by Jerri Hines
“Yes, Miss Corbett, please stay,” he said smiling. His dark eyes laughing as he looked into hers. She could feel her blood rushing to her face, she withdrew her hand.
“Marcus and his associates have graciously agreed to escort me around. I do feel so much safer. With all this talk, one can never be too safe. Don’t you think?” her uncle continued.
“And who, Uncle, are you protecting yourself from? Us?” Hannah asked.
Marcus turned his head away from Hannah upon the remark, but she caught the grin on his face.
“Hannah,” Richard exclaimed. “Come, we are family. Are we not? I was in hopes of talking to you about your grandmother.”
“She has an appointment that she doesn’t need to be late for. Jonathan, why don’t you escort your sister on?” John interrupted his brother-in-law. Jonathan nodded.
“It will only take a moment,” Richard insisted.
“As father has stated, I am late,” Hannah said, turning her horse. “Now, if you’ll excuse us. Enjoy your stay.”
As if on cue they both gathered their reins, and broke down the street in a trot. Hannah glanced back at the guest. She wondered just what her Uncle was up to now.
* * * *
The summer had drawn to a close, although this day in September had the warmth of the season past. Hannah had dressed with care, for Mother Agnes had specifically asked her to. The whole of the family would be together today. Jonathan was leaving in the morning. Taking one last glance, despite brushing aside tresses of hair that refused to stay, Hannah felt she would meet Mother Agnes’ approval.
She made her way down the stairs and was pleasantly surprised to find only her father in the parlor. She ran up to him, “Oh, Father. It seems ages.”
The sunlight showed through the open windows. “It was only a week, but it is good to see you, too, my dear,” he said accepting her kiss. “Sure as the sun warms my body, the sight of my daughter warms my heart.”
“Why, Father, it’s good to see your mood such.” Hannah dropped onto the divan beside her father, taking his hand in hers.
“My dear, why wouldn’t it be? I’m having my entire family together today. Soon to be a proud grandfather, and your uncle is no longer here,” he said with a smirk. “But there is one matter which I need to speak of with you.”
Apprehension fell over Hannah. The tone indicated seriousness. Her mind raced thinking of what she possibly had done this time.
Her father continued, “To be honest, I had thought the day would have been sooner, but all has been settled to everyone’s satisfaction. I told him, though, it is up to you. You have a mind of your own. I want my children happy.”
“Father,” Hannah said, confused. “What are you talking about? You make no sense.”
Smiling down at his child, he stood. “You are most certainly right, but there is one who can clear up this situation. Wait but a moment.”
Hannah watched tentatively. Her father opened wide the side doors to the parlor leading to the foyer. Standing, waiting nervously, Gabriel stood. John Corbett motioned for him to enter. John patted Gabriel’s back when he passed him and exited quietly as he shut the door.
Hannah stood quickly, temper flared. “What is the meaning of this?”
A sly grin emerged upon Gabriel’s face. He was by her side in two strides. “Now this is the girl I know and love,” he said placing his arms about her. With her hands she tried to push him away.
He would have none of it. “No, you don’t. I have tried to talk to you, but now you will listen. Sit. Just give me a few minutes. Please, Hannah.”
Her eyes still seething, but she did as he requested. Gabriel looked relieved. “You have given me no chance to repent for taking so long. I was true when I told you that I had to figure out how to make all work. And I have. Tomorrow I leave with Jonathan accepting a commission also within the Continental Army.”
Hannah’s face fell. She was speechless for a moment. “I’m happy you are committed, Gabriel. I am certain your parents are pleased.”
“Aren’t you?” he asked. He reached for her and pulled her into his arms. “I am making a mess of this. I asked your father if we could have this day today to celebrate before I left.”
“To celebrate? You have me confused, Gabriel.”
“For our announcement. To make all official. So you have no doubts,” he said plainly. “I never expected when I left for Europe to come home and find the most enchanting creature that has captured my heart, totally. You live in your little world where everything is black and white, Hannah. It seemed so simple to you. It isn’t always so. The other night when I found you wandering the streets, I had no choice after. I was afraid I would lose you with my indecisiveness.”
Caressing her cheek, he paused for a moment. Cupping her face, she still didn’t comprehend his point. “I have been tormented since. I wanted to explain to you. Make you understand. I can’t live without you, Hannah. I’m sorry I put you through all of this.”
“What are you saying?” she whispered, not taking her eyes off him.
“I love you, Hannah Corbett,” he fell upon one knee. He took her hand in his. Hannah froze as her heart fluttered. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
For once in her life, Hannah stood speechless, at first unbelieving the words he uttered, but nodded vigorously. Happiness surged within her. He stood up and took her into his arms, placing his lips upon hers.
* * * *
A festive day ensued. The lawn was filled with children playing echoing their laughter. A splendid banquet of food displayed for the Witherspoon’s, who journeyed over to join the celebration. All joined in the merry mood.
Jonathan found a quiet chair in which to sit. He would be leaving in the morning and found a certain melancholy sweeping through him. He loved this land…this place. He would miss it, and didn’t know when he would return. He caught sight of his sister and friend strolling along the fence occasionally taking their eyes off each other.
“Your father is content that all his children will be settled,” Mother Agnes said behind him. “Here, Jonathan, I brought you a cool drink.”
“Mother, I didn’t hear you come up. Day dreaming, I suppose. Thank you,” he said accepting the glass from her. “Have a seat. I don’t believe I’ve had the chance to talk to you of late.”
“No, and you are to leave soon,” she said, sitting with a glow radiating from her. “They do look so happy, don’t they?”
Jonathan’s blue eyes inspected his stepmother. He took a sip of his drink. “Yes, they do,” he agreed, sitting silently for a moment. He took a sip of his drink.
“You told him. Didn’t you, Mother?” Jonathan asked. From her expression, he knew the answer. “I’m not judging you. I’m not even saying it was wrong, but I know something happened to allow Gabriel to ask her.”
“Jonathan, please don’t say anything. I knew all too well the pressure Gabriel was under,” she answered. “I know your father felt strongly about keeping it a secret, but Jonathan, look at them. How could I not? Hannah had such sadness in her eyes. I’m not sorry I did. When Gabriel came and announced to your father he wasn’t going to wait any longer, that he didn’t care about his father’s opinion, your father told him all.”
He took hold of her hand. “I’m not questioning your motives. I just know Gabriel. I am sure that is why his parents are now welcoming the union,” he said the last to himself. Looking back over to Mother Agnes, her eyes conveyed anxiety.
“Mother,” he continued. “Don’t question yourself. In all honesty if you hadn’t told him, I doubt he could have stayed away from Hannah anyway. The only shame is that he gained his letter of commission. He will be leaving with me. I don’t know how Hannah will handle it.”
He squeezed her hand, not adding that he doubted that he was surprised that his father hadn’t done told Gabriel about Hannah’s inheritance himself. He took a deep breath and sat back to watch the sunset.
* * * *
> Gabriel Witherspoon was in high spirits. The pressure of the situation had dissipated and he was left with an acceptable solution. More than acceptable. He would have his Hannah and the money he needed to maintain their status. Jonathan had even come through with a commission within the Continental Army for him.
Having arranged an early morning ride with his fiancé, shortly before his departure, they both quickly eluded Zachary, who was serving as a chaperon. Dismounting upon coming upon a quiet spot, he tied their horses to a tree limb.
“But, of course, Gabriel. There is no doubt, I know. What better circumstance to serve. To have two of my favorite men serving together for our cause. I’m very proud,” she said, but her eyes swelled with water.
“Then, pray, what are those?” Gabriel said wiping the tears falling from her eyes.
“I just,” she choked up.
He brought her close to him. “It won’t be for long. Father said it will be handled quickly. Six months, no more than eight, I promise. Then I will be back victorious. You’ll be married to a war hero. Who knows, I might even obtain a white horse to return upon.”
She managed a smile. “Couldn’t we just quickly marry before you go? I don’t care if it’s simple.”
“Don’t you think I want that more than anything, my love? But you deserve a wedding where I can show the world who my bride is. It’ll be better to wait ‘til the turbulence is behind us. There is much I would like to show you,” he whispered in her ear pulling her down on the ground into an embrace.
“You promised you would,” she said softly. “Did you forget?”
“It has been on my mind constantly,” he said. She grasped his hand. Her hair fell down as his open hand ran through it. Her mouth opened to his as his kiss intensified. He kissed her cheeks, her eyelids. Her eyes opened and met his, so trusting, innocent. He stared into them. She gave him no resistance. He pushed her gown down and caressed her shoulders, trailing his fingers with his lips. She was so trusting, willing.
From his vantage he saw the swell of her perfect breasts. She responded eagerly to his touch, arching forward, wanting a closeness that her only her instincts understood. My God, he thought, she is made to love, and she’s mine!
In the distance a sound emerged. At first he ignored it, but it came closer. The shrill of Zachary’s voice resounded, louder and louder. Gabriel sat up. A smile concealed his frustration. Hannah pulled her gown back in position. Her hair, though, was ruffled.
“By God! If I get my hands on that boy,” Gabriel declared under his breath.
“Gabriel,” Hannah whispered. He took her hand placing his lips upon it.
“We will just have to be patient,” he said, his breathing heavy. “It’s better this way. I doubt I would be able to leave.”
“Can’t I go with you? I can’t bear to be apart,” she pleaded.
“Hannah,” he pulled her to her feet, helping her with her clothes. “I will be back. Aren’t we to be husband and wife? It is I that should be worried you will forget me.”
“Never,” she stated emphatically.
“You better not,” he said. He helped brush the grass off her clothes. Oh, my God, he could ravish her right now. Zach, be damned.
But no, everything was going well and falling into place. There was no need to jeopardize his situation, not now. There could well be consequences to such an action, and he wouldn’t be here. He wanted no blemish upon him or Hannah. He was too ambitious. He would just have to relieve his frustration elsewhere until then.
Before Mrs. Corbett had told him, he had been at wit’s end. He had suspected that the Corbett’s were wealthy. He had been around Jonathan too long to not have an inkling. He worried though, when he had asked for Hannah’s hand, there had been no immediate proclamation of such. There came his hesitation. For although he wanted, loved, Hannah, he had to be sensible.
Jonathan always told him he tried to take the easy way out. He was right, Gabriel thought. He had been resentful of the fact of the order of his birth. Life would have been so different if he had been the first born. Although Gabriel, at times, found Jonathan a little too judgmental, he needed him. He rode beside Hannah, smiling. He had been indeed fortunate with the commission and a beautiful, wealthy fiancé. Yes, everything was going well.
Chapter Seven
The wind gusted. A storm brewed on the horizon. Hannah could smell it. Darkness clouded the sky making the day seem as night. Then she felt a few droplets of rain.
“We need to get in, Hannah,” Zachary begged.
Hannah wanted nothing more than to deny the looming storm. When the tree branches leaned to and fro with a harsh wind, Hannah had no choice but to follow. The weather matched her mood. She would have liked to have galloped on, letting the speed chase away the worry. Jonathan and Gabriel had left no more than a week before, but it seemed so much longer. She didn’t know how she would survive for the next six months. Oh, what would she do if it lasted longer?
Upon rounding the bend, her destination came into view, the large, colonnaded brick house with the rows of slave cabins. They were riding in from the back. Hannah spied a group of slaves, field bucks, behind the curing barn. She glanced over at Zachary. He didn't seem to take note. She watched their heads lift up. Their eyes followed the two riding up to the stables.
Moving closer, she could hear Franklin, the overseer, screamed at the top of his lungs at a small slave boy who Hannah noticed ran like the wind toward whatever Franklin had directed him to do.
“Don't think I will spare the whip this time!” Franklin yelled out for all to hear. Hannah cringed. She hated it all. Her father harshly reprimanded her every time she complained.
“It is best you not interfere, Hannah,” her father soundly stated. “You don’t understand what is going on. It is none of your business. I don't hear you complaining about what all has provided for you. And the same will be said as to how the plantation is run. It isn’t for you to dictate.”
But in honesty, she hadn’t seen much of the cruelty she had heard of on other plantations. She wondered for a moment about how the Witherspoon's ran their estate. Gabriel had talked of buying their own.
“Close by, of course,” he said. “I know you want to be close to your family. It won't be as big as my parents, but we will add on in the years. I will build you a big house. One in which we can add several little Witherspoons.”
She laughed with him about his dreams. The only dream she had was being with him. She hadn’t given much thought to anything else. I will tell Gabriel not to use the whip.
Her Uncle’s hands sat on his hips with a grimace grinded in his face. Irritation illuminated in his voice. “Glad to see you had the sense to come in out of the rain. It’s about time.”
Startled by her uncle’s remark, so different from his usual calm manner, Hannah wasted no time in retreating toward the house. The scowl on her uncle’s face told her not to linger. Hannah comprehended well Zachary would have liked to have retreated also but his father called him back.
James stood within the doorway. “Did ya get any wind of what’s going on?”
“No,” she replied. “Whatever it is, Uncle Nathanial is extremely upset.”
James nodded his head upward. “I heard some. Been talked about before, but Dunmore gone and dun it. He promised any slave who deserts his master and joins up with the loyalists his freedom. Father’s jumpy. McNair, the Witherspoon’s overseer, and Father have talked all afternoon.”
Hannah glanced back over her shoulder at her uncle. The Tory governor had indeed undercut the planters. The underlining goal to unleash turmoil, which Hannah was certain it had. Wasn’t that what she saw in their eyes as she rode by?
By nightfall the storm had begun. Hannah, as was her custom since Gabriel left, sat at the desk in the drawing room. She wrote to him every day. The wind and rain beat against the windows.
Faith and Betsy seemed unfazed by all around, sat and played contently with their dolls.
Inten
t upon her purpose, she didn't notice her uncle when he walked into the room. “Can I see you but a moment, Hannah?”
Startled, she nodded, smiling at her young cousins as she walked by, following her uncle down the hall. Her Uncle held open the door to his study until after she entered. He closed it and turned back to her and his sons, James and Zachary. The boys, already seated, eyed Hannah. James mouthed, “Do you know what this is about?”
Hannah glanced over at her uncle who was pouring himself a drink. She shook her head. James raised his eyebrows, as though excited to be included in such a talk. Zach sat nervously. His eyes betrayed his dread in his fathers’ expectations of him: expectations which even before his father asked of him, he would fail.
Uncle Nathanial took a sip of his drink. He motioned for her to sit and then settled himself in his chair behind his large cluttered desk.
“I’m certain by this time all you have caught wind of the situation at hand. The fool Dunmore will bring down the ruin upon us all with his proclamations!” He caught himself remembering suddenly of who he was speaking with. He breathed in deeply. “I’m not unduly worried, but it’s always wise to prepare. In saying that, Hannah, the Witherspoons have sent over a note inviting you to stay with them until Gabriel returns. I take it from their message they feel you may be safer within their home, but in truth I don't believe anyone can tell you it will be safer anywhere.”
“I would rather be here, Uncle,” she said without hesitation, for no matter for much she loved Gabriel, the thought of staying alone in the same house with his mother sent shivers down her spine. No, she would stay where she felt at home.
“It is what I hoped you would say. I know that you know well how to use a gun, even better than some in this room. I want to show you three where I keep my guns, in case. Hopefully, it will never be needed. I don't want anyone, even the house slaves to know.”
He threw a look over at Zachary who squirmed in his chair. Turning his attention back to his niece, he continued. “If the occasion arose, we need to be prepared to use all our resources. Your father sent you here to be safe. I’m not certain that it is. Raids have begun along the river. There is the threat of slaves revolting. Now with that damn fool Dunmore!”