The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection Read online

  The Crockett Chronicles

  The Complete Collection

  Jennifer Lynn Cary

  Contents

  Also by Jennifer Lynn Cary

  The Patriarch

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Epilogue

  Cast of Characters

  Afterword

  Acknowledgments

  Reader’s Guide

  Author’s Note

  The Sojourners

  42. Chapter One

  43. Chapter Two

  44. Chapter Three

  45. Chapter Four

  46. Chapter Five

  47. Chapter Six

  48. Chapter Seven

  49. Chapter Eight

  50. Chapter Nine

  51. Chapter Ten

  52. Chapter Eleven

  53. Chapter Twelve

  54. Chapter Thirteen

  55. Chapter Fourteen

  56. Chapter Fifteen

  57. Chapter Sixteen

  58. Chapter Seventeen

  59. Chapter Eighteen

  60. Chapter Nineteen

  61. Chapter Twenty

  62. Chapter Twenty-One

  63. Chapter Twenty-Two

  64. Chapter Twenty-Three

  65. Chapter Twenty-Four

  66. Chapter Twenty-Five

  67. Chapter Twenty-Six

  68. Chapter Twenty-Seven

  69. Chapter Twenty-Eight

  70. Chapter Twenty-Nine

  71. Chapter Thirty

  72. Chapter Thirty-One

  73. Chapter Thirty-Two

  74. Chapter Thirty-Three

  75. Chapter Thirty-Four

  76. Chapter Thirty-Five

  77. Chapter Thirty-Six

  78. Chapter Thirty-Seven

  79. Chapter Thirty-Eight

  80. Chapter Thirty-Nine

  81. Chapter Forty

  82. Chapter Forty-One

  Epilogue

  Cast of Characters

  Afterword

  Acknowledgments

  Reader’s Guide

  The Prodigal

  83. Chapter One

  84. Chapter Two

  85. Chapter Three

  86. Chapter Four

  87. Chapter Five

  88. Chapter Six

  89. Chapter Seven

  90. Chapter Eight

  91. Chapter Nine

  92. Chapter Ten

  93. Chapter Eleven

  94. Chapter Twelve

  95. Chapter Thirteen

  96. Chapter Fourteen

  97. Chapter Fifteen

  98. Chapter Sixteen

  99. Chapter Seventeen

  100. Chapter Eighteen

  101. Chapter Nineteen

  102. Chapter Twenty

  103. Chapter Twenty-One

  104. Chapter Twenty-Two

  105. Chapter Twenty-Three

  106. Chapter Twenty-Four

  107. Chapter Twenty-Five

  108. Chapter Twenty-Six

  109. Chapter Twenty-Seven

  110. Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Epilogue

  Cast of Characters

  Afterword

  Acknowledgments

  Reader’s Guide

  About the Author

  Sneak Peek of Relentless Heart: The Relentless Book 1

  Praise for the Crockett Chronicles

  “This book is so good! If you like Christian Historical Fiction, you will love this book. It hooked me on the first page and I couldn't put it down.” —Ann Ferri

  “I thoroughly enjoyed the book! A big fan of Christian Historical Fiction, this one was absolutely great! Looking forward to the rest of the series!” —Amazon Customer

  “I was drawn in by the idea that this series chronicles the descendants of Davy Crockett written with the fictional imagination of a direct descendant. The time period and a glimpse of the Huguenots made for an interesting story. I am excited to read more.” —Jennifer Berry

  “Exciting and grabs your attention from the first page! You find yourself there! A must read!” —Nova Forrest

  “Excellent story of the Crockets. I could not put it down. The characters touched my heart.” —Mary Rima

  Also by Jennifer Lynn Cary

  Available now:

  The Patriarch: The Crockett Chronicles: Book 1

  The Sojourners: The Crockett Chronicles: Book 2

  The Prodigal: The Crockett Chronicles: Book 3

  Coming soon:

  Tales of the Hob Nob Annex (May 2020)

  Relentless Heart (July 2020)

  Wedding Bell Blues (September 2020)

  Relentless Joy (November 2020)

  © 2020 by Jennifer Lynn Cary

  Published by Tandem Services Press

  Post Office Box 220

  Yucaipa, California

  www.TandemServicesInk.com

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher.

  Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/ or events is purely coincidental.

  Cover photo credit: Aries 70 Studio

  Cover design by Tandem Services

  The Patriarch

  The Crockett Chronicles: Book One

  This book is dedicated to my loving family.

  Thank You, Lord.

  Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His loving kindness to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.

  Deuteronomy 7:9

  Chapter One

  Versailles, France ~ 1668

  No!” Antoine’s brain screamed. He had worked so hard, come so far. There must be a misunderstanding.

  However, the look on Albert’s face told the truth. Antoine had a baby-minding assignment. How else could he think of it?

  “The king’s cousin, albeit a distant one, needs to be chaperoned around the chateau during the fête and after when we return to Saint Germaine. His Majesty is sure you are the one for the job.” Albert crossed his arms over his chest, not bothering to hide his grin. He enjoyed this far too much.

  Probably some old maid cousin with sour breath and a face like a pers
immon. Or perhaps, a dewy-eyed prepubescent who could not seem to decide whether to be twenty-one or three.

  “What about Jean-Luc? He—” The glint in Albert’s eye stopped the words before Antoine could plead his case, but not before he caught the faintest hint of a . . . what was it? A smirk? Possibly. Or maybe Albert was aware of something, something … funny? Something that could undoubtedly be held over him.

  If only Antoine could believe he would survive all this, the boredom or even the humiliation of having to be a caretaker and away from the action usually afforded his position.

  That was the worst part.

  At the age of twenty-five, Antoine thrived on the excitement he usually found in his work. Devoted to his duty to country and king, he did not like to be away from his responsibility.

  Or opportunities for adventure.

  For his king, he would even walk through fire. But this?

  “The request comes straight from His Majesty himself.” Albert poked his finger into Antoine’s chest for emphasis. “He specifically asked for you and would take it as a personal affront if you were to refuse him.” Antoine’s friend and mentor smiled. “Think, man, two weeks of escorting his cousin to special events does carry some privileges with it. Access to the best of the carriages and stable, dining on the best of foods, and who knows how His Royal Highness will remember you when this is over?”

  “So, I will be stuck here and there, bowing to her every whim, while you and Jean-Luc and the others will probably have the best adventure of your lives and—Stop laughing at me!” Antoine ground his teeth. It took all his willpower not to punch Versailles’ illustrious captain of the guard in the nose.

  Albert gained control of his face—everything, that is, but his eyes. They continued to twinkle with amusement. “Come, your king expects you right away. Do not keep him waiting.”

  They traveled down the hallway, Antoine dragging his feet with every step. Had it been anything requiring nerve, he would have put on such a brave face that even demons would have backed down in fear, or so he would like to imagine. But mind the baby? Fi donc! He was a soldier, not a nursemaid.

  A voice drifted from the next room. The speaker seemed to be displeased, but considering it was someone in conversation with the king, the voice also sounded very respectful and controlled.

  And definitely female.

  Albert held the door.

  “I appreciate your thoughtfulness in procuring an escort for me, your Majesty, but in truth, I do not need one. There are my books and my needlework. Or perhaps I can amuse myself with my sketchbook while Tante Marie goes about her business. I do not want to be a bother.”

  The speaker turned her head. Tingles ran up Antoine’s spine. He soaked in the vision as if he had never seen a woman before. At that moment, he was not sure he ever had. Please, let her be the assignment.

  His Majesty’s voice pierced through Antoine’s fog. “You do ride, do you not, my dear? I own the finest stable on the continent, and many of my horses have been brought from their home at St. Germaine for use during our stay. Surely you would not turn down an opportunity to ride while here?” The king caught Antoine’s gaze. Though not a word was passed, Antoine knew he had been caught in His Majesty’s web of matchmaking.

  Rather than being annoyed, Antoine was more concerned for the lady’s answer, which seemed an eternity in coming.

  “I do enjoy horses.” Her fingers picked at the folds of her gown.

  “Let me assure you, my dear, that it is no bother at all.” The king winked at Antoine.

  “Merci beaucoup, your Majesty. You are most gracious.” The lady curtseyed, a picture of grace and elegance.

  “Good, then.” His Majesty clapped his hands once, his eyes twinkling and his smirk modest. “I should now like to present your escort, Monsieur Antoine Desaure Permonette de Crocketagné. Antoine, this is my beautiful cousin, Louise de Saix. She was named for me, you know.”

  Antoine bowed over her hand and kissed it, daring to look up at her sweet face as he did.

  A true beauty. Her light brown hair was pulled up on her head, with soft curls on each side framing her face. Dark, thick lashes rimmed her pale blue-green eyes.

  Those eyes immediately captured Antoine’s attention. He liked to pride himself on his ability to read volumes in others’ eyes. The lady’s, though exquisite, were unreadable. She had a mystery about her. The challenge drew him. “The pleasure is mine, mademoiselle.” Antoine knew he spoke the truth.

  “I would have you know, ma petite, Antoine is one of the finest horsemen in the land. In fact, the first time I saw him, he was riding so magnificently, I demanded to know who he was and immediately offered him a position. He quickly proved his worth and is now second-in-command of our palace guard, currently stationed here at Versailles.”

  Heat crept up Antoine’s neck at His Majesty’s praise.

  Louise glanced at him. Her eyebrows rose before she glanced away again.

  “My dear, I am sure your bags have already been taken to your chamber.” The king rubbed his hands together, seeming anxious to proceed to the next part of his agenda. “I will have one of the servants show you the way so you may rest from your trip before dinner. Antoine will meet you later to escort you to the dining hall. However, I now need to speak with him. You as well, Albert.”

  His Majesty motioned for Antoine and Albert to walk with him.

  Antoine followed, looking over his shoulder at the captivating but diminishing sight.

  * * *

  The halls of Versailles teemed with people, either those who lived there, visited, or unobtrusively worked on the never-ending project. Everyone went about their business of making the chateau an oasis of luxury and peace.

  Louis had loved the place from the first moment he stepped foot on the premises. “Did you know Versailles was originally built by my father? Now soon, this chateau will host a palace.”

  He glanced at Antoine and Albert, who followed a respectful distance behind, and led the way through another hall. At a door, he waited for Albert to open it. “I do love this place. In fact, when Monsieur Colbert wrote suggesting the Petite Chateau be razed and rebuilt in a fashion more in harmony with the newer structure, I adamantly opposed. I approved the restorations needed but warned him that if repairs are botched, the new structure will have to be rebuilt identically to the original.” He smiled. “Good, we are here.” Louis sat, and the men stood facing him.

  * * *

  An elbow jabbed Antoine’s ribs. He jumped.

  “Do you not agree?” His Majesty’s eyebrows rose, his head tipped to the side while his gaze narrowed.

  Realizing he had missed a question, Antoine looked to Albert for help.

  The king smiled. “I said, our guest is beautiful, is she not?”

  Heat raced up Antoine’s neck, rising to warm his face.

  “Oui, your Majesty, I believe Antoine agrees.” Albert chuckled.

  His Majesty joined in the laughter.

  “I am pleased, Antoine, that you find my little cousin such an appealing sight. I hope, in fact, you will enjoy your time with her and become very close.”

  He would enjoy it more if he did not find himself pinking up like a schoolgirl every five minutes.

  The king sobered, vertical lines appearing above the bridge of his nose. “She has been traveling with another cousin of mine who, shall we say, keeps me informed about many things. I find it uncanny how one little old lady can uncover things my well-paid spies cannot.” He snorted a chuckle and shook his head. “This cousin has been concerned of late about Louise who has always been a quiet, reserved young woman, even quite pious. However, Marie has not been able to draw her out.” With a sigh, His Majesty leaned back into his throne. “They have been traveling together for some months now, and although polite, Marie feels Louise is hiding something. The sole clue has to do with a half-finished letter to someone named Matthew Maury. I’ve learned there is a Matthew Maury who, along with the Fontaine family,
operates a salt and wine business in the south.”

  The king stood and clasped his hands behind his back. “I believe he makes his home near Alsais, although he travels a great deal. That could be how Louise knows the man. If he is who we believe him to be, this Maury person is one of those Protestant Reformers. His business could be a clever way of passing information to and from different Huguenot cities.” He spun to face Antoine. “I am fearful for our sweet Louise. This possible traitor could be influencing her in a most unhealthy way.” The king paused, placing a jewel-encrusted hand on Antoine’s shoulder. “I hope you will be able to put my fears to rest, my friend.”