Mama grinned. “That’s very good.”
Relief had flooded me in my 1914 path yesterday at the discovery, and it followed me into today, as well.
“And Lord Cumberland?” Mama asked. “Have you had word from him?”
I nodded. The breakfast tray was growing heavier by the moment, but we could not speak freely with the girls present. “I received a letter from him yesterday. He has no plans to return to Whitby. They are working hard to recruit men for the war effort. He said in his letter that over three thousand men have enlisted every single day, and they are hardly sleeping to meet the demands and needs of the war.”
“So he will not return anytime soon?”
In answer to her question, I could not stop myself from grinning.
“We have much to be thankful for and celebrate today, Libby. But first we must get this food to the table while it’s still hot.”
I followed her the rest of the way, but when I turned to close the back door, I saw Louis. He was walking around the corner of the kitchen, coming from the privy, no doubt.
He met my gaze and stared hard at me. Had he overheard our conversation? If he had, he would have heard the name Lord Cumberland and talk of war. What would he think of that?
Mama and I needed to be more careful.
In the sitting room, we found Rebecca and Hannah waiting for their breakfast. The table had been set, so we laid the food upon it and took our seats. After Mama prayed, we dished up our plates, but a knock at the front door turned our heads.
“Who would come so early?” Mama set down her napkin and began to rise.
I stood. “I’ll see to them.”
In the front hall, I opened the door and stared in surprise. “Mister Jefferson. Please, come in. We’re breaking our fast, if you’d care to join us.”
Thomas Jefferson removed his tricorne hat and held it as he entered the hall. In his other hand, he grasped a leather satchel. “I do not want to impose. I’m very sorry to intrude upon yourmorning, but I must be on my way to Monticello within the hour and cannot delay my errand.”
“There’s no imposition.” I allowed him to enter and then closed the door, touching my hand to my cap on instinct to ensure it was in its proper place. I could not recall Mister Jefferson ever stepping foot within our printing shop. It was an honor I had not expected.
“Could I address both you and your mother?” he asked.
“Aye.” I opened the door to the office and said, “If you’d like to wait, I’ll call her.”
Mama must have heard our interaction, because she appeared in the hall, her face revealing her delighted surprise. “Good morning, Mister Jefferson.”
“Good morning, Mistress Conant.”
We moved into the office, which was hot and stuffy, having been closed since last evening.
“How may we help you?” Mama asked, going to the window to lift it and let in fresh air. The heat and humidity outside were no better than indoors.
Mister Jefferson opened his satchel and pulled out several pieces of parchment. “I have taken it upon myself to write a summary view of the rights of British Americans to be presented for consideration to the delegates of the Continental Congress, which meets in less than three weeks in Richmond.”
He held at least a dozen pieces of paper, written upon both sides. He passed them to Mama, and she took them with great care.
“I am asking you to print sixty copies and to have them ready no later than the first of September. Are you able to accommodate this request?”
“Aye.” Mama nodded as she held the pages almost reverently. “We will have them ready for you even sooner, if you need them.”
“Peyton Randolph is leaving this city on the first and willretrieve them at that time. He will deliver them to me in Richmond.”
“We will have them prepared in plenty of time.”
“Thank you.” Mister Jefferson gave a slight bow. “Please address the bill to my home. I am in your debt, madam.” He then acknowledged me with another bow. “Good day to you both.”
“Good day.” Mama walked him out into the hallway, and after he was gone, she came back into the office and closed the door, her eyes wide. “Libby,” she whispered, “do you know what this is?” She held up the pages, shaking her head in wonder.
