Chapter 106: In the Mud, Part 1

PART THREE: The Restitution

1669 – Port Royal, Jamaica

Raising her chin in the air, Isabel Melody Ashton plodded through the muddy streets of Port Royal. All through the night, torrents of angry rain had pelted the window of her room in the churcheach bolt of lightning, each bellow of thunder jolting her son Frederick into screams of terror. Although Isabel had tried rocking him in the rickety old chair Reverend Thomas had given her and singing his favorite lullaby, he would not be soothed. Now, he slept peacefully, nestled against her chest in the sling Marlie had fashioned for him. At least one of them was getting their rest. Isabel brushed the brown curls from his face and smiled, drawing him closer to her bosom.