Freedom's Light

by Colleen Coble

  “I wish I knew. But we shall accept their rebuke with good grace, and perhaps they will be lenient. At least we have been able to avoid it for these past weeks.” And though she might be punished for it, she could not regret the memory she carried of Birch’s lips against hers, his breath on her face. It would be all she had for the rest of her life.

  Lydia compressed her full lips and brushed her hair with angry strokes. “They have no right to sit in judgment on us.”

  Hannah sighed. “They merely try to keep the public morality. I cannot fault them for their motives. What you did was grievously wrong. Now finish your toilette and join me downstairs. The porridge is ready.” Though she agreed with her sister, she didn’t want to inflame her further.

  Lydia did not answer her but simply began to dress in a brown wool dress devoid of any decoration. Hannah was relieved she didn’t argue anymore. If she took that attitude with the elders, she was sure to be severely punished. She could only hope Lydia was as meek and fearful as she had been during the first confrontation.

  They had just finished their breakfast when they heard the rattle of a carriage outside. They looked at one another, and Hannah took a deep breath and said a silent prayer. “Hold your tongue, Sister. Allow me to do the talking.”

  “As you wish.”

  Even the knock on the door sounded like the clap of doom. Hannah smoothed her skirt and went to open it. The wind brought the scent of snow with it. She curtsied. “Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Newsome, please come in.”

  “Mistress, we have come to bring you before the town officers. I fear we must insist this time.” Mr. Reynolds inclined his head toward the carriage behind him.

  “We are ready, sirs. Let me fetch Lydia and our cloaks, and we will join you.”

  An expression of surprise flickered across his face. He nodded, and Hannah and Lydia hurriedly threw on their cloaks and followed them to the waiting carriage. The ride to Gurnet seemed interminable with both men sitting stiffly and staring out the windows.

  Hannah’s mouth went dry, and her heart pounded when the carriage stopped outside the clapboard church. The men got out and helped them down, then led the way inside. The building was frigid and she shivered. The room was almost full of men who turned to watch their progress. They wore identical expressions of gravity, but she searched for a friendly face anyway. Finding none, she and Lydia sat in the two chairs provided for them in the front. She clasped her hands together tightly and prayed for God’s hand to guide this ordeal.

  As moderator, the Reverend Arthur Goodman cleared his throat. “We have gathered here to judge a most grievous matter, gentlemen.” He turned his glowering gaze on Hannah. “First, Mistress Hannah Thomas, you were seen in an indecorous embrace with a man known as a loyalist. This man lived in your home for over a month as well. What say you to this charge?”

  Hannah took a deep breath and prayed for her voice to remain steady. “I cry you mercy in this matter, sirs. I meant no harm and thought not how it would look to the town. I grew up in the South where folks are more liberal with embraces. I felt responsible for the captain’s injury and knew I would never see him again. Emotion got the better of my sense that day, sirs.”

  Her apology seemed to take the wind out of his sails, and he cleared his throat. “And what about the fact that you cannot seem to pay attention to the worship in this church, mistress? Do you not know that God expects you to give strict adherence to his Word?”

  This was a stickier matter. Her answer would be sure to cause offense. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t seem to keep her eyes open during the three-hour-long sermons after being up all hours tending the light. If the minister’s message was interesting, it might have been easier, but the legalism he espoused had no relevance to the close relationship she had with her Lord. She couldn’t say that, though.

  One of the other men cleared his throat.

  Pastor Goodman turned to him. “You have something to say, Elder Gray?”

  Nathan Gray stared at Hannah a moment, then stood. “I am inclined to dismiss these matters pertaining to Mistress Thomas, sirs. I worked at a lighthouse one summer, and I know the arduous task it is to keep the lights burning all night. Mistress Thomas is a woman, and as the weaker vessel, we should give her honor for trying to fulfill her husband’s duties. At least she attends the services, though she oft falls asleep.”

  Murmurs of agreement resounded around the room. Hannah’s gaze met that of Mr. Gray’s and saw the smile in his eyes. She silently thanked God for his care on her behalf.

  “Very well,” Pastor Goodman said with ill grace. “Now to Miss Lydia Huddleston. This charge is much more serious to the public morality. She was seen at the tavern in the company of one Galen Wright, a known officer in the British army. It was reported that she went to his bedchamber and was there until dawn when he delivered her home. What say you to these charges, miss?”

  Lydia shuddered. “They are true, sirs.”

  A wave of murmurs passed through the room, and Hannah closed her eyes. At least Lydia had the courage to admit her sin.

  “Have you nothing to say in your defense?”

  “May I speak, Reverend Goodman?” Hannah dared to interrupt him.

  He inclined his head. “As you wish, mistress.”

  She clutched her hands together in her lap and flicked a glance at Lydia. Her sister’s face was white, but she sat composed awaiting her punishment.

  “Galen Wright has been a friend of our family since we were children. In fact, it was assumed I would wed him. When he came for such a brief time, my sister saw nothing wrong with seeking him out and spending some time with him. He was like a brother when she was growing up. She was foolish and willful, I agree, but because of the previous relationship, she didn’t see how it would look to others.” But would they ask outright if Lydia had committed fornication? If they asked, she must tell the truth.

  Reverend Goodman frowned. “You say you knew this man from your childhood? Was he a Tory then?”

  “We did not speak of such things then, sir, so I cannot tell what his political views were. But I cry you mercy for Lydia, sirs. She is young and sometimes foolish.”

  Murmurs reverberated through the room again. “We shall confer for a few moments. Please step into the next room.” Reverend Goodman pointed out a door leading to another room, then shut the door behind them.

  Lydia burst into tears and flung herself to her knees against Hannah’s skirt. She buried her face in the rough wool and sobbed. “They will not dismiss these charges, Hannah. Did you not see the way they looked at me?”

  Hannah stroked her head. “Do not lose hope yet, Sister. Perhaps the punishment will not be too onerous. And I only spoke the truth. You are young and did not see the seriousness of your actions. Galen is the one to blame, not you.”

  Lydia soon calmed, then sat on a chair by the door and folded her hands in a resigned pose. Moments later the Reverend Goodman opened the door and motioned them in. As they entered the room, Hannah’s heart sank when she saw their stern expressions.

  The minister fixed his gaze on Lydia. “Please step forward, Miss Huddleston, to hear the decision of this body.”

  Lydia’s pleading gaze darted to Hannah, then with shoulders shaking, she complied. Hannah stood beside her. Her face must be as white as Lydia’s.

  “We are mindful of your youth, miss, but the seriousness of this offense demands punishment. We debated between banishment, the pillory, or a whipping. Have you any sentiments on which punishment you would prefer?” He paused and stared at them. “What say you?”

  What a choice. Banishment would not carry any pain beyond emotional. Surely Lydia would choose that. The stocks lasted all day, and she would have to suffer the taunts of the townspeople and the ignominy of thrown eggs and garbage. Whipping with the cat-o’-nine-tails would be quickest but also the most painful. And depending on the number of lashes, it could even be fatal. Hannah squeezed her sister’s hand tightly. She couldn’t ans
wer for her. Lydia’s foolishness and immaturity had caused this, and now she must suffer the consequences.

  Lydia licked her lips. “I wish to stay with my sister, sirs. I have no real home other than with her. I choose—” She broke off and threw a helpless look at Hannah. “I cannot choose any of the three, sirs.”

  Reverend Goodman nodded. “We are not harsh men, miss. Therefore, we have chosen banishment. You may collect your belongings from your sister’s, but we want you gone by the morrow.”

  Hannah’s heart sank, though Lydia’s banishment didn’t come as a shock. Villages in New England were so suspicious of any newcomers. Where would Lydia go? She had vowed never to return to their parents’ drunken home. Hannah frantically tried to think if there was a relative she could send Lydia to, but no one came to mind. Then Lydia let out a soft moan, her grip on Hannah’s fingers loosened, and Hannah caught her just as she fell to the floor in a dead faint.

  CHAPTER 15

  The very air reeked with victory in Trenton in spite of the mixture of sleet and snow from the northeast that pelted Birch’s cheeks. He pulled his tricorn hat lower and huddled inside his coat.

  “None of our boys lost except the two to the cold,” Hamilton crowed after the battle. They’d crossed the Delaware at dawn and surprised the Hessians. “Nine hundred thirteen prisoners and one hundred six enemy casualties with at least twenty-three dead. We were twenty-four hundred against their fourteen hundred. We would have captured the rest if they had not run like foxes.”

  “A stunning victory.” Birch turned toward Washington. “Have you thought of the news I brought, General? I promised an answer to Saunders tomorrow. Surely there is a naval captain we can recruit for this duty.”

  General Washington’s face became expressionless for a moment. “The answer is obvious, Captain. You must go.”

  For a moment a wild exultation seized Birch. The thought of being back on the water again was tempting. “I cannot, General.”

  “Frightened, Captain? I know it would be dangerous duty.”

  “Of course not, sir. You know better than that.” Birch didn’t try to hide his anger at the question.

  General Washington nodded. “You are letting your thoughts of revenge come between you and your duty, Captain. There will be time enough to see to Major Montgomery’s fate once we are free of Britain’s yoke. You must put it behind you, sir. Focus on the necessary duties right now.”

  It was easy for Washington to say. He didn’t have the nightmares Birch did. Nightmares of his brother being hunted down like an animal. Since he had actually seen Montgomery, the torment had intensified. Now in his dreams the figure on the horse had a face. The smirking, self-satisfied face of Hugh Montgomery.

  “You have your orders, Captain.” Washington spurred his horse and rode ahead of Birch without a backward glance.

  “Yes, sir.” Only the tightest rein on his emotions held him silent. In his heart he knew his commander was right. This war was too important to let personal vendettas cloud his mind.

  He smiled. Mayhap defeat would be the cruelest blow he could deal Montgomery. Besides, he had no choice. After today’s battle, he believed the tide had turned for the country. If he skirted his duty now, this day’s victory might be for naught. They must strike at England and worry the enemy the way a dog worries a bone. Montgomery was making plans to rule his small kingdom, but what would he do when it all fell to ashes in his hands?

  For a moment Hannah’s image hovered in his mind. Mayhap there would be an opportunity to stop and see her once he was back on the sea. He banished the thought. He had to stay focused, as the general said.

  Birch was still exhausted by the time he got back to New York, although he had slept a few hours at camp before heading back. His inner turmoil drained him. His dreams of revenge were about to slip through his fingers, but at the same time he longed to feel the sea wind in his face and smell the salty tang of the water. Perhaps with time aboard his new ship, he could lay his plans for Montgomery. This war wouldn’t last forever.

  Pushing his way through the throng of men at the quay, he found Saunders’s shipyard office. A thin, nervous young man behind a desk pushed spectacles up his nose and went to tell his employer he was here.

  Birch glanced idly around the room. Posters advertising the speed and comfort of the Saunders ships covered the walls. Just looking at the billowing sails gave him a rush of joy.

  “Captain Meredith.” David Saunders clapped him on the back. “I was beginning to think you had forgotten me.”

  “I was out of town a few days and just returned.” Birch followed him into the back office.

  Ship plans lay rolled up like paper sausages on the chair, and Saunders swept them off with his forearm. “Have a seat. I hope you mean to tell me you will accept my offer.”

  Birch bowed. “With pleasure, sir. I’d like to christen her the Mermaid.”

  “Splendid! Let me call for some tea, and we will talk particulars. She comes off the staves next week.”

  So soon. Birch couldn’t help the smile that curved his lips. In just a few days he would stand on the deck and look out on the water, feel the spray in his face, hear the billow and snap of the sails above his head. He sat on the chair and tried not to look too eager. He needed to think about crew too. They would have to be both dependable and colonial.

  Over the next week he interviewed every man who wanted a job. Most thought he wanted loyalists and were assertive of their desire to remain part of the British Empire. But he began to find a man here and there who looked him in the eye and told him he would die for America. Men who weren’t afraid to declare their loyalty were the ones he sought.

  He had several invitations from Molly Vicar but refused all but one. He owed her at least one evening before he went off to sea. The night before the maiden voyage he knocked on her door. He could hear the laughter of the guests inside. Would Montgomery be in attendance this night too? He hoped so. He wanted to impress his image on his mind once more.

  The butler showed him to the drawing room. As soon as he entered, Molly hurried toward him with a smile on her lovely face. And she was beautiful tonight. She had likely shocked her guests by appearing with her hair unpowdered once again, but her dark tresses gleamed in the candlelight. Her dress was cut shockingly low, and though her rouge was a bit too dark, it enhanced her dark eyes.

  “Birch! I was beginning to think you had found another woman to entertain.” She tapped him playfully with her fan.

  “Surely you knew better, Molly.” He offered her his arm, and she slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow.

  Her eyes were warm with affection. She made no effort to hide her attraction to him, and he felt a surge of rebellion. Why shouldn’t he take what she had to offer? He swallowed hard at the lovely vision before him. Beautiful or not, she didn’t sway him and it angered him. Why did he let the memory of a pair of sparkling green eyes stop him from enjoying what life had to offer?

  He smiled down at Molly with a distant smile. “I leave on the morrow.”

  Her own smile faltered. “I did not know. Where are you going?”

  “To sea. Your friend David Saunders has put me in charge of his newest ship.”

  “Then we must make the most of this night.” She smiled seductively and moved closer.

  The heady scent of her perfume assailed his senses, and he took a step back. He didn’t want this prettily packaged strumpet. And that’s what Molly was. He could never see Hannah acting in such a forward way. Hannah’s innocence and purity glowed from her eyes, her smile, her caring ways.

  Molly didn’t miss his slight recoil. “Birch, are you a lover of men instead of women? I know of no man who would turn down what I have offered you. Have you any idea of the men who have sought my favors?” Angry tears sparkled in her eyes, and she gripped his arm with her fingers.

  For a moment he was tempted to prove his manhood to her, to crush her in his arms and press his lips against hers. But disgust w
on out. He was barely able to halt the curl of contempt in his lips. “I am sorry, Molly. Truly, I do not wish to hurt you.”

  “Hurt me? You?” She gave an incredulous laugh. “You honor yourself too much, Captain.” She leaned closer, and her breath touched his face. “If you will not have me as a lover, you shall have me as an enemy. You must choose.”

  She no longer even looked beautiful. She was spoiled and self-willed, a seeker of pleasure with no thought for the morrow. Duty would not be a word in her vocabulary. Or true love. Her love would last until the next handsome man came into her orbit.

  “Well, Captain?”

  “I fear I cannot be your lover, Molly.” The very thought made him shudder.

  “Then you will be my enemy,” she spat out. “And you will find I am merciless.” She turned on her heel and flounced away without a backward glance.

  Birch took a deep breath. He had handled that badly. It was a good thing he was leaving the next day. He suspected she could be a formidable enemy. Perhaps with him out of town, she would soon forget her threats.

  CHAPTER 16

  Lydia felt as though she were in a fog. She huddled inside her heavy woolen cloak as the carriage delivered them home from the church, then she followed Hannah into the house. She just couldn’t go back to South Carolina. She just couldn’t. She recoiled at the thought of listening to her father’s drunken rages and her mother’s cries of pain and outrage when he struck her. Her friends would laugh behind her back that she had returned when she’d vowed never to darken their doors again.

  Tears pricked the backs of her eyes. Why did this have to happen? Things were going so well with Galen. He had actually written her twice and told her he missed her. In fact, she had been expecting another letter any day from him. There might even be one today. She must write him and tell him she didn’t know where she would be, but she would contact him when she was settled.