Both men gaped at her, obviously not used to being asked to leave before they were finished. After a moment’s silence, Mr. Newsome looked to Mr. Reynolds for guidance.
“It has also come to the attention of the church that you behaved in an unseemly manner in view of the entire village several weeks ago. I fear we must take you to task for that, mistress.”
“I know of the incident of which you speak,” Hannah said. “I can only say that my actions were innocent affection and not something sinful.”
“That may be. You and God alone know the state of your heart,” Mr. Reynolds said with another keen glance from those blue eyes. “However, the village witnessed you in the embrace of a loyalist. For that, there must be penance.”
Hannah struggled to keep her anger in check. “I appreciate your concern, gentlemen, but I assure you my soul is well before the Lord.”
He shook his white head. “I fear we cannot take your assurance. We must ask you to appear before the town council to answer questions about your conduct and morals as well as the state of your soul.”
“And if I do not?” Hannah wasn’t sure where the courage came from to question his edict. She’d already answered the questions as well as she was able.
“I advise you not to test us in this way,” he said ominously. “We will expect you tomorrow afternoon at two.”
Hannah stood her ground, though inside she was quaking. What would she do if she were banished? Where would she go? She allowed not a hint of her misgivings to show on her face but merely inclined her head. “I shall answer your questions, sirs. But not tomorrow. As I said, my sister is not well. When she is well again, we shall answer your accusations.”
Mr. Reynolds’ face was thunderous. “The church shall hear of your defiance this day, Mistress Thomas. If you fail to answer to the church in a satisfactory manner, you shall be banished. We do not want to do this, mind you. But we will have no choice. We cannot have such behavior go unpunished.”
He glared at her once more, then stomped to the front door, his cane slapping smartly against the floorboards. When the door slammed behind them, Hannah sank into the chair and buried her face in her hands.
A salty breeze lifted the hair on the back of Birch’s head and raised his lagging spirits as he took the steps two at a time to his room. He’d found a pleasant rooming house near the quay. He would never be able to stand to live away from the sound of the sea. His landlady, Mrs. Dunwoodie, was a short, stout woman with ruddy cheeks and a wide smile that made Birch feel welcome. His room had one window that looked out on the water. Though small, the room was clean with simple furnishings, and the price included breakfast and supper.
He seldom encountered the two other boarders, a thin, young man with the nervous habit of picking his teeth and an intense man about his own age who often carried a Bible under one arm. Birch vowed to stay away from the Bible-carrying gentleman. He had no interest in listening to him spout off about wrath and damnation. Birch knew all about damnation and wrath. As far as he was concerned, plenty of both abounded in this wretched world.
New York was crawling with British soldiers. It seemed to Birch that the numbers had increased even more in the past few days. He had an uneasy feeling something was about to happen. He needed to find out what was afoot and get word to General Washington. His job as a merchant was a good cover. It was commonly known that he had been transporting goods to the British ships and was merely working until he obtained another ship.
Mrs. Dunwoodie knocked on his door. “Captain? There is a gentleman downstairs who wishes to speak with you. I’ve put him in the parlor.”
Birch frowned and pulled on his coat. He had been looking forward to an evening of reading. But it could be important. He hurried down the steps and into the parlor.
Samuel Rivers rose from his seat on the sofa and thrust his hands in his pocket. “Close the door.”
Birch gave him a keen glance, then shut the door. He had never seen his superior look so rattled. Samuel was usually in full command of any situation. Birch’s interest sharpened. He was ready for some new excitement.
Samuel waited until Birch came nearer, then put his finger to his lips and tiptoed back to the door. He swung it open quickly, but no one was there. “Just checking,” he muttered. He shut it firmly again and motioned Birch to follow him away from the door. “I must be certain no one hears.”
“What has happened?”
“The British Army intends to take Philadelphia.” Samuel spoke the words softly, still watchful of the door.
A soft exhalation was the only response Birch allowed himself. He itched to take up a musket himself and defend his country’s capital. “When?”
“They’re on the march now. I sent someone to warn Washington. But I need you to try to learn all you can quickly. Major Montgomery will be at a large party tonight at the home of Molly Vicar. I managed to get you an invitation. Mingle as circumspectly as you can. We need to find out just when the attack will commence and how many men they plan to deploy.”
The muscles in Birch’s neck tightened, and his respiration kicked up a notch. So, it had come at last. He would meet the man face-to-face who murdered his brother.
Samuel laid a hand on his shoulder. “I had hoped to keep you away from Montgomery. I cannot stress how dangerous this is. Montgomery seems to have a sixth sense about people, and more than one of those who have tried to get close enough to him to gain information have hanged.”
Birch curled his lip, and he could not keep the contempt from his voice. “I have no fear of Montgomery.”
“That is exactly why I chose you. He smells fear like a fox smells a chicken. If he sensed you feared him, he would begin to wonder why, and that would be our undoing. If you are found out, we will all go down with you. He will never believe I had a colonial working for me without being one myself.”
Birch nodded. The stakes were high, but he wouldn’t let Samuel down. Or Charlie. Hugh Montgomery would pay, and tonight would begin the game. He showed Samuel to the door, then hurried to get ready for the evening.
He dressed carefully in his finest clothes—breeches and a crimson-and-gold waistcoat with a black coat over it. He debated about wearing a wig, but he hated them, so he simply pulled his hair back and tied it in a queue. He must look the part of a gentleman of quality.
Candlelight glowed from the windows, and the hum of conversation paused momentarily as a black servant ushered Birch into the drawing room. He looked around for anyone he might know. There were easily thirty to fifty people in the large room.
Standing by a large potted palm tree was Galen Wright. He wore a powdered wig and was flirting with a lovely dark-haired woman in a blue gown. He saw Birch and scowled. The woman turned to see what had disturbed Galen, and her eyes lit with interest when she saw Birch. She turned to say something to Galen, and though his eyes were hostile, he motioned for Birch to join them.
“Well, hello. Do I know you?” The woman laid her hand on his arm.
She was striking, in spite of her age. About forty, her face was arresting with its high cheekbones and dark, expressive eyes. A tide of heat rose up his face at the amusement in those dark eyes. Galen rudely left them without a word to Birch, but he barely noticed with Molly’s admiring gaze boring into his.
She smiled again and curtsied. “Molly Vicar, your hostess.”
“Birch Meredith.” He offered a slight bow and took her hand.
“Ah, Captain Meredith, the brave man who lost his ship bringing food to our troops. I have heard of you, sir. You are most welcome in my home.” She tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “You must have something to drink. Then I shall introduce you to a few people who might be able to help you acquire another ship.” She slanted a coquettish look up at him, and a dimple appeared in her cheek. “I can tell you are not totally comfortable on land. You belong at sea.”
He warmed at her perception. This party might not be so bad after all. Was there any possibility of
getting a ship and continuing his work of smuggling food to the Continental Army? He had thought there would be no hope of another ship until after the war was over. He responded to her gentle tug, and they strolled through the crowd. She found him a drink, then led him to a group of four men and three women who were talking beside the window overlooking the snow-covered garden.
One man with sandy-blond hair and blue eyes smiled when he saw Mistress Vicar. “Lovely party, Molly. Where do you find such delicacies in the middle of a war?”
Her dimples deepened. “Who could resist a request of mine, Major?”
Major? Birch’s head swiveled, and he stared at the man. Was this man Montgomery? If so, he didn’t look all that formidable. He wore a petulant expression as though he was used to getting his own way.
The man took her hand gallantly. “I certainly could refuse you nothing, my sweet Molly.”
She smiled. “Major, this is Captain Birch Meredith. You may have heard of the wreck of his ship several months ago. The disaster took supplies for your troops to the bottom of the ocean. Captain, this is Major Hugh Montgomery. I’m sure you’ve heard of the marvelous job Hugh is doing against the colonials. When we win this war, we shall have Hugh to thank for it.”
His hostess’s effusive praise did not seem to cause Montgomery any embarrassment. He smiled and bowed as though she had merely spoken the truth. “Captain. Indeed, I have heard of your tragedy. Many of your crew were lost, were they not?”
Birch returned his bow. “I regret that fact even more than the loss of my ship, Major. Some of those men had served with me for ten years.”
The major’s shrewd eyes continued to look Birch over. Birch was suddenly glad he’d been warned about Montgomery. He was the kind of man who would enjoy using a man’s weaknesses against him.
“I knew a Meredith once. Where are you from, Captain?”
“Virginia.” Birch lied without a flicker of an eyelash. It would never do to have Montgomery associate him with Charles.
“Are you related to any North Carolina Merediths?”
“Not to my knowledge.”
Montgomery nodded. “A common name.”
At least Montgomery had learned the name of the young spy he’d hunted down like a stag. Birch had never been sure.
Molly tapped the major on the arm with her fan. “You are monopolizing the captain and have not even let me introduce him to your companions.”
Montgomery grinned and looked even more boyish, but Birch wasn’t misled. It would take some time to get closer to the wary major. He would watch for his opportunity, and it would come.
Molly introduced him to the other people in the group. There was a banker and his wife, another officer in the army and Galen Wright, who had so far managed not to speak a word to Birch.
“I have already had the pleasure of making the captain’s acquaintance,” Wright said with a smoldering glare.
Birch could feel the dislike radiating from Galen. “Lieutenant Wright.” He nodded to Galen.
“How fare Hannah and Lydia?”
“It has been several weeks since I left, but they were well at that time.” Birch hated to tell him even that much. Anger burned at the thought of this man bothering Hannah.
Molly’s eyes narrowed in jealousy. “And who are Hannah and Lydia? I thought I had your heart, Galen.” The words were said with a light tone, but there was no mistaking the pique in her eyes.
“Two ladies from my childhood, Molly. No one for you to be jealous of.” Galen slid a smile in her direction. “By coincidence, Hannah was the lightkeeper along the coast where the captain’s ship was destroyed. He stayed in her home while he recovered.”
“Are they traitors to the Crown?” Molly refused to let the subject die.
“Hannah is a colonial, but Lydia is a loyalist,” Wright admitted.
“Ha! That would make for some strained sisterly relations,” Montgomery said.
Wright shrugged. “They seemed friendly during the brief visit I made. The captain could probably tell better than I, as I was only in the area overnight.”
Long enough to destroy Lydia. Birch wished he could fling Wright’s treachery in his face in front of witnesses. He kept all indications of his feelings from his face and voice. He must not tip his hand. “Mistress Thomas is much too busy with her duties as lightkeeper to engage in much political discussion.”
“Thomas?” Montgomery’s lazy expression sharpened. “Was not that the name of one of the traitors who burned New York, Galen? One of those you caught and hanged?”
Wright’s eyes snapped wide, and he looked alarmed. “Y-Yes. I think it was.”
Birch stared at him. Was that guilt in Galen’s eyes? “John Thomas was her husband’s name. He was hanged here in New York as a spy.”
“One and the same man, I am sure of it!” Montgomery stared at Wright. “Strange connection, Galen. Did you know this man was the husband of this lighthouse keeper? You never mentioned that you knew him.”
“Thomas is a common name, sir. I had lost track of Hannah some time ago and did not remember her married name.” Wright looked down at the floor and chewed on his thumbnail.
“I see.” Montgomery glowered and straightened his shoulders. “I am sure you must continue your rounds, Molly. I need to speak with Galen for a moment. If you will excuse me.” He bowed and motioned for Galen to follow him.
So Galen’s hand had been in John’s hanging. Birch didn’t know what to make of that information. He had known by the way Galen watched Hannah that he had feelings for her. That made what he did to Lydia all the more despicable. He wondered if Hannah and Lydia knew this but decided it was doubtful. Hannah had treated him almost with fear. If she had known he had killed her husband, she would have been enraged. Her soft manner hid a will of iron.
He was tempted to write and tell Hannah what he had discovered. She was a good woman and deserved the best from life, though her God didn’t seem to feel the same way. Her life had already been hard for one so young. Widowed at eighteen, tending a lighthouse on a lonely shore, being caretaker of a willful sister—she had many burdens to bear.
“Captain, I believe our supper is ready.” Molly smiled up at him and touched his arm again. “Shall we go?”
He took her arm and escorted her to the dining room. He was only too glad to put thoughts of Hannah behind him. It could never be.
CHAPTER 13
Major Montgomery slammed the doors to the parlor closed. The force caused the pictures on the wall to rattle. Galen knew he was in for a scolding and silently cursed Captain Meredith. Why did he have to open his mouth about John Thomas? Galen rubbed the back of his neck and watched his commander. Montgomery always left him feeling a bit unsettled. And why did he have to go on a tirade at a social occasion filled with pretty women? Montgomery liked a pretty woman as well as the next man, didn’t he? Especially rich ones.
His lips tight and a muscle in his jaw twitching, the major turned to face Galen. “I do not appreciate being made to look a fool, Lieutenant. It looks to me as though you hanged this John Thomas merely to get to his wife.”
How should he play this? Innocent or apologetic? “I have to admit I am as shocked as you are, Major. I had no idea John was Hannah’s husband until tonight. Thomas is a very common name and so is John. Truthfully, I did not even remember who Hannah had married.”
The major stared at him, then snorted. “Do you really expect me to believe that poppycock? Do you have so little respect for my intelligence that you would try to convince me of such a ludicrous lie?”
Galen wanted to tell him what he really thought of him, but he managed to bide his time. “What can I say to convince you, Major? I know it looks bad, but I had no thought of Hannah when I was merely doing my duty. You had told me to find the men who burned New York, and I did exactly that. A soldier has no time for women during a war like this.”
Major Montgomery’s tight jaw relaxed. It had been the right thing to remind him that Galen had bee
n merely doing his duty. Galen stifled a sigh of relief, then mentioned something that might soothe him further. “You met Hannah’s sister, Major.”
Major Montgomery lifted an eyebrow. “Oh? I remember no woman with a last name of Thomas.”
“No, sir. It is Huddleston. I delivered a message from her when I came from Plymouth.”
The major’s eyes warmed. “Ah, that Lydia. From Gurnet Point. A lovely young woman.” He smiled. “She is this Hannah’s sister? You know her as well?”
“Since she was a toddler.”
The major stared at him speculatively. “I would like to get to know her better. If you could arrange that, I might see my way clear to forgive you this latest stumble. I find myself thinking of her often. Mayhap she would like to see something of New York.”
“Her sister would never allow it.” Too late Galen saw his error in mentioning Lydia. How was he to get her away from Hannah? Something like this would fan Hannah’s distrust, not appease it.
The major laid a hand on Galen’s shoulder. “I have every confidence in your powers of persuasion.” He dropped his hand and opened the door. “We should rejoin the party. Molly will wonder what has become of us.”
Galen followed him across the hallway to the drawing room. He wanted to avoid Birch Meredith if possible. He didn’t think he would be able to hold his temper in check if he saw the captain. Had Birch tried to get him in trouble on purpose? It seemed likely.
Birch was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. His smile and stance were relaxed and interested, and Molly was basking in his attention. Galen’s lip curled. If Hannah could see her precious captain now, she wouldn’t look at him with those shining eyes. Perhaps he could find a way to tell her about it. A slow smile emerged. It might be entertaining to have Lydia in New York after all.
When would this party end? It had seemed interminable. Birch’s face ached from smiling. This type of spying was not for him. He wasn’t good at it.