by Jerri Hines
“Strange,” he said. “It was what your friend offered to me also. Probably in hopes that will keep you within England.”
“Maybe he knows you mean a great deal to me, Sumner.” She smiled up at him. “And Sumner, I’m not the only one who looks up to you. You have one that sees you as her—”
He cut her off. “Don’t start with me, Jalyn. I know I have to handle the situation. You did your duty...you warned me.”
“She loves you, Sumner,” Cathryn pressed. “She doesn’t deserve to be treated in this manner. Do you realize she was going to leave? I stopped her. Sumner, she carries your child. After all you have gone through, you would let—”
“Jalyn, don’t you think I asked her?” His tone was harsh. “Do you not find it odd that no one wants to marry me? What does that say about the man I am? Randa refused me. Instead, she chose to trick William into marrying her. And Mary would rather have a bastard child than have me.”
“She wants you to love her.”
“I know that,” he acknowledged. Pain evident in his voice. “I can’t. I can’t bring myself to tell her the words.”
“Why? Because of Randa? Brother, you have to let go of what was never meant to be. Randa chose another path which didn’t include you. It was of her choosing. No one else made her go down that path. Do not lose something good because of something bad that happened. Mary worships the ground you walk upon. You need to take responsibility for her.”
“I have offered.”
“You need to tell her you love her whether you do or not, for at the moment it doesn’t matter,” Cathryn demanded. “Listen carefully to my words. First, it is your child. Above all else that child should come first. Second, you claim you want everyone to look upon you as an equal? Mary comes from one of the finest families in Charles Town and they will accept you. With everything that has happened to her, they would welcome the union.”
Sumner looked at his sister in thought. He had never considered the Petersons would accept him. “You can never let her know otherwise, Sumner. She loves you dearly. Do not hurt her. What more could you want with a wife than one who thinks you can do no wrong?”
A smile formed upon his lips. He bent down and kissed his sister’s cheek. “I love you, Sister. When you are gone, I don’t know what I will do; but at the moment, I need to make things right.”
* * * *
The next morning after their talk, Sumner rode into Charles Town. He found Henry Peterson and asked permission for Mary’s hand. He came back and gave Mary no option but to accept him. He got down on his knee in front of the whole family and declared his love. Lucy thought it the funniest of things. Mary burst into uncontrollable tears when she accepted.
Two weeks later, Elm Bluff hosted a small wedding in the gardens. Although the thought of Chelton buried not far away crossed Cathryn’s mind, no one else seemed to or wanted to remember. On a beautiful autumn day with a slight breeze, Sumner and Mary exchanged wedding vows. Her uncle, aunt, and cousins attended the simple ceremony.
Lucy and Philip were ecstatic with a party even if the attention wasn’t upon them. They were happy to have their uncle home as was their mother.
Cathryn gave Sumner one of her mother’s rings for Mary and Juriah helped make a simple rose dress for the occasion which flattered Mary’s coloring. Her eyes glowed with happiness. Mary never looked more beautiful than she did this day nor Sumner, content.
Men, Cathryn thought, were funny creatures. She watched Mary with Sumner. He didn’t even know how lucky he was; for Cathryn was certain Mary would make him happy. Sumner needed someone to look up to him and stroke his ego. He needed only to feel it was his decision. And once he did, he too seemed to have gained confidence with Mary upon his arm.
The thought hit Cathryn; she hoped they were always as happy as they were on this day. She felt a slight tinge of envy for she wished to enjoy a wedding day of her own.
Her hopes had been so high a few months ago. Maddy had only told her that everything was still in motion. She had to learn patience, which became harder as the days passed for she could feel the winds changing. She prayed Jake would come soon.
Chapter 6
By the end of November, Cathryn had received news from England. It was an official document...a notification of a legal proceeding against her. His Majesty, good King George, had filed to confiscate her estate for traitorous actions.
“It can’t be!” Cathryn cried to her brother. When he summoned her into the study, hope filled her that Jake had made contact, but never did she suspect to be accused of being a traitor. “I would never betray my country.”
Sumner rose from behind the desk, paper in his hand. “Peterson said he believes someone informed the British of your actions to give aid to the militia...someone who has known our every move—William.”
“Why? Why would he do such?” She snatched the paper out of Sumner’s hand.
“Because he’s a miserable bastard and wants everyone to be as miserable as he,” Sumner answered. “Haven’t you heard from your friend?”
Cathryn glared at her brother. She hated his constant reference of Jake as her friend. Her nerves were already frayed. She had begun to think she had imagined Jake had declared himself to her. Five months, five months had passed.
“No, I don’t even think Maddy has heard any word from him.” Misery overwhelmed her. “What if something has happened to Jake? What am I to do?”
“Nothing has happened to your friend, Jalyn.” Sumner let out a deep breath. “He’s too busy at the moment planning to attack Georgia. It is Moultrie’s fear. It seems the British force is taking aim at Savannah. They are gathering. I’m certain they will move up from Florida and in all probability bring from New York, where your friend has been stationed.”
“How would you know this? I don’t even know—”
“I know.” He brushed off his sister’s inquiry, choosing instead to concentrate upon the immediate concern. “You have more problems than your friend. To confiscate your fortune is an extremely serious claim, Cathryn. How are you going to defend yourself from here?”
“Why would Eversleigh do such now when we are attempting to leave?”
“It would be my guess it is not Eversleigh since the claim wants your fortune to revert back to the Governor’s British family.” Sumner threw down the paper. “Try the murderous scoundrel—Blankenship.”
The leaves had long fallen, leaving the trees bare against the gray gloom that had befallen Elm Bluff. Cathryn fell back into a chair. She was tired. She now sat upon a seat she had never sat upon before. What would she do if her fortune was indeed gone?
If Lord Blankenship had indeed stolen her money, she had nothing. The children, they would have their father’s, she assumed. Or would Eversleigh disinherit them upon such a disgrace?
She picked up the paper, aiding and abetting the enemy. Mother of God! She had given aid to the wounded! Her anger built. If they took her money because she helped people in need...Then take it all!
Sumner knelt beside his sister, taking her hands away from her face. “You can’t give up now.”
“What is left, Sumner? How many times do I have to be betrayed and lied to? All because of my money! Well, now, I’ll have none! A murderous contemptuous man will have it—who stood by and let his son kidnap me and almost killed me!”
“I’ve asked Peterson to handle everything on this end. Peterson is a brilliant lawyer from all accounts. I will handle William, have no fear. He’ll regret his action. But you, the Governor would never want you to lay back, Jalyn. It is always bleakest before one’s true character shines through. Don’t back away. You have done nothing wrong.”
She looked up into his eyes. Her heart fluttered with fear. It was easy for Sumner to talk in this manner now. With his marriage, he had become part of the Peterson’s family. When Henry Peterson handed over Mary’s dowry to Sumner, it took him by surprise.
Mary hadn’t even realized she had any dowry. Not that it was a g
reat deal of money, but to receive such was an honor for Sumner’s wife. She had reconnected to her family and had begun to travel back and forth visiting once more. Her cousins came out and stayed at the plantation. All was going well for him.
But where was Jake? He had swept in and made promises—again. She had readily accepted all his words and given herself freely. She had wanted so desperately to believe him. She loved him.
Five months! And he had not come. Maddy seemed unconcerned. His faith lay with Major Pennington. But for Cathryn, she had to wonder...had Jake made empty promises?
“Do whatever you think you should, Sumner,” she said blandly. “I have no energy to fight. I don’t know what to do. If Jake has abandoned me...”
“He hasn’t.” Sumner assured her. “Jalyn, he will come.”
“Without doubt,” she said. She only wished she could believe the words.
* * * *
December turned wet. The evening rain bore down upon Elm Bluff. Wind howled; shutters banged loudly against the house. The twins had been quite fretful and refused to sleep for the longest time. For Cathryn, it was all she wanted...sleep.
She had dismissed Tacy for the night, but she had yet to ready for bed. Her mind raced with a million thoughts. A thunderstorm raged outside. A different storm raged—the ominous feeling that brewed—within her.
She had run from all for so long. Now, when she was ready to turn and fight for what was hers, she found she could not. Lord Blankenship was maneuvering to confiscate her inheritance; the Duke of Eversleigh, her children and Jake...Jake had once again abandoned her.
Cathryn glanced across the room at the two small bags she had prepared for the children. She had even replaced their garments two weeks ago with winter wear.
Oh, God, she prayed, what am I to do? If I stay, someone will kidnap my babes or worse kill them. If I go, I will lose them.
She jumped as a sudden rustling sound came from outside the balcony door. There was silence. She thought it was only the wind. She calmed...the door burst opened.
She spun around; her hand flung to her lips. A scream caught in her throat.
“Ma’am, it is only me...Maddy...please don’t be startled.”
“Keep it low.” Maddy’s companion shushed him.
Cathryn eyed the man who spoke. He was a stranger but his bearing and distinct accent told he was more than he appeared. Drenched, he wore a deer hide fringe jacket. His beard was shabby and matted in appearance; he took off his raccoon hat and bowed his head.
“Lady Tinsley, I’m sorry for the interruption,” he said as he walked over to the lamp. “I hope you don’t mind if I have to extinguish the light. I have no desire to be hung this night.”
He leaned over and blew out the lamp. Cathryn blinked, quickly adjusting to the darkness. In the stillness, she heard men’s voices. Glancing out her window, she saw a group of riders flocking to her door.
“What is this?” she turned and demanded of her guests.
“It is my fault, my lady. They have been on my trail for a day now. I haven’t slept in two, nor eaten. I had nowhere else to go,” the stranger replied.
He had the look of one on the run for weeks, not days. “Who are you?”
“Lieutenant Bruce Leckie of His Majesty’s Army. I serve with Major Pennington and have been a messenger of sorts between Maddy and the major while I have been on missions. I have been ordered never to do as I am at the moment and place you into harm’s way, but my lady, believe me, I have no choice. I need to return as soon as possible, alive, if at all possible.”
Cathryn motioned for the two to back up to the wall. She could hear footsteps climbing the stairs. A moment later, a slight knock on her door made her eyes bulge. She took a moment and opened it only wide enough to exit into the hall.
“Sumner? Is something the matter?”
“No, no, Cathryn. I hate to bother you, but can you come downstairs with me,” he said. “We have visitors.”
She shut her door tightly and followed her brother. She walked into the drawing room, which was littered with wet, soaked militia. Colonel Percy stood.
“Cathryn, it is good to see you. I’m sorry to bother you. Did we disturb you?”
“I shouldn’t admit so, but I was already lying down for the night. I’ve had an excruciating headache all day. I only just got the children down to sleep. But, of course, you are always welcomed. What is it that I can help you with?”
“It wasn’t I, but we need to check out all the possibilities. It is with the greatest reluctance that I ask you about this matter. You were so gracious and kind to open your doors to us only just last summer,” Colonel Percy. He glanced behind Cathryn. “William thought you might have information leading to a spy that we have been searching for. I’m afraid certain plans have been stolen that we need to recover.”
Cathryn turned. Her eyes ignited upon the sight of William. He met her gaze with an arrogance she only wanted to scratch off his face.
“William, leave. You are not welcome. I never want to set eyes upon you again...not after what you have done to me.” Her chest heaved; her eyes flamed. Her temper wielded against the man supporting Blankenship’s claim against her.
“Cathryn,” Colonel Percy said in a soft tone. “I need only to know you have not aided a spy. Your word is sufficient.”
She whirled back around and faced the colonel. “I have no idea of what you speak.”
“Told ya,” Sumner said with a glance of impatience at his former friend. “I would question William on his motives on accusing my sister. Do you know that she has received notice from the British government that they are in the process of trying to confiscate her property in England for the aid she gave to our wounded back in August? Now you show up in my house and accuse her of aiding a spy! Is this how kindness is repaid?
“The man made it down to the river bank at the turn. He had to have come here,” William declared. “She is the only Loyalist in the immediate vicinity.”
“Get out, William Peyton, before I throw you out. And hold to my words, you will deeply regret your actions against Cathryn. They won’t go unanswered!” Sumner sneered at his former friend. “As for you, Colonel, have your men come in and warm themselves by the fire. I will call for something hot to fill their bellies before you go back out in the elements.”
“Thank you, Sumner,” Colonel Percy accepted. “I believe we can take a moment out of our time. We won’t be able to pick up any trail in this downpour. I believe he must be heading toward Moss Point. Hopefully, it will let up, soon.”
“I’ll go to the kitchen myself,” Cathryn said. “I have to make myself a small dinner anyway. I’m afraid I didn’t feel well enough to eat earlier. I’ll take my leave. It was good to see you Colonel. Hopefully, next time it will be under better circumstances.”
Sumner gave her pause before she passed him. “I’m sorry, Cathryn, but I wanted to show him we had nothing to hide.”
She squeezed his hand. “I know.”
* * * *
She deposited the tray of food for the lieutenant in her room before going to her father’s old room. She eased in quietly and searched for clothing that would fit the stranger. She returned with a change of clothes.
“I wish I could tell you to sleep, but it would be better if you leave now. The longer you stay the greater the chance you will be discovered. My children have the habit of finding my bed at night and will be in shortly. They will announce your presence to the whole of the household. Shave. I have a few shillings you may need. You need to travel the long way around if you are heading south. They are looking for you at Moss Point.”
“I hate to ask, but my mount is tired.”
Her heart sank. If she gave him one of the horses, Sumner would surely notice. Cathryn put her face in her hands and sighed. Finally, she said, “Maddy, give him my horse. And then leave the gate open as if someone stole it. I can do no more. Take his old clothes and burn them.”
She turned and went in
to her children’s room. She did not know how she was going to live with herself. She had just betrayed her brother.
* * * *
News began to filter in of scrimmages that had begun. The British had begun their assault against Savannah. Sumner was in a nasty mood. The loss of her horse didn’t go unnoticed, although he blamed Maddy. He wanted to dismiss him immediately.
“Go ahead,” Cathryn responded. “What do you want me to say, Sumner? I have no control. I have no control of anything. Do you now realize I know you are about to be recalled to the militia to protect Charles Town? Tell me how I’m supposed to defend Elm Bluff with you gone again. Do you not think Monsieur Renton will reappear the moment you are gone?”
“He’s a renegade, Cathryn. I have no control over him, except to give out guns to the slaves and I can’t do that. The only one I trust is Israel with one. You need to go into Charles Town, if I’m called upon. Mary is set to go. I have no other option for you.”
“If it’s your plan, we need to leave soon, for Mary won’t be able to leave on the spur of a notice.”
“You will go?”
“Why would I not? I have no reason to stay. I can’t stay without you, Sumner. I haven’t the strength to fight you. I was never as scared as the day Jean-Louis rode up with his raiders. I have to protect my children. I can’t take a chance of staying.”
He nodded. He understood.
* * * *
But as the morning broke, Juriah awoke with a fever. It was only the beginning. Sumner was next. Cathryn made Mary stay away from the sick with the children. She didn’t want anyone near them except her. A few of the house slaves came down with it also.
Shortly after, a rider rode up calling for Sumner. He left without him for Sumner was deathly ill.
Cathryn lived in terror that her children would succumb to the sickness. She hadn’t touched them for days. Sumner’s fever was the first to break. He was weakened, but a couple of days later he seemed to be back upon his feet. Juriah was another matter. More than a week later, her fever finally gave in, but she was sluggish and weak.
