by Jerri Hines
“Hannah, I see a horse riding up. It’s George. Quick, replace everything,” Susanna whispered nervously. Hannah, breathing rapidly, returned all to their place. She double checked upon their position within their spaces, not wanting to cause suspicion. She locked the box within the drawer and returned the key to its hiding spot. She felt the drawers to ensure their placement back to their original position. She swiftly followed Susanna to the door.
Susanna slowly cracked the door, laying view of the front door. Within moments, George strolled through the front door, walking straight to the study. Susanna quickly shut the door, and motioned Hannah to the closet around the desk, barely joining her within before George opened the door. Hannah could feel Susanna shiver as they listen to him walk to the bookshelves. He reached for something, but put it back quickly. They dared not look out, but held their breath until they heard him depart. The two cousins stayed longer for fear of being caught. Gradually, they eased out into the darkness. Night had fallen. The two wasted no time. They exited the study and fled up the stairs.
The two didn’t look back until they entered the safety of Susanna’s bedroom, collapsing upon the bed. Breathing heavily, Hannah looked over at her cousin and spontaneously broke into laughter. Hannah hugged her Susanna tightly.
“Thank you,” Hannah said when she caught her breath. “I can’t begin to thank you. If I had been caught, all would have been over.”
“What are you doing, Hannah? I can only warn you not to take upon Grandfather, dear cousin. He has no mercy upon those he feels betrays him,” Susanna broke away from Hannah. She sat pulling her feet underneath her. “I have felt his vengeance.”
“Cousin, I don’t know if I can explain all,” Hannah said hesitantly. She looked away from Susanna. The other girl reached over and grabbed Hannah’s hand.
“I’m happy to have found out. I thought you a foolish girl until tonight,” Susanna said. Hannah sat up and sat across from her cousin in the same manner.
“Why were you here? I thought everyone attended the Millbury dinner.”
“I fended off, being ill,” Susanna winced. “In reality it’s Oswyn Millbury. I can’t abide his eyes upon me like he’s undressing me with his eyes. I’m afraid that Grandfather is trying to arrange a marriage between one of us to the old leech.”
Hannah smiled. “I felt the same. Poor Camilla.”
“I’m sure she will be able to fend off the old man. She won’t even notice his attentions because she won’t consider him a suitor. She has in mind the man who will sweep her off her feet and I’m afraid Oswyn Millbury doesn’t fit the image of her dreams,” Susanna laughed. Her expression changed. “As for this evening, I noticed you walking down the stairs and followed. You didn’t even look up when I walked in. You were so engrossed in studying his papers. I hope you know what you’re doing, for you’re treading on dangerous ground.”
“I do, Cousin,” Hannah said simply.
“Do you?” she asked. “I don’t think so. Do you want to know what you’re dealing with Hannah? I’ll tell you.”
Hannah sat silently. She watched her cousin’s lips thin before she continued. “I have never talked of this. It is hard for me to remember. I fell in love. So in love. Walter worked as an apprentice to a printer not far from here, Tobias Montague. He wanted to start his own shop and worked toward that end when I met him at church.
“Of course, Grandfather considered him quite beneath us and ordered me to stay away from Walter, but I wouldn’t listen. I was in love. Had I only known…but we eloped. I had no qualms about leaving this house. We knew well we were on our own and expected nothing from the family. We didn’t get far,” her voice faded off. She turned back to Hannah.
“We were making our way up to Boston. We stayed the night in a small village in Connecticut. George found us on our second night together. George wasted little time with Walter. He sliced his throat, Hannah. He bled out upon my lap as I tried desperately, so desperately to stop the bleeding. If not, if not for Colonel Durham, I, too, would have lost my life.”
Hannah caught Susanna’s eyes. Her own eyes hardened. “It couldn’t be the one of my own acquaintance, a British soldier whom was sent to spy upon my family, who stole a package from my father.”
“I don’t know, Cousin. Marcus has been a family friend. When he first came to New York he lived in the house down the street from here with his family,” Susanna said. “I can’t imagine him being deceitful. He rode to save me because Camilla ran to him and told him that she felt I was in danger. Grandfather had flown into a furious rage. She was scared.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. “I know with everything in me that he ordered George to kill Walter. And George so easily took my husband’s life. Walter hadn’t a chance to defend himself when George drew the knife. I can so clearly see it now. Walter died in my arms. George grabbed me. And threw me back onto the bed,” Susanna paused. She stared at Hannah, but her gaze had gone back in time. “He yelled at one of the men he had with him. George told him to do with me what he wanted to. I screamed as the man’s hands ripped at my nightgown. George stood and watched with a malevolent grin, but Colonel Durham found me at that moment.
“He found me in time to save me, but Walter lay dead upon the floor. I can’t remember all after, but Colonel Durham rescued me, and handed George over to the authorities in Connecticut,” Susanna broke her gaze. “I’m certain Grandfather took care of the authorities, for George returned within the week. Colonel Durham offered me his home, but I requested to come back to my sister, and to my mother. I have regretted that decision every day since.”
Hannah squeezed her hand. “Let us just know that we hold similar views on our grandfather.”
Susanna tilted her head to the side. “I’d thought of asking you when you first arrived, but you seemed so determined to get on Grandfather’s good side that I thought I’d been wrong to think you might just be.”
“What, Susanna? You thought I might be what?”
“A Patriot. With all I had heard about your father, I had hoped,” she answered simply. “Walter was a Patriot. He felt strongly for the cause. Do you? Is that the real reason you’re here?”
* * * *
Hannah watched from her grandmother’s window. The last couple of weeks had been uneventful. The pressure within the house eased some upon the confidence with Susanna. Hannah admitted nothing to her cousin, fending curiosity about her correspondence to Lydia. Hannah didn’t assume Susanna believed her, but Hannah had no desire to draw Susanna within the web she herself was in.
“My dear, come away from the window,” her grandmother said. “You are making me nervous. Are you expecting someone?”
“Of course not, Grandmother,” Hannah smiled at her. “I was just contemplating what a lovely day it is. Would you like to go into the gardens?”
“I believe I would,” she said after thinking a bit. “I would like to sit outside in the fresh air.”
“I’ll go ask Mrs. Hayes to help us,” Hannah replied. She quickly gave her grandmother a kiss on her cheek and walked out the door. She couldn’t find Mrs. Hayes anywhere upon her search. She walked by the study door which had caught and not closed properly. She paused as she heard voices. She didn’t realize they had company, especially midday.
“We can’t talk here, Mr. Webb. The girl is upstairs with her grandmother. I don’t want to take a chance of being heard,” her grandfather’s voice carried out into the hall. “I don’t believe she suspects a thing. She believes she will be leaving when her visit with her grandmother is complete. It has worked out well up until now. I don’t want any complications.”
“Mr. Clay, I’m taking great risks to convey the message to you. I can assure you,” the other voice said. “The British want to keep their contact content at this time. And with your assistance, they would be able to do just that. It doesn’t cost you and will make Mr. Gannon happy to continue with supplying the information we need. Remember he relayed the crucial information vital
to your success in Williamsburg.”
“He was well paid for his information, before and after,” her grandfather said. “I will never agree to such. Hannah’s inheritance will stay with her under my control, of course. I will pay him for the guardianship.”
“He thought you would say that,” the man answered. “Gannon said he would accept nothing less than half.”
“Why would I do that?”
The man paused for a moment. Hannah’s heart raced. “Because he handed his daughter’s father-in-law to you on a silver platter. He betrayed his son-in-law costing the young man most of his family. Joseph Gannon wants only fair payment. He could do all without your consent. His son-in-law, Jonathan Corbett, has instructed him to handle the whole of the estate. He, though, values your friendship.”
Hannah’s legs weakened. She had heard enough. She had the information she sought. She clung to the side of the wall for a brief time. She turned and ran up the stairs with only one objective on her mind.
* * * *
The horse Peter Lanson rode cantered up to the shop, past the lamp-lit windows. A path he had well worn the pass few months. Until the leak was discovered, only Sackett and he knew about Hannah. Lanson had long heard about Tepper, but had never met him until this operation. He had come this night to bring Hannah out. His conscience could no longer leave her within a city that could fall at any moment. He dismounted and tied his horse up. He knocked on the back door.
Tepper greeted the traveler with a broad smile. He ushered Lanson in and motioned for him to sit. “Come in. Come in. I’ll pour you a drink.”
“Is the girl here?” Lanson asked first.
“No, no. I brought you in early to throw out a possibility to you,” Tepper began as he went over and poured a small glass for both. He settled down in a chair beside Lanson. “Hannah set herself up well, better than I could have ever predicted. To be honest, Lanson, at first I was doubtful the girl could do much more than cause me a headache, but the possibilities.…”
“What are you talking about, Tepper?” Lanson said questionably. “I’m here to bring her back. Her time is done.”
“Wait. Listen,” Tepper shook his head. “She helps her grandfather down at his shop which she now has access to. With their Tory dealings, her uncle and cousin have much to do with all the actions of the British. I suppose you were told of the attempt upon General Washington.”
“Of course I heard. Everyone has,” Lanson answered. “What has it to do with Hannah?”
“It was Hannah whom discovered the possibility with a customer within her grandfather’s shop,” Tepper sat back in his chair, his eyes intently upon his visitor. “She has discovered also your leak.”
“Say what?” Lanson sat upright. His intention remained solely upon Tepper’s next statement.
“The girl seemed extremely distressed upon the revelation of the name. Does a Joseph Gannon sound familiar?”
Lanson stared intensely at the small man in front of him, fired burned within him. He took his time in responding. “I know of him. If it is him, he is a dead man, if I get my hands upon him. He’s high up within the Philadelphia political world, within the Continental Congress, Tepper. Is it without doubt?”
“I believe so. His daughter is married to Hannah’s brother?” Tepper watched as Lanson nodded. “Then it’s the same. Hannah said a messenger came to see her grandfather. She overheard their conversation. Gannon said that Jonathan gave him permission to handle their inheritance. Why not? Is it not his own family? Knowing exactly what he has done to the family and still is willing to continue to undercut, he is a heartless man.”
Lanson shook his head. He would have to move cautiously, but quickly. “When is the girl coming? I need to get back now.”
Tepper nodded. “I have written down all she said to have a record. Hold to it carefully, my friend. As for Hannah, have I not expressed how invaluable she has become? The ease, living within a high Tory household. Within the short period of time, look at what she has done.”
“It was the argument she used before she came, Tepper. I don’t have time to debate the issue. She has done her job,” Lanson said emphatically. He saw clearly Tepper’s intent. “I will wait for the girl. I promised. I intend to keep that promise. Don’t think you are going to use her more. She has done enough.”
“Talk again to Sackett, then, Lanson. I will. What do you think he’ll say when I lay out our options here?” Tepper responded. “Tell me yourself. New York is going to be invaded. If we are occupied, what plan do we have? Do you know of any other intelligence plan by Congress? How long have you striven for it to no avail?”
“She had done her job. Her brother, I promised him I was coming to get her today. He’s expecting her. He was upset I let Hannah come to begin with. And with all I have to tell him and without his sister? Don’t you know she also has a fiancé here in New York?” Lanson stood. “No, I’m not going without her.”
Tepper shook his head. “One, her brother will have much to deal with his father-in-law and the war itself. Two, Sackett won’t want her removed. Third, her fiancé is an ambitious young man. I have talked with him. Hannah has in one way or another lost her inheritance. Dangle a promotion and heiress in front of him and I promise he’ll convince her to stay.”
“Tepper, how could you do such to one of our own? Do you not have a heart? She is a mere girl,” Lanson growled.
“I have only a determination to win this war. There has been, and will be more sacrifices. Do not forget what we are fighting for? She is fully capable, I can assure you. Nerves she has once when she has made her mind up,” Tepper said. “No one is immune, Lanson. We all have our sad stories. Do you not have your own? If we live we must do so with purpose or we don’t live at all.”
Lanson stared at the man in front of him. The obvious had just dawned upon him. “She isn’t coming tonight, is she?”
Tepper shook his head.
* * * *
The end of June in New York ensued with the hanging of one Sergeant Thomas Hickey. He had been the only one convicted of the crime of treason for the others took the stand against him. Eighty men, twenty from each brigade with good arms and bayonets had orders to guard the condemn Hickey on his last mile. There would be no escape on this day.
Four brigades were ordered to witness the execution, a deterrent to all who considered going down a similar path. Twenty thousand spectators watched while the noose and blindfold went on Sergeant Hickey. He broke down only once with tears before he swung off into the air, dangling, twitching until the body hung limp.
Hannah wanted to hear nothing of the proceedings. She knew the name and understood her part in it. Her grandfather seemed pleased with her reaction to the execution. She had pleased him much in the last few months, but she prayed the time was at an end.
She had promised Lydia and she had accomplished what she had set out to do. She missed Gabriel terribly. Tepper had set up another fitting for the time of the hanging. She had listened to Tepper’s instructions at every meeting. Stay in the background; never admit; be helpful, patient; always cover for your contact; above all, trust no one. Have excuses; plan them before you take any action. Conceal your emotions, which had been hard for Hannah to do. Now though all would be over.
Hannah entered the shop through the side door, for she came alone. As she entered, she saw Tepper, who motioned for her to come in quickly into the back room. She entered and he stood there, Gabriel, smiling.
The shawl she had around her shoulders dropped. She could not believe the sight before her.
Gabriel rushed to her side and took her into his arms. In one swift movement, he kissed her. She returned it, not wanting for the embrace to end. He cupped her face within his hands.
He whispered, “It’s you, really truly you.”
“Yes, yes,” she said in between their kisses.
Surreal, she was, as if she walked out of her dreams and into Gabriel’s arms. At some point he broke their embrace, he
lifted her face up to his. “My God, you’re even more beautiful than I remember. I’m so, so sorry.”
She told him all, all she had kept inside of her for so long—the raid, Lydia, her grandparents, the work she’d done. He ran his fingers through her hair, listening to her talk. When she finished, he whispered for her ears only.
“Don’t do anymore, Hannah. You need to stop. They’re not going to let you go easily, Hannah, if you don’t stop.”
“What are you talking about, Gabriel? Why would they not?” she asked confused.
“Hannah, they need you. You have done too much already. If we lose New York, can you not see how valuable you would become? If the British invades,” he stopped. Hannah watched him become a shade paler. “Oh, my God, Hannah. I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to you before. We should have married quickly like you wanted.”
“But we can now. I’ll go with you. You aren’t leaving me. Please, Gabriel, no. I can’t bear this anymore. You’re right. Take me home. I want to go home,” she cried. A fear grew inside her for she saw something within his eyes. She reached desperately for his hand.
“Don’t do this, Hannah. Do you not know how much I want to? I’m enlisted. It would be desertion. Did you not hear about the hanging today? That’s what they do to deserters,” he looked away.
“You could take me wherever you are, Gabriel. I don’t care. I want only to be with you. You know that. Please don’t leave me here,” she cried. Panic gripped her.
“Doesn’t your grandfather take good care of you?” he asked. He broke from her.
“Gabriel, how could you even ask such? Didn’t you hear what I’ve told you? What were you saying just a few minutes hence?” A sinking feeling ran through her. “You’re not taking me with you?”
“I can’t, Hannah,” he moved back to her side, grabbing her hands. He drew her back in his arms; he kissed her face, her tears. She didn’t respond, limp within his arms. “Understand, Hannah. I’ll be back for you. Are you not my only love?”
“Am I?” she queried.
Tepper stood in the doorway and motioned to Gabriel. “I have to go, Hannah. They only allowed me time for a short visit. Please don’t be mad with me. I promise you, I’ll come and get you if the British attack. I can’t at the moment. We all have our jobs to win this war. I’ll take you back to Virginia. We’ll have everything you want. I love you, Hannah,” he pulled her into an embrace once more. He broke away. His hand caressed her cheek. “Remember, whatever happens, I love you. When the time is right, I’ll be back.”