Journey of a Lifetime: John Hurd and Mary

Chapter 38 Jacob's Betrothal 2

Anna's POV
We left Breed's Hill and went to my home to greet my mother and her husband, George Conaway, whom she married four years ago.  My little 11 years old brother, Jeremiah, was there too.  We told them about our betrothal and they were thrilled.  My mother said, " I knew you two would end up getting married some day."  My step-father, George and Jeremiah pulled Jacob into the study.  Jeremiah made Jacob promise him that he would take good care of me.  Jacob bent down and looked into his eyes and said, " Jeremiah, I have known your sister since we were young.  I have learned two trades.  I tailor clothes and make furniture (joiner), and I promise that I will make your sister very happy.  She will have all her needs provided for her, and I will love her forever."  Jeremiah was very happy with his response and said that if his real father were alive, he would approve as well.  George interrupted the conversation and said, "Jacob, I do not know you very well, but Anna never stops talking about you.  She is so in love.  I give you the blessing on her father's behalf." Jacob said, "Thank you sir! I think he would be very happy to know that we are getting married.  He knew that I had feelings for Anna when we went to school together, and he used to give me a ride home.  He was a great man, and showed his approval of me back then."  George was surprised that Jacob had met my father before he died.  He said, "Yes, that is what I heard from my wife about you.  I am happy for you both." 
When the discussion was over, Jacob told me that he understood my brother's protectiveness because he was the same way with Hannah when she got married. 
George gathered us around the table to discuss the betrothal ceremony and the required bundling.  Jacob requested that we should bundle with someone else in the rooms, so when we bundle here, Jeremiah would sleep in the room.  At the Hurd's one of his siblings or Joseph's oldest would at his home.  This would reduce the chances of sinning.  He agreed.  Jacob asked my parents and brother to join us at the Hurd's Estate in Boston to announce betrothal ceremony and have supper.
We got into two carriages.  Me, Jacob and Jeremiah were in one, and my parents were in ours.  Jeremiah accompanied us so that we would not be alone because Jacob told George about his temptations.  I rolled my eyes at first, but understood that it would keep us from misbehaving. 
Hurd Estate
Jacob POV
The carriage ride was fun.  Jeremiah was cracking jokes and teasing us.  Anna would tease him back and we would laugh throughout the ride home to Boston.  When we arrived, I helped Anna off the carriage, and entered a home filled with my parents, siblings, their spouses, nieces and nephews.  We gave each and every one greetings, hugs and kisses, then I introduced Anna's family.  Finally, we announced our betrothal, and everyone congratulated us.  My parents were elated.  My family invited them to eat supper, and they accepted. 
While the ladies, (my Mom, Hannah, Sarah, and Anna's Mom) were cooking, the fathers went to arrange the betrothal ceremony. John Jr, John Cowel, and Joseph all went to the tailoring shop.  Benjamin and Eliza stayed behind.  Eliza's belly was starting to swell, and she said that she was feeling better now and felt movement the other day. 

Anna gave her a look of longing, and I whispered and nudged her gently with my elbow, "That will happen to you soon after we marry.  I know you want to have children.  We will work hard to make that happen."  I then winked at her, and she gave me a timid smile.  I heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest. 
All of a sudden, Eliza told us she felt the baby kick.  She grabbed our hands and we felt the little miracle kick.  Benjamin was able to join in and his eyes lit up in wonder.  He was excited and his eyes brimmed with joy .  With out hands over her belly, we prayed for a healthy baby and a safe delivery in Jesus' name.

Benjamin asked if I wanted to have a talk, and I agreed, so we bid the ladies a short goodbye and walked to Ben's rooms above the shop.  As we sat down on his couch, he said, " So, did your proposal go as well as you planned? 
I answered with a sheepish grin, " Verily, it was even better than I planned.  I planned a picnic which Mom put together.  I took her to Breed's Hill to a flat spot overlooking the Charles River.  The trees were gorgeous and the view of Boston was spectacular.  Anna had baked a fresh loaf of bread for us, and we made little turkey sandwiches.  We fed each other. It was a very intimate gesture, and then we laid down on the blanket and looked into the sky.  That is when I asked her to become my wife, and she answered with an overwhelming yes.  Then we kissed, and it was so full of passion and longing that I became aroused.  We broke the kiss, and I immediately apologized for almost losing control.  Benjamin, I fear bundling because of this attraction. 
Benjamin looked at me in astonishment and said, "Wow!  You are going to be in trouble, but if you make a promise to God not to fall into sin and commit to keeping her pure the urge will lessen."

"Ben, How did you resist temptation during bundling?  I asked.

"I made sure to dress modest.  We committed to a short kisses and keep the board in the bed.  There was one time when we kissed too much and I was aroused.  I released my seed into a chamber pot at her home.  I did not have as much temptation here because you were in the room." 
I looked at him and said, "I have an idea.  Maybe I can ask John Jr to move his bed into my room when I bundle that way we will not fall into temptation as badly, and Jeremiah at her home." 
Ben responded, "That is a great idea.  Well, best wishes to you both in the next month or so while you plan the wedding." 
I said, " Thanks Ben.  We better get back to the dining area before supper is eaten and all that remains is scraps." 
"Yeah, we know what happens when we miss supper."  We both laughed and ran downstairs to find our family just about ready to bless the meal and eat.  We rushed to our spots next to our women and my father started to pray for our meal. 
Our meal was full of fellowship and the discussion of our betrothal ceremony started.  My father said, " George and I went to Reverend Masters and told him of your betrothal.  He said that he will be here in the morning around 10 AM with the church elders to do the ceremony and discuss the wedding date.  Then he looked at Anna and said, "You will stay the night here with Jacob.  You can put on your Sunday dress that is hanging in the closet in your room for tomorrow.  Jacob had enlarged his to include Hannah's old room.  The closet is still in tact, so your dress should still be there.  Also Jacob and Anna, I would like you to visit with me after supper in the parlor with your brothers and your mother to discuss this further."  I gave him a shy smile and agreed to his request.  I knew it was about bundling and my struggles with it...
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Sorry for the delay in posting, but life gets busy.  I hope all of you had blessed holidays.   I will try to post more often. 
Next chapter soon. 

Just an FYI:  Jacob is my husband's 7th Great Grandfather.