Lavender Lies (Historical Romance)

by Constance O'Banyon

  8

  Lavender awoke with an unfamiliar aroma assaulting her senses. It took her several moments to identify the smell as fresh hay. Slowly she raised up on her elbows, examining her surroundings in total bewilderment. Why was she in a barn? Memories of the night before came crashing in on her, and she jumped to her feet. She must have slept for hours, because the eastern sky was tinted a rosy glow, indicating that it was almost sunup.

  A quick glance alerted her to the fact that she was alone. Where were Chandler and Nicodemus? Had something happened to them while she slept?

  She had been trained to be vigilant and guarded, so her mind worked quickly when she stepped outside into the crisp morning air. Tension tied her nerves in knots as her eyes moved past the burned remains of the farmhouse to a creek at the bottom of a grassy slope. Her apprehension melted when she saw her brother watering the horses in the creek.

  Chandler must have heard her approach because he glanced up and smiled. When he held his arms out to her, she ran to him and was enfolded in a warm hug, while happiness made her eyes dance. She realized he must have gone for a swim in the creek because water glistened on his golden hair. She rested her face against his wide chest, feeling his steady heartbeat.

  "Why didn't you awaken me? I would have liked to have gone swimming with you."

  "You have had a very trying ordeal, so I decided you needed the sleep more than you needed to swim, little sister."

  Lavender was not accustomed to remaining long in one place when she had just completed a mission as the Swallow. There was always the chance she might be captured if she didn't keep moving. "Should we not ride on? The British have had plenty of time to form a patrol and come after us. I feel sure we are being followed by now."

  Chandler held Lavender away from him and allowed his eyes to move over her face. "There is no reason that you should be concerned, Lavender. We are safe enough here."

  Putting her uneasiness aside for the moment, she laced her fingers through his. "It is so marvelous to see you again, Chandler. I have missed you a great deal."

  "I know, honey, and I regret that I have not been there for you when you needed me. Nicodemus has told me what it has been like for you, living with Aunt Amelia."

  She searched his eyes. "What else has Nicodemus told you?"

  "He made some very confusing statements which he said you could explain."

  She moved away from Chandler, and to avoid eye contact with him glanced at the burned-out farmhouse instead. She hesitated to tell him that she was the Swallow, for fear he would not understand her motives. "I am starving, is there anything to eat?" she asked, hoping to move the conversation in a different direction.

  Chandler, however, was not to be put off, and there was tension in his expression. "Nicodemus has gone to find something to eat," he stated in a vague voice before bringing the conversation back to her. "He went to great lengths last night not to tell me something that concerned you. Perhaps you can enlighten me on what he avoided saying."

  She laced her fingers together nervously, not knowing where to begin. It would not be easy to tell Chandler about her escapades as the Swallow. Once more she searched her mind for something to distract him. She glanced down at her beautiful gown, noticing it was soiled and some of the threads forming the peacock tail were unraveling. "I must look a sight," she said, tucking a stray golden curl behind her ear. "I hope Nicodemus will remember to find me something more appropriate to wear."

  In two strides, Chandler stood before Lavender, forcing her to meet his eyes. "What are you trying to hide from me, Lavender? I demand that you tell me what is going on here. How did you know where to find me?"

  She met his eyes, and he thought how innocent and vulnerable she appeared. "Brainard Thruston informed me that you were being held prisoner and would most probably be executed if you weren't rescued," she answered in a small voice.

  Chandler looked reflective as he took her hand and led her to an abandoned herb garden that had been choked out by weeds. When he had seated her on a wooden bench, he dropped down beside her. "Why would Brainard tell you where to find me, and why would he allow you to rescue me? Nicodemus said something about you being used by others, Lavender. If I find that Brainard Thruston has been using you in one of his preposterous schemes, I will kill him with my bare hands!"

  Lavender realized she must disclose her secret identity to her brother, even though he would be furious with her afterward. Gathering up her courage, she spoke. "Chandler, I hope you will be understanding when I explain my circumstances to you. I assume you know that our father was a spy."

  He stared at her long and hard. "I had often suspected that he was, but I never knew for certain."

  "Well, he was a spy, Chandler, and I am told he was one of the best."

  "Even if he was a spy, Lavender, what has it to do with you?"

  This was going to be more difficult than she supposed. Already she could see puzzlement in her brother's eyes. When she spoke, her voice reflected the strain she was feeling. "I am trying to tell you, if you will just listen to me. This is very difficult for me. I want to make sure you understand my motives."

  "I am listening."

  "The night Papa was wounded, he had in his possession some extremely important documents. It was imperative that the papers be handed over to his contact at the Swan Tavern in Yorktown. Since he was unable to deliver them himself, he asked me to go in his place."

  Disbelief registered in Chandler's blue eyes. "Are you telling me that Papa actually sent you into danger? I find this all very difficult to follow."

  "I do not think Papa was aware that there would be danger. As it turned out, the British had already found out about the documents and were waiting at the tavern when I got there. I would have been arrested that night had it not been for Brainard Thruston."

  "All right, I can see where you would have obeyed Father's wishes and gone to Yorktown for him, but what has that to do with now?"

  "I know of no way to put it, other than to say it outright." She gazed into his eyes, dreading his reaction to her confession. "Have you heard of the . . . Swallow?"

  "Yes, of course, but what has that to—" His face whitened. "No, Lavender, no. Do not tell me that you are— No, it is unthinkable."

  She nodded, affirming his worst suspicions. "Yes, Chandler, I am the S-Swallow."

  Several different emotions played across his face. First, incredulity and pride, then finally anger that Brainard had used his sister and placed her life in danger. "How can this be? The Swallow is only spoken of in vague whispers. It is said she is our most significant spy. There is a price on her head—dear God, a price on your head, Lavender!"

  "Chandler, please try to understand. After Papa died I wanted to take up where he left off. Also I was angry that he had been killed by the British and wanted to avenge his death in some way. But, since I was his daughter I could not become a soldier as you had. When Brainard suggested 1 might take Papa's place, I did not have to consider long before I agreed. Neither Brainard nor I realized at the beginning how successful 1 would be."

  "I cannot believe what 1 am hearing. How could you place yourself in danger?"

  "I have considered quitting many times, but it's difficult to walk away when I am needed, Chandler."

  He sprung to his feet and pulled her up beside him. "I will not have this, Lavender. Are you aware that if you are caught it will mean your life?"

  "I have been aware of that from the beginning. If you place you life in jeopardy for what you believe in, why shouldn't I? Does the mere fact that I was born female keep me from performing my duty as I see it?'

  His eyes were filled with pain when he pulled her head against his shoulder. "My sweet little sister, how can I make you understand that I don't want anything to happen to you? What you are doing is dangerous. I insist that the Swallow disappear, never to be heard from again."

  She took in a long deep breath. "I suspect I will be forced to retire. You see, I attended G
eneral Cornwallis's party last night, and too many people saw my face. I am sure when they connect the events of your escape, it will not take them long to place the deed at my feet. It will take little imagination on their part to deduce that the woman at the party, and the one who helped you escape, were one and the same. After that, it shouldn't take them too long to conclude that she was also the Swallow. It seems I have outlasted my usefulness."

  Silence grew heavy between the brother and sister. Chandler clasped her hand, while staring at the way the rising sun reflected on her golden hair. "If I had only known what was happening to you, I would have put a stop to this long ago. May I assume that Aunt Amelia does not know what you have been doing?"

  "She has been the easiest of all to fool."

  "What does she think you are doing when you are away for days at a time?"

  Lavender smiled. "She believes I am working at the Public Hospital."

  "How was that accomplished?"

  "I have told you too much already, Chandler. I must not say anymore. Others depend on me to keep their identity a secret. I cannot betray that trust even to you."

  He nodded. "I understand and respect that. Can I trust you to give up this foolhardy and dangerous way of life, Lavender?"

  "As I said, it would seem I have little choice."

  "I intend to call Brainard to an accounting the next time I see him. It is inconceivable to me that he has used my sister so ill."

  She shook her head. "It wouldn't be fair to place the blame on Brainard. He did not force me to become the Swallow. It was something I chose to do. I could have said no."

  He tenderly raked his fingers through her tangled hair and smoothed it over her shoulders. "Regardless of how angry I am at your participating in such a dangerous venture, I am also very proud of you, Lavender." Taking his handkerchief from his pocket, he dipped it in the bucket of water and washed away the smudges on her face. "Just think, my little sister is the famous Swallow."

  She laughed in amusement. "I am not your little sister. If you will recall, I was born ten minutes before you—that makes me the elder."

  He drew himself up to his full height, demonstrating that he towered a head above her. "Sassy face," he said with affection. "In twenty years I will remind you that you are senior to me, and we will see how you like that distinction then." Suddenly Chandler's mood became serious. "1 wish I didn't have to leave just now. I have a feeling that there are things you are keeping from me."

  "I swore an oath of silence, Chandler. Already 1 have told you too much."

  "I know, and I understand."

  Her heart felt heavy. "Must you go away?"

  His eyes conveyed sadness to her. "Yes, 1 fear I must leave within the hour. It is imperative that I reach Richmond with all possible haste so I can rejoin what is left of my unit."

  She fought against the lonely feeling that was already closing in around her. Instinctively she knew that she must make it easy for him to go. "When will I see you again?"

  "I will not desert you this time, sweet one. I will come to Williamsburg as soon as I am able. I do not intend to leave you at the mercy of Aunt Amelia for much longer. I have a plan in my mind that will enable us to be together before too long. Father left me the house in Richmond, perhaps we can live there. Would you like that?"

  Tears made tiny beads on the tips of Lavender's long lashes. "Oh, Chandler, I would love that above all else." She had dreaded the thought of going back to her aunt. But now, with something to look forward to, she could endure anything.

  "You have my word, Lavender, that I will never neglect you again. We only have each other, and I believe Mama and Papa would have wanted us to look after each other."

  Hearing a rider approach, Chandler, in a protective motion, pushed Lavender behind him and yanked his pistol from his belt. Both brother and sister were relieved to see Nicodemus ride into sight.

  Nicodemus slid off his horse, eyeing the gun Chandler crammed back in his belt. "We dine in style this morning," he announced. "1 found a farmhouse beyond the hills, and fortunately for us, the mistress had no love for the British. She was willing to give me whatever we needed when I told her we were running from enemy soldiers. She even sent along some of her son's clothing when I told her that I had a young lad with me who was in want of decent wearing apparel." He tossed a bundle to Lavender. "I believe this contains everything you will need."

  Lavender laughed up at Nicodemus. "You never cease to amaze me. You have a way of turning a difficult situation into an adventure."

  His eyes showed his pleasure at her words. "Don't stand there gawking, girl. Get dressed—we have a long ride ahead of us."

  She quickly ducked into the barn to change her clothing. When she reappeared a short time later, she did indeed resemble a young boy. Chandler looked her over with a grin on his face. "It seems you will now pass for my brother rather than my sister. You are short in stature, and people will conclude that your growth was stunted."

  Humor danced in her blue eyes. "1 may be short, but I walk tall."

  The laughter left his eyes as he thought about all she had been forced to endure. "Yes, my dearest sister, you cast an extremely tall shadow."

  It was early afternoon when Lavender said good-bye to her brother. Locked in his arms, she realized she might never see him again. "Have courage," he said as if he read her mind. "The days will pass, and I will soon come for you and we will be a family again." He hugged her tightly. "I don't believe I have properly thanked you for saving my life." "I need no thanks. You are my brother." He smiled. "I thank you all the same." A lump formed in her throat. She couldn't find words to express her sadness. As he mounted his horse, he gave her a big smile. She watched him until he was out of sight, willing herself to think only of the time when they would be together again.

  Pushing her sadness aside, she went into the barn and gathered up her discarded clothing. Carefully she folded her white gown and placed it in a leather valise. She walked out into the sunshine and quickly strapped the bag to her saddle. With practiced ease, she mounted her horse and rode up beside Nicodemus.

  "Time will pass, Lavender," Nicodemus assured her. "You have been burdened with more than your share of hurts, but the day will come when you will win out."

  Through Lavender's tears she managed to smile. "Sometimes you talk in riddles, Nicodemus, but I like what you say nonetheless." She kicked her horse in the flanks, and the animal bounded forward.

  All afternoon they kept on the move. Occasionally they would dismount and walk beside the horses to rest them. It had been dark for several hours before the weary travelers halted for the night, and only then because they felt the horses could go no farther.

  Tonight there was no deserted barn to offer them sanctuary, so Lavender lay beneath the shadow of a majestic old oak tree, watching the branches sway with the breeze. Nicodemus bedded down nearby so he could keep a watchful eye on her.

  Lavender's voice broke the silence. "Nicodemus, do you think he will come back to Aunt Amelia's home?"

  He didn't need to ask who she was referring to. He knew she spoke of Julian West. "He might since he has no way of knowing you live in Williamsburg."

  "What would a man with his title be doing here, Nicodemus?"

  "I cannot even venture to guess, but it sure bears thinking about."

  "You heard what went on between the duke and myself in the garden that night, didn't you, Nicodemus?"

  "Yes," he readily admitted. "I wasn't eavesdropping, I was but keeping an eye on you. I was not sure if he had discovered who you were. When I saw you running away, I pulled up behind the hedge."

  "Did you know his real name is Julian Westfield, and he is an English duke?"

  "No, I did not hear you speak his name and I know little about English nobility, but I gathered he was of some importance since you referred to him by a title."

  "I am very confused about many things, Nicodemus. I was not prepared to see him at Comwallis's gala."

  "I
know."

  "Nicodemus, do you believe it is possible to love one's enemies?"

  "I am not an expert on matters of the heart, Lavender. But I have a notion that one does not choose where they love. It is my feeling that the choice is predestined."

  Lavender had never heard Nicodemus speak of matters concerning the heart. She tried to envision him as a man in love and failed. "Did you ever love a woman?"

  He laughed. "I believe love is too strong a word to describe what I felt in my youth. It is not easy for a bond servant to offer his heart to a woman."

  "I seem to recall Aunt Amelia saying you were a young man when you became indentured to my father."

  "Yes, but your father never made me feel like a bond servant. He had me well educated, which would have never happened had I remained with my ma and pa. My workload was always light, and your father always treated me with respect. He allowed me to be his friend, rather than a servant."

  "Do you never wonder about your own family? Surely you yearn to see them again."

  He stared at the way the stars winked against the backdrop of the ebony sky. "My ma and pa had twelve offspring. I cannot recall a time when either of them said a kind word to me. I had heard that all my brothers and sisters had been sold as indentured servants. There is no way to find them now. I wouldn't even know where to look. I can only hope they were sold to a kind master, and have fared as well as I."

  "I hope so, too, Nicodemus. You are so much a part of my life, I cannot imagine what it would be like without you."

  He knew he could never make her understand that his main concern in life was looking after her. She and Chandler had been left to him, kind of like a sacred trust. "It is not easy to pick up the threads of your life, once you have dropped them. I am contented with my life as it is."

  "I have often wondered why you never left us after your indentured time was over. I am sure my aunt does not pay you all that well."

  "As I said, I am contented with my life as it is."

  She felt sad for the life that Nicodemus had led. Not that he had ever complained about his lot in life. What a pity he had never married and had children of his own, because he would have been a kind and loving parent.