Surrender the Night by MaryLu Tyndall Page B

and pastel muslin, trimmed with ribbons and long colorful scarves. Wide-brimmed bonnets decorated with brightly colored plumes graced their heads. The more fashionable men wore silk breeches and white stockings, cocked hats, lacy cravats, and high-collared coats. Fishermen and seamen dressed in stained cotton shirts and breeches that smelled of fish and brine entered the church right alongside the ladies and gentlemen in their finest and took seats in the back or along the upper balcony.
    Rose smiled at the diverse crowd her uncle drew to church as she slipped into their assigned pew near the front. Amelia and Aunt Muira eased in beside her. Cool air swirled around her, enveloping her in the musky aged smell of the church—a smell that always seemed to settle Rose’s nerves. As Mr. Smithers, the organist, began to play, a white blur brought Rose’s attention to Marianne, her good friend, waving her gloved hand. Her one-year-old son, Jacob, crawled up in her lap as her husband, Noah, eased in beside her and nodded his greeting to Rose.
    Rose waved in return. Her heart lifted to see her friend so happy. And also to see that Noah was back in town. Although their relationship had not begun on the best of terms, Marianne and Noah were truly blessed with a great marriage. Rose had no idea how Marianne endured his long absences or the danger he was constantly under as a privateer during wartime. But the sweet woman had a peace about her that Rose envied. Her uncle stepped out from a side door and took his place by the retable. After leading the congregation in several hymns, he began his message. Though his sermons were usually quite thought-provoking, Rose found her mind unable to focus today. Instead, she gazed at her uncle, admiring the man who had once been nothing but an indentured servant.
    After the sermon, they stood to sing another hymn before the crowd slowly filtered out of the now stifling church into the stifling summer sun. Rose led Amelia and her aunt to stand in the shade of an elm tree while she peered through the crowd for Marianne. Several young gentlemen and not a few seamen cast admiring glances towardRose and Amelia. Giggling, Amelia drew her fan out and waved it enticingly about her face.
    “Be careful, or you’ll signal one of them to come this way.” Rose stiffened her jaw. The last thing she needed was to endure some man’s amorous dalliance.
    “Perhaps that is what I wish.” Amelia gave her a playful glance. “At least the rich ones.”
    “Oh my.” Aunt Muira gave a hefty sigh. “What are we to do with you?”
    Smiling, Marianne emerged from the crowd, young Jacob in her arms and her sister, Lizzie, by her side. “There you are. I was hoping you hadn’t left. We have so much to catch up on.” The shorter woman gazed up at Rose just as Jacob grabbed the edge of her bonnet and pulled it down over her eyes. “Oh drat. He’s become quite a handful.” Marianne nudged her bonnet back up and kissed Jacob on the cheek.
    Lizzie cocked her head, sending brown curls bobbing. “Good morning, Miss Rose.”
    “I can’t believe how big you are getting, Lizzie,” Rose said.
    “I am nine now. Almost ten.” The girl announced with a bit of pride.
    “Indeed.” Rose leaned over. “You have become quite a lovely young lady. Before we know it, you’ll be all grown and married like your sister.”
    Lizzie smiled up at her sister as a blush blossomed on her cheeks.
    Aunt Muira brushed her fingers over Jacob’s soft skin, a look of longing in her moistening eyes. “He is absolutely precious, Mrs. Brenin.”
    Rose grabbed her aunt’s hand and gave it a squeeze. Why the good Lord had not given children to such wonderful people, Rose would never understand.
    Her aunt leaned toward Lizzie. “And my niece is correct. What a young lady you have become, Miss Lizzie. Is that a new dress?”
    The little girl beamed and twirled around, sending the flowered calico fluttering in the wind. “Yes, it