Uncertain Horizons

Copyright © 2012 Tony Kinton

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

1-(866) 928-1240

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7609-1 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7610-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7611-4 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012921484

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/04/2012

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Epilogue

About the Author

Acknowledgments

A book is a joint effort. And without that coalescence of advice, suggestions, helpful critiques, proofing and a long list of other skills that meld into the production, a book would be far less than it could and should be. With that element of assistance and support in mind, I obviously owe a great deal to those involved in this work you are now reading. For services rendered, I express my appreciation to the following: The team at Thomas Nelson Publishing, and to these following individuals for their various contributions: Teresa Burns, Farrah Howell, Sandra Jones, Dr. Linda Lane, Marie Luther, Jessica Patterson, Dr. Stan Rushing, and Sherry Thornton*. And certainly to my wife Susan. She helps me stay on task and is a constant source of encouragement.

To all, thank you.

Tony Kinton

Chapter 1

Boston – Early November 1774

What should have

been a glorious fall afternoon was anything but glorious for the Bain family. An azure sky; a calm breeze stirring remnant collections of gold and red and brown leaves that clung tenaciously to hardwoods before conceding winter was near; an autumn sun sprinkling mottled patterns of light through the trees and onto manicured grounds. But the Bains saw none of that beauty, felt none of the refreshing that otherwise would have prompted the giving of thanks and a celebration of seasons.

They sat silently, sullen, tears their only language. Martha Bain; Cora, Robert and Mary Martha Jamison; Cassie, Jonathan and Daniel Richardson; Jackson Bain. Rebecca Bomar stood behind Jackson with her hand firmly but gently on his shoulder. All there to mourn the passing of Squire Bain, patriarch of the Bain household, a wealthy, influential man much respected in Boston’s business community. But that community hardly knew the real Squire Bain. His family did.

The North Church had moments earlier been overflowing with Boston’s most powerful. Women in their flowing dresses with high necklines trimmed in lace; men in their greatcoats and knee breeches and white stockings and black buckle shoes. All there to see and be seen. Most were gone now as Squire’s family watched a coffin disappear into the earth.

I pray he found redemption. The words were little more than a whisper that slipped from Jackson’s lips on a breathy sigh, indicating the response had escaped unintentionally from some deep recesses of thought. Martha Bain stirred and looked toward her son. Jonathan Richardson scowled.

What did you say, Sun? Martha’s question rode a trembling voice.

Redemption. I pray he found redemption.

I believe he did.

Yes, so do I. There was a peace about him those last two days. We will discuss this in more detail later, Mother.

Thank you, Martha managed to reply. Jonathan watched and listened and then focused his stare downward, a frown wrinkling an otherwise pleasant face. Cassie put her hand in his.

The Walker Cabin

"Did you see the

snow, Papa? Anna Walker spoke to Isaac as she stepped behind the shed he was building. There is a light covering there on the peaks to the north. Have you even noticed it?"

Sorry, girl. I guess I’ve had my head stuck in this stack of peeled poles so much that I haven’t looked up. That is not a good thing – failing to look up. Isaac turned his attention to the mountains. Yes, I see it now. A little early it seems. Beautiful over that way.

That it is, Isaac, and we must never fail to look up. That is where we find direction. Can I give you a hand with that?

I hesitate to ask you to do such things, but I could use some help holding this pole until I get it firm. Please, if you don’t mind.

Never, Papa. I’m glad to do what I can.

I’d say you do quite enough. Cooking and cleaning are plenty troublesome without my asking you to do work such as this. And then you have the Reverend Sullivan to keep at bay. Isaac smiled as he chided Anna about Liam Sullivan. Liam was making his intent clear and that intent was to marry Anna Walker; sooner was better than later in his thinking.

Oh, hush up, Isaac. Liam is no problem to handle. You must remember that I have taken care of a bear that was about to eat one of our calves and have gone out and gotten us a deer all by myself when you were unable to do so. I can manage the Reverend Sullivan with ease! Anna winked and smiled at her father as she reached to grab one end of a pine pole and set it in the notch Isaac had prepared for it. Keep the Reverend Sullivan at bay, indeed. Just as you must keep the pretty Widow Wallace at bay.

Hold on there, girl. The Widow Wallace is in no way interested in me nor am I in her, and she certainly is not chasing me about as Liam Sullivan is you.

There you go again, Papa, denying the obvious. None of what you just said is true. Anna paused and a glint of mischief showed in her eyes. Well, none of it except that part about Liam chasing me! That he is. But that other part, that part about the Widow Wallace having no interest in you and you having no interest in her is pure falsehood. You should be ashamed, Isaac Walker, trying to pull something over on your dear daughter. Shame, shame.

Shaah, girl. You are always keen on such matters. Yes, Marybeth and I have talked quite often of late. The pole Anna and Isaac were putting up thudded solidly into place and Anna brushed the dirt from her hands. There; that should do it, Isaac said with breathy satisfaction. Only a few more before we have a fine shed. And we need it. The farm is growing.

Yes, a fine shed. And the farm is growing. But I believe we were discussing Marybeth Wallace. Anna flashed a smile and Isaac let the big wooden maul slip from his hand and rest on an oak block.

Let me go get a dipper of water, Anna. We’ll sit for a while and talk about this.

That’s good, Isaac. Let’s. Anna and Isaac walked to the cabin porch and he scooped a gourd dipper of water from a copper bucket. This he drank with enthusiasm, wiping the sweet residue of liquid from his stubble-covered chin when he finished.

Marybeth Wallace. Isaac let the words glide from his lips with gentleness. She is an upstanding woman, don’t you think?

She is. There is no question about that matter. And you are an upstanding man.

Thank you, Anna. You are always too kind to me. But what do you think about Marybeth and me?

You already know what I think, Papa; I have made no secret about that. You both lost your mates and deserve the happiness that a good marriage can bring. There is no room for apology or misplaced obligation. You should move forward with your feelings and follow God’s guidance. And, Isaac, I have never had any doubt about that latter. You have always sought God’s guidance in every situation. Now put your mind at ease about my feelings in this one as well. If you and Marybeth think this is a good and wise union, there is no need for concern otherwise.

Well thank you, girl, but let’s not get in any downhill rush on this subject of marriage. Isaac wore a subdued smile that showed his deep caring for Anna. That is something we will all have to consider at some later date.

True, but don’t wait too long. You keep telling me you are an old man and an old man doesn’t have time to waste! Anna pushed that always errant strand of hair from her brow and coaxed it back under the bonnet, her eyes dancing in a soft beam of gentle autumn sunlight, her lips curved into a generous grin that spoke of warmth and love.

Don’t reckon I’m quite that old now, girl.

"Of course you aren’t. I have told you before that your age is just right. Now stop that nonsense about being old and get on with a part of life that you have been missing since mother died. You deserve it, old man!"

Maybe. But I already have more than I deserve. I don’t deserve our place here and I certainly don’t deserve a daughter so gracious and compassionate as you. I am blessed far beyond what I deserve. And speaking of deserving, you deserve much more than what you have.

My argument is the same as yours, Papa. I have all I need, and I imagine that the closeness of a husband and family that he and I create will be coming in due time.

The Reverend Sullivan?

Yes, and if he has his way, all that will be coming very soon.

And what about your way, Anna? Is that what you want?

Oh, I’m still not completely sure. Liam is a precious man of God. I am extremely fond of him, much more so now than I was early on in our relationship. But I am often troubled by it all.

That is natural. Changes such as marriage and the responsibilities and unknowns these changes bring can be troubling. But if it is only these that concern you, know that they will work out with time. We all adapt and learn to shape and bend and become comfortable with things that once troubled us. In fact, we quickly look back and wonder what it was we feared in the first place.

I’m sure that is true, Isaac. But….

But what, Anna?

Oh, I don’t know.

You know. You couldn’t help but know.

I suppose I do, but I prefer not to discuss that little hidden corner of my heart.

Jackson Johnson? Excuse me. I believe we established the fact that it is Jackson Bain a month or so back before he left. Is it Jackson Bain that rambles around in your head and heart and brings those troubling confusions?

Yes, Sun is there.

As I suspected. And no glow with Liam?

Perhaps a faint bright spot but no real glow.

Again as I suspected. Anna, please don’t take this sentiment lightly. Feelings are not always reliable and are certainly not the single source to guide decisions, but those feelings do matter. Don’t compromise. Consider everything involved.

And I have been, Papa. I am doing my best to sort all this out.

I know that, and it pains me to see you in turmoil over this very important choice you are attempting to make. Do so carefully, Anna, and do so slowly. There is no rush. Well, there is no rush other than the one in the Reverend Sullivan’s mind. But don’t let that one interfere with your own decision making. That is yours and yours alone.

It is, Papa. But that doesn’t make things easier. In fact, that makes things even more difficult.

Seems that is the way of grown-up choices. Hardly ever easy.

I am coming to see that for myself. Seldom easy. Anna looked away in an unconscious attempt to hide what was inside.

I asked you once shortly after Sun left what you would do if you suddenly looked up and saw him coming. Do you remember that? And have you thought about it?

I remember it well, and I suppose I have thought about it. But I never expect him to come back and I never want to see him again even if he does.

Are you sure, Anna? Never is a long time.

But he lied to us, Papa.

That he did, but it now seems innocent enough.

"A lie is never innocent, Isaac. It is always damaging. He crushed us with that innocent lie." The words crept from Anna’s tight throat with disgust and disappointment reverberating from them.

He asked us to forgive him, Anna. I have. Have you? Isaac peered deeply into his daughter’s distraught eyes.

Not fully. The hurt was just too great. I’m not sure I can forgive him.

I do understand, but I only have to think of God and His Son when I face such matters. While He was dying on the cross, Jesus asked His Father to forgive those who were killing Him. He tells us to do the same. Nothing can ever happen to us that could measure up to what happened to Him. Be careful in your forgiving. God commands us to forgive and He gives us the ability to do so.

I know, Isaac. I know. And I am sorry, but it’s just so….

Yes, it is just so…. But that doesn’t remove our responsibility to forgive.

But Papa, what about Liam?

What about Liam?

He cares for me. And he is a man of God.

He does care for you, but how he reacts to the decision you make is his choice, not yours. You can’t be fully responsible for him and disregard what is best for you. Consider his feelings as you make your choices, but don’t let those feelings be the main reason to decide one way or the other. And he is a man of God. But is he God’s man for you?

Chapter 2

Boston – Mid November

"And you do think

Squire reconciled with God?" Martha Bain’s voice revealed that she sincerely sought and hoped for confirmation that her late husband had allowed Jesus into his heart before that heart stopped beating two weeks prior to the conversation she was now having with Jackson. They sat in the parlor of the Bain House, sipping tea in the midst of obvious wealth, that wealth of no lasting comfort to any of them during this time of distress.

"I do, Mother. There was little way for him to actually tell us, but I saw a change in his demeanor just a day or so after he asked me that question: Is there redemption? I, as you know, assured him there was. I had already told him of the change in my own heart, and I believe he processed that and allowed it to occur in his as well. So yes, I do believe Father found God’s redemption."

I truly hope he did. I can live in some degree of peace with that realization. The end was so tragic that I had almost forgotten the man I loved and turned to for comfort and security for so many years. Now I can believe that he saw the error of his actions and was genuinely repentant of them.

Yes, I believe the same. I think Father died with a sense of certainty that he never had before that. He met God, Mother.

Thank you, Sun. Thank you for being here and for being who you are. And let me tell you again how very much I missed you when you were away.

And thank you as well. I feel the same about you. And while I hesitate to broach the subject, I feel the need to advise you that I must leave once more for the frontier. I have unfinished business there and I can’t rest until I go and care for it properly.

Oh Sun, please. Now? So soon?

Soon I fear. I will talk with Cassie and Cora about this, but I see no way to avoid another trip westward.

But winter is here. Christmas will come and go before you can return from the frontier.

That is true, and I regret missing another Christmas here. But please try to understand. I am concerned about you all, but I am also concerned about another matter with which I must deal in haste. Can you see that and give your blessing?

I can see and I do give my blessing; you always have my blessing. But I am selfish in that I want you close.

I appreciate that, Mother, and I do share in the burden. But the positive in this, unlike the last trip, is that there is a clear ending in sight. No rambling about the frontier without a schedule. This trip will be to a specific place and have a specific purpose. I will return promptly upon completion of this mission.

That makes it easier to accept, but I will miss you just the same.

And I you. But be assured that I will keep you all close in my heart, and know now that I will pray for you constantly, this time with a sincerity that I didn’t have in London nor on that first journey to the frontier.

And you will discuss this with your sisters and their husbands?

Thoroughly. I plan to do so immediately.

Do you notice anything strange about Cassie and Jonathan? Martha glanced downward and toyed with her tea cup. They seem distant and on edge.

They do, Mother. I fear Jonathan is wrestling with his future and how I will figure into the business.

Well, you are the only son and the business will fall under your control.

Perhaps, but I have no desire to be in control of the lives of Cassie and Jonathan. Cora and Robert have already made a choice to leave the business and explore their own way, though the fire and tragic loss impacted them and their future decisions immensely. I want to talk with them at length about what I have in mind for Bain Enterprises, and I certainly hope Jonathan will stay on to assist, even move up into more responsibility. I need them all if I am to keep things going and perhaps even expand, and I will tell them that as quickly as I can schedule a meeting. But I must deal with this frontier situation presently.

And the fire. Do you think your father….?

Oh, let’s not discuss that at this time. None of that is of any consequence – unless of course we make it of consequence. You have my promise. We will deal with this.

Rebecca Bomar glided

into her father’s office with grace and abandon, her dress swirling around her ankles and her face radiant. Hello, Papa. She leaned down and kissed his cheek. Richard Bomar sat over a tall stack of business documents, common for a man of his position. But his daughter’s entrance always gave him pause to look up and smile and set aside matters that, only seconds earlier, seemed pressing.

Well, my favorite daughter, Richard said as he pushed back in his chair and grew a huge smile.

Your only daughter, Papa.

True, but that doesn’t matter. You are my favorite just the same.

None like you, Papa. And what are you doing on this grand autumn afternoon?

Working. I’m always working.

"That you are, but I must say that the situation with your constant work has improved a great deal