“A bold guess.”
“May means we’re nearly done with spring and the damp. I imagine the enemy is as ready as we are.”
“We’re awaiting word on Howe’s and Gates’s positions, the strength of their numbers, and the like. Then General Washington will have us decamp.”
“Speaking of the general...” Sperry left off, his gaze fixed on the valley floor below. “I’d know that fine mount anywhere.”
“Blueskin or Nelson?” Rhys said without looking up. The chestnut gelding and white half-Arabian were known by many, friend or foe.
“Nelson.”
They both stood, abandoning their tasks. Though it wasn’t uncommon for Washington to leave Morristown and ride to the valley, Rhys sensed this visit had significance. He started down the hill, Sperry on his heels.
“Sir.” Rhys raised his hand to his hat as the general came to a halt in front of the quartermasters.
Washington dismounted, a dozen of his Life Guards near, and gestured to a path that led to a makeshift chapel and graveyard. Rhys fell into step beside him.
Washington walked with head down and hands clasped behind his back. “Prepare to leave for Fort Montgomery within twenty-four hours of my order to march.”
New York, hazy till now, came sharply into focus. Rhys digested the news without comment as the general continued.
“You’re now in charge of a four-hundred-man corps of riflemen comprised of the Virginia and Pennsylvania lines, which will act as vanguard ahead of the main body of the army once it joins you for the next campaign.”
“You’ve changed your mind about reinforcing Ticonderoga, then.”
“For now the plan is to advance no further than the Hudson Highlands. If all goes as planned, you may be joining the northern army under General Gates as reinforcements against an expected British invasion from Canada. Once you reach Stony Point you’ll be augmented by three hundred light infantry under Major Dearborn.”
A well-thought-out plan. “Burgoyne has left England for Canada, then.”
“Aye, the latest intelligence indicates he’s expected in Quebec soon. Once he arrives, he plans to march south from there toward Ticonderoga, then continue down the Hudson River. His eye is on Albany, where he’ll likely join forces with Howe and possibly St. Leger.”
“Who mean to dominate New York and cut the supply chain between our northern and southern forces.”
“Aye, by seizing waterways foremost. Their attempt last year failed, but they seem poised to try again. Their goal is to quell all rebellion in New England, which they hope will force the southern states into submission.”
Rhys well knew Virginia’s mood—every bit as volatile as Massachusetts’s. “The southern states will never submit even if the northern front is brought to heel.”
“My aim is to keep any separation from happening. To win this war we must make the conflict as costly to our enemies as possible and as long as possible, forcing any who want a hasty conclusion to retreat and thereby surrender.” Washington turned a corner, trading the sun for shade. “That’s not uppermost in my mind at the moment but Colonel Bohannon’s request from the Hudson Highlands.”
Rhys’s mind veered to Mae. He’d heard from Bohannon that his brother—Colonel Jon—had written Washington about his sisters accompanying the army if they moved north into New York. Rhys was against it yet held his peace about the matter, which was in truth a family affair. If Washington approved the request, he’d deal with it then. Traveling with the army was a safer endeavor than if they ventured there in a small party.
“Two other ladies—both officers’ wives—will be traveling north with the army to the Hudson. Colonel Bohannon’s kin will accompany them.” Washington turned to look at him. “You’re acquainted with the Bohannon sisters, are you not? I saw you dancing with one of them the other night. In fact, I remember you billeted with them for a time.”
Rhys nodded. “Aye.”
“There’s no better guard than your Rifle Corps. Given that, I would assign you to the Misses Bohannon once we decamp.”
Rhys’s resistance roared as his plan for Mae to remain in Jersey unraveled. Stoic, he kept walking, matching his long stride to the general’s as Washington concluded their conversation.
“I would have you and your men as defense, especially if matters turn deadly. You know as well as I that the territory to be crossed requires supreme vigilance.”
twenty
The hour is fast approaching, on which the Honour and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend. Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are Freemen, fighting for the blessings of Liberty ... that slavery will be your portion ... if you do not acquit yourselves like men.
George Washington
Coralie’s decision to remain in Morristown with Aunt Verity gave rise to Mae’s suspicions that something was afoot other than sewing. Coralie was gifted at Broderie perse, an appliqué using patterned India chintz that Aunt Verity was so fond of. But might her remaining have more to do with being near Continental headquarters instead?
