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The man stepped aside, motioning for Gavin to enter along with his companions before turning once again to watch the treeline for nothing in particular. The local natives were friendly. It was simply a precaution.
Daniel wasn't surprised at all to see Arlana and Gavin at his door, the elderly man smiling warmly at the children as he motioned for them to come inside.
"Françoise, My Love, they've returned."
The woman in question appeared moments later, drying her hands on her white apron.
"Oh my dears, I was so worried. I assumed the worst," Françoise looked at Arlana, gently caressing the blonde's cheek as though able to tell if she'd been through any trauma over the past forty-eight hours by just a touch.
"I am well and everything went as planned," Arlana smiled, kissing her ancestor's cheek before turning and introducing her sister and the children.
"Addy, I'd like you to meet our great grandmother, Françoise, and her husband, Daniel. They were one of the first to settle here," Arlana stopped short of revealing their history, but smiled at the couple. "We are related to them thirty-eight different ways which is pretty incredible."
"On Mom's side as well?" Adelaide's eyes widened.
"Yes."
Françoise didn't hesitate for a moment, embracing Adelaide warmly before each of the children in turn.
"It brings me so much joy to meet you all," Françoise smiled before dabbing at her tears as Isabella smiled up at the elderly woman, her dimpled smile a perfect match to Françoise's.
"DNA," Arlana smiled over at Adelaide who looked between her daughter and Françoise, noting the uncanny similarities as well.
"We won't be staying long but I wanted to introduce my family before we head to our quarters," Gavin then turned to Adelaide. "Tomorrow is a day of rest for the settlers and most everyone will be attending the church service. I won't be working so we have the entire day for me to show you around and help you settle in before Monday."
"The children and I will be going to church," Adelaide announced resolutely. "Nothing is changing, even while we are here. It is important."
"Of course," Gavin agreed but looked over at Arlana, their eyes meeting.
Neither had darkened a church door in some time, and it wasn't just because they were practicing polygamy. After all, there were many Christians who were also practicing it, but in secret. They weren't about to share the real reason with Adelaide just yet.
Françoise seemed to read their minds, gently squeezing Arlana's hand.
"It is a good way to get to know others in the community, although some things don't need to be shared. Come, have a seat. The night is still young and we have much to discuss."
Daniel watched as Gavin seated both women first, before sitting between them. Reaching out, he held Adelaide's hand as they sat beside the fire.
"It is incredible, isn't it, Françoise, to see our grandchildren gathered under our roof! I cannot begin to express the joy we have in meeting you - all of you." Daniel smiled before turning to Adelaide with a wink. "Gavin has proved himself over the past few months, so can be excused for being British. He's become like a son to Françoise and I. Most of the people around here are unable to read or write so Gavin's work here is very important to us.
Hostilities have been brewing with the English over the furs. It is a lucrative business, to say the least, but of course we will always side with the French. I believe the English see us as a thorn in their flesh, but as long as they leave us alone, it is well. We mind our business and they mind theirs.
I do hope, though, that Gavin will be able to negotiate with them on our behalf. Perhaps they will listen to him as he carries their British blood, but Gavin has our best interests at heart too as he is married to an Acadian girl."
"Of course," Gavin assured the elderly man. "I will do all I can to ensure peace between the English and French. It would be wonderful if I were able to help change the course of history, but there is something I would like to mention before we leave. Both of your granddaughters are my wives. I know it is rather unconventional, but that's how it is. Adelaide has agreed to come here for just a week to see if she will be able to live together with her sister and all the children under the same roof."
Francoyise shook her head, clucking her tongue softly.
"It is not unheard of in Brittany especially," Françoise looked over at Daniel, but there was no condemnation in her eyes, "but not everyone will be as understanding. Arlana's secret is already dangerous. In the old country, she would very likely burn at the stake.
Children, you must not breathe a word of what you know or what you hear the adults speak of if you value Arlana's life, do you understand? Here, children are seen and not heard, and in this situation, it will be for the best. If the wrong person should overhear..."
Françoise really didn't need to continue her train of thought.
Adelaide glanced over at Gavin, seeing love and concern reflected in his eyes as he looked at Arlana. He didn't need to utter a single word for the entire room to be able to read his devotion. This was going to be one long week.
"You really know how to make your life complicated," Françoise smiled at Gavin. "Two wives, and sisters at that, and one is a witch. You will have to be very careful - we all will."
Daniel nodded in agreement, his eyes resting on Adelaide who had paled at the mention of "witch."
"Adelaide, my dear girl. Your sister has gifts within her, but there is nothing to fear. However, if word gets out, she will be condemned as a witch. That is what people who cannot be explained are called, do you understand? Arlana cannot be explained and we must ensure she is not burned."
Adelaide nodded, understanding. If anything happened to Arlana, no one would be going home.
"Thank you for your hospitality. It's getting late and I should take my family home."
Gavin stood, reaching out his hands to both women who stood once they'd slipped their hands within his.
Françoise looked at all three, then smiled.
"I'll come by in the morning, so you and I may walk to church together, Adelaide. It is not far from here."
"I'd like that," Adelaide smiled at her great grandmother before Gavin led them out the door and into the night. "They were really sweet. How are we related to them again?"
"They are our eight times great grandparents," Arlana's voice was soft as they walked through the night. It would be risky should they be overheard. "I'll introduce you to the others tomorrow when you return from church."
"They are all here?"
"Yes. All our Acadian ancestors. Most knew each other in France before they arrived here. It is quite fascinating, really. They are wonderful people."
Arlana gently squeezed Gavin's fingers, her thoughts more on what awaited them back at their quarters than a lesson in genealogy. If Gavin wasn't careful, Adelaide might just demand to be taken home before morning.