Just Jane

by William Lavender

  “Omar is the main reason I’m still alive,” Jane said firmly. “Please make sure Uncle Robert understands that.”

  “Oh, he does, I assure you. That’s why Omar wasn’t punished. It’s just that your leaving like that was such a blow to him. You must realize, Jane, in his own clumsy way he loves you like the daughter he always—”

  “Aunt Clarissa!” Jane’s patience suddenly ran out. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. You sound as if you don’t realize that it’s thanks to him that Simon could soon be hanged as a traitor!”

  “I was only trying to—”

  “Well, you’re wasting your breath. I haven’t forgotten the awful things you both did. I told you I’m not coming back there, and I mean it!”

  “I realize that, dear. And even though Robert is still your legal guardian, until you’re twenty-one, he won’t try to force you against your will. Just remember that he had no idea he was harming you in any way. He was devastated when he realized how important Simon is to you.”

  Jane could stand no more. “Excuse me, I think I’ll walk back from here.” Signaling the driver to stop, she stepped out of the carriage, then turned to say a final word. “Thank you for bringing my things, Aunt Clarissa. I am, as I said in my note, very grateful to both you and Uncle Robert. But I’ve crossed a bridge now, and there’s no going back. Apart from that, there’s really nothing more to be said.”

  Giving Clarissa no opportunity to reply, she walked rapidly away.

  On her way home, Jane read Brandon’s letter. In it he boasted about his magnificent Warrior and complained about “cowardly” rebels who wouldn’t come out of the woods and fight. Jane wondered how these “cowards” could be the formidable adversaries they had proven themselves to be. He still regretted not seeing his father the day the prison ship sailed, and assured Jane that he was visiting his mother as often as possible.

  “In closing,” he wrote at the end, “I hope you will be pleased to hear that things are getting quite serious between Lucinda Dunning and me. But no matter what develops, dear Jane, I want you to know that the friendship I have with you is one I shall always treasure above all others.”

  All happiness to you, good friend, Jane thought, and, for the first time in many days, permitted herself a faint smile.

  But the smile quickly disappeared when her thoughts returned to Simon, and the realization that his fate would soon be decided. She knew how grave was the charge of high treason but tried mightily not to think of it.

  There was nothing left to do now but hope for a miracle.

  Chapter 28

  The trial of Simon Cordwyn before the British military court sparked more interest among the people of Charlestown than any trial in recent years. Hugh attended every session in the royal governor’s building, faithfully reporting to Jane and Lydia all that transpired.

  The first day belonged to the prosecution, headed by the British Army’s Major Elliot. With principal witness Captain Richard Fleming, Elliot skillfully laid out his case, leaving little doubt that the former schoolmaster and the notorious rebel smuggler were one and the same.

  On the second day, counsel for the defense—a British junior officer appointed by the court—argued that the evidence against the defendant did not add up to positive proof. He produced a string of character witnesses who had known Simon in Charlestown as a law-abiding, highly respected schoolmaster. One was cabinetmaker Hugh Prentice, who recalled how the accused had always condemned the rebellion as foolish and doomed to failure. Hugh swore that the same man could not now be guilty of treason.

  Captain Fleming was gratified to see that there was no one important or influential among the defense witnesses. An obscure cabinetmaker was the best they could do. Unbelievable, thought Fleming, that this man is first cousin to Robert Prentice, one of the colony’s most distinguished Loyalist leaders.

  The young captain was supremely confident of the fine boost his own career would get from the successful prosecution of this case. Breaking the Continentals’ most successful smuggling ring would be a real feather in his cap. With only one trial day remaining, all he had to do was sit back and wait for the congratulations to start pouring in.

  On the third morning of the trial, Hugh was first in line for the spectator section. A summary of what had gone before was expected that day, followed by the verdict, either that same day or the next.

  Soon after he took a seat, Hugh felt a nudge on the arm and rolled his eyes in disgust when he saw who had sat down next to him.

  “I know what you think of me,” Robert whispered before Hugh could say a word, “and you needn’t tell me again now. Just tell me, how is Jane?”

  Hugh’s reply was chilly. “As well as can be expected, considering everything. Don’t go near her, Robert. She won’t stand for it.”

  “I won’t trouble her, never fear.” Robert leaned closer. “By the way, I hear you put on a fine performance yesterday. Almost had these gentlemen convinced that you never knew what Cordwyn was up to.”

  Hugh’s manner turned from chilly to ice cold. “Robert, I know your part in this disgraceful affair. Years ago you cut yourself off from me. Now I’ll return the favor. Get away from me. I’ll not talk to you.”

  “I’m going, I’m going,” Robert said, his own pleasant manner unruffled. “But do give Jane my regards, won’t you? And Hugh, watch closely this after—”

  “All rise!” the court clerk called out, and Robert’s words were drowned out as the crowd rose for the judges’ entrance. In solemn single file, they strode in, five in all, and took their seats at an elevated table at the front of the lofty chamber. Then: “Come to order!” Straggling spectators rushed for seats. To Hugh’s relief, Robert had disappeared.

  He studied the judges. All senior officers, they were ramrod straight and stone faced. And to them, Hugh thought in despair, we must look for justice and mercy! Major Elliot sat with Captain Fleming and several aides at a table to the right, the defendant and his counsel to the left.

  After two days in court, Hugh was still shocked at Simon’s appearance. His shirt tattered, his unshaven face grimy, he slumped in his chair staring hollowly at the table before him. He appeared to hold no hope—and, indeed, there appeared to be none. Hugh had not said this to Jane, although he strongly suspected that she knew.

  Just as the tiresome case review came to an end, the trial of Simon Cordwyn took an unexpected turn. A commanding voice rang out from the back of the room.

  “May it please the court, I beg to be heard!” A multitude of startled eyes, Hugh’s among them, turned to stare as a man came forward, stopping only when guards blocked his way.

  The five judges peered at the intruder, frowning. “What is the meaning of this?” the chief judge demanded. “State your name, sir.

  The reply came promptly. “I am Robert Prentice of this city, and of Rosewall Plantation.”

  “Robert Prentice . . .” The chief judge pondered. “Your name is familiar to me, sir. Your reputation as a staunch Loyalist is well known. Do I take it that you wish to speak for the prosecution in this case?”

  “With your permission, sir, I would speak for the defense.”

  A buzz of astonishment swept through the crowded courtroom. Major Elliot leaped to his feet, shouting, “My Lords, I object! This is most irregular!” The judges conferred with each other in whispers. As dumbfounded as anyone else, Simon sat up straight, staring blankly at Robert.

  Finally the chief judge turned to Robert with a stern frown. “This is, indeed, highly irregular, Mr. Prentice. However, you may address the court if you make it brief. And be warned—we will not view it kindly if you have interrupted these proceedings for a frivolous reason.”

  Robert Prentice approached the judges’ table with quiet dignity and a resolute look in his eye. The courtroom buzz quickly died as everyone in the crowded chamber waited breathlessly. And like a masterful orator, the unexpected witness held his listeners in thrall.

  “Good sirs,” he bega
n, “I should like to speak to you today about the people of this colony. I have lived among them for more than twenty years, and I know them well. There is bitterness and resentment among them, and it threatens the safety of us all. Time and again, men are brought before you and accused of treason. Some are guilty, but many are victims of hasty, overeager pursuit, false evidence, human error. The people’s bitterness grows, and rebellion flames anew. In the present case we have a man who a short time ago commanded the respect and admiration of all who knew him in this city. Now he comes before you charged with offenses no one can prove, and which are contradicted by everything known about his character—”

  “My Lords!” Major Elliot sprang from his seat with another objection. “I beg to remind the gentleman that it was he who provided the information that led us to place the prisoner under arrest!”

  “A mistake I will regret to my dying day!” Robert shot back. “I merely mentioned to Captain Fleming that Mr. Cordwyn was in Charlestown. I had no idea he would be arrested without proof of due cause, or brought to trial on such flimsy evidence!”

  Sputtering, the prosecutor sat down, and Robert turned back to the judges. “Gentlemen, I do not presume to instruct you in the performance of your duties, or in your deliberations on the verdict you will deliver here. But I beseech you, listen to the people outside these walls. Most are loyal subjects of our king, but they decry as ‘tyranny’ any hint of injustice done in the name of the Crown. Do not give them cause to use that word again. I have known Simon Cordwyn for many years. And from everything I know about him, I would stake my life that an innocent man is on trial here. That is all I have to say. Thank you for your attention.”

  In the midst of confused silence, Robert turned on his heel and, with all eyes following him, strode rapidly out of the courtroom.

  Chapter 29

  “Order!” bellowed the chief judge, and the pandemonium that had threatened to erupt in the courtroom subsided into an excited buzz. The judges then went into a huddle, whispering earnestly among themselves. The prisoner’s mood had undergone a striking change. He conferred earnestly with his counsel, appearing to take an interest in the proceedings for the first time. Captain Richard Fleming’s mood had also undergone a change. He now sat slumped at the prosecutor’s table shaking his head, stunned at this incredible turn of events.

  A recess then being declared for the day, Hugh raced home to Lydia and Jane, arriving out of breath from running, bursting with the news of the amazing scene he had witnessed. “Robert was magnificent! Who would have dreamed he would say such things! And that fool Fleming—he almost fainted!”

  Jane was in a daze. “But what does it all mean?”

  Hugh had a ready answer. “It means that Robert knows what a low-down thing he did, and he’s trying to repair the damage. And that takes courage.”

  “But you, too, spoke for Simon, as did others,” Lydia pointed out. “What difference can one more voice make?”

  “All the difference in the world!” Hugh exclaimed. “Robert is known as a leading Loyalist in this area. His word carries tremendous weight—far more than mine ever could.” He turned to the shaking Jane. “The judges will deliver their verdict tomorrow morning. Only one more night to wait.”

  The longest night of my life, Jane thought.

  Hugh was back in his seat in the courtroom gallery bright and early on the fourth day of the trial. In contrast to the dramatic scene that enlivened the day before, the closing session began on a dull, routine note. Once more came a detailed summary of arguments and evidence presented by both sides, with explanations of the laws each side thought should apply in the case. The chief judge then declared another recess—a few minutes of almost unbearable suspense that proved to be mercifully brief—after which he and his fellow judges returned to announce their decision.

  The verdict: Guilty.

  The sentence: Banishment to Nova Scotia, Canada, until hostilities with England had ceased.

  The pandemonium that followed was beyond controlling. In seconds a stream of spectators poured out of the building, everyone loudly rejoicing or complaining. Outside, they gathered in knots, heatedly debating the matter.

  It was not so much the verdict as the sentence that had spectators excited. Just as Saint Augustine, Florida, had been the topic of the crowd’s curiosity several months before, the British province of Nova Scotia in the North Atlantic now became the subject of intense speculation. Some said it was a block of ice, frozen solid year-round. Others, who had heard that people actually lived there, claimed that it was a beautiful land of farmers and fishermen. But in that furious dispute, two points were agreed upon by all: No one had ever been publicly tried and convicted of treason and then received such a mild sentence—and this amazing outcome had to be due solely to the unexpected intervention of Mr. Robert Prentice.

  Hugh was hurrying away from the courthouse to take the exciting news home, when Jane suddenly clutched at his arm. “Cousin Hugh, wait!”

  “Jane! I thought you couldn’t bear to come here.”

  This time it was she who was breathless. “I couldn’t bear to stay away! I’ve heard what people are saying. Banishment—and to Canada! Is that true?”

  “It’s true.” He grinned. “For such a serious charge, it’s only a slap on the wrist.”

  “Thank God!” she cried. “Do you think they’d let me see him before they take him away?”

  “Not likely, but let’s try around back. They usually take prisoners out that way.”

  They made their way through the crowd but could get no closer than thirty or forty feet from a small rear door. Jane strained to see through the throng of heads in front of her. Finally, two guards emerged with the shackled, half-starved prisoner between them. Jane gasped at the sight of him.

  “Mr. Cordwyn!” she called. Her voice was lost among the shouts of the noisy crowd. “Simon!” she cried, waving her arms. “I’m here!”

  Now he jerked his head in her direction, eyes frantically searching. “Jane! Wait for me, I’ll—” There was no time for more. The guards hustled him toward an enclosed prison wagon and shoved him into the back, out of sight.

  In tears, Jane turned to Hugh. “I saw him,” she said. “I called to him, and he heard me. They wouldn’t even let him speak, but I know he was trying to say, ‘Wait for me. I’ll come back for you.’ ”

  “Then you heard all that really matters, didn’t you?” Hugh smiled gently and took her arm. “Come now, let’s go home and tell Lydia.”

  They threaded their way out of the crowd, never noticing Robert standing a short distance away. He watched them until they had disappeared from sight, then, head bowed, he walked off slowly in the opposite direction.

  Early the next morning, Jane was shaken awake by Lydia. “Sorry to wake you, love. But you’ll not believe who’s come knocking at the door, insisting on seeing you. Of all people, that bloodthirsty monster Captain Fleming!”

  Still half asleep, Jane winced. “Oh, no, please! Tell him to go away!”

  “I did, but he won’t. He says it’s his last chance to see you before he sails for England tomorrow.”

  “Really!” Jane blinked herself awake. “All right,” she sighed. “Tell him I’ll be there shortly, would you?”

  A few minutes later, Jane found herself strolling along the Charlestown seawall with the man who had proven himself to be Simon’s worst enemy. “So you’re sailing for England tomorrow,” she remarked, unable to think of anything else to say. “Why so suddenly?”

  “Who knows?” he replied glumly. “Perhaps it’s my commander’s way of punishing me for my failing to—But I’m a soldier, I can only follow orders.”

  They stopped and gazed out over the harbor.

  “It’s amazing, isn’t it?” he mused. “How complicated life can be?”

  She smiled faintly but did not look at him. “Very true, Richard.”

  He drew a deep breath, then began again. “Before I go, Jane, there are two very importa
nt things I want to say to you.”

  “If one is to justify your actions against Mr. Cordwyn, you needn’t bother. You were doing your duty as an officer, I understand that.”

  “Good, thank you. Then I’ll go on to the second one. From the first time I ever saw you—remember, that day at Rosewall? Good Lord, I actually mistook you for a servant! I’ve always held in my heart the hope that one day I might take you home to England as my bride.”

  Jane finally looked at him, but he could read nothing in her empty gaze. “I speak boldly because I must do so now, or never,” he went on. “I always thought my chief rival was young Ainsley. But now I’m told it was none other than that schoolmaster! I must say, I resist believing that.”

  “Nevertheless, it’s true, Richard. And it’s not going to change.”

  “Jane, I appeal desperately to your good sense. How well do you know this Cordwyn? Do you really think you’ll ever see the scoundrel again?”

  “Captain Fleming,” Jane said icily, “I do not require your instruction in this matter.”

  “Please, hear me out. Think of who you are—Lady Jane Prentice. That’s Lady Jane Prentice. As my wife you’d also be a member of the distinguished Fleming family, with the most devoted husband you could ever desire. Give me your pledge, and I’ll return within the year and take you home to England. And it is your home, Jane.”

  Jane’s gaze drifted out to the distant horizon. “I often think of England,” she said softly. “I loved the green hills and country lanes I knew as a child. They’ll always be a part of me.” As she turned to face him, Richard saw a light in her eyes he had never seen before. “I wish you well, Richard, truly,” she said. “But now we must say good-bye. Because, you see, I’m doing exactly what you urged me to do—thinking of who I am. I wish I could explain it better. All I can tell you is . . . I’m an American now.”