Free Daughter of Destiny by Louise M. Gouge Page A

extra shifts to
buy the right to require that the men stay on board when we come near the
island.”
    He gave a mild snort. “That you did.” His tone was
non-committal.
    Jonah bit his lip. This was not the time to make an enemy of
this austere man.
    The captain stood to his full height, well over six feet
tall, and looked down at Jonah. “I am a man of my word, preacher. I will keep
our bargain.”
    “Thank you, sir.” Jonah knew he was grinning like a child
as he emerged from the cabin. He hurried to the crew quarters and gathered his
few possessions—clothing, tools, and Leah’s necklace, all of which he had
bartered for. He took his leave of the crew, some with more regret than others,
for most had, like their captain, utterly rejected the gospel.
    On deck again, Jonah realized the island was so close he
could swim to it. People gathered on the shore, and some were putting a long
boat into the water to greet the ship.
    “Say, preacher,” called one whaler. “If they come on board,
does that mean our bargain ain’t no good?”
    “Not if you’re a man of honor, Bobby.”
    His response brought a riot of laughter from the other crew
members. “He ain’t never been accused of honor, preacher,” cried one man.
    “Avast!” the captain shouted. “A promise is a promise.” He
surveyed his crew and then leveled his dark stare on Jonah. “But that does not
mean we cannot sail over to Tahiti before going back around the Horn.” The men
gave up a raucous cheer.
    Jonah felt his heart sink. He could not protect the women
of every South Pacific island from these men, but at least those on Fénua would
be safe.
    The captain stepped near and offered his telescope. “Do you
want to see if she’s there?” His soft tone surprised Jonah.
    “Yes sir. Thank you.” He grasped the glass and held it up.
On the silver beach, perhaps two hundred people had gathered, their attitude
clearly one of welcome. As he scanned the crowd, a bright flash caught his
attention.
    Leah! Her long, blazing red hair blew in the wind, and her
lovely green dress fluttered like a standard welcoming him home.
    Jonah burst into tears, caring nothing for the startled
whalers around him. Until this moment, he had not been certain she was alive.
    “Thank God. Oh, thank You, God,” he choked out. “Now let me
make it all up to her.”
    ***
     
    Leah watched with concern as the whaleship sail closer
until it anchored just outside the reef that protected the island. She had
persuaded Chief Fénua to send out only one boat of men and not to let any of
the young women go out with flowers to greet the newcomers. Why had this ship
chosen Fénua? Was it too late to save the women, who were still very confused
about her attempts to discuss morality? She knew all the young girls would
gladly offer whatever hospitality the men wanted, for that was their custom.
    “Lord, protect them from their own ignorance.”
    “See, Lady Leah.” Suni, Chief Fénua’s youngest wife, stood
near. “Only one man is coming ashore.”
    Leah held her hands above her eyes, wishing for her bonnet.
The sunlight that glistened on the calm waters within the reef played tricks on
her vision. The man who now stood in the returning longboat looked just like. .
.Jonah?
    Her knees turned to jelly, and Suni caught her before she
sank to the sand. “Lady Leah, what is it?”
    “M-my husband.”
    “Ah. So the sea has sent you a husband, after all. We did
not believe your words, Lady. Please forgive.”
    “Hmm? Oh, there’s nothing to forgive.”
    Jonah! Thank You, merciful Father, thank You that he’s
alive. Please, please help me to earn his love.
    Her prayer pricked her soul. How foolish. She did not have
to earn anyone’s love. God loved her freely. And although now it made her
blush, she knew Captain Swain’s sincere attentions proved she was a lovable
woman. She exhaled a determined breath. Just let her get her arms around Jonah.
If it upset him, he would just have to cope