As the Sparks Fly Upward (37 page)

“Twyla, is that you?”

“Colin!”

“Yes, it's me! Please don't hit me again, sweetheart.”

Sitting on the floor, Colin drew her to him. She felt the strength of his body with his arms around her. “I'm back,” he whispered, holding her tightly.

Twyla put her arms around his neck. “I was so afraid, Colin!”

“What in the world did you hit me with?”

“A thunder mug.”

Colin laughed and held her tightly. “Not a very dignified weapon! Why did you hit me with that?”

“I thought you were a robber. Why didn't you come in by the door?”

“I lost my key! Twyla, I've got something to tell you.” A smile was forming across his lips.

“What is it?”

“I was on the deck of Adam's ship, and I was looking across at the line of the Spanish ships. The decks were lined with musket men. They held up their muskets, and I was looking down the barrel of a dozen guns. They were getting ready to fire, and I knew I was about to die.”

He got to his feet then and pulled her up with him. He held onto her tightly. “You know what I thought of when my time on earth was ending?”

“What, Colin?”

“I thought of you, Twyla. I've been such a fool! You've been
right under my eyes all this time, and I've never seen you as you are. Like a stupid man who has a diamond and treats it like coal or a muddy stone!”

“How did you live in all that fire?”

“A lieutenant happened to stand in front of me. He died right there, poor fellow!”

Twyla felt his hands moving over her hair.

He pulled her closer and said, “I love you, Twyla! I know now I love you more than any man ever loved a woman!”

“Truly, Colin?”

“The day I die is the day I'll stop loving you, my love!”

As Twyla heard these words, she knew that life for her was just beginning. She surrendered to his embrace and, clinging to him tightly, whispered, “Never let me go, Colin!”

EPILOGUE

January 1600

A
dam Winslow entered the room holding the hand of Colin's ten-year-old son, Edward. Beside Adam was his wife, Abigail, an attractive woman in her mid-thirties.

“We have come to see the new arrival, Colin. Is he presentable?”

Colin smiled as he greeted Abigail and Adam. “I appreciate your taking care of our boy. Come and see the new baby.”

Colin led them into a room where Twyla was in bed cuddling a baby. It was January, and the weather was cold, but a warm fire blossomed in the fireplace. Twyla smiled and said, “Come, Brother and Abigail—and you, too, Edward. See what God has blessed us with.”

“Let me see that fine fellow!” Adam moved forward, and Edward crowded close to see the baby. Adam then took the bundle in his arms and smiled down at the red face. “He's as fine a boy as I've ever seen! And look at that hair! It's going to be chestnut-colored, like yours, Colin.”

“He's a fine boy,” Abigail said. “I pray that Adam and I have one just as fine.”

Colin was pleased. He and Twyla had been thrilled when their first son was born, and now they had another boy. “What will you call him, Colin?”

“Gilbert.”

“Gilbert Winslow. A fine name for a fine boy! You know I'm no prophet, but I have a feeling that this one will be the best of all the House of Winslow.”

Colin moved closer to Adam and Gilbert and put his hand on the baby's dark hair. He reached over and picked up Edward. “Be kind to your brother, Son,” he smiled.

“I will, Father.”

Colin took the baby in his arms and looked down. “Gilbert Winslow. I like the sound of that. My son, may God make you a noble member of the House of Winslow!”

AS
the
SPARKS FLY
UPWARD

GILBERT MORRIS

Reading Group Guide

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The following reading group guide is intended to help you find interesting and rewarding approaches to your reading of
As the Sparks Fly Upward.
We hope this enhances your enjoyment and appreciation of the book.

1. In this novel, much of the material deals with marriage. In the first chapter, we see Eden and Brandon alone, and much is made of the happiness of their marriage. Do you think their fine relationship is possible, that is, is it realistic? Is too much space in the novel devoted to this theme?

2. In the first chapter we see Adam Winslow, age eight, taking advantage of his brother, Colin, age six. Does the scene foreshadow the characters of the two men well? Is, for instance, Adam painted as evil and Colin as good?

3. Queen Elizabeth has been the heroine of a plethora of novels. Is the queen (as we see her in this novel) (a) kind, (b) cruel, (c) heartless, (d) selfish? How closely does the character in this novel reflect the historical Queen Elizabeth?

4. Colin Winslow is not normal in the eyes of his parents. He does not fit into the usual pattern that most young men follow. This disturbs his parents greatly. What is to be done with a child who cannot seem to “fit in” with his world? Should parents force him into the pattern of others? What is the danger of doing this—and what is the danger of ignoring such a problem?

5. Even minor characters should bear part of the weight of the plot and theme of a novel. What is the significance of Meg Caradoc in this novel? Does she in any way give direction to Colin's life?

6. How does Sir Francis Walsingham influence Colin's life? Does he help him to a better way—or a worse way?

7. Colin's experience at Oxford does not make him happy. He is a gullible young man, and some students play a cruel trick on him. Is this sort of behavior prevalent among young people even today? Would it be better to shield a son or daughter by keeping him or her in a more protected environment?

8. Phineas Teague becomes a powerful influence on young Colin. What happens when a young person is not fortunate enough to have someone to guide him or her? What happens if he or she falls into the wrong hands?

9. Colin aids Teague in breaking the law when they steal a body. Does this show weakness in Colin's character? He loves Teague, but should he have refused to take part in the incident?

10. Colin is forced to fight the establishment in order to fulfill his dream of being a physician. Is he right to challenge the College of Physicians? How is one to decide when it's the right thing to go against the powers of society?

11. Colin is seduced by an older woman. How can this happen to a young man of high moral standards? What can he do when this mars his life?

12. What prompts Colin to take in Twyla Hayden, a poor, homeless girl? Is he wise—and is it wise for us to do something of this nature?

13. How large a part should coincidence play in a novel? Is it too unrealistic that Twyla should prove to have exactly the gift that Colin needs in order to do his work? Some would argue that this is not realistic, but have you ever encountered a seemingly accidental circumstance that you attributed to God?

14. Is it believable that Adam would stand in for Colin in a duel? How does this make you feel about Adam?

15. When Colin becomes, in effect, a spy for Sir Francis Walsingham, does this give him problems? Is it ever right to do a wrong thing in order to bring about a good end?

16. How would you sum up Colin's experience with God? Are there other admirable believers in this novel?

17. Queen Elizabeth said that England's victory over the Spanish Armada was the work of God. Does God take sides in wars? Can you give some examples?

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LOOK FOR THE WINSLOW BREED SERIES BY

GILBERT MORRIS

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