The Governor's Daughter (Winds of Change Book 1) (26 page)

She gasped in astonishment. “How did you know?”

“Alfred’s caller was a man in the employment of the duke. The man questioned Alfred quite thoroughly. Alfred gave him no answers, but Cathryn, Alfred heard the most astounding rumor. Were you married to his son?”

An awkward silence ensued. Cathryn wasn’t certain how to answer. She drew in a deep breath and simply nodded. In the next breath, she told him the whole of the story.

* * * *

William sat back against in his chair. His eyes fixed on her. “You did right, Cathryn. Of course, you had to come home. How could you ever even consider going back? It’s complicated at best, I’m certain. I knew there was more to the story, for Eversleigh wouldn’t be scouring for your location for bastard children.”

“It was rumored we weren’t married?”

“Cathryn, Alfred was getting the information second hand at best. It made no sense to me that you would be running without reason. How like the arrogant British to tie up your inheritance. The bastards!” A brief moment paused before he spoke with deliberate slowness. “I should have never let you leave.”

Cathryn sat speechless at his words.

“I’m sorry.” He heaved a laborious sigh. “I should have been a gentleman and never uttered my feelings, but I suspect you well know how I feel. After you left, I had foolishly clung to the hope that you would return to me, until Sumner informed me of your marriage. It is strange the mess our lives have fallen in. We have tried so desperately to follow the rules that society and God dictate to us, and look at us.”

“It can’t be undone,” she said when she found her voice. “It hasn’t been all bad, William. I have two beautiful children. You will also, soon. And Randa—”

“Randa is in love with Sumner and will always be, Cathryn. I knew that well before I married her. She was a dutiful girl and never uttered such, but it is there as well as you are now, Cathryn.” He rose and strolled over to the window. “She has noticed since your return. She hasn’t said anything, but I know she realizes you are back by now. I’ve never mention it. I’m sure you wondered why she wouldn’t have called upon you when the twins were born. I suppose you thought she didn’t want to run into Sumner.”

“You shouldn’t talk of such, William. You are a dear friend and I don’t want that to end. Why are you so miserable?”

He shrugged indolently. “You were in love.”

She nodded. “And in honesty, William, I don’t ever plan to marry again.”

“You’re young. You were hurt. It will take time, but it will come.”

“I don’t know if this hurt will ever heal,” she said slowly. “My concern now is directed at my children. Sumner thought that Alfred might be able to help me. I need to contact my solicitor in London without anyone’s knowledge.”

“It shouldn’t be an issue. I’ll talk to Sumner and then I’ll write to Alfred. Give me time to arrange the communication, Cathryn. I will help.”

Cathryn watched William ride away. She was troubled by their conversation. He had been correct that she suspected, but she never expected him to express himself so openly. She wondered why he had done so.

Had she become so hardened that she questioned every man’s intentions? She released the curtains and let them fall back into place. Cathryn hadn’t the time or energy to think about it now. She had her small ones to hold her attention. Once William had one of his own, he would feel different.

* * * *

Days drifted into the gloom of December. She had only just placed Lucy back down for a nap when Sumner walked into the room.

A shiver of dread crawled up Cathryn’s spine. A strange expression came over his face. Never had she seen him look so desolate.

“Come with me.” She led out of the nursery into the anteroom. “Tell me, Sumner. What is wrong?”

“It’s Randa,” he finally said. “She lost the baby. It was a girl. She had been ill before the delivery. Now she is bad sick, Cathryn. They don’t know if she will make it.” Pain seared into his face.

“You have to have faith she will survive, Sumner.”

“I don’t know. They wouldn’t let me see her,” he rambled incoherently. “I tried. I wanted her to know…”

“Sumner!” Cathryn exclaimed. “Why on earth would you have done such a thing? She’s married to William.”

He did not answer, but sat with his head in his hands.

“Why, Sumner?” she pressed. “Why would you do such?”

Slowly he raised his head. Tears escaped his eyes. “Because the babe was mine. She married William only because of it. I begged her to marry me! She couldn’t bring herself to do so because I was a bastard! She said her father would never have accepted me.”

Cathryn could find no words, but took her brother in her arms and rocked him. Her heart pained for him, knowing there would be no words to bring him comfort.

Cathryn watched with pride. Two years had passed since she had given birth. Her life in England had become a faded memory. She had settled peacefully into a sedate country life. Her battle for her inheritance continued, but she awaited word with optimism.

William guided her on every legal action. Moreover, Sumner seemed content that she had placed her faith in their friend. She reasoned that Sumner was a man of action, whereas William was a thinking man. Between the two she felt secure. Odd, neither Sumner nor William let the woman who stood between them dim their friendship.

Today was a celebration—the twins’ second birthday. The lawn was filled with surrounding neighbors and friend. It had become harder and harder to socialize without fear of repercussion. There was an edge to the community with its distinct sides—Loyalists and patriots. It had gotten to the degree that one didn’t even need an excuse for violence.

The animosity forgotten, at least for the day, Cathryn had had a new dress made for the occasion, a simple rose cotton dress with a white bodice and petticoat. She thought back to a time when she had a new dress for any event, but those days had passed.

A child’s screech made her turn. Lucy had caught sight of her uncle’s present to her. Sumner had brought out two ponies. She laughed watching her children run toward their prizes. Laughter filled the air.

Cathryn wasn’t certain the gifts were appropriate for their young age, but Sumner had rebuffed her protest. Lucy wanted a pony and had wiggled a promise out of her uncle. Cathryn hadn’t the heart to deny the twins.

Lucy had already climbed atop of the painted pony with Mary holding tight to her. Her pretty blue party dress hiked up above her knee, her little legs nudged the pony. To her annoyance, it made no movement. Mary seemed quite amused.

Philip wasn’t as demonstrative, but seemed delighted as his uncle placed him upon his black pony. The little one leaned over and hugged his pet.

“They seem pleased with their uncle’s gifts.”

Cathryn glanced up to see William. “He spoils them,” she said with a small laugh. “But I wasn’t going to be the wicked mother to refuse such.”

“No, I wouldn’t have enough courage to tell Lucy,” William said.

He moved over closer to her side. She took a step back. There were too many people about, including his wife. She caught sight of Randa standing under the old elm. She had accompanied her husband to the day’s festivities with the utmost reluctance.

Randa had made it clear to her husband she wanted nothing to do with Cathryn. She would never do so publically…not if she wanted to remain William’s wife. William’s patience had grown thin for his beautiful wife.

Randa was indeed a lovely woman, but there lay sadness in her eyes. Cathryn held no sympathy for her. Randa had made the decisions that led to her situation and had done nothing to bring herself out of it.

Rather, she withdrew into a world of self-pity. Both men, the one she used and the other she had turned her back on, had turned from her. Although Cathryn had encouraged William to try…Randa was his wife and would remain so…William had been adamant there was nothing between the two except the rings upon their fingers.

But in truth, Randa now stood between William and Cathryn, not that she was in love with William, but William was safe. She could be content. Not that there had been anything inappropriate between them.

Not yet…only a small touch…a shared look. Cathryn had no desire for her relationship with William to change. She was content, but she realized he wanted more. If she gave him any encouragement, she held no doubt where the relationship would lead.

William leaned over for her ears only. “I have news.”

“From London?”

He nodded. “Would you like to wait until after the party?”

“Of course not,” she responded. She glanced toward the house. “I’m certain we could find a private spot to discuss it.”

Immediately, she regretted her words. He didn’t say a word, but all of a sudden, he looked…dangerous.

He gave her a small bow and his lips twisted into a smile. “A half an hour in the library. Can you come up with an excuse?”

She gave him no answer, but scurried down the small incline to the children. Lucy saw her mother first and screamed for her attention. Phillip made a small face as if he didn’t care. He had what he wanted and wasn’t coming off his pony.

Watching her children, a sensation swept through her. She was happy…truly happy, more so than she had been since before she had left for England.

Cathryn relieved Mary of her duty. It had to have been difficult to hold her fidgeting daughter upon her pony.

Mary relinquished her role without protest and eased over beside Sumner. She had turned seventeen not long since. She would never be considered a beauty in the classic sense, Cathryn supposed, but she had such appealing eyes that would draw one to give her another look. Not that Mary would look at anyone other than Sumner. And with that, Cathryn had chosen to look the other way.

She had tried once to reprimand her brother, but learned quickly it wasn’t a subject up for discussion, which led her to only one conclusion. She hoped only that her brother would have the good sense to offer marriage. Out of everyone Cathryn knew, Mary was the one who deserved happiness.

Cathryn’s arms became tired. “Lucy, it’s time to come off. We have guests we need to entertain.”

Surprisingly, Lucy gave her mother little resistance, but fell into her arms. She yawned and laid her head upon her mother’s shoulder. Cathryn caressed her blond, sweaty hair, which had curled from the humidity. She would be asleep before long. She eyed Philip, who steadfastly refused to be removed from his pony. Sumner was in the process of negotiating his removal.

By the time Cathryn walked up the hill back to the veranda, Lucy was sound asleep upon her shoulder. Cathryn saw Juriah. “I’m going to lay her down for a bit if anyone is looking for me.”

It had long passed the half hour. She rearranged Lucy on her shoulder and eased into the foyer. She was about to open the door to the library when it opened. William stood waiting. He had been watching from the window.

“I’ll put her down on the couch,” Cathryn whispered, but William took Lucy gently from her and placed her down. He took her hand and led her away from the small one.

He pulled a letter from his waistcoat pocket. “I hope you don’t mind, but I couldn’t wait and read it when it arrived.”

“Of course not,” she responded softly. She eagerly opened it. All the words she skimmed over until the end—

…the decision of the court is as stated, that no viable cause has been given to keep said accounts from the wife. The restrictions have been lifted and full control back to Lady Cathryn Blankenship Tinsley
.

“It’s over? Truly over?” She looked up from the letter. She chastised herself for speaking loudly. William placed his finger over her lips and nodded silently. The next moment he bent down and kissed her lightly.

She said nothing and he kissed her again. His hand wrapped around her waist. She should have resisted, pushed him away, but she was so happy. He kissed her over and over. Cathryn could feel his need for more, and today, she wasn’t in the mood to deny him anything. He had freed her from the chain that had been placed around her.

A slight knock sent the two flying apart. Cathryn’s hand pressed her dress down, checked her hair to make sure it was in place. William hid behind the door when the door opened.

“Miss Cathryn,” Tacy called out.

“Tacy! Ssh!” Cathryn said in a loud hush. “Lucy’s sleeping.”

Tacy grabbed her arm and dragged her out into the foyer. “Mr. Sumner had me look for you. A carriage rode up the drive way. The group of them exited all together. Everyone’s staring...”

“What in the world are you talking of?” Cathryn said in confusion.

“Well, it ain’t the neighbors, Miss Cathryn. Two of them have Red Coats on. They’re British and one of them is…” she hesitated, “one of them is your Lieutenant.”

* * * *

Panic surged through Cathryn. Her blood froze, only a moment before she had control of her life. She had well known with the negotiations, that they had been told of the existence of Philip and Lucy, but she never dreamed they would appear upon the plantation.

Fear shown from her eyes. William emerged from behind the door. He seemed as confused as Cathryn. As quickly as the panic swept through her, the instinct to survive surfaced.

“Tacy, stay with Lucy.” Cathryn squeezed Tacy’s arm tightly. “Do not leave her or let anyone take her. Do you understand?”

Tacy nodded. Cathryn ran to the door. Standing within the driveway were two British officers in full military uniform alongside another gentleman she wasn’t familiar with, but Mr. Parker stood alongside Colonel Jonathan Percy, commander of the patriot militia group. Cathryn caught Parker’s eyes and easily read the concern within.

Her heart pounded. She would never let them take her children! She rushed down the steps. She saw Sumner engrossed in conversation with Colonel Percy. All about the small group, a crowd had gathered. She ignored everyone. She had to find her son.

Where was Philip? From the corner of her eye she caught sight of Mary easing back into the house with little Philip in her arms. Relief flooded her.

Cathryn turned quickly. Her eyes now fixed on the visitors…one of the officers. Jake. Jake had returned. He wore his dress uniform, a brilliant red waistcoat with a white sash underneath, white trousers and black hessian boots…the epitome of a perfect soldier. From the golden bars on his shoulder, she saw he had been promoted to major.

The years had changed him little; he still looked ruggedly handsome. His eyes found hers and her heart stirred. Oh, heaven above, what was wrong with her? He was the enemy.

Sumner nodded slightly and moved to her side. He looked none too pleased.

“The British officers are here on official capacity under a flag of truce. The major over there claims to be the twins’ guardian. An official request for their return to England has been made, Cathryn.”

Shaking her head, she stepped forward. “Leave,” she demanded in an ice-hard voice. “Now! Sumner, please see to it they are shown off of Elm Bluff. They are my children!”

The elder officer bowed to her, ignoring her command. “Lady Tinsley, I’m Colonel Hugh Noghtingard. We have come to work out a solution to the problem at hand. I’ve been asked to mediate this situation. Please understand it isn’t about taking your children away from you, but returning them to their home, which lies in England.”

“No,” she said. “You can’t force me to give you my children. There is no need to discuss this further.”

“We do not need to escalate this further here.”

Cathryn shot a look at Parker, who took her by the elbow. He shadowed her view away from the British.

“You know me well, Lady Tinsley. Now that I know your situation I understand well what you have done. Trust me. It is only a formal request which I have to honor. It has come all the way from Congress. There is nothing I can do about the proceedings, but I can assure you I’ll do all I can to keep your children safe. At the moment, though, you need to invite them in to see the children.”

Cathryn shook her head. “No, they aren’t welcome. I want them off my land. Have them come back tomorrow.”

“I’m afraid this needs to be dealt with promptly,” Colonel Noghtingard stated.

“Not here. Not in my home. There is no need for proceedings. You aren’t taking my children.”

“Jalyn!” Sumner yelled at her, for she had turned and ran back into the house.

* * * *

Cathryn stood by the window in the drawing room where she had the best view of the lawn. The French doors opened wide upon the veranda. In the background, the sun was setting beautifully brilliant red in a cloudless sky.

Her guests had reluctantly departed after her display, most left curious to the purpose behind the proceedings. Sumner had sent word to Charles Town immediately for a lawyer, surprisingly for Henry Peterson.

Cathryn didn’t care. She didn’t have faith in anyone or anything at the moment. All she could see was her children being snatched from her hands. The children had awakened from their nap, confused to the strangers surrounding them.

Sumner hadn’t given her any choice other than for her to prepare the children. She sat sullenly brushing Lucy’s hair, trying in some manner to pull it up, but it kept falling down. She was almost in tears.

Tacy tried to help, but Cathryn pushed her away. Tacy could have her hair up in seconds, but these were her children. Philip, bless the small one, could well feel the tension. He clung to his mother in a protective way.

“No one is taking the children from you, Cathryn. Let the entourage see the twins and have them depart. No one within Charles Town is going to allow children to be taken away from their mother,” Sumner said. “Have I not protected you?”

“What are you going to be able to do now, Sumner? Everyone will know or suspect now. Eversleigh knows well we have been exposed. I will be left with no other option.” Her voice cracked.

“No, Cathryn.” Sumner took his sister by her shoulders. “Don’t lose the fight within you. Do you not believe I will let anyone touch one strand of hair upon either’s head? They are my niece and nephew above all else. And around here, do you not believe anyone will dare have the nerve to stand against me?”