The Heavens Shall Fall (4 page)

“
You couldn’t sleep. You must be exhausted.” She moved Seth to her other arm. Giles gave her no response, but Seth, upon seeing his father, bounced his little body with utterings to gain attention.

Giles turned with a slight smile. He stood and reached for Seth. Hannah watched the two for a moment. Giles hadn
’t looked at her. She moved toward him as he sat with Seth.

“
What is the matter? Is something wrong? Has something happened?” Hannah questioned.

Giles
kept his focus on Seth. “We need to get back. It is unfair to Martha and Elijah to leave them by themselves. It is too much work.”

“
I’m not going anywhere,” Hannah stated firmly. The whole of his manner irritated her beyond measure.

He turned from the baby so he looked straight at her.
“It wasn’t a question.”

“
No.” She refused. “I gave my word to Alice. She is fearful the British will try to confiscate all her property if left unattended. I can’t abandon it after I told her I would stay.”

Her eyes fixed on her husband. He rose to his feet with Seth and
looked out the window into the darkness. For a long moment, there was no movement, no sound in the room, only the shadows flickering in the firelight.

“
Are you angry with me, Giles?” she said in a low tone. “I had thought after—”

“
It was my weakness, Hannah. I’m sorry,” he cut her short and moved farther away from her.

“
What? Are you talking about…” She paused. He turned his back to her.

Hannah covered her mouth with her hand.
Oh, Good Lord, he regrets marrying me.
She asked him coldly, “Are you sorry for making love to me?”

Her anger rose. She walked
determinedly in front of him. “Tell me, Giles, do you regret marrying me?”

He
gave her no answer to her question. Instead, he said dryly, “Pack. I’m not saying it again. We leave with the sun.”

She froze in her spot.
His words triggered her ire. Uncontrollably, she exploded, “So you do regret marrying me!”

In a single motion,
Hannah whisked her child from his arms. She stood before him, trying to contain her rage. Her eyes seethed. “I will pack but it won’t be for Setauket. I’m going home. Back to Virginia!”

She bounded
down the hall and took refuge in the only other room. She slammed the door. She tried to place Seth down on the bed, but the baby would have none of it: he clung tightly to her, bawled loudly. She ignored his cries and propped him up on the pillow.

Slowly, the door opened. Hannah flung the closest object she could grab
, a book sitting on the side table. Giles ducked. Seth wailed louder. Hannah joined him in the next breath, sitting woefully down upon the bed.

Giles tentatively moved
into the room. He knelt down and took her hands away from her tear-stained face. “Calm yourself, Hannah. I said I was sorry. I won’t touch you again.”

She jerked her
hands away and pushed him back. “How dare you!” she cried. “How can you say such to me? Why did you marry me if you are so ashamed of me? You feel some misplaced guilt about me. So you sacrifice yourself for my son so he won’t know what his mother was!”

Seth screamed. Hannah picked him up
and hugged him close to her. She clutched her son tightly as she choked back tears.

When she calmed,
Giles sat down beside her. “Hannah,” he said in a soft manner.

Hannah attempted to rise, but he placed his hand gently on her shoulder. Seth
’s wails turned to sniffling cries. His hand went to her face and brought it up to meet his eyes. “What are you rambling about? I don’t think of you in that manner and never would. My God, woman! I thought you well understood how much I love you.”

“
Love me?” She echoed his words. The room quieted. She wiped her reddened eyes. “You have never said so. I thought…”

His hand cupped her face so she could look into his eyes.
“I love you, Hannah. I have from the first moment we met. Take care of Seth. Then we’ll talk.”

Hannah finally soothed Seth back to sleep. She pulled the blanket up around him and quietly left the room. As best she could, she tried to make herself presentable. She pulled back her hair into a semblance of a braid. She hadn’t the patience to fight with her stubborn tresses that kept escaping. Her eyes had dried, but she was well aware of their puffiness.

Giles
stared out the window. He wheeled toward her when she entered. She made no movement when he walked to her. Her head lowered. He took her by her shoulders.

“
Look at me, Hannah,” he commanded. Slowly, she lifted her head. “I am not ashamed of you and never have been. I’m no fool, though. I know what you have been through. Yes, I wanted to give Seth a name. In part, I did feel I owed you. Not pity, never pity. I saw within you the same spirit I have. I made you a promise and I kept it.” He paused for a moment. “But Hannah, I was there with you and know well the feelings you had for this colonel. You called for him over and over in your sleep. I’m sorry but it’s in the back of my mind.

“
I let you hold to me because I cared. I will take care of you always, but I didn’t want to rush you into something you weren’t ready for because you felt obligated. I don’t want to be an obligation, Hannah. I had hopes one day…one day you might feel for me what I feel for you. I said I was sorry this morning not because I didn’t want you, but because I thought I had botched the whole of it.”

Hannah wiped
the tears that once more escaped her eyes. “Giles, Marcus has been in my past the moment I agreed to be your wife. In honesty, the night you asked me to marry you, I had contemplated going back to him. I would have found a way, but something held me back.

“
Sometimes I get this feeling in me. It was as you told me once. You can’t question if it feels right. I never had it with Marcus. That was what Reverend Brown tried to tell me. But I found it with you. We have a bond, you and I. Moreover, I cling to you, Giles. I have never clung to anyone in my life.”

His arm
s pulled her into an embrace as hers rounded his neck. “When I was a child, I dreamed of having my own family. It is what I dream of now with you. I didn’t marry you only to have a father for Seth, but for our children. Giles,” she whispered. “I don’t want or need anyone but you.”

His mouth found hers. The kiss deepened to where she gasped when his lips broke from hers.

“I love you, Hannah.”

“
Then love me,” she answered him. He needed nothing more.

Afterwards, she lay peacefully within his arms. The sun had risen. Yet she had no desire to leave the bed. Her hand lay around him as if never to ever let him go. He lay contently, whispering with a laugh. “So how exactly were you going to get back to Virginia? Swim?”

“
I really didn’t have a plan,” she said in a soft voice for she had not the desire to wake Seth. She didn’t want to move. She was where she wanted to be in his arms.

“
Do you still want to go home?”

She
answered simply, “I am home.”

Rupert Arnett crossed the street in the hazy morning air. He had received a request for his immediate presence by Major Andre.
Rupert made his way readily to the house where the major billeted, knowing Andre did not like to be kept waiting.

As he walked
through the wrought-iron gates and up the steps to the entrance, Rupert wondered whether he had been overzealous in his enthusiasm on France’s decision to enter the war on the American side. Nothing more had happened since the French had given their support to the American cause.

With the news
of the French, the British had withdrawn from Philadelphia and regrouped here in New York. The influx of the British army made Arnett’s job difficult.

Tallmadge
had already pressed for information of British activity. Rumors abounded that the French Fleet lay outside of the harbor, but as of yet, Arnett had not uncovered any report of the British’s intention.

The lack of knowledge did not sit well with
Tallmadge. To Arnett’s chagrin, Tallmadge expected the network to supply the information that the previous network had provided, but it was a different New York.

The war had not gone as planned for the British. Their patience
was exhausted as well as any goodwill toward the colonists. Arnett could not afford to call attention to his actions.

Moreover, General Clinton was now in command. A new regime had entered New York. Arnett needed time to lay a foundation of trust. Clinton would not be an easy man to deal with
, according to his past history. He had not been a popular choice, even among the British ranks, for the command.

Clinton
was a competent commander; that fact was not in dispute. No, it was his manner. His reputation held that not many could work with him long. He had a long list of former aides. But for the same reason the British questioned his ability to lead, Arnett recognized the danger the man presented to the Patriot cause.

Clinton
’s intent lay with ending the war. He wasted little sympathy for the Americans. Clinton had wanted to crush the retreating Washington and the Continental Army when the British first occupied New York. It had been Howe who had delayed. Clinton wanted to reinforce Burgoyne, but Howe had hesitated to send reinforcements.

Major Andre housed
in an elegant mansion once owned by Alexander Clay. Since the man’s death, the house had served many a prominent British officer. It was a comfortable residence, one that told of the importance Major Andre now held.

Rupert believed the request from Andre stemmed from the British need for more of their propaganda to be relayed to the occupants of New York. He had visited the house on several occasions since Major Andre
’s return and understood now the reason for his invitation.

The
Loyalist
 served the British well. Rupert had made certain of that and the major had need of his services once more.

Escorted into the parlor, Rupert found Major John Andre engaged in conversation with two companions.
Exceedingly well-groomed even for Andre’s standards, the major dressed in the height of fashion. His uniform was clean and crisp, not a button out of place. His wig was powdered and tied back in a queue. With his fine cut features, undeniably most women would find him a handsome, charismatic man with an engaging charm…an engaging charm he used to his full advantage.

Rupert needed no introduction to the officer closest to Andre. He recognized him immediately
: Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton wasted none of his charm on his enemies. Back in ’76, Tarleton rose to fame within the British corps with his capture of the Rebels’ General Charles Lee.

Those within British command considered Tarleton a brilliant soldier
who rose quickly in the ranks. Rupert’s dealings with the man convinced Rupert he dealt with a ruthless counterpart who showed no mercy toward the enemy, an enemy who Tarleton saw only as a means to advance his career.

The other officer in attendance, Rupert had met only once
: a young recruit, Lieutenant Bradford, newly arrived from England.

Major Andre acknowledged Rupert
’s entrance with a cordial nod, and then pointed his finger at Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton.

“
Banastre, I agree, the colonies will never see another production as Howe’s Thespians. I overdid the play, if I say so myself,” Andre laughed. “I’m sorry, Rupert. Banastre and I were talking of my last theatrical performance I gave when General Howe returned to England. It is a shame that neither you nor Lieutenant Bradford could attend. Quite the show.”

“
Your accomplishments have preceded you, Major. Besides the fact that I remember well your previous stay in New York. You had all the women swooning at your feet with your productions and poems. I will have to talk you into letting me post a few of your poems in the
Loyalist
,” Rupert said.

Rupert glanced over at Lieutenant Bradford. The young officer looked quite perturbed with the discussion. Rupert realized the young gentleman was bored with the conversation.
 
Ah, he will need to hide his disapproval better than his attempt at the moment.

Lieutenant Bradford seemed a no
-nonsense kind of fellow, high on himself with little regard for others, even those of higher rank. Rupert wondered briefly whether the lad’s family was of importance in England. He would wager they were, given the airs Lieutenant Bradford carried, but his name would mean little on the battlefield.

It would serve the lad to learn from the men in the room. Much to his
chagrin, Rupert had to admit the two were quite accomplished soldiers, each in their own way: Tarleton on the battlefield and Andre on the strategic logistics of the British war effort.

Although no official announcement had been made, rumor had it Major Andre had been promoted by Clinton. Colonel Marcus Durham had been replaced by Andre. From all his sources, Andre now was in charge of the British Secret Intelligence.
If Rupert wasn’t wrong in his assumption, he was about to be dictated the rules Andre wanted the
Loyalist
 to follow.

“
Where are my manners?” Andre gestured for Rupert to make himself comfortable. Rupert sat in a chair directly across from Andre. “I wanted to discuss the latest news coming out of England. I am certain you will be interested in it for your paper.”

“
You know me better than I know myself. I am at your service.”

An amused expression flickered across the British officer
’s face. The major exchanged a look with Tarleton that didn’t go unnoticed by Rupert.

“
It was what I hoped.” Andre eased back in his chair. “I want to come to an understanding with you, Rupert. Things have changed since my return from Philadelphia. I don’t want you to make an unknowing mistake.”

“
Neither would I, Major. I thought my allegiance to the Crown was well established.”

“
It is,” Andre acknowledged. He pointed to Lieutenant Bradford. “Have you met my new assistant, Lieutenant Harold Bradford? He’s quite the impatient sort. Are you not, Lieutenant? I believe he thinks the war will be over as soon as he sees a battlefield.”

Bradford heaved
his form off his seat and eyed Andre with a vaguely disguised look of aversion. “I said only that the Rebels’ army consisted of soldiers with generally no character, ill-armed and with worse clothing. It is my opinion that the war has dragged on too long. The people of England are becoming exasperated…none more so than King George.”

Andre nodded in agreement.
“I am certain they are. It is my contention that the war is going to turn for the better within weeks—now that General Clinton has been placed in charge. And you, of course, are here.”

Bradford
 smiled smugly. Rupert watched Andre’s manner disarm the young man without ruffling his feathers. Tarleton smiled and stood. “Come, Bradford, I want to ready for the day. Andre here is going to be in discussion with Mr. Arnett for a time.”

Without another word, the two departed
and left Rupert alone with Andre. Rupert was under no illusion. Tarleton knew of the reason he had been summoned, and had deliberately absented himself with Bradford so the young officer would not hear.

“
Rupert, I’ll come right to the point of our visit. I suppose you know that with General Clinton in charge, I have been instructed with new duties.”

“
I understand that General Clinton thinks highly of you.”

Andre pressed his lips together and nodded.
“I believe so. It has been an association of long standing. One that is mutual. You will find, Rupert, that I’m a man of loyalty.”

“
If you have sent for me to question mine, there is no need. I believe I have showed my standing on every paper that I print. My family…”

Andre waved his hand in front of his face.
“There is no need, Rupert. I have no issue. I understand well that your paper has stood behind the Crown. It will not be forgotten.”

“
Is there something you want me to write?”

Andre shook his head.
“No, I want only to continue the standing arrangement.”

Rupert understood perfectly. Andre was sending him the message he was in charge.

Andre added, “Of course, I will make sure you are highly rewarded for your services.”

“
As always, it would be greatly appreciated,” Rupert answered. He had never refused any money with the association. It would be expected that he would not do so. He eased back in his chair. “So you feel like the tide is turning toward the British.”

A wide grin emerged on Andre
’s face. “Ever one for a story. On the record, I will state I’m confident. I have always been one to flourish with my sword—lead His Majesty’s men to be triumphant!”

“
So you think the Americans are against the wall even after taking back Philadelphia?”

“
Philadelphia wasn’t so much taken back, as we let it go. It wasn’t prudent to hold it at the moment. Rest assured all will be set right soon enough. Although I will agree with you we haven’t fought with enough ferocity. That will change soon enough and the Rebels will flee like rats. Now if only the stupid enemy will stay beaten.”

“
I’m sure you will see them to that end.”

“
You know me too well, Rupert,” Andre said. He pressed his lips together, and thought a moment before he continued. “While you are here, I was wondering if you knew of a lady, Mrs. Susanna Millbury, to be exact.”

A sudden uncomfortable feeling of being scrutinized
surged through Rupert. It scared him. This had not been the meeting he thought. Andre used it as camouflage. Deliberately setting in motion a disturbing undercurrent, the man had a clear intent. Fear swelled in Rupert that Andre suspected. How foolish of him to use Hannah’s cousin! He had warned Giles about Hannah’s connection still to the network, but it was he who had caused the breach!

“
I know of the lady.” Rupert knew his voice conveyed a remoteness that discouraged further questions.

Andre lowered his eyes for a moment; then in the next
, looked directly at Rupert. “I see I have touched a nerve. It is a simple question. I want only to find out more about the beauty…more so your relationship with her.”

Rupert detected no trace of animosity in Andre
’s manner. Instead, he suddenly recognized that Andre had interest in Susanna…not in her activities…in her as a woman.

Go
od Gawd! Andre suspected she was his lover. That alone unnerved him. He had thought he had been most discreet with their encounters, but that Andre had interest in her!

“
You need to explain yourself, Major. I am not sure I like where this is heading. Mrs. Millbury is a married woman.”

“
I know her marital status, Rupert. I will be blunt. I want to know her status with you. It is my understanding that you may be more than acquaintances.”

Rupert stiffened. Andre rose and strolled over to the window. He turned back to Rupert and smiled.
“Come, Rupert. The two of you have been
friends
. That holds little meaning to me. I want only to understand where you stand at this time.”

Rupert found himself trapped. Tension mounted. God forgive him, but if Andre truly wanted Susanna in his bed
, could he discourage an affair which could well be beneficial to the cause? He thought of the woman.

If ever an affair ensued between Andre and Susanna, it would never last. It could do more damage than good. Andre seemed the passionate sort; Susanna…a cold fish…beautiful, but at times during their lovemaking, she seemed to disappear into a world of her own. She suited him. She suited him very well, but Andre? He doubted it.

“You understand she is cousin to Colonel Durham’s former interest, Hannah Corbett. I would not think she would be your—”