by Jerri Hines
“You’re,” he swallowed the food he had in his mouth, “the mistress of this plantation?”
She nodded. “I believe I am Mrs. Torrington.”
“Not ‘lady?’” His face betrayed his disappointed.
“I go by Mrs. Torrington. It’s easier in this area. I’m certain you would understand,” she answered. “You are looking for work?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he answered. Not a tall boy, he stood and met her eyes. “The name is Maddy Johnson. I need work badly. My family was wiped out in one of ’em damn Indian raids. Oh, excuse my language, ma’am. It’s just I lost my family.”
“I will overlook it this time,” Cathryn said. She looked over at Juriah. “I believe we can find him some work.”
Juriah eyed her with caution for they had slaves to accomplish all the needs of the plantation. But Cathryn could well read the compassion in her eyes.
“Of course, Cathryn, I’m certain we can. He can bunk with Israel at the moment until after the wounded have left.”
“I don’t mean to intrude,” one of the wives of the wounded, a Peggy Calvert, said as she entered into the kitchen area. “But his family...they were Loyalists. He’s a Johnson from Upper Country. His home was burnt out.”
“I believe he just told us that,” Cathryn said stiffly. She had no liking being questioned about her decision, especially from a guest within her home.
“He’s a Loyalist,” Mrs. Calvert continued as if it condemned the poor lad.
“I appreciate your concern, but this is my home and my decision. As everyone well knows, my brother is well known for his support of the patriot cause, but mine lies elsewhere. But even with my sympathies lying with the British, Mrs. Calvert, I opened my house up to help those in need. I have no wish for war and the consequences that follow it. I would never deny anyone in need help if I’m able to do so.”
“I didn’t realize your stance. I thought with Sumner so active within the cause...,” she murmured. Cathryn supposed she should take it as an apology.
“Even with Sumner so supportive of the cause, Mrs. Calvert, he would never turn his back on one in need,” Juriah supported Cathryn.
“You’re right. Of course, you’re right. It’s so hard now, seeing neighbor against neighbor, not needing much of an excuse to exert violence upon another.” The woman nodded. “One tends to forget our Christian upbringing. I’m sorry. I should have never said anything especially since you helped my George.”
Cathryn exchanged looks with Juriah. She hadn’t realized how deeply the cut was in the county between Loyalists and patriots. How well Sumner had kept the outside world from encompassing Elm Bluff. Now, though, the world was seeping in.
* * * *
“Miss Cathryn is fine, Maddy,” Cathryn said for the tenth time. “I don’t need to remind everyone of the situation.”
“I’m sorry, ma’am,” he said. “It’s just...the major was ’pecific about showing ya respect.”
“He was, was he?” Cathryn smiled. “Tell me. Did he give you a note?”
He shook his head. “No, notes, ma’am. Can be found. Can’t have it.”
Her face fell. “How am I?”
“Ya’ll haf to tell me. The major said it safer.”
She sighed heavily. She had waited for two months to be told, nothing! “Well, Maddy, did he tell you anything to tell me?”
His face turned red and he nodded. “He asked for you to be patient. It might take longer than he first thought. If you have need for anything, tell me. I have a way. You’re not ’pose to know.”
“I don’t care, Maddy! As long as it gets back to the major.” Her patience had worn thin. It had taken over a day to talk to Maddy without anyone around to cause suspicion and now to hear that he basically had no information. “That’s it?”
“Not exactly.” He hemmed and hawed for a moment. “First he asked after your health, but you look healthy to me. And then he told me to say this and this is from him, ma’am, not me.”
Cathryn laughed to herself. Jake would have been concerned about their tryst. What was he going to do if there had been a consequence to their making love? At first, she had been disappointed when she discovered she wasn’t, but she didn’t need to be expecting with all that had to be accomplished. They would have time for their own family soon enough...she hoped.
“You can tell the Major that I have no concerns with my health, but what did he say?”
“Well, ma’am, that his thoughts were with you and he loved ya’.”
She had to laugh. “And what would you do if I told you to return the sentiment?”
“I don’t want to repeat it again, ma’am,” he pleaded. “He also said he wants you to have some sort of escape plan down to Savannah if need be. He’s mapping it out with some others. He’s going to let me know. He’s worried someone might be planning some action against ya.”
Now the lad comes back with relevant information. She shook her head slightly. “Okay, that should be simple enough. Sumner has a route—”
“No, ma’am. The Major said not to tell anyone, even your brother.”
She nodded. “I’ll tell Israel to go over all the escape routes with you which will include the one to Savannah. Since Sumner isn’t here, he’ll assume you will be needed if the call comes for us to depart.”
“That’s good, ma’am. You’re smart, ain’t ya. Thought ya ’ere.” He smiled.
She hoped she was, because she had the feeling she would need all her intelligence.
* * * *
Cooler weather came abruptly in early October. The leaves began to turn. Cathryn sighed. The wounded had long left the plantation, but she had in turn run the plantation to the best of her ability.
Thank goodness most of everyone knew their parts to fulfill and she had only to oversee. The twins had been increasingly demanding for they had seen less of their mother with her added responsibilities.
“Crops did well this year, Miss Cathryn. Master Sumner will be pleased,” Israel said as she rode up to him in the bottom fields. Since Sumner left, Cathryn had leaned upon Israel to lead the rest of the slaves. He seemed to have taken great pride in his position.
“And I will be well pleased only when he returns!” she confessed.
Her anger shifted to concern. He had been gone close to three months. She had sent letters to Colonel Percy, but all he told her was as of this moment Sumner was still upon his mission. At least, she hoped he was safe.
After she rode the rounds accompanied by Maddy, she turned back upon the main road. Maddy had become a mainstay at the plantation. With all the riding Cathryn had to do, she felt safer with him by her side. As they took to the road, Cathryn heard the hooves of horses pounding, galloping up the road.
“Go back and get the men out of the fields. Tell them to drop all, immediately. No one rides in that fashion without cause. Tell Israel to bring his gun,” Cathryn commanded, tethering her horse back.
“I’m not ’pose to leave ya, ma’am.” Maddy scrambled to keep up with her.
“The matter isn’t up for discussion, Maddy. If it is a raid, I’ll need the men. Do you understand? I have to get to the house.”
She turned and galloped without looking back. She gave him no other options.
She didn’t draw rein but galloped madly toward her home and her children. She heard only the constant rhythm of the horses behind her. Cathryn didn’t know if they saw her nor even cared if they did; she only had one purpose. She drew in as she rounded the entrance circling in front of the house. She was off in one swift movement.
“Juriah, men are coming! Get the babes and Mary. Go as we planned. I’ll hold off until the men come,” Cathryn screamed.
“Who are they?” Juirah asked, running up the stairs.
“I don’t know,” she replied, winded. From the doorway she saw the horses’ dust riding up. She screamed to Juriah, “Hurry!”
Without another word, she rushed into the study where Sumner had placed a weapon for
the ladies. She slung open the top drawer of the desk and grabbed a loaded gun.
She swung down and ran back to the front door, glancing up to see Juriah with Lucy in her arms. Lucy screamed for her mother.
“Go!” Cathryn cried. “Don’t look back!”
Cathryn turned back. Her heart pounded; crying inside, she didn’t even have time to say good-bye. She stood upon the steps leading to the entrance as the string of men reined in their horses. Shock surged through her...she knew their leader.
“Monsieur Renton, you have returned,” Cathryn regained her composure quickly. She counted his men. Twenty in total from her view point.
“Ah, Madam Blankenship or is it Lady Tinsley? I have heard rumors. And children, also, I hear. Congratulations. Given the circumstances, a commendable job.”
He gave her a huge grin. His eyes raked her boldly. She gripped the pistol tighter beneath the folds of her skirt.
“Are you passing through, Monsieur? I wouldn’t want to detain you.”
“Ah, Lady Tinsley, I have ridden out to see you. Are you not going to invite me in? After all I did to help you get back to your home. The least you could do would be to offer me refreshment,” he said. He threw his leg around as if he was going to dismount.
“If you value your life, Monsieur, I wouldn’t attempt to leave your horse,” Cathryn stated emphatically. She pulled the pistol from her skirt. “Don’t think I won’t use it.”
“Ah, my lady, you disappoint me. Is this how you greet an old friend?” he asked, settling back upon his horse.
“An old friend wouldn’t have brought a group of hoodlums with him. Armed, too, I see,” she said, her gaze boring a hole into him. His group had hold of their weapons. She aimed the pistol straight at him.
“I abhor violence, my lady.” He laughed. He motioned for his men to hold their weapons. “I do think you are at a disadvantage. One gun against so many.”
He threw his arm out open in a manner to tell her she was outnumbered greatly.
“I have aimed only at one and that is you, Monsieur Renton.”
He smiled. “That I see.”
In the distance, Cathryn heard a horse riding at great speed. She didn’t dare look, but supposed it was Maddy returning with the men who would be on foot. But then she heard a rambling of hooves, there were more.
From the corner of her eye she caught sight of one jumping the fence. Only one, she knew of only one who would be doing such. Sumner was home! She could have cried with relief.
Monsieur Renton sighed heavily. “Oh, pardon us, my lady, it seems we need to make haste, but trust me. We will be seeing more of each other.”
He reined back quickly. With his left arm, he gestured for his men to ride. Cathryn didn’t lower her pistol until the last of the men’s dust filtered back down upon the road.
* * * *
Cathryn’s legs gave her no support. She withered down upon the top step. Her hands trembled so she couldn’t stop them. She laid the pistol by her feet; her head she held in her trembling hands.
She wept uncontrollably. She looked up only when she heard the tiniest of feet running toward her. She turned and received her children within her arms. She hugged them tightly, kissing them repeatedly.
Juriah bent down and took the pistol. Philip took his small hands and cupped his mother’s face. He kissed her cheek as she had done so many times when he fell or ran into the wall when he wasn’t looking. She smiled at him through her tears.
Everyone was safe. She caught Mary staring at the dust of the road. Maddy rode up. He pulled back harshly upon his mount to stop quickly.
“Are ya all right, ma’am?” he asked, concern evident within his tone. “Shoulda’ n’ver lef’ ya.”
“You did fine, Maddy,” she answered, finding her voice. “Sumner? He’s back?”
“Damnest thing! Oh, excuse me. I didn’t mean,” he rambled. Cathryn shook her head.
“Please, Maddy, it is okay.” She drew a breath in.
The next moment she didn’t have to ask. Rounding back around the road, Sumner and a small group rode up. He jumped off his horse and ran up the steps. His hair was longer, unshaven, but it was still the same Sumner.
“Is everyone safe? Tell me no one was hurt!”
Cathryn stood. She glared at him. “We are all fine, but no thanks to you. Where have you been? You leave without a word. Left us unprotected. Why? Sumner, where the hell have you been?”
They all turned with startled faces upon her utterance. Sumner winced and shook his head. He glanced over at Mary who had tears welling up in her eyes. He didn’t say another word, but walked back inside and up the stairs, leaving all without an explanation or reason.
* * * *
Cathryn was determined to talk to Sumner whether he wanted to or not. He had avoided her for much too long. He had not even checked upon Mary’s health. He had his supper sent up to his room...but she had a surprise for her brother. She delivered it.
She didn’t bother knocking. She simply swung open the door. He stood at the window staring out blankly. He glanced over his shoulder at her, but gave no greeting; instead, looked back out the window.
She set the tray down with such force his dinner scattered across the tray. She walked back over and slammed the door shut.
“What is wrong with you, Sumner? You have everyone worried. You left without a word and came back without an explanation,” she chided. “I am not leaving until you tell why.”
“Damnit, Cathryn, can you not leave me alone? What does it matter in the end anyway?” he shrugged indifferently. “You are set to leave. Do not deny it. Mary...she has in all probability told you...she hates me. My own mother...”
“Is this what you have decided is your best course of action—wallowing in self-pity when we need you the most?” She shook her head. “Make no mistake, brother, you are greatly needed. You have protected us for so long, but the wall has crumbled. The outside world is upon us.”
He looked at her askance. He finally said, “I didn’t even know if you would be here upon my return.”
“I wanted to share my plans with you. How could you think I would simply depart? You are my beloved brother. I haven’t listened to rumors, for I trust you. Why now have you turned your back upon me?
The muscle in his jaw twitched. His eyes blazed. “What do you mean, ‘haven’t listened to rumors?’”
A moment of strained silence passed. “William and I argued. He told me that you only used me for my money, which is quite ridiculous. I realize he said it only to cut a wedge between us. I’m afraid he has cut himself off from me. He told me he considers me an enemy.”
“William has directed his frustration at you. I saw it emerging. I should have warned you, but I will deal with the man. He has addressed me as well. Forget William. You know well I’m not after your money.”
“I have never thought that. I want to discuss my future.” She paused. “I have decided to return to England. It is time. I need to face my fate, but I will not be alone. Jake will be with me...I love him.”
“It was quite obvious to all that saw the two of you together. Why do you not think William was so distressed? And that old damn British officer stopped trying to negotiate. Do you trust him now, Cathryn? Is he not the one that hurt you so?”
“I will never be happy without him.” The gentle tone of her voice reflected the radiance of her smile at the mention of Jake’s name. “When he sends word, Sumner, I’m leaving with the children. And at the moment, especially after today, I can’t say it will be too soon. I fear for the twins. Monsieur Renton’s intent was to kidnap them.”
“After the British descended upon us in the manner they did, what did you expect?”
His words cut sharply. She stared into his troubled eyes. He thought her a fool. She lowered her head in hopes he did not see the tears welling.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured an apology and took her hand. “I have let my own anger get the better of me. To be honest, whispe
rs of your flight from England began before the envoy arrived. Rumors of your marriage and the death of your husband have been speculated upon for some time. Now with the fear of invasion, it has become increasingly difficult to protect you and the twins.”
“What do you mean?” She raised her eyebrows and stared at her brother.
“I was sent down to Georgia and up to North Carolina. When your friends arrived, it seemed strange that they wanted to take you and the twins out quickly. It has become obvious that the British must be planning to invade again or they wouldn’t have pressed so hard.”
“You believe the British are set to invade. It’s well been over two years. I thought...”
“There’s plenty of fighting around here amongst ourselves mostly—Loyalist against the patriots and it ain’t pretty, Cathryn. I shouldn’t have left for so long. Colonel Percy was supposed to keep an eye upon all, but he was called into action which left you vulnerable. But it seems your friend sent someone to you.”
“Sumner, whatever do you mean?”
“That kid, Maddy. Oh, don’t go and even begin to tell me he appeared out of the blue. I don’t care. At least the major had the good sense to try to maintain contact and take care of you. But it does tell me that we can’t trust many around here. Tell me only that you aren’t aiding the British.”
“Of course not, Sumner. It was never mentioned. You must know that I would never do anything to harm you.”
“And you are certain about leaving, Jalyn.”
“I haven’t changed my mind, Sumner, but I’m worried about you. You must realize when I get control back of my inheritance I’m not going to abandon you. I never would...wherever you are.”
“I know that, Jalyn. You have been a stable force in my life. You want to know why I don’t want to see you go? I need you. I need you to look upon me as an equal. Everything I’ve done makes no difference to anyone. They care not because of my birth, except you.”
“And you with me. You have always taken care of me without question. While you were gone, I looked over the books. You haven’t even touched the money I brought with me. You have used only what we have made. Take it, Sumner. Take the money and the plantations.”