The next day flew by as the skies cleared and the sun warmed their backs. Not wanting to waste the good weather, Christopher ordered all the men to work on the walls while they had the chance. Only two were left on watch. All others changed duties to help with the construction.
Esther’s father smiled to have so many willing workers and busy hands. The past few weeks had been difficult on them all. Especially when the men complained of frozen fingers and toes. The cold had slowed their progress considerably.
As Christopher watched their stonemasons at work, he thanked the Lord for giving them such a fine day. Perhaps it would keep Mr. Howland in a good mood for when Christopher wanted to ask to court Esther.
But as the day went by, he found himself pulled in many different directions. Every time he headed toward Samuel, someone would interrupt needing his attention.
Christopher finished up with his lieutenant, straightened his coat, and determined that this time nothing would stop him from speaking with Esther’s father. But as he got closer, doubts filled his mind. What if Mr. Howland didn’t think that being a captain’s wife was a good thing for his daughter? What if he didn’t want her living on the island permanently and away from her family? What if he didn’t approve?
Swallowing his fears, he shook his head. The clanking of the tools against rock filled his ears. It was a sound he’d gotten used to of late. The scent of roasted goose floated over to him. It would be fine to eat such a nice meal again. Esther had once again done a wonderful job.
His mouth watered just thinking about it.
And then he was only steps away.
Samuel Howland instructed one of the men to set a rock in the pulley system so it could be hefted up to the men above.
This was the time. Deep breath. “Mr. Howland, might I have a word?”
“Of course, Captain.” The older man smiled. “Let me ensure this stone gets placed correctly, and I’ll be right with you.”
Christopher nodded and clasped his hands behind his back. Taking a few steps away, he thought about what he was going to say. And yet everything he’d rehearsed before disappeared. His mind had gone blank.
“How can I be of service?” Mr. Howland’s voice made Christopher turn around.
“Sir, it is I who wish to be of service to you.”
“Oh?”
“I find myself … That is to say … I would like ask your permission …”
Samuel lifted his brows. “Yes?”
“To court your daughter.”
The older man’s eyes sparkled. He pointed a finger at Christopher. “I was wondering if you had begun to fancy her. She’s lovely, isn’t she?”
“Yes, sir. I know this is a bit unorthodox, since she is the only lady on the island and it’s not exactly as proper society would have it, but I wanted you to know I am in earnest.”
Samuel put a hand on Christopher’s shoulder. “I would be honored, Captain Latham.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“You’re a fine man. Will you continue with your duties in service to the King if you marry?”
“I was planning to, sir. Are you in agreement with that?”
“Of course. What you do is of the highest integrity and import. But it will take some time adjusting to the idea of being separated from Esther. That is, if you remain on Castle Island. With the loss of her mother—God rest her soul—still quite recent, I hadn’t put thought into her moving away where I wouldn’t see her.”
Christopher had feared as much. “I assure you that we would make the effort to visit Boston often.” Was it too presumptuous even to be speaking of such things?
“There’s plenty of time for us to discuss these things. I can see by the look on your face that I’ve overwhelmed you.” Samuel chuckled. “I remember all too well speaking to my sweet wife’s father. I was a jumble of nerves.”
Even as the captain and commander of the troops on the island, he had to admit that he’d been nervous. More nervous about this conversation than anything else in recent months. “Thank you, sir. Do you mind if I speak with your daughter this evening?”
“Be my guest. You have my approval.”
Esther’s eyes roamed the room. She couldn’t help it. All day she’d longed to hear if Christopher had spoken to Papa. And she hadn’t seen Christopher since luncheon. The wait was doing funny things to her insides.
The roasted geese were out for supper again. This batch had been roasting all day, and she loved the aroma. The men were all smiles as they came through the serving line. Probably some because of the warmer weather and sunshine, but most had nothing but wonderful things to say about her food. And that boosted her spirits even more.
Now, if only she could speak to Christopher, her heart might calm down and settle into a slower rhythm. Theirs had been a friendship that was quite uncommon. Simple moments talking together. Sharing by the fire. It wasn’t how it would be done in Boston, but what did that matter? It was natural and real. And that was what she loved.
Lively chatter filled the large room. More chairs had been assembled each day, so fewer men had to sit on stumps, rocks, or the hard floor. It really was looking more and more like a fort every day.
As horrible as life had been the first few weeks here, now it was difficult to think about leaving. And the more progress that was made on the fort, the sooner that would be.
Her heart sank with the thought. She still had many months left, best to focus on that.
“Good evening, Miss Howland.” The familiar voice brought her head up. Christopher.
Allowing a smile to fill her face, she gave a tiny curtsy. “Good evening, Captain Latham. How was your day?”
“Quite full. Much better now that I get to see you.”
She felt a blush rise up her neck.
“Could we perhaps sit by the fire and talk?”
“I would love that.” Even though that’s what they did almost every evening, she had a feeling that tonight would be different.
“I’ll have a chair waiting for you.”
“Thank—”
Boom!
The sound of the cannon firing made the entire room go silent.
Christopher dropped his plate on the table in front of her and ran out of the room followed by several of his men.
If the watch had fired a cannon, that must mean that a ship they didn’t recognize was getting close.
Boom!
Another round.
Esther stood behind the table and closed her eyes. Lord, please let it be a friendly ship. Please let them raise their flag.
She repeated the prayer over and over. No one would be prepared for an attack in the middle of winter. Who would be bold enough to mount one?
Although Boston was a prime settlement in the harbor, another country wouldn’t come against England’s territories—would they?
Boom!
With every fire of the cannon, Esther felt her nerves tighten. Did they even have adequate shelter here if an incoming ship attacked? The island was out in the open, its sole purpose to guard and protect Boston. But who would protect them?
When she looked around the room, she noticed almost all of the men had left the gathering room, except for a few that stood guard at the doors, muskets at the ready.
Papa strode toward her. “I’m sorry I wasn’t in here when they fired. I was still working on the west wall. Are you all right? Your face is white as a sheet.” He took her elbows in his hands.
“Yes, I’m fine. I just wasn’t expecting it.” She wiped her hands on her apron. “I’m sure it’s just a precaution.” Deep breath. “Would you like something to eat?”
Boom! Crash!
This time, it wasn’t their cannon firing. A ship was firing on them!
Papa grabbed her arm and dragged her over to the corner. “Sit here.” Then he covered her with his body, sheltering her. “We’re under attack!”