An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz

Author:Laura Frantz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance;Love stories;FIC042030;FIC042040;FIC027050
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2019-10-10T16:00:00+00:00

Clay had expected someone older but now faced a man his own age, an apprenticed cooper turned missionary. John Heckewelder was a remarkably unassuming man. “I’m serving as the messenger of David Zeisberger,” he said almost apologetically upon arrival at Fort Tygart, his handshake firm, his manner warm. “But Brother Zeisberger sends his sincerest regards.”

Zeisberger was the Moravian leader, a true friend to all the tribes, with none of the prejudices afflicting so many. He’d established a successful mission named Bethlehem in eastern Pennsylvania, and his converts, mostly Lenape, were growing. Keturah’s plight was of special interest to them.

In Heckewelder’s party was a Mingo scout and his wife, three fellow converts, and his own assistant, all committed to establishing a new mission farther west. Greetings went round, and then Heckewelder was left alone with Clay after being shown the east blockhouse where they’d lodge.

Hester soon came with food and drink, then left the men to their talk. Keturah would join them in the morning, escorted by one of the Swan brothers and Tessa. He’d asked Tessa by letter to accompany them, his desire to have her safely behind fort walls as much in mind as Keturah’s comfort.

He’d expected to answer Heckewelder’s questions about Keturah, help smooth the way to their meeting, but once again the truth emerged that he knew precious little about her due to his own history with the Lenape and not wanting to delve further.

Now as they walked about the garrison at dusk, Heckewelder remarked on the fort’s prime location, particularly taken with the bountiful spring. “Bethlehem, being a peaceful community, is without pickets.” He stood beneath the elm’s arching shade as a few children regarded them shyly. “We Moravians would deny you a job if we could.”

“By converting every tribe and nation?” Clay mused, knowing their lofty aims. The peaceful prospect seemed especially ludicrous in light of their present surroundings. “Admirable but hard-won.”

“We understand the tribes’ plight, given so many of us Moravians have been driven out of our own homelands in Europe. We see their warring ways as a desperate effort to hold on to their territory, their way of life, mayhap their very existence. Admittedly, our stance on the frontier is conciliatory rather than defensive.” Heckewelder studied the sentinels guarding the half-open front gates. “What is your greatest challenge here as commander?”

“Murderous attitudes.”

Heckewelder nodded in understanding. “Both settlers and Indians, you mean.”

“Most here have known violence and death at Indian hands, or they will. Many seek an opportunity to repay in kind. The rule of law, even military law, is nearly unknown.”

“’Tis understandable in light of their losses, but certainly not biblical.”

“Most prefer ‘an eye for an eye’ and overlook ‘blessed are the peacemakers.’”

“And you, Colonel, are you not a riddle, raised by both Friends and Indians and now defending the westernmost border?”

“My position here is primarily defensive. I have no plans to mount an offensive unless provoked.”

“Has an attack been made on the fort or settlers?”

Clay gave a nod. “Before my coming, aye. I assumed command in early May but have yet to fire a single shot at the enemy.

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