Elizabeth's Hope (A More Perfect Union Series Book 0.5)

by Betty Bolte

  “I do wish this war would end so they could all come home.” Emily shook her head and then pinned a serious look on Elizabeth. “I try not to ponder any of them not returning.”

  “I as well.” She folded the page again and laid it and the ribbon on the table at her elbow. Next time she fixed her hair, she’d wear it as he asked and think of him. Though she always thought of Jedediah and the future they’d have together. She picked up her knitting and resumed the steady click clack of the needles, calming the agitation Emily’s sentiments had stirred up inside. “We must keep the faith, Em. We will see Jedediah, Frank, and our brothers again.”

  The front door opened and shut, followed by heavy footsteps in the passage. Elizabeth glanced at the open door of the parlor as her father filled it. “Good, you’re both here.”

  “What news do you bring, Father?” Elizabeth kept her hands busy as Joshua went to the fireplace and warmed his hands by its heat.

  Jasmine entered the room, crossing to stand by Emily’s chair. She stood silently, waiting for any instructions. Elizabeth noted the patches on her gown, but had neither money nor fabric for a new one. The clothing the sewing circle made all went to support the troops. The ladies would have to make do. Her preferences must be delayed until such a time when it would be more appropriate. She smiled at Jasmine and then returned her attention to her father.

  “Good tidings. Morgan is worrying the British. He’s freed areas in Georgia and our state with each triumph. That is why I’ve come looking for you both.” He turned from the fireplace and captured Elizabeth’s attention. “Your aunt and uncle intend to return to their plantation to gather supplies from whatever remains there. I want you to go with them before there is a battle to free our fair city from British control. I believe you and your sister will be safer away from town as things currently stand.”

  “Leave the city? What about you?” She didn’t desire to leave the relative calm of the city, even if it was under the enemy’s control. Elizabeth espied her father’s determination in the set of his jaw.

  He waved a hand back and forth, dismissing her concerns. “I’ll manage, do not fret. I must stay here to keep my interests operating as best I can under the present situation.”

  “We’ve discussed this before. I do not want to abandon you, Father.” Emily rose to cross the carpet and stand before him. “You need us to take care of you.”

  Joshua chuckled and laid both hands on Emily’s slim shoulders. “You worry too much about this old bird. I have fended for myself before, my darling daughter.”

  The knitting needles continued their steady rhythm as Elizabeth considered the possibilities of escaping the confines of the besieged town. Mayhap they’d be able to walk and ride without an armed escort again. Fearful of stray bullets and even more wayward enemy soldiers bent on causing havoc and harm. Outside of the control of the enemy mayhap Jedediah could find a way to visit without the awful fear of capture. That last thought brought a grin to her lips. “Father, would we be permitted to leave?”

  He nodded, dropping his hands from Emily’s shoulders as he turned to face her. “I can arrange a monthly pass for you to visit and bring in whatever you can from the country. As women, you do not require the same oversight as the men. My oath of loyalty also brings privileges of its own. A happy circumstance indeed.”

  “But Elizabeth, why would you desire to go?” Emily frowned at her, her hands wringing each other as she gazed at Elizabeth.

  In spite of the dismissal of women her father’s comment revealed, she was willing to take advantage of the opinion for her own ends. “I think it is a fine idea.” She stopped the flying needles in her hands and laid the sewing on top of the loving letter from her betrothed. “We should make haste to put the plan into action.”

  “Very well.” Joshua smiled as he nodded at the girls. “I shall make the arrangements immediately.” He strode briskly out of the room and then the front door opened and closed.

  “Elizabeth, this is absurd.” Emily walked over to look at her sister. “I don’t want to go to the plantation. They’ve all been ransacked and abused over the past months. What purpose might it serve to venture beyond the town’s borders?”

  Elizabeth held up a finger toward Emily as she glanced at their maid. “Jasmine, we do not need anything at the moment. Why don’t you see if you can help Mary in the kitchen?”

  “Yes, miss.” Jasmine bobbed a curtsy and left the room.

  “As to your question, Emily.” Elizabeth stood and regarded her sister with an irrepressible grin. “Because, my dear sweet sister, if we leave this captured city and are in the country, then perchance Jedediah and Frank will be able to visit us.”

  Emily’s brows shot up as understanding settled in her mind. “If they can get permission to do so…”

  Elizabeth nodded. “It would be much safer for them to come to the plantation.” She gripped Emily’s hands in hers. The delight that sprung into her heart made it race with joy. “I so wish to see Jedediah I’d do anything, go anywhere I have to, so that he could come to me. Please, Em.”

  She waited while Emily considered for several moments the request to journey beyond the town into the wilder countryside for an indefinite period. Out to where the skirmishes continued and random attacks occurred on both sides. Finally, Emily sighed and squeezed Elizabeth’s hands.

  “I’ll start packing. I understand your desire.” Emily shook her head slowly, side to side, and then grinned. “I wouldn’t mind the chance to see Frank, you know.”

  “Thank you, Em. You won’t regret this.” Elizabeth released Emily’s hands and gathered up her sewing and Jedediah’s letter. She would write to him to inform him of their plan, and then wait and see if he would come to her. If he could come to her.

  Chapter 7

  Abernathy Plantation – February 1781

  His horse couldn’t traverse the distance between the army encampment and his destination fast enough for his liking. The general had been very clear as to when he must be back in camp. Too soon, to his mind. Jedediah pushed his gelding to reach the Abernathy home to allow time to visit with his love for as long as possible given his short grant of leave from his duties. The troops were resting between skirmishes and battles, recovering their strength and repairing equipment and clothing in preparation for the next one.

  He galloped up the carriageway to the impressive manor house and swung from the saddle. Under other circumstances, he’d have taken time to study the building, to appreciate the style and construction. But not today. He heard a hand call out, announcing his arrival. A scrawny black boy ran out to take the reins so Jedediah could hurry up the front steps. The door swung open as he raised a fist to knock, and there she was. Elizabeth. Looking fresh and beautiful as a rose.

  “Jedediah!” Elizabeth ran to him, surprising him by throwing herself into his arms.

  He clasped her to him, grateful to have her next to him. “Elizabeth, I’ve missed you so much. I was overjoyed when I received your note.”

  She broke away, but grabbed his hand and pulled him inside the house. “It’s so cold; you must come in and warm yourself.”

  He let her lead him into a small but warm room off the main passage. The décor suggested it was primarily used for entertaining, with fine wood and marble furniture and painted cloths adorning the floors. Framed portraits of famous personages graced the walls and occupied easels on the sideboard. She ushered him to the couch facing the cheery fireplace and encouraged him to sit before joining him.

  “I do not have long with you, my dear.” Jedediah held onto her hand, not ready to relinquish their connection. “I must be back at camp by to-morrow evening.”

  “That’s no time at all.” She sighed heavily and searched his expression. “Why must you fly away so soon?”

  “I’m needed, my love.” He pulled her to him and kissed her for several moments. “But I had to come to you when I learned you were within a half-day’s ride.”

  “I’ll cherish
the time.” She kissed him lightly and a smile graced her luscious lips.

  “Elizabeth, where are you?” Lucille Abernathy strode into the room and smiled when she saw him sitting beside her niece. “Jedediah, how nice to see you well. What brings you here?”

  “Elizabeth told me she is visiting and the General took pity on me to allow me to see my betrothed.” He recalled the sly smile on the man’s face when he realized the real reason for the request for leave. “So here I am.”

  “I’ll have some tea brought in, and we can all catch up on what has been transpiring.” Lucille walked out of the room, calling for her servant to prepare a tray.

  Jedediah realized the aunt took proper measures to ensure Elizabeth’s reputation would not be marred by her being unchaperoned. Given the way Elizabeth had greeted him, her steps were indeed necessary. Her eager welcome played again in his mind, and he smiled.

  While they waited for the arrival of tea and biscuits, he told Elizabeth about life with the army, the fighting, the casualties, and all the details he wouldn’t put on paper but felt relieved to share with his lady. Committing such information to paper risked the intelligence falling into enemy hands. But being able to express his horror at the death and bloodshed, his fear when faced with the need to shoot or be killed himself, and the relief to walk away from a battle without serious injury. That alone was worth the ride to the plantation. Add to that the touch of her lips on his, the clasp of her hand, and the loving smile she aimed his way, and he was in heaven on earth.

  “My darling, I must tell you how anxious I am to claim you as my wife. Every day I think about our plans and our future together after the war ends. Which it will before much longer. Everyone says so.”

  “I do hope you’re right on that score.” Elizabeth gazed at him, her love evident in the hope and concern in her countenance. “But I am already yours to have and to hold forever.”

  “And I yours, Elizabeth. Always.” He rose to his feet and drew her along with him. He gazed into her silver-flecked blue eyes for several moments. He needed her in a way he had never desired any other woman in his life. He could not imagine ever wanting to be with any woman in the same way he did with the beautiful, caring lady studying him. “I long to show you just how much. We’re about to go into battle and I must have the memory of your love to sustain me. Please?”

  “What do you mean?” Her question reflected in her eyes as she studied him.

  “I realize your father, indeed your family, may not agree with my request. I will not be upset if you deny it. But Elizabeth, my dear, will you lay with me tonight?” He wouldn’t have asked if they were not betrothed and promised to one another. If he didn’t know to the depths of his soul they belonged together, to support each other, to love each other. He wouldn’t have asked if she had ever for one moment acted in any tiny way repulsed by his attentions. The play of emotions flickering across her face reflected her tumultuous thoughts as she considered his brazen request. She peered at him for a long, heart-stopping moment before she slowly nodded.

  “I willingly accept your proposal, Jedediah. I’ve longed for the same thing.” She regarded him for several moments and then smiled. “Tonight, come to my bedchamber after everyone is abed.”

  He kissed her lips, savoring every moment they shared, and pulled back as Jasmine entered the room with a tea tray, followed closely by Lucille. He resumed his place on the couch as Elizabeth sank beside him on the soft cushion. When he looked at Lucille, he saw suspicion in her gaze as she strolled in to take her seat across from the couch.

  “I appreciate the hospitality, Mrs. Abernathy.” He inclined his head in thanks. “It’s quite remarkable how you have managed to maintain a working household despite the scavenging by the troops.”

  “Indeed. If it weren’t for the cleverness of my servants in hiding the best food and drink, along with the cows and chickens in the forest, we’d be destitute like so many others.” She contemplated him, gazing at him with a question in her eyes. One she didn’t express, but it still unnerved him. “We’re fortunate to have faithful hands to know what is important to save. Without any impertinent trouble whatsoever.”

  Like Elizabeth’s reputation? And his appearance? He cleared his throat, as the realization that she suspected why he’d journeyed to see Elizabeth blossomed in his mind. She was a smart, savvy lady; he’d give her that. “I’m sure you are fortunate on that score.”

  “Aunt Lucille, will you pour?” Elizabeth sat close enough to Jedediah her skirts brushed his breeches. She lifted the plate of pastries to offer to him. “I’m certain Jedediah could use some sweet refreshment to sustain him.”

  Lucille regarded him for a moment and then smiled, a knowing grin spreading on her lips. “Of that, I am quite positive.”

  He accepted a cake and took a bite to keep his lips shut. No secrets would be kept from her. But that didn’t mean he’d be forthcoming as to what he and Elizabeth had agreed to share. The less said regarding that matter, the better.

  Chapter 8

  Charles Town, South Carolina – March 1781

  As Elizabeth drove the carriage toward Charles Town, her heart thundered in her chest. She prayed that she and Jasmine could safely pass the sentry without harassment or worse. She kept her focus on the bobbing heads of the pair of horses as they trotted ever closer to the soldier waiting to question her. The soldier who held the power to permit her entry or turn her away.

  In truth, she preferred to return to the plantation. She hadn’t received any letters from Jedediah in weeks. His parting words of adoration and love after their night together echoed in her mind, invoking the sweeping sensation his final buss had stirred in her core. He’d promised to write when he could and then galloped away to return to the army camp before his deadline. The silence that followed left her worried. Was he hurt? Dead? Would any one inform her if he could not?

  “Whoa now.” She pulled on the reins to slow the team to a walk, and then to a halt. “Good day, sir.”

  The loyalist soldier sauntered over to the side of the carriage and held out his hand. “Pass, please.”

  She reached into her skirt pocket and withdrew the carefully folded page and handed it to him. What if he didn’t give it back to her, but tore it up and threw it away? She’d not heard of such an act happening, but there was always a first time. She glanced at Jasmine. Her posture revealed her unease despite her seemingly serene expression. Good thing Emily had stayed back at the manor helping their aunt with reorganizing the linens, in search of holes needing mending. Emily’s overactive imagination would have led her to apoplexy. Elizabeth looked back at the soldier in his fine uniform. A stark contrast to the rags the patriots wore. Surely there was something more to be done to help supply them with decent and warm clothing. She must talk to her aunt about the matter when she returned in a few days. But first she longed to see for herself how well her father had fared without the aid of his daughters to run the household.

  The soldier regarded her for several moments, looked to Jasmine, and then noticed the burlap sacks and wrapped packages on the rear seat. He raised a brow. “What are you carrying back there?”

  Elizabeth swallowed the fear rising in her throat. The meager amount of food and medicine they could scrounge together would only last a few weeks even if they rationed it. But if the soldier confiscated it, they’d have nothing. What would her storytelling cousin Amy do in such a situation? Make up a compelling reason, of course. “Supplies for my father, Captain Joshua Sullivan. He is expecting me to deliver them today for his…important business for the commandant.”

  “Captain Sullivan?” Doubt crept into the man’s eyes. He rubbed a gloved finger beside his nose as he contemplated her statement. His gaze traveled from her to peruse the road behind her. Then he peered at her as he handed back the pass. “Very well. Proceed.”

  “Thank you.” Relief flooded her soul when the man relinquished his objection based on hearing her father’s respected name. She pocketed th
e paper and clucked to the horses, steering them along the road into the main part of town.

  The streets were muddy from the recent rain, sucking at the horses’ hooves and the wheels of the conveyance. The bombardment and shooting had left their marks on the homes and other buildings throughout the town. Brick homes pockmarked as if they’d suffered some terrible disease. Holes in the streets where heavy cannon balls had fallen. People scurried from place to place, going about whatever business they had but with a chary eye to the enemy troops and officers. Those who remained loyal to the king strolled along as though the town wasn’t held by the country’s oppressors but their saviors. She shuddered at the sight.

  She steered the team through the streets and finally turned into the carriageway leading behind her home to the coach house and stable. A stable hand walked out of the shady interior of the barn to handle the team while Elizabeth and Jasmine clambered out of the vehicle. A pair of hunting dogs nosed about the yard. A couple of chickens pecked the dirt outside the stable. They retrieved the packages from the back seat and hurried across the yard and into the brick building that served as the kitchen situated behind the main house.

  “If you’ll sort out the food, I’ll take the simples into the house.” Elizabeth picked through the packages, finally spotting the bundle of medicine packets and the box of bottles of elixirs. Lifting them, she addressed her maid. “Come inside when you’re finished here, and we’ll see what Father would enjoy for dinner.”

  “I won’t be but a few minutes.” Jasmine pulled an apron from a peg on the wall and tied it around her waist. “Some of these will need to be carried to the root cellar for keeping.”