The Patriot Bride

by Kimberley Woodhouse

  Eager smiles answered her.

  Faith began:

  “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  O give thanks unto the God of gods:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  O give thanks to the Lord of lords:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  To him who alone doeth great wonders:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  To him that by wisdom made the heavens:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  To him that stretched out the earth above the waters:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  To him that made great lights:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  the sun to rule by day:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  the moon and stars to rule by night:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  and brought out Israel from among them:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  To him which divided the Red sea into parts:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  and made Israel to pass through the midst of it:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  To him which led his people through the wilderness:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  To him which smote great kings:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  and slew famous kings:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  Sihon king of the Amorites:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  and Og the king of Bashan:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  and gave their land for an heritage:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  even an heritage unto Israel his servant:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  Who remembered us in our low estate:

  for his mercy endureth for ever:

  and hath redeemed us from our enemies:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  Who giveth food to all flesh:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.

  O give thanks unto the God of heaven:

  for his mercy endureth for ever.”

  There was something so beautiful about their voices raised together in unison. Even a few of the ladies had tears on their cheeks.

  God’s mercy would see her through. Even with the difficult matter she needed to discuss.

  “Ladies, before we begin with our business for the evening, there’s something that I must discuss with you all.” She took a deep breath and released it in a very unladylike huff. “I have an annoyance.”

  Lavonia White leaned forward, her tea cake held in midair. “I doubt you need to go any further. ‘Tis a man, isn’t it?”

  Faith nodded and was shocked at the guess.

  “Someone who pays you too much attention and you’d rather have nothing to do with this person?” Mary Wallace offered. Her new friend was the youngest in their group, her creamy complexion void of wrinkles or signs of worry. What it must be like to be able to look so untarnished by the sad world around them.

  The thought made her realize her foolishness. Who cared what the women wore, the number of wrinkles on their faces, or the styles of their hair. “How did you all know?”

  Several snickers were heard around the room.

  Lavonia piped up. “Do not forget that we are your friends, Faith. We care about you. Besides, we’ve all been there. But I think we’ve also noticed that particular annoyance that is interested in you.”

  “Anthony Jameson.” Mary shook her head.

  Faith released another sigh and put a hand to her chest. “Oh, that makes me feel so much better, knowing that you all understand. His advances are getting quite irritating, and he won’t take no for an answer. Whenever I leave my home, he somehow finds me.”

  Lavonia’s forehead furrowed. “ ‘Tis much worse than I was aware. Do you think he means you harm?”

  “No. Well, I don’t think he does. But he has become quite a pest. And with no father or any other man around to dissuade him, I am afraid he doesn’t take my subtle hints.”

  “So you need someone to be straightforward with him. And you need to have other people with you so he cannot meet you unaware.” Lavonia had gone into her mothering mode. And Faith didn’t mind one bit.

  Claudia Livingston nodded and walked over to Faith’s side. “Ladies, I think we have another mission in front of us. I believe we need to schedule our meetings and outings with Faith so that she isn’t out and about alone. If the man gets brash enough to start calling on her at home, well then, we will just plan meetings here more often.”

  Lydia stood as well. “I agree. There’s enough of us to be able to schedule things to be attendant to Faith. I don’t like Mr. Jameson. My husband had dealings with him a few years back, and the man was less than honest.”

  “You don’t think he’d mean to do anything…untoward?” Faith put a hand to her throat.

  Lavonia shook her head. “But we can’t be too cautious. We’ve seen how many men have been drawn to you because of your money. How many has it been over the years?”

  Faith rolled her eyes to look to the ceiling. “Too many to count. But none of them have been as forward and…persistent as Mr. Jameson.”

  “Persistent is too loose a term for Mr. Jameson. When he sets his sights on something, he doesn’t let it go.” Lydia moved closer. “I am not saying you need to be afraid, Faith, but I am saying that I don’t trust that man and I’m worried that he is paying all his attention to you. You need to be on your guard. And I think we should help you. You are doing so much for others. Goodness, you’re risking your neck every time you go out to deliver one of those messages. The least we can do is be the protection that you need at a time like this.”

  Faith looked at each woman in the room. These friends had formed a bond they could have never imagined when they first started helping with the Patriot cause. Now she felt as if they were all her sisters. Especially after tonight. “Well then, thank you all. I wasn’t sure how to even broach the subject, but now I am confident that with your help I won’t need to worry about Anthony Jameson anymore.” She looked down at the list in her lap. “Let us get down to business. There are so many things we can assist with, that I don’t believe we will have any issue scheduling extra meetings.”

  The ladies all gathered around her and hugged Faith and each other.

  Anthony Jameson would be taken care of, and she would have the opportunity to focus on other things. Her heart gave a little lift when she thought of Matthew.

  Lavonia tilted her head and studied Faith’s face. “Ah, but what is this?”

  “Whatever do you mean?” A moment of panic hit Faith. She hadn’t told anyone about Matthew yet. Heat crept up her neck and into her face. They would all know soon enough.

  “Let me guess …” Her friend returned to her seat and reached for her teacup. “The Patriot man you have been meeting has struck your fancy?”

  Several gasps peppered the room, and a few of the ladies giggled.

  “Perhaps.” Faith sat back down in her chair and picked invisible lint off her skirt.

  “Oh, do tell, Faith,” Margaret prodded. “We are all in need of some happy news.”

  While she was hesitant to share too much, Faith knew this was a safe place and the women adored her.

  As she spoke of Matthew, one thought pushed to the forefront of her thoughts.

  Prayerfully, she’d need to deliver another message soon.

  Thursday, March 16, 1775


  Mount Vernon

  George scanned the letter for a third time. The details seemed to be unknown, and stories flew as fast as mouths could carry them. But the killing up at Westminster seemed to be the beginning of something.

  Of what, he wasn’t sure. But deep in his bones, he felt it.

  “George, dear, are you all right? You are quite pale.” Martha had come into the room at some point, and he hadn’t noticed. The news had been too disturbing.

  “I am sorry, my love, I am quite all right but am needed up in Philadelphia. I will probably need to leave in a day’s time.”

  She moved closer and placed her hand on his. “It’s news about what they are calling the massacre, isn’t it?”

  “How did you hear of it?” He should always talk to Martha about things—she had an uncanny way of knowing everything before him anyway.

  “Mrs. Sidler mentioned it this morning at the market.” She picked up her stitching and sat by the fireplace, creating another one of those lady’s fire screens. “It’s dreadful to hear that the British are becoming violent.”

  Indeed it was. And no matter which story was true, the facts were plain—people were dead. At the hands of British soldiers. Simple farmers who had only wanted to keep court out of session. Taxes had been outrageous, and many people couldn’t pay. Didn’t King George see that what he was doing would kill the Colonies and her people?

  Did Parliament not understand that their ways were being seen as greedy and self-serving? How could people survive like this?

  Martha sighed. “Why don’t you talk about it, George. You know I am a good listener.” She thrust her needle back into the piece she was working on. The screens were a popular gift from Martha. It was normally an elaborate needlepoint that could be set near the lady’s chair at head height so she could still benefit from the warmth of the fire. Ladies never wanted their makeup to melt. Probably not unlike the men wanting their wigs to shift. Thus the reason why he powdered his hair rather than wear a stuffy wig.

  “George?”

  “I am sorry, my dear.” At least the thoughts had distracted him for a moment. Martha was right. She was a good listener and great sounding board. Lord, give us direction. While he filled his wife in on the details that he knew, he also wondered how long he would need to be away from his beloved wife and home this time. With war imminent, he knew that he would be called up to serve in a higher capacity.

  “It does indeed sound like they will be needing you. Sooner rather than later, I am afraid.” Martha pulled the needle back through the screen. The lovely pink of the thread made him think of Faith. As a little girl, it had been her favorite color.

  “My dear, this has been building for many years. I am afraid it will not end swiftly. In fact, Faith being so involved has begun to concern me.”

  Martha sighed and took her time with a few more stitches. “We both know that the best thing we can do for her is leave her in the Lord’s hands.” A small smile lifted the edges of her lips. “But we also know that perhaps we should start praying for anyone who stands in her way.”

  The remark broke the tension George felt in his shoulders as he laughed. Faith definitely could be an immovable wall when she wanted to be.

  As the evening waned, he allowed his burdens to ease as his wife conversed with him about all he’d shared. Martha’s insight was useful and encouraging…but he sensed she knew the same thing he did—even without her expressing it verbally.

  War was upon them. The best they could do was pray and prepare.

  It was quite invigorating, my boy! Quite invigorating!” Ben paced the room in the tiny upstairs of the home they’d hidden in. His hands waved around and animated his speech. “Patrick Henry stood there in front of all the Virginia Convention and convinced each county to prepare arms to defend themselves against the British. His words were like fire from heaven. Just like when he spoke at the Continental Congress and challenged everyone with his cry of not being a Virginian or Pennsylvanian or any other Colonial, but being an American.”

  “What do you think of it all?” Matthew wasn’t sure what the outcome of the meeting had been because Ben was too caught up in reciting phrases from Patrick’s short speech. The speech was several days ago, but it appeared that Ben could hear it as if it were happening at that very moment. When his mentor asked for them to meet, Matthew knew it was important. They’d taken great risk to meet here in Boston, but the owners of the home were Patriot supporters and very trustworthy.

  Ben raised a finger. “Ah, but you haven’t let me get to the best part.”

  Matthew raised his brows.

  Ben just smiled.

  “Well, what was it?”

  His mentor stood tall and placed his hands behind his back. He rocked back and forth on his feet. It must be for dramatic effect, because now Matthew couldn’t wait to hear.

  “Yes? What did he say?”

  “He ended his speech with, ‘Give me liberty or give me death!’ “ Ben lifted his hand and pointed to the ceiling. “I think even God Himself smiled down on us at that moment.”

  “ What happened then?”

  “The room erupted in applause and everyone rallied to Patrick Henry’s call to arms. We all knew it to be the right thing to do, the Virginians just needed to be prodded along a bit. Like many others.”

  Matthew leaned back in his chair. Give me liberty or give me death. Powerful words. Strong words. As they pierced his soul, he realized the depth of the truth behind the words.

  Was he willing to lay down his life for liberty? That thought bounced around in his mind for several moments.

  Yes. He was. And though it couldn’t even begin to equate with the Savior’s sacrifice, he imagined it was somewhat like Jesus giving His life for all of mankind. He suffered so that others may have life.

  While Matthew couldn’t save the world like the Messiah did, he could help pave the way for a better future—a free future—for those who came behind. Jesus did say that there was no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend.

  Energized by Henry’s words, Matthew knew what he had to do. The idea had been looming over him for weeks. It was time to immerse himself inside the Loyalists and stay there. The thought was a bit intimidating since he was hesitant to cut ties to all that he knew.

  “Matthew? I see I have lost you.” Ben waved a hand in front of his face.

  He shook his head. “My apologies, Ben, I was lost in thought.”

  “I could see that.” His friend chuckled and moved toward the fire.

  “The time has come, has it not? For me to cut off from you—from all of you. That’s why …”

  The older man’s faced drooped a bit as he gave a slow nod. “Yes. I figured you knew…but I was hoping to inspire you with Patrick’s speech and to encourage you one last time.”

  “That’s why you asked for the meeting?”

  “Yes. I have never been too fond of farewells.”

  For a moment, he almost thought he spotted a tear in the old man’s eyes. “Nor I.”

  Ben sniffed and pointed a finger in Matthew’s face. “It’s imperative that you get those messages delivered tonight. They are testing the coding skills of the women. We may not have much more time to prepare.”

  “I will.” The thought of seeing Faith again made him eager for the time to pass.

  “It’s getting more dangerous for us to be seen together. Your position within the Loyalists has strengthened, and we are very glad for all your hard work.”

  “Thank you.”

  “But I am not sure when I will be able to sneak away to meet you again. Even though I would gladly risk life and limb for you, dear boy.” He turned away for a moment and cleared his throat. “And I am afraid it is far too dangerous for you to come to my home anymore. If they found out the part you are playing, I fear your life would be on the line.” Ben came to him and put his hands on his shoulders. The older man had to look up quite a ways to look at Matthew. “We are all so very grate
ful for all that you are sacrificing for the cause. I regret to say that one of my deepest fears is that you may feel very alone in this journey, but remember you are not—nor will you ever be—alone. You have the prayers and the hearts of many. And the good Lord above will always be with you.”

  The weight of it all pressed down on Matthew’s shoulders. If he couldn’t be in contact with Ben, then he truly would be cut off.

  “God be with you, my son. I will send messages as I can.”

  “My prayers go with you as well.” He breathed deep and stiffened his shoulders. The time had come to say goodbye.

  Ben stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Matthew and then patted his back. “I am profoundly proud of you. Farewell for now, my friend.”

  “Farewell.”

  Old Ship Meetinghouse, Hingham

  A little more than an hour later, Matthew stood outside the Old Ship Meetinghouse. Ben’s words had echoed with him in the carriage ride, and he’d thought through his plans to make the rest of his facade fall into place. The foundation was laid. The relationships were there. William Franklin—the Royal Governor of New Jersey—was no wiser of the part he played.

  Matthew never wanted to be an actor, but he found himself in that position. He had the part of his life, and he’d have to play it flawlessly.

  With the realization of all that was laid on the line, Matthew thought of Faith.

  He was such a blackguard for taking her time and putting her in danger. Yes, she’d volunteered for the job of messenger. Yes, she was a good friend of George Washington. Yes, she was braver than most men he knew. But she was also becoming dear to him. And the thought of anything happening to her struck real fear in his heart. He could handle it if anything happened to him. But to Faith? He wouldn’t be able to bear it.

  Faith was to meet him here in just a few minutes. He knew it had been asking a lot for her to journey so far from home in the late hours, but sometimes it would be the only way. Thankfully, she was willing, and no one suspected anything. But how long would they be able to keep up the ruse? Especially if things intensified?

  She’d become very adept at sneaking around, all the while making it look like she was out for normal, everyday errands. Once again proving that she was up to the task.