by Jerri Hines
“Master Sumner, he was there?”
“Yes ’em,” he said simply. “Should be hearing from him soon enough I imagine.”
She could have cried again. “Let me know if you hear from him, but take care. They are after him, Israel. They mean to use me to get at him.”
“Don’t cha worry none, Mistress Meador. Master Sumner, he’s a smart one.”
Glancing back over her shoulder, she stared at the study door with a small smile. The day was brightening around her. Yes, it was good to be home.
* * * *
Jane realized she should conceal her amusement, but found it impossible not to smile at the young man. She had never known such frustration as with her stepson, yet in her next breath... It was hard to describe the feelings he evoked within her.
With his head hanging down and his feet kicking the ground beneath him, Caleb stood beside his newfound best friend, Roscoe. At five years old, Roscoe was Careen’s youngest boy.
Mud and slime covered both boys from head to toe. The last few weeks had been one such event after the other...and Jane couldn’t ever remember feeling as needed or wanted as she was now by this small child.
“Mother,” he began for he had discovered she liked the name, a sure signal to Jane that she might find fault in the story. “Israel promised to take us fishing. We were only waiting.”
“It has been my experience with waiting, it should be done by the back door at the very least upon the banks of the river, not within it,” Jane scolded. “Israel has taken you both fishing every day for the last week. You should be thankful Israel has made time from his busy day to take you. If you couldn’t wait, I could have gone...”
“Mother,” Caleb said and leaned into her. “You’re a girl.”
He stepped back as if no one else had heard him. She caught Israel’s eyes, gleaming with laughter.
“Caleb, you both could have drowned,” she said solemnly. “Do you know how I would have felt if that happened? What would your father have done if his son wasn’t here upon his return?”
The words dug deep within Caleb. If anything else in his young life, he didn’t want to disappoint his father. The excuses began to flow from his young mouth, “But Mother, it was a huge fish on the hook. Couldna let it go. When it got to the bank, it fell off the hook. Rosc’e bent over to catch him and fell in. He can’t swim.”
“No, ma’am,” Roscoe, who had stood quietly, agreed with Caleb. Careen slapped the back of his head.
“Which makes it worse?” Careen cried.
Jane turned back to Caleb. Caleb hesitated and squirmed. “I went in to save him.”
Jane eyed Roscoe. “Is that what happened or is it how you are going to let your friend tell it?”
“Mother!” Caleb exclaimed. “How did ya know it was me?”
“Mistress Meador,” Roscoe said in a low voice. “It was my idea to tell it this way. Not to get Caleb...”
“Into trouble?” Jane answered for him. She sighed. “It is an admirable trait, Roscoe, but with Caleb, he is constantly in trouble. I deeply appreciate your attempt to save my little one.” She turned to Caleb. “You are fortunate to have one such as Roscoe and also that Israel followed you both. But both of you disobeyed by leaving without another to watch over you. I hold to you responsible, Caleb, for I can well imagine you telling your friend he must.”
Caleb stood. His head hanging once more while Roscoe looked straight at her. Caleb kicked him. Immediately, Roscoe bent his head down as Caleb. “We’re sor’y, Mother.”
Jane’s heart softened on the sight. “Well, you won’t be able to fish for a week...that is plain...and I believe to repay your friend for trying to save you, you need to help him with his chores also for at least a month.”
Caleb frowned. “But, Mother, no fishing...”
“Caleb?”
Careen took her son by his ear. “Both of ya need to clean up before lunch. Ain’t letting neither of ya in with that mess on you.”
Jane watched the sight as Careen led the boys back to the house. Both hopped beside Careen trying to stay out of the path of her swinging hand on their backsides.
Turning back to Israel, Jane said, “Thank you.”
“I don’t let him out of my sight, Mistress, if I can help it. He is his father’s son.”
“Have you heard from his father? I had hoped...”
“Be patient, Mistress,” Israel said. “He will when he can. He has to be careful. The British are tightening their hold with such a defeat as they took at King’s Mountain. Heard ’em say it was going to be harder than they first thought.”
Jane nodded. She had gained a semblance of strength having been left relatively alone after General Durham had departed with more than half the men that occupied the plantation.
In the last three weeks, she had neither heard nor seen anyone other than Henry and Willard, who now lived at Elm Bluff. It seemed a most amiable arrangement. Jane had begun to feel more at ease...at least she would when she heard from Sumner.
* * * *
Jane looked out the window, watching Caleb with Roscoe. The two giggling friends ran toward the stables, no doubt sneaking away from their work for a quick ride. Israel lagged close behind them.
The afternoon had turned to a bright and sunny day. The rain for the last week eased, and the sky cleared of clouds. The adventure of the day before had become a memory.
Sitting down at the desk in the parlor, she pulled out her journal. Unable to write to Sumner, she filled the need by writing each day’s activities. No sooner had she pulled out the quill, she heard rapid footsteps.
Looking up, she found Careen in the doorway. Leaning over, she caught her breath and cried, “Mistress Meador! Mistress Meador! Riders are coming!”
Confused, Jane rose from her chair. “Riders? Careen, what is the matter? Are the soldiers back?”
Violently shaking her head, she uttered, “Raiders.”
The room stilled. Jane felt the color drain from her face. “Raiders?”
“Ridi’ hard up the road!”
With one thought on her mind, Jane bolted toward the front door, down the steps and raced toward the stables. Caleb! She had to get to Caleb!
She made it down past the curing house. The clamor of horses’ hooves overtook her. Hit from behind, she fell. Crawling back up on her knees, she looked up. Terror gripped her. “Bloody Benny!”
“My...my...my...lookin’ what we have here.” Bloody Benny laughed, reining in his mount. Quickly, he dismounted.
Her body trembled, but a voice deep within her calmed her rising panic. She would do Caleb little good if she became panic-stricken. He lay behind the madman...and she had to get to him.
“Come Mistress Meador...you are now Sumner Meador’s wife?” he reached out for her. Despite trying to maneuver out of his way, he laid hold of her arm. Pulling her to him, he said in a low, terrifying voice. “You must have made him plenty happy for him to have done so. I will have to find out for myself.”
Wildly, she wrenched herself side to side, but to no avail. His grip only tightened. “Where are your manners, my dear? One would think you aren’t happy to see an old friend.”
She spat at him. He slapped her with the back of his hand, with enough force that she fell on the ground. She rolled over, away from him. Pushing back on her hands, she prepared to leap up, but he stepped on her gown. He was like a cat teasing its prey before it went in for the kill.
Then, a commotion arose among the raiders. Cries emerged, warning of approaching riders. “Red Coats!”
Sounds blurred as chaos ensued. From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the soldiers in bright red uniforms...British soldiers. Unsure whose side they stood, she struggled to her feet, but Bloody Benny would have none of it. He grasped hold of her once more.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Benny asked. “To that little boy? Sumner’s son?” He whispered. “You’re too late.”
She screamed, a loud, piercing scr
eam. Anger overwhelmed her...she lunged at him. She knew nothing except she had to get around him...by whatever means necessary. Surprised, Bloody Benny’s grip slipped.
Freed, Jane ran, racing toward the stables. From behind, a hand grabbed her shoulder and swung her around. She screamed again.
“Jane...Jane, you safe,” Colonel Leckie promised. “We are back.”
His words did little to calm her. Fear rose in her eyes as Bloody Benny walked boldly up to them. Colonel Leckie pushed her protectively behind him, greeting the man.
“Benny, what brings you this way? I thought you well understand the order given to you and your men.”
“Out on patrol, Colonel,” Bloody Benny glared at him, none too happy. “My men and horses needed rest and refreshment.”
“You were ordered to keep away from Elm Bluff. I believe it will be best if you now return to Charles Town. I will inform General Durham of your actions.”
“Are you giving me an order, Colonel?”
“Yes. A direct order.” Colonel Leckie stepped toward Benny. “If you don’t obey it immediately, you will answer for the disobedience. The General doesn’t take kindly to being disobeyed. Do you doubt me?”
“I can assure you it was a misunderstanding only. I find it strange, though, that the British protects the scum of the earth,” Bloody Benny said. One of his men led his horse to his side. The next moment, he leaped into the saddle and yelled, “Men, it seems we are not needed here. Mount up.”
“No, Colonel,” Jane cried. “He has Caleb. He told me. Don’t let him go!”
The Colonel shook his head and held her back with his arm. His stare stayed upon Bloody Benny, who laughed. He spurred his horse, a trot first and then into a full gallop.
Jane broke from the Colonel. Running after the riders, she stumbled and fell. Colonel Leckie ran behind her and helped her up.
Tears flowed unheeded down her cheeks. She cried, “No...no...no! You don’t understand. Caleb...”
She gave pause. Another rider emerged in her vision, riding out from behind the stables. She couldn’t breathe. She felt as though a stone set upon her chest. Caleb!
The young lad sat in front of the rider; Israel and Roscoe followed on foot, but her eyes never left Caleb or the rider who carried him. With Caleb safely in his possession, Joseph Williamson trotted up to Jane.
Joseph handed Caleb to Jane, who wrapped her arms about the boy and smothered him in kisses and tears.
“Mother,” he cried, obviously not realizing the danger that had been faced.
He squirmed away from her arms; she didn’t care...he was safe. Through her tears, she looked up at Joseph. She didn’t know what to say. Her hands still shook. She took Caleb by the hand and walked briskly back to the house. She didn’t look back.
* * * *
Another night had fallen. Jane paced nervously along her bedroom floor, unable to be comforted. Willard had locked herself into her room and swore she was returning to Charles Town at first light. There would be little sleep for another this night. Bloody Benny had invaded Elm Bluff.
Colonel Leckie and the British had returned, but everything for Jane had changed. She reprimanded herself greatly for allowing herself to fall into a false sense of security. There was no safety while Bloody Benny was out there...God Almighty! Save us! Bloody Benny openly defied the British. He could not be trusted by any man.
No matter how Colonel Leckie tried to reassure her, she was in no mind to listen. He had brought Joseph to Elm Bluff...Joseph!
Refusing to go downstairs, she had a tray sent up for herself and Caleb, who was quite upset with her. He thought it a grand adventure and hadn’t recognized Joseph as the one that had attacked her the night they ran from Charles Town. For that, she was glad, but she had been sharp with him, which left him confused.
A knock on her door sent Caleb flying to open it, swinging back the door. Colonel Leckie stood outside in the hall.
“Caleb, can I speak to your mother?”
Jane walked to the door. “I’m sorry, Colonel, but I’m not really feeling well.”
“That would not be surprising, but it won’t take long.” Colonel Leckie smiled down at Caleb. “It is not an order, but a request.”
“Please, Mother,” Caleb begged Jane, pulling on her skirt. “I want to go downstairs.”
She sighed, but finally relented. She followed in silence behind Caleb, who skipped happily along the hall. At the stairs, he ran.
“Caleb!” she called.
“Let him go,” Colonel Leckie said. “I will look after him. I wanted you to know that the unit has settled back at Elm Bluff. Moreover, Benny has been placed on warning. He won’t return so bold. Please, wait for me in the drawing room.”
She watched Colonel Leckie chase Caleb down the corridor, certain Caleb was heading to find Roscoe. She walked slowly through the open door and then immediately halted when she caught a reflection of a man in the large mirror.
Turning to leave, he ran forward and blocked her exit. “Please, don’t leave. I have...we need...please. I won’t harm you. Colonel Leckie is a friend. He knows I won’t harm you. I gave him my word I only...”
“Only what, Joseph? I can’t handle more this day.”
“No, listen, Jane, please. There is so much I want to say. I’m sorry. So sorry about...”
“Can you not understand that there is nothing to say I would want to hear?” Jane clutched her hands against her chest. “If it is forgiveness you seek, it won’t come from me. I can’t.”
He moved to her side, his eyes pleading with her. “No? I ask only that you listen, damn it, Jane. Can you not see it was I that saved the little boy? My brother and I had a parting of views. How do you think Colonel Leckie responded as quickly as he did?”
Her anxiety eased ever so slightly. She asked, “What do you want me to say to you, Joseph?”
“I want you only to listen for a moment. I want to tell you how sorry I am for my reaction when I saw you in Charles Town. It was just...damn it, Jane. How could you marry another?”
She made no response, but took a step back.
“No, no,” he said. “I didn’t mean that. Have you no idea what I have been through? I know you blame me for your family. I will confess that I knew that Benny was plotting a raid, but it had nothing to do with you or your family. Benny didn’t even know them. Why would he? Your family was neutral, but, yes, I was there that day.
“I am only human, Jane. I sought revenge for my father. He was innocent as your family was, but it was a band of Patriot raiders who killed him. When the opportunity arose to enact revenge, I took it...but I never thought the violence would spread as it did. I will never forgive myself for not warning your family of the threat. I had no knowledge that Henley wanted Troy out of his way. I had been serving in Georgia, fighting alongside the British. You knew that when you cared for me.
“My thoughts and dreams had only been of you since the day I met you. Waking from my injury I thought I was in heaven when I saw your face. I fell in love with you instantly. My lovely, shy angel. I couldn’t believe my fortune when your grandfather agreed to my proposal. My heart sang. Why on earth would I want to destroy all that I held dear?”
Jane’s expression hardened. “It means nothing now, Joseph. Can you not understand that when I see you, I see my brother, butchered...cut to ribbons? How could you expect me to even consider such?”
“I hope in time you will come to understand. I’m not going to press you now. I have told you I had nothing to do with it. I saved you! I tried to care for you. You disappeared! Can you not understand I searched for you, desperately searched for you? Then I heard you tried to go after my brother!”
“Yes! I did...I discovered he had no knowledge of me. If I meant so much to you, Joseph, how is it that your brother didn’t know about me or my family?”
An awkward silence ensued. Pressing his lips together tightly, he thought for a moment before he spoke. “Because I didn’t want him to taint
your innocence or your family’s. I knew he would press to meet them. He would press your brothers to join him. I know my brother well enough. I wanted to keep you to myself.”
Slowly, she shook her head and put her hands up to halt his progress when he reached for her. “Don’t. Please. I will scream if you come near me.”
“Oh, my God, Jane! I can’t take that you are scared of me. I love you. By all! Didn’t today convince you of my feelings? I went against my brother for you, Jane, to save that little boy.”
“You attacked me, Joseph,” she whispered.
“Only because...” he stuttered over his words. “Because...the thought of you being with another...especially Sumner Meador...made me crazed. I’m sorry. I only wanted it to be as it was. I had never pressed you or even kissed you. And to know you...”
“Don’t,” she protested and backed away further from him. “It is you that doesn’t understand, Joseph. It’s over. It was over the day my family was murdered. Nothing will ever bring back what we had...ever! The only thing I know is how I feel...how Sumner helped me feel, Joseph. I love him.”
“I know you think you do. I know the little boy told me that when you sleep you dream and cry out for those that are no longer here. That alone tears into me that you hurt so. But this I ask you, Jane, do you believe your husband has no blood on his hands? Can you live with that?”
“It is not the blood of innocents.” Her voice quivered. She managed to calm herself and said, “Thank you for Caleb. For that I’m grateful, but all else, Joseph. It can never be.”
She turned and rushed out to his echoing words.
“I won’t give up on us, Jane. I can’t.”
Chapter 12
Sumner sat in wait on a lone road just outside of Charles Town. Dusk had fallen, leaving the forest in a dark stillness. No sign of his impending rendezvous; his impatience grew. Up ahead hiding in the undergrowth, Elijah whistled. She had come.
Gripping tight to his knife’s handled, his eyes fixed on the lone figure, emerging out of the shadows. Riding closer, the female lifted her cloak’s hood back. His heart sank, recognizing it wasn’t Rebekah...damn!
