Mayflower Chronicles by Kathryn Haueisen

Author:Kathryn Haueisen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Green Writers Press
Published: 2020-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

A member of their church community pulled Mary aside at market. “I must talk to you,” he said. “I fear your William could bring great trouble to your home.”

“Whatever are you talking about?” she asked indignantly.

“His printing press. Do you realize what heresy he prints in his garret?”

“I know well enough what my husband does. He prints in English things written by scholars who speak other languages. What is the harm in that?”

“If that were all, there would be no harm, but I fear it is not. I have reason to believe he also prints books that are banned in England. Books that stir up the wrath of the Established Church. I heard he smuggles these to England. I warn you, Mary, he will be in serious trouble if he is caught.”

Mary turned away, pretending to examine carrots and radishes. When the man didn’t leave, she snapped at him. “Have you said what you came to tell me?” She gripped a bunch of parsnips to steady her hands which had begun to quiver.

“I have done my duty. I have warned you.”

Mary stood pretending to examine bunches of asparagus. Her stomach felt quivery, as it usually did during the first weeks of each new pregnancy. Her mind flashed back to the day the enforcers dragged William away. She began to shake and felt woozy.

“Are you alright, Mary? You do not look well.”

Mary turned to see Bridget Robinson holding a large basket filled with yellow and orange blocks of cheese. She inhaled deeply and nodded. “It is nothing. I was just daydreaming a bit, I suppose.”

Mary didn’t know what to do with this information, but she wasn’t ready to talk about it. “Perhaps I’ve exerted myself a bit too much in the afternoon sun. I think I shall finish my shopping when it is a bit cooler.” She scurried home to sort out her thoughts. She didn’t want to accuse William of wrongdoing. She considered him the most trustworthy man she knew. Yet a sense of foreboding hung over her like black clouds foreshadowing a thunderstorm. If he prints such things, it must be for good reason. I have no reason to doubt him. I shall not speak of it. When—if—he wants me to know, he will surely confide in me.

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