Discord and Light: A Connecticut Colony Novel is a work of historical fiction set in mid-1700s pre-revolutionary Connecticut. This era was marked by discord, challenges, and change, as the colonies grappled with experimental self-governance and new religious philosophies.
Setting: Central Connecticut, a region flourishing with farming and transport, caught between the religious and political tensions of the time. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Great Awakening and the Wallingford Controversy, as well as the economic and territorial disputes of the era.
Main Characters:
- John Ainsworth: A Boston-born surveyor and scientist who relocates to Connecticut.
- Catherine Carmichael Osborne: The brilliant, well-educated wife of the current minister.
- Doctor Daniel Hutton: A respected community leader, doctor, and inventor.
- Reverend James Osborne: Catherine's husband and the controversial minister at the center of the Wallingford Controversy.
Plot Overview: John Ainsworth arrives in Connecticut to survey properties and investigate ore mining. He forms an unlikely partnership with Catherine Osborne, leading to a complex romantic entanglement. Their relationship is tested by natural disasters, community tensions, and Reverend Osborne's jealousy. Ainsworth's discovery of a rich ore vein is overshadowed when he contracts a deadly fungal disease. Dr. Hutton saves his life through innovative surgery, leaving Ainsworth scarred but alive. As Ainsworth prepares to leave for a new life, an unexpected twist offers a potential new beginning with Catherine.
The Future: While recuperating, Ainsworth networks and connects with former colleagues in the Chesapeake Bay area. Intrigued by a Jesuit's stories, he considers a new life where his deformity can be hidden. As Ainsworth prepares to depart, saying goodbyes from his wagon, he suddenly reins in the horses. A figure in men's work clothing steps into the drive. "Hello, there!" he hails. Slowly, the figure turns. It's Catherine, hinting at an unexpected new chapter in their story.
This novel blends historical accuracy with compelling fiction, exploring themes of religious conflict, scientific discovery, and personal transformation in colonial America. It sets the stage for future adventures, leaving readers intrigued about the potential paths for Ainsworth and Catherine.