Freedom's Light

by Colleen Coble

  He supposed it had been a good move of Samuel’s to send him, and he had a feeling Molly might know a great deal about British movements. Her home was crawling with English officers.

  Hugh Montgomery’s appearance had surprised him. He had expected a gruff, older man, not the slim, boyish-looking major. But Birch could imagine him on a horse shooting his brother down like a fox in an English hunt. He tightened his lips. Soon it would be the major who was run to ground.

  He looked back at Molly. She intrigued him, and he wasn’t the only one. The women deferred to her, and the men flirted. She looked lovely, though the powder accentuated the lines around her mouth and eyes. She wore a blue polonaise gown with the extra material looped back over buttons at the hips and trailing behind her. She smiled into his eyes with a promise that stirred his blood.

  He made his way through the throng to her side. “Might I have this dance?”

  Molly wrinkled her nose. “I do not feel like dancing right now, Captain. I shall introduce you to someone you should meet.” She led him toward a gray-haired man who wore an affable grin. “David, I would like you to meet Captain Birch Meredith. You both have much in common. Birch, this is David Saunders. He is a shipbuilder and merchant.”

  Mr. Saunders bowed, and Birch returned the greeting.

  “I always enjoy talking about shipping and the sea, Captain.”

  Birch talked with Mr. Saunders while Molly flitted about the room. He watched with amusement as Molly flirted with one man after another. Although older than most of the other women, she turned many heads. There was just something engaging about her.

  “Just let me know when you are ready to get back to the sea, Captain. Your prowess on the ocean is well known.” Saunders’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “I am always in need of experienced captains, especially now that the blockade stands in our way. Most men are afraid of the colonials.”

  “I hope to get back to a ship when this war is over. I’m not well suited to office work. I would imagine you have been having a lot of trouble with colonials.”

  Saunders snorted. “The few ragtag ships they have are no match for my vessels, but many men are fearful anyway.”

  “Would I be allowed to pick my own crew?” Not that he would seriously consider it. Montgomery was here, and Birch intended to stay here until his revenge was complete. But his thoughts raced with the opportunity for the Continental Army. If they could get a man of their own and his crew on that ship, they could fly the British colors and slip close enough to the enemy to cause some real damage.

  “Absolutely!” Saunders leaned forward. “I would put the ship totally under your command.”

  “When would you have another ship ready to sail?”

  “I have one just about to christen now. She’s a beauty with a generous captain’s cabin. I would even let you name her.”

  “Let me think about it for a few days. Where can I reach you on Monday?” That would give him enough time to report and see what his superiors wanted to do about the opportunity.

  Saunders gave him the address of the shipyard, then clapped him on the back. “You will not be sorry, Captain. I shall make it worth your while.”

  He would report the matter to Samuel. They needed to seize the opportunity. He’d also found what he had come for. He had to admit Samuel was right. A social place like this yielded much information. Some he could have done without.

  It was nearly midnight by the time the guests took their leave. Birch headed toward the door, but Molly stopped him.

  “Don’t leave,” she whispered. “I should like to talk to you when my guests are gone.”

  He stepped back into the drawing room and sat in a chair by the fireplace. The rest of the guests filed out in haste with bows and curtsies. He watched Molly through the open doorway as she thanked them all for coming. She stepped back into the drawing room and came toward him.

  “I cry mercy, I am so glad that party is over.” She took the pins from her hair and the dark tresses caressed her silky shoulders. Her eyes invited him to do the same. Molly stepped close and smiled into his eyes. “It’s so cold, Birch. You could warm me.”

  Her voice was deliberately seductive. Her perfume wafted up his nose, and her silk skirts rustled as she moved closer still. He swallowed hard and kept a tight rein on his temptation. He knew what she was offering, and if he wanted to continue to use the contacts she had, he did not dare alienate her with a harsh refusal. But the memory of Hannah’s green eyes dampened any response he might have had.

  He took a deep breath and patted her hand. “I think there is a robe on the sofa, Molly.” He reached over and searched until his fingers found the rough wool of the robe. He stood and draped it around her. “Better?”

  “Much, thank you kindly.”

  The ardor in her voice had cooled, and Birch knew she had taken his gentle refusal graciously. The tension in his shoulders eased, and he bowed. “What did you need to talk to me about? I must be getting home.”

  She looked startled, then smiled. “I simply wondered what David discussed with you.”

  “He’s offered me a ship, and I have you to thank for that, I think.”

  She clapped her hands. “Wonderful. I thought you might have much in common with him.”

  He yawned. “I do not wish to appear churlish, but I should take my leave now. I thank you for your hospitality. Might I call again?”

  His request softened the steely gaze in her eyes. “Of course, Birch. I should be delighted to see you anytime.” She trailed a finger along his arm. “Make it soon.”

  He found it difficult to sleep that night. He was eager to tell Samuel what he’d learned at the ball, and he was disturbed by his reaction to Molly. Why had he turned down her obvious invitation? Before he met Hannah, he would not have been so gentlemanly. He shook his head. He didn’t want to think of Hannah. He had no time for women now. His duty here in New York was too pressing.

  He was certain General Washington would be thrilled at the opportunity to get a ship. They would have to pick the crew with care, and it would be dangerous, but the rewards for the country would be great.

  He rose early, washed, and hurried through Lower Manhattan to Samuel’s home. He had promised David an answer on Monday. The maid showed him to the parlor. The home was pleasant but not ostentatious, although Birch knew his employer was wealthy. The floor was tongue-and-groove heart pine, the plaster walls were painted a vivid Prussian blue with white woodwork, and the sun streaming through the mullioned windows gave an even cheerier glow to the room. He sat in a high-backed chair and waited for Samuel.

  He didn’t have long to wait. Samuel, his cravat untied and his hair still loose, rushed in. “My boy, what is it?”

  Birch stood and bowed. “I beg your pardon, sir, for disturbing you at such an early hour.”

  “No, no, of course I want to hear any news of importance you might have. Think nothing of it.” Samuel waved a hand.

  “First, let me admit you were right. I discovered much of interest.”

  Samuel grinned. “I love to be right.”

  Birch grinned, but he felt no levity. His hands still itched to throttle Hugh Montgomery. “Howe did indeed plan to press on to Philadelphia, but his plans have changed. He has offered a pardon to rebel Americans. If they will appear before a British official within the next sixty days and sign a statement promising to remain in peaceful obedience to His Majesty, they will be exempt from forfeitures and penalties. He thinks that will be enough to defeat us, especially teamed with the other news.”

  “What news is that?” Samuel’s high spirits had vanished.

  “General Charles Lee has surrendered in Basking Ridge.”

  “This cannot be true. Did you hear of this from a reliable person?” Samuel paced in front of the window.

  “From a lieutenant who was there. He arrived straight from the battle, and I overheard his conversation last night.”

  Samuel eased onto a chair. “He was the gener
al the British feared the most. They surely think they’ve won the war now.” He sighed. “Is there more?”

  “Do you know of the shipbuilder and merchant David Saunders?”

  Samuel stroked his chin. “Of course. A violent loyalist but an excellent shipbuilder.”

  “He has offered me a ship to outfit and crew as I please. I’m needed here, so of course, I cannot accept myself, but I might be able to persuade him to accept a substitute. With a handpicked crew of good colonials, they could begin to board and take over British ships.”

  Samuel’s eyes brightened. “I see what you mean. Of course, it would be dangerous work with no guarantee of success. But it could not be done undercover. The entire British fleet would begin to hunt for the renegade.”

  “Not for a while, and not if the captain was crafty. He could be cautious and only take a ship when no other was in the vicinity. The crew could be taken captive and brought to shore so news of which ship was involved did not get back to the British.”

  Samuel nodded. “A daring plan, Birch, but I expected no less from you. This needs to be taken up with Washington himself. He camps near Trenton. I want you to find him and tell him this news. All of it.” He paused, a grave look straightening his features. “Finding a captain and crew will be the most difficult part of this scheme. But Washington will know what to do.”

  Birch hurried back to his room, dressed warmly, and set out for Washington’s camp. He should arrive by midafternoon. Huddling over the horse’s neck, he plodded toward the camp. He looked forward to seeing the general again. Sometimes it seemed the life of a soldier was preferable to that of a spy. At least he would be in the middle of action instead of cooling his heels with a bunch of Tories.

  He was stopped by a sentry and taken to Washington’s tent. When he was bid to enter the tent, he found the general and Captain Hamilton hunched over his desk poring over maps.

  “Captain Meredith!” Washington sat up and rubbed his eyes. “I did not expect to see you, but it is fortuitous. I could use you well.”

  “Are you going into battle?”

  Washington smiled. “A surprise attack on Trenton in a few days, Captain.”

  Birch had expected to find a Washington reeling from the recent defeats. The British army had pushed them all the way back to Pennsylvania, and deserters were fleeing the Continental Army like rats. Yet this man seemed to notice nothing of the adverse circumstances facing them.

  Birch shifted. “I hear the Hessians are in Trenton, General.”

  “I know. But even Germans will make merry today with Christmas upon us. I plan to ferry my men across the Delaware and strike at dawn following the Christmas celebration. They will be sleeping off their beer, and we will rout them.” He spoke with confidence and fire in his eyes.

  “A bold stroke, sir.”

  “But what are you doing here, Captain?”

  Birch quickly explained his news.

  Hamilton waved his hand. “We had heard of Lee’s surrender earlier today.”

  Washington’s eyes narrowed. “But it shall not deter me. This news of amnesty is more troubling, but we won’t worry about it now. Get some rest, Captain. We shall talk more tomorrow.”

  Birch saluted and went to find a tent. The next few days he talked with Washington and listened to his plans to take Trenton. It just might work. When Christmas Day came, he was ready to join them.

  CHAPTER 14

  Why must we stay here, Hannah?” Lydia’s voice was edgy with frustration. “If I stay in this house another day with just the two of us, I shall go mad! Since you made such a spectacle of yourself with the captain, this is the first time we have been invited anywhere.”

  “I think you forget your own part in our shunning.”

  They would not have been invited to the rare party tonight were it not that she was a Thomas. John’s cousin Joseph couldn’t have a party and leave her out. She would not go, but there was no reason to deny Lydia a bit of fun.

  “Would you have me neglect my duties? The wind will likely snuff out the lamps if I am not here to tend them. But you may go.” Hannah suppressed a sigh. Lydia became more fractious as the autumn had turned to winter.

  “Thank you, Sister!” Lydia clapped her hands like a child and turned a smile on Hannah.

  “I shall write a letter giving my regrets, and you shall take it to Sarah and Joseph. I had hoped to see them too.”

  “You sound regretful.” Lydia seemed surprised.

  “Do you think I enjoy never having any fun? I think you have not noticed anyone but yourself, Lydia. If my duty did not demand it, I should very much enjoy wearing a pretty dress and laughing with friends. It happens so rarely.” Hannah swallowed the lump in her throat. She didn’t want to show Lydia just how disappointed she was. There was no reason to spoil the evening for both of them. But in truth, she doubted if Lydia would spare a thought for her sister left behind on the snowy, windswept hill.

  But Lydia surprised her. She laid a hand on Hannah’s shoulder. “I shall stay with you. I did not think.”

  The lump in Hannah’s throat grew larger. Mayhap Lydia did love her. “You shall wear my green sacque. The color will suit your hair. I would grieve to know you stayed home on my account. You would be alone in the house while I tended the light, anyway. Put the tongs for your hair in the fire, and we shall make you the belle of the ball.”

  Lydia squealed with delight and hugged her. “I have often wished to wear that gown. Thank you, Sister.” She hurried away to find the curling tongs.

  A heavy feeling in her chest, Hannah stared after her. Lydia was like a child. Her pouting could change in a moment to sunshine and smiles. Hannah hoped she would have a good time.

  She curled Lydia’s hair with the hot tongs until the golden locks were a riot of curls held high on her head with tendrils around her face. She really did look lovely. She would soon meet the right kind of man and forget all about Galen Wright. The more Hannah talked against him, the more adamant Lydia became. It was best to simply let it run its course.

  Hannah helped her into the green sacque, and they both waited for the carriage from the Thomas house. Now that Lydia would be seen in public, Hannah knew they would have to face the church. She’d been able to avoid the elders for the past two weeks by keeping Lydia inside. How she dreaded that. Not for herself, but for her sister. If the town elders knew of her tryst with Galen, most of the village probably knew.

  The carriage stopped, and the footman helped Lydia climb inside. Her cheeks pink with excitement, she waved at Hannah, and the carriage lurched away. Hannah sighed and went out to the lighthouse. The sting of smoke made her cough, but she went up the iron steps and checked the lights. They were glowing, but the lamps needed cleaning already. The wind caused the whale oil to smoke, and the glass was nearly black with soot.

  She coughed again and set to her duties. Her eyes were streaming tears by the time she was finished, and she hurried down the steps into the fresh air. Even the cold wind felt good in her face after the sting of the smoke, though a stab of wind nearly took her breath away.

  Once she was back in the parlor, she stirred up the fire and put a pot of stew on to cook. It would be a sorry feast compared to what she might have enjoyed had she been free to attend the ball. She sighed and took out her knitting.

  Lydia did not return until nearly eleven that night. Hannah had just refilled the whale oil and cleaned the glass again in the lighthouse. She had thought of going to bed, but she wanted to at least share the party vicariously when Lydia returned.

  Smiling tiredly, Lydia entered with the light of enjoyment still shining in her blue eyes and started a bit when she saw Hannah seated by the fireplace. “Hannah, I had such fun! Even Mother Thomas and Olive seemed to be enjoying themselves. Some of the soldiers were home for a few days, so we had some dancing partners too.” She sniffed. “Of course they were colonials instead of British officers.”

  “Did you give Sarah my note?”

  Lydia fi
shed through her reticule. “Yes, and she sent you one back. She was quite disappointed you could not come, but she understood.” She handed Hannah a folded piece of paper. “I shall go to bed. My thanks for allowing me to go, dear Sister.” She dropped a kiss on Hannah’s head before going up the stairs. Hannah followed her.

  At the top of the steps she turned. “Oh, I almost forgot. Mr. Reynolds was at the ball. He was most solicitous of my health and said he would call tomorrow.” She shuddered. “What shall we do?”

  Hannah shuddered too. Of all the town elders, he was the one who struck the most fear in her. There was only judgment in his eyes, never mercy or understanding. “The only thing we can do is leave it in God’s hands, Lydia.”

  Lydia nodded and went to her room, and Hannah walked slowly to her own bedchamber. Before she fell asleep, she prayed fervently for God’s dominion in the matter.

  She awoke the next morning with a sense of dread. When she remembered what awaited her today, the feeling of impending doom deepened. She dressed in her plainest gown, a gray wool with a black stomacher. It couldn’t hurt to appear as unassuming as possible.

  She read her Bible and spent some time in prayer as usual. She would not let the threat of what the day might bring cause her so much worry that she neglected her devotions. After about an hour, she put her Bible down and went into the hall.

  She peeked in on Lydia, but she still slept, one arm flung above her head and her golden hair in glorious disarray. If he saw her like this, Elder Reynolds would punish her for her looks alone. Hannah sighed and tiptoed out of the room. She went to the lighthouse and extinguished the lights, then went back to the house and cooked porridge for breakfast.

  Lydia stirred upstairs and Hannah hurried up to speak with her before she dressed. “Good morrow.”

  “’Tis too early,” Lydia moaned. “I need to sleep two more hours.”

  “I do not know when the elders will be here. Please wear your plainest gown and put your hair under your mobcap.”

  Lydia nodded. “I had already thought to do that.” She stared at Hannah anxiously. “What do you think the town officers will do?”