Free A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

their task. “I met with Thomas and Jeremy after I spoke to Mr. Langton. They are much in favor of my marriage to Miss Langton, but her father has yet to give his consent to court her. I expect he will, however.”
    His father’s brow shot up. “Why would he not? He knows your circumstance.”
    â€œYou expect people to see things your way and fail to understand when they do not. But not everyone thinks as you do. He is very careful with his daughters and favors a more cautious approach with any decision that affects them. Miss Langton agrees to our marriage and will be a good mother to the boys. I expect he will come to see that.” He decided not to delve into the misgivings her father had toward his religious tendencies.
    Joseph jumped up, nearly knocking the ginger cakes to the floor. Miss Tilly dashed from underneath the table and disappeared. “I don’t need a mother. Why didn’t you ask me and Benjamin first?” His shoulders shook.
    â€œJoseph! This is the second time today I must tell you to watch your tongue. Go to your room. I do not want you to come back out until you are asked to do so. Do you understand?”
    â€œYes, Father. But Miss Langton might not wa—”
    â€œTo your room and now!”
    Long after Joseph went to his room, long after his parents went home, doubt assailed him. A messenger rode in with a summons to come to the Langtons’ on the morrow. What if Joseph were right? The decision came quickly. Mayhap Miss Langton had changed her mind. It would not take her long to realize there were many men who could offer her far more than he. Men with social standing. He was but a disinherited baker.

7

    January 2, 1631
    Baldy stood hitched to the wagon. A second message, sent early that morning, requested Barnabas bring Joseph and Benjamin with him for a small repast at the Langtons’ following church services. Though long ago discontent with the formalities of the Church of England, Barnabas was still present every Sunday morning. To not attend would bring suspicion with serious repercussions, so he conformed. But the secret meetings held on Wednesday nights in homes, where they worshiped and studied the Bible void of the pageantry, he considered his church.
    He lifted the boys into the back of the wagon. “You will like the Langtons. You know Mistress Fanning, of course, and her son Joshua will be there today. And Mr. Langton has all manner of animals, but mostly sheep and horses.”
    â€œDo they have babies?” Benjamin bounced as his father took a heavy blanket from beneath the seat and wrapped it around both boys.
    â€œHold still.” Barnabas chuckled. “Do you mean the sheepand horses? They do, though they are quite big now. Mayhap more babies in the spring. There now, are you warm enough?”
    Joseph pulled the blanket higher. “Yes, Father. Do you think Joshua will want to play with me?”
    â€œOh, yes, I do. I think you will have a fine time.”
    â€œI’m sorry for what I said yesterday. But, Father, I do hope you know that I’m happy with just you and Benjamin.”
    He placed his large hand on the top of Joseph’s head, turning it so his son looked into his eyes. “Happy? Really? You have not acted very happy, and you have very good reason to not be so happy. That is all right, truly. But I hope to make things better for you and Benjamin. Remember to watch your manners. I do not wish to discipline you again in Miss Langton’s presence.”
    Joseph rolled his eyes and Barnabas tousled his son’s thick hair.
    Certainly the request to bring his family was a good sign that Mr. Langton had decided in his favor and the doubt that weighed heavy the night before lifted. He would need to make arrangements with his parents to care for the boys on the days he spent courting Mary. The good women of the town liked to talk. No, he would not be asking for their help. Mayhap his mother would