“You are still young, George, you’ll have more children.”
“I’m thirty-two, Christopher, hardly young. I should have had half a dozen heirs by now, but my wife has managed one girl. Do you enjoy lying with your wife?” he asked suddenly.
“I love my wife, George.” Kit wasn’t about to discuss his marital relations with Buckingham. He would not taint his feelings for Louisa by sharing them with a man who was blackmailing him and causing him such torment.
“How blessed you are to be married to a woman you love. I could never be in a legal union with the object of my affection, but it doesn’t mean my love is any less real.” Buckingham rose to his feet, putting his glass on a table, his hand unsteady. “I think I need to lie down, Christopher. My head aches something awful and my bowels are in a knot. Thank you for listening to me. You’ve made me feel better.” Buckingham planted a wine-infused kiss on Kit’s lips, holding out his hand. “Come and lie down with me awhile.”
Buckingham carefully reclined on the bed, putting his head on Kit’s shoulder and snuggling closer in an effort to get more comfortable. Kit had no choice but to put his arms around him and hold him as he finally fell asleep, murmuring words of love and gratitude that left Kit feeling even worse than he already did.
Chapter 68
Abbie kneaded the dough for bread as if the dough had grossly offended her in some way. She punched it and slammed it against the table, using it to release some of her fear and frustration. Sam had been gone for over three weeks and despite all their efforts, they hadn’t found a trace of his whereabouts. Finn had gone out with Mr. Jenkins the day after Sam vanished, but word got around quickly that the authorities were looking for them, forcing them to stay hidden at the farm. Mr. Jenkins did his best, but found nothing.
For the first few days, Abbie kept hoping that Sam would just show up; that he’d survived somehow and found his way to them, but as time went by she had to face the truth. Sam was gone. If he had survived, he would have managed to get word to them somehow, but there’d been nothing but deafening silence. Abbie slammed the dough one last time before molding it into several loaf-shaped ovals and putting them into the oven to bake. She sat down, suddenly tired. She was grateful not to feel nauseous like Martha did when she was first pregnant, but she did feel awfully tired, desperate for a nap after the midday meal. Finn encouraged her to rest, knowing that the only time she was truly at peace was when she was sleeping.
Abbie looked up as Finn came in carrying two buckets of milk. He set them down and looked her over. “Are you all right? You look flushed.” Abbie just nodded, picking up a cup and handing it to Finn to fill with milk. She was terribly thirsty. Finn gave her a cup of milk and took one for himself, drinking it in one long swallow.
“Abbie, it’s time to leave.” He said it quietly, but his tone brooked no argument. “It’s been nearly two weeks now. The British have defeated General Washington at Brandywine Creek and are poised to take Philadelphia. We must leave while we can.”
Abbie went still, the empty cup falling from her hand as she absorbed the news. How could this have happened? First Washington lost New York, and now he would lose Philadelphia. This was so much worse than any of them expected.
“When did this happen?” she asked, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“The battle took place on September 11th. General Howe managed to position his forces behind Washington’s right flank, breaking through and driving the Continental Army to the northeast. Jim just told me this morning.”
“So, my information was useless?” Abbie asked. It rankled her to think that she would have died for nothing.
“I don’t know.” Finn sat down on the bench, suddenly looking defeated. “Abbie, we need to leave.”
“Finn, I can’t leave until I know what happened to Sam. Please, don’t ask me to.” Abbie looked away from him, hoping he would let the matter drop for the time being, but Finn wasn’t giving up.
“We can’t afford to wait any longer. Sam’s gone, Abbie.”
“No, he’s not!” she cried, tears spilling down her cheeks. They were never too far away these days.
“Abbie, if Sam survived, he will find his way back. He is a soldier; he can take care of himself. In the meantime, you must think of our child. We have to go back to Virginia.” Finn stood up, placing his palms on the table and glaring at her. He had no intention of backing down, and she knew it.
“Finn, the baby doesn’t seem real to me yet, but I’ve known Sam all my life. He’s my big brother, and I love him with all my heart. How can I just leave him here?” She wiped the tears away angrily, upset with Finn for not seeing her point of view.
“I love him too, Abbie. He’s like the brother I never had, but you are my priority. I swore to your father that I would bring you home.” His voice was low, but she could hear him just fine. “I have never imposed my will on you. Never. But you are my wife, and you will obey me in this. We will leave by the end of this week. Is that understood?”
“I’ll never forgive you for this.” Abbie stood up and ran to the bedroom, slamming the door behind her. She knew that Finn was right, but she needed someone to blame, and right now, he was all she had. Abbie threw herself down on the bed, crying her heart out and hoping that Finn would follow her and comfort her, but he didn’t. The door remained firmly closed.
Chapter 69
Sam was woken up by the sound of voices coming from the next room. He’d been in and out of consciousness so much, he’d lost track of how long he’d been at the fort. It had to be close to two weeks, but he wasn’t sure. His days were reduced to eating and sleeping, mostly sleeping. The fever had subsided, and the hot poker in his stomach had cooled off some, but he was still weak and in pain. Sam reached for a cup of water, but his hand stilled as the conversation from the other room began to sink in.
“Doctor, I have orders from the colonel to question Corporal Johnson,” an unfamiliar voice said.
“I understand that, Captain Manning, but Corporal Johnson is my patient and I’m telling you that he’s in no condition to answer any questions. He’s just beginning to recover from the infection in his wound. What is so urgent that can’t keep for a few days?”
Sam could hear the captain’s exasperated sigh. “Doctor, I have my orders.”
“And I have a responsibility to my patient.” Doctor Freeman sounded unusually firm, ready to do battle with the captain.
“Ah, Captain Manning, if I might intervene,” Susanna piped in, trying to diffuse the situation between the two men. “I just checked on Corporal Johnson and he’s unconscious. He’s been slipping in and out of consciousness due to the high fever. I’m afraid you won’t be able to question him even if you try, so I suggest you come back later. What is this all about anyway?” Susanna asked, sounding annoyed with the captain and curious at the same time.
“On the day the patrol found Corporal Johnson, a young woman named Abigail Whitfield was to be hanged at City Hall Park. On the way to the gallows two British soldiers ambushed the cart, killing the escort and freeing the prisoner. We believe one of them was wounded during the rescue, Miss Freeman. We believe Corporal Johnson may have been involved in the incident.”
“Did you say “Abigail”?” Susanna asked, sounding shocked.
“Yes, she was charged with spying as was her husband, but he got away before our soldiers had a chance to take him into custody.”
“Why would British soldiers ambush British soldiers?” asked Doctor Freeman. “Seems rather odd.”
“They weren’t really British soldiers, Doctor. Two soldiers were discovered in an alley behind Madame Mabel’s bro… — eh, establishment. They’d been knocked out and relieved of their uniforms and weapons. We believe that Mrs. Whitfield’s husband and an accomplice posed as British soldiers and mounted a rescue. Corporal Johnson might not be who he pretends to be.” Captain Manning was quickly losing his patience, but the Freemans weren’t done with him yet.
“What
will happen to him if he were involved?” Susanna asked quietly.
“He will hang, ma’am. Now, if you would be so kind as to inform me as soon as Corporal Johnson comes to. I really must speak with him. Good day to you both.”
“Insufferable man!” Susanna exclaimed as soon as the sound of the captain’s footsteps died away on the stone staircase.
“I’m not interested in what he might have done. I’m a surgeon, and my duty is to the patient. They can question him to their heart’s content once he recovers. Now, my dear, I am feeling a bit peckish since I haven’t had my breakfast yet. I trust you will be all right here on your own?”
“Of course, Father.”
**
Sam watched Susanna silently as she walked into the room, her eyes never leaving his face. She didn’t look angry or accusing, just sad. Her eyes were full of hurt as she pulled up a chair to Sam’s cot and sat down, her hands folded demurely in her lap.
“I am guessing you heard that,” she stated. “I would have never thought it true if he hadn’t mentioned Abigail. She’s your wife, isn’t she?”
“She’s my sister,” Sam said quietly. “Will you turn me in to the captain?”
“I don’t know. On the one hand, you are guilty of murder and circumvention of justice. On the other, you did what any brother would do. Who was the other man, her husband?”
“Yes, my brother-in-law. They’re just eighteen and were married only a few months ago. Was he supposed to let her hang?”
“Was she really spying, Patrick? Is that even your real name?” Susanna’s eyes never left his, making Sam feel vulnerable and confused. It was probably a mistake to tell her anything, but he felt the need to confess, whatever the cost. If he had any chance of getting out alive, Susanna was it, and he couldn’t afford to lie to her any longer.
“My name is Sam Mallory, and yes, she was spying. We serve the Revolution, not the king. Does that shock you, Miss Freeman?”
“No. I’m not unsympathetic to your cause, believe it or not, but people very rarely ask for my opinion in these matters. Now, get up.” Susanna pushed back the chair, suddenly full of purpose.
“Why?” She must have made up her mind to turn me in, Sam thought as he slowly got off the cot. She’ll march me to Captain Manning, and I won’t be able to do anything to stop her because I’d rather die than hurt her.
“Because we are leaving.” Susanna disappeared for a moment returning with Sam’s uniform, which had been cleaned. “Get dressed and wait for me here. I’ll be back in a moment.”
“How do I know you won’t call for help?” Sam asked.
“You’ll just have to trust me, Sam Mallory,” she replied, giving him a brilliant smile. “Now hurry.”
Sam tried to hurry, but getting dressed was a difficult process given his weakened state and the pain in his stomach. He nearly passed out as he bent down to pull on his boots, putting pressure on the wound. It took him a few minutes to catch his breath before he could tie back his hair and put on the tricorn she left on his bed. By the time Susanna returned, he was dressed and ready to go, although he had no idea where they were going.
“Here, take this,” she held out a musket, grinning at Sam’s astonished face. “It’s my father’s, although he’s never used it. I’ve asked the stable boy to prepare a trap. It should be ready by now. Follow me and just play along.” Sam slung the musket over his shoulder and followed Susanna out of the room and into the lovely September morning. Susanna looked businesslike, with her straw bonnet and a basket slung over her arm. The trap was already waiting. “You drive,” she said as she climbed onto the bench, adjusting her skirts and placing the basket in her lap. Sam mounted the bench with some difficulty, then began to drive toward the gates of the fort, praying that this ruse would work.
The yard was surprisingly quiet since a lot of the soldiers garrisoned at the fort were at breakfast at that time of the morning. With the British occupying the area, there was no sense of urgency or danger as people went about their business. Several officers passed by, but they did little more than greet Miss Freeman respectfully and move on.
Two young sentries manned the gate, desperately trying to hide their boredom. They were no older than sixteen, their faces fresh and hairless. The sentries snapped to attention as the trap drew up to the gate.
“I’m on my way to collect some surgical supplies for Doctor Freeman from Richmond town,” stated Susanna.
“Yes, ma’am. Do be careful.” The young sentry gave Susanna a smile, which she eagerly returned.
“I will, Bobby. Now open the gate.” The boys pushed open the heavy wooden gates, allowing them to pass unchallenged. Sam stared ahead as he drove through the gate, the sound of the gates closing music to his ears. He drove in the direction of Richmond town, picking up speed as they got further from the fort. Sam gazed around, trying to get his bearings and determine which way the Jenkins farm was. Finn and Abbie were likely long gone, but Jim would help him. He’d need to leave fast before the authorities came looking for him.
Sam suddenly realized that he would never see Susanna again, and the thought made him unbearably sad. He’d gotten used to seeing her every day and looked forward to their conversations. The hospital had been deserted save for a few cases of upset stomachs or cuts that needed to be dressed, so Susanna had been free to look after him and keep him company. Sam snuck a peek at Susanna, needing to remember her face as it looked at that moment, illuminated by the morning sun and so serious that it made him smile.
Susanna felt his gaze upon her and turned to face him, confused by his smile. “Sam, my father will be back from breakfast shortly and he might raise the alarm, so you need to make your escape soon. I will return to the fort and tell them that you forced me to help you. Do you have a place to go? Will you be all right?”
“I will now. I don’t know how to thank you, Miss Freeman. You’ve saved my life twice. I would do anything to repay you, just name it.” Sam reached out and took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips. He wasn’t sure what made him do it, but he just wanted to touch her, to feel her skin against his lips.
“You can repay me by staying safe and getting your sister far away from here. They won’t stop looking for you.” Susanna shyly took her hand back, casting her eyes down as if all the answers were to be found in her basket.
Sam continued to drive, turning back periodically to make sure no one was in pursuit. He couldn’t help noticing the look on Susanna’s face. She sat staring straight ahead, her back rigid as a pole, her lips quivering slightly in an effort not to cry.
“Susanna, I’m so sorry I have put you in this position. I know this must be distasteful for you. No one will blame you if they believe you were in danger.” Sam reached for her hand again, but drew back, not wanting to upset her further. Susanna turned to face him, her eyes full of tears as she reached up and touched his cheek tenderly, her thumb brushing across his lips.
“Sam, I helped you because I couldn’t bear to see you hang, and I’m proud of what I’ve done. This is probably the first act of free will that I’ve undertaken in my whole life. And now I’m about to undertake a second one. Take me with you. Please, Sam. I don’t expect you to marry me. I only want to be with you in any capacity you’ll have me.” She stared into his eyes, her cheeks turning crimson as she realized what she had just done.
The words came unbidden and unplanned, tumbling from her mouth as if of their own accord. She’d never been so forward in her life, but her heart knew this was her only chance even if her mind hadn’t realized it yet. The thought of never seeing Sam again left her paralyzed with pain, the rest of her life stretching before her, long and barren. She loved him and she didn’t care if he never married her. She’d gladly be his mistress if only she could have his love and affection, if only for a short time. She would take what he gave her and be grateful, happy to know what it was like to be alive at last. It was never too late to go back to her old life, taking care of her father and finding s
mall pleasures in a good book or in the improved health of her patients. At least she would have something to look back on, a time of madness when she took love and was woman enough to give it back.
“What do you mean, take me with you?” Sam stared at her uncomprehending. “I’m an American Revolutionary and you are the daughter of a British military surgeon. Do you realize what you’re asking?” He was aghast at her suggestion, but suddenly his heart filled with hope. Was it possible that she really cared for him?
“I realize what I’m asking, but the thought of never seeing you again makes me feel as if my heart has been ripped out of my chest and stomped on a few hundred times. I’m sorry I’ve put you in this position. I should have remained quiet. Of course, you don’t feel the same. It was very foolish of me to assume you did; it’s just that…” She suddenly grew quiet, silenced by humiliation. “Forget I said it.” She looked away, taking his surprise for rejection.
“You will never see your father again. He’ll think that I forced you to leave and possibly even hurt you.” Sam hated to think that the man who’d done so much to help him would think him a murderer and abductor of women, but the unreasonable hope in his heart kept growing, filling his chest with something like happiness.
“I left him a note telling him that I helped you and went with you willingly. I will destroy it once I get back to the fort,” she mumbled, turning away from him in embarrassment.
“But won’t you be sorry to leave him?”
“Sam, my mother died when I was twelve. I had to take on the role of the lady of the house and take care of my father and little sister, who was only four at the time. They were so helpless, so lost. I told myself year after year that it was my duty to put them first and that my happiness didn’t matter. I’d never allowed myself to entertain the idea of getting married or having a family of my own as long as they needed me. I raised Laura as if she were my own child, but children grow up, and Laura left me. She got married shortly before father and I left England. Maybe it’s selfish, but I’m twenty-five, and I need to think of my own happiness before it’s too late. Father will just have to learn to accept that. He’s a wonderful, caring man, but at times he forgets that I’m his daughter and not his wife.”
A Game of Shadows Page 29