by Jerri Hines
Jane tried on the dress. Careen sat back after she pinned up the hem and seemed delighted with the result. “Now, looky. All eyes will be on ya, Miss Jane. Shame Master Sumner ain’t gonna see ya. Ya looking so beautiful and all.”
“You are too kind, Careen,” Jane said.
Eyeing herself in the mirror, she turned one way, then the other. The dress was cut high at the waist and the shirt shimmered down to where it intertwined with lace at the bottom. The sleeves were cut short and loose upon her arms. The forest green color of the gown flattered her, seemingly bringing out the green in her large brown eyes. Her dark hair, Careen once more upswept, but allowed a few curled strands to frame her creamy, oval face.
“A necklace woulda add a lovely piece to de dress. I know the family has jewels, Miss Jane, but I don’t like bring any out while ’em soldiers are ’round,” Careen said, straightening the dress out.
“I’m fine. The only thing that bothers me slightly is I have no ring,” Jane said out loud to Careen, but Willard walked in upon the remark.
“I understand your concern, but it will be understood, my dear. You married quickly and had no time for such, but rest assured it will be remedied quickly when he returns,” Willard looked questionably at Jane. “When I said you married quickly, I don’t suppose you are with child. Are you, my dear?”
Jane shot a look at the older woman. “No, of course not. I don’t think so, but I haven’t thought upon it. We only…” she caught herself. She almost said known each other. “Only married a short time ago. Right before he sent me here.”
Willard breathed a sigh of relief. “Good! There will be no tongues wagging. Will there? Not that it hasn’t happened before,” she said, leaving the room.
At this moment, though, Jane walked into the ballroom. Across the room, the ensemble of musicians sat on a dais. She had never heard an orchestra and found herself enjoying the music and watching the dancers, who seemed to sparkle under the glow of the crystal chandelier.
Suddenly, Jane became aware she had lost sight of Willard. She couldn’t see her anywhere. Oh, where had Willard gone off to? She would never find her in a house brimmed with wall-to-wall guests. Jane sighed.
Her head pounded…she wanted to find a quiet place to regain a semblance of composure. Under the attention of hordes of Sumner’s inquisitive friends and neighbors, she felt as if all eyes lay upon her.
Jane wanted nothing more than to escape. She spied a gap in the crowd of dancers and made a dash toward the open French doors to the veranda. Finally, she breathed in the fresh air.
She wondered if she could hide out here until it was time to go. Looking up at the night sky, she thought of her husband. Oh, Sumner I wish I was with you.
Staring out over the garden, a thought crossed her mind that if she strolled out in the garden, there would be a back gate, an escape perchance from all these stares.
Her hand gripped the railing, but her scheme was halted when from the corner of her eye she noticed Colonel Leckie walking toward her with a distinguished looking officer.
“Mrs. Meador!” Colonel Leckie called out. “So, this is where you have disappeared.”
Colonel Leckie walked side-by-side with his friend. Undeniable, the tall officer was handsome. Clean-shaven with the whitest of wigs, a crisp red uniform without a button out of place, the man carried himself as a man of importance, almost aristocratic. His gaze met hers without hesitation. She stepped back, overwhelmed with the purpose of this man.
“I have been looking for you. I have heard you have acquainted yourself with your stepson. I am certain he will be quite a joy to you,” Colonel Leckie bowed his head and gestured to the officer beside him. “Let me introduce my commander, General Marcus Durham, Mrs. Jane Meador.”
General Durham reached over and swept her hand to his lips. “It is a pleasure. They didn’t exaggerate your beauty.” He gave her a discomforting smile. Without wasting a moment, he asked, “Would you care to dance?”
Instantly, Jane sensed the threat he presented. The most charming man she had ever met, but his eyes…they held danger within them. As if on cue, the music went into a reel with a lively step.
Ignoring the music, she returned his smile and uttered the words from her lips she had practiced before she came. “I would love to, except I have hurt my ankle so I must watch others. Pray, don’t let me keep you from such. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves so.”
His lips swept upward, amused. He nodded to Colonel Leckie who departed without a word, but Jane noticed his quick glance back at her. General Durham continued, “Then, if you don’t mind, I will keep you company for a few minutes. I find it refreshing to meet new people. Don’t you?”
“To be truthful,” Jane answered. “No, I believe I need to go find...”
His hand reached out for her arm. “It can wait but a moment. I sense you don’t like me or is it all British?”
She eyed him harshly, pulling back her arm. He didn’t give way.
“Let me say that I don’t like to be told what to do without reason. I don’t understand why you wanted me here, or why I had to come.”
“You are very direct. I will do the same for you. Your husband, Mrs. Meador, is well known in the community. He has chosen to side himself with the Patriot cause, but he has strong ties to England. I’m certain you understand when I express my concern for him.”
“I find I don’t, General Durham.” She paused and pressed her lips together, thinking before she spoke. Then she went on. “I find it strange that an enemy of my husband expresses concern for him. I find it easier to comprehend one might want me to betray my husband to you. Maybe you take me for a simpleton. Are you going to tell me to talk Sumner into returning? Are you going to promise to pardon him if he does so? Or maybe a position within your command?”
He released her arm and laughed. “Most women might have felt the tiniest bit intimidated by such. You, my dear, aren’t. Do you not know the position I hold, or what I could do to your life at a moment?’
“Then, General Durham, do whatever you feel is necessary for the safety of your command. I can’t see what you feel you can do to me that will cause me to reverse my position. Not long ago, General, I didn’t care about sides. My grandfather sat firmly on neutrality, but if pressed, I would have surmised he leaned toward the British.
“He didn’t see the need to break away, and I would have stood with my grandfather. At least, I would have until he was cut down by a Loyalist militia group. I watched as my grandfather and entire family was butchered, General, murdered without cause and under the Loyalist flag, which would be your flag. Would it not?”
“Strongly felt and unfortunately with just cause, but it is that way for many on both sides, I am afraid. I looked into your family upon learning of your marriage and appearance. I can see that your husband is assuming we will look after you because of the ties he has with his sister. It is a large assumption.”
Her chest heaved with anger building within her. Smooth fury carried in her voice. “Are you threatening me, General? What of my stepson? Would you harm him also? Then I will tell you true, do what you must for I will never, ever, betray Sumner.
“He sent me here because he had no choice. I would have been killed if I stayed where I was. I don’t understand why you chose to meet me here. You could have easily sent a brigade to descend upon me. Are you going to arrest me? Throw me into those dreaded prison ships. Do you get satisfaction by throwing a defenseless woman into prison?”
He studied her for a moment before he said, “It has been my experience that a woman can be more deadly than a man if underestimated. But no, Mrs. Meador, you aren’t under arrest. You haven’t done anything to be arrested for…yet.” He smiled again. “I wanted to make your acquaintance. I thought the setting better than having all whisper if I brought you in to headquarters or visited your house. This is much better. Your beauty has graced the party and brought to it excitement, for everyone was eager to make your acquainta
nce. The great Sumner Meador has chosen. And I hope you don’t mind if I say I quite understand his choice. He has excellent taste.”
Jane’s face flushed with anger, reddened further by his utterance. She breathed in deeply, “Then I assume I can leave with the morning light back to Elm Bluff.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Mrs. Meador,” he said firmly. “I believe it would be best if you stay within the confines of Charles Town at present.”
“You can’t...”
“I believe I can,” he said plainly. He bowed his head to her. “I hope your ankle heals properly so that we can have a dance at the next gathering.”
Jane fumed. The bald statement reverberated within her. She had never been so mad in her life…ever. The blow hit even harder as the understanding of his words crystallized. She stood alone upon the veranda.
He had withdrawn into the house. She clutched the railing tightly. She had to think. Unlike when she planned revenge against Bloody Benny, she had more to consider, mainly a small three-year-old boy.
“You are annoyed,” Colonel Leckie stated walking up beside her. “I’m sorry, but I know the general well and I’m certain he has his reasons.”
She nodded slightly, but said nothing. What words could she say that would change the order that had come upon her?
They stood in silence for a time. Jane stared straight out onto the gardens. The music echoed out upon the veranda, but Jane still made no movement.
“I will take you to dinner if you like,” Colonel Leckie said. Looking at her, he added, “Or we can completely skip eating.”
“I have no appetite. Please go to dinner...”
Jane hadn’t gotten the words from her lips when a young lady walked out to the veranda. She was taller than Jane. Her light brown hair pulled back in such a manner that made her eyes appear enormous. She wouldn’t have been a classic beauty, not with her large nose, but she would call attention to herself. She smiled at Jane.
“Bruce, there you are. Who are you with now?”
“Katy.” Colonel Leckie gestured toward Jane. “This is Mrs. Meador, but did I not promise to introduce you to her shortly? Patience is a virtue.”
“You take too long,” Katy said and flashed her smile once more. “I’m Katy Landor. I have been anxious to meet you since I heard that Sumner married once more. Ah, Sumner! I can tell you that you are the envy of Charles Town. All the hearts faltered upon the news.”
Jane’s face fell, unsure of what to say. “It is a pleasure to meet you. You know my husband?”
“Know him?” Katy teased Jane. “I’m one of the ones that envy you greatly. I grew up admiring Sumner as a child! Sumner was over my home quite a lot when I was younger.”
“Are you trying to make me jealous, Katy?” Colonel Leckie interrupted her, returning her teasing.
“Did it work?” Katy asked in a playful manner.
“Why don’t I bring the both of you a drink?” Colonel Leckie smiled, escaping having to answer the girl. Jane wasn’t certain if it was serious flirting or play, but the two seemed comfortable around each other.
Jane watched Colonel Leckie disappear into the crowd of people and walk toward the punch bowl. Katie reached over for Jane’s hand.
“I don’t have much time. Is it okay if I call you Jane? It will make all much simpler.”
Confused, Jane nodded slightly.
“Good,” Katy said quickly. “Say nothing to anyone the words I’m going to repeat. In these times, don’t trust anyone, anyone, Jane. You can’t afford to. In what I’m going to say, I will find myself in difficulty if I have misread the situation. I’m going to trust that Sumner would never marry anyone that would betray him.”
Jane’s eyes grew wider. “I would never do so. I love…”
“Of course you do.” Katy smiled. “It is good, but I will tell to you the words I have only thus overheard.” She leaned over slightly and whispered. “General Durham wants you to stay within Charles Town in hopes of capturing Sumner, Jane. It is why he doesn’t want you to return to Elm Bluff.”
“I don’t understand.”
Katy glanced around the area quickly. “It is easier to contain one within the city. At Elm Bluff, Sumner knows it too well. He has too many connections.”
“But why would he think Sumner will return. Sumner didn’t bring me here. He sent for Israel to take me.”
She shook her head slightly. “His exact words were Sumner will return. He won’t stay away from her too long. Keep an eye upon her.”
Jane’s breathing quickened. The scoundrel was going to use her to get to Sumner! “What should I do? General Durham all but ordered me to stay in Charles Town.”
Katy sighed. “We will have to think of something, but know it is dangerous waters around here. One never knows whom to trust and who will betray. I wouldn’t doubt they will try to play you to set Sumner up. Be careful. Be warned.”
Jane caught sight of Colonel Leckie returning.
“You are overwhelmed with everything, I can tell. Stay beside me this night. My advice is not to back down, though, Jane. Don’t let General Durham maneuver you into an action you will regret,” she said, and without taking another breath, “Ah, Bruce, you are so quick! Are you going to take us to supper? I’m not going to leave my new friend’s side.”
“I would love to do, my ladies, but I ran into the general. I’m to bring Mrs. Meador to his side to escort her to dinner,” Colonel Leckie watched as Jane’s expression turned drastically from a friendly smile to a stubborn grimace.
“To be honored so, Jane! I’m sure you will be well entertained,” Katy said without hesitation. “But, Bruce, I have to insist I sit on her other side. We have only just met and I have so much to tell her about her husband I’m sure she doesn’t know.”
“What will Miss Rebekah do without her friend beside her? I thought you two inseparable!”
“You know me, Bruce, I will work everything out. Come,” she wrapped her arm around Jane’s and walked beside her while Colonel Leckie followed the two.
* * * *
“I’m planning on returning to England soon. It is more than likely that I will run into your husband’s sister, Cathryn. She is married to…”
“Yes, I’m aware of Cathryn and who she is married to. She sounds lovely. Are you going to tell her you are hunting her beloved brother?”
General Durham choked upon his bite. He took a quick sip of his wine as his eyes gleamed upon Jane. He retorted, “I would much prefer to tell her that her brother was safe within Charles Town supporting the King.”
Jane picked at the food on her plate. She wanted nothing more than to leave, but she was trapped at this party as she was within Charles Town. She could feel cold, hard eyes burning into her from across the table from that woman, Randa Peyton.
Glaring back at Randa, Jane reluctantly admitted she was the most beautiful woman she had ever laid eyes upon. Her thick blond hair seemed hard to control, escaped in curls around her perfectly creamy skin. Her blue eyes seemed as the sky. Her gown clung to her, accenting her curves. Randa’s generous mouth twitched with a rueful smile.
General Durham had introduced her to everyone around their table, including Randa. Katy had been successful in placing her chair by Jane with Colonel Leckie to her side, but it was across the table where she questioned why one would have done so. Everyone must have known that Sumner held William Peyton responsible for the death of his wife and mother…and he was sitting across from her with his wife.
She supposed once he may have been handsome, but no more. His face was reddened; his eyes protruded outward, red and puffy; a thin man, almost emaciated.
Jane had known of one other who had that look, her neighbor, Jansen. Her grandfather had commented he liked the drink too much, which Jane wouldn’t have dismissed in William Peyton’s case. He was on his third glass of wine and dinner not complete.
To her surprise, she discovered that Katy was Randa’s sister, but she understood quic
kly there was little love lost between the two. Katy seemed to enjoy rubbing Jane in Randa’s face.
“Tell us, my dear new friend, Jane, how do you find your husband’s home?”
“It is too soon to say since I have only been at Elm Bluff a few days. I came to retrieve my stepson.”
William Peyton stifled a laugh. “From what I hear, you will have your hands full!”
Jane stared intensely at the man her husband hated. Her eyes clouded with a gale of outrage, she set her fork down. “I have found him a delightful child. I expected nothing else from a child that lost his mother so cruelly. Would you?”
The room fell silent. All eyes turned on William, who replied in a curt tone, “Would I expect that Sumner had a hellion for a son…one that cannot be controlled, without manners, and nary a hope to become a gentleman? I would answer it would be impossible to expect otherwise.”
“You, sir, wouldn’t know what it means to be a gentleman!” Jane declared and tried to rise.
General Durham caught her hand. He turned to Peyton and said with authority, “I believe, Mr. Peyton, that you need to retire for the night. Do you not think? You have the look of someone ill.” He added. “Now!”
Peyton laughed, incredulously and loudly. He pushed back his chair, stumbling, but he caught himself. “So I have been ordered. I will go a shadow of a man. As always in my life, Sumner has once more upped me. He has found a beautiful woman to warm his bed and I have his cast aside, who won’t grace my bed.
“Will you, my darling wife?” He took hold of his glass and drank down the last drop of wine. He then threw the glass at General Durham, who ducked easily and let the glass shatter behind him. “No, you have found another to do so.”
General Durham wasted no time. With his hand, he motioned to two sentries. Quickly, the two had hold of the drunken man’s arms.
“Take him home and let him sleep off all.”
Jane wanted nothing more than for the floor to open up and swallow her. Peyton’s face went ashen, fighting vainly against the sentries who were escorting him out.