Inspiration 60

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Proverbs 17:17 NIV A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

I'm an only child, so I can't speak to a brother or sister to support me in bad times. I have had friends come alongside me when I was at my lowest. Think about the person you consider your dearest friend as you read this.

BART AND KETURAH--1800s

Keturah Franklin hung a blanket in the corner where she made Rebekah hide so Rennin could not see her. Keturah made a breakfast of oatmeal and dried fruit. After breakfast, Rennin bathed quickly in Rebekah's tub; shaved, leaving a thin mustache; and changed into a clean shirt and pants. Then the men waited outside so Rebekah could have a bath. Keturah took her behind the blanket and helped her dress. The dress was big for Rebekah, but Keturah tied the sash on the pinafore tightly and whispered, "You can wear it while you grow."

Then Keturah used Rebekah's brush until the young girl's hair glistened. Finally, Keturah pulled pink ribbon from her things and pinned Rebekah's hair into a bun with the ribbon around it. Keturah patted the girl's cheek. "You are pretty. Mr. O'Rourke is a lucky man."

Rebekah shook her head. "No, I'm the one who's lucky to have found a man like Rennin. He has a big heart to want to love my baby."

"Yes, dear, he does seem to be a good man. Are you ready to become his wife?"

"Oh, yes."

"Then, let's go."

Keturah took down the blanket. Rennin stood mesmerized by the delicate beauty he beheld. Rebekah walked on clouds as she went to his side.

Jedediah spoke clearly as if a crowd were present. "Friends, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. If there be any present who can show just cause why these two should not be joined, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."

Hearing no objections, Jedediah continued. "Rennin Aidan O'Rourke, will you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Rennin replied confidently, "I will."

"Rebekah Suzanne Sinclair, will you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Softly, but clearly, Rebekah replied, "I will."

"Since the two of you have agreed to be joined as husband and wife and there are no objections, I will ask you to make vows to each other and before God. Please join hands."

Rennin took Rebekah's hands in his.

"Rennin, do you promise to love, honor, and cherish Rebekah in good times and in bad times, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, cleave only unto her as long as you both shall live?"

Rennin spoke with tender assurance. "I do."

"Rebekah, do you promise to love, honor, and cherish Rennin in good times and in bad times, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, cleave only unto him as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," answered Rebekah with as much confidence as Rennin.

"Rennin and Rebekah, as you have pledged yourselves to each other in the sight of God and these witnesses, I pronounce that you are husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Rennin, you may kiss your bride."

Rennin held Rebekah's face in his hands and kissed her softly.

Jedediah shook Rennin's hand. "Congratulations, Rennin. You have a beautiful bride." Then he kissed Rebekah on the cheek. "Mrs. O'Rourke, I think you have a fine husband. I wish you all the best."

Jedediah and Keturah prepared to continue their journey. 

Rennin pulled Rebekah close and whispered, "Then, let's get out of here. I'll warm you up." Oblivious to the world around them, Rennin and Rebekah locked in a deep passionate kiss.

The couple was shocked back to reality as a bullet whizzed past Rennin's head and a familiar voice laughed menacingly. "Well, O'Rourke, I see ya decided the little Injun whore can give ya some pleasure after all. What a hypocrite! Ya ain't got the guts ta take whacha want, but I see she freely gives herself to ya. Probly 'cause yer an Injun lover. I hear ya was real tight wif Black Cloud. Mebbe ya was glad Pierre done 'im in."

Rennin put Rebekah behind him. "Bart! What the hell do you think you're doing? Put that gun away, and you can stop talking about Rebekah in that manner at once!"

"Whacha gonna do—shoot me? What wif—yer fanger? I do believe yer gun's hangin' here wif yer clothes. Matter o' fact, 'bout everthang ya own is here on dese here horses an' mule." Bart began to rifle through the bags on Jack.

"Damn it, Bart!" Rennin started from the water. Bart shot into the water just at Rennin's feet. As Bart shot, Jewel reared, pulling her tether loose. She reared again and seemed to deliberately bring her front hooves down on Bart. As Jewel knocked him to the ground, his gun flew from his hand. Jewel stood over Bart and snorted repeatedly, daring him to move.

Taking advantage of the situation, Rennin sprinted from the water. He snatched his gun and hurriedly threw on his long johns. Training his gun on the man beneath Jewel's raised hoof, Rennin pulled his blanket from his bedroll and met Rebekah at the water's edge.

As Rebekah wrapped herself in the blanket, Bart attempted to scoot from beneath the mare. Jewel pawed the ground only inches from Bart's head and snorted.

Rennin snarled, "I suggest you stay perfectly still, Bart."

"O'Rourke, what have ya done to Pierre's horse?"

"Rebekah has loved her. You made the mistake of threatening Jewel's mistress. If my wife gives the command, her mare will crush your skull."

"Yer wife? Ya married da…" Jewel snorted threateningly. "Ya married da woman?"

Rennin kept his gun pointed at Bart and talked to Jewel. "Easy, girl. Good, girl." He stroked the mare's neck. "Maybe you really are a jewel—a diamond in the rough." Jewel nickered and nuzzled Rennin's hand. "That's a girl." Rennin soothed. "Back up, Jewel. Rebekah, get your horse."

Rebekah had dressed hastily. She took Jewel's reins and muttered, "I should let her kill you. You're a very bad man, Bart. Have you ever considered how displeased God is with you? That's why I won't kill you. I won't be responsible for sending your soul to Hell."

"I will!" snapped Rennin as he flung Bart's gun into the river. "Now, get up!" Rennin pulled the hammer back on his revolver.

"Rennin!" gasped Rebekah.

"Why are you worried about this vermin's soul, dear? He isn't. He obviously wants to join his old friend, Pierre."

"Come on O'Rourke," said Bart, cowering. "I wudn't gonna kill eiver of ya. I only meant ta scare ya a little."

"You took two shots at me!" growled Rennin.

"Yeah, butcha know if'n I meant to kill ya, I wouldn't uh missed. Ya know I'm a crack shot. I ain't quite as good as ya, but damn close."

Rennin grabbed Bart by the scruff of his collar and dragged him away from the horses. "You could've killed my wife and my child, you fool! Now, I suggest you pray for forgiveness before I send you to meet your Maker."

Rebekah stood there, wide-eyed with dismay. She had never seen Rennin so angry. "You…you're not really going to kill him, are you, Rennin?"

"Why should I spare him, Rebekah? So he can sneak up on us in California? By then we'll have a little one to consider, too. This moron would probably just as soon kill a baby as a man. I'm tired of worrying about him."

Bart's tone turned to pleading. "O'Rourke, I'm sorry. Mrs. O'Rourke, I apologize fer da thangs I said. Talk ta yer husband. Please?"

"Rennin," Rebekah said softly, "you thought it was terrible that I wanted to let the buzzards eat Pierre, but you want to kill Bart."

"I'll bury him. I won't leave him for the buzzards and the coyotes."

Rebekah's eyes filled with tears. "Rennin, are you really going to murder Bart? He's not even armed any more."

"Neither were we. He would've shot us naked and left us for the vultures."

It had become dark and the only light illuminating the faces of the three people was the small flickering firelight. In the shadows, Rebekah could see that Rennin's cheeks glistened with moisture. For the first time, she realized he was serious about killing Bart. All this time she had thought her husband was trying to frighten the other man. She became truly afraid that Rennin's anger would obscure his judgment. Rebekah laid a gentle hand on Rennin's shoulder and whispered, "Honey, you aren't a murderer."

Rennin slowly lowered the hammer on his gun...

 Rennin awoke to the smell of coffee, frying salt pork, and, if he believed his senses, eggs. Rebekah handed him a tin cup, filled with hot coffee. Sheepishly, Rennin asked, "Where did you get the eggs?"

"Bart."

"Where did Bart steal the eggs?"

"I didn't steal 'em, O'Rourke. There's a widow woman 'bout two miles up river. She traded me some fresh salt pork and eggs fer some rabbit skins and a side o' venison. Real nice lady. 'Spectin' a youngun, too, but further along than yer missus. Tree fell on her man. I helped bury 'im." Funny name though—Keturah. Never heard dat name afore."

Rebekah dropped her cup. "Keturah!" She looked at Rennin. "We have to go to her, Rennin. She's expecting. You know what has happened before."

"Ya know da lady?" Bart asked in surprise.

"Yes," said Rennin. "Her husband was the minister who married Rebekah and me."

"I can take ya ta her place. She took up residence in an ol' deserted soddie. She'd sure like ta see a friendly face."

"Of course we'll go to her," said Rennin.

"O'Rourke," said Bart, "can I talk to ya taday? Are ya ready fer my humble apology? I shoulda knowed ya to be a good man from da first. Ya always talked like yer missus and Keturah. Fine woman dat Keturah."

 "Bart," Rennin said thoughtfully, "You were never as loathsome as Pierre. I always had a feeling that at one time you were an upstanding man. What happened to make you so angry?"

"Does dis mean ya're willin' to fergive dis foolish man?" asked Bart penitently.

"Yes, Bart, I can forgive you, but don't ever threaten my wife again."

"Wouldn't dream of it. She really is a good woman, O'Rourke. She was jest dealt a bad hand like me. Diff'rence is she made da best o' hers. I folded.

"When I was yer age I married a purty sweet half-breed Choctaw and Creole mix back in New Orleans. Her momma had been Injun, an' she died in childbirth. Her father raised her ta be a lady, but she was a fickle woman. Six months after we was wed, I come home early from a huntin' trip an' found her wif her daddy's young lawyer. In a rage, I shot 'em boff. I run away out west. I guess I sorta stopped trustin' folks, especially women. I figured one had hurt me so bad, dey must all be rotten. After meetin' Mrs. O'Rourke and dat Keturah, I thank I was wrong. I jest got a bad one. Dare's some good ones."

"Yes, Bart, there are some very good ones; Rebekah and Keturah are prime examples. Let me ask you something. Are you smitten with Keturah Franklin?"

"Well, O'Rourke, I sure thank a lot of her, but I'm afraid she wouldn't cotton much to me if'n she knowed 'bout my past. I murdered two people; I've cheated an' swindled more'n I can count; an'"—Bart paused and looked at Rebekah—"Ya boff know what else I done. I really do regret hurtin' ya, Mrs. O'Rourke. I don't know how ya can be so kind to me."

Rebekah slipped her hand into Rennin's. "I forgive you, Bart. God turned something very bad into something wonderful. He brought me to the man I love more than my own life. Bart, why don't you ask God to forgive you, too? Keturah understands what it means to be forgiven."

"Maybe I will, Mrs. O'Rourke."

Rennin squeezed Rebekah's hand. "Bart, if we're going to be friends, maybe you should call us by our given names, Rennin and Rebekah. Some more advice: You might see if Keturah Franklin is interested in having a new man in her life. After all, she's alone."

Like a schoolboy, Bart whispered, "Maybe Rebekah can ask her fer me."

Two hours later, the trio arrived at Keturah Franklin's abode. At the sound of horses' hooves, she opened the door. Seeing Rebekah, an obviously pregnant Keturah greeted her with open arms. "Rebekah! Rennin! Bartholomew, I didn't expect you back."

Bart blushed. "I run into some ol' friends who happen to know ya."

"I see. Please, come in. It's not much, but it's warm and dry."

Rebekah said, "We're very sorry to hear about Jedediah, but why are you here? Why aren't you on your way to California with the Missionary Society or on your way back east?"

Keturah shrugged and said a little bitterly, "The Missionary Society didn't want to take an expectant mother without a husband. I have no family, so I stayed here. Where else am I to go?"

"California with us," said Rennin before he knew he had spoken.

"California with you and Rebekah?"

"And Bart." Rennin's mouth ran ahead of his brain. Rebekah kicked him under the table where they had sat to have coffee.

"Ouch!"

Keturah started to laugh. At first she gave a little chuckle. Then, she laughed harder until she couldn't catch her breath. After several minutes, Keturah, through small gasps asked, "Bartholomew, is Rennin playing matchmaker for you? Is there something you'd like to say to me?"

Bart stammered, "I um. Well, um."

Keturah began to laugh again. Bart fidgeted. Keturah turned to Rebekah. "I'm sorry. Rebekah, is there something I should know?"

"I'm not really sure, Keturah. Bart will have to answer that question." Rebekah turned to Bart with a smirk on her face. She was enjoying his discomfiture.

Bart began to sweat, but he took a deep breath. "Keturah Franklin, ya're a fine woman, but I'm a crude and vile man. Rebekah O'Rourke has helped me to understand dat even a man as bad as me can be fergiven. Wif dat in mind, I'll tell ya dat I thank highly of ya. Matter o' fact, I thank I love ya. So, if'n ya can see past my many faults, I'd like ta ask ya ta marry me.

"Ya're alone an' 'bout to have a baby. Ya need a strong man to take care of ya. I ain't real educated like ya, an' I ain't been no saint. But I love ya, an' I'd take care of ya an' yer little one. An' I'm trying ta be a better man."

Keturah had stopped laughing and started crying. "Bartholomew Mercier, I knew there was a good man hiding beneath that gruff exterior, or I never would have allowed you to bunk in my barn all winter. I had hoped you would say those things to me before you left. I had no idea it would take a woman I'd misjudged and mistreated once to bring you to your senses. Yes, I'll marry you, you big oaf! I'll go to California or Timbuktu with you."

Keturah looked around at the three faces looking at her. "I'll confess something to the three of you. Then, I never want to hear it or talk about it again. Before I met Jedediah, I was a prostitute. I lived in a brothel in St. Louis. My mother had been a prostitute in the same brothel, and she died when I was born. The women reared me to be one of them. I was well educated because the madame wanted her girls to appear to be ladies.

"I met Jedediah on the streets one day. He literally stormed into the place and dragged me out. He took me away from all that. I became cold and judgmental against all forms of what I perceived as sexual impurity. It took Rebekah to show me what a bitch I was."

Keturah took Bart's hand. "Bart," she said tenderly, "your past sins cannot be any greater than mine."

Keturah turned to Rebekah. "Rebekah, do you remember how I told you I had lost four babies?"

Rebekah nodded.

"That was four I lost with Jedediah. Before that, I did away with three." Keturah rubbed her protruding belly. "God has finally seen fit to let me have a baby. I have about two and a half months left. I didn't know when I saw you last that I was expecting. I had begun to think I would never be a mother because I had so callously murdered three gifts God had given me. Rebekah, your simple faith gave me stronger faith."

Keturah suddenly realized that Rebekah should be as pregnant as she. "Rebekah, what happened to your baby?"

"She died," Rebekah said simply without explanation.

"Who was the father? Was she your husband's child?" Keturah asked sympathetically.

Bart dropped his cup and caught his breath sharply.

Rebekah shook her head at Bart and answered. "Yes, she was Black Cloud's child. Rennin and I named her Firelight, and we buried her beside our Christmas tree. I have exciting news, too. Rennin and I are expecting a baby to born around our anniversary."

"That's wonderful!" Keturah exclaimed.

Nervously, Bart interjected, "I hate to interrupt all dis talk 'bout babies, but I believe dis lady said she would marry me. Did I hear correctly?

"You did," laughed Keturah.

"Den, when and how is dis event to take place—afore or after we git ta California, afore or after dat little tyke comes into da world?"

"I don't know. Maybe it will be on the way," declared Keturah. "No matter. When do we leave?"

"As soon as ya can pack up," Bart said enthusiastically. "Dat is," he continued, turning toward Rennin, "if ya rally want us to go along wif y'all."

"We do," said Rennin. "Keturah, do you still have your wagon?"

"Of course, but it has been fitted with wheels."

"Good. Tell us what to pack."

"Almost everything is still boxed. I'll be taking my chickens and my cow. Both Rebekah and I need the milk and eggs."

"You'll get no argument from me," said Rennin.

AND THERE IS A LOT MORE TO COME!

GEOFFREY AND NANCY--1600s

Rennin's bunkmate, a brawny man with carrot orange hair and pale blue eyes, Geoffrey Montague, shook Rennin. "Wake up, chap. Ya're 'avin' another nightmare."

Rennin woke completely. "Geoffrey, will you, please, give me some water? I can't breathe."

The hefty man, who weighed as much as Rennin but was half a foot shorter, dipped Rennin a cup of water. "Rennin, chap, why don't cha tell me what's disturbin' ya so? I'm a good listener. Mebbe I can 'elp."

Rennin scrutinized his bunkmate. The big man had a fun-loving streak, but a temper that flared at the drop of a hat. Rennin had seen him take swings at many who riled him and leave many in need of medical attention. He and Rennin got along well, but Rennin kept to himself a lot. A number of the crew knew King Ahmed had paid for Rennin's safe passage. They were either jealous or distrusting of Rennin's being aboard. Geoffrey, however, did not care why Rennin was on board. He, himself, had spent many nights in jail cells. All he cared was that Rennin did his share of the work. Geoffrey's opinion of the crew was that most of them were a bunch of lowlifes looking for a way to escape their real responsibilities.

Rennin breathed deeply. "Geoffrey, I was unfaithful to my wife with Princess Kiandria. That is why King Ahmed paid for my safe passage. He helped both of us escape execution. It only happened because we both thought we were going to die. I know you've heard the rumors. I swear we were innocent when Sheik Ammar brought the charges. We only sinned after we were condemned, but I don't know how I can ever face Morgan. She is heart of my heart and life of my life. How could I ever have betrayed her?"

"Is she gonna meet cha with a meat cleaver in 'er 'and?"

Rennin looked at the floor. "'Tis much worse than that, Geoffrey. Morgan will likely greet me with open arms and forgiveness. She will never let me know how much her heart will have been broken."

"Why do ya 'ave to tell 'er? She'll never know if ya just keep your mouth shut."

"She would know. She would see it in my eyes or hear it in my voice. I could never lie to her."

"Ya love 'er that much, do ya?"

"Yes."

"Then, tell 'er the truth, and take what comes. Now, what about the princess?"

"She has gone away somewhere safe. I will most likely never see her again."

"Then, chap, your biggest dilemma is your own guilt. It sounds like your woman is a rare find. Are ya a prayin' man, Rennin?"

"Yes, I pray."

"Then ask God to forgive ya and let the guilt go. If ya don't you're gonna tear yourself up inside. Ya won't be no kinda good to your woman then."

"Mayhap you're right. I have to concentrate on getting home to Morgan and my boys."

"Ah! There's somethin' ya can look to, 'uggin' your boys. I got a little darlin' girl myself. 'Er name's Emily Claire. Thank the Lord she takes after 'er mother."

Until late in the night Rennin and Geoffrey talked about their families despite the grumbling of several other sailors. Rennin told Geoffrey about the magic world he had left behind, and Geoffrey could not understand why Rennin would have wanted to leave. The two men became good and loyal friends.

The voyage was long and tedious. Many days Rennin thought that they would never reach their destination. At one point he recognized his surroundings. A small change in direction would take him home to Draconis. He was tempted to steal a dory and go home, but the thought of life without Morgan was more than he could bear. With thoughts of holding his wife and sons, he stayed his course.

Finally, after months of nothing but water and rough sailing around the Cape of Good Hope where Rennin kept a young crewman from drowning, The Morning Star docked in the Bay of Bengal, and the crew journeyed up river to Calcutta where they loaded elephants with Indian spices and Indian cotton, as well as woven fabric. The captain gave the crew a weeks' leave in the city before they would go back to the ship and sail for China.

Rennin found himself browsing the kiosks with Geoffrey, looking for a special gift for Morgan and the boys as Geoffrey shopped for Emily Claire and his wife, Nancy. Rennin found an exquisite forest green and honeysuckle print shawl. The sight of the flowers made his senses smell Morgan. He purchased the shawl and bright yellow linen for Morgan to make a dress. He thought how she would look like radiant sunshine. Geoffrey chose a dark royal blue for his wife and a light blue with green sprigs for his daughter.

As the men left the bazaar, a native came screaming from the wooded area. He was covered in blood that was not his own. Closely on his heels charged an enormous Bengal tiger, also covered in blood that was not his own.

Rennin shoved his gifts into his friend's arms and flew between the terrified man and the charging beast. As the locals screamed and hid, the massive tiger stopped abruptly and snarled threateningly. Rennin shook his head at the tiger and slowly laid his hand between the eyes of the creature. The animal made several snorting sounds before it retreated into the forest, leaving Rennin unharmed.

The witnesses to the incident were awestruck. They were as afraid of Rennin as they were the tiger. Rennin said to Geoffrey, "Let's get back to the ship before these people think I'm a god or have some magical power."

With the treacherous sea lapping behind them, Rennin, Morgan, and the boys dropped anchor in London. The next leg of the journey was to be easy. They hired a hansom to take them to the address on the letter Rennin had received from Geoffrey. When Rennin knocked on the door, a tall dark-haired woman answered.

Rennin was confused. "Excuse me. I might have the wrong address. I'm looking for Geoffrey Montague."

The woman looked accusingly at Rennin. "Who be you?"

"I'm Rennin O'Rourke. I've just arrived from Spain, and I'm supposed to meet my friend, Geoffrey, at this address."

"So, you're the O'Rourke chap." She reached behind her and handed Rennin a scrap of paper. "Geoffrey and Nancy moved. He said if you come lookin' fer 'im to give you this address. I amn't to give it to nobody but you." She shut the door in Rennin's face.

Rennin returned to the cab and asked the driver to take them to Geoffrey's new address. The driver asked, "You sure you wanna go there? You folks look a mite well-to-do to be goin' to tha' neighborhood. Real poor folks live down there. It might not be safe for the likes o' you."

"We shall be fine," Rennin told the driver, but to Morgan he said, "I don't understand. Geoffrey isn't extremely poor. Not rich, but not destitute either. Something must have happened."

When they arrived, Rennin understood the driver's comment, for the Montague home was a small flat in one of the seedier areas. The streets were filthy and smelled rancid.

Morgan said, "Rennin, are you sure this is the address on the paper?"

"Yes. Morgan, you won't judge Geoffrey for being poor, will you?"

"Of course not!" She scowled deeply. "You know I will judge him by his character. You think highly of him, so he must be a good man."

Rennin knocked strongly on the door. A heavyset blonde-haired woman with a jovial round face opened the door. "Mrs. Montague?" he aksed.

"Aye."

"I'm Rennin O'Rourke, Geoffrey's crewmate. He's been expecting us."

"Aye!" replied Nancy Montague. "Come in, come in. Our place ain't much, but you're welcome. Geoffrey's workin' at the wharf, but he'll be mighty glad to know you 'ave come at last." Nancy was friendly and easygoing.

Rennin and the driver unloaded the bags. Inside the flat, the atmosphere was much more pleasant and inviting. Though sparsely furnished the small two-bedroom apartment was clean and cheerful. There were two lovely paintings hanging on the walls with the signature "N. Montague." Obviously, Nancy was an artist.

Morgan commented, "Your work is beautiful, Mrs. Montague."

"Please, call me Nancy, but many thanks. I'm afraid I 'ave gotten into a great deal of trouble over a few of my pieces. Some of the more prudish folk found them offensive.  I 'ave often wished I could live in Paris where such things are readily accepted."

"You would love Draconis. The people would embrace your talent and encourage you."

"Geoffrey told me the stories Rennin told him. Are they true, Morgan?"

"Oh, yes."

"Then, how could you leave it?"

"Rennin has the wanderlust. I fear we will never settle in one spot, but I shall go wherever he goes. I love him more than Draconis."

"I understand. My Geoffrey is one reason I'll never live in Paris. What we won't sacrifice for our men!"

Rennin came in with the bags. "Did you say you were going to sacrifice your men?" he teased.

The ladies cackled in laughter.

That evening Nancy splurged on the meal. She prepared a pot roast with turnip roots, carrots, celery, and onions; thick slices of fresh-baked bread with butter; and strawberry short cake with whipping cream. Geoffrey was anxious to hear what had become of Victor and Juan. He was thoroughly impressed with Morgan's tenacity once he heard her story.

Rennin became serious, "Geoffrey, when you sent your letter telling me you had moved, you said you had moved up to a larger house. I went to the address on the letter. The house was quite nice. Why so much change? What happened to your small cottage?"

Geoffrey dropped his head. "I'm embarrassed, Rennin, to say I lost our 'ouse with some bad investments. Right now this is the best I can afford."

"Geoffrey, let us take a walk to the tavern. I'm buying."

The two men left the women and children to make their own fun. Morgan knew Rennin wanted to talk privately with Geoffrey.

Over a few pints of beer, Rennin talked. "Geoffrey, you know if you needed help, you could have asked me. Now that everything is settled with Victor, I've more money than I can ever use."

"The time it would've taken to notify you would've been too long, and I was ashamed to admit my gullibility. I invested in a scheme that sounded too good to be true. It was, and I was swindled out 'o most 'o our savings. Although on the surface the deal looked legal, it was crooked. If I 'ad come forward with a charge, I would've been the one spendin' time in jail. It's better to be poor with my family than to be in jail."

Rennin chuckled thoughtfully. "Maybe we should set Morgan on them."

Geoffrey laughed heartily and raised his stein, "Hear! Hear!"

"Seriously," Rennin continued, "Morgan and I have decided to go to the New World. Why don't you and Nancy join us? I could use a good strong seaman to help me cross the Atlantic."

"The New World?" said Geoffrey in disbelief. "Rennin, that sounds almost too good to be true. If it were any other man but you askin', I'd laugh in 'is face."

Rennin smirked wryly. "I'm sure you're destined to go with me. After all, I believe your fortune included you and your son building a house in a distant land."

"Let me talk to Nancy. I ain't gonna make a decision this big without 'er. That's 'ow I got in trouble before, not consultin' my better 'alf."

"Of course you must talk to your wife, but I don't think she'll be hard to convince."

Rennin was right. Nancy all but insisted they go as soon as possible, so the two families prepared to set sail for The New World in early June.

AND AGAIN, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME!

Cover by Christopher Chambers. juroddesigns.com

Bart & Keturah and Geoffrey & Nancy: