by Jerri Hines
Jane pushed her chair back and rose. She intensely disliked the young man and didn’t care for the other two, but Caleb had offended the men in their home. “He is my responsibility, sir. I will attend to the problem. I’m certain you won’t die from a tad of dirt and a worm or two, but I will make certain it doesn’t happen again.”
“I will do so!” Mallory took a sip of wine and stood up. “When I get through with him he won’t ever...”
“If you take one step toward him, you will deeply regret the action. He will be down shortly to apologize, but you, sir, will keep your seat. You are only a visitor in his world or have you now declared war upon three year olds? I may have no say upon the other war, but in this one you won’t win.”
“You, ma’am, don’t know what you’re talking about. He is beyond your motherly interference,” he said with a harsh inference.
She pushed back the table against him. The bowls and plates shook; the drinks spilt. She stared at him with flaming eyes. “You, sir, have yet to meet my motherly interference. Sit down. He will be in momentarily and we will leave first thing in the morning so you won’t have to endure such behavior from a mere child.”
“Jane?” Henry Peterson questioned. “You don’t have to...”
She looked back at her host. “I beg your forgiveness. I don’t mean any offense. It is time Caleb goes home and for me to escape into fresh air.”
She directed her last statement to the guest who had eased slowly back into his chair. While two young servant girls frantically tried to clean up the mess, Jane left the table and made her way straight up to Caleb’s room. She was certain that both Henry and Willard would welcome their absence.
She found her young stepson in his bed, clinging to his covers...trying desperately to pretend to be asleep. Her patience dissipated. She slung the covers back. “Up you go, young man. You have some apologies to make.”
He sat up. “No!” he cried with defiance ringing in Jane’s ears. “Not to those damn Red Coats.”
Jane’s mouth dropped open. Oh, where had he heard such a thing! She wanted to draw him into her arms. Tell him she understood what he was going through. To be thrown into a situation where one doesn’t have any control.
It was hard enough to endure the constant warring going on around everyone, the worry, fear, but to have to house the men that you are fighting against! How could a three year old comprehend such an action? He held his father high upon a pedestal. He couldn’t be expected to understand.
There were no words that could bring about that comprehension. She wouldn’t waste her time. She took his hand and dragged him out of bed.
“If you can’t find that your feet work, not only will you lose the fishing trip, but I had thought of letting you learn to ride. There are a couple of ponies in your father’s stables, but I can see you aren’t old enough yet.”
He jerked back his arm. “A horse?”
“Ponies,” she corrected him.
He thought for a moment. “I can’t say I’m sorry. I’m not.”
“You should be, Caleb. This is your Uncle Henry’s house. No matter how much we all hate the fact, they are guests within it, and we can’t act in that manner. It is disgraceful and unacceptable behavior. Your father wants you to become a gentleman, not a little hoodlum! Do you want your uncle to be punished for your actions? A man would never do such. Your father never would,” she said. “Now, you march yourself downstairs and apologize. I will think of an appropriate punishment in the morning.”
He couldn’t hide the contempt in his eyes for such a punishment to apologize to the ones he hated most in the world. They were the ones that kept his father from him. If he knew nothing else in his small world, he knew that.
But her words gave him hope. He understood that she promised to take him back to the home where he was born...that his father wanted him there.
He straightened himself as tall as he could and walked slowly down the hall to the stairs, but refused to let Jane touch him. Following, she stood back while he walked into the dining room.
Her heart bled for him when the room fell into a hush. He muttered the apology at first, but Lieutenant Mallory said he couldn’t hear it. He repeated it louder. Than as fast as his little feet could carry him, he ran by her and upstairs.
He muttered as he passed her, “I hate you!”
She made the mistake of following him in part for she didn’t trust him to return to his room. He had. When she tried to enter, he yelled once more of his hatred for her. She caught sight of his nanny, Anna.
““Make sure he gets into his bed and stays there,” she said tired beyond measure. How could one so small drain all her energy?
Turning her back to the door, Jane leaned heavily against it. Oh, what was she to do? Leave! Her host would surly understand the need for the retreat. She sighed and tried to regain her composure. She would need to help clean the mess she had made.
The house seemed still as she descended. She hoped only to clean and retreat back to her room. To her dismay, she found Major Cunningham, one of the officers quartering in the house, sitting with Mr. Peterson around the dining room table. Most of the dishes had been cleared.
“I’m sorry,” she began. “I will go into the kitchen and see if they need help.”
“It can wait, Jane,” Henry Peterson said. “Why don’t you sit for a moment?”
Every inch of her being cried run. She didn’t like the look etched into their faces. She eased down into the chair that had been left out from the table.
“Please believe me. I hadn’t intended to react so strongly...”
Major Cunningham waved his hand up. “There is no more need for such. I can assure you that it isn’t the first time the little fellow has, how can I say this, entertained himself at our expense. With your promise of departing soon, I can say that we can overlook this one.”
Jane looked over at Mr. Peterson, who nodded slightly. “I have to admit, I believe it will be good for the young lad to return to Elm Bluff. He needs...” he paused for a moment. “Space in which to grow.”
“We will pack tonight and leave after breakfast in the morning,” Jane said. “It will give to you a semblance of peace. Rest assured, I won’t be bored.”
Major Cunningham laughed. “I won’t argue that point. I have only a request that I only just have talked with Henry about. A party, a dance, is being given by the Landors tomorrow night. You have been invited along with the Petersons. I believe a couple of days more in Charles Town could be endured for such an event.”
“I don’t know, Major,” she stuttered. Her eyes turned to her host. “To be honest, I know of no one in Charles Town. I can’t imagine that anyone would miss my presence.”
“I will disagree with you. I believe several people have interest in meeting you,” he said bluntly. “General Durham has made certain you were invited.”
Jane sat still. It was obvious it wasn’t a request, but an expectation. She nodded, but turned to Henry, who returned her nod with a slight smile. She was dismissed.
Walking out of the room, she felt the walls closing in on her. She had to go to a dance? She had never danced, not that she hadn’t been invited. She had always fended that her grandfather had need of her. Troy kidded her endlessly about her shyness.
Suddenly the thought hit her about suitable clothing. Did she have any? But then she thought, Careen probably had brought something in case she had been asked to a dinner. For the life of her she didn’t know.
The dress she wore now had been Sumner’s sister’s. She must have held a position of importance for Jane had never seen the like of her dresses. Jane never had more than a couple of dresses, one for church and the other for everyday use.
Not that she didn’t like to dress in that manner, but she shuddered to think of meeting all new people. And why would anyone have interest in her? A General in the British army?
After she oversaw the kitchen cleaned, she escaped to the veranda. She needed to breathe
in the brisk night air. Walking over to the railing, she paused and stared up at the night’s sky.
“It is hard I’m certain.” Henry came up from behind and stood beside her. “You have the look in your eyes as if you wanted to dart away like a frightened animal when the Major mentioned the dance.”
Jane turned. Relief flooded her face seeing he was alone. “I have only a desire to go back to Elm Bluff. I came to retrieve Caleb,” she hesitated. “But I will admit I have been quite overwhelmed, but I can look after Caleb. Pray, don’t be worried.”
“I’m not concerned about Caleb. Relieved that he finally has a connection to his father. He has been in a house full of old people and his dreaded British soldiers. It might not seem it, but he likes you.”
“It doesn’t seem it. I don’t feel I’m his favorite person. I’m afraid I keep making mistakes.”
“I think you have been extremely brave to try to tackle all that you have. You have come into a family you don’t know much about and it’s hard. Please, don’t concern yourself with the party. I’m certain it is only a curiosity. Who did the dashing Sumner Meador up and marry? All eyes will be upon you. Sumner instills that in people. You will find many adore him, others abhor him, but all respect him.”
“I have to confess, I’m not good in a social setting, Mr. Peterson. I hope I don’t embarrass Sumner or you.”
“I detect reluctance, but don’t really understand it. You are an attractive woman who should have no problem gaining attention.”
“It is attention I don’t want, sir. I’m afraid I have always been so. I was told many times by my brother I am too shy and timid. He tried to get me to overcome it, but was never successful. I much prefer the confines of my home. The problem now is determining what is my home.”
“It is here, my dear. Make no doubt about that. I will always be indebted to Sumner and his sister, Cathryn, for my niece, Mary. Sumner did right about marrying her. She loved them both very much. Her death was a tragedy, along with Sumner’s mother. He hasn’t been the same since. He had me worried about him seeking revenge against the one he blames. I was happy when William Peyton traveled to France, away from all of us. I say this because I have heard he has only just returned. He may well be there tomorrow night. It would be best if you stayed away from him.”
“I also have the same concern with this William Peyton. I know Sumner still holds one responsible. I will well stay away from him. But in truth, Mr. Peterson, I can well understand the way he feels.”
“I have heard you lost your family. It is sad, but it may well have brought you both together. I have known Sumner long enough. He is fortunate to have found you.”
“I was fortunate he found me. He saved me, Mr. Peterson, from a dreadful fate, but I wish I could have gone with him. I’m afraid I will embarrass him here. I have no issue managing a farm, cooking, caring for family, but socially...I will confess, I fear I’m inept.”
Henry smiled. “Believe me, Jane, it won’t matter tomorrow night. You will look beautiful, and no one will notice. I will keep to your side, as will Willard. I’m glad we have had this opportunity to talk. There is a matter I would like to discuss.”
“About what?”
“Your return to Elm Bluff. I’m going to send Willard back with you. You need a chaperone with all those officers, and it will give you time to bond with her. She is my sister and even though she can’t make Caleb mind in the least, she loves him dearly.”
“What of you? Who will look after you?” Jane asked.
“I have plenty. I have other family, my daughters I have sent to England to live until after the war. My only son, God Bless his soul, died in the Battle of Brandywine. Most of my grandchildren are in England. It was where I was going to send Caleb soon.”
“Sumner told me to go to his sister’s if the need arose.”
“It may be well if you go now. She would take you both in without question. The bond between the two siblings is strong. It was a strange set up for a family, but they are close and I doubt anything could come between them. Sumner cared for her for three years after she returned from England. Her husband had died.”
“But she is back within England now?”
“It was safer. Her father-in-law is the Duke of Leominster. Her son is heir. She couldn’t stay, but she married another and the last I heard from her, she seems content, only concerned for her brother and nephew.”
“Sumner talked a little of his sister, but in honesty, Mr. Peterson, I was taken aback by Elm Bluff. Is it his sister’s?”
Henry thought for a moment. Finally, he said, “I’m not certain. It would be my guess in the end everything within South Carolina will fall to Sumner in one way or another. At the moment with British occupying, it is considered Cathryn’s, but only to protect it for Sumner. Sumner would never admit to anyone, but I hold his possessions and know of his status. He is a wealthy man, Jane. Don’t admit to any I told you.”
“I would never, Mr. Peterson, but I am taken aback,” she said. “I thought he was an overmountain man. I don’t know if I’m worthy of him.”
“Never question that, my dear. In honesty, I have taken the liberty of looking up your grandfather. Many know of him within Charles Town. A fine man. Honorable family. You hold your head up. From what I gather he held a vast amount of land.”
“But I’ve been told I have lost it all.” Jane fought back the tears. “The day of the raid I lost everything, every member of my family and the home I grew up in.”
“Times have been hard upon us all,” he said compassion well in his tone. “It has been my experience, it doesn’t hurt to cry. Know, though, you have a new family now. You have Willard and myself. If-when everyone returns, it will be quite a large brood, probably some to challenge our little man upstairs.”
A quiet laugh escaped Jane. “You have been kind, Mr. Peterson. Thank you. It has been hard.”
“Lean upon me at any time. I may rely upon you to help run Elm Bluff and the other two plantations. I don’t trust many and if you have helped your grandfather, as I suspect you did...”
Jane’s manner brightened. “I would like that. It would be what I’m most comfortable doing.”
“Good. And call me Henry, I suppose or Uncle Henry,” he said cheerily. “It was a good day when Sumner married you.”
Chapter 9
Music and laughter filled the night’s air. Never had Jane been to such a grand affair. The house was filled with the most elegantly dressed woman and handsomely groomed men. Overwhelmed, Jane caught her breath in an effort to calm her rapidly beating heart.
The house was lovely. Columns soared from the front to the ornamented pediment over the front entrance. Walking into the foyer, Jane noted the marble floor led to a magnificent sweeping staircase. The rooms on either side opened up into ballrooms.
Willard entwined her arm through Jane’s and paraded her around the party. Voices rambled together in a blur to where one introduction seemed like the last. It was impossible to grasp hold of anyone’s name. They all ran together in a sea of faces.
Jane had been wrong in the assumption that Careen had brought a ball gown. Willard had rushed around the next day in search of a dress, settling on sending Careen back to Elm Bluff.
“All anyone gotta have done was told ma to bring it! Ain’t no big deal, but no...! Wanna me up and run back. Now ain’t a problem findin’ one, I ’pose. Don’t cha worry none. Just a pain to go back.” Careen complained incisively, but in the same breath assured her mistress she would well look after her.
Jane didn’t care how she looked as long as she was presentable. She didn’t plan on staying long.
“I would think that you if you stayed until after supper, it would be long enough without seeming rude.” Willard assured Jane. “I know everyone wants to see who Sumner married, but I do so hate to throw you out there to the wolves. I wish there was more time to prepare you. I don’t want you to make a misstep.”
“I don’t understand why I ha
ve to go at all,” Jane responded in earnest. “I want only to retire back to Elm Bluff. I would feel more comfortable to wait there until Sumner’s return.”
“I’m afraid we don’t have much choice. Your presence was requested.” Willard rolled her eyes. “You will be fine, I’m certain. It is only that I have heard that William Peyton is back and in that it could be a problem.”
“Mr...Uncle Henry said the name. Peyton is the one that Sumner feels is responsible for the raid that killed his mother and Mary?”
“I’m afraid so. It is why we had no desire to go. It will be uncomfortable. It is a long story, my dear, and has to do with Sumner’s sister, but in the end it was Mary and Juriah that paid the price of William’s wrath. Then, of course to begin with I suppose it had to do with Randa.”
Willard, Jane quickly realized, liked to talk. Jane asked, “Randa?”
Willard leaned over to Jane. “I shouldn’t tell you these things, but you should know and not walk in blindly. It was thought at one time that Sumner and Randa...” Willard hesitated slightly. “Well, she married William and it ended obviously.”
Jane sat back. A black cloud descended upon her mood. Was Willard telling her that her husband had loved another beside Mary? The thought stayed with her as she dressed. How much more did she not know of her husband?
Careen didn’t get back until late with a dress, but she seemed pleased with her find. “It ain’t been worn, I suspect. It did not suit Miss Cathryn’s coloring like I think it you.”
Jane tried on the dress. Careen sat back after she pinned up the hem and seemed delighted with the result. “Now, looky. All eyes will be on ya, Miss Jane. Shame Master Sumner ain’t gonna see ya. Ya looking so beautiful and all.”
“You are too kind, Careen,” Jane said.
Eyeing herself in the mirror, she turned one way, then the other. The dress was cut high at the waist and the shirt shimmered down to where it intertwined with lace at the bottom. The sleeves were cut short and loose upon her arms. The forest green color of the gown flattered her, seemingly bringing out the green in her large brown eyes. Her dark hair, Careen once more upswept, but allowed a few curled strands to frame her creamy, oval face.
