Eliza’s face and neck burned. She placed an easy smile on her lips to mask her nervousness, fearing he could see through her. “Oh yes, well, it was interesting but, could you read it again, please?”
He tilted his brow and grinned from the corner of his mouth. “Of course.”
Does he suspect something?
He read it again, but still she didn’t hear it. Her mind was too busy engineering her masterful plan. She would need men’s clothing and a way to sneak out of the house without being seen . . .
What a marvelous solution to her troubling dilemma.
And the most wonderful part . . . Thomas would never know.
The sun rose with an exquisite overture of delicate lavender. Eliza slipped into her day-dress of the same hue, and twisted her long hair into a bun, pinned it, then moved her cap into place. She pinched her cheeks and brushed the sleep from her eyes.
Though to own the truth, sleep had evaded her thanks to the irritating nervousness that swirled in her stomach. But, despite her restless night, she felt fresh as a spring morning.
Over the past two days, her sly scheme to attend the rally had taken root in her conscience. This particular morning was the first time since the day of the “recovery celebration” that she actually smiled with true zeal. Tonight’s rally would prove to be a salve to her aching spirits and allow her to focus on what really mattered: finding the truth of what Father believed, and why.
As mid-day approached, those same nervous feathers of anticipation that lined her stomach, morphed into tumbling rocks. She busied herself with chores and chatted with Kitty about the latest Shakespeare play she’d been re-reading, but such activities did little for her nervous anxiety.
Thomas regarded her with little less than a nod as he passed by through the day, which deepened the chasm in her chest. She pretended not to care.
Minutes stretched to hours.
Finally, the time to act approached and her careful plan took form.
“Kitty,” she said, “I’d love to indulge in some of your delicious apple tansy tonight. Would you be so kind as to make it for us, dearest?”
Kitty closed her book and stretched her arms above her head. “I’d be happy to, Liza. How did you know I was in the mood to cook?”
Giggling, Eliza winked. “Aren’t you always in the mood to cook?”
“You know me too well.” Kitty pushed up from her seat and hummed on her way to the kitchen. “Besides, on these cold nights I’m always looking for a reason to stay close to the warm kitchen fire.”
Eliza buzzed from head-to-toe.
Kitty will be busy and out of sight. Now for Thomas.
Through the day, Eliza had secretly removed one log at a time from the large pile that Thomas had brought in that morning, and stashed them in the empty chest that rested near the hearth.
“Thomas?” she called, exhorting herself to sound relaxed.
He entered the room, an emotionless expression in his handsome features. Eliza sighed and stamped out the hope she’d born in her heart. If only he’d looked at her with at least a hint of a smile.
“We’re out of wood again it seems,” she said, pointing to the vacant wall near the fire.
Thomas shot a glance toward the once towering pile of logs. “What happened? I chopped an enormous pile this morning.”
A tinge of mirth sounded in his voice and Eliza allowed a grin to twitch at her mouth.
He moved his head and looked at her, a tiny sparkle glittering in his eyes. How she wished he would come close to her and place his hands around her just as he had the night of the reading. But she resigned herself to the truth: he never would.
Eliza cleared her throat as she remembered her purpose in calling him. “It’s been so cold, we’re burning more wood these days.”
A smile lifted one side of his mouth, which in turn lifted her drooping spirit. “I’ll go chop some more.” He moved toward the back door without another glance and a blast of frigid air let Eliza know he’d gone outside.
The well-known rhythmic chopping ensued thereafter and Eliza flitted upstairs. She reached under her bed and pulled out her disguise. Thomas’s extra pair of breeches—which she’d taken from the bottom of the chest—were far too large. Using a sturdy piece of twine, she secured the fabric around her waist, praying it would stay in place. Next came an old shirt and jacket, as well as woolen stockings and a long brown scarf all topped with a heavy black greatcoat.
She took only a second to survey her appearance, pulling her posture back and grinning at her reflection. The clothing hung on her small frame—the greatcoat falling practically to her feet—but there was nothing she could do about it. At least she would be warm.
At that moment her nerves began a rally of their own. What if she was caught? What would Thomas say if he knew she’d gone? What if she put them all at risk? Was this worth it?
She paused, wrapping the scarf around her head. Maybe this is a fool’s errand.
A small voice of warning echoed in her mind, but she ignored it. With such a grand disguise, no one would ever recognize her. There was nothing to be worried over. Besides, she would only stay a few minutes—just long enough to absorb the scene and listen to Nathaniel’s speech, then she would be home.
She lodged the tricorne she’d swiped on top of her head, peeked out the door of her room, and listened.
Not a sound.
Her feet twitched in her shoes, eager to carry her to an event that would change her life.
Careful not to make the floors creek, she crept down the stairs, listening for the clanking of Kitty’s utensils in the kitchen. Good, she’s still busy. The chopping continued in the back, and a bit of the anxiety she’d harbored skirted free. I’m going to make it!
She held her breath and opened the squeaky door, praying Kitty didn’t hear. She called to her sister from the partially open door, the majority of her body already out in the cold. “Kitty, I’m so sorry darling, but I’m feeling poorly. I’m heading to bed now and I’ll eat your delicious dessert in the morning.”
“Alright, Liza. I’ll be up before too long.” Kitty called from the kitchen.
Eliza dare not respond, in fear her sister might come out to continue the conversation. She closed the door and relished in her newfound freedom.
The cold chased up her nose, and slapped at her cheeks, but the rest of her remained toasty. The fresh winter air smelled of ice and freedom. She wiggled her toes in her shoes and peered up at the cloudy sky, just as lazy flakes of white swung down on the small breeze. Delirious excitement tightened around her. Thank you, Lord! Please keep me safe. I promise I won’t stay long. Help me to find the truth I’m searching for.
Eliza picked up the greatcoat that hung around her legs and dashed toward town like an energetic child running toward an unexplored meadow. The exhilaration pumping through her blood gave her added speed as she neared her destination. An expansive grin spread from her face down to her running feet.
When she reached the edge of town where the main shops and markets lined the streets, a large group had already assembled. Lanterns dotted the crowd, adding an almost festive air as a stream of rally-goers poured in from the small highway that led into the province.
Her eyes widened to take in the scene. Never had she beheld such a sight. Some people carried large poles with a familiar yellow banner. She’d seen the flag with the coiled snake many times in Boston but never so many in one place. Also, the Sons of Liberty’s red and white striped flag blew proudly from some poles, as well as the popular “Join, Or Die”.
She had seen these flags and cartoons in Boston but always brushed them aside as wicked schemes used by those who betrayed their forefathers and the great King of England. But tonight, they took on new meaning as she mixed with the expanding crowd of proud patriots. What would Father say if he saw her now? Would he be proud of her and how she tried to learn what he’d believed, and loved, and sacrificed for?
Her entire frame tingled and her breathing quickene
d as she scanned the growing assemblage. Scattered on the edges of the streets stood numerous Redcoats, all looking formidable and each carrying muskets. Instinctively, she dropped her head and pulled her coat around her neck.
After a time, the gathering became so enormous Eliza could neither make out the front nor the back of the group. Everyone talked and mingled about, awaiting the call to march to Barnstable Courthouse.
The thrill of it all seeped through her chest. How she wished Thomas were here. She wanted him to experience this with her. She knew he’d wanted more than anything to come and support the cause that he and Nathaniel loved so well, but he’d abnegated—for their safety.
She bit her lip and looked down at the muddy snow. Dear Lord, I don’t want my actions to bring harm to Thomas or his cousin’s family. Help me to stay hidden.
The crack of a musket rocked the air and every face in the crowd shot up and turned to the man standing atop a rickety platform.
Nathaniel’s voice sang loud and ripped across the freezing air.
Eliza remained motionless and almost floated off the ground.
Raising his fist in the air, Nathaniel beamed. “Fellow patriots! We stand united!”
Chapter Twenty
Thomas whacked the axe harder with every stroke, making an even larger pile than he chopped that morning. Would this chore never end? He’d noticed the temperatures dropping, but hadn’t felt it getting quite as bitter as the girls seemed to think it was. They burned more logs in one day than he burned in a month.
He hauled the wood into the house in three massive armfuls. Careful to remain aloof, he looked around the vacant room, hoping Eliza might still be sitting in her favorite chair. Alas, she was not to be seen.
The last two weeks had been a most futile exercise in abstinence. The more he kept his distance from Eliza, the greater his longing became.
But he had a duty to perform. His emotions were not welcome in the equation.
He placed two more logs on the fire and heaved an exasperated breath. He’d done his utmost, expounding to her all he knew and loved about her father. She relished it all. When she found the truth, she would embrace it, he had no doubt. It warmed him to the depths of his soul, knowing that he was doing what God intended. Thomas loved to watch the spark in her eye and the determined twist that played with her lips when she asked questions. He savored Eliza’s every move, and craved the sound of her voice. Her gentle scent found him in even the furthest, most vacant corner of his home.
What would his life be like without her? He wouldn’t acknowledge the painful answer.
Thomas peered around the room again. This time of evening Eliza always sat by the fire, mending or reading, but not tonight. Curiosity pricked him and his stomach dropped.
Where is she?
He wagged his head and rolled his shoulders, trying to shake the uneasy feeling. The house wasn’t tiny, but it was small enough. Shouldn’t he at least hear her and know where she was?
Thomas walked toward the kitchen, expecting to find both women laboring over the fire even though no talking emanated from the warm space.
He tried to squelch his growing worry upon finding only Kitty.
She looked at him and smiled, before moving back to her work at the small table.
He peered around, his fingers tapping his leg. “Smells delicious, Kitty.”
Another grin moved across her face, but she didn’t lift her head. “Thank you. Liza asked me to make apple tansy again.”
Thomas nodded and inhaled the fresh scent of tart apples and nutmeg that billowed through the small kitchen. “Speaking of Eliza, where is she?” He fingered a few bits of peel, then snuck a piece in his mouth, trying to swallow the nerves that choked him.
Kitty wiped her hands on her well-loved apron. “She called down to me earlier. I believe she’s already in bed.”
“Really?”
She cracked a few eggs and began to beat them. “I noticed she acted a bit anxious today. I hope she’s not unwell.”
Thomas had noticed the same thing. “I’ll go see if she needs anything.”
Kitty looked up to give him a quick smile. “Alright.”
His blood pumped quicker as he passed Eliza’s empty chair. Something was amiss—she hadn’t skipped a single evening of discussion since they’d begun, and she never went to bed early. He grabbed a candle and started upstairs.
Eliza’s door was closed and no light peeped from beneath the door. Maybe she retired early. He hated the thought of waking her, but his nervous stomach would never allow him to rest until he knew she was well.
He tapped on the door with the backs of his knuckles and kept his voice quiet. “Eliza?”
Nothing.
He knocked harder. “Eliza?”
Still nothing.
He knocked again, then turned the knob and pushed the door open, peering cautiously into the room.
Her small form lay peaceful and still under the blankets.
She must be sleeping. His shoulders dropped and he released a harbored breath, yet his concern remained healthy. Was she ill? He fought the temptation to go to her, to hear the soft whisper of her breath, to feel her brow and check for fever.
Reason reigned and he left the room, closing the door behind him. If he were to be that close to her again, the pull of her nearness might prove too much to resist. He promised himself that if she didn’t emerge by morning he would check on her again.
Once downstairs, he picked up the latest Gazette that Nathaniel had brought that morning, dropped into his favorite chair and tried to read.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
Nathaniel raised his hand to silence the cheering crowd. Eliza teetered back and forth on her feet, trying to see between the swaying heads of the taller men surrounding her.
“My good countrymen! We gather together this winter eve to show our collective displeasure.” He raised his voice to be heard over the consistent hum. “Those of us here feel the constant and ever expanding oppression of King George.”
A thunderous applause erupted. The men around her shook their raised fists and waved their towering flags. All the while, tender white flakes dusted their hats and coats, senseless of the excitement.
“While the king luxuriates on his opulent throne, we strive to live day-to-day, barely able to pay the excessive taxes he presses upon us!”
Again the group exploded into a thrilling cacophony of shouts and cheers. Eliza marveled at the strength and composure of those who had gathered. They were a powerful, even foreboding presence, yet none exhibited anger or unneeded hostility. The nervous feathers that had coated her stomach since sunrise floated away as she grew ever more relaxed.
“His Majesty treats us as foreigners—with disdain and even with brutality! We are a part of England’s great and noble empire, yet he seems to think otherwise. So, I would remind you my fellow patriots, Massachusetts is our country!”
Shouts of consensus rang wild through the air, and Eliza couldn’t hold back the smile that bloomed on her frozen cheeks.
“We have gathered in this peaceful protest to unite in our noble cause, to give strength and courage to one another as we strive to show our local government we refuse to be so oppressed. Remember, brethren, we serve but one King, and He reigns in the heavens.”
Nathaniel’s statement struck Eliza like a powerful wind. Father’s words resounded in her mind. “You must always serve your King, Eliza. Love him, and honor him.” Had she mistaken his meaning all those years? Had he been talking of Christ the King?
“We must arm ourselves with knowledge and with the almighty power of God, for He is truly on our side. We must stand for the truth! For the truth shall make us free!”
Another jubilant roar rose in the air. Eliza’s breath stuck in her throat. The plea her Father had spoken in that precious vision those many weeks ago, now rushed with striking force into the forefront of her memory. The truth shall make you free. Even Tho
mas had said those very words.
Tears threatened. She covered her mouth with both hands, pressing away the rising emotions. This was the third time the statement had been made. Father, Thomas and now Nathaniel.
Yes! God was her true King. This was what Father had intended for her to know. This is the truth she had been searching for. Armed with this knowledge she would never again be a prisoner to herself or anyone else. All along, Father had been telling her what he believed. He hadn’t kept her in the dark.
Thank you, Lord! And thank you Father for believing in me and trusting me to find what I needed to know.
Nathaniel’s resounding cry lifted above the fray and pierced her heart. And from the palpable reaction in the crowd, his words penetrated every other heart as well.
“This Liberty Pole represents our united cause. We must ever strive to be worthy of the blessings of God. We must ever be humble, teachable and courageous enough to accept the challenges and turmoil that awaits us. If we will but stand valiant, God will surely deliver us!”
Eliza raised her head as a tangible weight lifted from her shoulders.
“Let us march!” Nathaniel yelled, with his fist raised to the clouds. “Let us show the leaders of this historic city where their constituents homage lies! They must no longer work under the name of the king, but of the people!”
Nathaniel stepped down from his perch and began his walk toward the other side of town as a thunderous roar exploded. The jubilant crowd followed, clapping and cheering, bouncing their flags and waving their lanterns high in the air.
Eliza reveled in the joy of her personal revelation. The truth did make her free. She was weightless and walked as if on a bed of flowers.
Father taught her from the beginning. How had she become so confused? It was understandable, she supposed. The political turmoil of the time was such that everything was upside-down. But now she knew, and the world seemed as bright as noonday. She would unite with this cause as Father had done, and by so doing, ensure their prosperous futures—just as Father would have wanted.
So Fair a Lady (Daughters of His Kingdom Book 1) Page 21