I did not want to implicate Henry by asking questions, but I desperately wanted to know if Governor Dunmore was aware of his activities. How much evidence did they have against him? Was it enough to convict him of treason?
“And keep an eye on Louis,” James continued. “He has told me some bizarre things about you and your mother that are too preposterous to believe. From what I’ve gathered, I’m not the only one he’s told.”
“What has he told you?”
“’Tis not worth repeating.” His brown eyes were kind and gentle. “He believes that he and I are friends, and so he confides in me, but I suspect he would like nothing more than to run you out of business and take over your printing press.”
I swallowed the words that wanted to be spoken. Harsh, angry words. Papa had taken Louis under his wing as a child, and we had provided him with a home and a job for the last nine years.
James took another step closer to me, and I was forced tolook up into his face. “He, like many others, is aware of your work in aiding the Patriots’ cause.” His voice was low as he studied me. “Believe it or not, I understand your heart, Libby. This is your home, and you want the freedom to live as you choose. I would feel the same about Cumberland Hall.” His voice was serious. “But Louis does not see things that way. You would be wise to let him go as soon as possible.”
Would Louis really try to get rid of us? I did not think him capable, but I had no reason to believe that James was lying.
“Thank you,” I said, truly grateful.
“I do hope you’ll consider me a friend, Libby.” He smiled, and I could see the genuine request in his eyes. “You are the first person I’ve met in America who has spoken to me of Whitby, and I do not want to lose that connection.”
“You’ve told me all of this because of Whitby?”
His cheeks took on a bit of color. “That, and I think you’re pretty.”
It was my turn to blush. “Thank you.”
James grinned and took his leave.
****
Several hours later, when the supper dishes had been cleared, I sat near the hearth in the sitting room with Mama. Hannah and Rebecca had gone up to bed, but it was still early, and I had no wish to hasten back to Whitby.
Mama was mending, and I was staring into the flames, thinking about the baby. We had discussed it several times that day in stolen moments, but now I had nothing left to say. I’d also told her what Lieutenant Addison had said about Louis, but neither of us were certain how to proceed. If we let him go, we would need to run the press ourselves until someone could be hired to take his place. Mama said she would write some letters in the morning to friends in other colonies who might know of a printer looking for a job. But until then, we would need to watch him closely.
A knock sounded on the front door, bringing me out of my melancholy thoughts.
“Who might that be at this hour?” Mama asked.
“I’ll go.”
I entered the hall and opened the front door. It was dark, but I could never mistake the person standing on our front stoop.
“Henry,” I breathed as I went into his arms.
He made a surprised sound, and I was certain he hadn’t expected my response. But my heart was sore, and I needed his comfort. I didn’t even care if anyone saw us, though it was dark enough that it would be unlikely.
“Libby.” He said my name like a gentle caress as his arms enfolded me in a hug. He smelled of bergamot and pipe tobacco, and the folds of his coat were coarse against my cheek.
“I’ve missed you,” I said.
“I’ve missed you too.”
I looked up at him, and he lowered his mouth to kiss me.
It was everything I’d remembered and more. My pulse pounded, and my stomach filled with butterflies. I loved him so dearly.
Finally, he pulled back and whispered, “Your mama will wonder why there’s a draft.”
I smiled, though my heart was heavy. It was bittersweet to be in his arms again, knowing what I did about my 1915 path and the choice I would need to make in six months.
“Come in.” I stepped back and allowed him to enter the house, then closed the door behind him. He took off his hat and cloak, and I hung them on the hooks. “Mama is in the sitting room.”
