After I was seated, he sat beside me. Our knees brushed together, so he repositioned himself. I sat up straight on my chair, hands clasped in my lap, willing myself to be content with his time—even if that was all I could have of him.
“I have news you’ll want to print.” His voice was charged with energy. “We’ve agreed to call a Virginia Convention. August first, here in Williamsburg. Any burgess who is willing may attend.”
“And will you?”
He nodded. “There’s talk of calling together a congress of the thirteen colonies at a later date, as well.”
I was aware of the two Continental Congresses that would take place in the next year. The second would occur soon after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, in April of 1775. I wished I could tell him these things, but if I did, he would never understand, and I would lose him forever. Not to mention that I would risk changing history.
“For now,” he said, “I will stay in Williamsburg until the first of June. Beyond that, I might captain a ship to New York for my father, since the convention won’t start until August.”
“Must you go?”
He studied me as the firelight flickered in his beautiful blue eyes. “I am afraid so. I’m needed for my father’s business.”
“Is it safe?”
“Life is a risk, Libby.” He smiled, though there was sadness in the depths of his eyes. “I will be called upon to do much more dangerous things before this is all done.” He let out a sigh. “I should take my leave.”
“So soon?”
“My father will wonder what keeps me.”
We both rose at the same time. “Thank you for coming.”
“I know how you long to be a part of this cause, Libby. I admire you because of it.” Slowly, he lifted his hand and reached for mine.
I allowed him to take it, my pulse beating hard in my wrists. The touch of his skin against mine was unlike anything I’d ever felt before. Warmth flooded my senses, curling low in my belly.
“Libby,” he said tenderly, “I count you among my dearest friends and always have. I hope you know that.”
I nodded, though I longed for so much more than friendship.
He swallowed as he ran his thumb over the top of my hand,looking down at it. “I wish ...” He paused, and I held my breath. “I wish I were free to offer you more.”
My face felt flushed, and my legs grew weak at his words. They filled me with hope, yet at the same time dashed that hope against a rock. “I wish for the same,” I said barely above a whisper.
“There are things beyond my control.” His voice was low and pained. “Things that prevent me from following my heart.”
Tears threatened to gather in my eyes, so I had to look away.
He squeezed my hand, forcing me to look up and meet his troubled gaze once again. “But please know that you are dearer to me than my very own life, Libby. It’s because I care that I must keep you at a distance.” His words pleaded with me to understand.
I stared at him, trying hard to keep the tears from spilling onto my cheeks. I had to press my lips together to stop them from trembling. I wanted to understand him—had thought I did—but if he cared for me, why must he keep me at a distance? Was it because of his father’s expectations? Was it because of his uncertainty concerning the events transpiring around us?
Whatever it was, I had to believe he would declare his feelings for me if he could. And if he could not, there must be a very good reason.
“Do not trouble yourself on my behalf.” I spoke softly, afraid my voice would crack under my emotions. “You are an honorable man, and you have a difficult burden to carry. My greatest desire is that you would carry it well. I do not want you to be hindered because of me.”
“Oh, Libby.” He pulled me close.
I buried my face in his chest and closed my eyes, loving the feel of his heart beating against my cheek. The tears did come then. I could not stop them. I had loved him for so long, and this was the closest we had come to sharing our hearts in years.
“You are so very dear to me,” he said again. “You always have been, and you always will be.”
I’d never known such longing as I did in that moment. Why did God allow such passion and fervor to burn in my heart for Henry when I was not free to act upon my desires?
He kissed the top of my cap and pulled away from me. It was cold without him near.
