Besieged

'I love him,' Fortune said. 'Why is that so difficult for you to understand, Mama? Will was sweet, but dull. Kieran and I have so much in common with one another.'

'For instance?' Jasmine asked her daughter.

'Neither of us has ever felt at home anywhere in this world. We both know there is a place for us we have not yet found,' Fortune said passionately.

'You do not feel at home in Ireland? Or here at Erne Rock?' Jasmine was concerned for she knew Kieran Devers had no home other than his father's house, and they could scarcely live there after they were married. Was England the answer? With all the anti-Catholic laws in place Jasmine doubted it. Where then was there a place for her daughter and Kieran Devers to lay their heads? 'You know I had thought to give you Maguire's Ford for a wedding gift,' Jasmine said.

'It is bad enough that I have fallen in love with your daughter, madame,' Kieran said, 'but if we lived here at Maguire's Ford my family in Lisnaskea, my stepmother in particular, would burn with envy. Jane Devers adores her son as you saw. She will not be able to bear it that Fortune, having refused William's offer, even though Jane prayed she would, has turned about and married me. She has coveted your lands for some time, although she keeps it from my father. It was she who convinced Samuel Steen to put forth Willy's name. My brother has a tendency to talk to me for his mother has always maintained cordial relations with me for propriety's sake. Willy is a lonely young man, but Lady Jane could turn him against me in a minute if she thought I was in possession of Maguire's Ford. My brother fancied himself in love with Fortune, and is easily led by his mama. 'Tis the land my stepmother seeks. She would do everything in her power to take this estate from its Catholic masters. She'll cause terrible trouble over a marriage between Fortune and me.'

'He's right,' Rory Maguire said thoughtfully. 'She's a fanatic, my lady. Kieran and Lady Fortune will have to leave Ireland to escape her anger; and you will have to see the estate is put into the hands of an undisputed Protestant so Lady Devers has no chance of stealing the lands from you.'

'Oh, Rory, what about your people?' Jasmine fretted.

'We should be fine with a new Protestant master of your choosing, my lady.' Damn, she was so good, so thoughtful of them all.

'Duncan and Adam!' Jasmine said suddenly. 'We will give Maguire's Ford to our two youngest sons, Duncan and Adam Leslie. They are still boys, but both have been raised in Scotland's Anglican Church. There can be no disputing their loyalties, especially as they are half-brothers of the king's own nephew. The elder can have the castle, and we will build the younger a fine house. Protestants though they may be, Rory Maguire, they are open-minded lads both.'

'If they are your sons, my lady, I have no doubt of it,' he replied.

'Then Kieran and I can be wed?' Fortune asked.

'Not immediately,' Jasmine told her daughter, and held up her hand to stop Fortune's protest before it began. 'You and Kieran have been swept up in a passionate whirlwind, poppet. I have no doubt that you love each other… now. But will you love each other a month from now? A year from now? And where will you live? It cannot be here in Ireland for Kieran is right. His family will be furious that he has snatched up the heiress of Maguire's Ford. England may be a bit safer, provided that Kieran does not flaunt his Catholicism, and obeys the laws laid down by the king.'

'The king's wife is a Catholic!' Fortune cried.

'And her faith has already caused a great deal of difficulty because of those people whose minds are closed to the diversity of God's word,' the duchess of Glenkirk responded.

'Then what are we to do, madame? What hope is there for us?' Kieran Devers asked Jasmine Leslie.

'There is hope for you,' Jasmine said quietly 'There is always hope, Kieran. You say you do not feel at home in Ireland even though it is the land of your birth, of your ancestors. Yet you believe there is a place for you. I, too, follow my instincts, which is why I think you are the husband for my daughter, but before I let you have Fortune, you must find a place where you will both be content, and safe. To that end you will come to England with us at summer's end. There is someone I want you to meet there.

'His name is George Calvert, Lord Baltimore. Although his mother was a Catholic, his father was a Protestant, and he was raised in England's church. His family, while respectable and prosperous, were not noble. George Calvert was well educated, and caught the eye of Sir Robert Cecil, the king's Secretary of State. Calvert became his private secretary, and thus began his political career. He married, and his first son was named Cecil after Sir Robert. Slowly, through his diligence and hard work George Calvert rose. He has been here to Ireland several times on royal business, and thus knows the true situation.

'When Cecil died in 1612, the king retained Calvert in his service. He knighted him in 1617, and he eventually became Secretary of State, and a member of the Privy Council. He is a modest man, and very well liked. He has lands here in Ireland himself. He has been involved in the Virginia Company, and the New England Company. However, when his wife, Anne, died in childbirth several years ago, Sir George suffered a crisis of conscience, and turned to the faith of his mother.

'Calvert is a man who possesses great scruples. He publicly announced his conversion, and resigned his positions. The king was heartbroken, and he might have ordered Sir George's death. His love for Calvert overcame his disappointment, and instead the king created him Baron Baltimore in his kingdom of Ireland. Ever since King James' death, the Calverts have managed to retain a friendship, and keep in favor with King Charles.

'Lord Baltimore has a dream to found a colony where all men may worship as suits their conscience, with no interference from others. Whether he can accomplish this I do not know. I have little faith in the good will of my fellow man,' Jasmine said, 'but if there is anyone who can succeed in this endeavor, it is Calvert. Perhaps his colony is the place for you, and for my daughter. Will you come to England?'

'I will!' Kieran Devers said without a moment's hesitation. He took Fortune's hand in his. 'This could be the answer, sweetheart. A place where we could each worship in peace and freedom. It is almost too good to be true.'

'It very well may be just that,' Jasmine replied. 'I have lived long, and seen a great deal of evil done in God's name, Kieran, but as I told you, there is always hope.' She smiled at him.

'But when can we wed, Mama?' Fortune demanded to know.

'When I am certain that your love will last beyond the sweetness of summer,' Jasmine answered her daughter.

Chapter 6

Fortune stormed from the hall upon hearing her mother's words. Didn't she understand that they were in love? Certainly Mama had succumbed to love enough times in her life to comprehend the emotion. I have waited my entire life for this moment, Fortune grumbled to herself, and she has spoiled it for me.

'Sweetheart, wait!' Kieran Devers caught up with Fortune as she half- ran into the open courtyard. 'Let us ride. The rain has ceased. We'll talk. Your mother is right, you know.'

'What? Are you taking her part then? Don't you want to marry me, Kieran Devers? Has your ardor cooled so quickly? Michael! Saddle my horse!'

He took her into his arms, but Fortune attempted to pull away. 'Stop it!' he commanded her sharply. 'You're behaving like a child.'

There was something in his voice that caused her to obey. She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. 'She doesn't understand, Kieran.'