In a few moments Cecily returned, flushed but smiling. “I asked Master Renick his opinion of Phineas Wentz.”
“And?” Selah all but held her breath.
“‘A most excellent choice, merry of heart and steadfast of faith.’”
“A sterling recommendation.”
“Indeed. Perhaps tonight I shall accept his proposal.”
Cecily’s and Phineas’s laughter floated from the open parlor door. The rest of them lingered at table, Ustis looking especially grave. Surely this didn’t bode well after Xander’s visit. Usually his company left Ustis jolly. Selah glanced at the ebony and gilt table clock that foretold eight. It had been a long day awaiting any news.
To her great concern, her father’s high flush and glassy eyes hinted at the return of the malady that had plagued him all winter. Candace was being overly solicitous, fetching himthis or that, including his pipe and tobacco pouch, while Izella brought a light.
“Business was brisk in the forenoon, a great many seeking hilling hoes and scythes and such. Never enough spring tools.” Ustis smiled thinly as he lit his pipe. “But I am most concerned with Xander’s visit. His news affects us all.”
Candace took a seat, hands cupped around her tea. Shay looked up from his cards, his game of All Fours of less interest than what their father had to say. Bracing herself, Selah took up her knitting. Their new kitten had gotten into the basket, making a snarl of her yarn.
“’Tis with a heavy heart that I inform you Xander will soon resign from the governor’s council.”
Selah paused from untangling her yarn. ’Twas all she could do not to cry out a protest.
“But does not that give Governor Harvey and his faction more room to enact poor laws and act ill-advisedly?” Candace asked. “Ride roughshod over those of us who see reason?”
“Aye, but Xander is done with petty politics. Done with sitting in meetings where in the end honest men have no say and Harvey’s arrogance and aggression rule the day.” Ustis took a long draw on his pipe, then coughed. “He believes the governor may even create a monopoly on tobacco trade. Harvey is threatening to invalidate the land titles of any who oppose him.”
“Is he now?” Candace showed rare ire. “And alienate Virginia’s foremost tobacco grower, whose exports are said to keep the entire colony afloat?”
“There is a move afoot to thrust Governor Harvey from office before such happens.”
Selah’s needles stilled. “I shall pray to that end. But I question the wisdom of Xander pulling out at so needful a time. We can be sure Harvey and his minions shall have a heyday without him.”
“Xander will resign from Virginia’s council but continue as a member of the House of Burgesses for his own shire. His aim is to effect change from the ground up, not the top down as Harvey does.” Ustis held his pipe aloft. “But that is not the end of it.”
Every eye was pinned on him, the tension in the room thick. Selah felt she would burst with anticipation. Nay, dread. A wedding announcement?
“As you know, all of Virginia is on tenterhooks, fearing another outbreak of warfare. The few years’ peace that was had when Mattachanna became Lady Rebecca is broken, and the tribes are becoming more alarmed by the great number of colonists arriving without end. In an unusual gesture of goodwill, the Powhatans have offered to send some of their children to live among us if we will send some of ours to live among them. Xander has asked our feelings about Shay trading James Towne for Menmend, Chief Opechancanough’s domain.”
Shay shot up like a jack-in-the-box. “Father, may I?”
Selah had no doubts regarding her brother’s feelings about the matter. Their mother was another worry.
“What is at the heart of such a bold endeavor?” Candace questioned.
“To regain trust and further understanding between our people and theirs,” Ustis told her. “And you, Daughter, what are your thoughts about all this?”
“’Tis an admirable quest, a fresh bid to renew peace.”Selah sent a bittersweet smile Shay’s way. “There’s little doubt someone here is already packing his knapsack.”
“No doubt, nay.” Ustis’s voice trembled with emotion. “Though if we agree to such, he’ll be sorely missed.”
“Father, I am more than willing. And I am unafraid.” Shay was as earnest as Selah had ever seen him. “I’ve oft told Xander I’d like to push further west, see the mountains.”
“If Shay goes, when will we see him next?” Candace asked the question uppermost.
“All that shall be decided once Xander meets with the council. But let’s not become too concerned with a venture that may well be dismissed as soon as it’s uttered.”
Selah felt let down. “Nothing else, Father? Only this matter of an exchange between us Virginians and the Powhatans?”
“Aye, one more matter. Some of the Naturals seek to know our God, learn the tenets of our faith. Xander feels, as many in the colony do, that this is a matter of everlasting importance. Even Governor Harvey concurs.”
