Raindrops began to fall from the sky, and several of the men on the street moved toward the Raleigh Tavern, only a few doors down from the mantua-maker. I searched the crowd for Henry, longing to hear from someone who had experienced the event firsthand.
Thunder rumbled overhead again, and I looked up on instinct to assess the oncoming storm. Grey clouds tumbled over each other, building with intensity.
“I must get back to my father,” Sophia said, glancing at the sky, as well. “Will you come and tell me if you learn something new?”
“If I am able.” I was still searching for Henry. Was he at the capitol? Had he already gone to his house on the Palace Green? Was he inside the Raleigh? Mayhap Sophia knew. She sat by her father’s window as she worked and watched the comings and goings of everyone on Duke of Gloucester Street. “Have you seen Henry Montgomery?”
“Not since early this morning, when he went to the capitol.”
There were so many people gathered outside the Raleigh that it was impossible to see past them. I stood on tiptoe, but in vain. Mister Archer, the owner of theWilliamsburg Weekly Journal, was in the midst of the crowd, speaking to several burgesses without noticing me. He had access to the men in ways I never would. He was invited and welcomed into their inner circles, gleaning information and news with little effort.
It forced me to work harder, but I wasn’t afraid.
A gust of wind tore down the street, tugging at my skirts and threatening to pull off my cap.
Sophia stepped closer to me. “Have you heard the rumors about Henry?”
I looked at her sharply. Was she referencing the ones Louis had shared? “I’ve heard some things, but I try not to believe everything I hear.” I would never believe it of Henry.
“You’ve heard that he’s spying on the Liberty men for the governor?”
I forgot about the oncoming storm and the gathering outside the tavern. “I’ve heard the opposite, that he’s spying on the governorforthe Liberty men. Where have you heard these accusations?”
“Customers.”
“Rumors abound while everyone is in town. Some people live for the gossip circulating while the burgesses are in session.” Both here and in 1914, some things did not change.
“What do you think?”
“I do not think of such things,” I said. “Henry is not onlygood, he is honorable. These rumors are flying about because he is standing with his fellow burgesses against the crimes committed in Boston. His father is loyal to the crown and to the governor. ’Tis bound to make people question Henry’s loyalty, and since he is seen with both parties, the rumors have developed.” I wanted to believe what I was saying, but I’d lived long enough, in two different times, to know that rumors were often born from a spark of truth, however small.
“If you think that,” Sophia said, ever loyal to me, “then I will think that, as well.” She held on to her cap. “I must be off. Father will be cross with me for leaving my work unattended.”
She left my side as the rain picked up in intensity. I prayed the girls had made it home as I rushed to the Raleigh, eager to get under the protection of a large elm in its front yard. I did not want to go home without speaking to Henry.
The crowd began to disperse, people rushing off to their houses, businesses, and lodgings. Those who remained started to file into the tavern—with Mister Archer among them.
Mister Jefferson approached the Raleigh with Mister Patrick Henry. They were in deep conversation, but at the last moment, Mister Jefferson glanced my way.
“Miss Conant.” He removed his tricorne and offered a slight bow.
“Good day, Mister Jefferson.” I gave a quick curtsy, eager to be done with the formalities. “Have you seen Mister Montgomery?”
“Aye.” He glanced over the crowd, his brows dipping in confusion. “He left the capitol with us, but we must have lost him in the melee.”
My heart sank. “Mayhap he’s gone home?”
“I don’t believe he would. Not today.” Mister Jefferson gave me an apologetic look. “I wish I could be of service to you.”
“Thank you.”
He and Mister Henry entered the Raleigh. Others soonjoined them, powerful and important men angered by the governor’s order, though how could they be surprised? Surely they had known what they were about when they voted on the resolution.
I watched up Duke of Gloucester Street until everyone was gone. If Henry had been inside, Mister Jefferson would have told him I was waiting, surely.
I was just turning toward home when I finally saw Henry. He was running up the street from the opposite direction of the capitol. He stopped momentarily at Mistress Hunter’s shop, glanced in the windows, and then continued toward the Raleigh, where he saw me standing under the tree.
He ran the short distance toward me, concern on his face. His chest rose and fell as he tried to catch his breath. “Pray, tell me why you’re standing in the rain, Libby Conant.”
