“So you’re saying that you might have had my brother meet a worse fate than mere banishment,” Clarissa remarked coldly. “Thank you very much, I’m sure. I shall take my leave of you gentlemen now.”
“Never mind,” Robert said mildly as she disappeared up the stairs. “You’re an officer of the Crown, Richard. You can’t be blamed for doing your duty, however unpleasant.”
“I was only trying to explain that it’s really the Continentals’ smuggling ring we’re after, not Mr. Ainsley himself,” said Richard. “They run more supplies through the Carolinas than anywhere else in the colonies.”
“Do they, indeed?”
“Their leader’s devilishly clever, whoever he is. Always one step ahead of us. We almost caught him up near Cape Fear a few weeks ago, but he managed to slip through our fingers, curse the luck.”
“Remarkable,” Robert exclaimed.
“It is, when you consider that all we know about him is that he’s called The Schoolmaster—not much to go on. But that’s enough about my problems. How have you been faring lately, Mr. Prentice?”
“Not so well, I’m afraid. Last week marauders attacked Rosewall in broad daylight! They couldn’t breach my wall, of course, but they made off with some livestock and burned down a barn. And in all this confusion, a third of my Negroes have disappeared.”
Richard shook his head in sympathy. “The Negroes are becoming a problem for us as well. The poor wretches think the British will lead them to a paradise of freedom somewhere. God knows what’ll become of them.”
On this gloomy note, he rose to leave, adding, “I did hope I might see Jane. I’ll admit I harbor tender feelings toward your niece.”
“I realize that, sir. You’ll find her at the city market. We have Nellie for that, but for some reason Jane likes to go.”
As they reached the street, Robert had a last question for his visitor. “This so-called Schoolmaster—do you know if he ever lived in Charlestown?”
“As I said, we know nothing about him. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious.” Robert flashed a smile. “Now, Richard, you must come to dinner soon. And don’t worry, I’ll square things with Clarissa.”
They shook hands and parted, but as Richard walked away, Robert’s smile vanished. “The Schoolmaster,” he muttered. “How very interesting . . .”
The open-air market was a busy place where citizens of Charlestown could sometimes find fruit and vegetables. Jane had bought a few tomatoes and was just leaving when Richard fell into step beside her.
“So you’re back, Captain Fleming,” she said coldly. “Did you catch any of those awful smugglers?”
“We came close,” he replied. “But no, not a one, I’m afraid.”
“How regrettable,” she remarked, breathing a secret sigh of relief.
“Look here, Jane, I know you blame me for what happened to Mr. Ainsley. But I swear, I had nothing to do with it.” He repeated his protestation of innocence. “I had left orders that all those men be kept under observation,” he explained. “It was only when I arrived back in the city last night that I learned that General Cornwallis had countermanded my order. What can I do? He’s the commanding general. I’m only a captain.”
“You boasted to us about your important position, Richard. You led us to believe that you had a great deal of influence.”
“Obviously, I overestimated my influence. Please forgive me, Jane. It would distress me terribly to fall from your good graces.”
Grudgingly she relented. “Well, we won’t mention it again.”
“Good. Now, on to more pleasant things. There’ll be a ball at the Officers Club on Saturday night, and I thought, if you’ll do me the honor—”
“No, Richard. I won’t be going out with you anymore.”
“What?” He pulled her to a stop. “Why ever not, may I ask?”
“You offered me an apology, and I accepted. Now I’ll ask you to accept one from me. I’ve let you believe that I cared for you, because I thought it might be a way to protect Mr. Ainsley from harm. It was a mean and foolish thing to do, and I’m sorry. And I’m not going to do it anymore.”
To her surprise, this made him chuckle. “Jane, my dear girl! You never deceived me. I never for one moment thought I had a chance to replace Brandon Ainsley in your affections. Not that I wouldn’t like to, but—”
“Stop, Richard, and leave Brandon out of this. He has absolutely nothing to do with it.”
“Oh? Perhaps Mrs. Prentice was right. She once told me she was glad I took up so much of your time. She had begun to suspect that on your long solitary walks you were secretly meeting someone. Is that true?”
Jane bristled. “Richard, I have grown fond of you, and I hope our friendship can endure. But if you speak to me that way, it will not.”
“Once again, my apologies, Jane. That was an improper question, and I withdraw it. Now, about the ball on Saturday—”
“I have told you, I cannot.” Her determined look set him back on his heels. “Listen to me, Richard. Mr. Ainsley is not the only person I care about on the American side whose life has been devastated. There will be no plays or concerts for me, no more teas, dinners, balls, or entertainments of any kind. When all the people I care for can come back to normal lives, I’ll come back, too. Not before.”
Leaving him staring after her with a flabbergasted look on his face, she walked on, feeling lighter on her feet and in her heart.
As Robert had predicted, Richard Fleming was soon welcome again in the Prentice home. He and Jane were cordial to each other but no longer went out together. Jane returned to her old habit of taking long walks alone, seeming to withdraw into a shell of seclusion. Always watching, always suspicious, Clarissa spoke of her concerns to Robert.
“I’m sure she’s up to something. It’s high time she was married, but the way she behaves, it will never happen. First she chased Brandon away, and now she’s doing the same with Captain Fleming. What can we do?”
Robert had no answer. Indeed, there seemed to be no solution in sight.
All Jane was up to on her walks was strolling down Queen Street, looking for signs of life at the cabinetmaker’s shop. There never were any, until one bracing October morning when she ran straight into Hugh himself.
“Cousin Hugh!” she cried in delight.
“Hello, Jane! What a piece of luck, running into you like this. I’ve been hoping for a chance to see you.”
“Where on earth have you been?”
“We’ve been staying with Peter’s in-laws, up near Georgetown. I was trying to avoid signing the Oath of Allegiance but was afraid of what would happen to me if I didn’t. Look at Arthur Ainsley, after all.”
“That was a horrible shock. He’s a very brave man.”
“Braver than I. I finally signed the damned thing. Not that I’ve changed my mind about anything. It was just the only way I could safely get back to my shop. I do hope you’ll pay us a visit soon, now that we’re back.”
“I’d love to. It’s not easy, Uncle Robert feeling the way he does. But I’ll watch for my chance and come when I can. In the meantime, give my regards to Lydia. And Peter, whenever you see him.”
“Which isn’t often,” Hugh remarked glumly. “He’s out there somewhere, but Lord only knows where. We just keep our fingers crossed for him.”
“Of course. And speaking of people out there somewhere—you remember that gentleman we saw at the Ainsleys’ house last year? Have you—”
“No, Jane, don’t ask me that.” Suddenly Hugh’s face was a blank mask. “I can tell you nothing about him.”
Jane stepped closer, her penetrating gaze holding him fast. “I know what he’s doing. Uncle Arthur as much as told me before they took him away.”
“Did he, now! Well, in that case—I heard from the gentleman about a month ago. He’d wanted to come to Charlestown this summer, but the occupation delayed things. But he plans to come back as soon as he can.”
“Oh no!” Jane wr
ung her hands, suddenly agitated. “If he comes, you must tell him to go away and stay away! It’s not safe for him here!”
Hugh shook his head. “I’ve tried that, but it’s useless. In the first place, he wants desperately to see you again. And in the second place, who am I to lecture the Continental Army’s chief of smuggling operations in the Southern colonies on the subject of safety?”
Jane stared. “He’s . . . what?”
Hugh stared back. “I thought you said you knew.”
“I know what kind of work he’s doing. But I thought it was for his brother-in-law’s store in Pennsylvania!”
“Good Lord!” Hugh clapped his forehead. “I’ve said far too much.”
“You don’t feel you can trust me, Cousin Hugh?”
He smiled an apology. “Of course I can. I’d trust you with my life.”
A distant look came to Jane’s eyes. “Just imagine! All the while I’ve been wondering what he would think of me. I’m supposed to be a loyal British subject, but more and more I find myself—”
“Drifting over to our side?” Hugh suggested hopefully.
“No. Suspended in the middle, not knowing where I belong.”
“Be patient, my dear. Eventually it will all come clear to you.”
On those words of hopeful advice, they parted company.
One afternoon not long after that, Clarissa sat in the parlor working at her needlepoint. Robert was at a Loyalist meeting, and Jane was off on another one of her frequent long walks. One day, Clarissa told herself, she would follow and find out once and for all what Jane was up to.
Glancing idly out the window, she saw a boy approaching the house. A moment later, she met him at the front door. “Yes, what is it?”
“Got a note for Miss Jane Prentice,” he announced.
Clarissa instantly perceived a rare opportunity. “I’m Jane Prentice,” she said, and reached for the note.
The boy waved it playfully in the air. “She’s supposed to be a young unmarried lady. You don’t look like that to me.”
“Wait here.” Clarissa disappeared, returning shortly with a gold coin, which she waved enticingly at the boy. “Does this convince you?”
“Ma’am, I’m convinced!” He grabbed the coin, handed over the note, and hurried away.
In seconds, Clarissa had scanned a few crudely scrawled lines.
Dear Miss Prentice,
Your cousin Mr. Hugh Prentice sends you gifts of farm produce and news of his family. Will you come to my lodging house at the address given below to receive same? This afternoon, if you can?
Mrs. Elinor James, Proprietor
Clarissa’s maid, Nellie, was dozing in a kitchen chair when her mistress swept in. “I’m going out for a little while, Nellie. Back soon, I expect.”
“Yes’m.” The lady departed, and Nellie settled down to resume her nap. It was nice to have the house to herself occasionally. And for once, all was peace and quiet.
Chapter 25
The lodging house was in a shabby part of town, worlds away from Legare Street. Clarissa eyed it—and the shambling old woman who answered her knock—with distaste.
“Mrs. James? I’m Jane Prentice.”
Mrs. James stared suspiciously at the fine lady standing before her, finally mumbling, “Well, come in.” She led the way down a long musty-smelling hall and knocked on a door. When it opened, Clarissa Prentice and Simon Cordwyn stared at each other in mute astonishment.
“I had me doubts about this lady, sir,” said Mrs. James. “But ’ere she came, so I let ’er in.” When Simon made no reply, she shuffled away.
Finally Simon retreated into the room and sank heavily into a chair. “My God, what have I done?”
“Something not very clever, it seems,” Clarissa observed, glancing over the threadbare furnishings. “That ridiculous note—was that Hugh’s idea?”
“No. Hugh doesn’t even know I’m here.”
“Good. I’d hate to think a Prentice would stoop to such a cheap trick.”
“Cheap trick?” He glared at her. “I sent Jane a note. You stole it—and then you have the gall to accuse me of a cheap trick!”
“Oh, Simon! How sad that we meet again this way. I’ve been suspecting Jane of seeing someone secretly. But I never dreamed it was you.”
“And, indeed, it was not. I have not seen Jane.”
“You’ll pardon me if I don’t believe that.”
“Believe it or not, as you like.”
“You know, it took me a long time to get over the way you just walked away from me. I was sure you’d come back one day. Finally, I realized it was just my pride that was injured, nothing more. And now you have come back—but this time, it’s for little Jane!”
Simon grimaced. “You shouldn’t be here, Clarissa. I must ask you to leave now, and—”
“Oh! I’ve found you out, so you order me away! You think it’s that easy, do you?” Clarissa’s voice rose in agitation. “I made a fool of myself once for love of you, and you cut me off like a useless, dead flower. Well, you can be sure I’m not going to stand by and watch Jane fall into the same—”
“Stop,” Simon said quietly. A movement at the door had caught his eye.
“You can’t bear to hear the truth, is that what you mean?”
“I mean we are not alone.”
Clarissa spun around and saw Robert standing in the doorway. While she stood frozen in horror, he came strolling in. “I hope I’m not intruding.” His words were courteous, but his tone was icy.
The color had drained from Clarissa’s face. “Robert! I—uh—I was just—” Her hands fluttered like nervous butterflies.
“Visiting an old friend, I see. How very nice.” He turned a glassy smile on Simon. “Good to see you again, Cordwyn. Will you be in town long?”
Simon shrugged. “That’s hard to say.”
“Long enough to come calling, I hope. Jane would be delighted to see her old schoolmaster again, don’t you agree, darling?” Clarissa made no reply.
“You’re so pale, my dear.” Robert turned to Simon. “I’m afraid you’ll have to excuse us, Cordwyn. My wife tires so easily. But do come to tea, my good fellow. Tomorrow at three? No argument now, we’ll be expecting you. Shall we go, Clarissa?”
She stood silent for a moment longer, giving Simon a look as cold as a winter midnight. Then, as if sleepwalking, she left the room.
“Till tomorrow then, Cordwyn.” Robert flashed another smile and followed Clarissa out.
When the landlady returned a few minutes later, she found her tenant slumped over the table, head in hands.
“Oh, dear! It wasn’t the right lady after all, was it, sir?”
“No, Mrs. James,” he muttered. “It most certainly was not!”
That evening Clarissa retired early, only to lie sleepless in bed. At last Robert appeared at her bedside like a shadow in the gloom around her.
“Headache any better?” he asked.
“A little, thank you,” she answered weakly.
“Try to get some sleep. I’m sure you need it.”
“How did you know I was there, Robert?”
“Sam Blaine was driving me home when I saw you heading into that low-class district. I got out of the carriage at the next corner and followed you. I haven’t yet decided whether I’m glad or sorry that I did.”
“That was quite a performance you gave, inviting Simon to tea. You don’t really expect him to come, do you?”
“No, but I can play false games as well as anyone.”
“How much did you hear?”
“Enough. Evidently, having invaded my domain once before, that scoundrel thinks he can return and invade it yet again.”
“Ah, yes, your domain. I belong to you. Jane belongs to you. Rosewall belongs to you—everything belongs to you. Perhaps it’s not so bad if a man learns his domain can be subject to invasion.”
“Good night, Clarissa.” Robert turned and started to leave the room.
“Ro
bert, wait.” She sat up in bed. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t reproach you. But you’ve hardly said a word to me since we left that wretched place.”
“I really have nothing to say, my dear.”
“Nothing at all? Please, Robert! I admit there’s a stain on my past, and I’m sorry you had to learn of it. But it all happened long ago. I’m married to you, and if you’ll forgive and forget, I’ll go on being as dutiful a wife as ever a man could—Robert! Hear me out!”
He looked back from the doorway. “I don’t want a dutiful wife,” he said. “I want a loving one.” He closed the door softly behind him, leaving her staring into the darkness.
Jane also lay awake that night. She was thinking of her meeting with Hugh a few days before, and wondering about Simon. Would he dare return to Charlestown? Her heart hoped desperately that he would. Her head hoped even more desperately that he would not. Be patient, Hugh had said. But it was hard to be patient when she had no way of knowing what was going on.
She thought about Robert and Clarissa. They had barely spoken to each other or to her that evening, and Clarissa had retired upstairs immediately after supper. It was quite unlike them. They must have quarreled about something, Jane decided. Well, never mind. She settled down to sleep. Whatever was wrong between them would no doubt be cleared up by morning.
Captain Fleming, working late at the Board of Police, was surprised to receive a visitor close to ten o’clock. “Good evening, sir. What brings you out at this hour? From the look on your face, it must be something serious.”
Robert took a chair. “I do apologize for interrupting you here, Richard. But if you can spare a few minutes, I think you’ll find what I have to say most worthwhile . . .”
Chapter 26
Jane was shocked and dismayed when Robert announced early the next morning that they would return to Rosewall that very day. “Today? Why so suddenly?”
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