The Captive Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

structured look. “That’s the Mote Hall,” his uncle said, indicating a large two-story building with high-pitched gables crowning the over-hanging second stories. “Most of our large meetings take place there.”
    The coach stopped in front of a tavern with a large red lion on a sign, and they got out. “Let’s have something to eat before we get you settled.” Edward gave orders concerning their trunks, and they went inside the Red Lion where they were met by a snaggle-toothed man with a white apron tiedaround his prodigious stomach. “Mr. Winslow! Yer back again ter see us?”
    â€œJust a brief visit for me, Williams, but my nephew here will be staying in your town for a time. Now, can you feed us?”
    The question insulted the innkeeper and he sniffed, saying, “And did yer ever go hungry in the Red Lion, sir?”
    â€œNo, indeed not, Williams!” Master Winslow laughed, and the two sat down at a huge oak trestle table and talked until the meal was brought. After the ship’s diet, the fresh meat and vegetables set before them were delicious. They were wolfing down portions of cold beef, chunks of fresh bread larded with fresh yellow butter, and boiled potatoes when a man entered the inn.
    â€œMr. Winslow, welcome back to Bedford!” He was only of average height, but held himself so straight that he seemed tall. His hair was brown, coming down low on his forehead, and his thick brows shaded intelligent brown eyes that held a quizzical look. He moved his head with quick, sharp movements that matched his words, a curious jerking as if his neck were caught in a tight collar and he was attempting to free it.
    â€œWell, it’s good to see you, Pastor.” Winslow rose and the two gripped hands. “This is my nephew, Matthew—my brother Gilbert’s son, from America.” He watched as the two men shook hands, and added, “This is Pastor John Gifford, Matthew. You’ll be a member of his congregation while you’re here.”
    â€œI’m pleased to meet you, Pastor.” Matthew liked the sharp-featured preacher at once and added, “I trust not to be an additional burden to your cares.”
    â€œOh, I expect young men to be troublesome!” Gifford’s eyes twinkled and he gave a slight wink at both men. “When I was your age I was studying for the gallows—but I trust you’re a more settled young man than I was.”
    â€œNay, that’s past praying for, Pastor Gifford!” Edward laughed. “Fast horses, pretty women, and a duel now and then to put a little spice in the day—that’s our boy!”
    â€œNow, Uncle Edward!”
    â€œAll in jest, my boy!” Winslow laughed, holding up a hand. “Matthew will be living with Asa Goodman, an apprentice, to learn some of the world of business.” He glanced out the door then added, “It’s getting a little late, by the way. Will you walk with us as we go to Mr. Goodman’s Pastor?”
    â€œI can fill you in with the news on the way,” Gifford agreed. The three men left the Red Lion and threaded their way through the maze of cottages in the dying light of the sun. Matthew listened as Gifford spoke somewhat gloomily of political conditions. When the pastor mentioned the possibility of the restoration of Charles to the throne, Edward broke in quickly, “It’s coming, Pastor. We may as well get ready for tribulation.”
    They turned down a dirt lane and Gifford hailed a man sitting in front of a low-roofed cottage. “Ho, John, here’s someone for you to meet!”
    As the three men approached, the man arose, releasing the small children he had been holding in his lap. He was a tall, portly man, perhaps thirty years of age, Matthew judged, with broad shoulders and a full, round face. His eyes were not large, but had a penetrating quality, and Matthew felt that he was being carefully weighed in the