It was an effort to keep the kiss gentle, but he’d be a fool to risk driving her away. The tender kiss went on and on, until she swayed away from him and said in a breathy voice, “Are you trying to seduce me, Lord George?”
“Not at all. I thought that was a very gentlemanly kiss,” he said as he struggled to regain a lighter tone. “Seduction would be ungentlemanly.” And to say he was courting her would be moving too fast.
“So just a gentlemanly good-night kiss.” She leaned forward and her lips briefly brushed his. “Good-night, then.”
She turned and climbed the last steps at a brisk pace. He followed, and just before she opened the door at the top, he said, “That kiss will send me to my night’s sleep with happy dreams. And you?”
She opened the door and light from the lanterns inside flowed over her, illuminating the enigmatic smile she sent over her shoulder. Then she was gone.
He guessed that they would both have sweet dreams this night.
Chapter 19
“They say that from the top of Federal Hill, we’ll be able to see halfway to Washington,” Richard said as they climbed the hill together. “Though that may be an exaggeration.”
Callie and Richard had ended each day of this long week of preparation and waiting with a walk to a different part of the city. Baltimore was the third largest city in the United States, but they were coming to know it well.
“Is Federal Hill as high as your Hampstead Hill? The one you’re digging ditches on?” Callie asked, panting a little from the climb. “That gave a most splendid view of the city and your earthworks.”
“I don’t think this hill is as high, but it does have fine water views.” They crested Federal Hill and looked out past the forts and down the Patapsco River, which led to the bay. Richard stiffened and muttered an oath under his breath.
Callie followed his gaze. In the misty distance were the clustered masts of sailing ships. A cold hand seemed to clench her heart. “The Royal Navy?”
Richard laid a comforting palm on her lower back. “I think it must be.” His voice was stark. “In the next few days, Baltimore’s people and resolution will be tested.”
“Trey.” She swallowed hard. “If General Ross lands his troops, Trey’s regiment will surely be called to action.”
“Perhaps, perhaps not,” Richard said calmly. “Militia, volunteers, and seasoned soldiers have been pouring in. The city is filled to the brim. The British can’t match the American numbers, and given the very fine fortifications we’ve built, the militia won‘t be routed like the troops at Bladensburg were.”
She guessed he was right. Sarah had told her that after the burning of Washington, Baltimore had collapsed into flat panic, but within a couple of days, the city had rallied and grimly dedicated its resources to resisting the likely British attack. She gave a silent prayer to keep Trey safe.
Burying her anxiety, she said, “I’ve heard that the British can’t sail into the harbor unless they turn Fort McHenry into rubble. Do you think that’s true?”
“The Hampstead Hill digging crews certainly believe that.” Richard gestured at the star-shaped brick fort at the end of a peninsula that pointed directly at the distant warships. “According to the sailors I was working with, the fort is well positioned and the river is too shallow for the largest warships to come all the way in. Only the smaller naval vessels can get within firing range.”
“Meanwhile, General Ross’s army will land and invade from the east.” She realized her hand was locked in his with numbing force. She consciously eased her grip. “I wish this damnable war had never begun!”
“I agree.” Frowning at the fort, Richard continued, “I’ve realized that while I don’t stand against my own country, I want the United States to come out of this war stronger and more sure of its identity.” His gaze slid to Callie. “I never could resist cheering for the little fellow.”
She smiled. “Neither can I. How imprudent of America to take on the greatest military power in the world! They’ve made dreadful military mistakes in the war, but here they are literally digging in and making their stand.”
“And more power to them.” He turned, taking her with him, and by mutual consent they headed silently back to the warehouse.
She enjoyed these after supper walks because it gave them private time together. These shared hours were like their childhood friendship, except for the nightly kiss he claimed on the stairs up to their living quarters.
Callie could have eluded him if she’d wanted to, but she’d discovered that she didn’t want to. He didn’t attempt to seduce her, but the kisses became longer and more intoxicating every night. She suspected he was courting her, but didn’t want to ask. A week from now, the battle might be over and it would be possible to think about the future.
But not yet.
* * *
After such intense preparations, Baltimore had started to become complacent, but having British ships within view brought the city back to a state of high anxiety. Troops garbed in everything from official uniforms to scruffy sailors’ clothing churned through the streets, complicated by the number of people who’d decided that the time had come to visit out of town relatives.
Trey was home on an overnight leave, but he bubbled with excitement. “We’ll be mobilized in the morning, I’m sure of it!” he exclaimed.
Gordon considered enlightening him about the ugly realities of combat, but decided against it. Trey wouldn’t believe him, and he’d learn the truth soon enough.
Callie said, “Let’s make a rope ladder tonight, just in case. Josh, do we have enough cordage to make a ladder that will reach the ground from this floor?”
