The Promise
Page 16
His dark hair was shoulder length, his face clean shaven, his long-tail black jacket well fitted, and his eyes sparkled with love. “How glorious you are.”
Instead of being flattered, she eyed him suspiciously, “You're up to something, aren't you?”
“I cannot think what you mean.” He walked to her, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her lips. “I simply meant to be the first to tell you, and the last...in that bed after they have all gone.”
Mary giggled. “I can hardly wait.”
He nodded toward the door, and then offered his arm. When she took it, he escorted her to the top of the stairs.
The musicians had taken up positions on a raised platform near the stairs opposite the statue and their music filled the house. The assembly room glowed with bright candle light, vases of flowers were on every table and servants stood ready to serve. In a receiving line near the front door, the Hendersons, Elizabeth, and Caleb waited.
For a moment, Mary drank it all in. “How proud your mother would be.”
“She would have loved it,” he agreed. Together, they descended Mahala's grand staircase.
The stream of guests seemed endless. Uriah repeatedly bowed and smiled. Mary curtsied and tried not to notice as Caleb frequently sipped his glass of wine. Elizabeth wore a gown nearly the color of her soft blonde hair and prayed her queasy stomach did not make her face look as pale. Matthew gawked at each lovely lady.
But to Etta and Caroline, came true enjoyment. Soon after the guests began arriving, they left the receiving line to watch expressions on faces as they spotted the statue. Even dressed in Roman attire, the statue had no head and its extended hand held a dead bird.
Thomas and Marlene Dunlop were the last to arrive. Dressed in bright orange with excessive jewelry, the tall, painfully thin, Marlene Dunlop, wore an artificial grin. She extended a limp hand to Uriah and then spotted the statue, “Great Glory!”
“Cannot get it out,” Uriah muttered.
“Get it out? Whatever for? It is glorious, Mister Carson, positively glorious!” She whipped her hand away and pointed at the statue. “I'll have one of those, Thomas. You are the wealthiest man in Virginia, get me one.”
A short, stocky, older man, Thomas Dunlop bowed to Uriah and Mary. “Mister Carson, so nice to see you again. Tell me, have you more statues?”
“I'm afraid not.”
“How thoughtful of you. There you have it, my dear, the man only has this one. Come along, Mrs. Dunlop, come along.” He took hold of her hand and pulled her away.
Uriah chuckled and offered his arm to Mary. “Shall we start the dancing?” He escorted her to the middle of the room and brought her hand to his lips. He nodded for the musicians to stop. When it grew quiet, he moved back three feet, bowed to his wife, waited for her curtsy, and then turned to glare at his brother.
Caleb puffed his cheeks. He swallowed the last of his drink, took Elizabeth's hand, and copied his brother's movements. Matthew and Etta joined them. Caroline accepted the arm of a Boston gentlemen, and soon other couples fell in line. Uriah nodded once more and the music began.
For hours, they danced, drank, ate, and danced again. Matthew was determined to learn the name of each lovely lady, and not once did he notice Sarah watching from the balcony above. She was about to abandon her position in favor of a closer one, when Matthew approached a young woman with golden hair, a pink satin frock and azure eyes. She caught her breath. Matthew bowed, leaned closer to the girl to hear her name, smiled, and bowed again. He had only just begun to walk away when he suddenly stopped. He recognized her – Sarah was sure of it. But before he had time to turn back, Sarah's daughter, Lyndel, scurried away.
A Mister Hancock and Mister Franklin of Boston, seemed intent on keeping Uriah's full attention. So Mary danced instead with guests or with Caleb, while Elizabeth gladly sat in a chair watching.
Caleb danced very well – with the assistance of Matthew's wine. When the music ended, they both applauded and waited for the next song.
At first, only the people standing near the front door noticed them. Then the room fell deadly quiet. Confused, Mary glanced at the faces of her guests. A second later, Elizabeth had her arm around Mary's waist. “What is it?”
Elizabeth leaned close enough to whisper, “Redcoats.”
Instantly, she folded her arms and looked down.
Caleb and Uriah exchanged glances, and then made their way through the crowd. The Colonel was clearly an older man with a weak stature not well concealed by his uniform. Behind him stood eight Redcoats, complete with sabers, pistols, and muskets.
“Stand back,” Colonel Dorfman yelled, drawing his sword.
Caleb and Uriah stopped short.
Dorfman walked to a man with sandy hair. With unfeeling eyes, he inspected the man's face, and then moved on.
“I am Uriah Carson. If you have business at Mahala, it is with me.”
Dorfman didn't answer. He walked past two men with dark hair, and found another to inspect. Finally, he spoke in a thick German accent, “I know who you are, Mister Carson. My business does not concern you.”
“Who does it concern?” Uriah asked.
Matthew stepped forward, “See here, man, you need not draw your sword.”
Dorfman ignored Matthew too. He glared instead at a lady until she moved out of his way. “I do the King's business.”
Matthew rolled his eyes, “Of course you do.”
“I seek a particular man.” Again, Dorfman approached a man with light brown hair, dismissed him and moved along. Each time, he drew closer to Mary.
Finally, Mary lifted her gaze. On the side of Dorfman's face was a hideous scar. Her hands began to visibly shake and she looked down again. Elizabeth held on tighter, shot a worried look at Uriah and in seconds, he placed himself between Mary and the blood red of the Colonel's jacket. Only then, did he notice the scar.
Dorfman's voice boomed across the room, “I seek a man named Levi Moore. Any man found hiding him will be put to death.” He examined two more faces, turned and put his sword back in its sheath. The dull thud of his boots pounded against the floor as he marched out. His men quickly followed. The last reached for the knob and slammed the door behind him.
Mary jumped.
Elizabeth quickly hurried her into the book room. “Dear God in Heaven, what have they done to you, Mary?”
The crowd listened until the sound of the soldier’s horses dissipated. Then each breathed a sigh of relief.
“Apparently,” Matthew loudly said, “the King has misplaced yet another of his loyal subjects. Confounded King.”
Everyone laughed, the musicians went back to their playing and the ball returned to its former liveliness.
In the book room, tears streamed down Mary's cheeks.
Elizabeth pulled out her kerchief and tucked it into her sister’s hand, “Why will you not tell me, Mary? What can it possible be?”
Uriah opened the door and closed it behind him. “They have gone. I will see to her.” He waited until Elizabeth relented and left the room. Then he wrapped his arms around his wife.
But Mary pulled away. “Why did you not kill him? You saw the scare on his face – he is the one who pulled my hair and made me look!”
“Would you have me kill him in front of our company?”
She stared at him, her rage complete and her heart cold. She stared for such a long time, her tears began to dry on her cheeks. Finally, she blinked. Her shoulders slumped and she fell into his arms. “How very cruel to have come so far only to find he has preceded us. Will we ever be allowed to forget? Will I always be that stupid, stupid little girl?”
“You are anything but stupid.” He held her, unable to find more words of comfort. The sights and sounds of that day flooded his mind. “Do you wish me to kill him still?”
Mary tightened her arms, “No, I wish you to hold me until the day I die. Let the Redcoats be hanged, the lot of them.”
Uriah laid his cheek against th
e top of her head and listened. In the Assembly room, Masters had begun to sing. Thoughtfully, he asked, “Sweetheart, do you remember Levi Moore from England.”
“I do, he is Caleb’s friend and the only Redcoat I do not fear.”
“If he is now a hunted man, I think we should help him.”
“I agree.” Mary dried her cheeks, straightened her frock and put her hand in his. Together they slipped out of the book room and stood behind the crowd to listen. First, Masters sang an Irish lullaby, then an English ballad and a Scottish hymn. By the time he finished, Mary was relaxed and smiling again. In less than half an hour, she spread the word – Mister Timberly has had it from Mister Jeffrey who has said that Mister Levi Moore has gone west to see the land on the other side of the mountains.
Matthew spotted Lyndel dancing with Mister Cleveland. Once more thought he recognized her, but upon his approach, Lyndel disappeared. Matthew shrugged and walked directly to Uriah. “Might I have a word with you?”
“Gladly,” Uriah excused himself from the company of Mister Hancock. He followed Matthew toward the study door where Caleb stood with Elizabeth. “What is it?”
“Something rather odd, I'm afraid. Do not mistake my meaning, my boy, but some of the ladies...one in particular...”
Elizabeth cleared her throat and stood up a little straighter, “I think Mary is in need of me.”
Matthew started to bow, but Elizabeth hurried away. “I do hope I have not offended her.”
“Offended no, discovered yes.” Uriah confided.
“Discovered?”
Caleb rolled his eyes, “Now what have they done?”
Uriah was only too happy to enlighten them, “My good, Matthew, they play a joke. Mahala's first ball is not what it seems.”
Matthew's eyes lit up, “Is it a very fine joke?”
“A fine joke indeed. See the lady in green, the one standing up with Mister Carter? She is servant to the Governor of Richmond. And the one in the blue near the statue? She is dairy maid to Mister Dunlop, who has asked her to dance three times without recognizing her.”
Matthew's jaw dropped. He squinted and closely watched the dairy maid take up with his friend from Boston. “How many?”
“Nearly a dozen. And the worst is Lyndel, who's captured the fancy of every man in the room.”
“Sarah's daughter? Where?”
Uriah watched Elizabeth whisper in Mary's ear. And just as Mary looked at him across the room, he nodded in the direction of the pretty girl with golden hair in the pink satin frock.
The light at last came on in Matthew's eyes. Matthew spun around, opened the door to the study and disappeared inside. Then, just as the music stopped, Matthew's laughter bubbled up until it filled the entire house.
While Elizabeth buried her face in her hands, Mary watched her husband. Slowly and eloquently, Uriah bowed in her direction. She closed her eyes and hung her head.
Mid-morning of the next day, Uriah leaned against the stone pillar on the back verandah. He watched John and Adam race out the door and down the steps toward the barn.
Lyndel was a servant again and her duties were to care for the children. Nearly out of breath, she hesitated just long enough to say, “Mister Carson, please do not tell Mister Carter where I have gone.” When he nodded, she smiled and scurried away.
Finally, Matthew came out the back door. “You wished a word with me?”
“I've a favor to ask.”
Matthew pulled the door closed behind him and walked closer. “Anything, my boy, anything at all.”
“It is about Mister Moore.”
“The man Dorfman seeks? What about him?”
Uriah ran his fingers through his hair, “In England, I thought to kill a man who intentionally harmed Elizabeth. Mister Moore saved me from a hanging.”
“I cannot imagine anyone wanting to harm Elizabeth. Did you kill the man?”
“No, but later, he met with an unfortunate accident that broke both his legs.”
“Excellent! What do you want of me?”
“You have connections, Matthew. Perhaps you might help me find him.”
“Not so easily done in a place the size of America, but I'll have a go at it. And Just now, I am reminded. The Redcoat, the one who sought you out in Boston, has not given up. He arrived at my property in the Pennsylvania Colony late in the month of March.”
“Did he leave a name?”
“He said his name was Floyd Johnston.”
CHAPTER 8
Express from Matthew to Uriah
Boston - 25 October 1764
My Dear Boy,
A most peculiar thing has happened – most peculiar indeed. Colonel Dorfman has been relieved of his command and ordered to London. He finds himself accused of stealing jewels from the King's mother.
Naturally, the man protested. He claimed to be in her presence but a short time the year last and surrounded by witnesses. Nevertheless, two emeralds were found cleverly sewn into his hat. At last report, Dorfman was bound, boarded on a ship, and put below.
I examined the warrant for his arrest myself. Although the King's seal is passable, I suspect this is not of the King's own doing. Why do I think you have something to do with this, my boy?
With warm regards,
Matthew
Post Script. No word as yet concerning Levi Moore.
URIAH SMILED. HE PUT the letter in his pocket, crossed the assembly room and started up the stairs. In his bedchamber, Mary was busy writing yet another letter to Lady Phillips.
“Again?” he asked.
“She simply must answer at least one of them. It would be unthinkable not to, even for her.”
He reached in his pocket and pulled out the letter. “Have you time for Matthew's words?”
When she finished reading, she was thrilled, “I do not believe it!”
“He is gone, my love, never to return. You'll not have to fear seeing that face ever again.”
“What a glorious relief. Pity we did not supply the emeralds for the proof?”
Uriah flinched slightly, “If I had any emeralds, I would not waste them on a man like that.”
Mary sweetly smiled.
LETTER FROM MARY
3 December 1764
My Dearest Hendersons,
Last night, Elizabeth found herself in great travail and nearly a month before her time. My dears, we have not one, but two – twin girls! And not once did any of us suspect. Caleb has named them Roselee and Maralee. Elizabeth is quite well. Sarah keeps the babies warm by the hearth while Caleb and Peter rush to build a second cradle. How very delighted we all are.
We simply cannot wait for you to see them when you come to us in April.
Love Mary
EXPRESS FROM MATTHEW
Boston, 12 December 1764
My boys, word has only just arrived. John Stuart, the Earl of Bute, has resigned his position and vows to abide no more. He grows weary of reports citing undue influence over the King's mother. In Boston, Scotsmen mourn the loss of him and for now, the Stuart line fades away.
I am left to wonder how different life might have been, had Bonnie Prince Charlie won his war.
Matthew
JOHN SAMUEL CARSON was born in England on the 21 of May, 1761. When he reached America, he was two. At the age of three, he became the eldest of the Carson cousins – and their protector. Then at four, he wanted nothing more to do with Roselee and Maralee. On the other hand, John and seven-year-old Adam Williams were inseparable.
The days quickly sped into weeks, and then months.
LETTER FROM ETTA
Boston, 7 July 1765
Our loving Carsons,
How delighted we were to receive your post and learn that all is well at Mahala. We did so enjoy our visit to you in June.
Mister MacGreagor of Matthew's employ has, at last, taken Jane to wife. I cannot think what took the man so long. Caroline sends her love and requests your presence at her marriage to the charming Alfred Worthi
ngham. She might as well marry him, he is constantly under foot.
Love Etta
EXPRESS FROM MATTHEW
Boston, 14 December 1765
My Dear Uriah,
I pass along three items of news.
First, our King has declared this – Revenue officers will no longer remain in England while others do their duties in America. Pity. The ones we have presently are easily bribed. Second, your Redcoat has again attempted to find you. This time he declared his name to be Robert Swift. My loyal servant sent him south. My boy, he's become a Captain. And third, Butcher Cumberland has passed.
Matthew
LETTER FROM MARY
Mahala, 20 September 1767
Dearest Etta and Matthew, Caroline and Alfred
At the age of six, my son has lost both front teeth and discovered girls. Is he not too young for girls? Our neighbor, Mister Ballard passed in his sleep. Having no sons, Mrs. Ballard finds herself at the mercy of a nephew who deplores America. He set about selling her property for a pittance and she is forced to return to England. We are greatly saddened.
For such loyalty these past years, our husbands presented the servants with deeds to their own land. How delighted they all were. We now happily give position to others sorely in need of the pay.
Elizabeth’s newest twins, Suzanne and Rachel, are doing quite well. And much more quickly than before, she has tired of the constant feeding. She declares she falls victim to Aunt Charlotte's curse, for we have yet to visit the poor woman's grave. Elizabeth refuses to allow Caleb back in his bed. But it will pass.
Virginia grows. Daily there are more citizens, more bonds people, and more Redcoats. We find we live not so far from town as we thought. The King's men busy themselves searching for runaway indentured servants. And occasionally, Indians are reported – just over the ridge to the west.
Mister Cook comes to call and happily sells his wares and plays his pipes. Still, he refuses to enter the house. Our spring flood did less damage than we first thought, and Caleb repairs the house nicely. What would the man do with nothing to build or repair?