Mister Charlton looked from me to Mama. His jowls shook with the intensity of his words. “That is not my only concern. There has been strange talk circulating about the two of you.”
“Strange talk?” Mama came down the rest of the steps to face our guest.
“Some people think you are spies, or at the very least, leading double lives. You’ve been overheard talking about recruiting men for the war effort—something about three thousand men enlisting every day—and other troubling things.”
I frowned, perplexed by his accusations. “Us? Recruiting men for a war?”
And then I remembered that day outside the kitchen when Mama had asked if I had heard from Reggie. I’d said he was busy recruiting men for the war effort and that there were three thousand men enlisting every day.
Which meant that Louis had not only overheard us but had been spreading rumors about us. What else had he been saying?
“When this crisis blows over,” Mister Charlton continued, “you will find yourselves without friends, a business, or an income. You put yourselves and the people under your roof in danger. Is that what you desire? To tempt the ire of the governor or the king?” He narrowed his eyes as he stared at me. “Is it worth all that, Libby?”
I didn’t respond as I met his gaze. Had I not known the outcome of the looming war, I might have cowered under his threats.
“I’ve said my piece, and now I shall leave your establishment. But do not be mistaken. I strongly believe the public printing contract should be removed from your business and given to someone who supports the king. I will work toward that end, and others will join my effort.”
Men like Louis and Mister Archer, no doubt.
A moment later, the door reverberated with the force of his anger.
“Louis,” I said with anger burning in my chest. “He is trying to destroy us from within.”
“He is only doing what he thinks is necessary.” Mama picked up Mister Jefferson’s pamphlet. “He is fighting a losing battle.”
“Mayhap, but what mightwelose in the process?” I couldn’t believe how calm she was acting.
Her green eyes were steady as she looked at me. “What makes us different from anyone else? Why must we not pay a cost for freedom? Is it everyone else’s job to sacrifice so that we can enjoy the benefits of their payment? Nay. Freedom isn’t free, Libby. The price is far greater than anyone realizes.” She linked her elbow through mine and led me back into the sitting room. It smelled of orange and clove pomanders and fresh pine. “By the end of this, our lives will look far different than we can imagine.”
“What if they succeed in removing the contract from us?”
“The governor has more important issues to address.”
I wanted to believe her. “What will I do without Sophia’s companionship?”
“Mayhap, as things progress, he’ll change his mind.” Mama meant as the war unfolded, though she couldn’t say such things in front of Rebecca. Instead, she took the garland from Rebecca’s hands and touched her younger daughter’s cheek. “We can pray he’ll have a change of heart. He would not be the only one.”
“I hope he’ll still allow Sophia to speak to me when not at home. I could not bear to be apart from her overlong.”
Mama placed her free hand on my arm. “Much will be required of us, Libby. But let us think of better things today.” She put a smile on her face and in her voice. “For tomorrow is Christmas and tonight is the ball. We must take whatever joy can be found from each day and not borrow tomorrow’s sorrow.”
Rebecca giggled. “That rhymed.”
I hugged her close and smiled up at Mama, so thankful for my family and the many blessings God had bestowed upon me.
There was much to be grateful for, even with the troubles surrounding us on every side.
The long-awaited Christmas Eve ball at the Governor’s Palace had arrived. Though it was cold, Mama and I walked to the palace, just as we had done in May while the burgesses were in session.
Wassailers and merrymakers were out on Duke of Gloucester Street, singing, dancing, and celebrating from the College of William and Mary all the way to the capitol building. Some were in colorful costumes, with hats and noisemakers. I smiledas we passed a group dressed as court jesters. They wished us health, prosperity, and good tidings.
Mama and I had remade my best gown for tonight’s occasion, unable to purchase anything new. The Virginia cotton was a solid green, which complemented my eyes. The back was arranged in box pleats that fell loosely from my shoulder to the floor and had a slight train. The gown was open in front, showing off my decorative stomacher and petticoat. Under the petticoat I wore wide panniers to accentuate my hips, and at the sleeves were scalloped ruffles of elbow-length lace crafted in Virginia. I did not prefer the oversized hairstyles many women chose for formal events. Instead, Mariah had helped me style the top of my hair raised over a wool toque. The rest was waved and curled, with ringlets at the back. It was still fashionable but not gaudy, and I wore a simple green bow at the back instead of the elaborate headdresses I would be sure to see this evening.
“How many patients remain at Cumberland Hall?” Mama asked as we turned off Duke of Gloucester Street and onto the Palace Green.
“About two dozen.”
“And has Dr. Aiken returned to Sleights?”
