Ch 39 Jacob’s Betrothal 3

Jacob POV

We just sent Anna's family home, and they agreed to return tomorrow morning. We are sitting in the parlor with my father, mother, and brothers. Hannah and John left to put their children to bed, and Sarah was putting the girls to bed. Eliza went upstairs to rest. My father started the discussion with, " I asked you all here to discuss Jacob's problem with bundling." He looked at me as to tell me what he already knew. I decided to mention it.

"My problem is that I am deeply in love with Anna, and every time we are showing affection, I get aroused. I have discussed this with Ben and I decided to ask if John Jr. could move a mattress in the room and sleep when we bundle. This might help us control my urges."

My father gave John Jr a questioning look. John Jr said, "I have no problem with that. I understand because I notice the strong connection you two have. Of course, I can not deny that I envy you all. I am a 33 year old bachelor who is still waiting for God to send me the one. I trust he will some day, and I will have the same problems. I also know that it will be difficult the next weeks ahead because of your attraction to her, but it will be worth the wait."

My father said, "I had the same reaction when I would kiss your mother before we got married. We wanted to marry quickly because I feared that I would lose control. Trust me son! It is worth the wait because the wedding night will be liberating. There is no clothing requirement, boards separating you or rules to follow if you get the gist." And then he winked at us and his brows went up and down. We started to chuckle at his expression because we knew he was not shy about his love making.

My mother looked up from reading her Bible and said, "John, Love, that was just too much!  She burst out in a fit of laughter because she recalled her wedding night embarrassment.  "Oh John, I remember the clamorous celebrations out in the hallway that night.  I was so embarrassed."  We all laughed some more because the story never grew old.  My father looked at my mother and said, "Beloved, I love you even more now."  She said back, "I will always love you and your teasing too."  She looked at me and said, "Jacob, You will be fine as long as you promise God to resist the temptation.  I am glad you recognize that you have been struggling with it and proactively thought up a plan to help you.  I am very proud of you and the man you have become." 

My father agreed with her and then stated, " Here are my rules for bundling: 

1. You must have your bodies completely covered in bed.

2. You must keep the board installed down the middle of the bed. 

3.  You must limit your touching to holding hands.

4.  You must pray together to avoid sinning. 

5.  You may exchange one kiss before going to sleep, but make sure it is short. 

6.  Take this time to set goals for your marriage and make future plans. 

We agreed to follow these.  We went upstairs to my chamber.  She changed in my parent's room.  We were both covered.  My father installed the board and John Jr moved his mattress in to the room.  As we got into the bed, I held her hands and said a promise to keep her pure.  We prayed, and I pecked her cheek.  We laid down and fell asleep. 

When I woke up the next day, I saw Anna lying next to me.  Her blond hair was loose on her pillow.  She looked like an angel lying there.  I gently nudged her awake, and told her good morning.  We got up and dressed for breakfast.  We prayed and  ate breakfast then we got ready for our betrothal ceremony.  Reverend Mathers arrived along with church elders, and our families.  We promised to marry soon, and picked a scripture for Mathers to preach on Sunday.  We picked 1 Corinthians 13.  We set the date for our wedding.  It was about 7 weeks later because the magistrate was booked. It was the longest 7 weeks of our lives. We continued to bundle, and it was very hard even when our siblings were in the room. We made a commitment to follow the rules our parents set for us. We only kissed a little and controlled ourselves. I told her that I was thinking of renting an apartment at The State's Arms, so we could have a private wedding night. "I think it would be awkward and embarrassing having our first time in my room at the Hurd Estate don't you think?" She nodded yes. "I really do not want my parents and brother up all night from our noises because that house it not really sound proof. I mean I used to hear my parents quite often, and I am not going to be blamed for their lack of sleep if you understand. I want you all to myself." She started to blush which I thought was adorable and whispered, "I understand, but what about after the wedding night? I said, "Well, I have a plan to rent that room for two nights. When we get home, we will try to make love as quietly as possible. Maybe we can sneak a love making session when my mom is not home and father is doing errands. I plan to buy land as soon after we marry, so we can have our own home and privacy.

"Oh, Jacob that sounds like a great plan. I love how you are so proactive in your planning. I love you and anticipate our wedding so you can be mine forever! She exclaimed in a whisper because her brother was sleeping in the room.

The posting of Banns had to be done between two churches because we went to both the First Church in Boston and the one in Charlestown when I stayed there. We were approved to be married within the 7 weeks time.

Now it was the day before the wedding, and we decided to separate and sleep in our own homes. I wanted her to be able to have time to pack her items, to finalize her preparations and sleep well. As I left that morning, I stood in front of my carriage door, hugged her, and gave her a kiss. I said, "Anna, my love, I am leaving to check on the State's Arms apartment to finalize my plans for us, and I am going to rest tonight. I will miss you, but tomorrow we will become one. I love you so much and look forward to calling you my wife." She replied, "Jacob I will miss you so much. I look forward to calling you my husband. I will join you here tomorrow where we will be joined forever!" I pulled her into my embrace and kissed her passionately. When we stopped, we were catching our breath, and I stated as my breathing was calming, "Tomorrow you are mine!" I let her go, entered the carriage, and watched her blow kisses to me as it left down the street...

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The State's Arms was an actual tavern/Inn opened in Boston at this time. It offered private apartments for travelers who needed privacy. I felt it was perfect for Jacob and Anna. Earlier in this book, I had John and Mary stay at Cole's Inn. This Inn was sold and became just a tavern for food and drink only. (This probably did not happen and they probably consummated in his room at the Hurd Estate.)

Next chapter: Jacob Marries