Part Eleven
by Paula B and CJ
Late December 1776
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oakton
Webb woke to the sounds of horses outside his window. The sun was already setting. He heard the tap on his door and sat up and called. "Yes?"
It opened slowly and she stepped inside. "Mr. Webb? Your mother asked me to come and wake you." Sarah blushed. "Well actually, she asked that girl to come and wake you but I could see she was very busy."
Webb sat stunned. He found he was having trouble focusing on what she was saying let alone figuring out what he was supposed to do about it.
"Mr. Webb?"
"Yes?" He was trying to reconcile the two women. He had seen her in dresses before, but dresses of simple homespun, more suited to working with her father and horses. He had never seen such short hair done up so prettily.
Mac hid her smile. After breakfast, when Mrs. Webb pulled several dresses from a chest and told her to take her pick, Mac had stood there stunned. "Oh Mizz Webb, I can’t wear one of those?"
"Nonsense my dear. We will have to do quite a bit of work because you are so much taller than I, but I think you will be quite satisfied with the results."
"Is something wrong, Mr. Webb? Clay?"
He shook himself and took a deep breath. "Beautiful. You are absolutely beautiful."
"I am?" She breathed and took a step closer. "Your mother fixed this for me. You really like the dress?"
Webb swung his legs over the side of the bed. He wore his long underwear but his feet were bare. He didn’t notice the cold as he stepped onto the wood flooring. They stood inches from each other. "Dress? Oh yes, the dress is very nice." He reached out and traced his fingers down her throat. "Very nice indeed." He leaned forward and she moved closer.
"Mac?" A loud voice called from the hallway. "Mac! Where are you? The colonel’s here." The door pushed open again. "Hey you two seen Mac anywhere?"
"What, Harm?" She sighed with exasperation.
"Mac?" Harm’s eyes grew round. "Mac? Is that you? You have a dress on. Damn, you are a woman." He glared at Webb. "Hey. What are you doing in here? With him?"
"Tellin’ him the same thing you’re tellin’ me. I’ll be down in a minute. Why don’t you go and check on Tess?"
"That Reverend Mr. Turner and Miss Bobbi are in with her now. Come on Mac. The colonel’s waitin’."
Sarah grinned ruefully at Webb. "Okay, Harm. Let’s go."
Webb shaved and dressed quickly. Stepping out into the hallway he heard Turner insist. "Now Miss Tess, you’ve got a cracked rib there. I really don’t think you should be climbing down those steps." He walked down to the end of the hall to find Bobbi and the reverend standing just inside the bedroom door.
Taking a deep breath he stepped inside. "Tess. Oh lord, Tess. I am so sorry." He forced himself not to turn his head away from her battered face. "I swear I will find her and punish her for what she did to you."
Tess Coulter glared at him for a long while before she sighed. "I know what you did and what you risked getting word to Chegwidden. I-I forgive you, Clayton. Now." She said more firmly. "Tell these two to let me go down stairs."
"Reverend Turner says you should stay in bed."
Tess tottered toward the door. "I want to hear what’s going on. Now get out of my way."
"No." Clay gritted out.
"I’ll carry her downstairs if that’s what she wants." They turned to see Rabb standing there. A thunderous look of anger was on his face and Webb knew that while Tess herself may have forgiven him, it would be a long time before the frontiersman ever would. Webb wasn’t sure if he could forgive himself.
It was an impressive assembly. Chegwidden stood in the corner; Cordelia sat in a chair next to him. Porter and Mac sat together on the horsehair settee. Ryan and Curtis Rivers stood together by the fireplace. Mike Roberts was standing wide-eyed listening to something that his brother was saying to a man who hadn’t set foot in the Webb house in more than three years.
When Rabb entered with Tess in his arms, Mac and Porter immediately stood up. "Here, Mr. Rabb. Sit her here." Porter insisted. Mac carefully place several small needlework pillows behind Tess’s back.
"Here dear, dear Tess." She whispered.
John Adams walked over and bowed to her. "Madam. I am sorry that you had to suffer at the hands of Mrs. Walden and her bunch. Please believe me when I say that we will not let this go unpunished."
Tess blushed a bright red. "Thank you, sir."
Rabb whispered to Webb. "You know who that is?"
"Yes, Rabb." Webb sighed. "So tell us all, John. What does the Committee for Public Safety want?"
"It’s not what we want, Webb. Things are heating up. Philadelphia is in danger. We must do something and Washington has a plan."
"Excuse me, Mr. Adams, sir." Bobbi left the room. "Singer!" She called.
"Yes, ma’am." The girl simpered.
"Go out to the smoke house and fetch a ham. Start it now. I’ll come and check it in a little while."
Singer was torn between trying to find out what was being said in the parlor and the elation of being trusted with the dinner ham. The look on Bobbi Latham’s face settled the argument and the girl ran to the back of the house.
"Sorry. The girl is too stupid to be a spy for the Tories, but still she might repeat something she overheard."
Adams nodded and continued. Several hours later when he was done, Cordelia sat back and chewed on her lower lip. "If Galindez meets us with the rifles tonight like he is supposed to, we can leave at first dawn. It will take us all day to return to my farm to get the rest then…"
She ignored the stunned, frightened look on Albert’s face. "How long will it take us to get from Cottington to Valley Forge?"
"Us, Cordelia?" Albert's voice was low and dangerous. Rivers and Ryan exchanged amused grins. Webb stood next to the statesman and waited.
"Well, of course, us. Do you think I am going to wait here?"
"Yes, Cordelia. I do." Albert insisted.
"Albert Chegwidden! Of course I’m going! Galindez is expecting to meet me."
"About that I have no control over, Delia. However, it is not a game for women we play."
"Game! Game!"
"Ah…actually, ma’am, the ride will be very long and the men will have to ride their horses hard even pulling a wagon with the guns. The British obviously know something is afoot." Reverend Turner interjected. "There will be much to do here in town in case the plan isn’t successful. With Tess injured as she is, there will be plenty for all of us to do in the coming days."
"But, I WILL be the one to meet with Galindez." Cordelia grudgingly agreed and settled back into the chair. She spared a glance with Mac.
"Well then, may I suggest that we have a light supper and finish our discussion around the dinner table?" Porter took Adams arm in hers. "Tell me sir. How is Abigail?"
As Adams led his hostess from the room, Chegwidden pulled Turner over to one side. "A moment, sir."
"Yes, Colonel."
"I was wondering, sir." Chegwidden gazed at Cordelia, sitting next to Tess on the sofa. She looked up to see the intense look he was giving her and rose. "I was wondering if you could do me a favor."
"Anything, sir. If it is within my power."
Cordelia came up and looked at him questioningly. Taking her hand in his he glanced briefly at Turner before returning his gaze to her. "I was wondering if you could marry us, before I leave."
"Albert!" Cordelia breathed.
"My darling, please. I don’t have much, but what little I have is yours." He pulled her away from the reverend. Dropping his voice to a harsh whisper he entreated her. "Dearest, we have lain together as man and wife. If something should happen and I not return and you find yourself with child, I’ll not have your name sullied. These people. These friends would be our witnesses."
"But Braxton."
"Cori, I know I can never replace Braxton in your heart."
She put her fingers to his lips. "No dearest you can’t. But there is room there for my love for you. It’s just, what will people say? Braxton hasn’t been dead six months."
"In times of war the rules are put aside my darling. What care I that some should think ill of us? Webb!"
The young spy tore his eyes away from where Mac was talking with Tess and walked over to join them. "Yes?"
"I want to marry Delia. She is afraid that this would demean her relationship with Braxton. You of all the people in this room knew him the best. What say you?"
"Knew him? No, Colonel. I did not know him well, but I will tell you this." However instead of looking at Chegwidden he turned to the very red-faced widow. Taking her hands in his he murmured. "Shall I tell you what he said to me not hours before he left me that last time?"
Cordelia nodded weakly.
"He said, ‘If anything should happen to me, find my wife and tell her not to grieve for long. She is young and alive and I would have her live her life and not mourn for what once was and is no more.’ So madam, I say, if you wish to wed this man, then do so. None will say the worse for it, within my hearing anyway. Do you wish it, Cordelia Wallace?"
Tears were streaming down her face but she leaned over and kissed Webb on the cheek. "Thank you. And, yes." She smiled and took Chegwidden’s hand. "Yes, I want very much to marry you."
"Good and done. I take it you have asked the Reverend Turner to perform the ceremony?" Webb said.
"Yes." Albert grinned into his beloved’s eyes. "Yes and if he will do it now then more’s the better.
"Well perhaps after dinner." Webb grinned looking back over his shoulder. "Tell me, ma’am."
"Yes, Mr. Webb?" Cordelia followed his look.
"Do you think?" His voice trailed off.
"You cannot but ask." Cordelia grinned.
"I feel like I have known her forever."
"Well make up your mind, I see that we are called to dinner." Albert offered his arm to Cordelia. "Come madam."
Webb hung back and was pleased to see that Sarah made no move to follow the others out of the room. In fact she turned and went to the French windows and stared out into the night. When the room was empty of everyone else, Webb went and stood just behind her.
"It will be very cold. Colder than it has been. You will go with them?"
"Yes. From what Mr. Adams told me, there is little doubt that I have been compromised. It seems that we were seen by Krennick, though I know not when or why?" They stood so close together their breath mingled before frosting the window.
"There will be danger for you here, now that it is known that you have betrayed your friends?" She closed her eyes at the intensity she saw in his reflection.
"They were never friends, Sarah. The only friends I had, I had to ignore these three years." He placed his hands on her shoulders and shuddered at the feel of her skin, which seemed cold to his touch.
She leaned back into his touch. "But they are powerful people. Surely you must feel concern for your mother." She sighed as his arms snaked around her waist and held her tight. "Your mother is a very good woman Clayton Webb. Very brave. But very outspoken from what I’ve heard from her this day."
His sigh ruffled the hair above her ear. "Before today I would have thought that Bobbi would do all that she could to protect her. However according to Reverend Turner, she will be unable to continue for much longer as mother’s housekeeper."
Mac turned in his arms. "And why is that pray tell?"
Without even thinking about he kissed her on the nose. "Because, love, it would be unseemly for a woman great with child to be a housekeeper."
"Child! But who…Reverend Turner!"
"Well I understand that husbands and wives often have children. It’s rather expected I think."
"I didn’t know they were married."
He laughed. "Darling I didn’t know they were married and she’s been mother’s housekeeper for these five years. Poor mother will be quite put out."
"But what will you do? That girl Singer!"
"Good God, No!" He gazed into her eyes.
"Oh." She whispered and pulled away from him. "You would want me to be your mother’s housekeeper."
"What!" He reached for her, but she stepped out of his reach. "Sarah! No. Not that I wouldn’t trust you. Trust you? I trust you as much as I’ve trusted any man. Damn." He sank into the chair by the fire. "Don’t you see what I’m asking?"
"No, Clayton. I don’t see what you’re asking." She replied rather haughtily. "It seems that you need someone to look out for your mother."
"No."
"Then what?"
"Marry me."
"What? Why? Are you mad? The son of Neville Webb marry the horsetrader’s daughter? I’ll be the…"
"Damn it. I don’t care!" When he reached out for her this time she didn’t pull away. "Don’t you see? I never thought I could feel this way about any woman. Did you not see the way I looked at you at Tess’s hospital…God, was it only yesterday? I looked into your eyes and at that moment I knew I needed you."
"Oh." She gulped as she realized the import of what he was saying. "But you thought I was…"
"Don’t you see? It didn’t matter. I thought I was going mad to have those feeling for another man. Something inside me must have known. Oh darling, please. If I don’t come back I want to know that you will be here, in my home."
"You’ll come back to me, Clayton. Surely He couldn’t take you away from me too." She whispered just before she pulled his lips to hers. When they finally broke apart they were both gasping. She touched her fingers to his lips. "I will take thee for husband, Clayton. Not to vouchsafe your mother because I would do that were you to deny my very existence for she is a good woman. Nay, I will marry you because I have fallen under your spell."
"You speak of spells, madam?" He cocked his head to one side. "For whatever reason, as long as you agree. Come, the Reverend Turner will be very busy tonight." He led her out into the hallway and was surprised to see his mother coming down the stairs a happy smile on her face.
"On dearest I am so happy. I had feared that you would marry that awful Allison Krennick."
Mac’s glare boded nothing good the next time she met Allison Krennick. "How did…"
"Yes, Mother. I will know immediately, how you know before I have said anything."
"Oh dear." Porter blushed and then sighed. "Oh dear. Clayton, darling, I went upstairs for my shawl. I’m afraid I left it there. Could you be a dear and go get it for me? Sarah and I will wait for you in the parlor."
"Mother." Webb sighed in exasperation.
"Darling, I promise. You will understand."
She led Sarah back to the parlor. "Come and sit down, Sarah. We have much to plan. I think that we can redo two of the rooms in back and make one of them a sitting room for you and Clayton. Don’t you agree?"
"Oh, Mrs. Webb…"
"Porter, my dear."
"Porter I’m sure that it will be wonderful just the way it is. I just hope that I don’t embarrass you. I come from very simple stock and…."
"Mother!" They turned as he bellowed from the top of the stairs.
"Yes dear?" Porter replied calmly as he stomped into the parlor.
"How long?"
"Why forever dearest? How do you think I found out that Mr. Thomas was selling cloth to General Ballantyne? Or that time when you broke your father’s favorite…"
"Clayton?"
"I could hear everything you were saying just by standing next to the fireplace in mother’s room. It’s right above this room." He sighed. "We will have to remember that."
Sarah blushed scarlet remembering how intimate they had been and the confession that he had made. "Is there nothing that we can do about this?"
"Yes dear. Say nothing in this room that we don’t want mother to know about." He grinned and kissed her quickly.
The weddings were simple; in words and dress, but no one witnessing the ceremony doubted the love between the two couples. Rabb stood next to Tess and kept his hand on her shoulder the entire time. He bent down and whispered, "Tess, I don’t have much but if you want I would gladly marry you too."
Tess carefully moved to find a more comfortable position. "Come back to me afterward and we will talk about it then." She sighed. Reaching up, she clasped his hand and didn’t let go of it the entire time.
Afterward, Chegwidden helped Cordelia into the wagon. "I’ll send young Tiner with the message by dawn if you are to meet us at the crossroads, Webb."
"I’ll be there, as soon as I hear." He stepped up to the wagon. "You ride, Cordelia?"
"Yes."
"Then I’ll bring a good steed for you. I think we would all feel better knowing that you waited here for our return."
Cordelia looked at Albert to gauge his reaction. He nodded. "Aye, love. I would feel better knowing you were here and not at your farm, at least for now."
"Very well. Thank you, Clayton. You’re sure your mother…"
"My family." Webb stressed, "would be honored for you to stay with them." Without another word he went inside where Sarah and Porter sat with Tess. Sensing the doctor still wasn’t completely comfortable around him, he bowed. "Ladies. You will excuse me. I want to be prepared for Chegwidden’s messenger. Good night." He hurried back out of the room and mounted the stairs.
He entered his room and was pleased that someone, probably not Singer, had stoked the fire. He closed the door and walked over to it to warm his hands. He stood very still when the door opened again. "Clayton?"
"I’m sorry. I know my presence gives her pain with just cause." He told the flames.
"Nay, dearest. She told you she understood." Sarah’s hand caressed his arm. "Clay?"
He turned then and took her in his arms. His lips found hers and he clung to her as a lifeline. When they finally parted she could see the tears, bright in his eyes. "What’s this?" She whispered.
"I’m afraid, Sarah. Afraid that I have found you only to ride off to certain death." He whispered hoarsely.
She gently tugged him until she could sit on the bed and look up at him. "Would you stay then, Clayton?"
"Nay love. That I cannot do."
"Then lie with me, Clay. Make me truly your wife."
He groaned as she carefully undid the buttons of his frock coat. She moaned as he brought his lips to her shoulders, kissing his way to the peaks of her breasts. By the time they had undressed each other, neither could form a coherent thought nor complete a breath. "Clay." She sighed as he flicked his tongue over her nipples. Lying next to her, he stroked her smooth skin, only lightly skimming over the surface.
"So beautiful, Sarah. My Sarah. Lord, it is impossible, but I swear it. I love you."
She gasped as he trailed his fingers down to the junction of her thighs. She moaned as he slowly explored her. His mouth captured her pleas for more. When he finally knelt between the legs he whispered, "Dearest, I pray I don’t hurt you."
"Clay, please, my love." She cried out as he thrust home. She let him kiss away her tears of pain but then she demanded. "Please, Clay."
He was a gentle as he knew how to be but he finally lost all control as he felt her walls contract around him. He held her as he thrust in and out, watching her face as the sensations washed over her. Just as he drove into her one last time, he saw and heard her climax break upon her. He lay there above her, holding as much of his weight off of her as he could. "Sarah?"
She smiled up at him and whispered, "You best come home to me Mr. Webb. I want very much to do this again."