Spunk got her back to her own room before the tears fell.

  ~*~

  He woke with the sun burning his cheek. He rolled over and felt his pocket. In the light of the sun, he could just make out a tiny scratch on the surface of the stone. The events of the night were real. He pulled himself to the edge of the bed and waited for his equilibrium to settle.

  Wilfred.

  Had there been a miracle?

  A square of paper lay on the floor by the door. A note?

  He cracked the seal and read. What did she mean ‘best wishes for his future happiness’? His happiness just took off for home without him. Trouble vibrated through his mid-section.

  25

  “It is a pity we did not see Mr. Morgan before we left. I have few things I should like to say to him.”

  They’d been in the coach about an hour. Amity didn’t bother to feign interest in her writing desk. A Mrs. Peabody adventure rested on her lap unopened.

  “I left him a note, so he needn’t be worried.”

  “I care not for his worrying.” Clementine worked her needles awkwardly. Her right hand functioned stiffly causing unusual clicks and taps. “I had hoped to bring you back as a bride.”

  “Now that I think on it, I daresay, my father had similar hopes. I, myself, had no such notion.”

  Clementine stopped knitting to look at her then. “Didn’t you?”

  “Indeed not. I hoped Simon would scare away suitors, not be one.”

  They laughed until Amity had to dab a tear or two from her eyes.

  “You will recover, my dear.”

  “Yes. I know I will. I did before.” The woods were thick outside their window. Amity felt for the powder pan of the shotgun lying across the seat behind her. “I will not be the same this time though.”

  No large animals came into view as she continued to scan the landscape on both sides of the carriage.

  They stopped less than an hour in Port Royal to change horses and eat in order to reach Tappahannock before the day was gone.

  ~*~

  Simon approached Wilfred’s room careful not to disturb the boy in case he was still sleeping.

  Mrs. Blackstone still wore the same dress she’d worn throughout the night. She was curled around the boy rocking gently. One arm escaped her embrace.

  Tears welled in Simon’s eyes. How long had she been there?

  Mr. Burns appeared at his elbow. “He finally fell asleep about an hour ago,” he whispered. “Dr. Solomon has been summoned.”

  “What can I do?”

  Winifred Blackstone gave him one of the smiles she saved for her son. “I think you’ve done quite enough.”

  “I believe you will need to get a move on if you are to reach that young lady of yours. She left at first light.”

  Simon spun around.

  “And Mr. Morgan?”

  Simon turned back.

  “I will be happy to correct any misunderstandings that might have occurred. You let me know if I need to come.” Mr. Burns nodded as if that would settle the issue.

  Simon shook his head. He had no idea what Amity was talking about in the letter, and he did not care to figure it out. The note needed deciphering, and he doubted he could do that without speaking to the woman herself. He stopped for the footsteps behind him when he reached the main dining chamber.

  “Were you aware that Mrs. Foster and her niece left early this morning?” a slightly out of breath Mr. Burns asked.

  “Yes. I shall be prepared to leave in a half-hour’s time.”

  “I shall have a meal sent to your room.”

  Simon acknowledged the kindness and left to prepare for his ride. He could make Port Royal quicker than the coach and wagon. He might reach them tonight. If not, surely tomorrow.

  Mr. Burns brought the tray himself. “I hope you can forgive Mrs. Blackstone.”

  “I have nothing to forgive.”

  “She took your stone.”

  “Would you have given it freely if it were yours?”

  “I’d have given my life if it would save him. Anything to save her pain. I mean—”

  Simon could see that it was so. “Does Mrs. Blackstone know you feel this way?”

  “That’s a problem for a different day.”

  “Perhaps.” Simon closed his satchel. “But not too long. A woman thinks you’ve forgotten about her if you keep her waiting too long, Burns. Don’t keep her waiting.”

  “I’ve packed a meal for your trip, being you must leave so quickly and late in the day.”

  Simon thanked him and sat down to eat what he could stomach before he set out on Pilgrim.

  ~*~

  They arrived at Tappahannock close to midnight.

  Amity nudged Clementine from her slumber.

  A familiar, tall form rose from a chair on the porch as the coach came to a stop. He arrived at the coach just as George let down the steps. “Good evening, Aunt Clementine. Allow me.”

  “Field?”

  “It’s me.”

  Amity’s heart swelled. “Is father all right?”

  “Yes. He’s entangled with Committee business, so I came.”

  Once Clementine was safe on the ground, he offered his hand to his sister. Amity cleared the last step before jumping into his arms. He held her close and spun her around. Five years since she’d seen him? Her closest sibling and closest friend. “Oh, Field. I’m so glad you’ve come. I have so many things to tell you.”

  “I brought Delany.”

  Amity’s tears threatened to flow. Her family had come. How glad she was for them. Bright spots of color in a future that stretched before her alone and gray.

  “Where’s Simon? I heard he accompanied you.”

  “We left him in Fredericksburg.”

  A yawning Mrs. Emerson directed them to their room. Amity and her aunt would be sharing again. Amity could not find herself sorry for the arrangement.

  “Cookin’s done for the day, but I could bring you a dish of coffee if you wish it.” Mrs. Emerson stifled a yawn with a mittened hand.

  “No, thank you, Mrs. Emerson. I hope you sleep well.”

  The landlady, covering her mouth with another yawn, ambled out of the room.

  “Field, it’s been such a long day in the coach. Do you think you could walk with me for a few minutes?”

  “You are still the same.” Field’s tone was indulgent. “Walking in the fields and such at all hours.”

  “Please? It’s so late and I daren’t go alone.”

  “You? Not go alone? I don’t believe it.” Field laughed.

  “Do credit me with some sense. It’s very late, who knows what’s lurking about this late at night, even in the most respectable places?”

  “Go on, you two, I should like to get some sleep.” Clementine shooed them off from her seat by the fireplace.

  Field stepped into the room he shared with his wife and returned with his heavy coat.

  Amity followed him down the stairs. She took his arm on the porch and scanned her surroundings. She didn’t see anybody lurking.

  “What’s happened? What are you afraid of?”

  They stepped off the porch and Amity began talking. As they turned the corner and made their way toward the river, she told him about being robbed. She told him about Mary and her book as they made their way back from the river toward the ordinary. She told him about Aunt Clementine and the bear as they passed the ordinary on their way to the other end of the tiny village. Field listened quietly as he always had laughing in the places he should.

  “Tell me about Delany.”

  Field told her about his courtship and Delany’s nephew as they passed the ordinary one more time. When they turned the corner and headed away from the river, he told about his wedding. “What about Simon?”

  “There is nothing to say about Simon. He is in Fredericksburg. I have no idea about his plans whatever.”

  “Evasion does not become you. I may have been gone for five years, but I still know you better than anyone and you know more than you’re letting on.”

  She couldn’t hold the tears then. “I had hoped to unburden myself to you about that very thing, but I realize it truly is not my story to tell. Simon is your dearest friend. He will have to tell you. But I am free to say that the hope that I dared retain concerning my happiness is not to be.”

  “Amity. Simon is my dearest friend, barring two. Trust me when I tell you that his heart lies in one direction only and has for as long as I can remember.”

  The hope that would have inspired in her heart even just three days ago failed to spark. Simon would marry Winifred Blackstone, and Amity would have to live next to them for the rest of her life. “The journey must be catching up with me. I feel weary.”

  “Or the ten miles I think we’ve walked around this little village.” He covered her hand with his own. “Don’t lose heart, little sister. My gut tells me that this story is not done unfolding.”

  Their boots scraped across the wooden planking of the porch.

  A horse and rider galloped into the yard. A man quickly dismounted.

  Field slipped her behind his large frame before Amity could get look at him.

  “Field Archer?” Simon exclaimed. “You are the absolute last person I expected to see on Emerson’s porch at this time of night.”

  Amity stepped out from behind her brother.

  “Amity,” Simon breathed.

  26

  “Simon.” Amity curtsied formally.

  “It’s too late at night for such nonsense.” He turned to Field. “May I see Amity alone for a few minutes?”

  Amity looked at her brother.

  Field held both her arms at the elbow. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  Amity turned to face him. “I’ve been walking with my brother and so I’m cold. Will it not keep ’til the morning when we can speak in the daylight in sight of everyone?”

  “Why would I want to do that?”

  “For propriety’s sake. I would not wish for your future wife to labor under the delusion that I have set my cap for you.” Simon reached for her arms as Field had done. Amity stepped back. “Do not touch me.”

  He drew back.

  “Amity, I have no future wife.”

  “You should have.”

  “I agree with that.” And if she would stop this nonsense, he could set about providing himself with one. “Will you agree to sit with me?” He waved toward a bench attached to the porch.

  “Simon.”

  “Please.”

  She sat on the farthest seat on the bench.

  Simon didn’t know where to begin. “Whatever happened to us, Amity?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, ten years ago I thought I’d found the love of my life. The next minute you told me we wouldn’t suit. What happened?”

  “You really don’t know?”

  “I was and still am bewildered.”

  Amity kept her gaze out on the yard. “Perhaps we haven’t come as far as I thought we had, but since we are just friends, I don’t suppose it will hurt to tell you, even if the only person to gain is Mrs. Blackstone.”

  Simon’s jaw dropped.

  Amity put up her hand commanding silence. “I don’t know what you were thinking at the time, but I finally decided that you thought you had me all sewed up.”

  It was too dark to see her expression.

  “Sewed up?”

  “Yes. I am your best friend’s sister. I was artless. You knew I was smitten. So you stopped coming around when you said you would. You stayed in your laboratory instead of escorting me as you promised. I could tell you just weren’t that interested.” She turned toward him. “Our friendship has deepened on this trip, and I do want you to know that I wish you every happiness in your new relationship.”

  “What new relationship?”

  “I saw Mrs. Blackstone leave your room two nights ago wearing almost nothing but that smile of hers.”

  Relief surged and he began to laugh.

  She stood up before him stiff with anger. “It’s not funny, Simon Morgan.” She stopped shy of stomping her foot, which his sister most certainly would have done. “Last night you told me yourself you did not spend time in your room…what was I supposed to…” Her voice broke.

  Simon sobered and stepped in front of her. He needed her to hear what he had to say. It was bound to be the most uncomfortable conversation he would have in all his life. Simon wiped his eyes. “You assumed we were taking turns.”

  Amity shook her head, clearly uncomfortable.

  He couldn’t blame her. “First, I need to ask you to forgive me for laughing just now. I was so relieved it just came out.”

  She didn’t move.

  “I did not dally with Mrs. Blackstone. I suppose I should be angry that you would think such a thing of me, and with such a woman.” He shivered at the thought. “Though, you are not the first person who suggested something of the same to me. So I am to blame for not caring enough for appearances.”

  Amity softened. Her hands came out from under her arms. She clasped her hands in front of her waist.

  “Mrs. Blackstone’s son was dying. She came first to trick me into giving her the stone, or maybe she meant to steal it, I don’t know. And last night, downstairs, in front of Mr. Burns, she asked me for it. She took me to see her son, Wilfred.”

  “Did he die?”

  “No. Early this morning, Tom and I prayed for him and he was healed.”

  “That is what you had to tell me this morning?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell me everything.” Once again they sat on the bench, and he told her everything. Afterwards she rested her head on his shoulder. “Simon, I’m so sorry.”

  “I thought I couldn’t lose the stone.”

  She pulled back; confusion ran across her face.

  “I was told the stone would get me whatever I wanted most in life. I discovered you were at Millers’ just after I acquired the stone. Then your father— “

  “He can be a bit different.”

  “Yes. He asked me to escort you on this trip. That kind of thing just doesn’t happen. As the trip progressed, all obstacles seemed to blow out of my way. I was so afraid I’d lose you again I was stupid.”

  Amity tucked back onto his shoulder.

  “She tried to pulverize the stone for hours. It wouldn’t break, but by then I’d already figured out how the stone is to be used. It’s so God can speak to his people who would listen, like David. It’s not magic. You are not here because of the stone.”

  “No, it wasn’t the stone.” She echoed and brought her palms to rest on his chest.

  “Amity, I love you. I want a house full of children with brown hair that glows red in the sun and stormy blue-green eyes.”

  “I’m partial to hazel eyes and dark hair.”

  He chuckled. “We’ll just have to see about that.”

  Simon closed the distance between them and kissed her. Amity met him with ardor of her own, matching every ounce of love and devotion he poured into their embrace.

  "Simon?" Breathless she pulled back from his arms.

  Breathless himself he waited for her to continue.

  "Simon, I have to tell you something." She ran her hands from his shoulders to rest on his chest. "My father was right about me."

  "Oh?" He placed one kiss on her hairline.

  "Yes. I do wish to see the mountains."

  Joyous laughter bubbled up once again from deep in his soul. "Is that right?"

  "Yes."

  "How soon would you like to leave?"

  A Devotional Moment

  A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9

  All humans have desires of the heart—sometimes secret things we’d love to have or to accomplish. Many of us believe some of those desires are unattainable, and so we do not strive towards what we long for, and they never come to fruition. But with God, all things are possible. It’s important to remember that we shouldn’t discount the promptings of our hearts just because we desire something difficult or unusual. As long as we’re in line with what God desires for us, with His help, we can accomplish even things that seem impossible or improbable.

  In The Dollmaker’s Daughter, the protagonist has longed for something for most of his adult life, but knowing he cannot have it, he respects God’s plan for his life instead. Wrapped in faith, his world is shaken when something appears to bring about the love he has hoped for. But he finds himself questioning his own motivation and beliefs. Eventually, he comes to understand that God answers prayers, not only in His time, but when it is clear to all that He has heard all along.

  Have you ever discovered that you have been gifted with something you didn’t even know you wanted? Maybe you were asked to complete a task and inadvertently realized that not only did you have the talent for it, you actually enjoyed doing it, too. Maybe you were thrust into a new job and what you thought was a hardship turned out to be a blessing you never expected.

  Whether it is a talent, an action, or even a person you want in your life, always remember to defer to God. The thing you want may not be for you, and the thing you never dreamed of might be your greatest blessing and joy. Hand over your wants to God. When you hand those secret longings over to Him, He may not always answer the prayer in a way you would expect, but He does answer it.

  LORD, PLEASE REACH INTO THE SECRET PLACES OF MY HEART AND GIVE ME WHAT I DESIRE WITHIN YOUR WILL AND YOUR WAY. IN JESUS’ NAME I PRAY, AMEN.

  Thank you

  We appreciate you reading this White Rose Publishing title. For other inspirational stories, please visit our on-line bookstore at www.pelicanbookgroup.com.

  For questions or more information, contact us at customer@pelicanbookgroup.com.

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