by Jerri Hines
“Welcome ladies to my humble shop. Just your presence brightened my day,” Tepper said. He motioned for the women to follow him. “Mrs. Wick, I had expected you earlier this week. I believe I sent word about the arrival of some new stomachers I believe you requested.”
“You may think me forgetful, Mr. Tepper, but I didn't remember requesting any. But I have been known to be quite confused at times,” Leona Wick said straightening her dress out.
“Cora, can you check to see if I sent out the right note for Mrs. Wick?” Tepper asked his assistant. Without blinking, he returned to his customers. “Ah, Miss Camilla! I haven't seen you in ages. I was beginning to wonder if you no longer needed my dresses.”
“Oh, Mr. Tepper. You jest. I'm certain,” Camilla laughed in her glory. “I have sung your praises to my cousin, Mr. Tepper. Miss Hannah Corbett, this is who I've talked about for ages. Mr. Tepper, you don’t know the pains I have had to go through to finally come here today. Grandfather swears I spend way too much on my appearance.”
“You make my works beautiful, Miss Camilla,” Tepper replied. “So, you bring your cousin. And where pray tell do you come from Miss Corbett?”
“Virginia, sir,” Hannah said, exchanging a smile with Camilla. Susanna stood back in the background, seemly wanting to be anywhere but at the shop. “I have come for a visit with my grandmother. But Camilla feels I have a need for a new wardrobe.”
“Ah, yes, that can easily be accomplished for such a lovely one as you,” Haym caught her eye. “For being from Virginia you must be used to warmer weather, perhaps. I've heard it said that the sun shines in Virginia.”
Hannah's eyes lit up upon his remark. The sentence she had been waiting for over a month to hear. Her connection stood before her. “Yes, one could say the wind cuts through one in New York.”
Cora walked back in looking forlorn. “I'm so sorry, Mr. Tepper. I made a mistake with the note. It was for Mrs. Wickham, not Mrs. Wick. I'm so sorry.”
“Quite alright, Cora,” Tepper responded with a slight pat on her hands. “I believe everything happens for a reason. Don’t we all? I feel bad for having you come down for a mistake on my part.”
“Oh, but Hannah needs a wardrobe anyway,” Camilla interrupted. “It's not a wasted trip.”
“Ah, but I will feel bad if I don't do something to make it up to you,” Tepper flustered. “Oh, what can I do except make you happy with something you need?”
He looked up at Leona. “Why not go out front with Cora and all three pick out some of the material, the silk comes to mind, that came in with the stomachers? I'm sure everyone could use a new bed gown.”
“How generous, Mr. Tepper,” Leona protested. “But it's unnecessary for Hannah does need a new wardrobe. Father insists upon it.”
“I insist myself, Mrs. Wick,” he answered. “Cora, why not take these women out to pick out material? If Miss Corbett is going to get outfitted, I'll begin measurements. If that's acceptable to you, Mrs. Wick?”
“But of course.”
Tepper watched the women walk into the back room to look at the material. He turned to Hannah. “Well, Miss Corbett, welcome to New York. I understand you have a desire to discover the truth behind your father's death. I'm here to help you do just that.”
“Are you sure we can talk freely?” Hannah asked nervously. “I've waited for what seemed eternity. I can't begin to tell you the relief I have finally made contact with you.”
Tepper studied the girl and doubts crept in. Young, extremely young, he bit his lip as he concentrated. “First, never feel you can talk freely. One can never feel they are safe. That is the time when you are the most vulnerable.”
“Of course, you are right,” she stuttered, searching for the right words. She shuffled her position to move closer to him.
“When I was first approached, Miss Corbett,” Tepper led her to stand upon a small podium, “I expected someone older, more experienced in life. I can't allow you to be put in a position that you can not only put yourself in danger but others as well, including myself. The best solution would be for you to go home and let us decipher the situation. I promise I will make it a priority.”
Her body went rigid; her face tensed. Her eyes hardened at the man in front of her. She bent down so only he could possibly hear the words within her.
“Sir, I don't want to seem difficult, but don't believe that I'm leaving before I accomplish what I came to do. I have endured a great deal of hardship. I'm not leaving and will not answer to anyone until I have the truth. I have seen my family ripped apart. I have seen death in the most unnatural manner. I have ventured into the depths of hell within my grandfather's house to achieve my purpose.
“I have smiled when my body cried. I have laughed with the devil himself and will continue to do so. Don’t tell me you don't consider me worthy.”
Camilla ran back as Hannah leaned back up. “Oh, Hannah. Isn’t he the best? I have found the most beautiful green. Matching my eyes, Mother says.”
Hannah smiled at her cousin. “I am sure, Camilla. I myself have so much from which to choose. I'm so happy you brought me here.”
“Hurry and I'll show you,” Camilla said as she ran back down the hall.
Tepper eyed Hannah carefully as she returned his stare. “If you're willing to listen and obey my explicit instructions at all times, we will try.”
* * * *
Tepper straightened the waist. He glanced over his design on Hannah. The gown transformed her from a young girl to a mature woman. The open gown split in the front to show off the decorative petticoat. The pale rose color accented her own coloring; her eyes glittered. He congratulated himself. She looked divine, even angelic. She swirled and smiled at him.
“My dear, you look breathtaking. No one would care what they said in front of you,” he said, nodding his head.
“And you feel this is important,” Hannah said, staring at him, challenging him.
Since the first day he met her, she has held on to an attitude. She believed he had insulted her, and, with her determination, she would show him her worth.
He had almost made a fatal mistake; one he hoped would be the British's own. Underestimating her. Upon first glance, one would see a dainty, defenseless female. Gazing into her eyes an instinct to protect her overcame him; never seeing in her eyes the determination, hurt, and pain that drove her. He should have known, for within him he had the same.
She needed to learn patience, though. He had a worry growing within him that she would press too hard and quick for information, having fallen on her first report quite by accident. In truth she hadn't realized what she had acquired. Already the information had found its way to Washington and acted upon.
Her access to Tepper was easy at the moment with all she had to procure with her wardrobe. From the gowns requested, Tepper felt hopeful Hannah would soon be moving upward within their social ranks.
“Grandfather finally let me down to his shop. I find myself enjoying the adventure. I have missed the interaction with all around. He seems to have given me more freedom,” she began. She glanced over at Cora wandering over to entertain Camilla, who had accompanied Hannah for her fitting. “Of course it was only for the afternoon. Grandfather had been extremely cautious around me. I know he doesn’t trust me, but I don't believe he suspects my purpose. He was called away for a few minutes with a problem in the back room. I believe it had to do with the sand cast. I could guess they were having trouble attaching with the silver solder. I could have helped, but Grandfather made me stay in the front to greet customers.”
“Don't press him, Hannah,” Tepper cautioned. She shot him a look.
“It wasn't what was going on in the back, Mr. Tepper. If you give me but a moment, I'll tell you,” she said biting her bottom lip. An attempt he recognized to keep from saying something she might regret. She turned her attention back to her intent.
“A man came in and asked to see Grandfather. He waited. Uncle Richard came in about the same t
ime. They began talking about the fighting and how they believe New York will fall to the British soon enough,” she said, glancing back over her shoulder. “I’m sure you are already aware the British are preparing to withdraw from Halifax. At least, that’s what Uncle Richard and this man…what was his name…David Matthews, I believe, were saying. The man said that a new army of British and Germans were being brought in to strengthen the army that failed in Boston.”
Tepper stood stunned, listening to the details she rattled as if they were known facts. He nodded in agreement acting like it was common knowledge. His interest rose with the mention of David Matthews's name. He had long been suspected of Loyalist's ties.
“They moved to the far corner to themselves, but shelves sit behind the area that needed to be cleaned,” she smiled. “They didn't seem to notice me. The man talked of some sort of plot that has been hatched among a few of what he called their group. Seems to me it would be easy enough to call themselves Tories.”
“Hannah,” he directed her back to her story. “The information?”
She tilted her head. “The man talked of kidnapping Washington. Said Washington’s own guards were in on it.”
Tepper paused and eyed her carefully. “Did he say any names? Think, Hannah, for even with some information it will not do us much good if we don't know whom we are dealing with.”
She looked away, glancing around the room. “I didn't hear everything clearly, Mr. Tepper. I believe he mentioned a Fifer, Lynch, maybe, but Hickey is one that he talked the most about. Does that help?”
“We'll see,” he nodded. “It's a start, at least, and a good one. The way it works at any time is I give the information to the network. They deem whether it's of consequence or not. We may not know whether someone is bragging about an issue they know nothing about, and worse, someone may be trying to set you up. We can't react without investigating.”
She thought for a moment. “Mr. Tepper, do I need to worry about being caught within New York? The two talked openly about the British making a stand here. They said the royal governor, William Tryon, awaits upon the Duchess of Gordon for the British to make their move. They talked plainly of Tories in the city, Long Island and up the Hudson ready on a moment’s notice to lend their support.”
“Hannah, of course, New York is under a heavy threat. The port is central to the American colonies. We are at war, my dear. If it bothers you?”
“No,” she interrupted. “It's just they made it seem that the Patriots were on the outskirts of the city.”
“I believe they are,” he agreed, not seeing where she was heading with the conversation.
“I hate to ask, for I don't want to seem for it to be a weakness,” she paused. “But my fiancé had a commission with Washington and my brother is also serving as a surgeon. I don't know if either is with Washington at the moment, since I haven't had any word from either since the raid that destroyed my family. Mr. Lanson said not to write them letters yet. I haven't, but my heart is concerned for both. I haven't heard from my poor sister-in-law either since I came. I have written to her often, not detailing my life, but concerns for her being. She lost more than I.”
Tepper raised his hand stopping her words. “I can't promise you anything, but give me their names. I will look into the situation. But don't get your hopes up. Concentrate upon your goal and the sooner you can go back and begin your life again.”
Her spirits lifted. He could read it in her eyes. He quickly arranged to relay the information when Hannah left. Less than three days later, Barnaby came back with a purse for Tepper. Tepper sat across from the man with a questionable look on his face. He had never taken money for information before, giving most of his profits to the cause himself.
“What is this for?” Tepper asked.
“You made quite a few people happy, my friend,” he responded. “Have you heard the news? Although Mayor David Matthews has been under suspicion for a long time, they arrested him last night at his Flatbush home along with around twenty of his Tory friends. William Leary was able to confirm your information. A conspiracy indeed has been thwarted to harm our General. Moreover you were correct with the assumption that his own guards were in on it. Sergeant Thomas Hickey was the one who was supposed to carry out the deed.”
A sly grin appeared upon Tepper's face, a satisfied expression. “Not bad, I suppose, do you think?”
“I believe if it had gone down, it would have been devastating,” Barnaby replied. “But that's what we do. Don't suppose you're going to tell me how you pulled this off.”
“Barnaby, you know better than I,” Tepper answered. “What about the information I sought for my friend? Were you able to find out anything about the girl's fiancé?”
Barnaby nodded. “Ya, matter of fact he's station here in New York.”
Tepper paused; a silence ensued for a few minutes. He weighed over his options. “You know, Barnaby, I believe I would like to meet this man. Can you arrange for me to meet with him?”
Tepper rubbed his forehead. He shook his head, thinking, plotting his next course of action.
“Do you think this will do?”
For a moment, he forgot where he was. Reality slowly seeped back in. Hannah stood before him, asking if the fitting was done.
“This should be fine for this one,” he said, “I expect you back next week. Remember if you need me before, send for Cora saying you need my expertise with my sewing. A better gown, bed gown, doesn't matter. I'll get the message and take the rest from there.”
“Have you had any word on Gabriel yet?” she asked softly as she stepped down off the podium.
“I'm afraid not, my dear. Be patient, I'm working on it,” he offered his hand to Hannah. He patted her hand. “Don't worry about a thing. I'll take care of the everything for you.”
Chapter Eleven
The house sat quietly. Hannah’s extended family had accepted an invitation for dinner at one of her grandfather’s business associates, Oswyn Millbury. She had met him once at the shop. An older widow gentleman whose eyes followed her every movement, making her extremely uncomfortable. He had made a special request for her presence at the dinner, but fortune smiled down upon her when she could beg off by being indisposed. More importantly, the house was vacant, a moment she had been longing for.
The sun hadn’t yet set when she crept down the winding staircase. Her eyes held fast to her goal, her grandfather’s study. Fear she pushed aside. Thoughts of the consequences of being caught she refused to consider. The study could well hold the secret she sought. She had no choice.
She glanced around the foyer for any movement from atop the staircase and listened for any sound. She swallowed hard and inched toward her destination. She gently tried the doorknob and heard a click. She looked back over her shoulder once more before quietly and only slightly opened the door. She closed it quickly with her back against the door. She held her breath for any sound of her venture being discovered. Upon hearing only silence, she gathered her courage and eased toward her objective.
The desk was cleaned. Organized. Nothing out of place. She made a mental note of where everything lay. Her attention turned toward the drawers. The middle one held nothing of importance. The larger lower on the left side held papers, business papers, mostly bills. A book with debts and credits, she carefully removed it from underneath the papers. She glanced through the pages.
She studied the book, matching up the papers with the book, but they didn’t work. At times she had helped her father with the paperwork at the shop. He had always said she was better with numbers than he was. She looked over it again. Why did it seem that some were duplicated? She needed more time to decipher the workings. She couldn’t at the moment. She took a couple of the papers from the bottom of the large pile and placed them in her pocket. She needed privacy to study them.
She sighed. She was wasting time. She carefully replaced all the other papers back in the same position and tried the other side of the desk. The drawer opene
d easily enough, but within sat a locked box. She withdrew it and placed it upon the desktop. She took a quick look around the desktop for a key, the middle drawer, but to no avail.
“Try the bowl behind you, Cousin,” a voice said from near the door. “I believe you will find what you are looking for there.”
Hannah whipped her head up, locking eyes with Susanna, who stood quietly against the wall. Hannah froze. Her heart pounded wildly.
Susanna pushed from the wall and moved toward Hannah. Her cousin made her way around the desk and reached to the upper book shelf, pulling down a cut-glass bowl. She fished the key out and handed it to Hannah.
“Will this help?” she asked. “Don’t tarry. You don’t have long.”
Hannah’s hands trembled as she tried the lock. It opened. Calming ever so slightly, Hannah watched Susanna walked over to the window. “I’ll watch for any signs of Grandfather. Hurry.”
Hannah swiftly shifted through the contents. Letters, all her letters to Lydia lay within the box; letters from Lydia. She read quickly through one.
My darling sister, I do miss you so. So much has happened since you departed. Gilbert has moved into the plantation, which is welcomed. He has helped with all. Matthew itches to return to the militia, but is bound to help at the shop until Jonathan or your return. I haven’t heard from Jonathan or from anyone on the battlefront. I’m not certain that he knows of the raid as of yet, but I have heard from Catherine. She has warmly invited us both to Philadelphia. I politely declined. I’m not ready for such. I did inform her of your visit to New York. On your return you might have the desire to visit her. She had the most wonderful news in the times when good news has been sparse. Jonathan and Catherine are to become parents. May God be with them.
Tears fell from Hannah’s eyes. She wiped them back. She glanced up to find Susanna’s eyes upon her. She gently replaced the letters and searched underneath. More letters addressed to her grandfather. She reached for the first one.