A Game of Shadows (6 page)

Valerie climbed into bed, the sheets cool and clean against her hot skin.  It was absolute heaven, as was the sight of her husband, pulling his shirt over his head and beginning to unlace his breeches.  They’d barely had any opportunity for intimacy aboard the ship or on the way to Willowbrook, and she was burning with desire for him, which would take more than a week to slake.  Apparently, Alec wasn’t feeling any different because she could see his arousal all the way across the room. 

Valerie melted into Alec’s arms as he drew her closer
, kissing her temple as his hand cupped her breast, caressing her absentmindedly.  “Val, can I ask you something,” he said suddenly, stopping his exploration.  “You mentioned before that homosexuality was widespread in the future.  What do you know about it?” 

Valerie rolled over to face Alec
, lust forgotten.  “Are you thinking of switching sides?”

“No, but I was just wondering if you know how it works
between two men.”  Valerie sat up, staring at Alec. 

“Start talking NOW!”

“It’s nothing.  Kit just happened to mention that the king might have taken male lovers despite being married.  Is that common?”

Valerie eyed Alec suspiciously.  She had a feeling that Kit might have said something more than that, but what
ever it was, Alec wasn’t about to break his confidence no matter how much she badgered him. 

“There are many men
who marry in order to hide their sexual orientation, but continue to have male lovers on the side.  When I was a child, it was uncommon for people to admit to being gay, but as I got older it became more acceptable.  Many men are openly gay and there was even talk of making gay marriage legal,” Valerie supplied, watching Alec’s face.

“The Church would allow two men to marry?” Alec asked, incredulous.

“No, not the Church — the State.  It would be a legal marriage though, recognized by everyone.  There are couples with two men and two women.”

“What? Women want to marry each other as well?”  Alec sat up in bed, staring at Valerie as if she were making a joke at his expense. 

“Yes, women can be gay as well,” Valerie explained patiently.

“Is it because they’re afraid of men?”  Alec needed to find an explanation to satisfy his mind, but Valerie just shook her head.

“It’s because they prefer women.  Period.  Now, why are you asking me all this?”  Maybe he was in such shock he’d spill the beans, but Alec quickly recovered himself, lying back down.

“No, reason.  Just curious.”  He still looked abashed, trying to figure out how all this worked, emotionally and
physically.

“How do women…?” he began, but Valerie put a finger to his lips, silencing him and nibbling on his earlobe to distract him for the numerous questions he was about to ask.  Alec got the point, his hand sliding up her thigh.  Valerie cried out in surprise as Alec suddenly flipped her onto her stomach, pushing her nightdress above her wais
t and grabbing her hips.

“Alec, don’t you dare,” she
squealed as she felt his cock against her ass.  “I’ll never forgive you.”

“Don’t squirm my dear, it won’t help.  Just think of it as research.”  Valerie gasped as
he slid into her, silencing her protests.  She wasn’t sure what to expect, but aside from the feeling of pressure, it didn’t feel so bad.  Alec began to move slowly, his thighs pushing hers further apart.  She tried to relax, but her mind was still refusing to let go and accept what he was doing to her.  It just didn’t feel right, and she wished he’d stop.  Valerie forgot her objections as Alec’s hand came around and slid between her legs, stimulating her until she began to relax.  His fingers probed her as he thrust slowly and deliberately, bringing her to heights of pleasure she’d forgotten she could experience.

August 1624

England

Louisa Whitfield walked aimlessly among the perfectly manicured hedges of the formal garden, running her hand over the prickly tops.  The shadows were just beginning to lengthen as the sun began its descent toward the horizon, finally giving way to a cool breeze blowing through the trees.  Louisa closed her eyes and concentrated on the achingly sweet song of the lark hiding somewhere in the branches of a nearby tree, singing its heart out before another day drew to a close and silenced it for the night. 

Louisa had looked forward to coming to England, but she wasn’t enjoying herself at all. 
The tension between the adults was palpable, and her only outlet was playing with the children.  She had to admit that she loved being with Evie, and Robbie’s sturdy little arms around her neck as he fell asleep nearly brought her to tears.  They were so sweet, oblivious to everything but the love people felt for them.   She’d been too young to appreciate Evie when she was born, but now her response was surprisingly different.  She supposed that at almost seventeen, her maternal instinct was awakening, reminding her that it wouldn’t be long before she became a mother herself. 

Of course, there’d been no offers.  Her indiscretion with Tom wasn’t a
s quickly forgotten as she’d hoped, and she pretended not to notice the sly looks or snide comments that she overheard in town and after church.  Louisa hoped that she could marry before she turned eighteen; being an old maid wasn’t a very attractive quality, so she had to try her best to find a suitable husband before then, but no respectable family would want her for a daughter-in-law in Virginia.  Coming to England provided her with a clean slate, but as of now she hadn’t been exposed to any eligible young men.  Uncle Kit had promised to introduce her at Court, but Louisa had to be realistic — being pretty was enough to get an invitation to someone’s bed, but not enough to elicit a proposal of marriage.  Without a title or an estate in England she didn’t have much to offer a prospective husband.  True, their estate in Virginia was a profitable one, but for most people at Court the only life worth living was in England, so a tobacco plantation, profitable though it might be, wasn’t enough of an incentive to offer marriage.  The only way Louisa could avoid returning to Virginia unwed was to use her wits and looks to turn the head of some unsuspecting youth and hope that his family didn’t object to her too violently.

Louisa sighed and turned back toward the house.  It was almost time to change for supper
, and she still wanted to take a bath.  This heat was unbearable, leaving ugly wet stains beneath her armpits and making her perspire in places she didn’t know could sweat.  The house was a bit cooler, but not by much, and she looked forward to her soak.  She’d ask the maid to fill the tub with cool rose-scented water, which would be so pleasant and refreshing.  Louisa had almost reached the stairs when a commotion in the hall drew her attention.  There’d been so little excitement over the past week that any distraction was welcome.  Louisa held down her arms to hide the sweat stains and walked into the hall, eager to see what was happening.  A young man who bore an uncanny resemblance to Kit was talking to the manservant, asking to see Lord Sheridan without delay.  His face was flushed from the heat, his clothes and boots dusty from travel.  He was clearly in no mood to be trifled with, but stopped mid-sentence when his eyes fell on Louisa.

“I beg your pardon, madam.  I didn’t mean to disturb you.”  The young man swept her a gracious bow,
his dark eyes never leaving her face, making Louisa blush.  “Where are my manners?  I’m Theodore Carew, Lord Sheridan’s nephew, and you are?”

“Louisa Whitfield, Lord Sheridan’s niece,” she
answered coyly, subconsciously arching her back to draw the young man’s eyes to the creamy breasts swelling above her bodice, her lips turning up at the corners just a little when she noticed his gaze shift from her face, his breath catching in his throat. 

So, this was Theo.  Aunt Louisa had mentioned him the other day.  He was Lady Caroline Carew’s youngest son, and
had been her secret favorite; the son who favored her in looks and temperament.  Theo’s two older brothers were already advantageously married, but Theo was around twenty with no bride in sight.  Louisa lowered her eyes in mock embarrassment and smiled at Theo shyly, gazing up at him from under her thick lashes.  He seemed dumbstruck, unsure of what to say to this beautiful girl who came out of nowhere and was looking at him with such poorly disguised interest.

“Ah, I see you two have met,” observed Kit as he walked into the hall
, his favorite hound at his heels.  He tossed his hat to the manservant, who caught it deftly and withdrew with a slight bow to the master whose attention was already on his nephew.  “Theo, what are you doing here?  Not that it isn’t a pleasure to see you.”

“I bring a message from Court, Uncle Kit,” replied Theo, his eyes straying to the beautiful girl who was still watching him with those amber eyes.”

“I hope you’ll be staying for a few days.  Come into the library so we can talk.  Do excuse us, Louisa.”  Kit slapped Theo on the shoulder as they walked toward the library, leaving Louisa looking after them; a small smile playing about her lips.  Suddenly, things had gotten more interesting, setting her mind whirling with possibilities.  She raced up the stairs to have her bath and to pick out her most becoming gown for supper.  She’d be damned if she let this opportunity pass her by.

August
1777

Staten Island

Abbie peered at the map again, then looked around at the landmarks, if you could call them that.  They were in a place called Staten Island, but it might as well have been the backwoods of Virginia.  They’d passed a farm about an hour ago, but hadn’t seen anything since, and there was nothing to tell them if they were on the right track.

“I think we’re going the wrong way, Finn.  There’s nothing here,” Abbie complained.  She was tired, hungry, but most of all
, saddle-sore.  The thought of spending another couple of hours in the saddle were enough to make her cry, especially since she was expecting her period and feeling crampy and achy. 

“No, I think it’s just up ahead.  I know you’re tired, but just a little bit longer.  Sam will think the worst if we don’t show up. 
We’re a few days late as it is.  Would you like to dismount and stretch your legs for a bit?” Finn asked, a look of sympathy on his face. 

“No, let’s just press on.  Once I get off this old nag, I’m not getting back on, and that’s a promise.  Do we have anything to drink?”
  Finn passed her a bottle of cider, hoping the cool drink would refresh her.  He was tired himself, but didn’t want to show weakness.  It would just make Abbie feel worse.  If they didn’t find the homestead soon they would have to camp for the night and look for it tomorrow, but Finn hoped it wouldn’t come to that.  They were low on food and drink, and another night of sleeping outdoors would likely push Abbie over the limit.  She’d never traveled anywhere before this, and the weeks of being in the saddle and sleeping rough had taken their toll.  She’d need at least a day or two to rest before they took up whatever role Sam had in mind for them.

“Come on,
Abs, just a little while longer.”  Finn squeezed her hand, willing her not to give up.  Abbie just nodded and dug her heels into the horse’s sides, spurring it on.  If she couldn’t get out of the saddle, maybe she could at least feel the wind on her face. 

The farm finally came into
view about a half hour later.  It was a desolate looking place, but there was light in the windows and smoke coming from the chimney, which hopefully meant that someone was cooking supper.  There’d be no other reason to light a fire on such a warm night.  Several chickens were pecking in the dirt in front of the house, and the lowing of cows and bleating of sheep could be heard coming from the barn as the final rays of the sun disappeared behind the horizon, bathing the homestead in a lavender glow that would quickly give way to the velvety blackness of a summer night. 

A figure emerged from the house, peering into the gathering darkness as Finn and Abbie finally drew closer to the house.  Abbie’s heart nearly burst with joy as she recognized Sam.  She couldn’t see his face clearly, but the limp gave him away. 
It wasn’t bad, but noticeable nonetheless, especially when he was tired.  The bullet had penetrated his thigh right above the knee, thankfully sparing his kneecap, but preventing him from remaining in the army.  Sam could no longer march for hours, or run during an offensive — he was damaged goods.  Their mother hoped he might come home, but Sam wasn’t ready to give up the cause.  If he couldn’t fight the enemy overtly, he would do so covertly, with the help of his father.  Mr. Mallory was only too happy to have Sam join the Committee and put his considerable skills to good use. 

Abbie slid off the horse right into the warm embrace of her brother.  “Oh,
Abbie, I thought you’d never get here.  I was getting worried.”  Sam kissed Abbie on the forehead and held out a hand to Finn, who came up behind her.

“Well, maybe you should draw a better map next time.  One bush looks much like the next when you are traveling through the wilds of Staten Island,” Abbie retorted, already turning her attention to the house.  “Who lives here?”

“A friend.  Come inside and I’ll introduce you.  Supper is ready, as are your beds.  Your assignment begins tomorrow, so you need to rest.”  Sam put an arm around Abbie’s shoulder as he steered her toward the door.  “Finn, just leave the horses.  I’ll see to them in a moment.  Come inside and get some food.  You must be starved.” 

“We are, actually.” Finn tied the horses to a stile and followed Sam and Abbie into the house.  He was touched by the relief on Sam’s face as they arrived.  He must have been more worried than he let on, and now that his sister was involved it would be more difficult for him to remain detached.
  Finn hoped that whatever situation Sam found for them would not put Abbie in any immediate danger, but they were now in enemy territory and would have to be on their guard, always looking over their shoulder and hoping that they did nothing careless to give themselves away.

**

Finn wiped the last of the gravy with a heel of bread and popped it into his mouth.  He would have loved to ask for thirds, but there was nothing left of the savory stew that now lay warm and comforting in his belly.  Mr. Jenkins set a bowl of raspberries on the table, inviting Finn and Abbie to help themselves.  Abbie took a handful and ate them one by one, savoring the burst of flavor as each berry dissolved in her mouth, filling it with juice and seeds. 

“Sam, Abbie is exhausted, so why don’t you explain our roles before she falls asleep.  Mr. Jenkins, thank you for the meal.  It was wonderful.”  Finn pushed aside his bowl, ready to get down to business.  He knew that
he and Abbie would be exposed to the British in one capacity or another, but it was up to Sam to fill in the details.  He’d been working on a plan that hinged on their arrival.

“All right,” Sam replied, pushing away his own bowl and pulling out
a map which he unrolled on the table and pinned down at the corners with the empty bowls.  “British troops are stationed here, here and here.  However, many of the officers are lodging on the isle of Manhattan.  Cromwell’s boarding house is located right here, on the south side of the island.  It’s run by a Mrs. Cromwell, the widow of Major Cromwell, who served under Cornwallis.  Her reputation is above reproach as far as the British are concerned.  At any given time, there are at least fifteen officers lodged at the house.  Mr. Jenkins here, supplies Mrs. Cromwell with produce from his farm, as well as bacon and cheese.  He’s recommended his nephew, Finlay and his wife to come help out at the boarding house as one of Mrs. Cromwell’s current maids is doing a lot more than cleaning rooms.”  At this, Sam gave them all a meaningful look that made Abbie burst into giggles. 

“Mrs. Cromwell thinks it might be best to have a married couple since the officers would not trouble a married woman.  I
must admit that the logic of this fails me as I’ve troubled many a married woman myself in my capacity as an officer, but I digress,” said Sam, grinning.

“Finn, you will see to the horses and help out with any chores that require muscle, and Abbie will clean the officer’s rooms and help serve meals. 
Abbie, you will have a unique opportunity to read correspondence left in the rooms or see maps left lying about.  We believe that the British are planning an offensive, and we need to know as much as possible about where they intend to strike.  The information you get can help us win the war.”

Abbie gave Sam a dubious look.  “So I have to clean chamber pots as an act of patriotism?”

“Exactly, sis.” 

“That could be my
battle cry, “Chamber pots for Liberty!” Abbie exclaimed as she tossed another raspberry into her mouth with a saucy giggle.  “I can’t wait.  Hopefully, Finn and I will have our own room in this military paradise?” 

“Yes, you will have a room above the stable, which might not be luxurious, but will at least give you some privacy and a place to hide things if necessary.”  Sam rolled up the map and began to rise from the table, obviously ready for his own bed.

“Sam, how do we get the information out?” Finn asked. 

“Oh, sorry
, forgot about that part,” Sam chuckled.  “We will meet in a previously chosen location about once a week, and you will pass on whatever you think is important.  I, in turn, will pass it on to those who will get it to His Excellency General Washington.  Now, off to bed with you two.  You look dead on your feet.”