Tides of Charleston 2 Book Box-Set

by Jerri Hines

  “It says here and I quote: Lady Tinsley hid me and gave me clean dry clothes of her father’s, money if I had need, a fresh horse to ride, and the information I needed not to run into the militia. It sounds like you did more than just help him.”

  Cathryn shrugged. She was tired and drained. She looked up at Jake for she didn’t know what he wanted her to say. He gave her no indication. “Yes, General Durham, I did all that. Was that not what was needed?”

  He nodded slightly and wrote down on his paper.

  “Look, General Durham, I don’t know what you want. I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong, but it is what it is. I am who I am and can be no other. I’m tired and weary. I have lost my sister and a dear friend in the raid. I chose to send my children to you and now they are gone across the ocean. What do you want of me?”

  The General sighed and stared directly into her eyes. “Do you know that your husband left camp without permission to rescue you? Do you know in so doing he took twenty of my finest men?”

  Startled upon the admission, Cathryn glanced up at Jake who stood emotionless. “No,” she uttered. Fear developed inside of her for her husband. She well understood the severity of disobeying.

  “So what do you think I should do, Lady Pennington?”

  Cathryn stood. Her eyes flamed. “Jake is the finest of men, officers, his majesty could ask for. I know of no other as he is, honorable and loyal. He would never have done so if he didn’t feel it was necessary.”

  “It matters little, my lady. Your husband willfully failed to obey General Clinton’s direct order. An act such as his cannot go unpunished.”

  Direct and authoritative, his voice resonated around her. Solemnly, he stood in dismissal. “I have the information sought. Major, walk your wife back to your residence. Then return promptly.”

  * * * *

  The street bustled with activity, carriages, officers on horseback, and privates on foot, but neither Jake nor Cathryn gave them any notice. He walked in silence; she with a growing awareness of their uncertain future.

  Jake quartered in a small brick house only a few streets over from headquarters. It was not a long walk. Jake paused a moment at the steps which led to the entrance. He gave her a reassuring smile then opened the door for her.

  Cathryn wanted nothing more than to throw her arms about her husband...stop him from returning. It would not do. She resided in a home of strangers. She would not succumb to her panic.

  He saw her only to the door to the room they shared. She gripped his arm.

  “Why?” she asked.

  He ignored her question. “I want you to rest and eat. Do not worry if I’m not back soon.”

  She would have none of that. She pressed, “Why? Why would you have done so?”

  His eyes softened as he leaned down and softly kissed her lips. “I would have moved heaven and earth to keep my promise. It matters not what happens to me now.”

  * * * *

  The sun set and darkness fell, but Jake hadn’t returned. He had only dispatched a short note stating only not to worry. It gave her no comfort.

  No...no...no! This wasn’t supposed to happen this way. To prove his love he could well lose his rank, his position or, God forbid, his life. No, God, don’t let this happen. She didn’t care for her money and neither did Jake for he married her knowing full well she could have nothing. She only wanted Jake and her children!

  She could stand it no longer. She hadn’t a plan, only the urge to find Jake. She had to see General Durham once more...to explain it was her fault.

  Suddenly a knock on her door disturbed her thoughts.

  “Lady Pennington, you have a visitor.”

  Fear gripped her heart. Descending the stairs, her uncertainty eased. Lieutenant Leckie stood in the doorway with a broad smile.

  “Are you certain you don’t want any refreshments?”

  Cathryn shifted her position on the settee across from the lieutenant. Despite the lateness of his call, the drawing room was opened for the visitor and a fire prepared. A chill still lay in the air. From the cold or the fear that lived within her, Cathryn wasn’t certain.

  “No, Lady Pennington, I came only to relieve your anxiety.”

  “Jake?”

  “I have talked with him briefly. His only concern is your welfare.”

  “But...but...General Durham said that Jake disobeyed a direct order...” Cathryn’s voice faltered. “Oh, please, take me back to General Durham. It is all my fault...”

  “There is no need. I know the general well enough to know that he understands the whole of the situation at this point and the ramifications,” Lieutenant Leckie said. “Major Pennington wanted me to reassure you. He seems more upset that you discovered what is happening. He does not want to add to your burden.”

  “He is no burden. He is my husband.” She heaved a tremulous sigh. “My father was in the military. I understand fully what he is facing.”

  “As does he. Major Pennington knew well the consequences of his actions as all of us did,” Lieutenant Leckie went on. “It was deemed necessary. We had intelligence of a raid against your home. We took the necessary action.”

  “Why? Why did Jake take such a risk?”

  “I respect you, my lady. So I will be blunt. When your children, your son the heir to the Duke of Eversleigh, and your daughter, his grandchild, were within British authority, General Clinton considered the mission complete.”

  “My children have been taken from me?”

  “Major Pennington will never allow that to become a reality,” Lieutenant Leckie stated emphatically. “Major Pennington was beyond livid at his orders to step down...to leave you. I myself had to contain him. General Durham wrote on his behalf to General Clinton, but General Clinton reiterated his position. The last few weeks have been eventful. The major threatened to resign his commission a few times and go in on his own. We talked him out of it. It was the last correspondence that sent him in.”

  “And he commanded all of you to go with him?”

  “No, we did that on our own. I owed you. I gave you my word. I was going back with the major no matter what as well as Maddy, not that the lad would have been much help. All others came on their own accord. I believe it was about half the General Durham’s officers. That’s what I’m trying to tell you. If the general does anything to him, he will have to do to us all. It will leave him short of trained officers to fight a war.”

  “Jake will be okay? I don’t know what I—”

  “I believe so,” Lieutenant Leckie broke thought. “I would wager General Durham will turn the event to his advantage, but yes, I believe your husband will emerge from the incident. In honesty, my lady, Major Pennington is well thought of as a fine officer and gentleman.”

  “Thank you, Lieutenant.” She sniffled, unable to contain the relief that flooded her.

  “I will have to take my leave. I’m next in line for my conversation with General Durham.”

  Lieutenant Leckie departed, leaving Cathryn once more to wait.

  * * * *

  Time grew late, but sleep eluded Cathryn. Lieutenant Leckie’s words resonated within her. The hope he had given faded with each passing moment.

  She bolted upright when she heard the door handle rattle. Jake had come back!

  “Oh, Jake! I have been so worried!”

  He was tired, no doubt fatigued, but he gave her a small smile. He closed the door, but he wasted no more time. His next move was toward her.

  He slung his waistcoat over the footboard, pulled off his boots, pants and joined her in bed. Embracing her, he gave her no answer. Instead, his lips met hers.

  They spoke only with actions. Warm and eager, she encircled her arms around his neck. Responding to his touch...his caress...his love, the two drove back the demons of the world...at least for the moment.

  * * * *

  Cathryn lay quietly in Jake’s arms as he played with a strand of her hair. She reached for his hand and kissed it. “Would you l
ike to talk of it?”

  “Let us just say that I’m happy to have found you here,” he answered. “Upon my walk back, I thought to myself, Cathryn is going to be within my bed and all will be right.”

  “Is it?”

  “More than you will ever know. I have dreamed of you for so long. To have you here means more than you will ever know.”

  “Tell me, Jake. I can’t take you hiding things from me. Are there going to be consequences for your actions?” she questioned and was not greatly reassured by his gentle kiss. “Jake, please talk to me.”

  He grimaced betraying his reluctance. “It is far from the worst that could have happened. I have been reprimanded. I was able to keep the incident from the other officers’ records that helped me rescue you. It is a small price to pay to have you here in my arms.”

  Cathryn sensed there was more. “Do not keep all from me, Jake. I am not a child.”

  “It can wait until the morning.”

  “No, now, Jake. I want to know now.”

  He hesitated, but she would not relent. She wanted to know the truth. She waited in breathless silence.

  “My love, I wanted nothing more than to retrieve you and resign my commission. I had made arrangements to do so, tentative upon your arrival.”

  “So we will be together?”

  “It was my plan. There is much to take care of back in England. Though Mother has informed me my estate in Cornwall has been flourishing under the manager that Philip provided, your affairs need to be addressed. I cannot let you do so by yourself, not with the courts trying to confiscate your property.”

  “What are you telling me, Jake?” She heard it in his voice; saw it in his eyes. She whispered, “You’re not coming back with me.”

  “General Durham has a mission for me.”

  “A mission? What does that mean, Jake?”

  “It means we have a few weeks together, just the two of us. General Durham has given me leave to take care of you. A ship is scheduled to go back to England within the month. I want you upon it. Not only for your own safety, but it will reunite you with your children,” he said.

  “You’re not coming.” Her voice faltered.

  He gazed into her eyes. “It doesn’t matter now. Does it, Cathryn? You have to know how much I love you. You have no more doubts.”

  “None,” she said with utter wretchedness. The thought of being separated from him once more tore at her heart. “I know well, my love...my life.”

  “Then have faith that I’ll return home once the mission is complete and we will be together...forever.”

  * * * *

  Cathryn had a strong desire to see her children, a longing that pulled her towards them, but her heart and strength lay with Jake. She tried to will time to stand still, but time showed no mercy. The day had come.

  She stared out upon the open ocean as she stood upon the docks. She was once again set to sail for England...one last time. She would not be returning.

  Jake stood beside her. Her rock. He assured her that the last weeks were the happiest in his life. No matter what she encountered in England, she wasn’t alone. He had even helped her communicate with Sumner before she departed.

  Dear Cathryn,

  I have confirmed what you heard that dreadful night. You can rest assured I will avenge the act. I buried Mother and Mary in the family cemetery. I assumed you would have no objections. Caleb lives now in Charles Town with Mary’s family. The Petersons offered. I have much to do and he will be well cared for. Go with my thoughts and prayers.

  Your loving brother—Sumner

  Cathryn could have cried, for as she left, the comprehension that the two men who meant the most to her were on opposite sides struck her. She prayed that God would well look over both. Apprehension grew upon each step she took.

  The voyage itself did not concern her. Jake had asked another officer, Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell, who had resigned his commission after the Savannah campaign, to look after her upon the journey.

  No, her worry lay with being apart from Jake. Her love had only grown deeper each day they shared.

  Jake walked her to her cabin. Since she no longer had a maid, her husband had found a young girl, Bonnie, willing to venture to England to serve as her needs dictated.

  “The cabin is adequate. Hopefully, the voyage won’t be long.” Jake peered at her thoughtfully after he looked around the small quarters. Pressing his lips together tightly, he eyed her cautiously. “There is but one more thing I need to address before you go.”

  “We have gone over everything more than once, my love,” Cathryn assured him. “You have seen to my needs and I will be reunited with my children, waiting impatiently for your return. There should not be any issues as long I have custody of my children.”

  “I said that I had placed everything in order, Cathryn. I well imagine that His Grace may have a differing view of what has been settled with the children. Please, make an effort with the duke.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “My dear, I will not be there to mediate between the duke and yourself. The duchess has had the twins for the last three months, by the time you return it will be closer to four. Consider what may be the most comfortable for Philip and Lucy.”

  Immediately, her temper flared. “What do you know you haven’t told me, Jake?”

  “The duchess wrote—”

  “She wrote and you never let me see. My children—”

  Jake pulled the letter from his pocket. “I saved it till now. It came when the last ship docked. I didn’t tell you for I want you to contemplate the situation over the course of the voyage. The children...” he paused. “Cathryn, the duchess couldn’t be happier. I believe from the letter that His Grace was deeply touched by both Philip and Lucy. It’s my belief they will offer you a home until I return.”

  “I would never!” Cathryn drew back away from Jake. “After all he did. You couldn’t think I would want—Jake! No!”

  “See, that’s why I waited. I knew you wouldn’t think rationally.”

  “Rationally! How could you, Jake?” she cried, possessed with sudden anger. He took her by the shoulders.

  “Cathryn—listen!” He gave her a quick shake. “You will have time to stew upon the whole of your voyage, but now you will listen. You may not believe it, but it may be for the best. You have a lot to face in England and I won’t be there. You will find you will need to let go of the past to have the future you want.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “You will find out all the details in London, but the fight to confiscate your property will begin in earnest upon your arrival. Mr. Hamilton has had everything postponed because of your impending return. If it is how I fear, there will be more than just the aid and abetting charge. I underestimated Lyttleton before. I won’t do that toward his father. And, Cathryn, to defeat Lord Blankenship, you will find you will need the Duke of Eversleigh.”

  “I have done nothing wrong, Jake. Why...” she cried with venom.

  “As you found out so well, it is characteristic of the elite. The gentry judge each other with different rules and will defend each other reliant upon the belief that all follow a high standard of integrity. Such as Lyttleton’s attack upon you, it was easier for most to believe that you caused him to behave such because of his status in life, not upon his own actions. If they well had known him as he was or seen the harm he inflicted, it would have been different,” he said, tossing aside all reservations. “Cathryn, Lord Blankenship will try to shred your goodness to pieces. I have given you my name, but the most important aspect may lay with His Grace. With all this ranting and raving about you before and after Philip died, with Lyttleton’s death, you may not like it, but it may well depend upon the duke.”

  “Do you want me to give him my children to save my money? How can you say such?” She could not believe what she was hearing.

  “You misunderstand, my love. The man I know, Philip’s father, won’t allow you to be
treated in this manner. He’s had time to comprehend everything you gave Philip. I ask only that you keep an open mind. Understand Philip wanted his parents in his children’s lives. You know that well.”

  Without warning, tears welled in her eyes and rolled slowly down her cheeks. She stood looking at him, like a hurt bewildered child. He said no words, but took her gently in his arms, pressing her head against his shoulder.

  “I can’t do this without you, Jake. How am I going to survive?”

  “You will because you are stronger than you imagine. How to God I wish I could go with you! I have done all I can. If by chance, all falls upon you unjustly, you have my estate. But remember, my love, I care not about the money or what others say. In the end, I care only if you are there to meet me when I return home.”

  He took her in his arms and kissed her with a completeness that swept away any uncertainty she had.

  Chapter 9

  England

  Early on a Monday morning, sounds from Plymouth harbor woke Cathryn. She lay for a time while listening to them. She had returned to England. Her depression during the voyage lifted. She would soon be reunited with her children. Her concerns allayed if only for the moment.

  Gathering her courage, she slipped out of her bed and readied for the day. Poor Bonnie rushed to bring water for Cathryn’s refreshment, spilling half of it on the floor. The young thing hadn’t been trained properly to be a lady’s maid. Cathryn suspected Bonnie agreed only because she was afraid to refuse a request from a British officer.

  Her maid laid out Cathryn’s best gown she had brought, a faded blue linen with an embroider bodice. This morn, Bonnie pulled her hair back in a bun with curls left to the side of the face then added a matching bonnet. Cathryn could do little about the worn woolen cloak.

  She hadn’t the time or money to have been provided a wardrobe before she left Savannah. Dear Jake had seen to her needs the best he could. She suspected he had spent his last pence on her.

  Jake! Her heart ached. Oh, whatever had he gotten himself into! He had spent a great deal of time with Lieutenant Leckie before her departure. She needed not to be told that Jake was about to embark on a dangerous mission. Her heart couldn’t contemplate the risk he was taking.