by Jerri Hines
“That doesn’t sound like Sumner. What I’ve known of his movements...he has been with the Swamp Fox or in the backwoods.”
“I have the report, Colonel. His name is clearly written on the records with many witnesses to vouch for the fact. The profits went to him. Furthermore, in his arrogance, he has done little to cover his involvement. I have had direct orders from the General Clinton himself to hang the man. General Lorne was lost upon The Prolusion.” Durham’s lips twisted. “My brother and niece were also on board.”
“General, I feel for those lost and feel anger toward any that would harm the innocent, but it is not Sumner. It would have been impossible for him to have done so. He has been fighting in the war. Moreover, why would he do so?”
“Greed, Colonel. Your friend, the one you believe is so honorable and admirable is nothing more than a voracious murderer! Believe me, Colonel, if I wasn’t one hundred percent sure of my facts, I wouldn’t have done what I have! There is no way that anyone could have had the information needed to pretend to be Sumner. His connection to Leominster, his father, his sister...his accounts. Impossible. It leaves the only logical conclusion. Sumner Meador is a murderer.”
“I know of one,” Katy stated without thinking. Both men turned and stared at her as she emerged into the open doorway. She met their stares and said simply, “William Peyton.”
* * * *
Thunderstruck, Durham gaped at her. Under his breath, he said as if to himself, “To go unnoticed as a woman or a drunken fool.” Then, he eyed her intently while shaking his head in dogmatic denial. “Well, don’t just stand there. Come in and explain yourself. Quickly!”
Katy nervously edged into the room. She looked toward Bruce who stood in as much awe as Durham. “The whole of the story?”
“All of it!” Durham commanded.
Scarlet, Katy stuttered. “I know some only because Randa is my sister.”
“Randa? Of what....” Durham interrupted, but paused. “Go ahead.”
Suddenly it didn’t seem as good an idea to have interrupted their meeting as it had minutes before. She went on. “When they were young, Sumner and Randa were in love, madly or so it seemed to a romantic younger sister. Sumner wanted to marry her, but Father refused. Although Sumner was Colonel Blankenship’s son, he was a bastard. Unbeknownst to any, Randa was with child.
“It was long known that William was enamored with Sumner’s sister, Cathryn, but word came she was married. William at that time was handsome, wealthy—quite the catch. Randa set her eyes upon him. She didn’t tell him that she was with child...Sumner’s. It gets worse. She lost the child, but Cathryn returned widowed. I don’t know what happened, but I know that William spent his time working on Cathryn’s financial affairs with Henry Peterson, fighting against a force in England.
“It seemed strange, but at that time, Sumner and William forged a tight friendship, but when someone from Cathryn’s past came to claim her, Sumner didn’t stand in her way. Why would he? William was married. William became angry, extremely so. Frustrated with a wife that didn’t want him and a woman he couldn’t have. He felt used.
“I know I heard Randa complain long enough about a situation she caused herself.” She paused for a moment. “It was rumored that the raid upon Elm Bluff was orchestrated by William. It was said he wanted to have Cathryn kidnapped before she could find her way back to England, but all went astray. Sumner was furious beyond measure. He has been out for William’s blood since that time, but William escaped his wrath, coming back only when Sumner was out of Charles Town. He came back a shadow of his former self, a drunk.”
“Until this day in court,” Durham said. His manner frightened Katy. He raised an eyebrow. “How would he know all about Sumner’s business? His affiliation with the Duke?”
“Wouldn’t Cathryn’s business have been the same as for Sumner?”
Stillness fell on the room. Durham’s eyes flamed. “Is there any proof of what you have said?”
“I know where he keeps his papers—ones he doesn’t want others to see.”
* * * *
Falling in step behind Leckie, Katy entered her sister’s Charles Town home. The library door swung open wide. Time was of the essence. General Durham waited impatiently for their return at his headquarters.
“Your faith in me is overwhelming, Bruce.”
A huge London-made clock chimed seven o’clock. The room sat in dim lighting as the dark burgundy velvet curtains hung down over the windows blocking whatever sparse sunlight from entering the room. Katy lit some candles, unsettling the ominous shadows. The clock ticked loudly.
Bruce cocked his dark eyebrow. “You would be surprised to find what I thought of you.”
Katy glanced back slightly, but was in no mood to banter. She looked at the hundreds of books upon the shelves. She pondered for a moment and reached up, but she wasn’t tall enough.
Leckie came beside her. With his two hands solidly around her waist, he lifted her. She reached her objective. She pulled down a huge book and pointed to the vacant spot on the shelf. “It should be there.”
Eyeing the space, he said, “It is a safe. You wouldn’t happen to know where the key would be.”
“Katy! Colonel Leckie!” Randa’s voice echoed in the small walls. “What are you doing? Carrying on your liaison within William’s library! Have you not shamed the family enough with your behavior?”
With only an act of total will did Katy ignore her sister’s comment, but Leckie had no such restraint. “And you believe it is your sister’s behavior that has shamed your family?”
Randa stood there in the middle of the library. The candlelight reflected off of her beauty that couldn’t be denied. She was dressed in a lovely pale blue night robe whose decorous trim outlined her figure to perfection. Her hair was brushed and hung loose down her back.
By everything good! Katy realized her sister had prepared for a lover this night. Katy wondered who it was, for she knew it wasn’t General Durham.
Randa’s manner cooled toward Leckie. “You haven’t answered me, sir! What are you doing within my husband’s library?”
Katy exchanged looks with him, and then turned to Randa. “Do you know where William keeps his key?”
“What key?” Randa feigned ignorance. Her temper swelled. “I believe I must ask both of you to leave.”
Leckie released his grip upon Katy. He moved toward Randa in the most intimidating manner. “I am here on the King’s business. I would wager my next month’s pay you know exactly what we are looking for. If you don’t produce the key immediately, you will face the same fate as your husband. Is that what you intend? Are you willing to stand as Sumner’s wife did and proclaim undying love for your husband? Willing to die for that love to protect him?”
Randa made no movement. He took note of her silence.
“Try me. If you think we were willing to sacrifice an innocent, what do you think we would do to one who sat back and knew what her husband has done? Willingly accepting the blood money from such ventures! I’m certain you helped him in obtaining information. What do you think your husband will say upon his arrest, and make no doubt upon it he is being detained as we speak!”
Randa’s chest heaved. She stared at Katy. Hatred streamed forth from her eyes. She shook her head. “Upon your word, I won’t be held for anything. It will seem that I helped you obtain this knowledge?”
“You have my word. You will have to contend with your own conscience!”
With reluctance, Randa walked over to behind the desk, opening the side drawer and lifting what seemed to be the bottom. She held a key in her hand which Leckie yanked from her. The next moment, Leckie held the papers he’d sought in his hand.
* * * *
Katy stayed the night in Charles Town in the house that once had been Rebekah’s grandfather’s. General Durham had made it his headquarters.
She had fallen asleep upon the sofa in the drawing room, but woke upon a commotion in the foyer. Staring
at a closed door, Katy didn’t know what to do. Bruce had entered into General Durham’s office upon their arrival and had remained.
She wondered briefly if he had forgotten her. Lying in the morning light, her own conscience surfaced within her. Had she betrayed her own family with her actions? Randa was her sister! Besides her parents, Katy hadn’t any other family. She had reacted to her instincts with what was right.
Oh God, pray let it not be that I sought revenge upon my own sister! She sat up, pushed back her hair and straightened her dress. Katy swallowed hard. She would have to face this day. She would think of the future tomorrow. There would be few options for her. Perhaps she would go and live with a distant cousin in Boston.
Randa’s behavior had been scandalous, but she had a husband that had wealth and status. Randa would endure the scandal that was about to descend upon her. She would find one who would believe her a victim.
Katy...she was a marked woman, but she only had herself to blame. She was the one who had gone to Bruce openly. Oh, what was she going to do? She prayed...more than she had in such a long time.
Jane’s face haunted her. How could one she had only met once bother her so? To have faced her fate so bravely.
What had she faced? A disloyal fiancé? Her heart had been broken...but now, what of Bruce? She was so confused. She knew only that she needed him to protect her from the eyes of Charles Town that would label her a ruined woman.
He had made no promises, but took what he wanted. Though, he wasn’t the one that crossed the line...she was. She could never imagine that Bruce would abandon her. What would he offer? To be his mistress? Some would point out she already was.
Katy shook her head, knowing she couldn’t accept the situation, especially after Randa’s utterance. She had never meant to embarrass her family. The words had hit their mark. She would go to her parents and beg them to take her back.
A sudden urge to see her mother overcame her, a longing for maternal protectiveness. Since Ernest died, her mother only harped upon her: “You will be fortunate, Katy, to ever meet a man who will want to marry you with your attitude! You run them off.”
She only wanted to be held and sheltered against the pain that grew within her, be told everything was going to be okay whether it was or not. She wanted her father to have shown some compassion toward her and anger toward Ernest and Randa! Instead, she had received indifference.
“Everything will work to its end, Katy,” her father told her. “You will meet another. It is better to keep all within the family. There is no need to blacken the name of one who died for the cause and, of course, your sister.”
Ah, yes, it always came back to Randa! It always had. So Katy laughed, danced, and smiled. When she finally rebelled, Katy wondered if her father would ever forgive her.
His precious Randa could well be known to bed with General Durham, but how could that be held against the misfortunate girl? So beautiful, and Katy could well imagine he told himself she did so only for her family. Sacrificing herself to keep her family safe and, Katy thought bitterly, profitable. Never let it be said her father passed up an opportunity to make a profit.
From the foyer, words were uttered rapidly...and loudly. Her heart raced and she rushed to the window. A British unit had readied for departure. Where were they going? Katy opened the window to hear.
“They left in the darkness well over two hours ago. They were ordered to stay within Charles Town. He’s going after his brother and Meador. I don’t know if we are for support or to stop the massacre he has on his mind.”
“Benny....”
Katy’s heart raced. Bloody Benny! He was after Sumner and Jane. Was the unit going after them as well? Suddenly, Katy clutched to the railing of the window. Sitting, leading the unit, General Durham was upon his horse. Directly beside him...Bruce.
His mouth opened dictating an order, but she couldn’t hear it. Her gaze didn’t leave him until he disappeared down the street.
He left her without a word! Not one utterance. Katy’s mouth trembled slightly. Her eyes watered. Gone was any illusion she held that she might have meant something to him. With extreme measures, she tried to contain herself. She had to leave. What had he expected she was to do?
The house had quieted. She moved toward the door, opening it slightly. She couldn’t face anyone. She sighed. No one was within the foyer. Katy smoothed down her dress and stepped out, but she hadn’t gotten beyond a few steps until a masculine voice called out to her.
“Miss Landor! You have wakened. I didn’t know if you—”
She lowered her gaze, hoping the man wouldn’t see her tears which she swept away. “I was leaving. I didn’t realize that I had been left. I should—”
“Miss Landor, where are you going?” he asked. “Oh, pray excuse my manners. I’m Lieutenant Owens. Colonel Leckie has assigned me to look after you until he returns.”
“Assigned to me?” Confusion rang within her. Was she herself under arrest? “I don’t understand.”
“Colonel Leckie told me to offer you his apologies. He had no time. He had to react immediately. I was told—”
“Thank you, Lieutenant. If you can help me back to my parents, I would appreciate it.”
“No, ma’am. I’m sorry. I’m not making myself clear. I have my orders. I’m either to set you up in a room here or take you back to Elm Bluff. I have already requested your belongings.”
“My belongings? From my parents? What is going on?”
“The Colonel was concerned you wouldn’t listen to his request to return to Elm Bluff. Excuse me for being blunt, but he thought you might be concerned about your reputation. General Durham said if it was an issue, to place you in protective custody. I’m afraid you have no choice, Miss Landor. With all that is happening, they were concerned about your safety.”
“I have no choice?”
“No, ma’am. Colonel Leckie said he will settle everything with you when he returns and make everything right, but for now, you won’t be allowed to talk with any of your family.”
“If I have no choice, then I will go to Elm Bluff.”
“I will make the arrangements. It should only take a few minutes.” Lieutenant Owens nodded his head and disappeared out the front door.
Katy wiped back her eyes once more. Bewilderment swept through her, but she wouldn’t resist. She couldn’t do so to Bruce. The thought comforted her that he made arrangements for her, but his intentions perplexed her greatly. There was nothing she could do at this time but return to Elm Bluff and wait.
Chapter 19
Howling wind and rain beat against the cabin. Sumner eased out of Jane’s hold. Something wasn’t right. He could feel it.
Stepping into the outer cabin, he left Jane asleep in bed. The logs in the fire cast slowly changing shadows over the walls, giving way to a false sense of peace. It didn’t last.
The door opened and rain spattered inside. Joseph entered, not bothering to take off his wet hat, dripping on the wooden floor. Immediately, Sumner reached for his rifle. There was trouble.
“Benny’s on his way. Seth just rode back in. He spotted him,” Joseph said. “I told you it would not be long.”
The news left Sumner numb. Instinctively, he glanced back at Jane through the open door, thankfully still sleeping. The boy, Hugh, rose from the pallet on the floor. His eyes widened.
“There’s no time for anything but to make a stand,” Joseph declared solemnly. “He’s a few miles up the road. I have no doubt he knows exactly where we are. He must have sent scouts out. Damn! One of my men must have betrayed our location. If I get my hands upon—”
“It makes no difference now.” Sumner grabbed his boots. In swift movements, he stood. He had no choice but to wake the women. He swung back to Hugh. “Wake, Molly.”
Hugh jumped up immediately. The next moment, Molly was tying a wrap about her waist. Sumner hadn’t even seen her enter. His gaze fixed upon Jane.
He had never been a man who gave in to
his emotions, but an urge so powerful swept through him. It took everything within him to contain them.
Sumner looked over at Molly. He didn’t need to tell her what was happening. Her eyes said well she understood.
“Do whatever it takes to protect yourself and Jane, Molly, if we aren’t successful,” he hesitated, “if....” He paused again. He had to take control of himself. There was no time. “If all else fails...” He reached to his waist and withdrew his pistol. He had his rifle and knife. “If all else fails, use this. He will have no mercy. I will leave enough powder for another shot. Molly, you don’t want....”
Her hand reached to him, her voice low and soft. “I understand, Sumner. Trust me. I will do what is necessary if the need arises. Pray to God it doesn’t.”
* * * *
If Sumner remembered nothing else in his life, he would remember her face when he told her Bloody Benny had come. Jane said nothing as if in this moment in time all was understood. There was no need for words.
She made no protest when he told her he had to leave. She leaned up to him and kissed his lips.
“Come back to me, my husband,” she whispered. She had no tears in her eyes. There was nothing more to be done.
Sumner pushed back his fears. He had no illusions what they faced. There would be no surrender upon either side this night. With every breath he had, Sumner would fight as he had never fought before. Sumner nodded back to Joseph and followed him out the door.
* * * *
Sumner positioned himself in front of the cabin behind an old elm tree. Joseph stood to his back, unsure which direction the assault would occur.
The rain had broken. The clouds in the dark sky began to spread, giving way for the moonlight. As they had for the last hour, the two men waited. Sumner stretched his arm, uncomfortably conscious of the quiet of the night-shrouded countryside. He watched for any sign of movement.
One of Joseph’s men eased up to the two. He withdrew quietly.
“There has been no movement forward, Sumner,” Joseph said tensely. Silence ensued once more. Then in the darkness, Joseph began talking, as if it was important for Sumner to hear...to understand.
