Adam stopped for a moment to kneel down and pick up a handful of dirt. He felt its coolness in his palm, studied its dark, rich color between his fingers.
Glancing upward at a hawk soaring freely overhead, Adam thought about his conversation with Madeline in his study a few nights ago, when he’d remembered what it was like in Yorkshire, farming the land that was not his.
Back in those days, he’d never stopped what he was doing just to touch the earth for pleasure’s sake. He’d touched it, of course, to see how wet or dry it was, or how sandy it was, but he’d never felt like this when he did. He’d never felt the physical rush that made him smile. It was as if this land was a part of himself, and to see it flourish was as satisfying as seeing Penelope squeal with delight when she accomplished something she’d set out to do. Or seeing Jacob smile at Mary with love and pride in his eyes.
Adam was glad Madeline had decided to stay. She understood him and the things he cared about; she made him see all the things he should be thankful for, instead of the things he had lost. He wondered fleetingly who did that for her. Who did she have to talk to?
Just then, Adam noticed a rider ascending the ridge, along the road from the marshland below. Adam let the dirt slip between his fingers, brushed off his palms and started toward the stranger.
The young man stopped on the road and dismounted. “Hello there!”
As Adam stepped over the plowed furrows, he recognized the caller. It was the young man from Fort Cumberland, the fellow who had spoken to Madeline.
Adam reached the edge of the field and greeted him. “Good day to you. John Metcalf, isn’t it?”
John’s eyes lit up for some reason as they shook hands. “Yes. Did Madeline mention me?”
Ah, the reason for the visit was clear now. Adam felt the muscles in his back stiffen slightly. “She told me your name after she spoke to you.”
“I see.” He glanced around, over Adam’s shoulder, at Jacob and George in the field. “Your sons?”
“They are. What can I do for you, Mr. Metcalf?”
John removed his hat. “Well, I’m here for two reasons. I was hoping you might be able to point me in the direction of some land to lease. Someone told me you had some acreage leased to a fellow on Fort Lawrence Ridge.”
“That I do. Two spots there, actually. As well as another place near Sackville township.” Adam didn’t know why he was telling John about the other places. None of them were vacant.
John’s shoulders rose and fell with what looked like a nervous sigh. “Are you looking to lease anything at the moment?”
“No, I’ve got excellent tenants. Hardworking men with families.”
“They’re not looking to buy and move off anytime soon?”
“If they were ready to buy, or wanted to, I’d sell them the land they’re living on.”
He nodded in understanding. “Do you know of any other farmers who are looking to lease some land? I haven’t had much luck finding anything.”
Adam removed his hat and wiped his forehead with a sleeve. “Can’t think of anyone offhand. Have you tried the Petticodiac?”
“The Petticodiac! That’s miles away!”
Adam paused. “You seem to have your heart set on Cumberland.”
“I’d like to stay near the folks I got to know on the ship, sir, and as far as I know, they’re all looking to settle around here.”
Adam watched John perspire in the hot sun. “Ah. Well, you could try River Hebert. Or Maccan.”
John stared blankly at Adam. From the look on the young man’s face, Adam guessed those places were a little too far as well.
“I reckon I’ll just have to keep looking,” John said, putting his hat back on. He glanced at Jacob and George again. “You need any help? Till I find a place of my own, I’m temporarily for hire.”
Adam cleared his throat. “Not presently, John. I’ll keep you in mind, though, at haying time. I usually hire a few hands then.”
An awkward silence rolled around them.
“What was the second thing you came to speak to me about?” Adam asked.
John’s face flushed red. He swept his hat off again. “Well, sir, I came to ask your permission to…”
