Frontier Highlander Vow of Love (American Wilderness Series Romance Book 4) (4 page)

BOOK: Frontier Highlander Vow of Love (American Wilderness Series Romance Book 4)
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Bear’s first order of business was to care for his gelding Camel. He led the tired horse into the center of the bustling stockade.

“The stable and corral pen are located over there on the east side of the Fort, next to the blacksmith’s,” Ambrose explained, pointing. “I’ll take
your mount with mine and see that he’s well cared for.”

“Yer kindness is appreciated. As ye can see, he’s tall and stout, so he’ll need extra feed.”

“After carrying a man of your size all day, I’d say he needs double the ration of most horses,” Ambrose joshed.

“Aye, like myself, he’s a big eater to be sure. I’ll be seein’ ye later then,” Bear said. “I know where the Colonel’s office is.” Over the course of the day, Bear had decided he rather liked the short, but stocky, Welshman.

He strode through the stockade and made his way to the blockhouse where Logan’s quarters and office were located. He passed a group of men bringing in gunpowder in drum-shaped kegs that fit snugly against the horses’ flanks. The keg hoops were made of saplings, rather than metal, to prevent an accidental spark. The precious powder was typically stored in an earthen repository disguised as a root cellar. It didn’t surprise him that Logan would keep a substantial supply of gunpowder on hand for the fort. Being prepared before an enemy strikes is often half the battle.

The Colonel was considered to be one of the best rough and tumble fighters in Kentucky and Bear often heard numerous stories recounting his bravery in action. Yet, the man tended to be quiet and prudent, unlike his fellow frontiersman Daniel Boone, known for his oratorical flourish and gregarious nature. Bear held great respect for both men.

Benjamin Logan’s imposing figure—just over six-feet tall—towered over most fellows, but not Bear. He stood a good six inches taller and weighed about fifty pounds more than Logan. After he entered the dimly lit room, he peered down at the Colonel who leaned against an artfully carved pine desk reading a paper.

“Good evenin’, Colonel. Ye needed to see me?”

Looking up, Logan said, “Ah, Daniel MacKee! Otherwise known as Bear—a fitting nickname for a giant like yourself.”

“Aye, the name does seem to suit me. Given to me by me step-mum,
Sam’s mother.”

“Are you well? And your brother Sam?”

“Aye, we are fightin’ fit.”

“And Sam’s wife and son?”

“Catherine is with child, but she’s na due for some time. Little John is growin’ taller and smarter by the day.”

“Did you and Isaac have a trouble-free journey?”

“It was uneventful, and the weather remained pleasant, so aye, we did.”

“I thank you for coming so swiftly,” Logan said. “Please have a seat.”

He fell into the closest chair, appreciating the chance to rest his tired back. The wooden chair squeaked under his weight as he regarded Logan. The man’s eyes held a sheen of purpose. What was on the Colonel’s mind?

“No doubt you’re wondering what my reason is for summoning you.”

“Aye, that I am. And I’m hopin’ it is na further trouble with the natives.”

“No, we were able to negotiate a peace with the Shawnee. We had to swear that we would never raid their settlements again, and they did the same. I also apologized for the slaying of Chief Moluntha by one of my overzealous men. The last Shawnee raid happened in retaliation for that. Hopefully, this peace will be permanent. I would hate to lose more good men to fighting.”

“News of your peace treaty is most welcomed, Colonel. And now that we have peace with the Cherokee as well, Kentucky will hopefully be free of any further strife and bloodshed.”

“That is my fervent hope as well.”

“Then what is your reason for summonin’ me here?”

“Governor Garrard has asked that each of the settlements send a delegate to Boonesborough for a special-called assembly.”

“For what purpose?”

“The delegates will discuss and advise the Governor on a number of matters important to Kentucky’s future—among them bills to preserve game, arrange for improved roads, and provide for better breeding of horses.”

His brows drew together in confusion. “But, Colonel, what does that have to do with me?”

“Bear, the last time we met, you impressed me as a wise and well-spoken man. I’ve found that most Scotsmen are also well-educated.”

“I owe my education to many hours spent with my nose in books in front of a peat fire as a youth. I owe what wisdom I have to God.”

“You are also a single man, without your own homestead and family to guard,” Logan answered.

“All true, though I am hopin’ to change that fact in the near future.”

“Are you engaged then?”

“Nay, but I plan to be soon.”

“Who is the lucky lady?”

“I do na know.”

Logan’s laughter filled the room.

Bear sat up straighter and glared at Logan, frowning. He didn’t understand why the man found what he’d said so humorous. “I have not yet met the lass,” he added quickly.

“Bear, usually men meet a woman,
then
decide to become engaged.”

“I know she’s out there,” he said, still annoyed. “I will find her.”

“I wish you God’s speed with that, Sir,” Logan answered. “Perhaps your assignment, if you will accept it, will aide in your quest. Bear, I want you to be Fort Logan’s and St. Elspeth’s delegate at the Governor’s assembly.”

He was too startled by the suggestion to offer any objection. Being caught off guard did not happen to him often, but he was now.

“I can see you are surprised. You shouldn’t be. The Governor has asked for men of character and the stamina for hard work. You strike me as just that kind of man.”

“Och, Colonel, I am honored by yer words and by yer suggestion that I serve in that capacity, but I do na have experience with government.”

As the last of the day’s sunlight disappeared, Logan lit a candle and its rays brightened the dim room. The Colonel took a seat behind his large desk covered with several spread out maps and other documents. “Bear, every delegate sent to meet with the Governor will have little or no experience with government. Experience is not what’s needed. What is needed are intelligent men who care about Kentucky’s future,” Logan said, vigorously tapping the tip of his index finger against one of the maps of Kentucky.

Bear glanced up from the finger to look directly into Logan’s pale blue eyes. “Men like you, Colonel.”

“My career in government is over. As you no doubt know, after serving in Kentucky’s House of Representatives for four years, I lost the recent race for Governor. On the first ballot, I received the votes of 21 electors, Garrard received 17, and Todd received 14. Our new state constitution did not specify whether a plurality or a majority vote was required and a second vote had to be held between Garrard and myself to see who could get a majority. Unfortunately, most of Todd's electors supported Garrard, a more skilled orator than I, giving him a majority.”

“Do ye support the Governor now?”

“I do, but only so far. What’s important at the present time is supporting Kentucky. That’s where you come in, Bear.”

“Nay, I’m afraid me temperament would na be suitable for such an undertakin. Scots tend to be forthright—so much so we are often blunt.”

“Just agree to serve in this one specially called assembly of delegates
and I will be forever in your debt, Sir.”

Bear’s resolve faltered. His mind wavered, weighing what Logan had said. “Perhaps a wee bit of whiskey would help me decide.” What he really wanted was a moment to think about the decision while Logan fetched the decanter and a couple of pewter cups from a side cabinet. And the whiskey would be refreshing after his long journey.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you one detail,” Logan said, his voice brightening as he poured whiskey into the two pewter cups. “And this may interest you since you mentioned earlier that you were hoping to find a wife and have a home in the near future.” Logan handed a cup to Bear. “The Governor’s wife, Elizabeth Mountjoy, is using this occasion as an excuse for a party.”

Bear swallowed the whiskey in one gulp. “Is that really the lady’s name?” he asked, incredulous.

Logan regarded him with amusement, and added more whiskey to both their cups. “Indeed it is, or was, her maiden name. I believe it
actually
refers to a mountain of joy.”

Bear’s mouth twitched with mirth and then, unable to control himself, his laughter rippled through the room.

Logan joined in, the sound of his laugh deep and jovial.

“Tell me more about this party,” Bear said, still chuckling. “Will there be women there?”

“Invitations to Mrs. Garrard’s ball were carried, along with the request from Governor Garrard for delegates, to all the interior forts. I believe fifteen men and six women will make the journey from St. Elspeth’s. The women will sport their finest clothes. Unfortunately, all the women going from here are married, but I’m certain some unmarried women will attend from other settlements.”

Now Bear was intrigued.

Logan continued, “Last time the Governor held one of these events, abundant toddies kept the party going for several days.”

“Well, those two facts do sweeten the brew a wee bit. And I would enjoy visitin’ my brother William and his wife Kelly and their new wee bairn.”

“He’s sheriff of Boonesborough, is he not?”

“Aye, and a mighty fine one too!” Bear was proud of what William had already achieved.

“I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he wasn’t a delegate too,” Logan speculated. “Now, why don’t we discuss this further over dinner? My wife Ann has prepared a pork roast.”

The delicious fragrance of the meat cooking, in the home adjoining Logan’s office, had teased Bear’s stomach for some time. Did he also smell pie wafting through the air now too? He loved pie. His stomach grumbled in earnest.

Logan chuckled. “I can hear your stomach agreeing that it’s time we enjoyed something to eat.”

“Aye. It’s time,” Bear agreed.

It was time to enjoy many things.

Chapter 4

T
he size of Boonesborough surprised Artis. It seemed like a town that bloomed right out of the wilderness—for that was all she’d seen on their journey here. The day after she regained her freedom, she left Virginia with a group of settlers headed for Kentucky. The group soon passed through the Cumberland Gap and followed the Wilderness Trail north through miles and miles of pristine verdant forests and colorful rocky hills. The breathtaking scenery was the first she’d seen since arriving in the colonies that could compare to her beloved Highlands. The blue-green mountains reminded her of home.

But the air smelled completely different here. In Scotland, she mostly remembered the distinct salty scent of the nearby ocean, the earthy aroma of peat, and the woody and mossy fragrance of heather. On the Kentucky frontier, the sharp smell of pine and other woods was most dominant, mixed with the fresh fragrance of a nearly blue grass.

As they rode the wagons into the bustling town, the air’s fragrance slowly changed, becoming unpleasant. She wrinkled her nose at the pungent odor of hides piled high on carts, horse manure scattered everywhere on the street, unwashed men, and bones cast into the street for dogs. But, now and then, she also caught the pleasant scent of fresh lumber stacked on wagons, several gardens, pots of blooming flowers, and to her astonishment, a bakery.

As soon as they reached what appeared to be the center of town, she bid the kind people she had traveled with goodbye. They all needed to find places for their families to camp and she was too impatient to wait for them.

Straight away, she set out to find the Land Office. After getting directions from a stranger, she hurried toward it, carrying all she owned in her linen bag, the same one she’d carried from Scotland.

Most of the people on the street seemed friendly enough, the men tipping their hats at her and the women smiling. Surprisingly, she wasn’t the least bit afraid. She belonged in Kentucky. Here, she would be a landowner once again.

“Miss,” she heard a man say from behind her.

Artis turned. A well-dressed, handsome, and tall blonde fellow smiled back at her.

“Can I help you find something, Miss? I’ve never seen you in Boonesborough before, so I assume you are newly arrived here.”

“Aye, I am. Just a few minutes ago. But I already received directions to my destination. I thank ye just the same,” she said.

“Are you from Scotland?” he asked.

“Aye, from the Highlands, though I have lived in Virginia these past seven years.”

“My adopted brother is from the Highlands, so I recognized your charming accent. I’m William Wyllie, Sheriff of Boonesborough, at your service.”

“I am pleased to make yer acquaintance sheriff. My name is Artis MacKay.”

“That’s a strange coincidence; my adopted brother is Daniel MacKee.”

“’Tis the same clan, but a different sept—one from across the Loch.”

“If I can help you in any way, Miss MacKay, my office is just inside the fort, on the right side of the enclosure.”

“I thank ye for yer kind offer, Sir,” she said. “I may need help securin’ a horse and a weapon later. Perhaps ye could advise me as to the best place to purchase both.”

“Indeed I would be delighted to do so. And my lovely wife, Kelly can offer suggestions for where to purchase clothing or other items you may need.”

“Do you think I look like I need new clothes?” she said, irked at his comment. She smoothed her dusty skirt with her free hand.

“I didn’t mean to imply that at all,” the sheriff insisted. “I just wanted you to know that I have a wife about your age who could be of assistance to you.”

“Do ye have an inn here in Boonesborough?” she asked. She felt tired and achy from the long journey on rough roads in the bumpy wagon and it seemed to be making her irritable. She would need to rest soon. Perhaps she just needed to eat something.

“Indeed we do, but it is small and always kept full. I’ll be glad when someone builds this town another.”

She let out a heavy sigh. “Well where do new arrivals stay?”

“Anywhere and everywhere. Some camp by the fort in oilcloth tents, as you no doubt noticed on your way into town. But most camp on the outskirts in their own wagons. That’s what my family did when we first arrived here two years ago. But I would not advise that if you are alone. Are you?”

BOOK: Frontier Highlander Vow of Love (American Wilderness Series Romance Book 4)
4.85Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
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