The Governor's Daughter (Winds of Change Book 1) (34 page)

“No, Lady Pennington, I came only to relieve your anxiety.”

“Jake?”

“I have talked with him briefly. His only concern is your welfare.”

“But…but…General Durham said that Jake disobeyed a direct order…” Cathryn’s voice faltered. “Oh, please, take me back to General Durham. It is all my fault…”

“There is no need. I know the general well enough to know that he understands the whole of the situation at this point and the ramifications,” Lieutenant Leckie said. “Major Pennington wanted me to reassure you. He seems more upset that you discovered what is happening. He does not want to add to your burden.”

“He is no burden. He is my husband.” She heaved a tremulous sigh. “My father was in the military. I understand fully what he is facing.”

“As does he. Major Pennington knew well the consequences of his actions as all of us did,” Lieutenant Leckie went on. “It was deemed necessary. We had intelligence of a raid against your home. We took the necessary action.”

“Why? Why did Jake take such a risk?”

“I respect you, my lady. So I will be blunt. When your children, your son the heir to the Duke of Eversleigh, and your daughter, his grandchild, were within British authority, General Clinton considered the mission complete.”

“My children have been taken from me?”

“Major Pennington will never allow that to become a reality,” Lieutenant Leckie stated emphatically. “Major Pennington was beyond livid at his orders to step down…to leave you. I myself had to contain him. General Durham wrote on his behalf to General Clinton, but General Clinton reiterated his position. The last few weeks have been eventful. The major threatened to resign his commission a few times and go in on his own. We talked him out of it. It was the last correspondence that sent him in.”

“And he commanded all of you to go with him?”

“No, we did that on our own. I owed you. I gave you my word. I was going back with the major no matter what as well as Maddy, not that the lad would have been much help. All others came on their own accord. I believe it was about half the General Durham’s officers. That’s what I’m trying to tell you. If the general does anything to him, he will have to do to us all. It will leave him short of trained officers to fight a war.”

“Jake will be okay? I don’t know what I—”

“I believe so,” Lieutenant Leckie broke thought. “I would wager General Durham will turn the event to his advantage, but yes, I believe your husband will emerge from the incident. In honesty, my lady, Major Pennington is well thought of as a fine officer and gentleman.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” She sniffled, unable to contain the relief that flooded her.

“I will have to take my leave. I’m next in line for my conversation with General Durham.”

Lieutenant Leckie departed, leaving Cathryn once more to wait.

* * * *

Time grew late, but sleep eluded Cathryn. Lieutenant Leckie’s words resonated within her. The hope he had given faded with each passing moment.

She bolted upright when she heard the door handle rattle. Jake had come back!

“Oh, Jake! I have been so worried!”

He was tired, no doubt fatigued, but he gave her a small smile. He closed the door, but he wasted no more time. His next move was toward her.

He slung his waistcoat over the footboard, pulled off his boots, pants and joined her in bed. Embracing her, he gave her no answer. Instead, his lips met hers.

They spoke only with actions. Warm and eager, she encircled her arms around his neck. Responding to his touch…his caress…his love, the two drove back the demons of the world…at least for the moment.

* * * *

Cathryn lay quietly in Jake’s arms as he played with a strand of her hair. She reached for his hand and kissed it.

“Would you like to talk of it?”

“Let us just say that I’m happy to have found you here,” he answered. “Upon my walk back, I thought to myself, Cathryn is going to be within my bed and all will be right.” “Is it?”

“More than you will ever know. I have dreamed of you for so long. To have you here means more than you will ever know.”

“Tell me, Jake. I can’t take you hiding things from me. Are there going to be consequences for your actions?” she questioned and was not greatly reassured by his gentle kiss. “Jake, please talk to me.”

He grimaced betraying his reluctance. “It is far from the worst that could have happened. I have been reprimanded. I was able to keep the incident from the other officers’ records that helped me rescue you. It is a small price to pay to have you here in my arms.”

Cathryn sensed there was more. “Do not keep all from me, Jake. I am not a child.”

“It can wait until the morning.”

“No, now, Jake. I want to know now.”

He hesitated, but she would not relent. She wanted to know the truth. She waited in breathless silence.

“My love, I wanted nothing more than to retrieve you and resign my commission. I had made arrangements to do so, tentative upon your arrival.”

“So we will be together?”

“It was my plan. There is much to take care of back in England. Though Mother has informed me my estate in Cornwall has been flourishing under the manager that Philip provided, your affairs need to be addressed. I cannot let you do so by yourself, not with the courts trying to confiscate your property.”

“What are you telling me, Jake?” She heard it in his voice; saw it in his eyes. She whispered, “You’re not coming back with me.”

“General Durham has a mission for me.”

“A mission? What does that mean, Jake?”

“It means we have a few weeks together, just the two of us. General Durham has given me leave to take care of you. A ship is scheduled to go back to England within the month. I want you upon it. Not only for your own safety, but it will reunite you with your children,” he said.

“You’re not coming.” Her voice faltered.

He gazed into her eyes. “It doesn’t matter now. Does it, Cathryn? You have to know how much I love you. You have no more doubts.”

“None,” she said with utter wretchedness. The thought of being separated from him once more tore at her heart.

“I know well, my love…my life.”

“Then have faith that I’ll return home once the mission is complete and we will be together…forever.”

* * * *

Cathryn had a strong desire to see her children, a longing that pulled her towards them, but her heart and strength lay with Jake. She tried to will time to stand still, but time showed no mercy. The day had come.

She stared out on the open ocean as she stood upon the docks. She was once again set to sail for England…one last time. She would not be returning.

Jake stood beside her. Her rock. He assured her that the last weeks were the happiest in his life. No matter what she encountered in England, she wasn’t alone. He had even helped her communicate with Sumner before she departed.

Dear Cathryn,

I have confirmed what you heard that dreadful night. You can rest assured I will avenge the act. I buried Mother and Mary in the family cemetery. I assumed you would have no objections. Caleb lives now in Charles Town with Mary’s family. The Petersons offered. I have much to do and he will be well cared for. Go with my thoughts and prayers.

Your loving brother—Sumner

Cathryn could have cried, for as she left, the comprehension that the two men who meant the most to her were on opposite sides struck her. She prayed that God would well look over both. Apprehension grew upon each step she took.

The voyage itself did not concern her. Jake had asked another officer, Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell, who had resigned his commission after the Savannah campaign, to look after her during the journey.

No, her worry lay with being apart from Jake. Her love had only grown deeper each day they shared.

Jake walked her to her cabin. Since Tacy was already in England with her children, her husband had found her a maid, a young girl, Bonnie, willing to venture to England to serve as her needs dictated.

“The cabin is adequate. Hopefully, the voyage won’t be long.” Jake peered at her thoughtfully after he looked around the small quarters. Pressing his lips together tightly, he eyed her cautiously. “There is but one more thing I need to address before you go.”

“We have gone over everything more than once, my love,” Cathryn assured him. “You have seen to my needs and I will be reunited with my children, waiting impatiently for your return. There should not be any issues as long I have custody of my children.”

“I said that I had placed everything in order, Cathryn. I well imagine that His Grace may have a differing view of what has been settled with the children. Please, make an effort with the duke.”

“What do you mean?”

“My dear, I will not be there to mediate between the duke and yourself. The duchess has had the twins for the last three months, by the time you return it will be closer to four. Consider what may be the most comfortable for Philip and Lucy.”

Immediately, her temper flared. “What do you know that you haven’t told me, Jake?”

“The duchess wrote—”

“She wrote and you never let me see? My children—”

Jake pulled the letter from his pocket. “I saved it until now. It came when the last ship docked. I didn’t tell you because I want you to contemplate the situation over the course of the voyage. The children…” he paused. “Cathryn, the duchess couldn’t be happier. I believe from the letter that His Grace was deeply touched by both Philip and Lucy. It’s my belief they will offer you a home until I return.”

“I would never!” Cathryn drew back away from Jake. “After all he did. You couldn’t think I would want—Jake! No!”

“See, that’s why I waited. I knew you wouldn’t think rationally.”

“Rationally! How could you, Jake?” she cried, possessed with sudden anger.

He took her by the shoulders.

“Cathryn—listen!” He gave her a quick shake. “You will have time to stew upon the whole of your voyage, but now you will listen. You may not believe it, but it may be for the best. You have a lot to face in England and I won’t be there. You will find you will need to let go of the past to have the future you want.”

“What does that mean?”

“You will find out all the details in London, but the fight to confiscate your property will begin in earnest upon your arrival. Mr. Hamilton has had everything postponed because of your impending return. If it is how I fear, there will be more than just the aiding and abetting charge. I underestimated Lyttleton before. I won’t do that toward his father. And, Cathryn, to defeat Lord Blankenship, you will find you will need the Duke of Eversleigh.”

“I have done nothing wrong, Jake. Why…” she cried with venom.

“As you found out so well, it is characteristic of the elite. The gentry judge each other with different rules and will defend each other reliant upon the belief that all follow a high standard of integrity. Such as Lyttleton’s attack upon you, it was easier for most to believe that you caused him to behave such because of his status in life, not upon his own actions. If they well had known him as he was or seen the harm he inflicted, it would have been different,” he said, tossing aside all reservations. “Cathryn, Lord Blankenship will try to shred your goodness to pieces. I have given you my name, but the most important aspect may lay with His Grace. With all this ranting and raving about you before and after Philip died, with Lyttleton’s death, you may not like it, but it may well depend upon the duke.”

“Do you want me to give him my children to save my money? How can you say such?” She could not believe what she was hearing.

“You misunderstand, my love. The man I know, Philip’s father, won’t allow you to be treated in this manner. He’s had time to comprehend everything you gave Philip. I ask only that you keep an open mind. Understand Philip wanted his parents in his children’s lives. You know that well.”

Without warning, tears welled in her eyes and rolled slowly down her cheeks. She stood looking at him like a hurt bewildered child. He said no words, but took her gently in his arms, pressing her head against his shoulder.

“I can’t do this without you, Jake. How am I going to survive?”

“You will because you are stronger than you imagine. How to God I wish I could go with you! I have done all I can. If by chance, all falls upon you unjustly, you have my estate. But remember, my love, I care not about the money or what others say. In the end, I care only if you are there to meet me when I return home.”

He took her in his arms and kissed her with a completeness that swept away any uncertainty she had.

England

Early on a Monday morning, sounds from Plymouth harbor woke Cathryn. She lay for a time while listening to them. She had returned to England. Her depression during the voyage lifted. She would soon be reunited with her children. Her concerns allayed if only for the moment.

Gathering her courage, she slipped out of her bed and readied for the day. Poor Bonnie rushed to bring water for Cathryn’s refreshment, spilling half of it on the floor. The young thing hadn’t been trained properly to be a lady’s maid. Cathryn suspected Bonnie agreed only because she was afraid to refuse a request from a British officer.

Her maid laid out Cathryn’s best gown she had brought, a faded blue linen with an embroidered bodice. This morn, Bonnie pulled her hair back in a bun with curls left to the side of the face then added a matching bonnet. Cathryn could do little about the worn woolen cloak.

She hadn’t the time or money to have been provided a wardrobe before she left Savannah. Dear Jake had seen to her needs the best he could. She suspected he had spent his last pence on her.

Jake! Her heart ached. Oh, whatever had he gotten himself into! He had spent a great deal of time with Lieutenant Leckie before her departure. She needed not to be told that Jake was about to embark on a dangerous mission. Her heart couldn’t contemplate the risk he was taking.

Cathryn had wanted so desperately to tell him how foolhardy the adventure would be if he went back into South Carolina. Without question, he was familiar with the landscape and community. He had served there before escorting her to England. It was for that same reason she worried…what if someone recognized him?

Cathryn thought back to when she had first seen Lieutenant Leckie, unkempt with a full beard…running for his life. Oh, whatever would she do if Jake was ever caught! She would never be able to live with herself if anything happened to him.

No…she reprimanded herself. She refused to contemplate anything other than the fact that Jake would soon be home with her. She needed only to take care of the matters at hand. Her children.

A cutting wind above deck made her draw her cloak more closely about her. Only the night before, Lieutenant Colonel Campbell had assured her he would see that a message was sent to the Duke of Eversleigh about her arrival and arrange a stay at a respectable inn until a carriage was sent. To Cathryn’s surprise, she found there was no need.

Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, a middle-aged gentleman who Jake held with the utmost respect, greeted her warmly. Over the time she spent with him on board, she, too, gained admiration for the man. She learned he had been responsible for the victory in Georgia. Though he had been a prisoner of war for two years prior before being exchanged for Ethan Hale, in his conversations he never mentioned any of his miseries nor indicated any animosity toward his captors. He had expressed only his excitement of coming home.

“Ah, Lady Pennington, I had planned to escort you to an inn, but as it turns out I believe you have adequate transportation,” Lieutenant Colonel Campbell said. “There was a message anticipating your arrival. It seems you have a carriage waiting for you. Let me escort you.”

Cathryn took his arm in stunned silence. Who would have known she would have arrived this day? Then she caught sight of a sleek, elegant carriage, bearing a proud, bold coat of arms. The Duke of Eversleigh.

Cathryn wanted to slap Bonnie’s hand to close her mouth, for it stood gawking at the sight. She pushed her maid forward.

The footman immediately opened the door for the ladies. “His Grace foresaw your arrival, my lady. Everything has been arranged. I’m to take you to Longwood.”

“My children are there?”

A small smile emerged on the footman’s face. “I believe they are happily anticipating your return, my lady. The young lady asked me to give you a kiss, but I assured her she could do much better than I.”

Cathryn could have cried. Yes, that was her Lucy. She thanked Lieutenant Colonel Campbell profusely and departed toward her children.

* * * *

The journey to Longwood required a night at an inn of which Cathryn was thankful. She needed to compose herself. She would need all her wits about her when she arrived at Longwood.

A soothing bath and sleep upon a stable mattress helped regain a semblance of her former self. She had discovered the extent of the duke’s influence. All her immediate needs had been attended to by the duke, from the carriage to the inn.

She had long ago allowed Bonnie to sleep. The girl’s nervousness wore on her already frayed nerves. She sat brushing out her hair, staring blankly into the mirror. A wave of melancholy swept through her. She pushed the feeling away. There was no time for self-pity.

Memories flooded her…reminding her that she had never recoiled from life. She wasn’t a coward. She wouldn’t fail those that depended upon her—Jake, Philip, Lucy, and the little one growing inside of her.

She had suspected before she left Savannah; now she was certain. She was with child…Jake’s child. She wanted nothing more than to give him his heart’s desire for a child of his own, but he wasn’t here to share her joy.

No, she would keep all to herself for a while. The promise of life renewed her strength to face the Duke of Eversleigh.

* * * *

The wheels of the carriage slowed at the entrance of Longwood. Sudden apprehension gripped Cathryn. Despite her marriage to the heir of this magnificent estate, she had never been to the mansion, the home of the Duke of Eversleigh and final resting place of the twins’ father, Philip.

She exited the carriage at the foot of the steps. All her fears were alleviated the moment the massive front doors opened. She heard them before she saw them. Running rapidly, she could hear Lucy reprimand her brother.

“It’s not fair. Your legs are longer!”

Cathryn didn’t care. Her children were once again within her arms.

* * * *

Breakfast was served on the veranda. Cathryn sat with the duchess while the twins romped in the garden. It did her heart good to see her children happy and carefree. They had been well cared for and loved.

There were signs she had been greatly missed. Both children had smothered her as if she would disappear once more. Lucy had become overly affectionate with hugs and kisses, but it was Philip who seemed the most distressed. He constantly ran back to check to see if she was where he had left her. God love her little man!

“I hope you wrote Martha that she is welcome to visit. I wrote to her this morning also. I know she is anxious to see you in different circumstances than your last meeting.” The duchess broke the silence of the morning.

The Duchess of Eversleigh had aged since Cathryn had last seen her, but this day she looked quite relaxed and lovely in a plum colored day gown. She wore no elaborate headdress as was fashionable. She chose instead to simply pull her hair high on her head with a large silk hat adorned with a matching ribbon.

“I sent my letter off last evening,” Cathryn responded warmly.

It amazed her that the duchess’ caring manner toward her remained unchanged. The duchess held to her word and had not pressed Cathryn about the past. She had shown Cathryn only compassion.

“I hope you don’t mind that I sent for one of the seamstresses within the village. I understand from Jake’s letter that you had to leave rapidly without your clothing.”

“I appreciate your kindness, Your Grace, but I’m unsure about my situation at the moment. I want to talk with my solicitor before I spend any money,” Cathryn said plainly. “I couldn’t and wouldn’t impose. I expect to hear back from Mr. Hamilton shortly.”

“Cathryn, I know, my dear, I do,” the duchess said, patting Cathryn’s hand gently. “I have hesitated about discussing the matter because I wanted to give you time to adjust. I wouldn’t want to dishearten you, but, my dear, you need a change of clothes. I understand you being prideful to a certain extent, but dear, you’re not desolate.”

Releasing a pensive sigh, Cathryn responded, “I have been told the government is trying to confiscate my property. If they are successful, I will be desolate.”

“Nonsense, child.” The duchess shook her head. “Charles has said you have never tried to touch a penny of what Philip left you, and from what I understand they are trying to confiscate only your inheritance from your father. Above all, you are my daughter. Can’t I see that you are properly dressed?”

“I appreciate your generous offer, but I cannot in good conscience accept,” she said with stubborn pride. “To be honest, once all this is behind me, I will have to make different arrangements. I don’t know how long Jake is going to be gone. General Durham has him on some awful mission that can well get him killed, all because he set to rescue me. I was thinking of taking the children and going to Cornwall with Jake’s mother.”

“Take the children away!” the duchess exclaimed.

“Oh, Cathryn, we have become so attached to Charles Philip and little Lucy. You well know how desolate I was…we were. To have known you left because of my husband’s actions was unbearable…not only losing Philip, but knowing his child was across the ocean. I feared I would never know my own grandchild.

“My heart soared when on the wings of a miracle they appeared. Twins! Little Lucy is her father…I see him in her every time she smiles…and Charles Philip…”

Cathryn let the duchess’ words fade. She needed not to be told that Charles Philip reminded her of the duke. She saw it too at times.

“I call him Philip after his father,” Cathryn said after a time.

“I know. I know.” The duchess nodded in an apologetic manner. “I’m ashamed of myself for I know it was my husband who started calling him such, but it is now set in my mind that way. I will try hard to correct myself. I will confess, though, his mannerism, the way he looks when he hears something he doesn’t want to, he is so much like his grandfather.”

Turning her head, Cathryn hoped the duchess would not notice the tears welling in her eyes. She did not know why the thought made her so emotional other than the fact that Philip was her child. Had she no control of her life, not even over her own child?

The duchess leaned over and reached for Cathryn’s hand. “You have been so strong for so long, my dear. To have given life to those two beautiful children and the happiness you gave to their father, I have thanked God daily. I know Philip saw within you your strength. He lay heavily upon it. I will forever be grateful.”

“I think of Philip often,” Cathryn choked on her words. “I know he did not want me to run back to Charles Town, but…I felt I had no choice.”

“Oh, my dear, I do not want to upset you. Philip was responsible for his own actions. It took the duke a while to accept the truth. I was trying to say you have held all upon your shoulders far too long. I don’t want you to worry about anything concerning us…” Lady Eversleigh said flustered. “Pray forgive me. I’m not saying this in the right fashion.”

“What she is trying to say, Cathryn, is that I was a fool to have treated you in the manner I did. You have done a commendable job with your children. You are family and should be treated as such.”

Cathryn felt a cold chill surge throughout her body. It took great effort to look over her shoulder. Her heart stilled…there he stood. Tall and intimidating as ever…the Duke of Eversleigh.

Elegantly dressed in a dark button waistcoat and crisp white cravat, his finely powdered wig set firmly in place. His gaze lay upon her and she trembled until it shifted away from her.

Patters of tiny feet distracted her. To her shock, her children ran up to their grandfather. Immediately, he picked Lucy up and swung her over his head. She squealed happily.

“Do you have a kiss for your old grandfather?”

She wrinkled her small upturned nose in a funny fashion and swung her arms around his neck. She giggled and gave him a huge kiss. He placed her down. Philip stood without issue, waiting for his turn for attention. The Duke of Eversleigh reached in his pocket for a treat for the young one.

“Thank you, Grandfather,” Philip said as he accepted his candy, then gestured toward his mother. “Momma’s home.”

His Grace nodded. “I know, Charles Philip. I know.”

* * * *

“I call him Philip,” Cathryn stated emphatically, sitting across from the duke in his study. “I’m his mother. I don’t want him called Charles Philip. If I had, I would have done so at birth.”

Nonchalantly, the duke shrugged. “Cathryn, it is but a small concession. Is not his name Charles Philip? You named him such. I choose to call him by his whole name.”

She fumed. Forgetting for the moment Jake’s request for her to compromise…for her own sake, she allowed her resentment to show. “This is getting nowhere. It is no different than when I left I can see.”

“No, everything is different,” he disagreed. His voice held a remnant of his cool disposition, and underneath the words she could feel the same desire to control as when she left; although, this time he well knew everything. There were no secrets.

Instinctively, she placed her hand upon her stomach. Queasiness assaulted her. She was too upset. Holding her hand against her mouth, she looked up to find the duke staring at her strangely.

“Are you with child again, Cathryn?” he asked bluntly.