“Tell me more about those horses you mentioned purchasing. You are not still racing, are you?”
Henry’s response was cut off by a scream.
Mrs. Ferguson’s eyes widened, and Mr. Ferguson pushed back from the table. Henry stood as well, and Matthew followed suit. Before they could go see what happened, they heard footsteps rushing toward them.
Barbara pushed into the dining room, ashen, shaking, and waving a parchment. The stunned and furious look on her face made him cringe.
“Every rebel opposing the crown should be shot or hung!”
Mrs. Ferguson went to her daughter’s side and put her arm around her. “What has happened?”
Barbara sobbed. “Alfred is dead. There was a battle on a peninsula in Boston Harbor.” She looked at the parchment, which shook in her trembling hand. “He was shot ... and now he is dead.”
A battle. Regulars dead. How many colonists would also be casualties?
Matthew offered his sympathy and left to give the family their privacy.
It mattered not what side of the argument one took. Suffering was the same when a loved one was lost. And more suffering would likely come.
CHAPTER 12
Heather walked alongside Douglas back from the blueberry grove. They were both carrying full baskets. “With the three baskets of blackberries we picked yesterday and these blueberries, how many total baskets of berries do we have?”
The towhead narrowed his eyes a moment before breaking out in a proud grin. “We have six baskets of berries.”
“Aye, well done, laddie.”
With his free hand, he brushed a fly from his face, leaving a blue streak across his cheek. “I keep thinking every day that Papa will get back from the city. I want to hear about Mark and Mary.”
“It shan’t be long, sweetie.” Truth was, she was just as eager for Matthew to get home. What had delayed him?
They had not been back at the Green a half hour before the sound of the approaching carriage drew them out front. And there on the tall seat sat her husband, hale and healthy and smiling.
Douglas ran to greet his father and clasped onto him like a brier. “Papa, Papa, we missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” Matthew lifted the tot and swung him around, much to the boy’s delight.
Heather laughed. “I will be satisfied with a hug and a kiss.”
He settled Douglas on the ground and wrapped her in his arms, nuzzling her neck before meeting her waiting lips. “Good. I dare not twirl you around for fear of making the babe bilious. It is good to be home.”
Good. So good to feel her husband’s arms around her. She hadn’t realized the anxiety she’d carried until it lifted away in that moment.
Philip ran from around the barn. “Mister Stewart, I will see to the horses, but tell me first, how is Mary ... oh, and Mark?” He began to unhitch the harnesses.
“They are doing very well. Mark said he hopes you will save some fish for him to catch when he gets home.”
Philip grinned. “Mark is so silly. I could not catch all the fish in the pond or the Potomack.”
Philip was still laughing as he led the horses toward the pasture.
At dinner, Matthew entertained everyone with stories of their outings in Philadelphia. When the meal was over, he motioned to Polly when she got up to help Heather clear the table. “Would you mind watching over Douglas for a bit while Heather and I talk?”
“Of course not. He can come back to the cottage and help me with Laura.”
Heather took the tray Polly carried. “I will clean these if you take Douglas.”
Polly nodded and motioned for Douglas to follow her outside.
When Thomas and the boys went back outside, Matthew picked up a tray of dishes and followed Heather to the kitchen. “You all said everything was fine in my absence, but is there anything I need to know about?”
Heather looked up from the dishes she washed. “Other than a couple of cows getting out of the pasture, some piglets being born, and Douglas letting a frog loose in the Green, it has been much as you left it.”
He began wiping the dishes. “Please tell me the frog was removed and the cows returned.”
“Aye, on both counts.” She turned toward him. “Tell me now what you did not share with the others. How are the children doing at their grandparents? I expected you back sooner. Were there complications?”
“No complications. I stayed while they got the lay of the land.” It wasn’t a complete lie. He had stayed to do that. He’d also stayed for other reasons, though, and his conscience prickled. He had no choice but to deceive her, but he didn’t have to like it. “They behaved admirably. You would be very proud of them.”
“And what about the Duncans? Is Donald still threatening to join the militia?”
“He joined before we got there.”
“Oh, my.” Her face filled with concern. “How are Maggie and Adam dealing with that?”
“It was not very pleasant when we arrived on our way to Philadelphia, but they seemed more resigned by the time I stopped there on my way back, Adam more so than Maggie.”
“I can imagine. We need to keep them all in prayer.”
“Yes.”
“What did Elizabeth’s parents say about your remarriage?”
“They were genuinely happy for me and for the children.”
“Did they express any disdain that you married an indentured servant or a Scot?”
“I told them I married a beautiful, educated, godly Scot, a wonderful cook and homemaker who loved the three of us.”
“You kept the indentured servant part out, didn’t you?” Her eyebrows rose.
“I saw no reason to bring it up.”
“Well, let us hope it never comes out in Mary or Mark’s conversations with them.”
“It shan’t.”
“How do you know that?” She studied his expression. “You told the children not to tell them.”
“I know the Moores. And I have learned over the years not to invite trouble.”
She laughed and poked him in the stomach.
He took her in his arms. “And you were well in my absence? No problems?”
Heather pulled back with an odd expression on her face. “There was one occasion, but it was my own carelessness. I was hanging the new curtains at the schoolhouse with my arms raised too long. I fainted but was not injured, and the babe continued to be active. Thank God the babe has continued to be active since then.”
“You assured me that Amelia and you were going to hang them together.” He drew her close again as he fought the painful memories of losing Elizabeth and their babe.
Heather stroked his cheek. “Amelia was a bit late, and I foolishly did not wait for her. No harm was done. The curtains look fine and will truly help keep the cold out.
“I’m grateful you were not hurt.”
“A stranger no one had ever seen before came to my aid.”
He pulled away from her and searched her face.
“His name was Cranford. After leaving the schoolhouse, he came to the Green looking for you.”
“I know no one by that name. Did he say what he wanted?”
“Nay. I thought it odd because I introduced myself to him, and he said nothing about coming to the Green to see you.”
“It must not have been important.” Was this man in any way associated with Stephens and Jones? They had never mentioned anyone else contacting him. “If we are finished here, I’m eager to get to work.”
She reached up and kissed his cheek. “Then go. I have berries to preserve.”
A couple of weeks later, Matthew was outside the barn when a rider on a large chestnut horse approached. The rider headed directly toward him. He had a scar on his cheek.
Matthew set down his hoe. “May I be of assistance?”
“Matthew Stewart?”
“Yes.”
“My name is John Cranford. May I have a few minutes of your time?”
“Certainly. S
hall we go inside?” Matthew pointed toward the Green. He was eager for a conversation with this man who’d helped his wife—and then disappeared.
Cranford dismounted and wrapped the reins around a fence post. “I hoped for a private conversation.”
Matthew took a deep breath. Probably another chap involved with the Patriot scheme, but best to be wary in case it was a trap. “Follow me.” They headed down the path that led to the pond.
Cranford cleared his throat. “You have quite a nice farm and ordinary. It supports two families, I believe.”
“For a stranger to these parts, you seem to know a great deal about us.”
“You are a well-respected member of the community.”
“And your point?” He had better things to do than dodge verbally with this character.
“Virginia plays a pivotal role in the colonies’ attitudes and actions toward the Crown. The colony will influence the outcome at the Philadelphia congress. While Virginia is largely populated by Scots and English, there are individuals being misled into joining the rebels.”
Matthew stopped on the path and faced the man. “Why are you here, Mr. Cranford?”
“Anyone opposing the King will do so at great cost. There will be loss of life and property. We want you to encourage anyone who is being deceived by these rebels to be prudent, or at the least to let us know who the local leaders are so we can persuade them to return their loyalties to the Crown.”
Matthew looked back toward the Green. While he had misjudged Cranford’s intent, ’twas no surprise Loyalist acolytes would seek leverage or information. But how to respond?
“Who is this we?”
“Loyal Virginians.”
“You overstate my ability to convince others who may hold differing views.” Hopefully, that would satisfy the man.
Cranford pursed his lips. “I understand you have been to Philadelphia recently.”
“I have.” He was obviously being observed, but how closely?
“Be careful who you associate with.”
“I will take that under advisement. And I must also thank you for coming to the aid of my wife last month at the school.”
“I was happy to assist. None of us wants our loved ones injured.” His expression left no doubt of his warning. “If you need to contact me, do so through Charles Whitney.”
“I will do that.” They walked back toward the Green, and Cranford left.
Matthew would need to alert Thomas and his neighbors to be mindful of what they said around the hot-tempered miller.
CHAPTER 13
They had returned home in the wagons from taking the corn to Whitney’s Mill. Matthew lifted the hollow gourd from the bucket at the well and drank from it. “Many thanks, Thomas, for all the help.”
“Of course.” Thomas jumped from the wagon to the ground. “The boys and I will unload the bags and see to the horses.”
Matthew wiped the sweat from his brow. There was little relief from the late August heat. “We got a fair price and enough meal to get through the winter. And we even managed to avoid political quarrels with the miller.”
When he walked toward the back of the Green, he spotted Heather picking beans and squash in the garden.
She stood upright and waved. “I thought I heard the wagons return.” She removed her hat and fanned herself then wiped her face with the handkerchief she pulled from her pocket.
“You look flushed. Go inside to rest a bit. I met the post rider on our way back, and there is a letter from Mary.” He waved the post.
Heather removed her garden gloves and rushed toward him. “Finally.”
He had told her about their trip to Philadelphia and the children’s awe at the vibrant city and the formality of the Moores. Hardly a day passed when she wasn’t speculating about what those two were up to. “Can you hold off, and we’ll read it together later?”
“Of course,” she said, though she looked at the letter eagerly.
He kissed her on the nose. “Go inside and rest. I worry you are overdoing it.”
She scoffed but lifted her basket of produce and headed inside.
Matthew had just entered the barn when the sound of a horse’s hooves drew him back outside. The rider on the lane spotted him and approached. The respite from his Patriot duty the past few weeks appeared to be over.
Lucas Stephens. He dismounted and reached into his bag, pulled out a packet, and handed it to him. “Your delivery for Ferguson in Philadelphia. You said you were returning soon.”
Matthew took the packet and tucked it inside his shirt. “I leave in two days.”
“Good.”
“You should know, a man named Cranford showed up here a few weeks back. He wanted me to exert influence with any neighbors supporting the Patriot cause, or at the least be an informant. Do you know him?”
Stephens frowned. “No.”
“He knew I had been to Philadelphia, and his tone was threatening. Can you find out who he is and why he is tracking me?”
“I can look into it.” Stephens seemed rushed and not terribly concerned. “I need to get to Leesburg.” He mounted his horse. “You know where you can reach me in Alexandria when you are finished in Philadelphia.”
Matthew nodded and watched Stephens leave the way he had come.
Back in the barn, Matthew hid the packet for safekeeping. He doubted Heather had been aware of Cranford’s earlier visit. She had never questioned him about it. But he would need an answer in case Heather had seen Stephens. She would recognize him.
Thirty minutes later, Matthew washed at the well and entered the Green. “We can read Mary’s letter now or wait until after dinner.”
“Read it now. Thomas and the boys are not here yet.”
He unfolded the two pieces of parchment and began reading.
Dear Papa and Mama,
Mark and I are enjoying our time in Philadelphia with Grandmamma and Grandpapa. They have been very generous, taking us to many fine establishments like Carpenter’s Hall and City Tavern. We have attended Sunday services at both Christ Church and St. Peter’s.
The Browns have also been very kind to us, and very patient. I fear having young people in the house tires them. We are all invited to a reception at the State House in a few weeks. Grandmamma has given me two new gowns, but I have not made a decision which one I will wear. I shall write more later, before I post this. We miss all of you.
Mama and Papa,
Mary said I may add to her letter. Living in the city is so different than being at the Green. I do not miss the chores, but I miss the fishing, swimming, and days spent outside. The Browns have a room in their house full of books, and they allow us to select what we want to read. Tell Todd and Philip I look forward to going fishing when we return.
Your son, Mark
The handwriting shifted back to Mary’s tidy script.
I meant to finish and post this letter sooner. Last week we went to a grand assembly where they served delicious food in a grand manner with fine china and silver. I wore the green damask gown Grandmamma gave me, which is quite fine, but nothing compared to the elegant gowns worn by the Philadelphia ladies.
Papa may have mentioned, we made the acquaintance of a nice young man, Patrick O’Brian. Papa, Mark and I first met him in the company of the clergyman at Christ Church. I enjoyed a conversation with him again at the assembly. Mr. O’Brian is a very respectable young man, and I hope he calls on us while we are at the Browns’. I believe Grandmamma is feeling poorly, as she often complains of a headache and even today has kept to her room.
One thing that is the same here in Philadelphia as at home is all the talk of war with England. It is hard to believe we have less than a month left here. I hope you are all well. Do give everyone our best wishes.
Your affectionate daughter,
Mary
Matthew laid the letter down. There was no doubt Heather would want to discuss it.
Todd and Philip came through the door, wiping their faces an
d necks off with damp cloths, and Thomas followed.
When everyone was at the table and the blessing said, Heather served the stew. “Matthew, who was the chap you were talking with by the barn? He looked familiar.”
She had seen. Very little got past his wife. “Mr. Stephens. He came out from Alexandria on his way to Leesburg.”
“I remember now. He stayed a while back and traveled with another gentleman.”
“Mr. Jones.” Matthew picked at the food on his plate.
“What was the packet he gave you?”
“Some news from town.”
Thomas served himself a large helping of stew. “Did you get to read the letter from the children yet? How are they enjoying Philadelphia?”
Heather grinned. “It was full of news of their activities and impressions. They have been busy with all sorts of activities ... and probably exhausting the Browns and Moores.”
Matthew sent up a silent thank-you for Thomas’ question and added the plea that Heather would forget to question him further about Stephens. He needed to keep his activities secret for her protection, but lying to her was as unnatural as speaking in a foreign language.
It was sunset, and the heat of the day along with the growing bairn added to Heather’s fatigue. After putting Douglas to bed, she wandered to the back porch, pulled a crate over to raise her feet, and sank into the chair. The fragrant breeze and the evening sounds brought indescribable contentment. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes.
Matthew’s hand on her shoulder and his voice roused her. “You look so at peace, my dear, but sleeping in bed might be more comfortable.”
“I must have drifted off.”
He pulled the other chair closer and sat. “Mind if I join you?”
“That would be delightful. Are you finished in the barn?”
“Yes.” He took her hand, rubbing it gently. “’Tis very pleasant, just the two of us.”
She wrapped her fingers through his. “What did you think of the children’s letter?”
“I’m pleased they have opportunities to meet different people and do things they are not able to do here. It sounds like the visit is going well.”
A Heart for Freedom: He longs for freedom, but won’t risk the lives of those he loves. Page 9
