The Bastard Son (Winds of Change Book 2) (28 page)

His eyes lingered on her. “I don’t understand of what you are saying.”

“That if you walked away from her so that she could have the life she wanted, you must love her greatly. It shouldn’t be anger that you hold within you, sadness perhaps that it ended in a way you didn’t want.”

“I didn’t walk away. The situation demanded I do so.” Durham shook his head. “You don’t understand. I will never be able to see my…”

“Child?”

Resolve overcame him. He slowly walked over to the window. “Only a few know,” he said solemnly. “He would be of the age of your Caleb. I have only seen him on one occasion.”

“Is he well looked after?”

General Durham smiled. “He is much as Caleb. A fire lives within him. A handsome, bright lad. Yes, he is looked after well. But it isn’t in the manner he should be brought up. He adores the man he believes is his father. It is as a sword in my side.”

Comprehension drew within her. “I believe now I can see more what you feel. No wonder you suffer, but,” Jane hesitated momentarily before she continued, “if she is like me and in a situation I am only interjecting could have occurred, it would be my guess she did all for the child.”

Jane’s hand instinctively went to her stomach. “The love of a child. Could it be you are angry at her, because she did what was best for your child?”

His eyes stared out the window. He hadn’t the chance to respond. A couple of carriages drew up at the inn’s entrance. A commotion arose as children emerged, giggling and laughing loudly. A moment later, Caleb’s head emerged within the room for his ears had perked up.

General Durham said simply, “I believe your family has arrived.”

The days passed slowly for Jane since she had arrived in Plymouth, England on that wintry January day. She worried about Sumner. Communication was slow at best. His first letter had taken more than four months to arrive.

Jane had read and reread the letter until it was tattered. Her eyes always fell on the same part.

I want only to tell you that I have survived and we have been successful. The tide is turning without doubt. I survive with thoughts of you safe. As I close my eyes at night, I’m with you. I dream of us within Elm Bluff without fear of war or strife. I can see our children. I can hear your sweet voice, laughing. I can feel your presence with me. I live for that. I know your time grows near. I want you only to know I love you. You are my life. Hold to all. I will come. Sumner

Shortly after, Jane gave birth to a little girl, so small and tiny that most thought she hadn’t long in this world. Except for Cathryn, who took turns with Jane, sitting with the little one. Cathryn was as the sister Jane had never had.

From the moment she descended the steps of the carriage that cold, winter morning, Cathryn welcomed Jane with open arms. Jane learned quickly that Cathryn held none before her brother, except her husband, Jake. If Sumner loved Jane and it was returned, it was all that Cathryn asked.

Even in the gray, damp air of the day, Mount Gevlyn stood impressively upon the cliff plateau at Jane’s first view of Cathryn’s home. Built of granite, the dwelling was a large three-story home in an L-shape.

Within minutes of arriving, Jane comprehended quickly this was the escape Sumner had wished for her. The home was situated away from prying eyes. More importantly, she walked without fear.

Jane was drawn to the beach where the water crashed along the rocks. The wind was crisp and cold, but it made her
feel
.

Whereas Sumner was not one to talk, Cathryn told everything. The household was a happy one. Mrs. Pennington had taken to her as had her daughter, Julia, who was blind. The children were a godsend.

Caleb had playmates, although Lucy resented her brother’s companion at times. Jane could read Lucy’s thoughts easily enough. Her lips would pout, but she tried her best to keep up with the boys.

“My mother said she was there when Caleb was born,” Lucy said, sneaking into Jane’s bedroom which she did quite often. “Mother said that she loved Caleb’s mother greatly. Does that bother you?”

“No,” Jane said as she scooted over to make room for Lucy and let her snuggled up against her. “Unfortunately, she is no longer with us, but it doesn’t cause you to love anyone less.”

“I suppose not,” Lucy agreed. “Mother is with Jalyn again. She cries a lot until Mother holds her. Grandfather says she is spoilt. Grandfather says that we need to be at Longwood. My father is buried there. Did you know? Do you think Mother still loves him, too?”

“Of course she does. I am certain she can see him every time she looks upon you.”

Lucy smiled. “Grandmother says I look like him. There is a portrait of him at Longwood. Mother sketched a picture of Father that was used. Mother can draw. You should have her draw you. You’re pretty.”

Jane laughed. Lucy talked endlessly from which Jane learned much. It was good to laugh, but her thoughts were never far from Sumner.

She relaxed at Mount Gevlyn. There were no battles or raids. There was no Bloody Benny. Her dreams eased, although at times she dreamed she was back in Charles Town within the courtroom, being dragged up to the gallows. She would be screaming, “My baby! My baby!”

She would wake in a sweat. At times, Jane would find Caleb at the foot of the bed sleeping. In the morning, he would say only that his father had told him to look after her.

“You still have your dreams, Mother,” he would say clearly. “I can hear you muttering in your sleep.”

When her time came, Cathryn arranged everything for her. The labor was painful, but not as bad as the looks upon their faces after her daughter was born.

“Hold to her,” the midwife said. “I have seen where it helps. Talk to her. Love her while she is here.”

The hardest part, Jane thought, was what if Sumner never got to see his daughter? She hadn’t even a name for the child for she had never allowed herself hope that the child would survive.

“She needs a name, Jane,” Cathryn said, holding the little one.

“I’m afraid I haven’t thought of any. I dared not.”

“I understand, Jane. Truly, I do. My twins, even Jalyn.”

“I have a thought,” Mrs. Pennington said from the corner of the room. “You have to forgive me, child, but looking upon her I believe I have a name if you like. It is my Cornish roots, I suppose, but she was born here. What of something as Rosewyn, Rosen? I look upon her and I see a Rosewyn Tegen, a pretty little rose. She will be as a bud that blooms.”

Jane looked down upon her tiny one. She liked the thought, although the name seemed larger than the babe herself. “But Sumner?”

“If I know my brother, he won’t care. Did he tell you any? If he doesn’t like it, he will come up with his own name. It was what he did with me and how Jalyn received her name.”

So it was that Rosewyn Tegen Meador received her name.

* * * *

News filtered in that on the nineteenth day of October of the year 1781, General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia. In essence the war was over. Jubilation broke out among the troops, but all was not done in the Carolinas.

Since Major Sumner Meador returned to the battle front, he served beside General Daniel Morgan, soundly whipping the British at the Battle of Cowpens. Morgan taunted the infamous Lieutenant Colonel Banistre Tarleton into a battle on the ground he chose, instilling in his men the courage to face the most dreaded fiend in the Southern Campaign.

Tarleton expected the Southern militia to cower before him and run from the sight of his Calvary as they had done in the past. When Sumner and Elijah returned with news that Tarleton approached, Morgan readied.

In a brilliant strategy, Morgan set his men three lines deep, instructing the first line to fire a single volley and run as if panicked, knowing it was what Tarleton expected. Morgan wanted Tarleton to charge and charge he did—except this time the Patriots did not run!

On this day, it was the Redcoats who panicked taking heavy causalities. Devastated, Tarleton barely escaped! Morgan reunited with General Nathanael Greene, the very able General Greene. From that time on from Guilford Courthouse until the last skirmish, they annoyed the hell out of the British, making life miserable for the Loyalists and British alike.

Days blurred together. The frustrating part was that even with word that the war was in essence over, the British still occupied Charles Town. News came that the British had withdrawn from Savannah, but remained in his city. Communication with Jane had been slow, so slow, but she was safe…his children were safe.

Sumner hadn’t even known of his child’s birth until six months after she was born. He didn’t know if she had survived—Rosewyn Tegen!
Where the hell did she come up with that name?
Simply, Rose, he thought, but most important to Sumner was Jane. She had survived and was well…and safe with his sister.

He had been able to sneak back to Elm Bluff and with time it became easier and easier. The British had withdrawn back to Charles Town, leaving the plantation free of British soldiers. Sumner hired an overseer, a man he trusted, Grant Williams. He fought alongside of him early in the conflict, but Grant had been injured and left with a severe limp.

In the time, Sumner spent in the backcountry, he had found Molly once more with Hugh. Brave and courageous as ever, she found herself in a situation similar to one Sumner was certain his mother found herself in years ago with him. Without hesitation, Sumner set her up as his housekeeper; he was confident Jane would welcome her in their home.

The news concerning Leckie hadn’t been as auspicious. Sumner didn’t know all the details, but Katy had disappeared. Cathryn wrote Katy had run off with a Captain Elliot.

It is sad, Sumner. She ran off with the captain. Colonel Leckie returned and hunted her down in a village in Ireland. The captain lost his life at some point, leaving Katy alone and with child. It was strange for I believe they found her through General Durham, but she refused to go back. From all accounts, she hadn’t looked after her health and had fallen despondent. Colonel Leckie, to his credit, took care of her to the end. This I know, for your Jane went to Katy’s side when she heard. Jake accompanied her when she crossed to Ireland. The child was born, healthy, but unfortunately Katy passed away. Jane said it was as if she couldn’t forgive herself for all that happened in Charles Town with her father and William. Jane offered to take the child, but Leckie took the misfortunate babe back with him. Jane said he feels responsible and from all accounts, Bruce is looking after the baby as if she is his own. Jake is trying to talk him into buying an estate close to us. He is a dear friend to Jake. It is my hope he does so.

Jane said nothing in her letters about Katy, but he hadn’t expected she would have done so, for all the pages were filled with details of Caleb, Rose and her love…patiently waiting for the news that they could return. Time passed slowly.

On a blistery day in November, 1782, Sumner arrived in Plymouth, England, more than a year and a half had passed since he had seen his wife and son. He could wait no longer, even though the British lay still within Charleston, as it was now known.

Gone was any remembrance of honoring a British king, even a dead one. Sumner had stayed with the army until he felt confident it was safe to bring his family home. He sailed from Savannah.

Sumner met with Henry Peterson before his departure. His plantations had survived the war mostly intact. He had been quite fortunate.

“Legally, the plantations have been placed in your name, Sumner. Free and clear. If they stayed in your sister’s name, they would be confiscated. It would be my thought they would have eventually been handed back to you, but your sister said not to waste time, along with all the money held in the plantations’ accounts. Sumner, in truth, I believe it is as it should be. I’m certain, your father would be content.”

Sumner accepted all that happened. For in his heart, he had always felt as the plantations were his. If not for the boundaries set upon his father’s society, they would have been his long ago. A bastard son to hold a respectable position—a wealthy land owner—he had worked hard, fought hard for this position.

Was it not the reason he had chosen to fight for freedom? For one to work for what he became and not be held back by position of birth!

When he arrived at the port of Plymouth, he hadn’t sent word of his arrival. He didn’t want it advertised. Sumner imagined being a well-known Patriot wouldn’t be well received in England, but he had made a promise to Jane and was anxious to keep his word.

Not knowing the countryside, Sumner hired a post, ensuring he would arrive in the quickest manner. For a February day, the sun shone brightly and rather warmly. But the closer the carriage rode toward his destination, doubts began to surface.

So much time had passed. He wondered if his son would recognize him. Would Caleb still hold to his father in the manner he had on his departure? But what plagued Sumner the most—would Jane still long for him as he did her?

“Is this the place, sir?” the coachman asked as he chewed upon a wad in his mouth.

“Mount Gevlyn? Sir Jake Pennington?”

“Yes ’um.”

“Then I’m in the right place.”

Sumner reached in and took out a sixpence to tip the driver. As the post wheeled away, he stood at the bottom of the steps of his sister’s home. He pulled straight his waist coat, but before he had time to take a step, the door swung open wide. A tall lad with dark curly hair descended the steps in one swift leap.

Caleb had grown a foot, almost as tall as the fair-haired boy standing at the door. By God, was that Philip? Voices rang out, exciting…welcoming voices. Caleb’s arms went round his father, hugging him tightly. Caleb pressed back to walk alongside Sumner. Walking up the steps, Sumner’s arm clasped the back of his boy.

A crowd emerged around him. Cathryn, Jake and a young girl, Lucy, a pretty thing with blond ringlets who wanted desperately to run to him, but her mother’s hand was on her shoulder holding her back.

Then the moment stilled. He caught sight of his wife upon the landing of the stairs, holding a smiling dark-haired toddler in her arms. She hadn’t changed— still breathtakingly beautiful.

Jane stood motionless as if she couldn’t believe her eyes. The young one’s hands went to her mother’s face to recapture her mother’s attention, but a woman behind Jane reached up and took the little one.

Sumner released his grip on his son. Swiftly, he bounded the stairs in two quick steps. He had her in his arms. In full view of everyone, his lips descended upon hers as her arms entwined around his neck.

Releasing him only for a moment, her hands went to his face, touching it as if it wasn’t real. He wiped away tears that escaped down her cheek.