by Jerri Hines
“Oh, William, do not be like this. I want to talk and explain. Let us go into the drawing room so the whole of the house will not hear.”
He shook his head and refused to move. Stuttering, he said, “Before the British invaded your home…we… were…we—”
“We kissed, William. You have to know how happy I was. You were part of that happiness. You have been a dear friend—”
“Stop! Stop this charade, Cathryn! You have to have known how I feel. How I felt well before you departed to England. I know well I’m married. It is a sham at best, but married just the same. I had hoped that you felt as I. I have been so frustrated with my marriage…but that too is your fault. If you had not left, I would never have been in this loveless marriage.
“Do you know since she lost the babe, she has not let me touch her? A baby that couldn’t have possibly been mine…but your brother’s!”
She shivered at the raw crudeness of his words. “I’m sorry, William, truly I am, but I cannot offer you anything but friendship. Think…where would any relationship lead? Nothing is going to change the fact you are married.”
“It’s not how you felt when I held you in my arms. I felt you wanted more. You wanted me…until he showed up.”
“William, please, think. What if we did get caught up in the celebration, what you want of me then…to become your mistress or cast me aside? Either way we could no longer be friends”
“I would never have thought of you in that manner.”
“You know well people have already talked because we are good friends, but in truth, William, it is better to keep it as it is.”
“You are backtracking rather well, but I know how you received me until that damn British officer showed up.” He withdrew back from her. “Is he your lover?”
She thought for a moment of denying everything, but she was certain he could see the truth in her face. “I’m tired, William, and unable to come up with a clever response. I will not lie. Is this what you truly want…the truth?”
“By God, yes!” He could stand no more. He berated her. “Tacy told me that in England it was thought you were to marry that man before your husband married you. It is all so confusing, Cathryn. What happened in England?” He paused for a moment. “Did you take him back, Cathryn?”
She made no effort to deny it. She said simply, “Yes, William, I did.”
His eyes narrowed and stepped toward her. This was a William she did not know. She felt his hatred…toward her? She recoiled.
“You know I did, or you wouldn’t be acting in this manner. Do you want to hear that I love Jake? Yes, I love him. He will give me the protection from Eversleigh that I need.”
William threw his head back and laughed, a hysterical laugh. “How is he going to do that? Do you not realize that Sumner is never going to let you leave? He needs you…your money. It wasn’t just I working hard to release the ties to your money.”
“Why would you say all of this, William? Why are you being so cruel? Sumner has shielded me with the love that only family can give…he has protected the twins and myself. You do not know me at all if you think I care about the money. Sumner can have whatever he wants. He knows that.”
“From you, yes. From a husband, that will be a different story.” He taunted her, his eyes wide and glazed. “Do you know that I have striven for years to be the perfect son, perfect gentleman? Where did it get me? A wife I abhor. A woman I can never have. I’m a poor pitiful fool.”
“You need to collect yourself, William. Think about what you are saying. If you expect me to feel sorry for you, I don’t. You have more than most. I have never thought of you other than the gentleman you are. You have been my best friend when I needed it most.”
“Don’t. I don’t want your sympathy I see in your eyes.” His voice was flat and angry. “I have the answers I sought. I wish you well in your venture. Don’t expect me to be around when everything falls apart. I’m done with you…I’m done with being the perfect gentleman.”
Cathryn looked at him for a long moment. She said nothing. There was nothing more to say.
At the door, he turned back to her. “Don’t try to communicate with me, Cathryn. Our friendship is no more. We are on two different sides and should remain so.”
She watched him walk out and slammed the door …with unquestioned finality.
* * * *
William’s words hung over Cathryn like the fog after a rain. She told herself it was for the best. She could never give him what he wanted. She would miss his company, but soon she would be with Jake. She clung to that thought.
Wearily, she sought sanctuary in her room. Her emotions had been drained. It was time. She made her way to the top drawer of her dresser. She held the letters in her hands for the time, and then opened the first one.
My dearest Cathryn,
There are no words can express my joy at the news of my grandchildren. How desolate I felt since Philip passed away. I have lived with a sadness compounded by the fact that you disappeared because of the action of my husband. Never have I been so despondent and unhappy. The endless days when I could not find the strength to leave my bed. The anger at my husband who drove you away. I could not bring myself to talk to him for over a year.
In that time, I discovered I needed to forgive. I forgave my husband because I believe he is genuinely sorrowful. I beg you to forgive me…us.
I do not make excuses for his actions, only reasons. Charles is a man who has never admitted he feels emotion. His world encompassed his son…he loved Philip dearly. Now that you have your own, you can understand that there is nothing you will not do for your child. But when there is nothing you can do, only sit back and watch, there is not a worse feeling in the world. He lashed out at the only could, which happened to be you. Inexcusable. He has paid for his behavior. He pains as much as I or more, knowing if anything happens to you or the children he will be responsible.
Cathryn, I know why you ran. I understand. But now, I ask, no plead, for you to return. From all I understand, Philip placed his trust in Jake, placing him as guardian to the children. You must realize all Jake has done in his effort to bring you home. Jake has promised me he will find you and return with both you and the children.
Twins—oh, Cathryn, I couldn’t believe when I heard! Jake says, a boy and a girl. He does not know their names, but it doesn’t matter as long as they are healthy and well. I long to see them and would love to hold each. In honesty, all that I ask is that they are on English soil. I worry so with all I have heard about the nasty war.
I know your heart, Cathryn. You made Philip so happy and content. I will forever be in your debt for such. Now, please forgive us and come back. Please, Cathryn, bring my grandchildren to me.
I promise if you don’t want my husband around the children, I will make certain. I promise you I will keep to your wishes, but, please, Cathryn, come back.
With love and thought,
Sabrina Eversleigh
Cathryn cried. How she longed for Her Grace to see and hold her grandchildren! She had never had a desire to keep them from Her Grace, only a desire to protect her children from her husband. But soon, she thought, the duchess would be able to see her grandchildren!
The other letter, Cathryn held tight within her hand. She had no doubt what lay within Philip’s hand, proclaiming his love for her, their child, but also a plea for forgiveness. She knew before she read.
She could see his face so clearly…handsome and smiling. She didn’t know how much time passed before she gained enough courage to read the letter. She tore the end off and pulled out the paper.
* * * *
Well over a month passed without word from Jake Irritation swelled within Cathryn, for Sumner had accepted a mission for the militia. He had been gone for over three weeks.
Sumner infuriated her to no end by his steadfastly refusal to discuss her situation. She had not told him William’s words, only that of his anger toward her now. It would serve no purpose. She gave no weight to
William’s accusation.
Sumner had worked tirelessly on the plantation from dawn to dusk. He asked her for nothing. The money that had been set aside had to be coming to an end if the plantation was faltering, but Cathryn suspected the plantation was in adequate shape, better than most of the surrounding area.
No, it was more. She could well read her brother better than anyone. Mary had withdrawn into her own world. Try as she might, Cathryn couldn’t bring her back. Mary wasn’t responding to the children, which caused Cathryn to come to one conclusion—Sumner.
Where had he gone? Oh, how she needed to talk with him…force him into a discussion. Things couldn’t go on as they were. Juriah claimed she had no knowledge of where he was and Cathryn believed her. He had left no instructions for the plantation. She needed to find him.
By noon day, Cathryn was out in the garden with the twins. Under the shade of the old oaks, she was weeding; they were digging. She had only begun thinking of what to feed the little ones when a sudden noise disturbed their peace.
Through the heavy August air came the clear sound of horses’ hooves, thudding along the gravel. Cathryn heard Israel shout out it was the patriot militia.
Cathryn grabbed hold of the two’s hands and raced around the house. It had to be Sumner. She turned the corner with Lucy complaining because she was dragged so. Philip, she had no control of because he had run ahead of them both because he heard the horses.
“Charles Philip, stay where you are!” she cried. He paid no heed. By the time she had a good grasp upon Lucy, Philip stood beside Israel.
Quite out of breath, Cathryn wiped the sweat from her brow and caught her breath. “Colonel Percy, do you have need of assistance?”
She had no need for him to answer. It was clear the men had done battle. Dirt and sweat clung to the men’s bodies. The distinct smell of blood overwhelmed her. There were injured in wagons, men swaying on their mounts. Moreover, dead bodies flung over horses’ backs.
“Careen! Juriah!” she cried. Already, Juriah scurried down the steps. Cathryn stared up at the colonel. “Sumner? Pray don’t—”
Colonel Percy shook his head. “No, none are Sumner, lady—” He caught himself, unsure what to call her. “We have had a scrimmage not far from here.”
Cathryn nodded. She turned swiftly, catching sight of Careen with Tacy in the doorway. She cried aloud. “For goodness sakes! Come and retrieve the children. They have no business here!”
“No!” Philip screamed. He didn’t want to leave. His arms went around Israel’s leg.
His mother would have none of it. “Israel, take him upstairs!”
Within moments, the children had disappeared and Cathryn’s attention turned fully upon the unit. Juriah had already begun looking at the wounded. Cathryn wiped the sweat from her face with her hand.
“I don’t mean to impose—” Colonel Percy began again.
“Cathryn, please,” she stated with the greatest impatience. “There is no need for formalities. I see plainly you need aid.”
“I know that Mrs. Meador has certain skills that might be of service. Sumner would not have any objections, but…”
She wished he would come out with what he wanted to say and be done with it. The sun was beating down upon them all. She stated plainly, “You wonder if because my sympathies lay with the British and Sumner isn’t here, if I would help you. Please, Colonel, be blunt. We don’t have time for niceties.”
He sighed heavily. He himself tired beyond endurance. Cathryn caught sight of his shoulder, which had blood seeping from it. “Yes, Cathryn. It is what we ask.”
“How many wounded do you have?” she asked as she gestured to Juriah to begin moving the wounded into the house. The tired men upon the horses sat frozen, not knowing if they should help. “Don’t just sit there! Help Juriah bring them in the house. We have beds that aren’t in use.”
The men needed no more encouragement. Cathryn helped with one of the wounded who could stand. She caught sight of Mary standing upon the landing.
“He’s not among the wounded, Mary. It is fine,” Cathryn said.
For the first time in weeks, Mary nodded and hurried down the steps to help. Cathryn smiled for a moment to see the old Mary once more.
“Wait!” Cathryn cried as chaos surrounded the house. “Juriah, wouldn’t it be easier to have the wounded in the drawing room? Can’t we move beds down instead of having to carry them up? The drawing room has the open window which would be cooler.”
Cathryn directed the house help and unscathed men to make the room into a hospital of sorts. Cots and smaller beds had been moved into the large room, making way for the thirteen wounded soldiers. The drawing room furniture, she had moved into the study and the dining room. Juriah gave instructions for the cook to feed everyone. By nightfall, the house was in some semblance of order and Cathryn ached all over. She could not remember ever working so hard.
Colonel Percy sent into Charles Town for a doctor and supplies that were needed. After the men who weren’t injured were fed, they departed back also. Colonel Percy stayed along with a few others, he didn’t want to leave his men unguarded.
“What kind of men would attack wounded men, Colonel? Especially in a home filled with females,” Cathryn countered when the colonel expressed his concern.
Colonel Percy shook his head. He reached down and paused her effort to dress a wounded man’s shoulder. “Cathryn, you don’t understand all that is going on around you. Sumner has protected you to this point, but the war…the war is upon us.”
“Sumner will be back shortly, I am certain. He will…”
“I am not certain when he will return. Not until he has the information we need,” he grimaced. He gripped his damaged arm.”
“Where is he? Surly, he could not be that far away that he would have left us unprotected.”
“We are your protection.”
Cathryn felt a wave of apprehension fill her. She realized that the British had said something on their visit to Elm Bluff to have made the American’s nervous. Nervous enough to send Sumner to find out details.
She dropped her head. Her nostrils were borne to the smell of the wounded, the dead which were lead down toward the stables until their family came to claim the bodies, seven in total. She smelled war.
Moreover, the reality of what Jake had tried to tell her and what Sumner had tried to keep from her came crashing down. She sat on the opposite side of her brother.
But where was her brother?
* * * *
The days and nights merged together. Cathryn couldn’t remember being as tired as she was at this moment. She allowed her home to be opened to the wounded and their families. Soon, family members descended upon her house, helping with their care.
Thank goodness there had been no more casualties. The wounded seemed to be on the road to recovery. Having endured the initial march of over twelve miles from the Ashley River where the scrimmage had occurred, Cathryn thought, they had no option but to survive.
People she hadn’t seen in years emerged, gracious and thankful she was nursing their loved ones back to health. Cathryn took no credit, for in truth, it had been Juriah’s healing hands, she assured everyone.
Mary had not stopped. She had worked alongside of her and Juriah, but Cathryn could not help but notice that Mary took pains not to be alone with any visitor. It was not the Mary of only a few weeks ago when she had been in the center of the children’s party.
Cathryn had had enough. Her instincts to protect those she loved emerged. She caught Mary alone. She would not be put off any longer.
“Come with me.” Cathryn took Mary’s hand and led her to her bedroom. “You are not leaving here until you tell me what is wrong.”
“I have been wanting to talk with you.”
Cathryn sat down on the bed and pulled Mary to her. The next instant, Mary leaned her head against the comforting shoulder.
“Mary, you know you can talk to me of anything. You are as my sis
ter.”
“I think it’s time I went back to my family. I believe Uncle Henry would take me in.”
Stunned, Cathryn cried, “Why on earth for? Have I done something to offend you? Do you have need of anything? What will the twins do? What will I do?”
“You will be fine. You have your Major coming back for you. I heard you talking with Juriah. Soon, you will be going back to England and I have no desire to do so. I know you will try to take me. But my home is here. And you should go, Cathryn. You have always loved him and he you. How lucky you have been to have been loved so!”
“What is wrong, Mary? I can tell there is something. You are not yourself. You know you are family. You have always been so strong. And I know I shouldn’t have leaned upon you as I have...”
“Oh, no, Cathryn, you have always been good to me. And you are my sister,” she cried. And her tears began to flow. A moment later, both sobbed in each other’s arms. Cathryn didn’t even know why she was crying after a time.
“What is it, Mary? Can you not tell me?”
Mary wiped back the tears her eyes and sniffled. “I’m with child, Cathryn.”
Silence fell upon the room. Cathryn sat speechless for a moment before asking simply, “Sumner?”
Mary only nodded. Cathryn continued pressing, for an anger built against her brother. “He knows and left you. How could he do such a thing?”
“No, no, it wasn’t like that, Cathryn. No, he said he would do the right thing. He would marry me. I just can’t It was in his eyes. He doesn’t love me and I love him too much. I don’t want—”
“Oh, no, Mary. I’m certain it’s not that,” she lied, quickly. “Men,” Cathryn swallowed hard as she struggled to find the right word. “Men are stupid, Mary. Downright, stupid! I have no other excuse, but please do not do anything rash until he returns. Promise me. And above all else, you aren’t leaving. Do you understand?”
She nodded. Cathryn sighed. “Lay down upon my bed. You need to rest. I don’t want you worrying about anything. Everything will work out.”