Josh considered, then gave a confirming nod. “We do, and I have wood that would do for solid crossbars.”
Molly asked, “Do you think we’ll need to escape that way, Miss Callista?”
“Probably not, but having had one house burned in this war, I want to be prepared,” Callie explained. “These buildings are all wood, and they’d go up in flames very quickly if the British decide to torch the city.”
Gordon agreed with Callie, and also recognized that having a joint project to work on was a good distraction from the uncertainty looming over them.
Callie lit all their lanterns to provide working light, and even Sarah helped now that she was feeling stronger.
Like most men who spent time at sea, Gordon knew a great deal about knots, so he was designated the knot master. With everyone working together, in a couple of hours they had a sturdy rope ladder long enough to reach the ground from either the front or back of the warehouse.
The ladder made quite a large pile when finished. As Gordon and Trey rolled it into a fat cylinder almost the size of a tobacco barrel, Molly asked worriedly, “Will you be able to manage the ladder if we have to use it, Grandma?”
Sarah laughed. “If it’s the ladder or turning into barbeque, I’ll manage!”
Josh nodded approvingly. “I won’t let you fall, sugar. In the morning when it’s light, I’ll put anchors for the ladders in the front and back.” Josh covered a yawn. “Now I’m ready for some sleep.”
“I’m going to sleep on the balcony,” Trey said. “So I can hear if they give the signal calling the troops to assemble.”
“I think I’ll join you out there,” Gordon said. “It will be pleasantly cool.”
Molly smiled. “If Miss Callista and I sleep outside, too, Grandma and Grandpa can have their bed back.”
Josh chuckled. “A mighty fine idea. I’m not fond of sleeping alone.”
“Me neither,” Sarah said with a smile. “I miss your snoring.”
Gordon wouldn’t miss Josh’s snoring, but he envied the older couple the deep affection that bound them together. He and Callie had great affection, but it was an open question whether it would be enough to hold them together.
The balcony was indeed pleasantly cool, though there was more activity in the streets than usual. Trey and Molly spread out their blankets on the left end while Gordon and Callie took the right end. Gordon was pleased when she spread her pallet beside his. Not close enough for trouble, but close enough that when everyone had settled down, her hand was able to glide over and take his.
He lifted her hand to brush a kiss on her fingers, then settled down into sleep. He was grateful for both his self-control and his fatigue. If he’d given in to temptation and seriously tried to seduce Callie this strange week, she’d probably have brained him with the barrel of her pistol.
Instead she was becoming increasingly relaxed around him, and encouragingly responsive to his kisses. Next time he asked her to marry him, she might actually give the question serious consideration.
If not, well, he’d bide his time and ask her again later.
* * *
Callie awoke at dawn to find that she’d migrated over to Richard’s side and burrowed under his arm to rest her head on his shoulder. She tilted her head up and saw that he was watching her with amusement in his gray eyes. Seeing she was awake, he gently stroked his palm down her arm to the side of her hip. It felt dreadfully wonderful. He didn’t say a word when she silently scrambled away, but the amusement deepened.
She lay on her back, and remembered that today war would surely come to Baltimore, and her stepson would be part of it. Her hand moved back to take Richard’s and he threaded his fingers between hers. Her feelings for him were complicated, but at the moment, she’d take any comfort she could get.
They lay like that until Trey began to stir. “Today’s the day!” he said in a husky voice. A man’s voice, not that of a boy.
Molly, who was not an early riser by choice, said crossly, “I accept that you’re keen to get yourself killed, but can you be quieter about it?”
Callie smiled at the familiar sibling banter. “Time we all got up, I think.” She suited her actions to her words and sat up with a yawn.
“Time all you sleepyheads got moving,” Sarah said from the balcony door. She sounded like her usual healthy self. Sleeping with her husband’s warm body next to her must have improved her energy. She continued, “I’ll make us some breakfast, and then I think we all should go to the nearest church and do some prayin’.”
“Hard to argue with that,” Richard said as he stood and rolled up his pallet. “I just hope God remembers my face when I set foot in that church. It’s been a long time!”
“Then a good thing you’re going this morning, because I guarantee the devil knows your name!” Chuckling, Sarah returned to her cooking.
Beginning the day with laughter was not a bad thing, Callie decided. Laughter and prayers. They needed both.
Chapter 20
