The Cogan Legend (8 page)

The tall stranger sneered as the coach disappeared, “Beautiful coach and beautiful girls.” He remarked to Poll Soll.

Ann shuddered as the coach drove away from the livery.  “Did you ever see anyone so ugly?”  

Rachel agreed, “Even on the docks I never saw anyone so horrible.  The worst looking teeth I ever saw, disgusting and rotten, and that big scar on his cheek! I could smell both of them.”  

The sun's setting rays again hit the coach and Lewey was glad to be off of the Cogan Road.  They were all relieved to be leaving that horrible place.  As the trip progressed the discussion continued about the two men.  

Rachel looked at Ann.  “The crippled man just stared at you the entire time.”

“I know!  It made me uneasy; they are both scary people.  I hope we never see them again.”  Ann said adamantly.

Lewey had the team in a trot as darkness quickly approached.  All three were exhausted and hungry as they pulled in front of the inn at Herndon.  After freshening up they met in the dining room.  Sitting at the table they couldn't believe their eyes.  The big stranger from the Cogan came into the tavern, tipped his hat and nodded as he walked across the room.  Lewey politely nodded back but the girls didn't acknowledge him.  

“We need to leave early in the morning,” Lewey said to the girls. “We should be able to make Sunbury by noon.”

For the first time in his memory Lewey was nervous and could hardly sleep.  He was unable to stop thinking about the encounter in the Cogan.  

  

 

By noon they were approaching Sunbury and in the distance they could see smoke from the chimneys.  Excitement started building as they entered the main street and saw how large the town appeared.  The ride through the streets came to an abrupt end as they pulled in front of a large, three-story brick building.  Gas lanterns with four-sided panes to illuminate the way for guests adorned the front of the building.

Finally, the coach stopped and Lewey opened the door, “This is where we are staying.”

“The Jefferson Hotel. This looks like a nice place,” Ann voiced her approval as she read the name above the wooden and glass doors of the entrance.  

The ladies exited the coach and fluffed their clothing, creased and wrinkled from the long coach ride.  They followed Lewey up the steps past two marble lion statues and into the lobby which was filled with the faint smell of burning cigars and the chatter of guests.  Sunlight streamed into the lobby through windows that reached to the floor as guests took advantage of the sunny day sitting by the windows and reading.

While Lewey headed to the main desk, Ann gently nudged Rachel and whispered, “This must be the finest hotel in Sunbury.  It looks like the furniture and brocade drapes could be from New York or Philadelphia.”

“I've never stayed in an elegant hotel like this.  Actually, I've never even stayed anywhere overnight before I met you,” Rachel admitted as she continued looking around the lobby.

Meanwhile, Lewey stood at the mahogany counter to register for their stay.  After helping with the bags, he went to unhitch the coach and take the horses to the livery stable.

Anxious to see the town, the girls quickly unpacked their clothing, shoving everything into a small, four-drawer chest in their room.  They were refreshed and waiting in the lobby when Lewey returned from the livery stable.

He sensed their excitement but insisted, “You must wait for me before we go.  I need to get some of the dust off.  Give me twenty minutes to wash up,” he demanded.  

The two friends waited in the lobby by the front window just gazing around at the town.  The passersby smiled and nodded while gentlemen tipped their hats.

Ann commented, “I think I will like this town even though I haven't seen a man yet that interests me, but we just got here.”

“So that's what you've been thinking about,” laughed Rachel shaking her head.

Finally, Lewey was ready for their walk.  It was a crisp, cold, sunny, late autumn day.  They walked east down the main street where most of the buildings seemed to be centered.  The cobblestone streets were lined with elm trees.  The street was divided by a narrow park that went all the way to the base of the mountain.  There were dress and hat shops, hotels, a bank, and several restaurants.  Both girls felt relieved to be in civilized surroundings.  They felt comfortable as they entered the shops and saw more updated fashions.  “It almost feels like we are back in Philadelphia,” confessed Rachel.

Like in most small cities, the shops were built tight against each other, making it convenient for shopping and warmth in the winter.  The buildings were made of wood, with the owners living on the second and third floors.  The bank and hotels were brick, an indication of status.  

After visiting the shops that interested them, Ann wanted to tour the rest of Sunbury.  Walking west toward the river, she noticed a flurry of buckboards and wagons bypassing the main street.  “I wonder why most activity seems to be avoiding this area.  We'll have to inquire,” Ann teased looking at Lewey.  

Walking to the end of the main street, they observed the wooden fencing of a fort.  Later, they'd learned from the hotel clerk that Fort Augusta was an outpost for the United States Army, built on the outskirts of Sunbury to protect the town from Indians.  The Indians had all but disappeared, and the fort was in the process of being phased out.

Much of the commotion seemed to be happening in a large building adjacent to the fort.  Lewey trailed behind totally uninterested in their shopping.  Ann turned to him, “Let's walk over and see what all the excitement is about.”

Lewey agreed, and they changed direction.  As they approached the building men went out of their way tipping their hats and saying hello.  

Upon entering the building, Lewey's interest perked up.  “Wow!  I can't believe all the things I see for sale here.  Even the docks don't offer this variety.  Wait until I tell Charles about this place.”

“Look, Ann, over there is anything a woman could want; hats, coats, and even dresses.  We'll have to look at them,” Rachel said as she tugged at Ann's sleeve.

“I suspect they're out dated.”  Ann said.

In the middle of the building, two huge fireplaces burned six to eight foot logs that radiated heat and kept the building warm.  “In all my years I have never seen anything like this,” Lewey said.   

Ann saw a man in uniform standing at the gun and knife stand.  She nudged Rachel and whispered, “Look at that man in uniform; he has got to be the best looking man I've seen on this trip.  I'm sure he's an officer.”

Ann couldn't keep her eyes off of the soldier.  Feeling her gaze, he turned and his eyes locked with hers.  Ann caught her breath as she felt a shiver start in her stomach and work its way up to catch in her throat.  The soldier could not take his eyes off of her.  She was the most beautiful young lady he'd ever seen with dark hair that flowed over her shoulders.  He appeared to lose interest in what he was doing and moved gracefully toward them.  As he approached, he saw her flawless complexion and stunning blue eyes. The officer was tall and muscular with brown hair flowing from underneath his hat and a smile that dazzled.  With his eyes fixed on Ann, he took off his hat, bowed and announced, “Lieutenant Phillip Matter at your service.”  

Lewey was surprised by the soldier's boldness, so he stepped in front of the girls.  Nodding and introducing himself first, “I'm Lewey Hess.”  Pointing first to Ann, “This is Miss Ann Fairchild, and this is Miss Rachel Miller.  I'm their escort.”

The catch in her throat dissolved, and she politely nodded and said, “How do you do.”

Rachel just nodded.

“May I have the pleasure of escorting everyone through the market?”

Ann looked at Lewey who nodded yes.

“What brings two such beautiful young ladies to Sunbury?”  Lieutenant Matter asked.

“Curiosity more than anything,” Ann responded.

“We've never seen anything like this place, not even in Philadelphia,” Rachel chimed in.  “What's it called?”

“People around here refer to it as the Market House and come from all over the area every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to buy and barter goods.  It's a big thing around here,” the Lieutenant informed them.

“Are you stationed at the fort,” Ann questioned.

“Yes, I am.  I'm second in command,” he responded.  “So, you're from Philadelphia?” he inquired as he glanced at Lewey.

“Yes, we are indeed,” Lewey quickly replied.

They walked through the Market House talking and laughing all the while Phillip and Ann could not stop trading glances.  The Lieutenant was quite an entertainer, and he knew most of the merchants.  They stopped at a baked goods stand, “May I interest you in one of these sweets?  I can't resist; I stop here every Saturday.”

“I'm certainly interested,” Lewey joked.

The afternoon went quickly as the Lieutenant entertained them stopping at most of the stands.  At the end of the tour the officer asked, “Would you join me for dinner tonight? Perhaps afterward I could escort the ladies to a dance, with your approval of course, Mr. Hess.”

Lewey was unsure and gave no answer since he didn't know the Lieutenant.

Ann, of course, was enthusiastic and couldn't wait.  “Lieutenant, we'd love to go. Don't you agree, Rachel?”

Rachel nodded in agreement.  

Lewey, already tired, responded with authority, “We'll accept the dinner invitation, but I'm not sure about a dance.  I'll have to think about that.”

Ann was eager for an answer immediately.  Lewey just gave her a stare and raised his finger. “I'm responsible for you and Rachel, don't forget that.”

“I'm sorry Lewey; I spoke out of turn,” Ann responded.

They concluded their tour of the Market House, and Ann commented, “Lieutenant Matter, this has been the most enjoyable tour I've ever been on.”

The Lieutenant wanted to get formalities out of the way and said, “I insist you call me Phillip.”  

“Lieutenant, are you sure?”  Lewey asked.

“Yes, I insist.”

“We must go back to the hotel. I need to rest awhile before dinner,” Lewey persisted, looking quite tired.

“I must also report back to the fort, but I'll meet you in the lobby at six o'clock.”

On the walk back Ann rambled on about how handsome and polite the Lieutenant was.  Never seeing Ann this excited over a man, Rachel jokingly said to her, “Miss Fairchild, here we are in the middle of nowhere and only you would meet someone like him.”

Ann just laughed.

Back in their room while Ann undressed to bathe, she turned to Rachel. “Do you think I can excite him?”  

Rachel laughed and remarked, “How far you have come since that first day in the dress shop!”

Ann dried herself and sat on Rachel's bed.  “You turned my whole outlook on life around, bringing me out of my depression, allowing me to really be me.  I'll always be indebted to you for that, and you'll always be my best friend,” Ann told Rachel.

As they dressed for dinner Ann discussed the possibility of a relationship with the Lieutenant.  “I know I just met Phillip, but do you think it's possible?”

“You'll be in Philadelphia, and he'll be here. What kind of relationship could that be?  It's probably just a physical attraction.”  Rachel's response sobered Ann bringing her back into reality.

“You may be right, but I really like him.” Ann responded gazing into the mirror.  “He's so handsome and muscular, but for some reason he seems different.  I'm truly attracted to him; I feel comfortable with him. I've never felt that way with the others.  It was strictly a physical desire.”   

Ann sensed Rachel's loneliness, “You're homesick, aren't you? You must miss Tom terribly.”

“Yes, and I feel guilty that I haven't written any letters since the hunting escapade.”

“I'm sorry. I guess I'm selfish, never thinking of your feelings,” Ann confessed.

“Yes, you're selfish, but I'm used to it.” Rachel smiled.

“Father won't want to spend Christmas at his lodge, and that is only a few weeks away; as a matter of fact, I think he might ask Mary to go back with us.”

Rachel's jaw tightened perceptibly.  “I am absolutely not spending Christmas at a hunting lodge or in Sunbury even if I have to pay my own way to Philadelphia.”    

At exactly six o'clock, the Lieutenant entered the lobby, nodded and acknowledged Lewey with a “Mr. Hess” when he saw Lewey standing at the front desk.

“Please, Lieutenant, call me Lewey, I insist.”  He looked around the lobby. “The girls will be down anytime now. I can't believe they didn't beat me down here.”

To pass the time, Phillip asked, “What roads did you travel to arrive here?”

“From Mr. Fairchild's lodge, we took the Hanes Gap route through the Cogan Road, below the town of Herndon, and then followed the river road.”

Phillip nodded. “That area is still pretty dangerous.  I'm not familiar with that route, but I've heard that there are still hooligans, hostiles, and just bad people out there.  That's probably why the army is still present.” He glanced at Lewey. “On the way back, I suggest you go through Millersburg.”

“Lieutenant, I promised Ann's father we would be back at the lodge Sunday night.  We would have no time at all in Sunbury if we went back through Millersburg.  I have no choice but to take the shorter route.  Even taking that route, we'll have to get an early start.”

“Well, I'm going to assign a patrol to accompany you through the Cogan.  I won't take no for an answer,” Phillip said with a concerned look on his face.

Lewey looked surprised but graciously accepted the offer.