Revolutionary Temptation

by Silvia Violet

  “I wish I could’ve killed him myself.”

  “You survived. Let that be revenge enough.”

  It was all Eli could do to shuffle his feet along. They made slow progress until finally they were outside. “What about Stephens’ wife?”

  “Safe. At Mrs. Sullivan’s house.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Thank Mrs. Sullivan. This is her doing.”

  Eli tripped on a root, stumbled, and fell to one knee.

  Bradford tugged on his arm, but he didn’t move. “Ashfield, get up.”

  Maybe he should send Bradford on. He could just lie down once and for all and let the darkness take him. All the things Eli had thought while locked up whirled through his mind. He’d hurt people because he was selfish and stubborn and he’d disregarded their warnings.

  “I’ll have to answer to Mrs. Sullivan if I don’t get you to safety,” Bradford said. “So I’ll drag you to my carriage if I must.”

  “Carriage?”

  “Yes, it’s just there.” Bradford pointed ahead of them, and Eli saw its outline. “Think of the one thing you want most in this world and get up for that.”

  Jack. Eli loved him. If he lived, he could tell Jack that. He would, even if Jack didn’t want to hear it. He took Bradford’s arm and pulled himself up. He pulled Jack’s cravat from the waistband of his breeches and held it tightly. He wavered a few times as he tried to rise, but finally, he got both legs working again. He was going to live, and he was going to do everything in his power to bring down the British army. When the war ended, he would find Jack and make him admit that he loved Eli.

  One step after another, and eventually the carriage loomed before them. He grabbed the door and dragged himself up the steps and onto one of the seats. Bradford said something to the driver and then joined him.

  “Where are we going?” Eli asked.

  “To a property Mrs. Sullivan owns north of the city. It’s not far from here.”

  “Excellent. Can I sleep now?”

  Bradford chuckled. “Be my guest.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Constance drew stares as she rode into the continental army’s encampment. Laurance and a few other servants had traveled most of the way with her, but despite their protests, she insisted on entering the camp alone.

  A young blond soldier scurried forward to assist her in dismounting.

  “I have an urgent message for Major Tallmadge,” she announced.

  “He’s not here, madam. He led troops from camp yesterday.”

  “Then I must see General Washington.”

  “Oh, must you now?” another man sneered as he gave her an insultingly intimate appraisal.

  “Leave her be,” the blond boy intervened.

  The other man ignored him and stepped closer. “What’s a pretty thing like you want with the general?”

  Constance refused to flinch under his perusal. “I have an urgent matter to discuss.”

  “I can think of some urgent matters I’d like to take up with you,” he responded, laying a hand over his crotch.

  Constance repressed a shudder as she scowled at his insolence.

  A friend of the lewd man stepped up beside him. “I’m with you, Lawson. Why don’t we escort her to our tent and see to taking care of business?”

  “Good idea,” Lawson agreed. He grabbed Constance’s arm and yanked her toward him.

  “Unhand me!”

  The blond boy took a step forward. “Lawson, let the lady go.”

  “She’s no lady,” Lawson’s friend asserted.

  Constance jerked her arm free and moved away.

  “Look at her clothes,” the blond boy insisted. He was brave to defend her. She doubted he was older than fifteen, and Lawson and his friend likely weighed twice what he did.

  Lawson sniffed. “Stolen most likely.”

  “Ladies don’t ride into an army camp on their own,” Lawson’s friend added.

  “What is the meaning of this?”

  A diminutive red-haired officer stood in the doorway of the largest tent, camp headquarters if Constance guessed right. What he lacked in stature, he made up for in sheer presence. The men who’d insulted her stepped back, obviously cowed.

  “One of you explain to me why a lady is being mistreated in this camp,” the red-haired man demanded.

  Lawson looked down, rubbing his toe in the dirt. “Sir, I didn’t know who she was—”

  “I stated plainly that I had an urgent message for Major Tallmadge.” Constance wasn’t going to let Lawson blather his way out of this.

  The officer scowled fiercely at Lawson and his friend. “You denied her request and dared to lay hands on her?”

  “We thought she was a whore, sir,” Lawson’s friend said, taking another step back.

  “A woman came into our camp seeking an officer, and you make assumptions about her character rather than treating her with civility? This shocking behavior will not be tolerated.” The man turned to Constance and bowed. “Madam, if you will permit me to introduce myself, I am Lt. Colonel Alexander Hamilton, and I am at your service. I must sincerely apologize for your treatment at the hands of these men.”

  “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, sir, and I thank you for your concern.”

  Colonel Hamilton’s loud admonishment of Lawson and his friend had summoned the men who’d been guarding the camp entrance. He directed his next comments to them. “These men thought to importune a lady in our camp. See that they are restrained until the general determines the appropriate punishment for their behavior.”

  “Yes, sir, Colonel.” The two guards spoke in unison.

  They took Lawson and his friend by the arm and dragged them off toward the far end of the camp.

  “Gray,” Hamilton addressed the boy who’d defended Constance.

  “I’d like you to know, sir, that Mr. Gray was most kind to me,” Constance said.

  “Sir, I told her Major Tallmadge was away, and she asked for the general himself. I didn’t know—”

  “Your efforts are much appreciated,” Hamilton said. “I will take things from here. Please see to her horse.”

  “Yes, sir. Right away, sir.”

  Constance gave Gray a smile as he took the reins and led the beast away. Then she turned back to Hamilton. “Sir, I really must speak to General Washington or Major Tallmadge. I have news of extreme urgency.”

  “I serve as aide to the general. He is currently reviewing troops, but I will do all I can to assist you.”

  Constance found the man’s capable, intelligent air most appealing. “Thank you, sir.”

  Hamilton ushered Constance into the tent he’d emerged from, where several young men sat scribbling at small desks. “Please excuse the crudeness of our quarters, madam.”

  “That is of no matter, sir. I did not come here expecting luxuries.”

  “May I offer you some refreshment?” Hamilton asked.

  “Tea would be delightful.”

  “You must be hungry as well after your journey.”

  Through the long hard ride, Constance had thought of nothing but reaching the camp. Upon reflection, she realized she was near starving. “I do not wish to put you to any trouble.”

  “I would never consider offering sustenance to a lady an imposition.”

  The colonel was quite the charmer. “Thank you, sir.”

  “Mitchell.” Hamilton spoke to a young man who had just set his quill down. “Please bring some tea and refreshment for…”

  “Mrs. Constance Sullivan, sir.”

  “For Mrs. Sullivan.”

  Mitchell scurried off, and Hamilton bowed to her. “I am at your service, Mrs. Sullivan.”

  “I appreciate your kindness.”

  “Was your husband unable to accompany you?” Hamilton asked.

  “I’m a widow, sir.”

  “I’m sorry to hear of your loss.” His striking blue eyes, which sparkled with interest, belied that sentiment. Constance didn’t think he was
at all disappointed to discover she was no longer bound to a husband.

  When the tea tray arrived, Constance poured for them and then filled a small plate with cold meat, cheese, and a roll.

  After taking a few sips of tea, Colonel Hamilton said, “Please tell me the nature of your business with General Washington.”

  “I…” She glanced around the tent, hesitant to speak of sensitive information even before rebel officers.

  “You may speak freely here, I assure you.”

  She would have to trust his word. “I have a connection with Major Tallmadge and Captain West. However, I understand Captain West was sent to Philadelphia.”

  Hamilton nodded. “He was, though he’s expected at any moment.”

  Constance was relieved to hear that. “I have urgent news from New York about British troop movements and plans for the coming months. Howe is attempting to set a trap for Washington in New Jersey, to lure him out where he will be vulnerable. The army must resist the urge to engage him.”

  “How certain are you of your information?” Hamilton asked.

  “It came directly from one of Howe’s aides.”

  The tent flap opened, and a man stepped in. It took Constance a few moments to recognize the disheveled, dirt-stained officer as Jack.

  “Mrs. Sullivan?”

  “Yes, Captain. It is I.”

  “What brought you here?” Unease was evident in his expression. He knew she wouldn’t have risked the journey unless she had no other choice.

  “A message I couldn’t entrust to a messenger.”

  “Surely Mr. Ashfield could have—”

  She shook her head. “He’s been arrested.”

  The color drained from Jack’s face. “Tell me what happened.”

  “He was discovered with information about British troop movements, the information I’ve traveled here to deliver.”

  “What is being done to free him?” Constance could hear the edge of panic in Jack’s voice. She knew he and Eli had fought the last time they’d seen each other, and she could only imagine the horror Jack was feeling, which had to be even deeper than her own.

  “I have a friend, an ally in the British camp, who is attempting to free him.”

  Jack glanced at Lt. Colonel Hamilton and the others in the tent as if suddenly remembering he and Constance weren’t alone.

  He bowed to the colonel. “Sir. I apologize. I’m befuddled and exhausted from my journey. The general asked that I report in when I arrived.”

  Hamilton inclined his head. “You are forgiven your informality. Now that you are here to corroborate Mrs. Sullivan’s report, I shall ride out and inform the general of your need to speak to him.”

  He turned to Constance. “Is there anything else I can do for you, Mrs. Sullivan?” His look said he would in fact be happy to render her any possible service, including those best received in the bedroom.

  He was charming and attractive, and he had the most beautiful eyes of any man she’d ever met. Under other circumstances, she would very much enjoy becoming intimately acquainted, but now wasn’t the time for such a dalliance.

  “Thank you, no. You have been most kind.”

  “Rest assured, the men who laid hands on you will be dealt with severely. His Excellency demands decent moral conduct from his officers.”

  “I appreciate His Excellency’s attention to such matters.”

  “What men?” Jack asked. “Are you well?”

  Jack looked ready to tear these men apart. Considering his current emotional state, she needed to diffuse him quickly. “I am quite well, Captain. Lt. Colonel Hamilton came to my defense, and the situation is being taken care of most properly.”

  “If I have your permission to take leave of you, I will seek out General Washington,” Hamilton said.

  Constance inclined her head toward him. “Yes, sir. I thank you.”

  “Thank you, Colonel.” Jack saluted him.

  Hamilton bowed to Constance and departed.

  “I know it is cold,” Jack said, “but would you take a walk with me?”

  Jack was attempting to hide his distress, but Constance could see how shaky he was. She rose and took his arm. “I would like that very much.”

  Once they were far enough from camp to have privacy, Jack said, “What chance is there that Eli can be saved?”

  “I truly do not know. I went to Major Bradford to beg his aid.”

  Jack’s surprise was evident. “He agreed to help you despite his own loyalties?”

  “He did. He swore he would do everything to see Eli freed, but we don’t know where Stephens took him.” She chose not to say more of what she’d learned about Randall.

  “Stephens?” Jack asked.

  “Yes, he caught Eli with…”

  “His wife?”

  Constance sighed. “Yes.”

  “I hope you don’t think I believe Eli would be celibate after I left him.”

  Constance chose to make no comment on that topic. “I had my servants make inquiries, but they could not find him in any of the prisons near my home.”

  “Dear God, could he be on the Jersey?”

  Constance frowned, unsure how much she should tell Jack. She supposed honesty was best. That’s what she’d asked of him. “Possibly, but I’m afraid Stephens took him somewhere more private. I’ve heard rumors Stephens had been reprimanded for torturing captives.”

  Jack stopped moving. “No!”

  She took his hand in hers. “I know this is alarming, but you’ve seen how deplorable the man’s behavior can be.”

  “We must find him.”

  “Major Bradford cares for me. I believe he will do all that he can.”

  “I love Eli,” Jack said, his voice raw and broken, and Constance doubted the wateriness of his eyes was solely due to the cutting wind.

  “I know.”

  “Does Eli?” Jack asked.

  “I believe he does. It likely explains why he was so angry that you left. He wanted you to admit what you felt.”

  “I couldn’t.”

  Constance nodded. “That I also understand. You are far more pragmatic than Eli will ever be.”

  “I intend to request leave. What can I do to help?”

  “As soon as we meet with Washington, we must ride to a property I own north of the city. Major Bradford will meet us there, hopefully with Eli.”

  “If Bradford hasn’t found him, I’ll search myself.”

  “Jack—”

  “I must do this.”

  Nothing she said would stop him. “We should turn back. We don’t want to keep Washington waiting.”

  “No, that won’t do. He sets high standards for punctuality.”

  Constance rose on tiptoe and kissed Jack’s cheek. “I’m continually praying for Eli’s safety.”

  Jack’s eyes shone as he said, “So am I.”

  ***

  Jack and Constance rode ahead of her servants, pushing their mounts as hard as they dared. They were determined to make it to their rendezvous point with Bradford as quickly as possible. Neither of them had slept the night before, and they were fortunate not to have fallen from their horses in exhaustion. As soon as Constance’s groom took charge of their horses, they rushed to the house as quickly as their stiff legs and chilled bodies would allow. When they reached the door, a servant opened it immediately.

  “Did Major Bradford arrive last night?” Constance asked, words coming out in a rush.

  “Yes, madam.”

  “Did he bring a companion? A man with blond hair?”

  “Yes, madam, but the young gentleman is quite unwell. The doctor is—”

  “Where is he?” Jack asked.

  “The blue room, sir, but—”

  Constance rushed up the stairs, and Jack followed.

  The doctor was just leaving the room when they reached the corridor.

  “How is Mr. Ashfield?” Jack asked, unconcerned with rules of etiquette.

  “Alive,” the man responded.


  “And will he stay that way?” Constance asked.

  “If his fever can be controlled and there’s no internal damage from his injuries. Only time will tell on those points.”

  Jack pushed past the man and entered the bedroom. He longed to see Eli, to touch him, but he froze before he reached the bed. He had not been prepared to see Eli looking so small and fragile. Livid dark bruises covered much of the left side of his face, contrasting with his pale skin and nearly colorless lips. Even his hair seemed to have lost its golden sheen, blending into the white sheets.

  Death hovered in the room. Jack stared at Eli’s chest, needing to see it rise and fall, to confirm that he still lived.

  But he was breathing. Jack took another step toward the bed. What had Stephens done to him?

  One of his hands was strapped to a splint and covered in thick bandages. He held something in his other hand. Jack inspected it more closely. It appeared to be a bloodstained scrap of material. He tugged on it. Eli moaned and closed his hand around it more tightly.

  “Eli?” Jack prayed for him to open his eyes, but he got no further response.

  The door opened, and Constance entered.

  “I’m going to kill him,” Jack told her.

  “It appears someone tried to do it for you.”

  “Not Eli; Stephens.”

  “Already done,” Bradford said as he joined them at Eli’s bedside. “I must return to the city, but I wished to check on Mr. Ashfield one more time.”

  “You killed Stephens?” Jack asked.

  “In doing so, I eliminated a problem for both sides.”

  “How did you get Eli here in this condition?” Jack asked.

  “By telling him to think of what he most wanted to live for. By the grace of God, he made it to my carriage. He lost consciousness during the journey here. A footman and I carried him inside.”

  “The doctor mentioned internal injuries.”

  Bradford nodded. “Mr. Ashfield has broken ribs, broken bones in his hand, and a knot on his head. He’s dehydrated, weak, and feverish. What we don’t know is what other damage Stephens may have done when he beat him.”

  Jack stomach flip-flopped as he thought of how Eli had suffered. “Do you know what this is?” He pointed to the cloth in Eli’s hand.