Immediately Henry paled and looked down at his plate. He toyed with the roasted chicken before him. Alex watched him with rising intrigue. “Uncle Henry, is there some problem with Mister Clay? You’ve been as nervous as a colt near a branding iron.”
Henry shifted apprehensively in his chair and sipped some red wine from a stemmed glass. “Nothing to worry your head over, Alex, just a business matter,” he stated, hoping to dismiss the topic.
“You have no dealings with Mister Clay, Uncle dear. What are you keeping from me?” she demanded softly, but seriously.
“That imagination is running wild, Alex. You best concentrate on choosing a husband before your time is up,” he suggested, yet his tone was strained and riddled with guilt about something.
“Look at me, Uncle Henry,” she gently commanded. “Your eyes and voice tell a different story from your words,” she refuted his casual excuse.
“A beautiful girl can’t fill her head with politics and business. We have to discuss our dinner party for next week,” he made another attempt to change the subject.
“Isn’t Mister Clay one of those Warhawks?” she unexpectedly asked.
Henry paled again and squirmed in his seat as he searched for an appropriate answer. His reaction told her a great deal. “Has he convinced his countrymen to go to war with us?” she inquired in a shaky voice, observing him closely.
His head jerked up; his expression betraying an affirmative reply. Yet, he teased, “Whyever would you think such a thing? War’s a nasty business. It wouldn’t do to charge into it blindly.”
“I wouldn’t call discussing and planning it for months charging blindly and impulsively. How soon?” she asked, her knees quivering and her stomach knotting.
“How soon what?” he stalled as he desperately pondered an explanation.
“You know what I mean, Uncle Henry. Has war been declared yet?”
“No, Alex,” he replied honestly, but nervously.
“When?” she demanded succinctly, her eyes never leaving his ashen face.
“In a week they will meet to hear Madison’s suggestions and to vote,” he finally gave in to her demand to hear the truth.
Alex stared at him in disbelief. She had previously overheard talk of the dissatisfaction and dissension. It was actually coming to an open confrontation! What would happen at that June eighteenth meeting? She was in America and her father was in England. How could she get home if…She trembled and stammered, “I’ve…got to get…home before…they vote.” Aware of how lengthy and costly English wars could be, she knew she would be stranded in America once the decision was made.
“Leave here? Now?” he reasoned aloud. “You can’t, Alex. Sea travel is dangerous. There’s no way I could get you safely home before…”
“Before what, Uncle Henry?” she asked at his abrupt hesitation.
“There’s no way I could arrange passage before the eighteenth, Alex; that’s only four days from now,” he argued with the defiant girl.
“If you can’t or won’t, then I will! I refuse to remain here while your country wars against mine. It could be years before I could get home again. What about my father?” she wailed in panic.
“He knows I’ll see to your safety. I cannot allow you to sail under these perilous conditions. Besides, Tessa is still unable to travel. She’s been ill since your arrival,” he reminded her.
“Tessa’s only problem is a difficult pregnancy. She should have told me the truth before we sailed! Papa would have forced the groom to marry her. She can remain here until it’s safe to travel again, but I’m going home,” she willfully announced with fierce determination. “Even if I have to stow away, I’ll be on the next ship which sails for England.”
“Surely you jest, child!” he thundered at her, his nerves taut and his patience sorely tested.
“No, I do not jest. Before June eighteenth, I’ll be on my way home. Either you arrange it or I will,” she stubbornly refused to relent.
“But, Alex…”
She promptly cut him off. “Until you declare war, business on the high sea will continue as usual,” she debated.
“As usual, yes! There are pirates and privateers! There are English ships scouting the coast, dropping off spies in every port! It wouldn’t be safe or wise. Please reconsider this wild idea,” he pleaded with her.
“Don’t you understand, Uncle Henry? It’s now or never!” she dramatically presented her case. “I have to sail before Congress meets. Surely there’s some acceptable ship who can take me aboard?”
“Your father will thrash both of us! Perhaps I could send word for him to join us here,” he suggested.
“Papa move to America? Don’t be absurd! I’m going home with or without your assistance,” she concluded, rising gracefully from the dinner table to head to her room to pack. She turned to say, “I’ll be packed by morning, and I’ll head to town to see about a ship.”
Henry shook his head in dismay. He couldn’t reveal the information he knew. When she learned the truth about her father, it would have to come from his own lips! “All right, Alex,” he called out as she was mounting the tall staircase. As she halted and looked down at him, he sighed and stated, “I’ll see what I can do. But I refuse to let you leave on any ship that doesn’t seem safe. Tessa can stay here with us.”
She smiled radiantly. She rushed down the steps and hugged him tightly. “Thank you, Uncle Henry. I’m sorry, but I must go home.”
He smiled faintly and said, “I know, Alex. But if anything happened to you, I’d never forgive myself. If I can’t locate a proper ship and captain, I’ll lock you in your room to prevent any foolish behavior,” he warned.
She laughed and tweaked his plump cheek. “For once, I’ll be a good girl,” she teased merrily, her eyes dancing with mischief. “I promise to be very careful.”
Once in her room, Alex had this same argument with Tessa. When nothing worked to change her young mistress’s mind, the maid sullenly helped Alex pack her belongings. “Ye Papa’s gonna be furious, Mum. He’ll flog me somethin’ terrible when he finds me,” she fearfully stated.
“Don’t be silly, Tessa. Papa knows how determined and headstrong I. can be. How could a sick maid stop me?” she teased the dimpled, squat servant of seventeen who was revealing her condition more and more every day. Even after a year of service, Tessa was still guarded and strange.
“You remain here with Uncle Henry and take good care of yourself. Once you come home, Papa will see that you’re legally wed to Timothy. Right after he thrashes him good and proper,” she impulsively added.
“No, Mum. You mustn’t get Timothy into trouble. ‘Tweren’t his fault. When them fires rage in ye body, they ain’t no putting them out,” she declared unwittingly, her face closed to Alex’s scrutiny.
When Alex halted her progress to stare at her, Tessa brazenly went on, “Ye wouldn’t be knowing about such things, Mum. But I tell ye the truth; when ye blood boils with passion, ain’t no controlling yeself. When Timothy holds me and kisses me, the whole world is wild and wonderful. Ever’thin’ spins and dances, and I only thinks about him and cooling the heat in me body. I’m a bad girl, Mum, for I kin not fight the weakness of the flesh.” Tessa shamelessly locked gazes with the shocked girl she was trying to embarrass and spite.
I wouldn’t know about such things? Alex mentally echoed. If only I didn’t know exactly what you mean…
She looked at Tessa and modestly argued, “No, Tessa you aren’t a bad girl; just an impulsive and foolish one. I should think love would be that way. Besides, why should men have all the pleasure at such special moments? I daresay you are fortunate to have known such a unique and wonderful time. But marriage should come before such carnal pleasures. As you can see, there are punishments for wanton desires,” she teased, patting Tessa’s protruding stomach, refusing to expose her dismay and shock. “First the husband, then the romps in bed and babies. Agreed? No more dallying?” she demurely hinted.
“Yes, Mum
,” she quickly and resentfully consented. “Ye be a joy to know, Miss Alex,” she deceitfully remarked, jealousy filling her heart and eyes. “How kin I ever thank ye?”
“Stay well and have a healthy baby. And no more fiery blood,” she couldn’t help but add with gay laughter to visibly reprimand this audacious servant who was much too brazen and defiant.
Not once during this conversation did Alex consider her own good fortune in remaining slim and unfettered by a fatherless child from her own wanton experience by the pond. Somehow, she never imagined herself as being unwed and blossoming with a bastard child. To her disadvantage, her education in that vital area was sadly lacking…
When the persistent Daniel Grey came calling that following afternoon, a sullen Tessa civilly sent him on his way with the lie that Alex wasn’t home at present. When Tessa returned to Alex’s room, she was giggling like a young girl as she came forward to relate the humorous scene below delighting in turning away a handsome and wealthy suitor.
“He surely be determined to have ye, Mum. He be planning to call again after dinner. He said to give ye this package.”
Alex scowled in displeasure at the news of another appearance by that irritating rake with the wandering, groping hands. “You’d think after three pinches, two slaps, and several refusals he would get the idea I cannot tolerate him! However shall I discourage him, Tessa?” she declared her vexation. “What bribe has he sent this time?” she asked, taking the package wrapped in scented paper. “First flowers, then lace kerchiefs, now what?” she ventured as she ripped open the unwanted gift.
When she lifted the top to the box, her eyes widened in surprise. “Look at this, Tessa!” she squealed in astonishment. “Do my eyes deceive me, or is that a diamond and emerald bracelet?”
“My, oh my, Mum,” Tessa murmured in wistful approval of the expensive gift. “’Tis real jewels, I do believe. He be lining his trap with treasures,” Tessa enviously concluded, eying the wealth before her greedy gaze.
“You’re right, Tess. A trap for sure,” she readily agreed. She hastily closed the box and handed it to her servant. “Please wrap this and have it returned to Mister Grey this afternoon.”
“Ye be returning it?” Tessa shrieked in disbelief. Was her haughty mistress daft!
“Certainly! I couldn’t possibly accept such a costly present from a man I dislike immensely. Besides, he would surely attempt to collect some reward in exchange for it. Nothing comes free, Tessa dear, not even love,” she warned, patting her tummy again to stress her point. “Everything has some price. And I’m not willing to pay Mister Daniel Grey’s!” she asserted contemptuously.
“But ye be leaving soon, Mum. How can he collect if ye be gone?” she tempted her mistress to keep the exquisite bracelet which was of great value and beauty, hoping it would cause trouble.
“That wouldn’t be proper, Tessa. Please return it to Mister Grey, and I don’t want to hear it mentioned again.” She turned and left the room, totally dismissing Daniel and the gift.
Tessa gazed down at the lovely bracelet which was worth so much money. Since Lady Alexandria was leaving in a few days, she would never know if the bracelet never found its way back home…Thinking of how much money could be made from its sale, she smiled and placed the bracelet in her pocket. Humming cheerfully, she collected the wrapping paper and left the room.
That afternoon raced by in a flurry of plans and decisions. Uncle Henry informed Alex, “The Sea Star is the only ship leaving port within the next few days heading for England. Captain Thackery assured me you will be safe under his protection. He’s agreed to let you use the first mate’s quarters for a hefty purse. I’ve gotten you a perfect disguise and you must wear it at all times.”
As he withdrew the garments from a large package, Alex placed her hand over her mouth to prevent her giggles from spilling forth. “You expect me to travel to England dressed like that?” she mocked his careful plans in unleashed merriment.
“Most assuredly, my dear. Don’t you ever leave your cabin dressed any other way! Under the circumstances, it would be seemly if you remained in your cabin as much as possible. For certain, this should protect you from amorous seamen. The Sea Star crew didn’t have any leave this port, so those men will be looking for any diversion. Please, Alex, don’t tempt them to forget you’re a lady and a well-paying traveller,” he warned, his expression grave.
“I’ve given you my promise to be good and careful. I won’t entice a single man. But I can’t remain in a stuffy, dingy cabin for weeks on end. I’ll wear this…disguise every time I leave it,” she vowed, then laughed as she studied the clothing which he had provided for her protection.
“I know this isn’t much warning, but Thackery sails with the morning tide. He wants you on board by nightfall. I just wish Tessa could travel with you,” he grumbled.
“I will not be cooped up with a woman throwing up every few minutes! If I’m to be confined to my cabin, then let it be alone. I’ll take several of your books along to keep my mind occupied,” she stated.
Henry went to call Tessa to help Alex with her final packing. Alex looked around the room for one last time. This trip had been good for her. She had savored life and freedom for a short time. She was torn between remaining here to protect that freedom and returning home to prevent a lengthy separation by war. Would she be able to stall her father’s plans for an arranged marriage? If not, she would check out every available bachelor in England and select the best one! But first, she might see if she could locate the mysterious man by the pond…
“Forget it, Alex! That’s sheer madness,” she cautioned herself.
“What’s sheer madness?” her uncle questioned from the doorway.
Caught by surprise, she whirled and glanced sheepishly at him. She lied most convincingly, “To find the perfect man when I return home. You know Papa insists I be wed before this year’s out. I was just preparing myself to settle for the second best man,” she wretchedly stated.
“You’re finally talking intelligently, my dear girl. I’m proud of you. Charles only wants the best for his only daughter,” he remarked fondly.
“I know, Uncle Henry. But is marriage to some stranger really the best for me? What about love?” she protested miserably, her nerves tensing at the idea of marriage and her trip home.
“Love comes with time, Alex, not at first or even second sight,” he admonished his romantic niece.
Doesn’t it? she mentally argued. If not, how could she explain these crazy feelings about Stephen? She cursed this magical spell he had cast over her heart and body. She cursed the nights she had awakened longing for him and those wild passions he had unleashed. Why was life so cruel and demanding? Why couldn’t she marry a man she could love and desire?
“Alex?” her uncle called her from her dreamy state. “Is something troubling you?” he probed.
She forced a buoyant smile to her lips and shook her head of tawny curls. “I’m just fine. I’ll be ready to leave shortly. I promise to come again when the war’s over.”
“I doubt your new husband will permit you to leave his side so soon.”
“You sound as if you think America will win this conflict in a matter of months,” she snapped, then promptly apologized for her curtness.
“I fully understand. You’ve a lot on your mind. Just remember this if you leave your cabin for any reason, any reason,” he stressed, tapping the hat.
Henry called two of his servants to take her baggage to the waiting carriage. Alex completed her disguise and turned to face him. “Well?” she inquired, twirling before him like a dancing doll.
“Excellent! You should be perfectly safe if you practice caution.”
Arm-in-arm they left her bedroom and walked down the steps and out the front door. Henry helped her into the carriage and waited for her to situate herself before telling the coachman to head for the dock. They travelled in near silence, each absorbed in thought.
Within a mile of the port, Henry leaned o
ver to whisper his final warnings to her, “Don’t forget, Alex; no one must learn your real name or see those messages stitched to your petticoat. They’re innocent enough, but they could be misconstrued. At the first sign of trouble, get rid of that petticoat. And tell no one your name. Understand?” he entreated gravely.
“Why, Uncle Henry? If trouble came about, wouldn’t it be wiser if I told them I was the daughter of Lord Charles Hampton? Surely that would halt any problems?” she quietly reasoned, confused by his caution.
“No, you mustn’t,” he instantly replied. “If there’s trouble on the ship, Lady Hampton would command a hefty ransom or her life could be endangered by some hot-headed loyalist. Who better to trade for information than a highborn lady? Think what foolish ideas a desperate man could get plotting ransom for you. Besides, some crude males think it sporty to ravish a lady of quality. As to those messages on your petticoat, there’s no telling how some unscrupulous man might use them against me or your father. Why, they might call such messages treason,” he boldly hinted.
“Treason? But what do they say?” she curiously inquired.
“Nothing of interest or concern to you or the Motherland, dear. Just some vital business facts for Charles’s use. Still, other shippers wouldn’t take kindly to such a trade of critical information. If you wish to protect both mine and your father’s business interests and reputations, destroy that petticoat if the ship is attacked.”
“Attacked? By whom?” she nervously demanded.
“I told you when you demanded this voyage home it could be dangerous. I’m referring to English scouting ships or privateers. Plus, I’m not too sure how far we can trust this Thackery. Just remain in hiding as much as possible,” he reiterated his warning for what seemed the hundredth time.
“Not to worry, Uncle Henry, I’ll do as you say: remain hidden; rid myself of this naughty petticoat; guard my name from all ears,” she merrily repeated her lists of commands, then laughed as if this were some exciting and harmless game.
“I’m not teasing, Alexandria. The seas are perilous; many men can’t be trusted. You’re a beautiful woman travelling alone. This isn’t a joking matter,” he sternly scolded her, frowning.
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