by Lora Thomas
“Shut up, Cameron.”
Cameron laughed. Nothing brought him greater pleasure in life than getting his brother into precarious predicaments and being in the company of a beautiful woman. Well…those plus causing Redcoats considerable issues.
Chapter Four
Anna shuddered as she walked onto the deck of the HMS Salvation. She was finally home, but it was a bittersweet event. She was here because of her dreadful husband and his orders to destroy the country she loved. She had grown up on a large farm several miles east of Wilmington, on the outskirts of a little place called Leland. She wondered now if her childhood home was still standing. With the British occupation of the town during the first few months of the war to the battles and skirmishes happening all over the colonies, she wondered if any had ever occurred on her family’s land. Had any soldiers ever took refuge in the two-story brick house she used to call home? Had its hidden passages been found? Were the large maple trees she had played under as a child still standing? How many men had been fed from the apple orchard at the southern end of the farm and how many men had feasted on the blueberries growing at the northern tip? Was the strawberry patch her mother planted beside the barn still there? Still bearing fruit? Was the swing still hanging from the oak tree beside her mother’s prized strawberry patch?
The feel of her husband’s hand on the small of her back brought her mind back to her present situation. She gave him a timid smile in an attempt to hide the repulsion she felt from his touch. Anna was thankful that Sarah’s plan had worked so well. After the “consummation” of her marriage, she claimed tenderness to her womanly parts, then for three days she mysteriously developed “food poisoning.” After that issue, a horrific headache set in for two days. And to her utter relief a storm came that lasted for three days. After the storm, Albert had meetings with his officers. During these meetings, she would visit Sarah and they would work on the Scotswoman’s pronunciation and articulation, trying to remove any trace of “bloody Scot” from her tone. After the lessons, she would purposely fall asleep. After two weeks of dodging her husband, he forced her to return to his bed…thankfully it was for only sleep since she told him their one night together had conceived him the heir he so longed for.
Since she announced that she was “expecting,” he had been sickeningly sweet to her—when he was sober. She never had to lift a finger to do any task. He pampered her like a queen and made certain she had nothing but the best cuisine the ship could offer. But when he was well into his cups, his nauseatingly kind nature changed to that of his old self. She had several hidden bruises to prove the fact. He was discreet in his abuse. He made sure not to strike her, but he would roughly grab her in places where it would not be seen. He would roughly take her arms and shake her or pull her hair, all the while insulting her, demeaning her, belittling her. She tried to hide the pain, but his words hurt—made her feel worthless—and this was frightening to her for never had she experienced this before.
Anna felt a little uneasy about the attention she was receiving, for she knew when the truth was known, the beating she would receive would be debilitating—even if he was sober. When she voiced her concern to Sarah, the outspoken Scottish servant advised Anna after several months to tell the major she had a miscarriage. By that time, she would surely have taken a lover and the issue of her virginity would be no more. But if Anna could not find a man to make a suitable lover, then Sarah knew of a way to rid her of the hymen that men so treasured to take.
“Watch your footing, Anna,” Albert instructed as he guided her to the gangplank.
“Thank you for the warning, Husband,” Anna said as she placed her hand on the railing of the ship. She fought the desire to shove him overboard and pray for his death. Instead she focused on her surrounds. The warm breeze swept around her like a welcoming embrace. In the distance, sea gulls could be heard calling to each other. The tide lapped the side of the ship and sent the spray up to greet her as if saying “Welcome home.”
“I will assist you to the docks. I must ride ahead to meet General Hatfield. I cannot delay this meeting. I will have Corporal Hansen escort you to our home.”
Albert assisted her down the gangplank. When her feet hit the dock, a feeling of dread entered her soul. It felt as though her stomach was going to knot into pieces. He had located a residence for them to live in—together. The thought was sickening.
Forcing a surprised breath, she asked, “You have located a home for us?”
“Yes. I had men row ashore last evening and inform General Hatfield of our arrival. His staff arranged a home for us to stay in while we reside in this uncivilized land.”
“I hope it is some place respectable. You know, I am from here. I would have liked to have had some input on our home. A lovely little two-story with a garden would be my choice.”
“Indeed. But the general has assured my man that it is a fine home.”
Anna smiled nervously but said no more. She knew better than to belabor the issue. Hopefully the home was large. So big that she could become lost for days. As she dreamed of an enormous home to escape her husband, she lost herself and stepped into the path of a soldier. The soldier accidently bumped into her, causing her to stumble. Albert caught her.
“Begging your forgiveness, Mrs. Stevenson,” the soldier replied while giving her a bow.
Before Anna could respond, Albert opened his mouth. “Watch where you are going, soldier. That is my wife and she is carrying my child! For your lack of consideration and inattention you shall be punished. Lieutenant!”
Lieutenant Thomas appeared immediately. “You summoned, sir?”
“This soldier needs to be taught the importance of being mindful of his surroundings. A flogging—”
Anna placed her hand on Albert’s arm. “Please, Husband. It was an accident. You will need every man available to defeat,” she took a thoughtful breath before she continued, her stomach turning as she insulted her countrymen, “these inbred heathens.”
Albert’s posture reeked of his agitation at his wife’s interference. “You are correct, Wife. Let him have the next five consecutive watches without breaks for food or water.”
Anna knew better than to protest. She had overstepped her bounds on the first protest. She placed her hand to her chest and wobbled for dramatic effect as she pretended to be about to swoon.
Albert gently placed a hand on her arm. “You should rest. Lieutenant, please find the corporal and have him escort my wife to our home. She should not be out in this heat.”
“Yes, sir.” Lieutenant Thomas clicked his heels together and left. As he stepped away, he instructed a soldier to bring a chair and a shade for Mrs. Stevenson.
“I hate to leave you, but duty calls.”
Anna gave her husband a timid smile. “Go. I will be fine. Do not make General Hatfield wait any longer for your arrival because of me. The cause is too important.”
Albert turned and left. Anna gave his back an evil glare and then turned her head to the sound of approaching footsteps. A young boy was carrying a chair. She took the seat, fighting the desire to wave him away and dart down the street away from her current life.
Major Stevenson mounted his roan steed and rode between the columns of men lining the roadway. His face was turned forward, but he glanced out of the corner of his eyes at the residents of this town. They disgusted him. They were all insignificant insects. Unworthy of British help. Unworthy of the title of being citizens of Britain. Unworthy of life. He wanted nothing more than to squash these disease-ridden individuals like the pests they were.
A movement at the corner caught his attention, causing him to turn his head. He caught a glimpse of a tall man, dressed all in black. The man locked eyes with Albert. The hatred in the man’s eyes was apparent. The man turned and disappeared between the buildings. Stevenson dismissed the man and continued to his location.
Cameron watched the pompous major ride down the street, approaching him, as though he were a king. Probably w
aiting for people to bow to him. Cameron propped his shoulder on the corner of the building. How easy it would be to place a bullet between the man’s eyes. No one would catch him. It would be easy. The crowd would conceal his location, and as it dispersed, it would hide his escape. But he would not do it. Despite the desire he had coursing through his veins to kill every Redcoat, he would not do it in a cowardly fashion. A hand on his forearm drew his attention away from the major.
“Christopher is asking for you,” the boy who interrupted Cameron’s thoughts said.
“Thank you, David. Where is he?”
“At his home.”
Cameron nodded and looked at the major again. Their eyes locked. Cameron fought the desire to keep the stare focused and force the major to look away first. He needed to keep himself unnoticed. He turned and headed down the alleyway.
When Cameron arrived at his brother’s home, he found Christopher sitting behind his desk. Christopher motioned for Cameron to have a seat.
“You requested my presence?”
“We have an issue.”
“Which would be?”
“It seems that an attempt at wooing the major’s wife is out of the question.”
Cameron slouched languidly in the chair. “Seduction is never out of the question.”
“She’s with child.”
“Even better. No risk of her becoming pregnant with another man’s bastard.”
“Damn it, Cameron!” Christopher yelled as he stood, slamming his hands on the desk. “How do you expect me to get information about the major from his wife when she is carrying his babe? She is emotionally compromised—no, connected—to that bastard.”
“Are you certain that she is expecting?”
“Yes. One of our men overheard the major disciplining a man for nearly knocking her down. He reported it immediately to me. That is why I sent David to retrieve you.”
“I’m still having an issue seeing how this is a problem.”
Christopher ran a hand through his thick black hair. A frustrated sound escaped him. “You would. Women flock to you like a moth to a flame. You have no issue in loving and leaving women. I find it difficult.”
“You are too soft, Christopher. These are British wome—”
“She’s from the colonies.”
“How do you know this?” Cameron questioned, sitting up straighter.
“Our man heard her speak of being from here.”
“Then she is a traitor,” Cameron replied as a cold look came to his eyes.
“But still she’s expecting. I could handle a newlywed, a despondent wife craving her husband’s attention—hell, even his virgin daughter—but not a woman with a seed planted deep in her belly.”
The corner of Cameron’s mouth twitched with humor. “A virgin, really?”
Christopher tossed his hands in the air with frustration. “Why do I even bother with you?”
“Admit it. Life would be so boring without me.”
“I like boring.”
“Really? If I hadn’t gotten us involved in our current hobby, then you would be doing what?”
“That’s not the point, Cameron.”
“I tell you what you would be doing. You would either be on a freezing battlefield somewhere or sitting up in New York at Bridewell prison, being eaten by rats.”
“Shut up. I am older than you so mind yourself.”
Cameron laughed at his brother. “Only by a few minutes, Brother. Now, surely the pregnant Mrs. Stevenson was not the reason you summoned me.”
“It seems that tonight’s soiree has a guest list that I am not on.”
“Ah, I see. And who is in possession of this guest list?”
“None other than General Hatfield’s mistress.”
A sly smile crossed Cameron’s face. “And where would the lovely Miss Betsy be presently?”
“At the general’s home, preparing for the festivities.”
“With his wife? Is Mrs. Hatfield aware that Miss Betsy and the general are ‘friendly’?”
“I don’t know,” Christopher snapped. “All I know is that Betsy was in charge of the guests and is presently at the general’s home.”
A sly smile crossed Cameron’s face. “General Hatfield’s home, eh? Now that is a challenge I cannot refuse.”
“If you get caught, you know he will castrate you and display your favorite parts on a pike for all of North Carolina to see?”
“The challenge makes it more exciting.”
Christopher closed his eyes and shook his head.
“Now, what name will you be going by?” Cameron asked as he stood.
Christopher drew his brow tighter in confusion. “You know my disguise. Why do you even ask?”
“To annoy you?”
Chris shook his head at his grating brother and said, “Harrison Christopher, as always.”
“You weren’t too original on that one, were you?” Cameron questioned since Christopher’s full name was Harrison Christopher Morgan.
“Go,” Christopher said as he pointed to the door. “Do your thing and get my name on that blasted list.”
“But I thought that you could not seduce a pregnant woman?”
Christopher shook his head in frustration. “I will come up with some other plan. Maybe a caring sympathetic shoulder to cry on?”
“Puss,” Cameron said as he walked out the door.
His comment was followed by a “Shut up, Cameron!”
Cameron laughed as he left. Yes, sir. Ribbing Christopher never grew tiring.
Chapter Five
Anna smiled as she was introduced to another officer. This was what? Number six? No seven? She wasn’t sure how many of Albert’s acquaintances she had been introduced to, but she knew how many she didn’t want to know—all of them. They were all the same. Wearing wigs with enough white powder to make a ghost disappear. Their red coats brilliant in color. They reminded Anna of peacocks strutting about thinking they were so important. Even her husband was strutting around attempting to woo women right in front of her. Not that she cared. She hoped he found several mistresses. Maybe he could find one with a hideous disease that would kill him. Make his manhood shrivel up and fall off like a locus bloom in spring. The image of her husband looking down, horrified at his shriveled manhood, entered her mind causing a small giggle to escape her.
“What is so funny, Anna?” Albert asked.
“Something is tickling my foot,” she lied as she purposely shook her leg.
Albert gave Anna a displeasing look for her antics. “Refrain yourself, Anna. Now, please excuse me. General Hatfield is summoning me.”
Anna nodded her head. Flipping open the white feathered fan around her wrist, she fanned her face. She then placed the fan over her mouth and stuck her tongue out at her husband’s departing back. It was a childish gesture but it gave her just a smidgen of satisfaction.
Her eyes scanned the room again. There were several separate groups of women scattered around the room, each in their own clique. From what she could gather—when introductions were being made—one group were the wives, another were the daughters, and another the mistresses. And all gave her a cold welcome. No one was even cordial to her. Not the wives. Not the daughters. Not even the mistresses. Well, they weren’t introduced as such but she knew. No one had to inform her of who the single women in the room were, especially after her husband propositioned one in her presence. As she studied the groups, she wondered which group she should join. Most likely the wives, a voice inside her said. She didn’t want to join the wives of the officers. They were sickening. They were demeaning and arrogant in their own nature. She could feel their hatred towards her. Anna chose not to join any group and walked to the window and gazed out. At least the garden was nice.
“Mr. Christopher, how good of you to come this evening,” General Hatfield said as he approached the merchant.
Christopher swallowed and turned on his charm. “General Hatfield, I was so honored to have received your
invitation to this lovely event.” He gestured his hand towards the partygoers. “Especially since I heard that Major Stevenson would be attending. I must say, his reputation precedes him. Not quite like yours but very close.”
The general gave a small chuckle. “Does that silver tongue of yours ever stop?”
“Not when there is business to discuss and money to be made. Now tell me, did that case of wine I sent make it to your home without any incident? It took great effort to procure such a rare vintage.”
A pleased expression came to the general. “Indeed it did, Mr. Christopher. How you manage to acquire such fine merchandise in this hostile nation is beyond me.”
“Well, I do have my connections, General.” Christopher said, giving a knowing wink, and grabbing a glass of wine off a passing tray. “Would you do the honor of introducing me to the major?”
“Yes. Yes. By all means.” Hatfield motioned across the room to Major Stevenson.
Chris’s eyes looked across the room to the man being summoned. But his eyes were instantly drawn to the woman by his side. She was of average height. Her features were soft and refined. She had an oval face with a straight nose. The navy ball gown she was wearing hugged her curves as if it were a second skin. He watched as she flipped open her fan and began waving it back and forth.
“Major Stevenson, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Harrison Christopher. Should you or your lovely wife need anything, he is your man. Mr. Christopher, this is Major Albert Stevenson.”
“Charmed,” Stevenson said with notable arrogance.
“The pleasure is all mine,” Christopher replied giving an overly flourished bow. It took great effort to hide his displeasure for the man. But Christopher knew how to play this role well. “I cannot tell you what a great honor it is to finally meet you, Major Stevenson. Hopefully, with your assistance, General Hatfield will be able to rid this country of the vagrants that have such blatant disrespect for our beloved King George.”
“Indeed,” Stevenson replied.