Forever Young Birth Of A Nation, page 10
Yvonne looked at Stefan then, her green eyes glittering “Well love, look at how our revenge has fallen into our laps so to speak. Shall we go to America then? When will we get another chance like this and one with like-minded friends to help us too” she said with a coy look at Edwards. Stefan brooded a bit and then raised his eyes to meet hers. “It appears that we are going to the New World, Yvonne.”
***
Henri said “Marie, I just got a packet of letters from Ian.” Marie came quickly and raised her voice “Everyone, come quickly! We have letters from Ian!” Little Aimee streaked into the room well ahead of any of the others saying “Oh Marie, is there one for me? Is there? Oh please look now, please!”
Laughing excitedly Marie sorted through the pile of correspondence and handed Aimee a letter bearing her name. Aimee beamed delightedly, and held it to her bosom briefly before opening it. Her eyes twinkled as she read it, laughing at a joking remark that Ian had made midway through the letter. She excitedly read it to its conclusion and pressed it to her lips as she finished, beaming at all of the others there, and handing it to Celeste.
Next was one for Henri and Marie which Marie read aloud for all to hear, looking up and smiling occasionally at the others as she read it through. Finally there was one for everyone else, being Celeste, Louis, Liri, Mustafa, Li, Sophia, Andre, and Jennifer. Celeste opened it and read it through to its conclusion and turned happily to everyone, saying “Isn’t it wonderful that he and James have already gotten settled and that things are going so well?”
The group talked excitedly then for some thirty minutes, re-examining every detail of each letter. Liri said “Won’t he be surprised when Cosette arrives!” Marie said “Oh what I would not give to see that. Can’t you just imagine it Celeste!”
“Oh my yes. The expression in those eyes of his, oh my! I can just see it now!” Laughing then Marie said “I will wager that they will need a more private place to live than a boarding house!” Everyone laughed at that so Aimee did too, not knowing what was so funny. Louis handed the baby back to Celeste and took the letter to read through it again.
Aimee noticed that suddenly Celeste was not smiling at all, but was staring off into space with a serious expression on her face. Marie picked up on it then, saying “what is it Celeste?”
Turning to her she replied “Ian is not in New York City. He is in the countryside even now, going to Boston. James and someone else are with him.”
Henri said “I would have thought that he would wait until springtime to go there.” All eyes then looked to Celeste who said in a hushed voice “The crown is after him and James even now.” Everyone then came close to Celeste, who was holding her baby. She looked out of the window, not seeing anything there though, as her mind’s eye reached out across the ocean. “He is safe and well, but in hiding.”
It fell silent then as each processed this information. Li spoke then “It sounds like whatever happened was no surprise to him. See how he is staying atop everything, just like he always does.”
Henri spoke then supporting that view as Marie added “He has obviously been warned or saw trouble developing before it could snare him.”
Li said “I am encouraged and I know him well. No one is cooler in a crisis than Ian.”
Henri spoke then saying “Amen to that, Li. They can set the whole of the British army to looking for Ian, but they will not find him unless he wills it.” He was not able to hide the look of concern that had spread over his features at that moment though. What has happened over there?
Chapter 18
It was mid-October now and snow had already fallen several times. The three were even now in the outskirts of Boston and were seeking lodging. One night while Moon Owl slept Ian and James had hidden the gold and silver from the bottom of their wagon under a large rock that only the two of them could move together, some miles west of the Continental Army pickets. The horses were being led behind their one remaining wagon as they had left their wagon with the false bottom near where their silver and gold were hidden. They knew that no explanation could be made for such an obvious smuggling device as their wagon should they be stopped by pickets of Washington’s army or the New England Militia. No doubt either group would seize it and the funds before they could ever get them into Boston past the pickets and road blocks.
They were accorded a courteous pass into the city by Washington’s forces after a thorough search of their one remaining wagon showed no contraband. Ian and James had prepped, wrapped and stashed their long rifles and special bullets where they had buried the gold and silver for fear of them being taken too. Soon they settled in a place called the Ravens’ Nest Inn and Tavern, just a bit west of Boston proper. Ian booked two rooms and ordered a hot bath for Moon Owl. She was overcome with gratitude, being penniless. But for Ian and James she would be at the tender mercy of an approaching New England winter, stranded in a war zone and far from her native people.
She sank into the hot water with a deep sigh then, thinking again of how fortunate she was for Ian and James to have come along when they had. What fine men those two are, and both of them are quite handsome too, she thought with a smile. She shuddered to think of what might have happened had Ian not come into their camp that night. Whatever was he doing out in the darkness in the middle of nowhere she thought? During the trip she noticed on many occasions that either of them would go out to hunt, often as not at dusk or after dark and would always come back to camp with game, without exception. How can they do that? What is it about those two?
Stepping from the tub finally she regarded the clothing that Ian had bought for her in Stamford. She had just kept her head down and had allowed Ian to escort her to the room booked for them as Mr. and Mrs. Adam MacCleary. Ian was more dark-complexioned than she was and the two had attracted no attention. She was certain that no Indians would be allowed to stay at an inn, so she had agreed to take her meals in her room. Ian was staying with James, but as Moon Owl thought about it, she would not have minded had Ian stayed in her room. He was completely trustworthy and so was James. She had never felt so safe in her life as with these two men.
It seemed that they were in a place where they could stay for the winter if necessary. Moon Owl knew that she had a disease growing inside of her, being that the itching within her groin area would not go away. She longed to be at home among the Seneca where she could seek the help of the medicine man. The condition had worsened since she had been rescued and she knew that the man who had raped her had given the disease to her. Day after day she brooded about it and both Ian and James knew that something was bothering her.
One day Ian knocked softly at her door to say that he and James were going out. It was later in October now and this was an especially warm day compared to the past seven weeks. They thought that she would like a chance to get away from the Inn for a day for more than just a walk. He got no response so he tried the door and found it unlocked. Concerned, he stepped into her room and found her weeping, sitting on the floor in a corner wearing only her slip.
Closing and locking the door, he came to her and knelt behind her, taking her shoulders gently he said “Moon Owl, what is wrong?” Startled she gave a little cry and then turned to him and continued to weep in his arms.
“There, there now. What is it lassie?”
“I have the white man’s disease” she said.
He cupped her face in his hands “What do you mean….I don’t understand.”
She leaned back from him and looked at him with tears streaming down her cheeks and then she pointed to her groin and said again “I have the white man’s disease, Ian. It is getting worse every day.”
He realized suddenly what she was describing was venereal disease and said “Ah lass, I understand.” He gathered her in his arms and rocked her slowly as she wept. “There, there now. That’s a good girl. I will see to this. Just you wait here a bit and I will bring medicine.” He got up and left the room softly, going to the main dining area of the Inn. He spoke briefly to the serving wench who had already started the stew for the day, asking for some of the broth.
Soon he was carrying it to the room he and James shared. He then took his knife and cut his arm, forcing a good two tablespoons of his blood into the broth. Stirring it with the knife, he took it to Moon Owl’s room and knocked softly. Fully dressed now, she came and unlocked the door, eyeing the bowl in his hand.
“Drink all of this and you will soon be well” he said as he handed the bowl to her with a gentle smile.
As she sipped it he said “James and I are going to drive about Boston today. Would you like to go with us?”
Finishing, she nodded and handed him the bowl. Noticing that she was already feeling warm inside, she got her coat and scarf and followed him down to the dining area. James had readied the wagon and was waiting near the front door to the Inn.
Soon they were looking about at all of the many shops and stores and sights of Boston. As they drove about, Ian and James both resumed their attempt to teach her to speak and to understand English. They would point out things and give her the French word followed by the English word for the same thing, having her repeat it. She was bright and motivated, eager to learn and was beginning to speak a little English and had improved noticeably.
Ian had James take them to the wharf where he wanted to look for any of the twelve merchants’ ships that he knew that he could trust with his correspondence. It was a long shot, but he hoped that one of them might be there. They walked the docks for over an hour looking at all of the merchantmen there as well as those at anchor out in the harbor and he could not find a one of them. About to give up he spied the Pickford and recognized it, having seen it in London while there. It was a two-mast galleon, a medium merchantman. Deciding to take a chance, he approached the ship’s gangway and hollered “Ahoy there. Permission to come aboard?”
A slender weathered looking man in a well-worn woolen coat and a battered tri-corner hat came and peered down the gangplank at the trio. Waving them to come aboard he turned and took a question from one of the crew, turning again as they topped the gangplank. Ian stepped forward, introducing himself, James, and Moon Owl. He introduced her as Theresa Moon. The man smiled then and introduced himself as Tyrone Walker, captain of the Pickford.
Explaining that he had once seen the Pickford in London, Ian asked if he could pay Walker to take a packet of documents to the Edwards-Milliken Bank of London. The man agreed and Ian said that he would return with the package the following morning.
“I sail tomorrow, so do not be too late, Mr. McCloud. Say, where do I know that name from anyway?”
“Well sir, my uncle Angus sails out of Edinburg, large merchantman named Elsie’s Cloud. Do you know him?”
“Hah! I know the story of Elsie’s Cloud and the pirates. Don’t know that I believe it though.”
“Oh you can believe it all right. I was there and we sunk one and took the other for a prize.”
“Well glory be to God! And here you are in the flesh, one of the crew. You three must come dine with us this evening and tell me the story.”
Ian smiled and agreed to return at seven o’clock that night. They parted company and once in town, Ian asked James to look about for a blacksmith and ask about who might make and sell swords or sabers. He announced that he was going to buy paper, quill, and ink so as to draft letters to home. Moon Owl decided to accompany Ian so they parted from James in front of the Old South Meeting House, agreeing to meet there at two o’clock.
Within only four blocks of the Meeting House they passed a silversmith shop bearing the sign ‘Revere’s Silver Works’ over the entrance. Pausing there, Ian showed Moon Owl a silver setting, telling her that his mother had one a lot like it. About that time a gentleman came out the door, locking it and hanging the ‘closed’ sign there. He turned and smiled, nodding to Ian and Moon Owl. Ian stepped forward and put out his hand, “Adam MacRae sir. I was just showing Miss Orleans here your fine work on display. It reminds me of a setting that my mother in Scotland has.”
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. MacRae, Miss Orleans. I am Paul Revere and I own this shop.” Ian liked the man’s demeanor and appearance. He looked to be a direct and honest person, with regular features, warm brown eyes and straight black hair. “I would like to chat, but I am expected at the South Meeting House soon. I must be going. You should stop by sir. Good day.” Tipping his hat to Moon Owl he said “Good day Miss Orleans.” She smiled and curtseyed according to custom.
“Good day to you sir.” said Ian, tipping his hat as well. Moon Owl giggled after he had departed and Ian looked questioningly at her. “Monsieur Revere addressed me as if I was a white woman.” She laughed again and Ian said “I am glad to see your spirits lifted.”
“I am feeling better Ian. Whatever you gave me started to make my insides feel warm back at the Inn and that has not stopped since.” She was too embarrassed to say that she had had a slight warm glow in her groin area since then. She took it to mean that healing there had begun.
“That is a good sign, lassie. You will be cured soon enough I am sure.”
“You have used this…. medicine before then?”
“Yes, I have given it to children four times and it saved their lives.” She stopped, causing him to turn to face her. He merely raised his eyebrows questioningly.
“You and James are strange men, but you are strange in a good way, Ian. I owe my life to you and I am grateful.”
“Nonsense, lassie. I was once dying and someone had mercy on me and they saved my life. Likewise for James. Can we do any less for someone in need?” She never answered, but stepped forward and put her arms around his waist and laid her head upon his chest for a moment, eyes closed and said “Thank you, Ian.”
He regarded her as they separated. She was definitely a European-Indian mix, and quite pretty at that, with dark eyes and wavy dark hair. She had gotten all of the best of both races regarding her features. He noticed that her hair had red highlights in the sunlight. Likely a French father. She could easily pass for Mediterranean French he thought as they resumed walking. As they walked, she took his arm and said “Ian, what is ‘lassie’?”
He explained as they came upon a dry goods store that sold paper. After buying quill, ink and paper, he described the area all around Marseille as they walked about the town. Explaining to her that she must have some knowledge of France in order to disarm any who might guess that she was a Native American Indian. If asked she was to say that as a little girl she had been brought to Quebec and only had dim recollections of France.
“I want you to know that I am not ashamed to be with you in public, Moon Owl. James and I are wanted by the Crown and we cannot allow ourselves to be put in prison. That is a matter of life or death, so this masquerade with you posing as a woman of French nationality is necessary. One or two white men with an Indian would be more likely to be talked about. That could be dangerous. Besides, no one is looking for us in the company of a pretty French lady like you.”
She flushed at that, and tightened her grip on his arm, laughing. He had to admit that it was pleasant to walk with a lady, arm in arm. He had missed that and excepting for a brief walk with Rebecca Davis the night that they kissed, he had not walked with a lady anywhere since Alandra had died
The Old South Meeting Hall was jammed with people, mostly men. Soon a man by the name of John Jay took the lectern and spoke at some length of liberty and independence from Great Britain and what must be done to achieve that. Following him were Benjamin Rush and after him James Madison, who introduced the silversmith Paul Revere, reminding all present that he had ridden to Concord to warn the minutemen of the British coming to confiscate the armory there. Revere spoke, reminding all that although the British regulars carried the day and ran off the militia, the armory was saved and that enabled the fighting to go on to this day. There was a resounding cheer at this as Ian and Moon Owl turned to go to the entrance to meet James.
He was sitting in the wagon and was surprised to see the two come out of the Meeting House. Ian related what he had heard while inside as they drove back to the Raven’s Nest Inn. He pondered all of that as time went on, and had to admit that it was having an effect on him, regarding his feelings about the war.
Chapter 19
Rebecca answered the front door to find Harold Grundy standing there. He was accompanied by two redcoats who stood, one at each corner of her front stoop. Doffing his hat, Grundy said “Good morning, Rebecca. May I come in?”
She curtseyed properly and said “Certainly, Colonel Grundy. Whatever brings you here at this early hour? Father has just departed less than an hour ago.”
“I have come to interview you concerning the whereabouts of Ian McCloud and James Barrows.”
“I have heard already that they are gone from New York, or presumed gone anyway. Father told me. What is it that you think I can help you with?”
“I hoped that you being a loyal subject of King George III would be forthcoming with information regarding his whereabouts.”
“I know only what Papa has told me, and I have not seen him since that day at Grover Park.”
She saw him flush slightly at the mention of the day of the duel as he went on, saying “Did your father not tell you that he is wanted for suspicion of sedition and remarks made against His Majesty’s efforts in the colonies?”
“He did say that, but he doubted the accuracy of that himself.”
