by Jerri Hines
She glanced over her shoulder. “Don’t concern yourself, Zachary. Stay on your roads.”
She nudged her horse to a gallop and jumped the fence into the meadow. Reining her horse in, she turned. Zachary sat, still determining which course to take. With her heel into the side of the sorrel, she rode on. She required time to herself.
Time to contemplate all the happenings around her. She couldn’t ignore that preparations had begun for war. Nor could she ignore that her family would well be in the middle of any hostilities and Gabriel…Gabriel who was ignoring her! She rode harder and further, but still her unpleasant thoughts haunted her. With the wind in her face, she rode on.
Pulling up, she dismounted. She was near the Kerr’s cabin. With her horse following behind, the reins in her hands, she approached. Her hat had been lost on her ride, causing her hair to fall loose. The cabin looked as if others had been here since the last time she was here. Marks as if someone had pulled a heavy object up to the door marked the porch.
The sounds of hoof beats stopped her investigation. Zachary must have caught up to her. She turned, only the horseman wasn’t her cousin. The man eyed her with a smile appearing on his face. Hannah didn’t know whether to jump back upon her horse or stand her ground, for the one who was heading straight toward her was the business associate of her uncle. Reining in his horse by her side, he dismounted all in one motion.
“This seems to be my lucky day. Here I thought myself lost and have found someone I know. How are you today, Miss Corbett? Hannah, isn’t it?” he said in an engaging manner. “Climbed any more trees lately?”
Ignoring his question, she asked her own. “Pray, what are you doing out this way? I thought you had left.”
He eyed her, making Hannah uncomfortable. “In all honesty we found the necessity of returning earlier than expected, although your uncle isn’t with us this trip. But I had wanted to see you before I departed again. I wanted to ask if you had had time to consider the request of your grandmother’s. I admit I didn’t believe I would get the opportunity, but didn’t mind an early morning ride. As I can see you enjoy the early morning, also.”
“My cousin will be here soon,” Hannah said, irritated. “I should go look for him. If you will excuse me.”
He placed his hand on her shoulder before she remounted. “Just give me a few moments. Your horse looks as though he could use a few minutes. Been riding him hard, I see.”
Hannah didn’t want to admit he was right, though, the sorrel was sweating profusely. “I was just going to walk him down to the river for a small drink.”
“Then you won’t mind if I join you,” he answered. He gathered the reins of her horse with his and proceeded down a worn path leading to the river banks. “Your grandparents expressed concerns about your upbringing.”
“There has been nothing wrong with my upbringing,” she responded hotly. “If you are talking of the clothing I have on, I was out with my cousin riding. I wasn’t expecting company. They are much more comfortable.”
“Pray, forgive me. I didn’t mean it as an insult. I find you exceedingly charming, I assure you,” he stated as his eyes rove over her body in a manner that made blood rush to her cheeks. “I am finding I am enjoying my morning adventure. Lovely country. I can quite see why you love it so.”
She looked back at him and continued down the path, tracking through the overgrown trail, she walked down to the river’s edge. Marcus stood uncomfortably close behind her. An awkward silence ensued, for she would neither talk nor look at him, choosing instead to stare across the river as her horse drank.
Marcus took his hat off and wiped his brow. “It does warm up rather quickly in Virginia. Doesn’t it?”
Hannah pursed her lips, refusing to reply. He continued gazing over the water. “Have you ever thought of what lies beyond the river? Where it goes? Just to see what is there?”
She didn’t move and continued her gaze out over the water. “No, I’m perfectly content here.”
She took a deep breath and abruptly turned, crashing into him. He caught her. For an instant he stared deep into her eyes. She backed away, uncomfortable, vividly remembering the feeling of being in his arms. “I’m sorry. I’m clumsy. I suppose I’m being rude,” she rambled as she collected herself. “But I don’t know you, Mr. Durham.”
“Please, Marcus,” he interrupted with a grin. He seemed to be enjoying himself.
She pulled her horse back down the trail toward the road. When they reached it, she mounted up. She watched him mounted, too. “Now, Marcus, I really have to find Zachary or he will go to my uncle.”
She studied him. The man was well assured. He did not look the sort to get lost. Could he be looking for the man that appeared from New York? Would her father think her fanciful? Wouldn’t it be better to err on the side of safety? She offered. “You are welcome to come with me. I can show you the road back to Williamsburg so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. You are welcome to come by for refreshments if you want.”
“Aren’t you in the least interested in your grandparents or cousins?” Marcus changed the subject once more as he followed her, pressing her, irritating her.
“The last time I saw them, Marcus, my grandfather tried to detain me from my father. I remember crying and pleading. My only memory of my grandmother is one of a disturbed woman, who kept calling me by my mother’s name. It’s not a happy memory, and one I wish to forget. You may know my grandfather as a businessman, but I can only picture him telling me I would never see my father again.”
Marcus rode silently for awhile. “People do things at some points because they love you too much. I don’t know the circumstances, but I understand your grandmother loves you very much. How can that be all bad?
“Mistakes happen. I admit I only know your grandfather professionally at best, but I have met your cousins, Susan and Camilla. Lovely girls, both. I believe Camilla and you would get along nicely. I would have to admit that I don’t care for your cousin, George, but all families have a blacksheep, I am sure. Your grandparents did raise your mother.”
“We are talking too much about me,” Hannah said abruptly. She had no desire to discuss her family with this stranger. She glanced over at him. “What about you? What part of England are you from?”
“Very observant, Hannah. I was raised in England, but business forced me oversees. I have lived in the colonies the last few years,” Marcus said, but the conversation came to a halt upon the appearance of Zachary.
“Hannah,” Zachary began, flustered, working his reins to control the horse.
“Don’t start, Zachary. We have a guest. I have invited Mr. Durham back for refreshments,” Hannah smiled over at Marcus, who looked thoroughly amused at her change in attitude.
Hannah changed into a simple blue dress before returning to find Marcus. The look she received from her mother indicated they were none too happy with this encounter or her extended invitation. She couldn’t explain why she’d done so either. She descended down to the parlor. Upon hearing voices from the veranda, she stood in the doorway, observing the scene. A squeal of delight came from her young cousins.
“Do another,” Betsy cried. The girls’ eyes enlarged as Faith searched all round the table.
“Where did it go?” Faith asked, looking questioningly at the man in front of her.
“Let us see,” Marcus replied. He reached behind the child’s ear producing the coin. The girls shrieked in delight.
“I can see you have been well entertained,” said Hannah, stepping into the room. “You seem to have a way with children. Do you have some of your own?”
Marcus didn’t have the opportunity to answer as Hannah was bombarded by her cousins. The two small girls with ringlets falling around their faces from underneath their caps grabbed their cousin’s hands leading her to one of the large basket chairs.
“He knows all sorts of tricks. Don’t you, Mr. Durham?” Faith exclaimed.
Giving an apologetic smile, Hannah
said, “It seems my young cousins have been left to entertain you. Where did Mother go?”
“Don’t worry. We have had a grand time. Have we not young ladies?” Marcus said in which the girls hardly agreed. Turning back to Hannah, he answered, “Your aunt wasn’t feeling well. Your mother went to tend her.”
“We told him all about you, Hannah. Told him you could out shoot anyone we know. She has even taught James,” Betsy said with pride, talking rapidly.
“Betsy! What have you been boring Mr. Durham with?” Hannah asked. She had no desire of Marcus discovering her secrets.
“Not much. It was Faith who told him about you being mad at Gabriel. She had so hoped to be able to go to your wedding and now,” Betsy grimaced. “We aren’t sure.”
“Betsy!” Hannah cried, horrified, her face a shade redder than before. “I’m so sorry. What you must think.”
His eyebrows raised in an amused manner. “On the contrary, I have been utterly charmed.”
“He has, Hannah. He said that Gabriel must be a fool. I said so, too,” Betsy said in a confident manner.
Uncomfortable with the topic at hand, Hannah refused to look over to where Marcus sat. She could feel his eyes upon her. “Girls, why don’t you run and check to see if lunch is ready. I am sure Mr. Durham is hungry by now.”
“I believe I saw Father ride up, anyway,” Betsy acknowledged. She gave a small curtsy, as did her smaller sister. Hannah stood as she watched the two run off.
“I do so apologize. They’re just children.”
He stepped beside her and stared into her eyes. Her breathing quickened and she fought the urge to take a step back. “There is nothing to apologize for. The more I learn about you, the more fascinated I become.”
“Miss Hannah,” Gil, the houseboy, appeared. “Lunch is served.”
“Thank you,” Hannah replied.
The remainder of Marcus’s visit went uneventful, with her uncle questioning him about how he became lost. Not once did he appear ill at ease. On the contrary, he had the look of a man who seemed to be quite enjoying himself. After lunch, Hannah watched from the window as he rode down the road toward Williamsburg.
“Don’t like it. No, not one bit,” her uncle uttered by her side. Abruptly, he released the curtain in his hand.
Her uncle didn’t trust him either. There was something disturbing about the elegant Mr. Durham. Hannah just didn’t know what.
Chapter Five
Williamsburg was buzzing. Governor Dunmore had proclaimed Patrick Henry an outlaw, serving only to enhance the growing unrest. Customers could talk of nothing else when they entered Corbett’s silversmith store. Jonathan had spent the better part of the morning discussing the wisdom of Governor Dunmore’s actions, but he needed a break. He glanced over at his brother who nodded that he would handle Mr. Hemmingway who had walked in no more than a moment before.
Jonathan was set to return within a fortnight to Philadelphia. The letters he had known would come from Catherine urged him to do so. His commission had come through, but he hated to leave Williamsburg. He didn’t like all that had gone on in Williamsburg since he had returned home. Morse was dead. God, he hated that! Morse’s words echoed in Jonathan’s head. Our lives will mean nothing compared to our goal. Without doubt sacrifices will be made.
Lanson had bought the package, on which his father was working diligently trying to decipher. Until his father was finished, Jonathan covered his father’s store and was the reason why he had postponed going back to Philadelphia. Peter Lanson disturbed him greater than any news he had brought, though. Lanson was certain there had been a leak and all their lives were in danger. He would hate to admit that perhaps his father-in-law had been right. It was safer for Catherine in Philadelphia.
With Hannah’s revelation about Marcus Durham, all were on edge. Thank goodness for Hannah’s quick thinking. Unbeknownst to her, the militia had stored supplies within the cabin. They had gotten wind of Lord Dunmore laying in wait to search all the boats exiting the James. If the supplies were what Marcus Durham was looking for, it would have been disastrous.
With all that had occurred, Jonathan had found it difficult talking to his father about Gabriel. Within the confines of Williamsburg, Gabriel had returned to the friend he had known before—no late nights, no drunkenness, no perfumed clothing. Gabriel’s concentration seemed to have turned to his family’s acceptance of Hannah, who had taken a firm stance against since his visit to Philadelphia.
“I don’t know what happened,” Gabriel complained to Jonathan. “But Father has threatened to cut me off without a penny. I need only time to convince them otherwise. What else can a fourth son hope? They say now they want Alvina Jameson for me. Father has even talked of such with her father! Can you imagine me with her?”
“She’s rich,” Jonathan countered. He had hoped for a quicker denial of the fact he was even considering the situation. Hadn’t he already asked his father for Hannah’s hand?
Gabriel ignored his comment. “I have thought about everything. I was wondering if you could help me obtain a commission with all your connections, especially your father-in-law. I know Father would be impressed, along with Hannah.”
“I will see what I can do,” Jonathan offered. “But, Gabriel, I won’t have Hannah treated in this manner. If you are withdrawing—”
“I would never!” Gabriel responded emphatically. “I could never be happy with another.”
Jonathan stared at his friend. But money would ease the pain, Jonathan thought, and then quickly reprimanded himself. What would he do in his situation? He didn’t have that particular worry. Money wasn’t an issue. Wasn’t that one of the reasons Gannon accepted him so readily when he explained he could keep his daughter in the lifestyle she was accustomed to?
His father had always kept a low profile, never flaunting his wealth. Gabriel suspected, of that Jonathan was certain. He had often commented that Jonathan never wanted for anything. His father had sent him to William and Mary and then College in Philadelphia. Wouldn’t Gabriel undoubtedly marry Hannah without hesitation if he knew for certain?
Jonathan walked back into the kitchen for a quick drink of tea. He could hear Mother Agnes in the parlor humming to herself. The family had returned from Mount Fairview only yesterday, after Hannah had discovered Marcus Durham wondering about the plantation. He walked over behind his stepmother. Momentarily startled, she turned, relief in her eyes. He leaned over to kiss her cheek.
“I am sorry, Jonathan. My mind was elsewhere.” She smiled as she placed her flowers down upon the table.
“Where would that be?” he asked.
Hesitating for only a moment, she answered. “Would it surprise you if it was on Hannah?”
He reached for a piece of fruit from the table and took a seat on the winged chair. “In all honesty, no.”
“I worry about her, Jonathan. I overheard her with the Miller’s girl, Peggy, this morning. She talked of joining the militia. I believe if we don’t tie her down she will, too.”
He chuckled, but immediately knew his mistake.
“You think I jest,” she cried picking up the flowers to arrange once more. “I wish I was. She told Peggy that she could out shoot and ride any of them. And didn’t see any reason for her not to.”
“Mother Agnes, she is merely mad at Gabriel for his inaction. And even if she was serious, no one is going to accept a woman in the militia. You do so worry about her, but this one isn’t within her means. You are sure there isn’t more?”
She bit her lip. She looked down. “It is probably more the business with Gabriel. I can see she is quite taken with him. And with him asking John for her hand and now stands back. I believe that God-awful man Richard Wick put something dreadful into Margaret Witherspoon’s ear. Hannah’s heart is breaking, Jonathan.” She paused for a moment. “If only he knew about Hannah’s dowry.”
Jonathan shook his head. “Then he wouldn’t be marrying her for the right reasons, would he?” he said plainly
. “In truth, Mother Agnes, Gabriel needs to mature and take responsibility for his actions. If he had doubts, he should have never have asked Father, no matter Hannah’s dowry or not.”
She smiled up at him. “Ah, I shouldn’t dwell on the issue at the moment. You are here for such a short time. I wish your bride had come with you. I understand, though, Jonathan, I do. When you return, you are coming back home. Aren’t you?” Concern emulated within her voice “I know it is selfish, but we do wish all our children home.”
“It isn’t selfish, Mother Agnes. I want nothing more than to settle here, but Catherine fears for me when I leave with my commission. Once I return for good, it won’t be an issue. You will love her.” Jonathan said with more confidence than he felt. In truth it was his desire. He would only have to convince Catherine of the same.
* * * *
A loud uproar woke Hannah from a sound sleep, and sleep hadn’t come easy for her lately. She had refused to think of Gabriel. Thoughts of him only angered her. Just yesterday Peggy said she thought Gabriel was only looking to marry money. But his words…his promises echoed within her head and filled her dreams. She told no one, but pondered them close to her heart.
Loud voices resounded from down the stairs. She ran from her room and into Mother Agnes as she bounded down the stairs. She could hear drums beating from open windows. Her father raced from his study where he had still been at work. Jonathan had dressed hurriedly, quite disheveled.
“Father,” Jonathan said. “William is here. The British have stolen the Magazine. The Drums are sounding.”
“Get my musket, Jonathan. I’ll get my boots,” her father said anxiously as he moved passed the women. William stood by the door, ready for action. The drum thuds echoed throughout the house. Jonathan’s steps interrupted the rhythmic call. Within minutes the men were out the door without another word.
Mother Agnes checked, ensuring the door, was shut tight. Hannah posed behind Mother Agnes waiting until she left the foyer. Turning, Mother Agnes shook her head at Hannah, “Don’t try. We don’t know what they are going into. You will have to wait with the rest of us.”