A Game of Shadows (5 page)

July 1777

Maryland

Slanted shafts of late-afternoon sun pierced the canopy of leaves above the road, striping the world in alternating ribbons of light and shade.  The sun was already hovering above the horizon, painting the sky in lovely shades of fuchsia and gold.  Another half hour and the first stars would start to shyly appear in the darkening sky, signaling the end of another day.  Abbie loved this time of day.  The sunset was a symbol of a day’s promise fulfilled, and a few hours of well-earned rest to look forward to before going to bed, but there would be no bed tonight.  Finn would find a place to camp for the night, and they would sleep next to their fire, hoping the smoking embers would keep the bugs away.  Abbie didn’t really mind sleeping outdoors, but after more than two weeks of travel, she was eager for a real bed and a proper bath. 

She wouldn’t admit it to Finn, but she was already homesick.  This was her first time away from home
, and she had no idea when they would be coming back.  She could still see her mother’s forlorn expression as she said goodbye to them.  Only a few years ago her parents had a houseful of children, but now only Sarah and Annie remained at home.  Sam had been the first to leave when he joined the Continental Army, followed by Martha and then Jonah, who joined on his seventeenth birthday in May.  And now Abbie and Finn were gone as well.  At least Martha was close enough to be able to visit frequently and bring baby Joe to see his grandparents.  He was such a sweet, good-natured baby who everyone secretly thought had been lucky to take after his father in temperament, and not his mother.  Martha was bossier than ever, especially since Gil’s mother passed away.  She was now the woman of the house and didn’t have to defer to a mother-in-law.  Martha finally had what she’d wanted all along — her own home and family.

“I think it’s time to make camp,” Finn said, looking up at the sky.  “We probably have less than an hour of daylight left.  Let’s turn off here.  I think I can hear a
creek somewhere close by, so we should have water.  You look tired, sweetheart.  I’ll set up the camp, and you can have a bath if you like while I prepare supper.”  Finn gave her a tender look.  Abbie was perfectly capable of taking care of herself and him, but it was so nice to have him cosset her this way.  It made her feel special. 

“We still have some bread and cheese, and a few slices of pork. 
That will do for supper.  How about I help you set up camp, and then we take a bath together?” she asked, a seductive smile playing about her lips. 

“You are a brazen woman, Mrs. Whitfield.  What
would the minister make of such lewd suggestions?”  Finn chuckled, already envisioning Abbie’s naked body, her hair damp and her skin cool from the water in the creek. 

“I’m not certain, that’s why I won’t be making such suggestions to him, but you Mr. Whitfield
, are a different matter altogether.  Unless my lewdness offends you.”  She giggled as Finn pulled the reins of her horse, bringing her closer and kissing her hard. 

“It makes my life worth living,” he whispered.

**

The creek turned out to be a lot deeper than expected, allowing them to actually submerge themselves in cool, refreshing water and not washing in parts as they did all week.  Normally, Abbie would have kept her shift on, but they were far enough from the road, and they hadn’t seen another person in hours, so she stripped down and walked into the water, conscious of Finn’s gaze on her body.  She knew the effect she had on him, and relished it like a wonderful secret that only she was privy to.  She leaned against him as he came up behind her, his stiff cock against her buttocks.  Finn cupped her breasts, kissing her neck and moving his hips against hers in silent intent.  Abbie was about to move back to the shore, but Finn stopped her, turning her in his arms.

“Don’t go,” he whispered into her ear, sending shivers down her spine.  The water made her feel languid and weightless, and strangely aroused.  Finn lifted her up as she wrapped her legs around his waist, kissing him hard.  She felt his fingers caress her before he slid inside her body, moving her hips against his.  Time seemed to stand still as their bodies moved in unison, creating ripples of water that swirled around them like rings of Saturn that Finn had shown her in a book on astronomy.  Abbie felt like melting butter in Finn’s arms as her insides quivered with release.  She laid her head on Finn’s shoulder, not wanting to let go of the moment, still joined to him body and soul. 

July 1624

England

Alec poured a brandy and took a seat close to the open window.  A lovely breeze blew from outside, bringing with it an aroma of flowers, warm earth, and freshly cut grass.  He’d missed the smells and sounds of the country while aboard the ship to England.  He’d also missed having a little time alone.  Being cooped up on the boat with his wife, daughter, and a crew left him longing for a few moments of peace, and being in this house didn’t help.  Alec took a sip of brandy, enjoying the bouquet of flavor.  This was expensive French brandy, not the merely adequate stuff he drank in Virginia. 

Alec had greatly enjoyed seeing Louisa, Kit
, and the children, but he felt undercurrents that he couldn’t quite understand.  Something wasn’t right, and it wasn’t just Louisa’s suspicion of infidelity.  Kit seemed tense underneath the gay façade, almost vibrating with some unknown worry.  He’d been like a brother to Alec in Virginia, but here things were different.  They were now on a different social standing, and Kit was back in his element, whereas in America, he had been just a brother-in-law.  As much as he wanted to talk to him and draw him out, he wasn’t sure it was his place to do so.  If Kit wanted to talk, he’d have to make the first move.  He seemed about to say something to Alec several times, but changed his mind at the last moment, and suggested going hunting the following day or playing a game of cards after dinner. 

Alec was distracted from his thoughts by a knock on the door. 
He hoped it wasn’t Maud, but then she wouldn’t have bothered to knock.  She would have just barged in, treating him as she would a servant who happened to be in her way.  Alec rarely disliked anyone to the point of hatred, but he had to admit that the old lady managed to offend him on every level, and he hoped they would see less of her once the Sheridans went back to London.  She had her own residence close to Whitehall, and would hopefully find a reason to stay there for the remainder of their visit.

“May I join you
?” Kit asked as he entered the room, closing the door behind him. 

“Of course
.  Shall I pour you a drink?” Alec asked, already rising to his feet.

“Yes, please
— a very large one.”  Kit sank into a chair.  He looked tired and worn, his normally laughing eyes overshadowed by something Alec couldn’t name.  He handed Kit a glass and sat across from him, unsure of how to proceed.  He didn’t want to pry, but something was obviously troubling Kit a great deal.

“Kit, are you all right?  I know it’s none of my business, but I’ll be happy to listen if you want to talk.” 

Kit set down his glass, burying his face in his hands.  Alec heard a muffled sound, but couldn’t tell if he was crying, laughing, or a little of both.  “Oh, Alec, I don’t know where to begin.  I’m so ashamed.  I can’t even look you in the face.” 

It seemed
that Kit was about to confess the affair.  At least he was remorseful and ashamed, so maybe there was hope of him ending things quietly and returning to his wife before things had gone too far, unless he didn’t want to. 

“Kit, you can confide in me.  I won’t judge you
; just try to help.  Who is she?”  Kit’s head snapped up at Alec’s question, a look of confusion on his face until he understood whom Alec was referring to. 

“Alec, the she is a he.
  It’s George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham.”  Kit rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands, clearly miserable; his shoulders slumped with a resignation Alec had never seen in him before.

“Kit, I don’t understand.  You don’t have a mistress at Court?”  Alec took a sip of brandy, using the time to compose himself.  He had no idea what they were talking about, but didn’t want to appear foolish.

“Alec, I have no idea how any of this happened.  It’s laughable, really, but I’m in an impossible situation.  His Majesty invited me to join the Privy Council at the suggestion of the Duke of Buckingham.  As you know, my father served on the Council, but I have no good reason to be there.  There are other men who could contribute much more than I ever could; I’m not a military man or an experienced statesman.  I’m not sure if you know, but Buckingham is the most powerful courtier at King James’s court.  His Majesty trusts him implicitly, not only in matters of State, but in personal decisions as well.”

“I’m not sure I’m following, Kit,
” Alec leaned forward, his elbows on his knees.  Where was this going?  Was Kit simply worried about his ability to perform on the Council?  That didn’t seem like him at all.  He might not be an experienced politician, but he was a man of intelligence and integrity, which is more than could be said about most of the ministers chosen by James.  Alec didn’t know all the intricacies of the policy being put forth, but he tried to stay abreast of political developments as much as he could despite the limited flow of information to the Colonies. 

“
Alec, Buckingham is a law unto himself.  He does whatever he pleases with whomever he pleases, and he’s taken a liking to me.  It’s no secret that he goes both ways.  There’s some talk of him being the King’s lover, but even to say that out loud is paramount to treason, despite the King’s ardent proclamations of love for his “wife,” as he calls him.”

“Isn’t
Buckingham married?” Alec asked, confused.

“Yes, but what does that have to do with it? 
The king is married as well.  Buckingham began pursuing me shortly after I joined the Council.  He’s relentless, Alec.  He’s sending letters and presenting me with expensive gifts.  Louisa found the snuffbox he had made for me.  She thinks it’s from a woman, and I simply can’t bring myself to tell her the truth.  I would rather she thought I was having an affair with another woman than admit that I’m being pursued by a man.”  Kit finally looked up at Alec, his face a mask of misery.  “Help me, Alec.  I don’t know what to do.”

“What can you do
other than reject his advances?  Is he aware of your desire to have nothing to do with him?”

Kit shook his head, taking a large sip of brandy.  “
Yes, but you don’t say “no” to Buckingham.  He has the power to destroy me.  All he has to do is present some trumped-up charge of treason to James and I could be executed; my title stripped, and my estates confiscated by the Crown.  My wife and children would be left with nothing but the shame of being related to a traitor.  Even my sister’s sons would be affected.  Their lives would be over.”  Kit drained the brandy and held out his glass for a refill.  “I’m damned if I do, and I’m damned if I don’t.  What I wouldn’t give to return to Virginia and be away from all this.”

“Kit, would he really take his vengeance that far?  I heard he was a reasonable man.”

“Buckingham is gracious and charming, but he’s like a spoiled child who will throw a tantrum if he doesn’t get his way.  Only his tantrum can result in me losing my head.  He’s implied as much.  One word to James, and I would be hauled off to the Tower to await execution with no hope of a fair trial, or a trial at all, for that matter.  I wouldn’t be the first.” 

Alec exhaled loudly, his eyes sliding away from Kit’s.  He’d never been confronted by such a dilemma
, and he hoped never to be again.  What could he possibly say to Kit?  He was well aware of what it meant to be associated with a traitor.  Louisa and the children would be harassed and ridiculed, all their wealth stripped, Robbie’s title given to someone else.  If it were just Kit, he’d tell him to refuse and take his chances, but he would be risking the entire family.

“Kit, I’m at a loss for words.  I can’t
imagine being in your position.”

“Neither can I, except I’m in it, and I can’t do anything about it.  I can’t leave Court without the
king’s permission, and he will never grant it, not with war coming.  I’m trapped.”  Kit drained the second glass, his shoulders beginning to relax a little as the alcohol entered his bloodstream.  “I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, and most of all, I can’t look Louisa in the eye.”

“Kit, I want you to know that no matter what happens, I would take care of your family,” Alec replied, his promise sounding feeble even to himself.  He could feed and clothe them, but he couldn’t protect them from the wrath of the
king or the grief of losing a husband and father.

“Kit, I’m going to ask you an odd question, but bear with me.  Is Buckingham constant, or is he fickle and changes lovers often?” asked Alec carefully.  Kit just shrugged, not following Alec’s train of thought.

“I suppose he’s fickle, although the rumors about him and James have been swirling for years.  He enjoys the chase and the conquest more than the actual relationship, or so I’ve heard.  His relationship is with his sovereign — the rest is just a game.  What difference does that make?”

“It makes a difference if you submit to him.  He’
ll eventually tire of you and you will be free.”

Kit jumped up from his seat, towering over Alec, his eyes b
lazing with fury.  “Are you seriously suggesting that I allow that man to bugger me until he grows tired of it?” he spat, his fists clenched at his sides.  Kit immediately backed away, embarrassed by his reaction.  Alec was not the problem.

“Yes, Kit, I
am.  I’d rather see you buggered than dead.  You will recover in time, but make sure Louisa never finds out.  Just tell her that you had a flirtation with some woman to explain away your behavior, but assure her that it’s over and will never happen again.  Don’t destroy your marriage over this.”

Kit collapsed back into the chair, hands over his face
; his shoulders quaking, and this time Alec knew for sure that he was crying.