A Heart for Freedom: He longs for freedom, but won’t risk the lives of those he loves. Read online

  A HEART FOR FREEDOM BY JANET GRUNST

  Published by Smitten Historical Romance

  an imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas

  2333 Barton Oaks Dr., Raleigh, NC 27614

  ISBN: 978-1-946016-58-4

  Copyright © 2018 by Janet Grunst

  Cover design by Elaina Lee

  Interior design by Karthick Srinivasan

  Available in print from your local bookstore, online, or from the publisher at: ShopLPC.com

  For more information on this book and the author visit: https://janetgrunst.com/

  All rights reserved. Non-commercial interests may reproduce portions of this book without the express written permission of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, provided the text does not exceed 500 words. When reproducing text from this book, include the following credit line: “A Heart for Freedom by Janet Grunst published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Used by permission.”

  Commercial interests: No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by the United States of America copyright law.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination or are used for fictional purposes. Any mentioned brand names, places, and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners, bear no association with the author or the publisher, and are used for fictional purposes only.

  Scriptures are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION (KJV):

  KING JAMES VERSION, public domain.

  Brought to you by the creative team at Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas

  (LPCBooks.com): Eddie Jones, Shonda Savage, Robin Patchen, Pegg Thomas, Brian Cross, Judah Raine, Jennifer Leo

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Grunst, Janet.

  A Heart for Freedom / Janet Grunst 1st ed.

  Printed in the United States of America

  Other Books by Janet Grunst

  A Heart Set Free

  PRAISE FOR A HEART FOR FREEDOM

  A stirring tale of America's tumultuous beginnings, A Heart for Freedom is both historically and spiritually rich, a poignant reminder of the high cost of freedom that we continue to enjoy today. Janet Grunst inspires, educates, and entertains in this second in the series.

  ~ Laura Frantz

  Author of The Lacemaker and A Bound Heart

  Janet Grunst has written another fine inspirational historical romance in A Heart for Freedom. As the American colonies struggle for freedom from British oppression, Ms. Grunst shows how much sacrifice takes place on not just on the front lines but also on the home front. This well-crafted story engaged me with its plot, the realism and depth of its characters, and the historical detail which kept me in the world of the 18th century. Ms. Grunst has developed the family relationships nicely in her continuing saga, showcasing the beautiful power of love between a husband and a wife, especially when they trust in the Lord and His promises, despite the chaos in the world around them—a message relevant even today. Highly recommend!

  ~ Kathleen Rouser

  Award-winning author of Rumors and Promises

  A Heart for Freedom continues the love story of Matthew and Heather from A Heart Set Free. Janet Grunst weaves romance, friendship, and intrigue into a delightful and well-written yarn that will keep you yearning for a happy ending until the last page.

  ~ Denise Weimer

  Multi-published author and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas editor

  A Heart for Freedom is a historically-accurate novel that depicts the quandary of the colonists in 1776. While many Americans desired freedom from England, an equal number desired to remain loyal to the King. What is often missing from historicals of this time period is the other third of the colonists—those who desired freedom yet desired peace as well. Their simple lives as farmers and merchants were about to be turned upside down by war and they knew the consequences would be life-changing. They could no longer ride the fence of indecision.

  This novel is a riveting look at the rippling effects of events that force the main characters to choose one side or the other. They long for peace that can no longer be, as the discontent of the Patriots and the military response of the King’s Army force the issue.

  In A Heart for Freedom, a sequel to A Heart Set Free, Ms. Grunst shares the lives of Heather and Matthew Stewart, who struggle to remain neutral as farmers and owners of an ordinary (a Colonial-era hotel). They, along with their children and their circle of friends, become impacted by the Revolution in ways that disrupt their peace of mind and challenge their faith. A compelling read that makes me look forward to Book Three in this series!

  ~ Elaine Marie Cooper

  Author of Saratoga Letters

  A Heart for Freedom is an inspiring story of love and courage in perilous times. Four years have passed since the end of A Heart Set Free, book one of the series, and the colonies are teetering on the verge of rebellion against heavy-handed British rule. With a young son in addition to Matthew’s son and daughter from his first marriage, he and Heather are joyfully looking forward to the birth of another baby. But Heather’s fears that the turmoil pitting their neighbors against one another as the colonies edge toward war will upend their peaceful lives soon comes agonizingly true.

  Grunst affectingly portrays the trials families were forced to deal with during the American Revolution and keeps readers turning pages, hoping for happy endings for this appealing cast of characters. The story doesn’t disappoint, and I’ll be looking forward to another book in the series to carry Heather and Matthew, their children, and their friends into the future.

  ~ J. M. Hochstetler

  Author of the American Patriot Series

  Author Janet Grunst puts flesh and blood on the dead bones of textbook history in A Heart of Freedom, her second book in her historical trilogy about life in late 18th century Virginia. The author easily draws readers back in time. She also does a wonderful job juxtaposing the simplicities of life against the complexities of a pre-war political era. Her characters’ relationships, conflicts, joys, and hardships become ours.

  ~ Clarice G. James

  Author of Manhattan Grace, Party of One, and Double Header

  A well-researched book, A Heart for Freedom puts the reader into the everyday life of the Stewarts as rural farmer Matthew Stewart is forced to choose between the Tories or the Patriots who want to break away and be free of England’s control. Through the lives of Matthew and Heather Stewart, the reader is immersed into the growing tensions of the pre-Revolutionary War and how it impacted their family and their community. Underlying this historical tale is the love story of a couple impacted by the struggle, and how their faith carried them through.

  ~ Carol Grace Stratton

  Author of Lake Surrender

  Acknowledgments

  A big thanks to Eddie Jones at Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas for his enthusiastic commitment to publish books that shine a light in a dark world. Thanks also to Pegg Thomas, Managing Editor of LPC’s Smitten imprint who saw the potential for this story and to General Editor Robin Patchen for her tireless work to make it better. And thank you to the whole team at LPC—hard at work behind the scenes.

  The encouragement, patience, and tenacity of Linda Glaz, my agent with Hartline Literary Agency, has been
a blessing. She’s a generous lady who encourages and works hard for her clients.

  Many thanks to all who took time to read the story and offer helpful suggestions, and for friends who lifted me up in prayer throughout the process.

  I’m so appreciative for my husband, Ken, who, armed with a red pen, is my first reader. His wisdom and ongoing encouragement to never give up on my dream to write stories has meant so much.

  I’ve loved the feedback from those who read my first book, whether it’s by a comment or by taking the time to write a review. My heart is to write stories that communicate the truths of the Christian faith that will entertain, as well as bring inspiration, healing, and hope to the reader.

  I am most grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His provision, mercy, and grace in my life. He put this story in my mind and guided me throughout the process.

  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

  Proverbs 3:5-6

  Dedication

  To my sons, Jeff and Jim Your willingness to serve our nation in the armed forces to preserve the freedoms we enjoy is an inspiration. I’m proud to be your Mom.

  Contents

  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

  CHAPTER 30

  CHAPTER 31

  CHAPTER 32

  CHAPTER 33

  CHAPTER 34

  CHAPTER 35

  CHAPTER 36

  CHAPTER 37

  A Gift for You

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  “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9 KJV

  CHAPTER 1

  April 1775

  Matthew removed the three-cornered hat and wiped the sweat from his brow as he headed down the narrow alley just off King Street. Every step felt like a drumbeat accompanying Lucas Stephens’ remarks from the day before.

  “Sometimes we have to put aside our personal interests and be faithful to a greater principle,” Stephens had said. “If our cause is just, then God Almighty will equip us to answer His call. Some will take up arms. Yours is a different charge. What will you do?”

  What will you do?

  For the past twenty-four hours, the man’s question had tormented him. When Stephens had taken him aside yesterday outside of Brady’s mercantile and asked for the meeting today, He should have said no. But he’d hesitated, and then, for some reason—likely a sense of obligation—he had agreed. And regretted it ever since.

  He would meet with Stephens and hear him out, just to get that task behind him. It wasn’t as if he owed this man anything. They had only just met. He and another man, Jones, had been introduced to him at the Cameron Street Tavern the last time the family was in Alexandria. The men had expressed a keen interest in the cause for separating from England. Matthew wasn’t against it, but he certainly did not intend to be put in the middle of it.

  Yet here he was, meeting a practical stranger in a dark alley. He put his hat back on and continued down the alley.

  Stephens stepped away from the brick wall. “Glad you came.”

  Matthew froze a good ten yards away. “I don’t have long. A friend is waiting for me at Brady’s Shop. Was this so important that we had to meet before I left Alexandria?”

  “We have a proposition for you.”

  “We?”

  Stephens walked to within three feet of Matthew and whispered, “Me, Martin Jones, and some other Patriots.”

  Matthew closed his eyes. “I have no time for, or interest in, politics.”

  “We need you, Matthew.”

  Matthew opened his eyes at the emphatic words.

  The man’s passion burned in his gaze. “You have strong ties to influential people in Philadelphia.”

  “It has been five years since I was last there, and that was only to sell my parents’ property.”

  “Your family was close to the Fergusons.”

  Matthew took a step back. Why bring up that family? Fond memories of hours of hunting and merriment with John and Henry Ferguson flooded his mind. “What of it?”

  “The Fergusons are Tories. Their daughter is married to a major in the British Army, and the family socializes with other Tories and a significant number of British Regulars.”

  Matthew looked over his shoulder at the relative peace of the street beyond. No one was in sight. Still, he kept his voice low. “What has that to do with me?”

  “You could have access to the Fergusons and their friends. The younger son, Henry, is a different sort, sympathetic to the Patriot cause. He would be your contact. You could gather information needed in Virginia as well as the other colonies without drawing suspicion.”

  “It’s been years since I last saw Henry or his family,” Matthew said. Stephens’ machinations made no sense. “My suddenly appearing after all these years would seem odd.”

  “It wasn’t odd five years ago when you went to Philadelphia after being gone so long. A strategy could be devised to make it plausible.”

  Matthew slapped his hat against his thigh. “I don’t know what kind of a scheme you and your Patriot friends are up to, but I’m not your man. I have a family, a tenant family, a farm, and an ordinary to oversee.”

  Stephens stepped back, shook his head, and pursed his lips. “Is there anything you believe in enough to inconvenience yourself? Civil unrest is growing. The Crown’s men killed dozens of our countrymen that day at Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy. Everything has changed.”

  “It’s not my fight.”

  “’Twill be all of our fight soon.” The man raised his voice. He glanced around, then stepped within inches of Matthew’s face. His next words were quieter but somehow laced with even more passion. “The question is, will you serve the cause of liberty or the Crown’s oppression?”

  The Crown? How could he fight for the Crown against his fellow colonists? This was his home, and the Crown had done nothing but take their money and impose unnecessary and repressive restrictions. To remain neutral—that was his goal. He had no desire to choose a side. But could neutrality be an option? And what would happen if they did fight? The carnage that would be suffered by his neighbors and friends could be devastating. “Against the world’s strongest army and navy? We would be crushed and robbed of even more liberty. And countless lives.”

  The man pushed his shoulders back. “If our cause is just, and many believe it is, then God Almighty will equip us to answer His call. Many will take up arms. What will you do, Matthew?”

  Heather Stewart relished the peaceful atmosphere in Parker’s Millinery Shop. It was the perfect antidote for Adam Duncan’s rant that morning about the recent fighting near Boston. Growing up in Scotland, she had witnessed the ravages of war, and the prospect of a war with England terrified her. This
excursion to the shop to find fabric for her fourteen-year-old stepdaughter Mary had provided the escape she needed. The fabrics, trimmings, and hats reminded her of all the years she had worked in her family’s dry goods shop a lifetime ago. The gentle hum of women’s voices soothed her nerves. Margaret Lamont, the wife of a prominent local solicitor, was speaking with the mistress of Blakemore Hall.

  The ringing of the bell on the shop’s door drew Heather’s attention away from the bolt of fine green muslin she had been examining. Mary and her friend Jean Duncan came in.

  “I’m glad you made it.” Heather lifted the fabric, and Mary joined her. “What do you think of this for a new dress?” She lifted a corner so it rested near Mary’s face. “The green sets off your amber eyes and brown hair.”

  Mary’s smile was encouraging. “’Tis beautiful.” She held the bolt up to show Jean. “Do you like it?”

  “It flatters you.” Jean Duncan, Mary’s longtime ally, was thirteen, a year younger than Mary.

  Heather rested the bolt of muslin on a chair and pointed to a stack she’d collected earlier. “I set those aside for you to look at. Choose two or three, but if you see something else that—”

  “Heed my words, Margaret.” Mrs. Blakemore’s shrill voice pierced the serenity of the shop. “The colonies will be at war before the year ends! And they will reap the consequences of their treason!”

  Heather stared at the two other customers in the shop. Why was Mrs. Blakemore so irritated with Mrs. Lamont? She looked across the counter at the proprietress, Mrs. Parker, whose mouth was agape.

  Mrs. Blakemore banged her cane on the floor. “The recent skirmishes in Massachusetts are only the beginning. Edwin and I leave for England in a fortnight, before the fighting comes to Virginia. Your husband still has family near London. Why would you and George remain here amongst people who are determined to defy the king?”

  Fighting in Virginia? Heather put her hand to her chest. Hopefully, the woman was wrong.

  “This is our home.” Margaret Lamont’s plaintive voice was heart-rending. “We have always lived in Virginia. My children and I have never even been to England.”