By the middle of November, Esther’s feet were numb most of the time. Not only were they cold, but being on her feet day in and day out had made them ache. Papa told her that morning, however, that they should be able to cook and eat in the new gathering room they’d built between the front bastions by tomorrow. The thought made her want to jump for joy, but she attempted to control herself as she served the men in line. The thought made her want to laugh. What would they do if she started jumping while she served them dinner?
Only three of the men still gave her disapproving looks. But even they couldn’t keep her spirits down. The rest of the soldiers and officers spoke to her at every meal. Many complimented her cooking and told her that her sweet disposition lifted their spirits. And why had they ever believed the rumors? Their words did her heart a lot of good.
Lord, thank You for what You’ve done to change things around here. Thank You for the encouragement, because I know it’s only because of You that I am receiving it. And thank You for Your provision. Even in the storms and snow we can rejoice. Just like First Peter says.
“Miss Howland?” The captain’s voice made her open her eyes.
She blinked several times and remembered where she was. “My apologies, Captain Latham. I was praying.”
“Forgive me for intruding.” A slight smile lifted the corners of his mouth as he held his bowl aloft. It made him appear like a young boy. Even though he definitely was not.
“My apologies.” Her stomach did another little turn, as it did every time she saw him of late. What was that all about? She wasn’t certain. But even with the busyness of their schedules, the highlight of every day for her was seeing the captain’s face.
Why was that?
She shook her head. The answer was all too clear. Probably not a question she should even answer right now. When she’d come to Castle Island, their initial acquaintance had not been a pleasant one. Not because of him, but because of the horrid circumstances. But somewhere along the line, things had changed.
“Would you care to sit with me by the fire?” The captain was speaking to her again.
She looked around and saw that all of the men had been served. It wouldn’t hurt for her to get off her feet for a few minutes and eat her supper. “That would be lovely.”
He pulled up two stumps in front of the fire. “It’s been quite chilly of late.”
“Yes, my feet haven’t thawed out yet.” Esther slipped her feet closer to the fire. Cupping her bowl in her hands, she lifted it to her face and let the steam fill her senses. Tonight was another fish stew. A dish she was getter better at every day. At least the men appreciated the way she tried to change it up. Not that any of them would complain. The soldiers were looking all too skinny the last week. “Will supplies be coming anytime soon?” The last supply ship hadn’t come because the harbor was frozen.
“I’ve been told they will come across the ice as soon as they know it’s safe. But a skiff has to get close enough for them to attempt it. Too many deaths have occurred in the past when they’ve tried to venture across ice that wasn’t solid.” He took a bite of his stew. “This is delicious.”
“I remember a little boy fell through the ice and died when I was young. It’s made me scared of walking on ice ever since. I wouldn’t want anyone risking their lives to bring us supplies.” Although provisions were getting scarce. But how did she tell him that?
“I can’t imagine that we have enough to see us through until spring.”
She let out a breath, relieved that he’d brought it up. “No, I don’t think we do. But I can get creative for a while. As long as the men don’t mind eating a lot of the same thing over and over.”
“You need to let me know when things are dire. Perhaps when we can get the message about needing a new cook to Boston, we can let them know about additional supplies as well.”
“Have you ever been through a winter as harsh as this one here?”
“No. Not on the island.” The captain looked at her intently. “Which I must admit worries me just a little. Especially since we don’t have adequate shelter for everyone yet.”
His answer made her pause. Would they be all right here? The island wasn’t very protected. And it seemed that one storm after another had hit them. Sergeant Jones glared at her from across the tent. Thankfully, Captain Latham had been near every time the sergeant came through the line, but it didn’t keep the angry man from giving her looks from time to time. “Captain Latham, might I change the subject for a moment?”
“Of course. Is something wrong?” He looked behind him.
She put her attention back on him. How much should she say? His eyes were kind and he waited patiently for her to speak. Best to be honest. “No. I don’t think so. But Sergeant Jones makes me quite uncomfortable.”
“Has he said something to you?” The captain straightened, and his congenial expression changed to one of fierce distaste.
“No. But he glares at me whenever he has the chance. His looks seem so … hateful.”
He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I’ve written a letter to my superiors about the man’s behavior. But nothing has left the island the past week because of the weather.”
“Don’t worry about it, Captain. I just need to ignore him. I’m sure he means no harm.”
“Could we dispense with the ‘Captain’ title? When it’s just you and me, I would prefer your calling me Christopher.” His face softened.
She took a moment to glance around. That wouldn’t be inappropriate, would it? “Thank you, Christopher.”
“As for the sergeant, I will speak with him.”
She put a hand on his arm. “No, please. I don’t want to get him in any trouble. It will only cause him to despise me even more.”
He looked down at her hand and then covered it with his own. “As long as you promise me that if you do not feel safe, you’ll let me know.”
“I promise.” The heat from his hand warmed her whole arm. “And please, call me Esther.”
Without the men supporting him and the curse, Steven found himself disliking Miss Howland even more. There had to be some way to get rid of her. If only he could turn the men against her again.
He’d had two allies. Now he was down to one. And he only had him because he’d threatened the young soldier. How had his plan fallen apart so fast? The disciplinary action against him had kept him so busy, he hadn’t even had time to set up another “accident.” He was too smart to ignore the curse. No man was safe. Why weren’t the men more concerned?
They would be. As soon as people started dying. Which was inevitable with her here.
If only the colonel was in charge. He would get rid of the lady the minute he set foot on the island.
But what could Steven do now? Without any way to reach Boston safely, he was stuck with a woman on the island.
A woman who was destined to bring them nothing but trouble.