The Ninth Star by Renée Gendron

Author:Renée Gendron
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Renée Gendron
Published: 2022-07-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Arthur rested his forehead against hers. “Tomorrow, after the deed is signed over to me, I’ll have a word with Jean.”

“He’ll throw you out.”

“I’ve taken harder hits from Da. I’ll manage.”

She traced his collar with a fingertip, dusted a kiss on his chin, then straigthened. “I’ll still marry you, even if he says no.”

A pleasant feeling washed over him, and it felt like home. “We’ll have a good life together.”

“I know.” She peeled an egg and bit into it.

“That’s four now, and a half loaf of bread.”

“I’ve barely eaten in a week. Hard to cook when you’ve got two angry men staring me down.”

“You didn’t cook for them?” he asked.

“No. They were stubborn and unyielding, why would I go about my business as if nothing was wrong and they get to carry out theirs without consequence?”

Arthur laughed. “Remind me to always be on your good side.”

“Let me keep the chickens and egg money and never undermine me in front of the children.”

He chuckled. “I promise.”

“I need to go to Sandwich, sell the eggs.”

“I’ll walk you.” He slid off the boulder and extended his hand to hers.

They walked arm in arm to Sandwich.

The workshops on the outskirts of town were empty. No one walked on the street.

“Where is everyone?” Manon asked.

“I don’t know.” He placed a protective hand on the small of her back and escorted her to the centre of town.

A crowd of townspeople gathered around a red brick house. Women stood with their mouths agape, clutching their children. Glowering men stood between the women and children and the American soldiers. Humidity weighed down the air making movement tiring and sticky.

Troops wearing navy blue jackets lined the area, polished muskets slung over their shoulders.

Arthur’s chest tightened. He held Manon closer, directing her away from the American troops.

“Why is everyone at the Baby House?” Manon asked. “Why are there troops here?”

“I don’t know.” Arthur pressed his way through the townspeople to get a better view.

A man in an American military uniform with gold epaulettes and black bicorn hat stood on the front steps of the house. “The inhabitants of Canada, we are here to liberate you from the tyranny of Britain.”

A few women covered their mouths with their hands. The townsmen frowned. “Go back,” a man said in French. “Leave,” another man said in Gaelic.

“You shall be free,” the American said. “We shall free you of the yoke of oppression of the English. Fight with us. Gain your freedom.”

No one in the town answered the general’s call. He stood a minute longer, looking every man in the eye.

Henry stood off to the side with Da, watching but not being a part of things. Arthur tried to catch Henry’s eye but failed.

The American general told a captain to move the troops out. The soldiers formed a column and marched out of the city with the general riding at the front.

Excited talk erupted around Arthur. We’re at war, was the common refrain. Get Mr Cole, was another.

“What was that?” Her words were rushed, quiet, with a touch of fear.

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