Adler eagerly accepted the dipper, guzzled down its content, then turned his attention to D’Arcy.

His captain gathered together the men still under his command. We have been disbanded, he said, removing his hat to swipe his thick dark hair off his brow. We are to look to ourselves. I head back to Cheshire, though no doubt my brother and I, having broken our paroles, will find we have a price on our heads. Are we captured, prison or worse will be our fate. All the same, we head for home. Any of you who wish to ride with us are welcome. We will do best do we stay off the main roads. He looked out over the faces turned to him, and Adler followed his gaze. His eyes lit on a square-jawed man in the plain garb of a working man, coarse linen shirt, leather doublet, and shapeless brown coat.

Adler recognized the man. Jack Chapman, a former peddler whose sister married above her station and gave her brother a boost. Chapman now owned a small shop in Chester and no longer peddled his ware from town to town or farm to farm. But no one knew the Heart of England countryside better than Chapman. From visits Chapman made to their farm before his rise in fortune, Adler knew him to be a King’s man. He and his father had fought as pikemen for King Charles I. Adler had not been surprised to find the peddler in their midst.

Chapman, D’Arcy called to him. I can think of no one better suited to guide us home. Will you oblige us? ‘Tis a risk. You would have a better chance on your own.

Chapman smiled and nodded. Aye, I will lead you and anyone who wishes to tag along.

Good man, D’Arcy said. All right, those of you coming with us, mount up.

No sleep, no food, nothing to drink but a dipper of well water. And it was starting to rain. Adler swung back up on his tired mount. What a fool he had been to join this hopeless cause. Fool, fool, he chided himself as he steered his horse out the gate and fell into line behind his brother. They had traveled less than a mile when D’Arcy called them to halt and urged them to circle up. Rising in his stirrups and raising his voice, he said, We need get far enough from White Ladies so we are not apt to give away King Charles, yet we are in need of food and rest, and our horses are in sore need of a respite. Jack knows a farmer not far from here he believes we can trust. We are a large party to be on these back roads. Best we travel at night. Are you fearful of trusting this farmer, feel free to make your own way home. Otherwise, follow us.

No one deserted the party and in short order they trotted up to the farmer’s croft. A pail of milk in each hand, wiry black hair poking out from under his hat, the farmer stared at the group of riders entering his yard. His wariness turned to relief when he recognized Chapman.

Welcome, friend, welcome, oi am afeared you are here because the King has lost. He shook his head. Is that the case we are naow into a heap of trouble.

Chapman swung down from his horse and greeted the farmer. Aye, Goodman Snow, we lost, but the King escaped. He swung his arm behind him, indicating the men with him. We are desperately in need of rest and food and a place to bide until nightfall. Can you oblige us?

His pointed nose quivering, the farmer nodded over his shoulder. You may stable your horses and take your rest in yonder barn. Oi will see you get something to eat, is it naught but bread and cheese and a dram of ale.

We thank you greatly, Goodman Snow, D’Arcy said, dismounting. We must need water and feed these tired horses even before we mind our own needs. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a purse. I will pay you well, but have a care before spending the coins, the Roundheads will be on watch for anyone who suddenly becomes prosperous.

’Twould be a loi did I sye oi had no fear of the Roundheads, but do they come and are you found, oi will but tell them you forced me at gun point to give you shelter. He bobbed his head. So naow, sir, tike your horses to the ditch. Oi will but tike this milk into the wife and calm her fears and set her to making you a repast. Then oi will meet you in the barn where you can rest easy until nightfall.

Snow’s freehold appeared near as prosperous as Adler’s father’s. It was a tidy property, and Adler liked Snow. He had an honest face. Tired though he was, Adler would not have agreed to bide with the farmer did he not trust him. His horse watered, Adler entered the small barn. It smelled of hay and dung, but it felt good to be out of the rain. Two cows, four oxen, and several hens occupied the barn. Adding ten men and ten horses made for a squeeze, but could he find a place to stretch out and shut his eyes for a bit, Adler could see no reason to complain.

D’Arcy advised against removing their mounts’ saddles. But loosen the girth. We may need to leave in a hurry, he said. Let us see can we bunch the horses under the loft. Tired as they are, do we get them fed, they are not apt to start picking on one another.

The horses were soon settled and the farmer and his wife arrived with bread, cheese, sausage, a pail of ale and a couple of mugs the men would have to share. Brave men you be, said Goody Snow, bobbing her head up and down. Blessed be the King escaped. Oi will have him in me prayers tonight. Lord knows what will become of us all with Cromwell in command.

His hunger assuaged, Adler pushed around some hay to pad his body and bunched his coat to make a pillow. In an instant he was asleep and did not awaken until Cyril Yardley shook his shoulder. Rouse yourself, Adler, ‘tis near time to leave. Chapman says we have a long ride ahead of us are we to make our next haven by morning.

With the onslaught of night Chapman led them across fields and meadows and down backcountry lanes and rutted trails. With the sunrise he found them shelter and food. Rest by day travel by night, but by the third night of their trek, Adler began recognizing landmarks that told him they were not far from home.

Cyril rode up beside Adler. His dark brown eyes appearing sunken in his tired face, he said My house is apt to be watched. We are going to your house. Caleb has volunteered to ride in and see is all clear. He is not covered in blood as are you. He could make a good defense that he is but returning home late from a trip to Chester.

Adler could not like the idea his younger brother was to act as bait, but he recognized the necessity. Was his house being watched, they needed to know that they would not ride into a trap. They had not long to wait. The door was thrown open and Caleb’s new bride was in his arms. His father and mother squeezed past the lovers, and his father waved a lantern, a sure sign all was well. Judging by the moon, Adler guessed it was past midnight, but he had the feeling his family had been waiting up as though they had been expecting them.

He no sooner rode into the yard than his mother, her blue eyes glistening with joyous tears, was tugging at his stirrup. He swung down from his saddle to be wrapped in her embrace. Both my boys home safe. Thank the good lord. He was next grasped by his father, and he saw Sidonie slip from Caleb’s arms to hug her brother, Cyril, who had been engulfed in his younger sister’s arms, though Adler knew not why Arcadia should be at their house at this time of night.

William, where is William? Arcadia demanded. A feminine version of her dark-haired, brown-eyed brother, she twisted to look at the other men who had dismounted.

His shoulders slumped, Cyril shook his head. Dear ones, William was killed in battle.

No! Arcadia cried.

Dear God, Sidonie whispered. Oh, how will we tell Mother?

I hate to interrupt, said D’Arcy, his commanding voice and tall imposing figure demanding attention. I think ‘tis best do we get these horses hidden. We cannot be too careful.

Yes, yes, of course you are right, said Adler’s father. Let us get your poor beasts watered and fed, then all of you come in the house. Turning to Adler’s mother, he said, My wife has a fine fare for you. Though we were not expecting so many of you, we can assure you all a hearty meal and a warm bed before the hearth.

Cyril, you go in the house with your sisters, Adler said. I will see to your mount. Nodding, Cyril thanked him and with an arm around each sister, he trailed Adler’s mother into the house. Caleb, you too. Father will see to your mount. Your wife needs you. Caleb clasped Adler’s shoulder. Thanks, he said and followed his wife inside.

Horses tended and stomachs fed, plans needed to be made. Her eyes red and bloodshot from crying, Arcadia said, You cannot go home, Cyril. Cromwell’s men are watching the house. They came asking for you and William. Father said you went to Chester, but they doubted his word, and at least two men have been stationed in the barn round the clock. I had a feeling you would be coming home tonight, so I had Cook mix a wee potion of laudanum and honey in a couple of mugs of ale I took out to them. They were mighty grateful for the drinks, and within the hour, they were both asleep. I was able to slip away with their being none the wiser.

She showed up here around dark time, said Adler’s father. Sure to certain she was you would be coming home tonight. So we all waited up, and sure ‘nough, she was right. He wiped a hand over his balding head. When I was in the field with the plow yester morn, a troop of horsemen came round, militiamen they were, trampling through the field with no thought for a decent man’s work. Said they were looking for any man who had fought for…, he paused and looked around at the faces watching him, well, I will not say what he called our King. I told him I knew of no such men, and they rode on. I have not seen them since.

They will be back, D’Arcy said. I have no wish to be taken by them. I have heard well the fate of the poor Scots taken at Dunbar. Those who survived imprisonment were sold into indentured slavery in the colonies. I have no mind to experience their fate.

Adler had no mind to experience imprisonment or servitude.

Green eyes flashing, D’Arcy’s younger brother Ranulf spoke up, I am for making my way home, catching a boat to Ireland, then finding passage on a ship bound for Holland or France and meet up with King Charles. He will have need of his guard.

You are sure he is going to make it back to the continent? Draye questioned.

Ranulf looked offended. He will make it. He shook his head. But should he not, James will need supporters even more. He has not the same leadership qualities as does Charles.

I have a better idea, D’Arcy said. We support the King by staying here in England and helping finance him. His income will be limited. He will need whatever we can send him.

And where are we to get this income for him? Cyril asked.

Why from the Roundheads. We become Robin Hood’s merry men. We rob from the rich Puritan merchants and give to our impoverished King.

You are saying you want us to become thieves or highwaymen? Caleb demanded.

D’Arcy grinned. Aye, that is what I am saying.

A general hubbub of voices assaulted D’Arcy’s announcement, but Adler was watching Ranulf. Shaking his head, his reddish-blond hair flying about his face, he said, Nay, I am bound for the continent. However, do you proceed with your inane scheme, you will need a contact on the continent. Someone you can trust to get your nefariously gained funds to King Charles. I will send word to Kenrick where you may send your dispatches. Adler had learned Kenrick D’Arcy, the Earl of Tyneford, eldest of the D’Arcy brothers, had heeded his wife’s pleas that he not break his parole. She had feared did he break his oath and join his brothers as they rode off to fight for Charles, was he not killed in battle, he could well be executed as traitor if again taken prisoner. Adler understood her feelings. His mother had begged him and Caleb not to go. How he wished he had listened to her as the Earl had listened to his wife. Had he listened to his mother, he would not now be contemplating leaving with Ranulf for the continent.

I am with Ranulf, Draye said, his strong chin jutting forward, his gray eyes glowing in the firelight. I have no mind to have my neck stretched for to see the King has a softer bed. I will serve in his guard, but I will not steal for him.

Cacophony rose again with Adler’s parents joining in as well as Caleb’s wife who sat clinging to her husband’s arm. But Adler had made up his mind. He was bound for the continent. He might well be a coward, running away, but he knew, he could never survive imprisonment. Enclosed, unable to see the light of day – he would go mad. His heart heavy, he stared at his parents and wondered would he ever see them again. His brother had to stay. He could not leave his wife. Adler but hoped Caleb would escape imprisonment, and that he would not join Nathaniel D’Arcy in his perilous scheme. He drew a deep breath through his nose. How to say good-bye to this land he loved so dearly. Land that had been in his family since the time of the Conqueror, or so he had been told. To leave family and friends, to leave a way of life he loved. ‘Twas hard. What would be his future he could not say, but his destiny had been sealed the day he rode into battle in support of his King, and he was bound on a new path.

Chapter 1

Dublin, Ireland September 1651

Glynneth Bristow Fortier stood in the shadow of the foc’s’le and watched three men stealthily board the Grishilde. The ship’s captain greeted them and a small but hefty looking pouch changed hands. The captain weighed it in his palm, nodded his head, and pointed to the steps leading down to the ‘tween deck where Glynneth’s family lay sleeping. She felt no alarm. The men did not appear menacing. She suspected they were Royalists bent on escaping to the continent to avoid imprisonment or worse at the hands of the Puritans. Many an Irishman had done the same thing.

Word had flown across the Irish Sea of King Charles II’s defeat by Cromwell. A thousand pound reward was being offered for the King’s capture. Everyone was speculating about him. Where could he be hiding? Was he in Wales? Had he escaped to Ireland? Glynneth bore no love for Cromwell. In 1649 her father had died fighting Cromwell at Drogheda. The vibrant, hot-blooded Alaric Bristow, for years chafing under the hostile English yoke, had joined in the Irish rebellion. Glynneth believed had her mother not died of a fever that ravished many a home in 1640, her father would not have become embroiled in the rebellion. Her strong-willed mother would never have allowed her adored, yet overly fervent, husband to enter the fray.

The creaking of the ship and its easy roll as it rested in the Dublin Harbor was soothing. Unable to sleep in the stuffy hold, Glynneth, after seeing her children, husband, and father-in-law were resting peacefully, had slipped up onto the deck for some fresh air. The ship would be departing with the high tide, bound for Holland. She expected never to see Ireland again. Yet she shed no tears. She could not help but think a brighter future awaited her and her family.

The moon came out from behind some clouds and struck a path across the deck. One of the three men who had come aboard stepped from the ‘tween deck stairway into the bright path. Still in the shadows, Glynneth watched him. He turned in a full circle, slowly, warily. He went to each side of the ship and looked overboard. Seemingly satisfied, he swept off his hat and wiped his brow with his forearm. His appearance seemed more the farmer than a soldier. His light brown hair, cut short in country fashion, curled about his neck and ears. His wide, loose-skirted breeches hung to just below his knees, and under his plain brown coat, the neck line covered by a squared-ended falling band collar, he wore a buff doublet with pewter buttons. Of medium height and weight, he looked strong. He had broad shoulders and sturdy calves. She could not see his features clearly, but she guessed him to be in his early to mid-twenties.

Curious about her fellow passengers, she stepped from the shadows. Good evening. She smiled at the man’s startled mien as he clutched at his chest. Sorry did I take you unaware.

The man’s initial surprise disappeared, and approaching her with a cautious step, he stopped before her and offered a slight bow. I had no notion anyone other than the watchman was about. He pointed to a man on the half deck. Are you with the family that sleeps below?

I am. I am Glynneth Fortier. I travel with my husband and children and my in-laws. And you travel with two friends?

A wariness entered his eyes, blue eyes she thought them, mayhap a bluish green, under questioning brown eyebrows. He was an attractive man, not handsome in the classic sense as was her husband, more a rugged good looks, chiseled jawline, straight nose, firm mouth. As he hesitated, she continued, I saw the three of you come aboard. You appear to be traveling light. She had noted each man carried but one small canvas draw-string bag. Is your stay in Holland to be of short duration?

You are most observant, Mistress Fortier. I take it you are bound for a longer visit.

He had artfully avoided answering her question, and his evasion made her smile. Mister, ah, Mister … She waited.

Hayward, he finally answered, Adler Hayward.

She wondered if he had given her his correct name. It mattered not. Did the weather hold, the trip to Holland should take but three or four days, and then she would never see him again. Ah, Mister Hayward, pleased to make your acquaintance. She nodded then resumed, We are not visiting Holland. It is but a stopover for us. We are bound for the Dutch colony of New Netherland in the new world. She laughed. I see that surprises you. Easy to explain. My father-in-law is a French Huguenot refugee. A merchant, he finds the restrictions the English place on his ventures too demanding. His brother-in-law, also a refugee, has done well in New Netherland. He asked my father-in-law to join him there and help him with his business. And so to the new world we go, my husband, daughter, and baby son, my father-in-law, my brother-in-law, and his wife. ‘Twill be quite the adventure, I am thinking.

Her companion smiled for the first time. A winning smile, it softened his features and brought a gleam to his eyes and a dimple to his right cheek. The new world you say? And to New Netherland. Yet none of you are Dutch. Do you speak Dutch?

But a little, though I am working on it. However, I speak French, and so we are told, near as many settlers there speak French as Dutch. The Dutch call the French settlers Walloons. They have been generous with land grants to them in the New Netherlands. My father-in-law’s brother-in-law is involved in the fur trade.

Her new acquaintance cocked his head. The fur trade you say?

Yes, Monsieur Chappell, my uncle by marriage, has been most prosperous, but he needs someone he can trust to get the best deals for his furs, and the best items for trade with the Indians. He has been asking my father-in-law for several years to come to his aid. Finally, between the war, the land confiscations, trade restrictions, and the plague, my father-in-law has had enough. We are not Catholic, but Irish Catholics have been so devastated, few can afford to buy the products my father-in-law imports. So we seek a saner place to live. The Dutch, so Monsieur Chappell says, are very open and accepting of all who contribute to their colony. He says even Jews and some Catholics have found a home there.

You paint an inviting picture of New Netherland. I would hear more.

My husband and his father can tell you more on the morrow. That is, are we all hale. I fear the seasickness. Do you suffer from the sickness, Mister Hayward?

He shook his head. I know not, though I had no sickness crossing from England. Truth be, until you mentioned it, I had given it no thought. This sickness, is it bad?

Tilting her head and narrowing her eyes, Glynneth shrugged. I but know what I have been told. Some do get dreadfully sick and think death would be a blessing. Others have no problem. My father-in-law says when he came from France, his wife was sick, but he was ne’er sick for even a moment. Did he not feel sorry for his wife, he would have enjoyed the voyage.

Let us hope we are all like your father-in-law. Fortier, did you say is his name?

Yes, Curtice Fortier and my husband is Etienne. She started to ask the names of his friends, but at that moment the captain emerged from his cabin and told the watchman to ring the bell to get the crew up. The tide was right. ‘Twas time to set sail.

With the clanging of the ship’s bell, seamen poured onto the deck. Glynneth, dodging out of the way of a scurrying youth said, I best go below and see that my children have not been disturbed. Are they yet sleeping, I will come back up that I may bid farewell to my homeland.

Adler nodded. I shall be at the railing. I am in no hurry to bury myself in the hold.

\ \ \ \

Shouts of the seamen as they set about their duties relieved the knot tormenting Adler’s gut. It would not completely untie until they sailed out of port, but he could breathe more easily with departure underway. Removing himself to the bulwark in an area he hoped would not be in the way, he watched the sails rise then flutter as they caught the late night breeze. The captain shouted directions to the helmsman manning the whipstaff in the shadow of the quarter deck.

Adler knew nothing about ships or sailing, but Ranulf D’Arcy, who had organized their escape from England, knew a great deal. Having grown up on the Wirral Peninsula, Ranulf was well acquainted with many types of ships. He had been pleased they had been able to book passage on the Grishilde. ’Tis a Dutch Fluyt, he said. Squared-rigged with a wide hull and high stern, it needs a minimum crew, but when armed, it can put up a good defense against most pirate ships. It is like to have more comfortable accommodations than might a Dutch Bilander.

Pleased the ship would be able to put up a good defense against pirates if need be, and that the accommodations would be more acceptable than what he endured on the fishing vessel that had carried them from Ranulf’s home at Wealdburh on the Wirral Peninsula to Dublin, Adler cared little about the other assets of the ship. The crossing from England to Ireland had been without incident. The sea, according to the vessel’s fisherman captain, had been quite calm, and they had seen no English navy ships. Ranulf trusted the fisherman and his crew of three explicitly; had entrusted the fisherman with finding them passage on a ship bound for Holland or France. Adler had been less trusting.

His tension had grown, as hidden aboard the gently rocking fishing vessel, they awaited the return of the fisherman. Even was the captain trustworthy, what of his crew? Might they think to claim a reward for three escaping Royalists. Ranulf laughed at his fears. I have known these men all my life. Think you they would betray me and then return to confront my brother’s wrath. Adler knew Ranulf’s brother, the Earl of Tyneford, was well respected in the village of Wealdburh situated below the ancient square keep sitting atop a stony hill overlooking the sea. Yet greed had been known to prevail over sentiment in many a man’s heart.

Not until they climbed aboard the Dutch ship had Adler relaxed his guard. He had been prepared with gun and knife to fight to the death ere he would let himself be taken. Prison was not for him. The forward movement of the ship as the wind billowed the sails sent Adler’s heart soaring. Then it plummeted. He might be