by Betty Bolte
Added to the lack of faith in his leadership was the audacity he had demonstrated when he rode into Charlestown, the victorious general, as the British embarked their ships for England December past, but had not invited or included any other state officer in the grand parade through the center of town. Naturally, Major General William Moultrie, the same officer who had defended the town against the Britons' first attack, had marched with the Continental Line, but he proved the only other officer to take part in the happy occasion.
The political enmity flowing through the town had heightened every citizen's awareness of the rampant uncertainty within its boundaries. Indeed, within the entire country. The peace treaty had not yet been signed, or at least no word had been received to that effect. Until the war officially ended and the army disbanded, such idealistic skirmishes would most assuredly occur. Which all kept him inundated with type to set for a bevy of announcements and broadsides as well as pamphlets and formal invitations to gatherings.
As he turned Jingo toward the manor and Evelyn, he could see the structure rising up against the woods behind the new walls and bare roof. He urged his mount to a canter on the firmer lane leading across the estate. Before long, Evelyn would move into her new home, about the same time he moved on. A thrill of uncertainty shivered down his back. How he longed to take her with him. If only he could determine the reasons or the means with which to convince her to take such a daring chance. Despite the assurances of Frank and Emily as to Evelyn's willingness to choose to go with him, he quavered at the thought of asking her. Besides, who was he fooling? She'd never agree to go, and he couldn't stay. But he found himself wanting her to remember him fondly even as she married someone else. A stab of pain somewhere in the vicinity of his soul stole his breath.
Halting Jingo in the barnyard to a chorus of barking, he swung from the saddle, his heavy cloak swinging about his calves as he landed on the ground. Jack hurried out of the barn, wiping his hands on his trousers as he strode toward Nathaniel. The young black man appeared strong and intelligent, as well as sincerely desiring to be of assistance to those he worked for, good characteristics in any man, but most unusual for a slave. He studied Jack as he waited for him to take Jingo. The man deserved to seek out his own future, but of course Nathaniel had no ability to grant any slave their freedom. Indeed, the state government remained the sole entity which could manumit a slave, and they refused to do so except under extreme circumstances. He'd heard of several gentlemen who had pleaded for particular slaves to be freed, but fear prevented the government from granting the requests.
"G'day, sir." Jack took the reins from Nathaniel with a nod. "Will you be staying the night?"
"Not this time." As much as he'd enjoy waiting upon Evelyn for a longer span, he must be at work at first light on the morrow. "If you'll loosen the girth and give him some water, he'll be fine for the short time I'll be here."
"Very good, sir." Jack led the roan toward the barn.
Nathaniel headed for the carriage house with long strides. He knocked on the door and glanced across the yard at the fine house rising from the ashes of the former dwelling. A sturdy, grand place for his lady to call home. More than he could ever give her with his current prospects. He sighed and faced the door as it swung open.
"Nathaniel!" Evelyn flung herself at him.
He wrapped her up in an embrace and kissed her with all the pent up passion within him. Then he eased away and drank in the beautiful features of her face. "It's so fine to see you again."
"Come in." She stepped farther into the room, pulling him in with one hand. "It's cold out there."
"I hadn't noticed in my haste to reach you." He handed his cloak to Jemma and then greeted Peggy with the lift of his hat as he removed it. "How have you fared?"
Evelyn led him to a chair and sank onto one beside it. "We've been keeping very busy with making curtains and such. Why have you not come sooner?"
He hung his hat on the back of the chair before sitting down. He pressed his palms on his knees to prevent himself from reaching out and touching her. If he touched her, he may never let her go. "The print shop has been very busy with work. It's all so complicated, but let's just say the town folk are up in arms about the army encamped on James Island and General Greene's recent actions."
"Oh dear." She smoothed her skirts and wetted her lips. "I'd hoped peace had come to our fair state with the departure of the Britons."
"We all had the same expectation." After the actual fighting had ended, he'd done all he could to put the animosity behind him. To move forward to a new and better life. "Perhaps in time, we'll enjoy the peace we fought for."
"Give folks a chance to sort out what the next steps must be."
She grasped his hand, sending a shaft of desire and longing into his heart. He looked at their joined hands, studying the way their fingers twined together. Relishing the contact. He moved his thumb over hers and fixed his gaze on her face.
"Will you take a walk with me?"
She squeezed his hand before pulling hers away to sit back. "I doubt it has warmed much out there in the last few minutes we've been inside. Why would you wish to venture out of doors?"
"I'd like to spend time with you." Gripping his knees, he leaned forward to wink at her. "Only you."
She glanced at Peggy and Jemma, then to where her son played with several toys near the fireplace and its warmth. "I don't know..."
Her hesitation suggested his idea tempted her to accept. All she needed was a reason to succumb. "I have a little something for you, but I'd like to give it to you in private."
Her gaze flew to meet his, surprise evident in her wide smile. "I'll get my cloak and bonnet."
Minutes later, they strolled hand in hand down the lane toward a merry little creek flowing across the front of the property. Along the banks, a variety of trees provided shade in the summer, but stood stark against the wintery sky. A flock of geese honked as they flew in their V formation in the distance. They came to a clearing in the trees overlooking the sparkling water. He stopped, drawing her around to stand before him.
"Lyn, I care about you, and I want you to know that I'll never forget you."
A slight frown clouded her eyes. "I'll never forget you either. Though I don't know why you'd think I wouldn't remember you."
Should he tell her what he desired more than anything? Do as his friends had encouraged him to do? He searched her troubled gaze, imagining her reaction and dreading what he envisioned. "I have a gift for you."
Her expression cleared with the advent of a smile. "You have no need to give me a present."
"But you'll accept it, won't you?" He slipped his hand into his breeches pocket and withdrew a felt pouch. Keeping it hidden in his fist, he waited for her answer.
Laughing in delight, she nodded. "If you insist."
He placed the packet in her hand, pressing it against her palm for a moment. "My pleasure."
She opened the small flap and reached inside with her thumb and forefinger. Easing a gold chain from the felt pocket, she gasped and grinned, until a pendant emerged to rest on her palm. She pressed the tiny latch on the side of the gold filigreed locket to reveal a small picture. "Oh, Nat, it's beautiful."
"I'm pleased you like the miniature." He'd had it made by a local painter who had a fair hand with the likeness of Nathaniel's profile. "Would you like to wear it?"
"Please." She offered the necklace to him and then turned her back when he picked it up.
He opened the clasp and, holding the necklace in one hand, stepped close behind her. Fortunately, she'd pulled her hair up into her bonnet, baring her neck and making his task easier. He reached around her with both hands, grasping each end of the chain and then pulling it to the nape of her neck to fasten the clasp again. All the while, she filled his senses and stirred the desire coursing through him. He placed a kiss on the delicate skin before grasping her shoulders to spin her so he could inspect the result. The locket lay on top of her heavy cloak, g
leaming in the pale light.
"Thank you, Nat." She fingered the pendant, viewing the gold surface from various angles. "It's truly a beautiful gift."
"Think of me whenever you wear it."
"I will wear it always." She raised happy eyes to smile at him.
He studied her features, committing them to memory. He hoped she'd keep her word and wear it. Especially after he'd gone.
Chapter 26
Sunlight fell through the new windows onto the pine floor in the new manor house. Over the last week, the men had worked a minor miracle. Evelyn stood in what would be the parlor, a smile of joy firmly in place. Dust motes flitted in and out of view in the light. White-washed plaster walls and a barren room surrounded her. Using her imagination, she placed furniture and furnishings, candlesticks and vases of fresh flowers from her own expansive gardens. Indeed, she fully intended to have the garden slave be very busy with the many flower beds she envisioned.
Before many more days passed, the three brothers would finish the building. They'd made great strides, the three brawny men. They'd bartered help from their friends and family to accelerate the work. She'd paid them in coin and meals as they worked raising the house. Built in the shape of a recumbent I, two stories tall, the façade was impressive yet welcoming. The set of brick steps leading up to the central doors added to the air of importance intended in the design. Before too long, she'd send word to her uncle to deliver the furniture and other items he'd been acquiring on her behalf.
Peggy appeared in the open door of the parlor, hesitating before striding in to stand by Evelyn. She'd been a happy addition in more ways than anticipated or expected. Smart and quick, the woman had proved her willingness and capability to assist Evelyn on multiple fronts. Including having the intelligence necessary to assist with educating the students.
"I've put Jim down for his nap." Peggy perused the empty room, one foot tapping to a beat only she could hear. "He's a sleeper, isn't he?"
Evelyn nodded as she strode into the wide central hall, Peggy shadowing her steps. "I'm grateful for his cooperation while we rebuild our home."
Peggy chuckled and matched Evelyn's pace. "Ethan said they'd finished shingling the roof, so it's closed against inclement weather."
"Wonderful news." Evelyn paused to peek into the dining room which would double as a school room. "We'll need to start cleaning everything, ceiling to floors, so we can begin bringing in the furniture."
"Very well, Miss." Peggy peered at Evelyn for a moment before propping her hands on her hips. "Where would you like me to start?"
"Upstairs, so that you're knocking the dust down through the house." Evelyn glanced at Peggy, pleased yet again to have such a skilled lady as her maid and helper. "I'll speak with the men about their next steps and then come help with the cleaning."
"I'll start right away." Peggy folded her arms and gazed at Evelyn. "This will be a wonderful place for the girls to live in and learn."
"I believe so, too." Evelyn let her gaze drift down the hall to the front double doors, shut against the March winds. In warmer weather, however, they'd stand wide open along with the rear doors at the far end of the hall. The cross draft would provide relief from the summer heat. For the moment, the barrier retained the warmth from the fires burning in the fireboxes for the comfort of the workers. "Before long, I'll need to begin advertising for students."
"First things first." Peggy pivoted to walk away with measured strides. "I'll gather my supplies and begin."
Evelyn nodded to herself as the maid disappeared through the rear door, heading toward the carriage house where their supplies were stored. Over the past days, many changes had occurred, not least of which the relationship she shared with a certain handsome gentleman. She sauntered through the house, pride blending with anticipation as she moved from room to room, and then upstairs to the bedchambers. The girls would have the upstairs of the foot of the I-shaped building, separated into two rooms. Evelyn and her family would sleep in the top of the "I." The upstairs passage connecting the two would be set aside for music and dancing, play acting and recitals.
Her dream, her vision, had become reality. How could she not be happy? She may never frown again, such elation lifted her soul.
She stepped into the room she'd claimed for herself, the one facing the front yard. Crossing to the dirty window, she gazed out over the view she'd awaken to every morning. She'd had flowering bushes planted around the base of the Pegasus statue, ones hinting at buds preparing to blossom. She identified with the tiny points of red and yellow gathering their strength and their beauty to share with the world. She had Nathaniel to thank for his support and encouragement, as well as his loving attentions. The heady combination over the last few weeks had bolstered her confidence in herself and her prospects. Her hand went to the locket with his image inside, its constant presence reassuring.
Beginning with the night they'd spent in the carriage house, Nathaniel had become more and more important in her life. He was never far from her thoughts, even as she continued to work on building her future while he worked on his in town. The distance didn't matter because he would come out to visit as much as possible. In time, she hoped they'd marry and live at her home. Surely he'd enjoy living in the country more than in town, especially since it meant they would be together.
Turning from the window, she crossed to the door and hurried down to find the men. She followed the sound of hammering and finally located the brothers at the rear of the house, tacking on the last of the door framing. The three of them provided a striking set of handsome men.
"Evelyn." Ethan straightened from laying down his hammer. "You're looking beautiful, as always."
"Thank you, Ethan. You've all made amazing progress. I appreciate it more than I can say. I understand the roof is done, and it looks like the framing is completed. What else is left?"
Luke braced his fists at his waist and angled his head to one side. "Some finishing touches inside, such as the newel posts on the main stairs and some frieze work over the fireplaces."
"We still need to finish the back steps here. They're not level." Bill shook his head as he studied the stone slabs nestled onto wooden supports. "I think we may need to switch the stone out for brick like the front."
"That will take another day or two to accomplish." Luke regarded Evelyn for a moment before a smile crept onto his lips. "You'll have to put up with our camping out yonder for a little while longer, I suppose."
"I'd think we could move inside as soon as we clear out the dust and debris." Evelyn folded her hands in front of her apron. "Or you can take over the carriage house, if you'd prefer."
Ethan huffed a laugh. "The tents are enough for the short time we have left to work here."
"Very well."
The sound of a galloping horse drifted to her ears and brought warmth to her cheeks. She fought to keep the smile from her face but lost the battle. "Who might that be?"
Luke guffawed. "One guess."
"Hush now. I'll go greet our visitor."
"You do that, cousin. He'll appreciate your efforts." Ethan chuckled as he turned back to the work at hand.
Heat flared in her cheeks as she strode toward the front of the house, dust kicking up around her with each step. Ethan's teasing about Nathaniel coming courting brought to mind his own interest in her. Ethan didn't approve, that much she could tell. He never interfered, though. He'd kept his word and had not pursued a relationship with her, but she remained aware of his former bid for her attentions. A bid which had subtly changed how they interacted.
She hurried around the corner and saw the lone figure approaching. Thanks to Frank hiring two more men, Nathaniel no longer worked all day. Every afternoon Nathaniel rode out to be with her. They'd have dinner and take a stroll, holding hands and talking about their activities and observations. At the farthest point of their walk, he'd kiss her with such ardor she couldn't refuse him. The grin she'd worn all day widened when he galloped into the yard and dis
mounted in the twinkling of an eye.
"Lyn, my dearest, how fare you?" He clasped her hands, pulling her to him.
"All is well, my darling." She gazed up at the man she'd come to love. "Why were you in such a hurry today?"
He pressed his lips to her mouth in a lingering kiss. "I admit I'm uneasy with you living out here alone, except for a few servants."
"My cousins remain here still." She cocked her head and studied his reaction. A grin tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I see. You're jealous."
He chuckled as he shrugged, a quick lift and fall of his shoulders. "I cannot help but be jealous of their continuing proximity to my love."
Her heart swelled with his sudden declaration. "You love me?"
"With all I am. Yet I know I shouldn't say anything about how I feel for you." He kissed her again, lingering for several seconds before drawing away to peer at her. "I would like nothing better than to spend the rest of my life with you, if that were only possible."
"I would like that, as well." Evelyn thrilled to his words, his sentiments. "I love you."
He sucked in a breath as his lips formed a hesitant smile. "I've longed to hear you say how you feel about me."
"I've only recently recognized what my feelings meant." She kissed his mouth with a peck and then stood back to study his expression. "I'm so very happy to have you in my life."
"I love being with you." He squeezed her hands, a shadow of some emotion passing over his features. "I shouldn't have confessed my love to you, Lyn. It's not fair to you."
"What? What do you mean?"
He released her hands and gripped her shoulders to pull her closer, reducing the space between them to inches. "Despite everything, I have no means or prospects worthy of your affections, let alone your love."
She relaxed with his explanation. "I'm not worried about your potential, Nat. I am confident that you will find a way to make a living."