She Asked the Gunsmith to Wed Her Before Her Uncle Sold Her Land — “I’ll Want to Court You After,” the Gunsmith Said
Chapter 13
Years later, people in Ashford still told the story.
They spoke of the gunsmith who married the landowner’s niece to save her estate.
But they often misunderstood the beginning.
Some claimed Samuel had planned it.
He had not.
Some claimed Margaret had married him for money.
She had not.
Samuel owned little.
Margaret had asked because she trusted him.
That was the truth.
The gunsmith shop became known throughout the county.
Samuel trained apprentices.
Margaret managed the accounts.
Together they bought more land.
Not by taking it.
By helping farmers keep theirs.
They established agreements that prevented dishonest lenders from taking advantage of widows and orphaned children.
Margaret never forgot what had nearly happened to her.
Whenever someone came to the shop frightened about losing a farm, she listened.
Then she helped them find the truth.
Samuel would sometimes watch from the doorway.
He loved seeing her work.
One evening, a young widow arrived with two children.
She feared a creditor was going to take her property.
Margaret invited her inside.
Samuel watched.
The widow asked:
“Why are you helping me?”
Margaret answered:
“Because someone once helped me.”
Samuel smiled.
He knew exactly who she meant.
