The Reluctant Wife

By Patricia Collier

Jacob Stuart and his friends are veterans of the American Revolution, rebuilding their lives in Wilkes County, the area in Georgia where the fighting was so vicious it was called the Hornet's Nest.

Jacob is facing a task more daunting than fighting for freedom. He must inform his late friend's niece, Taberah McGregor, that they must wed one another to inherit his land and property. Taberah has known sorrow and loneliness. When Jacob appears at her door, hope for her future is renewed.

Shortly after their marriage, just as their budding relationship is coming into full bloom, they are threatened by an unknown enemy. Will Taberah succeed in establishing a home and family as her life spirals out of control?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Sep 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781642373028

Book preview

Chapter 1

Georgia backcountry

September, 1783

Jacob Stuart, hat in hand, stood over the grave of Will McGregor. He would miss the old man, just as he missed his son, Jonathan. He only wished the son was buried next to his father, but that was not possible. Where a man fell in battle was where he was often buried.

Jake, you ready to leave?

Jacob turned to meet his friend Isaac Matthews' steady gaze. Yes. We need to cover as much ground as possible before tonight.

Settling his hat upon his head, Jacob walked to the wagon where Isaac's younger brother, Seth, sat holding the reins, a smile tugging at his lips. If I did not know better, Jake, I would think you were in a hurry to see Miss McGregor.

Jacob glanced up at the blond man whose blue eyes twinkled merrily at him. I do not look forward to having to tell her that her uncle is dead.

Or the terms of his will, Isaac added as he led Jake's horse over to him.

Jacob swung onto the back of the black horse, his mouth set in a straight line. He definitely did not look forward to telling her about the will.

As soon as Isaac was seated next to his brother, they moved away from Will McGregor's cabin. They rode in silence until the homestead disappeared from view.

Then, as though putting the sadness of Will's passing behind them, Seth said, It will be nice to sleep in the wagon on the journey to see Miss McGregor.

Just do not get too used to it, Isaac replied. If all goes as planned, Miss McGregor will be sleeping amongst her belongings on the way back.

If all goes as planned. Jacob tapped his heels against either side of his horse, causing him to move away at a canter.

North Carolina

Late September, 1783

Taberah sat silently, staring at nothing. The quiet of the house weighed heavily upon her, only serving to emphasize the fact that she was alone, really alone, for the first time in her life. How her life had changed in a year! All she had left was the house and its contents, the last being slowly sold off to buy what necessities she could not make or grow herself. Hopefully, she would hear from Uncle Will soon. Then she would know how to proceed.

She knew she was wallowing in self-pity, but she could not seem to rid herself of it. Here she was, almost twenty-six years of age, with no prospects for a husband. That was not quite true. There was the school teacher, Stephen Phillips. He had shown more than a passing interest in her, but there was no attraction for him on her part. That was something she refused to strike from her list for a prospective husband. Most of all she had prayed for God to bring a Christian man into her life.

The war had taken so many young men to an early grave. So many widows and orphans were left in need. The fighting had ended, but the building of a nation was ahead.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp rap on the front door. Once that would have probably meant someone was in need of her father's medical skills.

Taberah rose from the settee in the parlor and walked to the table in the entrance hall. She picked up the pistol on the table, hiding it in the folds of her skirt. With a quick glance in the mirror above the table to assure herself that her cap was straight, she opened the door.

Good morning, Miss-ah-Miss McGregor?

Taberah stood silently staring at the tall man clad in a light-colored hunting shirt and breeches. His black hair was tied back from his face, which was bronzed from a life outdoors, she presumed. His golden brown eyes seemed surprised as he stood waiting for her response.

She noticed the wagon that was stopped on the street behind him. Two men, also wearing hunting shirts, sat on the wagon seat, their attention focused on the scene unfolding before them.

Yes, may I help you?

Will had said his niece was pretty, but he had allowed for a doting, old man’s exaggeration. He had not stretched the truth one bit. The lady was not only attractive, but she had the most beautiful, green eyes. She also smelled of lavender.

A smile tugged at his mouth, but only for a moment. I am aware of your father's passing. Your uncle told me. My condolences, Miss McGregor.

Thank you, sir. You bring news from Uncle Will? she asked, hope evident on her oval-shaped face.

Jacob noticed the change in her expression when he mentioned her uncle. His chest tightened as he remembered why he was here.

I have a letter of introduction from your uncle. Reaching inside his hunting shirt, he removed a folded document and handed it to her. Miss McGregor, do you have a friend or neighbor who might chaperone so that we may go inside?

She blushed as she answered, My minister, Reverend Parker, lives nearby. Perhaps we should go there instead. Let me get my shawl.

Jake, ask her if we need the wagon, Isaac said once Taberah had disappeared inside.

When she returned, Jacob noticed that she carried a cloth reticule larger than the ones ladies usually carried, but he dismissed it as his attention was now drawn to her eyes as she looked up at him from beneath a wide-brimmed, straw hat she now wore over her cap.

Do we need the wagon? he asked.

They live about a mile from here. Are these gentlemen your friends?

Pardon my bad manners, Miss McGregor. These are my friends Isaac and Seth Matthews.

The brothers removed their hats at Jacob's introduction. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss McGregor, Isaac responded. Seth merely nodded, a smile on his lips.

I believe there is room up there between the two of them, Jacob explained as he crooked his arm for her to take.

Seth jumped down, stepping out of their way as Isaac reached to take her hand. Jacob placed his large hands about her waist and lifted her off the ground. He noticed her pink cheeks as she glanced down at him from the seat.

Seth looked up at her with a grin upon his boyish features. Miss McGregor, our friend forgot to introduce himself. This is Jacob Stuart.

Isaac chuckled at his younger brother's words as Jacob felt the heat of embarrassment rise from his neck to his face.

So, I finally have your name, Miss McGregor stated with an attempt at annoyance that did not quite ring true.

I am afraid I must beg your pardon again, Miss, Jacob responded. He only hoped he would not be the recipient of the young lady's annoyance when he delivered the tidings with which he was burdened.

Chapter 2

Mrs. Parker stood at the door of her parlor, hands clasped before her. I will be in the kitchen should you need me. Mr. Stuart’s friends are enjoying cold cider and gingerbread. I will save some for each of you.

Once they were alone, Taberah asked, How is Uncle Will?

Mr. Stuart was silent for a long moment before he answered. I am sorry to have to tell you that your uncle passed away three weeks ago.

She stared at him, noting the huskiness in his voice. Despair replaced hope as sorrow overwhelmed her.

When she did not respond, Mr. Stuart asked, Miss McGregor, are you all right?

I was hoping that I might join him in Georgia.

He told me that was your wish. He wanted that, also. But his health was declining during the past year. I believe it was his heart. When he received your letter, he asked me to bring you to live with him. He also made his will.

This has been such a shock. I do not know what to think. Taberah pressed her fingers against her forehead as she attempted to rub away the headache that threatened.

Miss McGregor, I need to explain the details of his will to you, Mr. Stuart continued as he watched from the straight-backed chair across from her seat.

Taberah glanced up at him. The details of his will?

Yes. Will wanted you to be provided for in every way. Since his last surviving child, Jonathan, had died during the war, he thought of you as his heir.

He did?

Yes, but he also wanted his land and home to remain in the McGregor family. That would mean you would have to move to his farm. You know nothing about farming. Also, a woman could not survive in the wilderness without help.

Taberah felt her headache worsening as she listened. So, what are you saying?

I apologize, Miss McGregor. Please bear with me a little while longer.

When Taberah nodded, Mr. Stuart continued. As I said, your uncle’s health was failing, so I moved in with him. I took care of the farm, eventually taking care of Will, also.

That was unselfish of you.

I was friends with your cousin, Jonathan. Your uncle was like family to me. It was no burden for me. He paused for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts. Your uncle wanted to repay me. He knew that I could run the farm, so when he drew up his will, he left everything to you and me.

You mean he split it between us?

She noticed Mr. Stuart hesitate, then he replied, In a way. He said we both inherit if we wed one another.

Pardon me, but did you say we must be married to each other?

Jacob winced inwardly at her words. Her unbelief was quite evident. And she had not heard the part he had yet to tell her. You heard correctly. Will feared some men would want the land and cabin, that they would hope to gain them by marrying you. He said he trusted me to provide for and to protect you.

How do you feel about this arrangement, Mr. Stuart?

It is acceptable to me.

Taberah studied him for a moment before lifting her chin, a challenging glint in her eyes. Does the land and cabin mean so much to you that you will marry to get it?

Anger welled up inside him at her accusation. I already am a landholder. Your uncle’s land adjoins mine, something Will considered an added enticement for me to agree to his wishes. But I would not marry to obtain it, Miss McGregor. If there was a lady I preferred, I would not consider marrying you.

She gasped at his blunt words, the heat of embarrassment rising to her cheeks. Jacob realized too late how his words must sound. I meant no insult, but I want you to understand I am not seeking your land.

Then why do you find this arrangement agreeable? Miss McGregor asked, her tone of voice displaying her irritation with him.

Will wanted it. I have no family, and I would like one. Do you desire a family?

She did not respond for a moment. Then she met his eyes briefly. Yes.

Then we already agree on one very important matter. Jacob drew in a deep breath. I do not know if you will decide to accept the terms of the will, but there is one more thing you should know. I am mixed blood. My mother was Cherokee, and my father was Scottish.

He watched Miss McGregor as her green eyes widened in surprise. She reached up and began to rub her forehead again.

I think I need some willow bark tea for my headache, she stated in a shaky voice, starting to rise from her seat.

Stay there. I will tell Mrs. Parker.

He hurried from the room, grateful to have an excuse to leave.

Jacob sat at the oak table in the kitchen, keenly aware of Reverend Parker’s scrutiny. He had presented his letters of introduction from Will and his minister. With Mrs. Parker tending to Miss McGregor, Jacob had just finished explaining the details of the will to Reverend Parker.

It looks like everything is in order on this document, the minister said as he handed the will back to Jacob. I suppose Mr. McGregor had his niece’s best interests in mind, but I am not sure she will see it that way.

How long have you known the young lady, Reverend?

For many years. Her brother Benjamin was already a man when we came here. Miss McGregor was much younger than he. It was a terrible loss to the doctor and his daughter when Benjamin was killed.

Will mentioned that his nephew was killed during the war.

He fought under Francis Marion in South Carolina.

The Swamp Fox.

Yes. Taberah was heartbroken when Benjamin died. Benjamin was not only a good son, he was a loving, older brother to his sister.

Jacob was silent for a moment. Then he said, If Miss McGregor agrees to the terms of her uncle’s will, there is something you should know. I am mixed blood. My mother was Cherokee.

Reverend Parker met his gaze, a half-smile on his lips. I have a question for you. Do you have a personal relationship with the Lord?

I do, sir. As did my parents.

The minister grinned. "Then I have no problem with a marriage between Miss McGregor and you.

Chapter 3

Taberah sat in the darkness of her bedroom staring out the window watching fireflies as they flew about the yard in the stillness of the night. Sleep still eluded her even though it was almost midnight.

Mrs. Parker had insisted they stay for lunch. Taberah noticed that Jacob Stuart and his friends had hearty appetites. They were very appreciative of the minister’s wife’s culinary skills. She supposed after what they must have experienced during the war they were thankful for a properly prepared meal.

Before they departed, Reverend and Mrs. Parker had taken her aside, reminding her to pray about her situation. They knew that her father had little to leave her monetarily. Reverend Parker had added that he liked Jacob Stuart’s forthright manner. He also mentioned that Mr. Stuart was a man of faith.

Taberah sighed as she rose and returned to her featherbed. Was Jacob Stuart the Christian husband for whom she had prayed?

Jacob rode slowly toward Miss McGregor’s house, his thoughts returning to the previous afternoon. As he had ridden beside the wagon, he had listened to Seth and Isaac as they sought to draw the young woman into conversation. She had been amused when Seth told her how they were saved from a fight with a band of Tories when the unsuspecting men stumbled upon a fiercely protective mother skunk who obviously was a Patriot.

Once again Green Eyes, as he now thought of her, had blushed when he lifted her down from the wagon. For a brief moment he had hesitated, taking in the honey-blonde tendrils of hair that escaped beneath her cap. How she had managed to remain unwed, he could not fathom. He had come to his senses at the sound of Isaac clearing his throat. Releasing her from his grasp, he had escorted her to the door.

Now as he rode up to her house, he noticed that a red-headed gentleman, tricorne hat beneath his arm, stood at Miss McGregor’s open door. As he stepped down from his horse, he caught sight of the lady herself. She smiled kindly at the man before noticing Jacob.

Good morning, Miss McGregor.

Good morning, she responded as her first caller turned toward Jacob. Mr. Stuart, this is Mr. Stephen Phillips, our schoolmaster. Mr. Phillips, this is Mr. Jacob Stuart.

A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Stuart, Mr. Phillips greeted Jacob.

Jacob noticed that the schoolteacher was not much taller than Miss McGregor, although what he lacked in height he made up for in width. He was not fat, but sturdily built. He would bet that Mr. Phillips could be a formidable enemy if provoked. There was something familiar about the man.

Have we met, sir?

Perhaps during the war? Mr. Phillips suggested.

Anything is possible, Jacob replied as he tied his horse to the hitching post.

Suddenly an image Jacob had been striving to forget came to mind. Now he knew that the man’s red hair had reminded him of someone involved in a brutality so horrifying that he had attempted to erase it from his memory. Jacob realized his face must have revealed his state of mind, because Miss McGregor’s brows knitted together in concern.

Are you all right, Mr. Stuart? she asked.

Jacob noted the inquisitive look upon Mr. Phillips’ face. I have a lot on my mind, Miss McGregor. Would it be possible to have a few moments of your time?

Of course.

I’ll be on my way then, the school teacher spoke up, placing his tricorne hat upon his red hair. Good day, Miss McGregor. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Stuart.

Good day, Mr. Phillips, Jacob replied with a slight inclination of his head.

Once they were alone, Miss McGregor looked up at Jacob, her eyes dark with emotion. Did you have to be so rude?

Jacob did not think now was the time to tell her his reason for his brusqueness. Miss McGregor, we need to talk about our future together, that is, if we are to share one.

Taberah knew she was blushing again. Why did this man have such an affect upon her? Let me get my shawl.

When she returned, Mr. Stuart offered her his arm. Taberah accepted the courtesy, remaining silent as he led her down the street.

Have you made a decision?

She glanced up at him, then looked away. I have a few questions.

I expected that you would. What would you like to know?

I know that your mother was Cherokee. You dress as a white man. You say you have property next to my uncle’s land. Does that mean that you live as a white man? Or do you dress and live as a Cherokee? If you do, then I cannot consider marrying you.

Mr. Stuart stopped walking and faced her. I have always lived and dressed as a white man. My father was a prosperous fur trader. He saw that I was educated and taught how to live in the white world, but he allowed me to know my mother’s people. My mother and uncle taught me about the Cherokee. He paused, then continued. My parents were Christians. When I was a boy, I came to know Christ as my Savior. Then he added, I am not ashamed of being part Cherokee.

Taberah nodded, a slight smile tugging at her lips. The man was proud, but not arrogant. He knew and accepted who he was. His confidence was to be admired.

What questions do you have for me? she asked.

Only one. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?

Taberah was momentarily surprised, but she appreciated that he had made his request sound more intimate than what it was, a marriage of convenience.

Yes, I will be pleased to accept your offer of marriage.

Mr. McGregor squeezed her hand where it still rested within the crook of his arm.

Jacob lay awake, sleep eluding him. Reverend Parker had arranged for a young couple he knew to purchase the McGregor house and any furniture that Taberah could not fit into the wagon for their return trip home.

He smiled at his use of his fiance’s Christian name. They had agreed if they were to be married, they should use their given names. He wondered if her family had ever called her by a nickname.

Taberah had said her goodbyes yesterday at church. They were to be wed once they returned to Georgia.

Chapter 4

Taberah, wake up.

Taberah struggled to obey the deep voice that attempted to bring her from the depths of sleep. She became aware of strong arms holding her against a very broad chest. Blinking her eyes as she lifted her head from where it rested, she met the golden brown eyes of her fiance. Mortified at sleeping in the arms of her betrothed, she jerked away from him, realizing too late that she was sliding off the seat.

We are stopping for the night, Jacob explained as he steadied her on the wagon seat next to him. You must be exhausted to be able to sleep on this road with all its ruts and rocks.

I did not get much sleep last night, Taberah answered, her tongue thick from trail dust and thirst. She had lain awake until the early morning hours wondering just what she had gotten herself into by agreeing to this hasty marriage.

Jacob immediately reached beneath the seat, a canteen in hand as he straightened. Then he handed it to her. The water was no longer cool, but it soothed her parched throat.

Thank you. I apologize for not staying awake. She attempted to work the kinks from her neck and shoulders. Jacob jumped down from the wagon, then turned, his arms stretched upward. Taberah slid over to him, then stood. Before she was aware of his intentions, he had his hands around her waist and had lifted her down. He did not release her when her feet touched the ground. Jacob met her gaze, holding it for several seconds. Then he smiled.

Jake, I have made a place for Miss McGregor to sit near the fire, Seth stated as he approached them.

Taberah knew she was blushing once again. Her heart was hammering against her chest so hard she felt short of breath. Why did