The Governor's Daughter (Winds of Change Book 1) (23 page)

Cathryn’s eyes studied her brother. Her thoughts were frozen back in time. “Oh, Sumner, do you truly think so? His family? Mother’s?”

“You hadn’t a chance, little sister,” he said grimly. “I believe it came from his family, but your mother’s must have cooperated.”

Cathryn slightly nodded. “Of course, Reggie owed a fortune. Oh, my God! I let them stay within the estate. I should have kicked them out.”

“No, no,” Sumner soothed her. “You did what you had to do to save Mary. She told me. Life across the ocean makes no sense to me. Threatening a child who saved another. Mother told me the state of your back. Tacy said you were lucky you survived. I don’t see the justice in any of that!”

A warmth of comfort flooded Cathryn. She hugged her brother. “You don’t know how good it is to be back.”

“We aren’t out of the woods, yet, Jalyn. I don’t want you to worry about any issues, for you are with me now, and I won’t let anyone harm you or your child, but you realize we will have to face several concerns after you deliver.”

“What do you know?”

“That my darling little sister could be carrying an heir to a dukedom. I hope to God it’s a girl, for I can foresee troubles if it’s a boy.”

“You won’t let the Duke of Eversleigh take my child!” Cathryn cried.

“Hell, no!” Sumner exclaimed. “You don’t have to have the weight of the world upon you now. I will care for you. I went over the numbers you gave me last night. Even though we may have to fight for your inheritance in time, at the moment we should be content. We have taken losses as of late with the Indian raids that have begun.”

“Sumner, promise me you won’t let them take me back to England, or my child,” Cathryn pleaded. “I would die.”

“You have no worries, Jalyn.” Sumner gave her his word.

* * * *

May gave way to an oppressive, hot June that wilted the flowers in the buds. Cathryn had the entire household waiting upon her. She was in her glory, except she was so uncomfortable with the heat, the weight the baby placed upon her, and the fact she couldn’t breathe easily, but she was happy. Elm Bluff protected her from the hurt that welled up inside, allowing an escape from dealing with Philip’s death.

Mary had blossomed since her arrival. The once plain child had a gleam in her eye. She turned fifteen on the voyage back home. Color had returned to her pale face; she seemed to glow when Sumner was around.

She had begun to brush her hair in a different manner, sweeping it upward. Tacy had gone through Cathryn’s old clothes and found several that flattered Mary’s coloring.

Of course, the child was enamored with Sumner. He doted upon her for saving his only sister, but as with most of his gender, he was unaware of the effect he had on the young one.

Cathryn said nothing. There was nothing to be said. With all that Juriah had told her she doubted her brother was interested in much to do with the female persuasion.

“After we received your letter about your marriage, William took the news hard,” Juriah said shortly after her return. “Sumner didn’t tell William whom you married, but felt he had a right to know. I believe that William had assumed you would do so, but I believe he had hoped. Afterwards, William followed his father’s advice. He married Randa Bowden.”

“Oh, no,” Cathryn uttered, not for William, but that Randa married another, not her brother. “Sumner?”

“He tried to persuade Randa to marry him when the news became official, but Randa refused to go against her father. Sumner has had many burdens placed upon him. He had to deal with the plantation without full control until he heard back from your solicitor,” Juriah said gently. “Your father had placed Sumner as your guardian, but it was hard to enforce from across the ocean. I believe the day the letter arrived stating that he had full authorization over the plantations and there were no restrictions placed upon him, it gave him strength. To know that you acknowledge him fully, Cathryn, means the world to him.

We are a strange family. Are we not?”

“But we are family,” Cathryn said. “And that is what I have so missed. It is good to have a haven to run to.”

“You need this time. You can’t run from your past forever, but you do not need to make a stand today. I’m concerned with you, Cathryn. You are certain you aren’t due until July?”

“It is the earliest, Juriah,” Cathryn acknowledged. “I have never been so uncomfortable, either. I’m huge.”

“Your feet are swollen, also. We need to take care of those,” Juriah said simply. “You need to relax only. Sit back. Once the babe comes, you won’t have time to rest.”

Cathryn didn’t argue with her. From her vantage point on the veranda she could see over to the river and pasture. England was only a distant memory, as if she had dreamed it. If not for the babe she carried and the scars upon her back, it would seem as if it never happened.

“She’s out on the veranda. I’m sure she would like to see you.”

Cathryn half rose, hearing Juriah greet a visitor, to get a closer look at who it was. She grinned in delighted recognition at the older, but still the same, handsome, well-dressed man. “William Peyton!”

“Cathryn.” William walked swiftly up to Cathryn and kissed her cheek. “I didn’t realize you had returned.” William stepped back as if only noticing her clothing. The full unrelieved funeral black she wore left little doubt she was in mourning. “I’m sorry, Cathryn. Is it your husband?”

Cathryn gave William a small nod. She didn’t know why, but tears welled up in her eyes. She thought she was beyond the tears. “Yes, unfortunately he succumbed to an illness a couple of months ago.”

He gently squeezed her hand. “You have my condolences, but at least you will have a small one to relieve some of the pain of the loss.”

A few months ago she would have blushed upon the statement, but with her appearance, there could be only one conclusion to her condition. “Yes, it is my hope. But what of you? It is good to see you. I understand congratulations are in order. You married.”

“It seemed the right course of action,” William began in almost an apologetic manner.

“It is good to grasp at happiness, William. I’m certain your father was happier than if it had been me. I don’t think I impressed him when I tried to open a school on your plantation,” Cathryn conceded.

“I don’t know if it was the school, Cathryn, or you trying to encourage the young ones to run away.” William laughed with remembrance. Cathryn returned his laugh with her own.

“It is good to see you. I’m glad you came. I hope you don’t mind, but I don’t want everyone to know I’m back at the moment, not until after…” She paused for a moment. “Until after my confinement.”

“Of course, Cathryn. You know I wouldn’t do anything to cause you discomfort. I hope you know I still consider you a dear friend,” he said sincerely. “I hadn’t even suspected. I came over only to talk with Sumner. Juriah said he isn’t around. If you have need of anything…”

“Sumner will take care of everything,” she assured him, but broke her gaze away from him.

“What is wrong, Cathryn?”

“Wrong? Oh, William,” she uttered. She wanted desperately to tell all to her friend. She had always confided in him, but Juriah walked out to the veranda with refreshments. Her eyes cautioned Cathryn. Much had changed since she had left. “It seems I cry over everything these days. I’m desolate upon losing Philip. He was so young and will never see his child. Pray forgive me.”

“There is nothing to forgive. Randa is the same now,” he responded. “We haven’t announced it as of yet, but she is to be a mother, not until the fall, though.”

“That is wonderful,” Cathryn uttered, but she caught Juriah’s eyes. Again Sumner would be hurt. Cathryn swallowed, accepting the cup of tea. “Thank you, Juriah. You always know what I need. I’m so glad I returned, although I have to admit I had hoped the turmoil to have calmed, but the discourse seems to have only grown.”

“That was what I had hoped to talk with Sumner about. We received news of some more attacks upon the western borders. I had wondered if I could interest him in renting or buying the Charles Town house. I didn’t realize you were back. You may want to inhabit it now, but Randa feels nervous with all the rumors and wants to return to Charles Town. I know it’s not in use at the moment.”

“You will have to talk to Sumner. I know most go into town, but I have no intentions of living in Charles Town. I’m content here, but I’m unaware of any occurrences in our area to give rise to be concerned.”

Juriah poured William a cup. She took a seat. “I don’t believe Sumner wanted you to be concerned, my dear. For the moment, Elm Bluff doesn’t seem to be in any danger. We are too close to Charles Town for the Indians to attack us.”

Cathryn wasn’t convinced. “What gives Randa concern, William? You live close.”

William sighed. “I’m not certain if…”

“I am, William. I’m not a child. I admit I haven’t kept up with all, having to deal with a sick husband, and I had only a desperate need to return home after, but I had been warned. I believe they talked of battles.”

“Cathryn, it’s the war. You haven’t convinced yourself otherwise, I hope. I know you, ignoring what you don’t want to hear. The call for independence has gone out. We are breaking away from England. In so doing, the English bastards have enlisted the help of the Indians, mainly the Cherokee.

“They have engaged their service with the tomahawk and scalping knife. The poor untutored Indians delighting in carnage, believing the British scoundrels. The last raid came down and left the Johnson family devastated.

“Hugh Johnson was still with the South Carolina militia under Colonel Richardson and was with him at the Battle of Ninety-Six when they broke up a Loyalist gathering. The Indians raided his home up by the Saluda River, burnt it down to a crisp. Killed his infant son, scalped his wife, Wilhelmina, and kidnapped his oldest two girls. It could be where Sumner is. Richardson may be calling on him for his help again.”

“What do you mean, William? If it is as you say, why would the militia be calling upon Sumner?”

William looked confused. He glanced over at Juriah who sat without showing any emotions. He looked back at Cathryn. “I thought you would have known, Cathryn. Sumner is one of the leading militia commanders. He is with the South Carolina militia. He was with Richardson and Thompson at the Ninety-Six.”

Cathryn’s eyes fell in confusion. She knew he had to be teasing her. Sumner a patriot, never! He wouldn’t be disloyal to their father. “He would never! He would never take up arms against Father’s…”

Juriah eased up. “William, maybe you can come back when Sumner is here. It seems that I’m left to explain situations to Cathryn.”

“I’m sorry. I got carried away,” William said tensely.

“I never meant…”

“I know, William,” Juriah replied. “It’s something that has needed to be discussed, but as you can decipher, Sumner hasn’t approached the subject. But it is best if it came from him.”

William reluctantly took leave with a promise of returning soon. Cathryn’s bosom heaved with silent wrath. Juriah returned to find Cathryn too angry to speak. They sat in silence for some while.

“Why would William lie? He knows we are loyal subjects to the crown!” Cathryn declared in fury.

“Calm yourself, Cathryn. Much has changed since you left. Your father, himself, was sympathetic to some of the unjust laws fostered upon the colonists,” Juriah said firmly. “Sumner said nothing because he knew you would react in the manner you have done. He didn’t want you upset with all you have gone through. In essence, it has no effect upon you as of yet.”

“He couldn’t betray Father!”

“No, Cathryn, he would never betray your father. But he is young, brash and dreams the world as he wants to see it, fired by idealism to create a new world,” she said simply. “He loved the Governor and admired him greatly. Did you know that the man that killed your father was from a leading Loyalist family? I believe there were many factors. You will need to talk with him when you get control of your feelings.

“Ask yourself if it’s so important at the moment. Can it not wait until after the babe arrives? I’m worried about you, Cathryn. You don’t need any more conflict to deliver a healthy child.”

Cathryn heeded Juriah’s words. In truth, she only wanted to think of the child. She didn’t need to confront her brother yet. It would change little.

Juriah was right. There was a bond between the two siblings that would be difficult to break. The two had the same father, but had grown up in two different worlds. Who was she to judge her brother’s decision? But it gave way to a new worry—What world was she bringing her child into?

For the first time since she arrived home, Cathryn questioned her decision. Oh, not how she felt about being home…she needed the warmth and love that surrounded her, but at night she could see Philip’s face. He had gone to great lengths to keep her within England for a reason. Was this the reason? It wasn’t her life she had taken a chance upon, but her child’s.

Her anger built. Then you should have never left me so totally alone, Philip! I had no choice. Do not be mad at me. Her nerves had been stretched tighter and tighter each day of her confinement.

Juriah had placed her on bed rest. Cathryn saw the worry within Juriah’s eyes, but if she did nothing else she would deliver a healthy child. That she knew and was determined to do so. It was the one thing Philip wanted above all else. God help me, Cathryn cried. She knew well he wanted the child for his father—to give him something to cling to after he was gone—and she had run from him.

When she let her guard down, she could hear Jake tell her not to do something rash. Did he know her so well that he knew she would run? Well, she didn’t run to hide, but to be home. They knew well where she would go. But if what she had heard was true, then time would tell whether there would be any attempt to make contact. Mary had told her there were rumors that a battle brewed in Charles Town harbor.

“I want to know everything, Mary. I know you talk with Sumner since both of you are traitors to me and choose the patriot side,” Cathryn retorted, being of ill nature more often than not with the oppressive heat that abounded.

“Cathryn, you know I would never betray you,” Mary replied. She had gained confidence in herself with her return. “You need not worry. You haven’t much longer. A month at the most and Juriah believes it will be earlier. And you may hope that the patriots do win. What are you going to do if the British invade? Do you want that mad man descending down upon us?”

“Of course, not,” Cathryn said tensely. “But at some point I will have to contend with him.”

“And that should be on your terms, Cathryn. He treated you intolerably! He doesn’t deserve to ever know!” Mary contended. “After all you had gone though and Lord Philip loved you so. You know even if he had never said a word, you could see it in his eyes. I wish one day to be loved that way.”

“He did love me.” Cathryn suddenly became emotional. Tears began to stream down. “Oh, Mary! What am I to do?”

Cathryn gasped as a sharp pain shot down her back. “Oh, Mary!”

Mary didn’t hesitate. She called out first for Juriah and next went running for her. Tacy ran in.

“Oh, my Miss Cathryn, is it time?”

“It’s too early,” Cathryn cried. “I think. What day is this? Ah, Tacy!”

She grabbed hold of Tacy’s hand, gripping it so tightly that Tacy screamed in pain. Gradually, the pain subsided for the moment.

Juriah ran in the room. She took one look at Cathryn and noted the soaked sheets. She glanced up with a smile.

“It seems your child has decided today is a good day.” “It’s too early,” Cathryn whispered raggedly.

“No, child, it’s less than a month from the date of late July you gave me,” Juriah said calmly. “With all you have gone through, it’s a wonder you haven’t gone earlier. June 28th is a fine day. Trust me, Cathryn. I could call for Doctor Lillington, but I assume he’s helping with the wounded from the battle.”

“Battle? It’s begun?” Cathryn cried. An endless stream of tears emerged. She gripped her stomach. “Oh, Juriah!”

“We’re all set, Cathryn. I have delivered many babies, as you well know. We will do this together, but promise me one thing,” Juriah said calmly. “Through everything you are about to experience, hold to what you will have in your arms shortly. It will get you through.”

At first the pain came in waves, and then the contractions didn’t end. Pain shot through her body so that she hadn’t the energy to cry out. At times she didn’t know whose hand she held. Sweating profusely, her nightgown clung to her body. She could feel wet cloths upon her forehead. She saw Mary and Tacy make their way in and out of the room; sunlight gave way to darkness. Everything became as a blur.

“Look at me, Cathryn,” Juriah spoke in a steady tone. “You need to push. It is time. Push. I can see the head.”

Cathryn pushed and pushed. Mary stood close, urging her on.

“Push!”

“I can’t,” Cathryn cried.

“Yes, you can,” Mary answered. “You want to see the babe. You will push.”

A moment later, a babe appeared. A loud cry emerged at the same time. A swell of relief flooded Cathryn. Her child was crying…loudly.

“Oh, Cathryn. She is beautiful,” Juriah cried along with the baby. “It’s a girl.”

She had a daughter!

“Lucy. Philip wanted to call her after his grandmother. Can I see her?” Cathryn asked, not believing it until she had seen her creation.

“It’s a beautiful name—Lucy.” Juriah smiled. “Of course you can. I’ll clean her up in a moment. Smaller than I imagined, but healthy from her cry. She is as her mother.”

Cathryn tried to pull herself up in a more comfortable position, but the next moment another sharp pain swept through her. She screamed. “Oh, my God, Juriah!”

Juriah quickly handed the crying infant to Mary who stood helplessly as Juriah called for Tacy. The pain continued. Panic overcame Cathryn. Juriah’s concern quickly turned.

“Cathryn, I believe you are about to have another,” Juriah said as calmly as she tried to contain herself. “I believe I see another head. Push again.”

* * * *

In the morning sun, Cathryn lay with her babies. Twins, her wish of delivering a healthy child had been answered in duplicate. As Juriah had handed her the second babe, a wave of euphoria had swept through her.

All the pain she had gone through during the delivery was forgotten the moment they lay within her arms. The only deterrent was that Philip wasn’t here to see them. Each beautiful, ten fingers, ten toes, she had counted them all.

“I had been so worried,” Juriah confessed. “I should have considered, but I thought you had the dates wrong, but you have done it, Cathryn. What are you going to name the second one?”

Cathryn thought for a moment. “I promised Philip if it was a boy I would name him Charles Philip after both him and his father. He wanted him to be Charles, I know. I just can’t bring myself to call him Charles.”

“You could name him Charles Philip and call him by his middle name. I’m sure you’ll have no problem calling him after his father.”

“No, I wouldn’t.” Cathryn smiled, content with her bundles. She should have been exhausted, but she didn’t feel tired. She only felt exhilaration. “What do you think, little one?”

Philip had clamped down upon his mother’s breast and hadn’t a worry in the world. Juriah held Lucy while her mother fed her brother. “We can find a wet nurse if you don’t have enough milk.”

Cathryn slightly nodded. Mary burst into the room, catching herself before she yelled out her news. “A messenger arrived moments ago. Sumner sent word. The British have been defeated. We held at Sullivan’s Isle.

Moultrie beat the British. They’re withdrawing!”

Cathryn was confused as to how she felt. She should have been upset that the British lost, but she had to confess at the moment she was content. She didn’t have to worry about the Duke of Eversleigh descending down upon them.

Her heart swelled with love. She didn’t know she could love something so quickly and intensely. At the moment, she basked within that love…safe within her home.

* * * *

Sumner returned triumphant in his victory. He hadn’t even tried to hide his satisfaction from Cathryn. He had never spoken to her and she had never broached the subject with him. He took great pride with the twins as though Cathryn had won a race of some sort.

“Ah, healthy and happy and free,” Sumner reminded Cathryn. He had taken the boy in his arms. Philip seemed content even though his mother worried about the way her brother held him. “He’s a boy, Cathryn. He’s fine.”

And it was good. Cathryn was content for the first couple of months. She was exhausted most of the time with all her attention bent upon the babes. Juriah had taken one of the field slaves that had birthed around the same time to use as a wet nurse for she feared Cathryn didn’t have enough milk for the both, especially Philip.

Cathryn marveled at her children and watched them closely. Little Lucy, even at her young age, seemed to have formed her own personality. Her daughter reminded Cathryn of the little one’s father. She smiled often, even though Tacy kept saying it was the little one’s stomach.

Cathryn didn’t believe her. Lucy’s smile was Philip’s and she thrived with attention.

Philip seemed content as long as his mother was by his side. Cathryn didn’t mind. Her life was her children. She had taken back up her sketching, drawing them from all angles.

One thing was certain. Both seemed to have a close attachment. Cathryn found that both slept better in the same bassinet.

A nagging guilt emerged from within Cathryn as she regained her strength, questioning her own contentment at the expense of her mother-in-law’s. She picked up her pen.

“I wouldn’t do that,” a voice came from behind her.

“Do what?” Cathryn asked as she turned to her brother.

“You are fixin’ to write someone about the twins. You’re happy and you want to share your joy, but, Cathryn, it will change if you write that letter. To who? Philip’s mother, perhaps? You can’t abide his father, but his mother took you in.”

“What do you think you know?” Cathryn shot back. “When everyone was against me, she opened her home to me and it had nothing to do with Philip at that time. Philip was her life. It would give her some joy to know she had grandchildren.”

“It is up to you, Cathryn, but if you write that letter, they will know. All the Duke of Eversleigh would have to do is write a letter to General Washington, Henry Laurens…numerous people. No one would keep the child from him. Cathryn, you must realize you live in a precarious situation. If it is known that the heir to the Duke of Eversleigh lived among them, the babe would be endangered from kidnapping or even worse, death.”

“Don’t try to scare me,” Cathryn cried. “No one would hurt a babe.”

“Then you have shut your eyes to all around us,” Sumner answered her harshly. “It’s my hope that the conflict will find a quick resolution or else we will have to come up with another plan. You have kept a low profile, which has helped, but it will catch up with us in time.”

“You are frightening me, Sumner,” she said. “What do you want me to do?”

“What you are doing now. Nothing, but live. Take it day to day. In time, all will work out. I have promised to protect you. Everything will be fine, but don’t write that letter. It will only invite complications.”

Cathryn laid the pen down. For now, she would do nothing.

* * * *

William paid a visit, after the birth of the twins. Cathryn thought he might have brought Randa with him, but seemed to be content to visit without her. Though, Cathryn reasoned Randa was still within her confinement.

Cathryn burst with pride while watching the sleeping babes, never for a moment considering that others might not find watching them as entertaining as she did. When William left, it occurred to Cathryn that William might not have told Randa. Was he keeping her secret from his wife? She pushed the thought aside.

Rumors of small scrimmages abounded. More Indian raids, but Sumner had allayed her fears. “If I feel they are moving closer, I will move you into Charles Town, but I don’t see such.”

Life had fallen into a routine of caring for her children and helping Juriah with the household. Once more, she found peace visiting the grave sites, but now her father lay within the small cemetery.

Early on an autumn morning, Cathryn stole a chance to visit the cemetery. The twins had been up throughout the night and had already gone down for a nap. She did not stay long for she feared the twins would wake. They had been quite fussy as of late.

Walking back, she halted. She swore she heard the sound of a rider approaching Elm Bluff. Strange, it was too early for callers, but she heard the distinct sound of measured scrunch on the gravel as hooves slowed down in a natural way to the rhythm of a walk.

She rounded the corner of the house to see a horse standing with its reins hanging loose. She looked up the steps. The door was flung open with a stranger’s voice hollering. She had no time to think or fear. She rushed into the house.

Lying at the foot of the staircase, the house boy, Israel, laid silent, blood oozing from his head. She bent down. He still breathed. She followed the voice and raced up the stairs.

A huge, rather burly man with a well-kept beard, stood pounding on Mary’s door. Oh, good Lord, it was Franklin Chelton. He wasn’t after her babies…he was after Mary!

Where was everyone? Frantically, she glanced around the corridor. The man was mad! She had to protect her babies…Mary.

Thankful her father saw the need to show her how to fire a gun, she made a dash for Sumner’s room. She knew exactly where he hid his pistol. She fumbled nervously in his top chest drawer.