only deepen. “I have sought only to defend them and provide for them. Is that not a man’s role? And now I have failed in that.”

Elizabeth did not offer him any further words. Indeed, she could find none to say, for his despair at being cast off from the army engulfed him beyond reason. If he chose to define his role within her family in such a way, there was little she could do to convince him otherwise.

The following day saw the departure of Captain Tenterchilt’s company and he felt the despondent isolation strike him as he regarded it. There was a supply run heading north to Holland once more and Captain and Mrs. Tenterchilt were to join them and gain passage home that way. Captain Tenterchilt barely spoke on the voyage leaving Elizabeth to her own thoughts, which were predom...

Please subscribe to keep reading.