The Bastard Son (Winds of Change Book 2) (11 page)

A quiet laugh escaped Jane. “You have been kind, Mr. Peterson. Thank you. It has been hard.”

“Lean upon me at any time. I may rely upon you to help run Elm Bluff and the other two plantations. I don’t trust many and if you have helped your grandfather, as I suspect you did...”

Jane’s manner brightened. “I would like that. It would be what I’m most comfortable doing.”

“Good. And call me Henry, or I suppose Uncle Henry,” he said cheerily. “It was a good day when Sumner married you.”

Music and laughter filled the night’s air. Never had Jane been to such a grand affair. The house was filled with the most elegantly dressed woman and handsomely groomed men. Overwhelmed, Jane caught her breath in an effort to calm her rapidly beating heart.

The house was lovely. Columns soared from the front to the ornamented pediment over the front entrance. Walking into the foyer, Jane noted the marble floor led to a magnificent sweeping staircase. The rooms on either side opened up into ballrooms.

Willard entwined her arm through Jane’s and paraded her around the party. Voices rambled together in a blur to where one introduction seemed like the last. It was impossible to grasp hold of anyone’s name. They all ran together in a sea of faces.

Jane had been wrong in the assumption that Careen had brought a ball gown. Willard had rushed around the next day in search of a dress, settling on sending Careen back to Elm Bluff.

“All anyone gotta have done was told me to bring it! Ain’t no big deal, but no…! Wanna me up and run back. Now ain’t a problem findin’ one, I ’pose. Don’t cha worry none. Just a pain to go back.” Careen complained incisively, but in the same breath assured her mistress she would well look after her.

Jane didn’t care how she looked as long as she was presentable. She didn’t plan on staying long.

“I would think that if you stayed until after supper, it would be long enough without seeming rude.” Willard assured Jane. “I know everyone wants to see who Sumner married, but I do so hate to throw you out there to the wolves. I wish there was more time to prepare you. I don’t want you to make a misstep.”

“I don’t understand why I have to go at all,” Jane responded in earnest. “I want only to retire back to Elm Bluff. I would feel more comfortable to wait there until Sumner’s return.”

“I’m afraid we don’t have much choice. Your presence was requested.” Willard rolled her eyes. “You will be fine, I’m certain. It is only that I have heard that William Peyton is back and in that it could be a problem.”

“Mr...Uncle Henry said the name. Peyton is the one that Sumner feels is responsible for the raid that killed his mother and Mary?”

“I’m afraid so. It is why we had no desire to go. It will be uncomfortable. It is a long story, my dear, and has to do with Sumner’s sister, but in the end it was Mary and Juriah that paid the price of William’s wrath. Then, of course to begin with I suppose it had to do with Randa.”

Willard, Jane quickly realized, liked to talk. Jane asked, “Randa?”

Willard leaned over to Jane. “I shouldn’t tell you these things, but you should know and not walk in blindly. It was thought at one time that Sumner and Randa...” Willard hesitated slightly. “Well, she married William and it ended, obviously.”

Jane sat back. A black cloud descended upon her mood. Was Willard telling her that her husband had loved another beside Mary? The thought stayed with her as she dressed. How much more did she not know of her husband?

Careen didn’t get back until late afternoon with a dress, but she seemed pleased with her find. “It ain’t been worn, I suspect. It did not suit Miss Cathryn’s coloring like I think it will you.”

Jane tried on the dress. Careen sat back after she pinned up the hem and seemed delighted with the result. “Now, looky. All eyes will be on ya, Miss Jane. Shame Master Sumner ain’t gonna see ya. Ya looking so beautiful and all.”

“You are too kind, Careen,” Jane said.

Eyeing herself in the mirror, she turned one way, then the other. The dress was cut high at the waist and the shirt shimmered down to where it intertwined with lace at the bottom. The sleeves were cut short and loose upon her arms. The forest green color of the gown flattered her, seemingly bringing out the green in her large brown eyes. Her dark hair, Careen once more upswept, but allowed a few curled strands to frame her creamy, oval face.

“A necklace woulda add a lovely piece to de dress. I know the family has jewels, Miss Jane, but I don’t like bring any out while ’em soldiers are ’round,” Careen said, straightening the dress out.

“I’m fine. The only thing that bothers me slightly is I have no ring,” Jane said out loud to Careen, but Willard walked in upon the remark.

“I understand your concern, but it will be understood, my dear. You married quickly and had no time for such, but rest assured it will be remedied quickly when he returns,” Willard looked questionably at Jane. “When I said you married quickly, I don’t suppose you are with child. Are you, my dear?”

Jane shot a look at the older woman. “No, of course not. I don’t think so, but I haven’t thought upon it. We only…” she caught herself. She almost said known each other. “Only married a short time ago. Right before he sent me here.”

Willard breathed a sigh of relief. “Good! There will be no tongues wagging. Will there? Not that it hasn’t happened before,” she said, leaving the room.

At this moment, though, Jane walked into the ballroom. Across the room, the ensemble of musicians sat on a dais. She had never heard an orchestra and found herself enjoying the music and watching the dancers, who seemed to sparkle under the glow of the crystal chandelier.

Suddenly, Jane became aware she had lost sight of Willard. She couldn’t see her anywhere. Oh, where had Willard gone off to? She would never find her in a house brimmed with wall-to-wall guests. Jane sighed.

Her head pounded…she wanted to find a quiet place to regain a semblance of composure. Under the attention of hordes of Sumner’s inquisitive friends and neighbors, she felt as if all eyes lay upon her.

Jane wanted nothing more than to escape. She spied a gap in the crowd of dancers and made a dash toward the open French doors to the veranda. Finally, she breathed in the fresh air.

She wondered if she could hide out here until it was time to go. Looking up at the night sky, she thought of her husband.
Oh, Sumner I wish I was with you.

Staring out over the garden, a thought crossed her mind that if she strolled out in the garden, there would be a back gate, an escape perchance from all these stares.

Her hand gripped the railing, but her scheme was halted when from the corner of her eye she noticed Colonel Leckie walking toward her with a distinguished looking officer.

“Mrs. Meador!” Colonel Leckie called out. “So, this is where you have disappeared.”

Colonel Leckie walked side-by-side with his friend. Undeniable, the tall officer was handsome. Clean-shaven with the whitest of wigs, a crisp red uniform without a button out of place, the man carried himself as a man of importance, almost aristocratic. His gaze met hers without hesitation. She stepped back, overwhelmed with the purpose of this man.

“I have been looking for you. I have heard you have acquainted yourself with your stepson. I am certain he will be quite a joy to you,” Colonel Leckie bowed his head and gestured to the officer beside him. “Let me introduce my commander, General Marcus Durham, Mrs. Jane Meador.”

General Durham reached over and swept her hand to his lips. “It is a pleasure. They didn’t exaggerate your beauty.” He gave her a discomforting smile. Without wasting a moment, he asked, “Would you care to dance?”

Instantly, Jane sensed the threat he presented. The most charming man she had ever met, but his eyes…they held danger within them. As if on cue, the music went into a reel with a lively step.

Ignoring the music, she returned his smile and uttered the words from her lips she had practiced before she came. “I would love to, except I have hurt my ankle so I must watch others. Pray, don’t let me keep you from such. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves so.”

His lips swept upward, amused. He nodded to Colonel Leckie who departed without a word, but Jane noticed his quick glance back at her. General Durham continued, “Then, if you don’t mind, I will keep you company for a few minutes. I find it refreshing to meet new people. Don’t you?”

“To be truthful,” Jane answered. “No, I believe I need to go find...”

His hand reached out for her arm. “It can wait but a moment. I sense you don’t like me or is it all British?”

She eyed him harshly, pulling back her arm. He didn’t give way.

“Let me say that I don’t like to be told what to do without reason. I don’t understand why you wanted me here, or why I had to come.”

“You are very direct. I will do the same for you. Your husband, Mrs. Meador, is well known in the community. He has chosen to side himself with the Patriot cause, but he has strong ties to England. I’m certain you understand when I express my concern for him.”

“I find I don’t, General Durham.” She paused and pressed her lips together, thinking before she spoke. Then she went on. “I find it strange that an enemy of my husband expresses concern for him. I find it easier to comprehend one might want me to betray my husband to you. Maybe you take me for a simpleton. Are you going to tell me to talk Sumner into returning? Are you going to promise to pardon him if he does so? Or maybe a position within your command?”

He released her arm and laughed. “Most women might have felt the tiniest bit intimidated by such. You, my dear, aren’t. Do you not know the position I hold, or what I could do to your life at a moment?’

“Then, General Durham, do whatever you feel is necessary for the safety of your command. I can’t see what you feel you can do to me that will cause me to reverse my position. Not long ago, General, I didn’t care about sides. My grandfather sat firmly on neutrality, but if pressed, I would have surmised he leaned toward the British.

“He didn’t see the need to break away, and I would have stood with my grandfather. At least, I would have until he was cut down by a Loyalist militia group. I watched as my grandfather and entire family was butchered, General, murdered without cause and under the Loyalist flag, which would be your flag. Would it not?”

“Strongly felt and unfortunately with just cause, but it is that way for many on both sides, I am afraid. I looked into your family upon learning of your marriage and appearance. I can see that your husband is assuming we will look after you because of the ties he has with his sister. It is a large assumption.”

Her chest heaved with anger building within her. Smooth fury carried in her voice. “Are you threatening me, General? What of my stepson? Would you harm him also? Then I will tell you true, do what you must for I will never, ever, betray Sumner.

“He sent me here because he had no choice. I would have been killed if I stayed where I was. I don’t understand why you chose to meet me here. You could have easily sent a brigade to descend upon me. Are you going to arrest me? Throw me into those dreaded prison ships. Do you get satisfaction by throwing a defenseless woman into prison?”

He studied her for a moment before he said, “It has been my experience that a woman can be more deadly than a man if underestimated. But no, Mrs. Meador, you aren’t under arrest. You haven’t done anything to be arrested for…yet.” He smiled again. “I wanted to make your acquaintance. I thought the setting better than having all whisper if I brought you in to headquarters or visited your house. This is much better. Your beauty has graced the party and brought to it excitement, for everyone was eager to make your acquaintance. The great Sumner Meador has chosen. And I hope you don’t mind if I say I quite understand his choice. He has excellent taste.”

Jane’s face flushed with anger, reddened further by his utterance. She breathed in deeply, “Then I assume I can leave with the morning light back to Elm Bluff.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Mrs. Meador,” he said firmly. “I believe it would be best if you stay within the confines of Charles Town at present.”

“You can’t...”

“I believe I can,” he said plainly. He bowed his head to her. “I hope your ankle heals properly so that we can have a dance at the next gathering.”

Jane fumed. The bald statement reverberated within her. She had never been so mad in her life…ever. The blow hit even harder as the understanding of his words crystallized. She stood alone upon the veranda.

He had withdrawn into the house. She clutched the railing tightly. She had to think. Unlike when she planned revenge against Bloody Benny, she had more to consider, mainly a small three-year-old boy.

“You are annoyed,” Colonel Leckie stated walking up beside her. “I’m sorry, but I know the general well and I’m certain he has his reasons.”

She nodded slightly, but said nothing. What words could she say that would change the order that had come upon her?

They stood in silence for a time. Jane stared straight out onto the gardens. The music echoed out upon the veranda, but Jane still made no movement.

“I will take you to dinner if you like,” Colonel Leckie said. Looking at her, he added, “Or we can completely skip eating.”

“I have no appetite. Please go to dinner...”

Jane hadn’t gotten the words from her lips when a young lady walked out to the veranda. She was taller than Jane. Her light brown hair pulled back in such a manner that made her eyes appear enormous. She wouldn’t have been a classic beauty, not with her large nose, but she would call attention to herself. She smiled at Jane.

“Bruce, there you are. Who are you with now?”

“Katy.” Colonel Leckie gestured toward Jane. “This is Mrs. Meador, but did I not promise to introduce you to her shortly? Patience is a virtue.”