THE CRY FOR FREEDOM (Winds of Betrayal) (9 page)

“If that’s fine with you,” she looked into her father’s eyes. “I much prefer not to be idle. I would play upon Mother’s nerves otherwise. Lydia is to stay with her parents I take it?”

“It seems the best option in her condition,” he said. “I believe she is safe there. And William is close by. Come, your mother is ready.”

John walked out with his daughter. Mother Agnes already awaited in the carriage.   “Mary, are you sure we have everything. I don’t even think we were unpacked.”

“Yas’m, ma’am,” Mary nodded. “But I sure do wish I could come with ya’. I ain’t been sleepin’ since that man done gone an’ broke in. What am I to do, ma’am? Are ya’ sure ya’ don’t need ma?”

Mother Agnes’ face softened. “I suppose I could use you. I don’t know what I’ll tell Claire. She does so hate it when I bring you…well, you can just stay out of her way.”

Hannah walked over to her horse and mounted., waiting only for her brother. Hannah watched the carriage pull out, smiling in memory of Mother Agnes’ relenting. Mary, herself had taken the news well and hadn’t even gone back in the house, but plopped herself down in the carriage with Mother Agnes. Hannah readied herself to follow. Her brother talked with his father one last time, then shook his father’s hand goodbye. Jonathan made his way over to his mount, only to stop when  a group of riders descended on them.

Hannah watched the other riders reined in. Hannah’s attention immediately was drawn to the leader of the group. Handsome, tall, dark with an aristocratic look, she knew instantly of whom it was: Marcus Durham. He rode up beside Hannah giving her a charming smile, acknowledging her presence.

Behind him a few men rode, all uniform in manner, except for one. Well behind the others and seemingly uncomfortable in the saddle sat a heavyset man with a puffy face reddened as were his eyes. His legs from mid-calf downward were swathed in heavy bandages. Her Uncle!

The man pulled back the reins with both hands shouting orders for the horse to halt. Hannah suppressed a laugh. The reins were too loose with his body swaying back in forth in the saddle. Eventually the horse decided to stop. One of the escorts assisted him down and in the process her uncle’s foot got caught in the stirrup and almost fell
on top of the poor soul.

“Richard?” John muttered watching him awkwardly make his way forward.

“John, John,” Richard said extending his hand. “I told you it wouldn’t be long. I am back for the time being.”

John stared hard at the man in front of him. “Richard, I wasn’t expecting you today,” he said coolly, but with effort. He suspiciously inspected the escorts. Hannah caught her father eyeing Jonathan. “And I had thought we saw the last of you for awhile. Agnes has yet to recover from your last visit. I, too, admit my own misgivings.”

“I won’t bother you, but wanted only to let you know I was in town. I still want to discuss the misunderstanding with you. I realize I put my foot in my mouth before,” Richard said ignoring John’s obvious reluctance.

Richard glanced over at Hannah, making her feel uncomfortable.  “Hannah, you aren’t leaving are you?  Marcus, encourage the girl to stay.”

Hannah’s attention had been upon her uncle, but with the introduction, it shifted back toward his companion adjacent to her. She turned and his eyes transfixed upon hers. He was close enough to extend his hand to hers. He took her hand gently and placed his lips upon her hand.

“Yes, Miss Corbett, please stay,” he said smiling. His dark eyes laughing as he looked into hers. She could feel her blood rushing to her face, she withdrew her hand.

“Marcus and his associates have graciously agreed to escort me around. I do feel so much safer. With all this talk, one can never be too safe. Don’t you think?” her uncle continued.

“And who, Uncle, are you protecting yourself from?  Us?” Hannah asked.

Marcus turned his head away from Hannah upon the remark, but she caught the grin on his face.

“Hannah,” Richard exclaimed. “Come, we are family. Are we not? I was in hopes of talking to you about your grandmother.”

“She has an appointment that she doesn’t need to be late for. Jonathan, why don’t you escort your sister on?” John interrupted his brother-in-law. Jonathan nodded.

“It will only take a moment,” Richard insisted.

“As father has stated, I am late,” Hannah said, turning her horse. “Now, if you’ll excuse us. Enjoy your stay.”

As if on cue they both gathered their reins,  and broke down the street in a trot. Hannah glanced back at the guest. She wondered just what her Uncle was up to now.

* * * *

The summer had drawn to a close, although this day in September had the warmth of the season past. Hannah had dressed with care, for Mother Agnes had specifically asked her to. The whole of the family would be together today. Jonathan was leaving in the morning. Taking one last glance, despite brushing aside tresses of hair that refused to stay, Hannah felt she would meet Mother Agnes’ approval.

She made her way down the stairs and was pleasantly surprised to find only her father in the parlor. She ran up to him, “Oh, Father. It seems ages.”

The sunlight showed through the open windows. “It was only a week, but it is good to see you, too, my dear,” he said accepting her kiss. “Sure as the sun warms my body, the sight of my daughter warms my heart.”

“Why, Father, it’s good to see your mood such.” Hannah dropped onto the divan beside her father, taking his hand in hers.

“My dear, why wouldn’t it be? I’m
having my entire family together today. Soon to be a proud grandfather, and your uncle is no longer here,” he said with a smirk. “But there is one matter which I need to speak of with you.” 

Apprehension fell over Hannah. The tone indicated seriousness. Her mind raced thinking of what she possibly had done this time.

Her father continued, “To be honest, I had thought the day would have been sooner, but all has been settled to everyone’s satisfaction. I told him, though, it is up to you. You have a mind of your own. I want my children happy.”

“Father,” Hannah said, confused. “What are you talking
about? You make no sense.”

Smiling down at his child, he stood. “You are most certainly right, but there is one who can clear up this situation. Wait but a moment.”

Hannah watched tentatively. Her father opened wide the side doors to the parlor leading to the foyer. Standing, waiting nervously, Gabriel stood. John Corbett motioned for him to enter. John patted Gabriel’s back when he passed him and exited quietly as he shut the door.

Hannah stood quickly, temper flared. “What is the meaning of this?”

A sly grin emerged upon Gabriel’s face. He was by her side in two strides. “Now this is the girl I know and love,” he said placing his arms about her. With her hands she tried to push him away.

He would have none of it. “No, you don’t. I have tried to talk to you, but now you will listen. Sit. Just give me a few minutes. Please, Hannah.”

Her eyes still seething, but she did as he requested. Gabriel looked relieved. “You have given me no chance to repent for taking so long. I was true when I told you that I had to figure out how to make all work. And I have. Tomorrow I leave with Jonathan accepting a commission also within the Continental Army.”

Hannah’s face fell. She was speechless for a moment. “I’m happy you are committed, Gabriel. I am certain your parents are pleased.”

“Aren’t you?” he asked. He reached for her and pulled her into his arms. “I am making a mess of this. I asked your father if we could have this day today to celebrate before I left.”

“To celebrate? You have me confused, Gabriel.”

“For our announcement. To make all official. So you have no doubts,” he said plainly. “I never expected when I left for Europe to come home and find the most enchanting creature that has captured my heart, totally. You live in your little world where everything is black and white, Hannah. It seemed so simple to you. It isn’t always so. The other night when I found you wandering the streets, I had no choice after. I was afraid I would lose you with my indecisiveness.”

Caressing her cheek, he paused for a moment. Cupping her face, she still didn’t comprehend his point. “I have been tormented since. I wanted to explain to you. Make you understand. I can’t live without you, Hannah. I’m sorry I put you through all of this.”

“What are you saying?” she whispered, not taking her eyes off him.

“I love you, Hannah Corbett,” he fell upon one knee. He took her hand in his. Hannah froze as her heart fluttered. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

For once in her life, Hannah stood speechless, at first unbelieving the words he uttered, but nodded vigorously. Happiness surged within her. He stood up and took her into his arms, placing his lips upon hers.

* * * *

A festive day ensued. The lawn was filled with children playing echoing their laughter. A splendid banquet of food displayed for the Witherspoon’s, who journeyed over to join the celebration. All joined in the merry mood.

Jonathan found a quiet chair in which to sit. He would be leaving in the morning and found a certain melancholy sweeping
through him. He loved this land…this place. He would miss it, and didn’t know when he would return. He caught sight of his sister and friend strolling along the fence occasionally taking their eyes off each other.

“Your father is content that all his children will be settled,” Mother Agnes said behind him. “Here, Jonathan, I brought you a cool drink.”

“Mother, I didn’t hear you come up. Day dreaming, I suppose. Thank you,” he said accepting the glass from her. “Have a seat. I don’t believe I’ve had the chance to talk to you of late.”

“No, and you are to leave soon,” she said, sitting with a glow radiating from her. “They do look so happy, don’t they?”

Jonathan’s blue eyes inspected his stepmother. He took a sip of his drink. “Yes, they do,” he agreed, sitting silently for a moment. He took a sip of his drink.

“You told him. Didn’t you, Mother?” Jonathan asked. From her expression, he knew the answer. “I’m not judging you. I’m not even saying it was wrong, but I know something happened to allow Gabriel to ask her.”

“Jonathan, please don’t say anything. I knew all too well the pressure Gabriel was under,” she answered. “I know your father felt strongly about keeping it a secret, but Jonathan, look at them. How could I not? Hannah had such sadness in her eyes. I’m not sorry I did. When Gabriel came and announced to your father he wasn’t going to wait any longer, that he didn’t care about his father’s opinion, your father told him all.”

He took hold of her hand. “I’m not questioning your motives. I just know Gabriel. I am sure that is why his parents are now welcoming the union,” he said the last to himself. Looking back over to Mother Agnes, her eyes conveyed anxiety.

“Mother,” he continued. “Don’t question yourself. In all honesty if you hadn’t told him, I doubt he could have stayed away from Hannah anyway. The only shame is that he gained his letter of commission. He will be leaving with me. I don’t know how Hannah will handle it.”

He squeezed her hand, not adding that he doubted that he was surprised that his father hadn’t done told Gabriel about Hannah’s inheritance himself. He took a deep breath and sat back to watch the sunset.

* * * *

Gabriel Witherspoon was in high spirits. The pressure of the situation had dissipated and he was left with an acceptable solution. More than acceptable. He would have his Hannah and the money he needed to maintain their status. Jonathan had even come through with a commission within the Continental Army for him.

Having arranged an early morning ride with his fiancé, shortly before his departure, they both quickly eluded Zachary, who was serving as a chaperon. Dismounting upon coming upon a quiet spot, he tied their horses to a tree limb.

“But, of course, Gabriel. There is no doubt, I know. What better circumstance to serve. To have two of my favorite men serving together for our cause. I’m very proud,” she said, but her eyes swelled with water.

“Then, pray, what are those?” Gabriel said wiping the tears falling from her eyes.

“I just,” she choked up.

He brought her close to him. “It won’t be for long. Father said it will be handled quickly. Six months, no more than eight, I promise. Then I will be back victorious. You’ll be married to a war hero. Who knows, I might even obtain a white horse to return upon.”

She managed a smile. “Couldn’t we just quickly marry before you go? I don’t care if it’s simple.”

“Don’t you think I want that more than anything, my love? But you deserve a wedding where I can show the world who my bride is. It’ll be better to wait ‘til the turbulence is behind us. There is much I would like to show you,” he whispered in her ear pulling her down on the ground into an embrace.

“You promised you would,” she said softly. “Did you forget?”

“It has been on my mind constantly,” he said. She grasped his hand. Her hair fell down as his open hand ran through it. Her mouth opened to his as his kiss intensified. He kissed her cheeks, her eyelids. Her eyes opened and met his, so trusting, innocent. He stared into them. She gave him no resistance. He pushed her gown down and caressed her shoulders, trailing his fingers with his lips. She was so trusting, willing.