To Capture Her Heart Read Online Free

hickory pole. “Mayhap I should go in first?” He looked to her, an eyebrow raised.
    He raised both brows when Benjamin answered instead. “You go, we’ll wait. Tell Winnie if Winheytem is too sick, we can take her to Father’s. Is that all right with you, Heather Flower?”
    â€œAbigail would have me, if my aunt cannot, Benjamin.”
    Benjamin climbed down from his horse and helped Heather Flower down. “Of course.” He tipped his hat to Joseph, who walked up to the wigwam, the doorway covered by a heavy bearskin.
    At Joseph’s hello, the pelt was pulled back and the low incantations of the medicine man could be heard. He stepped inside.
    Within moments Winnie appeared and enveloped her niece in her arms in stoic silence. “You will stay with me, my child. Winheytem prepares to enter the spirit world. I pray to the white man’s God, but He calls for my husband. We must send a message to your father and mother. They will understand. They will know I hold you close to me.”
    Benjamin was torn. He knew Winnie needed Heather Flower as much as she needed Winnie. But he hated to leave her. His heart had been broken by Anna Budd, but the Indian princess made him forget that. When she was ready to love again, he wanted to be there for her—the one she could turn to.

3

    June 28, 1653
    Mary, obviously with child but determined to get a first look, came out to the flagstone walkway and watched Ben and Jay—she still called them by the nicknames she’d given them when she’d first become their mother—ride up the main road. The horse they’d taken with them for Heather Flower trailed behind on a lead-rope. All three horses were descendants of her beloved Starlight, one of the Old English Great Blacks her papa had bred back in England. There’d been an embargo on the mares when they first came over the pond. Thank goodness Barnabas’s brother, Jeremy, had been the shipmaster who brought their family over in The Swallow . Eventually he brought Starlight after the embargo was lifted.
    Caleb, her firstborn—and the first white child born on eastern Long Island—had brought her the news the rescue party was on their way and joined her on the walkway as the Horton men approached. She put an arm around her thirteen-year-old, who was now taller than she was and possessed his father’ssturdy frame. Though his eyes and hair matched hers, he had the Horton smile and chuckle.
    â€œI’m so glad they are back safely. I worry whenever they ride into Dutch territory.”
    Caleb patted her hand. “They can take care of themselves now, Mama. And we are at peace with the Dutch, are we not?”
    â€œNot according to Ben and Jay. Or Johnny Youngs. And in truth even New Haven hasn’t a clue as to what goes on between Holland and England. By the time ships arrive with the latest news, our Parliament has taken a different course.” She brushed a loose curl from her forehead.
    â€œWe have a welcoming party.” Ben smiled as he pulled in Star. He swung down and Caleb took the reins from him. “Hey, thank you.” He tousled his brother’s hair.
    Jay dismounted and Caleb took his horse as well. “Thanks, Cabe.” He gave him a soft punch to his shoulder that brought a smile, then turned to Mary and wrapped her in a hug. “Good to see you, Mother. How are you feeling?”
    His words warmed her heart. “’Tis good to see both of you. I’m feeling fine, but you know how I worry.” She smiled though tears threatened, and brushed at the lock on her forehead again. Ben gave her a hug too, and the three walked up to the house as Caleb led the horses to the barn.
    â€œHow is Heather Flower? I’ve been sick at heart for her. I’m sure Winnie is too. Did you take her to Montauk?” Her questions tumbled out. “Does she know about Winheytem?”
    Ben ran his hand through his hair.