32

Evan sent a final glance around the small living quarters to make sure he was leaving the place in decent order. Brielle’s Uncle Carter had been kind to share his chambers during Evan’s first night as a free man in Laurent. It wouldn’t have been proper for him to stay with Brielle’s immediate family.

Uncle Carter seemed amiable, much more than when Evan had first seen the man after Brielle returned from the blizzard. Perhaps the events since then—or maybe a word from Chief Durand—had softened his concerns about Evan.

Even with his friendliness now, the man still didn’t seem to require many words. They’d spent most of the evening in Brielle’s home, then Evan and Uncle Carter had followed the dim hallway, weaving their way through the metal shop to Carter’s small room in the back. When morning light filtered through the window to awaken Evan, the man had already left for the council’s meeting.

As Evan walked through the metalwork shop now, he took the opportunity to see the place in better lighting. An assortment of metal pieces hung around the room, most with intricate scrollwork and leaf patterns. Even serving ladles and pots contained Durand’s signature marks.

The man created nothing commonplace . . . only the exquisite.

Evan couldn’t help a grin as that line of thought progressed. Durand had achieved the same level of perfection in his oldest daughter.

A work area against one wall caught Evan’s eye, and he stepped nearer. The sketch he’d made of the cookstove lay on a small table, and large metal panels leaned against the wall. These must be the side panels for the unit.

The man had made excellent progress, and his notes on Evan’s simple sketch showed a level of detail that shouldn’t surprise him by now. A few of the scribbled comments mentioned ornamentations he planned in certain spots.

No wonder Brielle was so talented and had achieved so much in her field. Being raised by such an equally talented father must have taught her the work ethic and passion to pursue her dreams with excellence.

The sound of a footstep in the hallway grabbed Evan’s focus, and he spun that direction as Andre pushed the door open.

The lad paused to suck in a breath and flashed a wide grin. “The council just finished meeting. Papa said you should come hear the news.”

Though a bit of apprehension knotted Evan’s stomach, Andre’s grin was too infectious not to return. He strode toward the lad. “Lead the way.”

They passed a woman and toddler on the way to the Durand home, and she greeted the two of them with a pleasant nod. No hint of suspicion or fear in her eyes. How wonderful it would be to live as part of this tight-knit community. To be fully accepted as one of them.

When Andre charged through the rear entry of his quarters, the rest of Brielle’s family was already waiting there, sitting in casual conversation around the cook fire. Even Uncle Carter had joined the group.

Brielle greeted him with a sweet smile, her eyes saying all the things that stirred his heart into a faster rhythm. As he settled into the seat beside her, she reached to take his hand. The gesture wasn’t showy, but neither did she attempt to hide the tender touch.

A glance at her father showed the man watching them. His mouth held a firm line, but his eyes glimmered with an amused twinkle. When Evan and Brielle had returned from their walk the evening before, they’d shared with her family that—if the council allowed him to return to the states for a short time to settle his affairs—he would return to Laurent and court her.

They’d made no mention of his mission or pitchblende, but Evan had found a quick moment to pull Chief Durand to the side and ask for permission to speak with him and Brielle together today. He intended to ask the two of them what they would like him to do regarding the pitchblende. He couldn’t bring himself to initiate the destruction of their homes.

Now, the chief straightened and cast his glance around the group. “The council decided much this morning. Because we were in agreement—for once—on the main topics, the discussion moved quickly.”

Durand’s voice grew stronger. “Because Gerald was raised in Laurent, and his treasonous actions were against our own people, we agreed the entire community should determine his fate. A vote will be cast among all men and women of age. The people will choose whether he receives severe punishment, exile, or death.”

Evan tightened his hand around Brielle’s. Even exile seemed much too risky. Already, Gerald’s actions had proven him vindictive. Brielle spent so much time outside the village walls, he would have an easy time of attacking her in the wilderness.

Evan met Durand’s gaze. “Sir, do you feel the people will make a wise judgment? A decision that will keep Brielle safe?” Maybe he shouldn’t have called out her name specifically, and the glare Brielle sent him showed exactly how she felt about his doing so. But he couldn’t take her protection lightly.

Her father’s nod came slowly as he thought through his answer. “Gerald has few friends in Laurent. Probably none who will stand by his side after his heinous actions. Our people have always worked together as a united group to ensure our safety. I trust my neighbors in this.” His final words came with strength and surety.

Evan inhaled a deep breath, then eased it out. If he was to become part of Laurent, he would have to learn to trust these people, too. And if the outcome of the vote left him any concern for Brielle’s safety, the two of them would have to work through precautions together.

“We also discussed Hugo.” Durand’s voice broke through Evan’s thoughts. “We’ll be assigning him a mandatory apprenticeship to learn a trade. We’ve asked Monsieur Trivet to take him under his wing and teach him a skill where he can contribute to the good of Laurent. They’ll also be taking part in daily Bible studies. And each of the council members will be spending time with the lad each month. We feel Hugo is not so set in his slothful ways that renewed focus and purpose can’t guide him into a better path. The path the Lord has planned for him.”

Evan nodded. A wise choice, probably. Every boy needed a man of strong character to guide him, and it sounded like this community who cared so deeply for their own would unite to help guide Hugo.

Durand’s gaze settled on Evan again, and his intensity deepened. “We also discussed the pitchblende America needs to end the war with England.”

Evan’s body stiffened. Durand told the entire council? Evan hadn’t asked the man to keep it to himself, but he’d told him of his own oath of secrecy.

The older man’s gaze softened. “We have an idea about how to help the Americans while lessening the effects on our homes. You take the pitchblende samples back to your government and tell them what you found. Have them gather their men and come to us.

“In the meantime, we’ll begin making some long-planned additions to our homes within the mountain. We had already intended to cut deeper into the mountain, and this winter will be a good time to do that. Show us exactly what this mineral looks like, and we’ll gather as much of it as we can find during our labors.”

A smile slipped into the man’s gaze. “As our families continue to grow, we need more rooms. Some of our newlyweds would like their own space, I’m sure.”

Evan couldn’t help a grin at the insinuation, and he squeezed Brielle’s hand as he glanced at her. A pretty blush had spread into her cheeks, and if they’d been alone, he would’ve leaned over and kissed that pinking.

But then the full import of Durand’s words slammed into him. Laurent was offering to do some of the hard work themselves. “Are you certain? That will require a great deal of effort.”

Durand gave a single decisive nod. “It’s the best way to ensure the safety of our people and homes. And we wish to help this America that managed to gain its freedom from the English. We feel something of a kinship with your people.” The corners of his mouth tipped with his words.

“When your people come, we can help them cut whatever more of the mineral is needed to ensure their victory. That way, we can also ensure our homes are protected. Since the winter months are quiet, with the days short and dark, our young men grow restless. This will give them a way to use their energies and keep their bodies strong.”

Evan’s mind worked through each of his arguments. He’d never imagined Laurent would have a plan to ensure the safety of their village while yet helping him accomplish his mission. He’d never expected they’d be willing to offer of themselves. This truly was an amazing community. Only God could have orchestrated their plans to expand deeper into the mountain during this exact time when the mineral would need to be harvested. He sent up another prayer of thanks.

At last, he raised his gaze back to the chief of Laurent. “I can’t find anything more to question. All I can say is thank you.”

With their help, he could complete his mission and return to Brielle so much more quickly. His throat clogged with the depth of joy washing through him. He honed his focus on her father’s face, letting him see the earnestness in Evan’s next words. “I thank you a great deal. For everything.”

As he spoke, he stroked the top of Brielle’s hand with his thumb, letting her know that by everything, he meant her.