0 comments/ 3393 views/ 0 favorites The Fall of York Ch. 25-39 By: nicecthulhu Thank you to searchingforperfection and catbrown for their hard work in editing and all of their suggestions. I appreciate all votes, feedback and comments, and I do read all the comments. This story is a sequel to The Doctor's Daughter. Both are set during the War of 1812. Since the death of Major General Brock in the fall of 1812, neither side has scored a decisive victory. There have been minor accomplishments for both the Americans and the British, but the War Hawks in Washington are eager for more promising actions that will validate Jefferson's boasts that the conquest of Canada is "a mere matter of marching". In the spring of 1813 Major General Henry Dearborn is ordered to lead his forces in an attack on Kingston, Ontario. He considers those orders and then attacks the town of York (later known as Toronto), instead. 25 "She's a brave woman," Jacob whispered to Millie, "but she won't turn them away." The maid turned a frightened face to Jacob. "Can you help me up and then outside?" he asked, glancing at Captain Orr to be sure the man had not heard him. Millie was clearly unsure what to do. "Help me face the soldiers, Millie. I'll protect everyone in this house. I promise." She reached down and helped the American to stand. Captain Orr glanced at the two of them and frowned. "Sit back down," he ordered, quietly. "No, sir. I'm going to protect your wife and Millie and I won't break my promise to you, sir." Millie helped him stagger to the door and then opened it, allowing the American soldiers to see Jacob in the doorway. The group stepped away from Mrs. Orr. "What are you doing here?" Jacob called out to his countrymen. "It's a trick!" accused one of the Americans. "No, it ain't! That's Jacob Wright! I thought the Indians got him," said another. "I asked you what you're doing here!" Jacob repeated. The soldiers were silent. "Zeke! Answer my question." "Sure thing, Jacob. We watched some of the other soldiers coming back from town with loot and Paul and Joseph said we could do the same. So we left the barracks and went looking for some place that would have lots of valuable treasure. Are these ladies friends of yours, Jacob?" "That they are, Zeke. This woman's husband is a British Captain. He found me drowning in a river and saved my life. Then he brought me here so Mrs. Orr and her maid, Millie, could look after me while I recovered." Jacob grimaced from sudden pain. "You shouldn't be standing! Get him back in the house Millie, before he gets worse," demanded Abigail. "Let me say my piece, ma'am. Boys, if you intend any harm to either of these two ladies then you'll have to face me." "One of us could push you over and two ladies won't offer much resistance. Is there anything valuable in there?" Paul asked, pointing to the open door. Zeke reached out and grabbed Paul's arm again. "I'm not injured, Paul. If Jacob says they're not to be harmed then we're leaving." Paul and Zeke stared at each other angrily. Then Paul looked around his group and realized that the others had lost heart in looking for loot. "All right, Zeke, we're leaving." The soldiers shuffled away, leaving Zeke standing alone at the Orr's home. "Sorry for the trouble, ma'am and miss. It was just high spirits," said Zeke. "I really should go back inside and rest, Zeke. Can you let one of the officers know I'm alive, so they don't send a letter to my Ma?" "Sure. I'll make sure we don't leave you behind when we go, Jacob." "You're leaving?" asked Abigail. "That's right, ma'am. The officers have been talking about returning across the lake. Jacob, Are you going to be all right in the meantime?" Zeke asked, looking at Millie carefully. Jacob saw where his friend's eyes travelled. "I'm in good hands, Zeke. I'll see you later." Zeke waved a goodbye and then turned and walked away. 26 Once the three re-entered the house Lawrence took Abigail by the hand and, after an embarrassed glance at Millie and Jacob, he drew her to the rear of their home. The American and maid saw no sign of fear upon Mrs. Orr's face. "Will he whip her for disobedience?" asked Jacob in a whisper, as Millie eased him back into the chair. "He's never done so before. It doesn't seem their way," she remarked. "Is that what husbands do in the United States of America?" "Some do. I think most don't. No man in my family has ever raised his hand to his wife," he said proudly. "So the women are in charge?" she asked, before she could stop herself. Jacob took no offence and seemed to give the question serious consideration. "I'm not really sure, Millie. My Pa makes the decisions, but he always chooses what my Ma agrees with somehow. And nobody tells Gran what to do." Millie strolled to the window slowly and brushed the curtain aside to look out. She could see a couple of neighbours in front of their houses chatting at the astounding sight they had just witnessed. An American soldier staying in the Orr's house! Gossip would fly, she knew. "I suppose I should apologize for my countrymen, Millie." She turned and faced him. "I do wonder about a country whose soldiers invade their neighbour's land and then loot the houses of innocent people. You don't seem like the type of man to do such a thing," she added, not wanting to offend him. "We were told that we would be freeing you from the oppression of the British. We came here to free you," he repeated. "To free women?" "No, the people of Canada. The British think they can do anything. They stop our ships and steal our crews. We're going to bring you liberty!" "Liberty? What does that mean? From what you've told me, your life at home is pretty much like anyone else's here in Upper Canada. Is it liberty that gives you the right to invade people's homes and steal their possessions merely because you have more guns?" "That's different. After the massacre at Raisin River, it's only natural that some of my countrymen would seek to punish the enemy." "So, I'm the enemy, am I?" Jacob was flustered and struggled to find something friendly to say to Millie. "Never mind, sir. I know you don't see me as the enemy and I was being petulant. What's this massacre you mentioned?" "You don't know about it? I...I would have thought you'd heard..." he stopped himself from saying anything further, remembering that this girl was innocent to the atrocities of war. "Perhaps you'd best ask Captain Orr about it," he suggested. "Maybe I shall," she replied haughtily. Millie was embarrassed that she was ignorant of something that Jacob thought of as common knowledge. She knew she was unsophisticated, but for some reason it bothered her that this American might think she was simple. "I have chores to do, sir. Do you require any refreshment before I leave you?" Jacob was a little taken aback by this sudden formality from her. "No...no thanks. I'll be fine, miss." Millie walked to the hall and then stopped. Without turning she said, "Thank you for defending us from the soldiers, sir." 27 Abigail listened silently while her husband chastised her for confronting the American soldiers. She kept her face unemotional and her eyes downcast while she heard the words, but listened to the underlying context. Lawrence seemed to be running out of arguments as to why she should have remained inside and let him face the Americans. After several minutes, his voice lowered and finally he was silent. "So, you were concerned for me?" she asked, knowing very well that he was. "Of course! How could you ask such a question? Haven't you been listening to me Abigail?" Lawrence slammed his open hand down on the counter top. She glanced at his hand and then looked up into his eyes. "Do you regret marrying me?" He was aghast at the thought and bewildered by the turn in conversation. "You must let me act as my nature dictates or I will whither, husband. I seek to safeguard you just as you wish to safeguard me. If you wished to have a wife who hid in her bedroom when danger appeared then you have not chosen wisely." Her voice was calm. Lawrence let out a great sigh. "So, you feel that I have not had faith in you?" "Yes. I was not about to throw my life away, Lawrence. If I could dissuade the Americans from entering then we were all saved. If they were determined to enter our home I would not have stood in their way. If we were both destined to die then we would both die." "War is the province of men, not women." He quickly raised his hands to implore for silence. "But I have grown tired of it of late. The excitement of battle was my life before I met you, Abigail. Now, when I am away I eagerly await the next time I might see you. I was afraid that one of them might raise his rifle at you before I could shoot him down." "I understand. I love you, too. Are you still angry with me?" "No, I'm not angry any longer. Perhaps I was only angry at myself to begin with, for allowing you to be in such a dangerous situation." Abigail gave a small smile. "I did go out to face them to make sure they would not kill you, Lawrence. If they had entered and started shooting at you then I would have fought them with any weapon I could find." "I think your wit and tongue would have been sufficient, Abigail." "You still sound angry. Would you feel better if you paddled my bottom, as if I were some naughty child?" Lawrence grinned, grabbed her arms and pulled her close. They smiled at each other and then their faces inched closer and they kissed. At first it was a tender meeting of their lips, but it quickly became firm and passionate and their arms went around each other. A couple of minutes later their mouths parted and Lawrence pulled off Abigail's cap and ran a hand through her blonde hair. "We don't have time for that, husband," she chided, "as much as I wish it were otherwise." He released her and she put the cap back on and then tucked the wayward strands beneath it. They smiled warmly at each other and then parted as they heard Millie's approach. "It's good to see you act like your old self, husband." He chuckled. "A bit of time alone with you works wonders, wife." He leaned forward and whispered into her ear, "We can discuss your paddling tonight, in our room." Abigail giggled, knowing full well that with both Millie and Jacob in their home there was likely to be no intercourse of the kind that she and Lawrence most craved. She decided then and there that once the Americans left she would have to devise ways to get she and her husband alone. Fairly frequently, she added silently with a nod. 28 Now what is he doing here, wondered Abigail as she saw Reverend Strachan approach their home from the road. "Millie, set another plate at the table. Oh, and ask Captain Orr to help you bring Jacob down to dinner." The maid immediately hurried off to the kitchen. The clergyman stood in the yard briefly, examining the Orr's home with his keen eye. Abigail knew of him, but had rarely talked to him. She went to church every Sunday, as she was obliged to, but beyond that she had no contact with this slim and energetic gentleman. She opened the door just as he raised his cane to knock, surprising him. "Why Reverend, what a pleasant surprise," she said sweetly. "Won't you come in, please? We are just sitting down to dinner and you're welcome to join us." She was rewarded with a hungry gleam in his eye. Abigail prided herself on not harbouring too many sins, but she was proud of her cooking and the reputation that followed her wherever she went. "I would be most grateful, Mrs. Orr. I understand that you have a guest. I hope I won't be intruding?" She took his coat and hung it on a peg by the door. "It's no imposition, reverend. We'll each just have a smaller portion. But that's not uncommon in these times, is it?" Strachan followed her through the house and then was shown his chair. He politely waited for Abigail to sit, but she smiled and awaited the arrival of the others. Soon enough, they came down the stairs, Lawrence supporting Jacob's weight with Millie following watchfully behind. Abigail snuck a look at the Minister's surprised face. He turned to her, hoping for an explanation, but she kept her tongue until Jacob was seated at the table. "Husband. We have a guest tonight," and she nodded to Strachan. "Welcome to our humble home, sir. I trust you have heard of my wife's cooking ability?" "I...why, yes. Indeed, that was part of my reason for this visit." The visitor smiled in a way that was clearly meant to be charming, but which fell short of the mark. Abigail nodded to Millie and the two women sat down. Lawrence motioned for the Reverend to take his seat and then made himself comfortable. "Would you care to say grace, Reverend?" asked Lawrence. He knew his wife well enough to know that she was carefully concealing her glee at this unexpected visit. Having Reverend Strachan show up unannounced at their door for a meal would be a feather in Abigail's cap. The neighbourhood wives would be desperate to know the details of the dinner and Lawrence knew his wife would share those intimacies sparingly, driving their most curious neighbours to distraction. By the time Lawrence finished thinking about his wife's sudden good fortune, the Reverend had finished saying the prayer. Everyone was looking at the master of the house and waiting. "Well, we shan't stand on ceremony tonight. Our maid is eating with us Reverend, if you don't mind. I'll make introductions while we're filling our plates," explained Lawrence. He then proceeded to introduce everyone around the table. After a few bites, Strachan sat back. "Madam, this is simply a wonderful supper," he said with a strong Scottish accent. "I hope that I will be invited back when times are better and you have all the ingredients that you could wish for." "Thank you, Reverend." Abigail glowed from the compliment. "Millie provided much help in preparing this meal. You said that my cooking was only part of the reason for your visit?" "Ach! I'd forgotten!" He set down his fork and steepled his fingers in front of his face. "I heard tales that you had an American soldier staying with you and that you had been accosted by several of his countrymen. I came by to check up on you, madam. I am overjoyed to see that you and your maid are not only safe, but that your husband is here to offer protection as well." "And a little surprised, I assume," added Lawrence. "Aye. Well, more than a little surprised. The Americans have been rounding up any militiamen they can find and stowing them away with their other prisoners. I've had a terrible time convincing the American commander to grant our men parole. I would expect that the capture of a British Captain would be at the top of the Yankees' list." "I thought that the militia commanders would negotiate parole," commented Lawrence. "Normally they would Captain, but they were imprisoned by our conquerors. It was very dishonourable. The militia Colonel had already surrendered his sword and then the American commander showed up, breathing fire and spitting venom, and he ignored the surrender. It was left to me to negotiate." The Reverend allowed himself a brief smile. "Do you have any information that would be of use, Jacob?" asked Lawrence, casually. "I will not betray my commanding officers or fellow soldiers, Captain Orr," came the immediate reply. "An honourable answer, wouldn't you agree Reverend?" Abigail couldn't keep from grinning at her husband's display of subtle disagreement with their guest. The Minister either ignored it or missed it. "If only our own forces showed such honour on a consistent basis." "Sir!" demanded Lawrence. "I apologize, Captain. Obviously, you have remained behind to protect your wife from the depredations of the invaders. Major General Sheaffe, however, fled to Kingston. He abandoned York in her time of need, leaving us in the hands of God." "He kept the army from being captured by a superior force, Reverend. Such a setback would have likely cost us Upper Canada." "Isaac Brock would not have fled, Captain." Lawrence frowned in response. "My husband served under Major General Brock, sir," explained Abigail. "He was there at Queenston Heights and was wounded not far from where Brock fell. He owes his promotion to the rank of captain to Major General Brock." "I see." Strachan chewed his mouthful thoughtfully. "Sheaffe is not the man to lead us to victory over the Americans. I am composing a letter to rectify that situation, although I have nothing but respect and admiration for you, Captain. I take it that you are not permanently assigned to stay in York." "That is correct, sir. I must leave for Kingston, as per the Major General's orders. He instructed me to get to there as best I could. I shall do my duty." Reverend Strachan had a thoughtful look on his face as he looked from Lawrence to Abigail. "I'm sure you would rather be close to home if your duty allowed for it, wouldn't you Captain?" Lawrence had no simple answer that he could give to that question. Dinner progressed and afterwards the men retired to the den, while the women cleaned up. It was late in the evening when the Reverend left, and Lawrence had the feeling that the clergyman had some plans formulated in his clever mind. 29 The women kept themselves busy the next day, performing chores inside and outside the home. Lawrence and Jacob were forced to keep indoors, and the idleness irritated both men. During the morning, the Captain taught his prisoner how to play chess. In the afternoon, they discussed soldiering in very general terms. Jacob was fascinated by the older man's stories of his exploits in Europe. During meals, all four ate together. Millie shyly kept her eyes focussed on her food and would not speak except to offer single word answers. The Orrs discussed the fact that the summers were not so hot as Abigail remembered from her youth, and when she might plant a small vegetable and herb garden. Jacob was struck by how American this home seemed to be. In the evening, Lawrence tried to talk Abigail into teaching Jacob and Millie whist. There was a bit of playful banter between the couple until Abigail confessed to the maid and the American that she loathed the game, as her husband knew very well. The teasing ended suddenly when some shouts were heard outside, within a few hundred yards. Abigail and Lawrence went to a window and searched for the source of the disturbance while Millie stood behind Jacob. "Looting!" snarled Lawrence. "Hopefully no-one is hurt," added Abigail. She reached over and grabbed her husband's arm. "You are staying in tonight, husband." "But I might be able to help!" "All you'll do is get captured or killed. Either way you may be taken you away from me forever. If people wish to risk their lives over their belongings, then let them." Lawrence reluctantly left the window, followed by a wistful Abigail. "Pardon me, ma'am, but weren't you going to risk your life to keep my countrymen from looting your home?" asked Jacob. Abigail glanced at Lawrence and saw his smile. "You can wipe that smirk off your face, husband!" She turned to Jacob and Millie. "I was prepared to step aside and let the Americans take whatever they wished, if they appeared ready to harm me. Two of them had the looks of boys caught up in something they wished they could get out of without losing face. However, I was not prepared to step aside and let them harm my husband." Jacob looked at his hosts and sensed that he and Millie were somehow intruding. "Millie, can you help me to my room, please?" he asked. "Oh, I'll help you, Jacob," said Lawrence. "Thanks, sir, but I'm feeling better and Millie can easily support me." He watched as Abigail placed her hand on Lawrence's arm. The Fall of York Ch. 25-39 Millie obligingly helped him rise from the chair and then they slowly and silently made their way upstairs. "So...I suppose you are cross with me, Lawrence?" asked Abigail in a small voice, once the other two were out of earshot. His shoulders drooped and then he went over to her and pulled her to him. "No. I suppose I'm angry with myself for foolish reasons. I feel I should be protecting you and York better somehow. The Americans reign here and our neighbours' homes are being plundered. I'm a captain in the British army, damn it! I feel so helpless!" Abigail raised her face to stare up at his. He looked so frustrated. "Your time for action will come, my dear. Be patient. You don't have to prove your bravery or military prowess to me. I know exactly what kind of man you are. Who rushed off to warn the militia that the fort was about to explode? Who was beaten by some American soldiers before he could surrender to another officer with dignity? Who then rescued an enemy soldier from drowning?" "There are some who would think me very foolish for all that has gone on here..." "Piss on them!" she said, shocking her husband. "I don't care one whit for anybody that thinks poorly of those I care about. You do your duty without complaint and when you spare one of God's creatures through the goodness in your heart I love you all the more." His arms slipped around her waist and he pulled her a little closer. "We cannot make too much noise, Lawrence. They'll hear us," she cautioned, although she put her hands upon his chest. "They won't hear kissing," and he bent down and put his lips on hers. She smiled as they kissed, happy to see his passion for her had not waned. Her own hands went up to the back of his head, where her fingers played with his hair. After several seconds, they parted and caught their breath. "This is where I felt I've been most negligent in my duties, Abigail." "We both know the reason for that," she whispered as she nodded to the ceiling. He bent his head down to hers again. This time she hummed as she felt a familiar stirring in herself that called out for more intimate contact with her beloved. He could feel his own pulse quickening. When they both felt the almost irresistible urge for far more than kissing they parted again. "We had best stop here, my love," he said, taking a deep breath. Abigail reached down and put her hand on his pants. "Neither of us wants this to stop, but I agree that this is hardly the time or the place. I fear one of these days we won't care about propriety and we will cause such a scandal." "I will hold my head up high, Abigail." "You're such a tease!" They both chuckled as they joined hands and headed for the stairs. "I wonder if it's safe to check in on Jacob?" he asked in a light tone. "Safe?" she wondered aloud. "What do you mean by...oh!" She slapped her husband on his shoulder. "Millie would never consent to that unless marriage was assured, Lawrence. And Jacob is such an honourable young man that I think he would be too afraid of offending us." "He's a young man and she's a young woman and there is clearly an attraction, Abigail. Things happen." That gave Abigail something to think about as she and her husband went to bed. 30 Millie used the last of her strength to help Jacob ease himself on to his bed. "Thank you, Millie. I think Mr. and Mrs. Orr had things to discuss." "I don't understand." "The Captain and I feel useless and imprisoned in this house. There is more we could be doing, but I'm injured and he must stay out of sight." "You're a prisoner, Jacob," she reminded him. He laughed, bringing a smile to her face. "I'd forgotten!" "You won't always be a prisoner here, Jacob." "That's true." Jacob moved the blankets down to the foot of the bed. "I suppose you're eager to go back home." "Yes, I miss everyone there." He squeezed and pulled his pillows, trying to increase their volume. "Captain Orr will likely grant you your freedom once Mrs. Orr says you're able to leave." "Yes, I can't see him keeping me here longer than necessary and I don't think he wants to put me in some prison." Jacob put down his pillows and stared at the dark-haired maid. He wondered why she was asking these questions. Millie's hands fidgeted as she stood by his bed, and she would not look at his face. "Your home is very far from here, isn't it?" "I'd never thought to travel this far from home. What are you getting at, Millie?" "Nothing!" His brow furrowed as he recollected their conversation. At last, some piece fell into place and he felt that he knew why Millie was conducting this interview. "It's not too far to travel, once the war is over," he suggested. She turned to face him for the first time since coming to this room. As he slowly reached out and took one of her hands in his, Millie watched him with a look of fear and wonder. "There is one thing that would make a man travel all that distance many times over, Millie." "What...what would that be, Jacob?" she asked in a whisper as her eyes sparkled in the candlelight. "The chance to see you again." Millie took a deep breath. Then she smiled, then frowned and then allowed her lips to form a small smile again. "I would like that, Jacob." "I would very much like to kiss you, Millie, but I can't stand on my own." The words came out before he could stop them. Then he was glad it had been said and he felt as if a great weight had been lifted off of his soul. Millie abruptly pulled her hand from his. "I couldn't! It's not proper! I wouldn't want to upset Mrs. Orr." She looked to the bedroom door and saw candlelight flickering in the hallway beyond. "You'd best go to your room before the Orrs check on me," he said, showing no signs of anger at being denied by her. "Yes. Good night, Jacob." She watched as he settled himself in bed and then she blew out the candle, plunging the room into a discrete darkness. She felt a strong urge to bend over him and taste his lips, but fought it down. Instead, she slowly walked to the doorway. "Good night, Millie." The maid looked back over her shoulder at the dark form stretched out on the bed. Her mind was abuzz with thoughts of kissing him and of being held by him. Unconsciously, she licked her lips. Then she realized that he had probably seen that and her cheeks warmed. She stepped quickly, walking into the doorframe on her way out of the room. "Ouch!" She massaged her arm and shoulder as she wondered what had made her so clumsy. "Are you all right, Millie?" asked Jacob, concern clearly evident in his voice. "Yes. I was just a little clumsy. Thank you." For caring, she added in her head. She chewed her lip as she went into her own room. Jacob took a long while to go to sleep. He knew the girl was as attracted to him as he was to her, but she kept resisting temptation. As he drifted off to sleep, he wondered if their different nationalities were keeping her from speaking her mind. His eyes closed and he dreamed about coming back to York, years hence, and finding Millie married to a British soldier. 31 Late in the morning Abigail brushed the garden dirt from her skirt and then went to the front door and opened it just enough to poke her head in. "Lawrence, Jacob's friend Zeke has returned and he seems excited about something," she whispered to the two men playing chess in the den. Captain Orr glanced at the American and then hurriedly put the chess set away. "I'll go upstairs." "I'll take my time bringing him in to the house. He's chatting with Millie right now." Jacob felt a momentary envy for his comrade. What were the two of them talking about while I'm imprisoned in here, he wondered. Abigail gave him a smile and then went back outside, closing the door against the multitude of spring insects trying to make their way indoors. Oddly, Jacob had found the mistress of the house had a perverse desire to keep flies and their ilk from entering the house. Mrs. Orr didn't seem to accept the common wisdom that flies were a sign of a healthy home. "Jacob?" He turned to face the older man and was surprised to see his captor holding out his hand. The soldier slowly grasped the Captain's hand and shook it. "I'm glad I saved you, sir. You act like a gentleman and we've been happy to see you recover. You're free to go." "Uhm, thanks, sir," said Jacob, not expecting things to happen as quickly as they had. "I do hope to come back some day, sir." "Ah, Millie. Well, you'll be welcomed and treated to the same courtesy you have already received here. Just wait until this war is over, or you might be shot for being a spy." With that said, Lawrence went up the stairs to conceal himself from casual view. Jacob felt some mixed feelings about returning to the United States. Then he realized that his mixed feelings were really the result of his having to leave the company of the dark-haired, dark-eyed Millie. Would he ever see her again? He wanted to, but the distance made it nearly impossible. And what would become of her while the war raged on? She was a pretty girl and it was pure luck that he had met her before she had any suitors. He heard Abigail talking idly to Zeke a second or two before the two women ushered his friend in. "Jacob! So you are feeling better, as Mrs. Orr and her maid claim?" his friend asked while walking forward to examine the injured soldier. "I'm feeling better than I did, but I'm not completely whole yet. How are you? Have the officers been keeping you busy?" Zeke set his musket down and sat near Jacob. "Oh, you wouldn't believe the ruckus that's been raised. The General is furious. He found out about the..." Zeke glanced guiltily at Abigail, "he found out about the looting and he ordered everyone back to the ships. We're going back across Lake Ontario, probably to attack Fort George. They're giving everyone until tomorrow to board the ships and then they plan to sail." "Millie, fetch something cool to drink and some food for our guest. He may be an American, but he's Jacob's friend and we'll show him our hospitality," instructed Abigail as she took a seat. Millie curtsied and left the room, and the eyes of both men followed her as she went. "Ahem!" Jacob and Zeke each suddenly realized they had been staring and they apologized to Mrs. Orr for their discourtesy. "So, Jacob, I've come to fetch you to the ship. I had to sneak away and I couldn't bring anyone else to help me, but since you're feeling better we should manage fine," said Zeke. "Oh, yes. The two of you should be able to manage fine. He's able to get up and down the stairs with only Millie's help now. Make sure you have a doctor examine you as soon as you're back with your countrymen, Jacob," added Abigail. "So, I'm really going home?" he asked looking from Abigail to Zeke. There was a clatter in the hallway just outside the room and they all turned to see Millie walk slowly into the room. Jacob thought she looked pale, but the expression on her face was impossible to read. Millie set the platter down and then poured out three drinks of cider. She passed the first one to her mistress and then the second she gave to Zeke. She held out the third cup to Jacob, who took it slowly from her while his fingers lingered against hers. Millie then offered the platter of cheese and bread around. Then she stood, fidgeting from foot to foot. "Millie, you look a little pale. Why don't you have a seat? You'll want to have a chance to say goodbye to our guest, won't you?" asked Abigail. She watched her maid very carefully for a couple of seconds, wondering how to solve this predicament. Maybe she could keep the lines of communication going through letters, she thought. "Thanks, Mrs. Orr. This is much better than what we've been fed." "You're welcome, Zeke. We make do with the little we've been left." "Ah," and Zeke looked embarrassed. "You need not be embarrassed, young man. You stood up to keep my home from being plundered." "Thanks, ma'am," he replied, with a great deal of relief. Abigail turned to the injured soldier. "Jacob, when you're back at home, is there someone there who can read and write?" "Why, I suppose so, ma'am. That is, the preacher can and I've seen my Uncle Joshua and Aunt Peg read from the scriptures. Why do you ask?" "Well...," Abigail thought quickly, "you can write to us when you get home and let us know you're safe." And then I can write out a response for Millie and the two of you can begin a correspondence, she thought. "Jacob, we'd better get going. I don't want an officer to think I've run off," urged Zeke. The injured American sighed and then Abigail caught a quickly concealed grin. "Give me a hand getting up, Zeke." His friend reached under his arm and lifted as Jacob stiffly rose to his feet with a grunt. Millie looked up in concern. "Are you feeling all right, Jacob?" asked Abigail, feigning worry. "I don't know, ma'am. I've got sharp pains running up and down my back and my legs feel very stiff." Abigail was at his side in a second. "Ease him down, Zeke," she ordered. Once Jacob was sitting again, she put her palm on his forehead and then felt his hands. The maid watched her mistress examine Jacob with concern etched on her face. "I'm afraid he's had a bit of a set-back. I don't think it would be wise to move him too far for a couple of days, Zeke." Abigail struggled to keep a straight face when she saw Jacob greet her pronouncement with a look of relief. "But...I can't leave him here, ma'am, not with the enem..." began Zeke. "Don't you worry, young man. We'll take good care of him. Just see how Millie is fretting over him." To Abigail's consternation, Zeke was scrutinizing Millie and Jacob very closely. "I see," he said, at last. I'll bet you do, thought Abigail. "I'll get word to your folks, somehow." He offered his hand to Jacob, who was no longer grimacing in pain. "Good luck, Jacob." "Good luck to you too, Zeke. Don't worry; Millie and Mrs. Orr will take good care of me." "Ma'am. Miss." Then Zeke collected his musket and left. "Oh, thank God! I thought he would never leave!" muttered Millie. "I'll go fetch Captain Orr so we can get you to bed for more rest, Jacob." Jacob opened his mouth to say something, but Abigail spoke first. "Never mind that, Millie. I'm sure Jacob just needs to relax in that chair for an hour or two and then you can take him up to his room later." Millie turned on her mistress, surprising Abigail with a severe look. "Young lady, have I ever been wrong before about this sort of thing?" asked Abigail in a forceful voice, with a single eyebrow raised. "You would do well to think, before you say something you will regret for a long time." "Millie, I'll be all right," said Jacob quietly. The maid's shoulders dropped and her anger seemed to disappear. "Now go get your chores done and inform my husband that our guest has left, please." Millie curtsied and left the room. "Shakespeare would've cast you out of the Globe in a second, young man." "What?" asked a confused Jacob. "I mean that you're a terrible liar, sir. The only one who was fooled by your act was the one person you least wanted to." 32 Millie was busy for the remainder of the day, between her chores and fretting over Jacob. Despite his assurances she absolutely refused to believe he was as well as he claimed. The American did not mind the attention, though. Abigail kept herself busy examining her stores and figuring out how much she could share with those citizens of York who had been victims of American thievery. It took no prescient ability to know that part of tomorrow's sermon by Reverend Strachan was to be about sharing with neighbours that had suffered losses. Abigail also knew that Lawrence's days in the military were numbered. This war would not go on forever and York needed men like her husband to help rebuild and reorganize. The minister had gone from a minor, if vocal, power in town to THE power in town. Rumours abounded that he had shamed the American General into withdrawing from York by accusing him publicly of allowing the looting to go unpunished. As a good wife she would do her Christian duty and if it meant favour for her husband, all the better. Lawrence remained by a window upstairs, taking note of every movement of the Americans as they prepared to leave. Every detail was penned down to be passed to his superiors, when he reported in Kingston. While he observed, his thoughts lingered on the fact that he would be leaving Abigail for an unknown amount of time. He might be killed in battle. Where would that leave her? Her father and sister remained in their home near Queenston and she could always return there if she had to. He had heard from his friend William just after Christmas. Barbara and he were developing an attachment and the Orrs both heartily approved. He had known William since they had joined the 49th and he knew Abigail's sister, better than he should. What frustrated Lawrence most now was that they had received no word from his family. He had sent two letters to his father, one before and then one after his wedding to Abigail. After five months there had still been no word. He had expected his father and two elder brothers to have hastily sent their blessings to him and his bride; Lawrence was positive that such a letter should have arrived by this time. He sighed, remembering that winter storms in the Atlantic could easily destroy ships. The response from Lord Orr and Lawrence's brothers could easily have been lost forever. If such a letter was in Abigail's hands then she might have some financial support from his family, should something happen to him. Lawrence kept his concerns to himself at dinner. When he and Abigail climbed into bed that night, they discussed many things as they lay in each other's arms, but not once did he mention his family. 33 Even though the American ships still sat in the harbour when the sun rose, Lawrence decided to dress in his uniform and attend church services with his wife and maid. Abigail suggested that discretion might be in order as there were still some of the enemy prowling the town and it would be quite a feat to capture a British Captain. Lawrence stood firm, despite the logic of her argument. Walking home from the service later, Abigail noted that some of the women she usually exchanged greetings with had turned their faces away from her. She wondered if the presence of an American soldier in their home had been misinterpreted. "That was a very powerful sermon today. The Reverend seems to have come in to his own," noted Lawrence. Millie walked along quietly, also noting that some women seem disinclined to favour her mistress with the normal after-church 'good-day'. "He did go on for quite a bit about loyalty to the crown and remembering who the enemy is. I hope he wasn't referring to us in some oblique manner." She waved to Mrs. Croyden and her family, who waved back amiably. She recalled that the Croydens had always been quite friendly towards her and Lawrence, especially after they had learned he fought beside the heroic Brock. Lawrence smiled knowingly. "I don't think Reverend Strachan takes anything but a direct approach at his target, my dear." "I'll follow my husband's lead when it comes to strategy. But, his comment about 'punishing those who have betrayed us' seemed rather ominous. Can he really mean for the magistrate to imprison everyone who colluded with the Americans?" "Yes. And I have to admit I am in favour of the idea. Men should know where their loyalties lie and show them proudly. The Major General had spoken openly about this on his few visits to York before his death." The Fall of York Ch. 25-39 "Stand on the battlefield in your colours and let the musket balls and cannon balls fly where they may?" Abigail asked with a grin. Lawrence remembered exactly how his commanding officer had died. "I know better than to argue with my wife. What were your thoughts on his sermon?" "He has York at his feet. He means to keep it that way." Abigail ignored Millie's gasp of shock. "I think amnesty may work best with most traitors. Others may require a harsher treatment, but that is best left to the magistrate." "That's a lot of work for one man, Abigail." Lawrence nodded at some of the militia officers as they passed with their wives. The lesser officers saluted and he returned the salute. "You were quick to volunteer to help the less fortunate, now that the Americans are leaving." Abigail had been first to stand and volunteer when the Reverend made the suggestion. His sincere and grateful smile to her had let her know that her community spirit had been well noted. "We have more food than we need, even with Jacob staying with us for awhile. Did I volunteer too quickly, do you think?" "No. You showed determination and a giving heart and I think most of our neighbours will appreciate and recognize that." "I liked his comment that 'while some of our protectors fled at the first sight of the enemy, others stayed at great personal risk'. He was pointing at the militia officers, but his eyes sought you out of the crowd, Lawrence. You must have noted the people who turned to look your way..." "Hmm." "Ever the humble soldier, eh husband?" "You know I was trapped here in York." "I know that you were loathe to leave your wife and her young maid alone in York, shortly after the Americans had taken the town. And today you were adamant that you had to wear your uniform in public. Do not forget: I know how you think." The two laughed easily. "Millie?" "Yes, ma'am" "There are some wildflowers over there. Can you fetch some for our table, please?" Millie skipped towards the flowers. Lawrence glanced in the direction of Lake Ontario. "Some of the ships have moved out of the harbour and others are preparing to do so. I think that American General really is upset about the behaviour of his troops. Jacob may be with us for quite awhile." "Do you think he's upset about the fires that were set?" asked Abigail, pointing at the largest of the ships. "Not the ones in public buildings. We would do the same if we temporarily captured an American town. You make sure the people get out and then torch the town hall, garrison and fort. There's no blame to them for that nor for running off with the Clerk's money. It's the attacks on civilians and their homes that he deplores, as any officer should." Millie returned with a bouquet of wildflowers, showed them to Abigail and then the trio strolled home, enjoying the pleasant spring day. 34 The weather warmed as the days went by. Jacob showed a rapid recovery from his 'set-back', at least to Millie's innocent eyes. Abigail knew the truth and informed Lawrence that the American was recovering and was, in fact, almost whole again. With the enemy departed, Lawrence was able to travel about town on various chores and errands. Jacob began to accompany him on the chores, chopping firewood and hunting, but the errands had to do with the York militia and the rebuilding of the town, and Jacob was kept well away from those activities. The neighbours quickly became accustomed to seeing the Orr's American prisoner around their home and unguarded and soon enough they relaxed around him. Jacob even struck up a few acquaintances, especially with people who had family across the border and were eager for news or information. Lawrence gave himself ten days to help get York in order, before he was required to leave for Kingston to report to Major General Sheaffe. He only required eight days by his estimate, but he treasured the extra two days as a chance to spend time with Abigail. York itself returned to normal. The Americans were gone and the damage was being repaired. Those that had lost goods to looters shrugged their shoulders, bemoaned the loss of their belongings and cursed the Americans for being lawless, liberty-loving anarchists. The citizens of York who had aided the Americans became friendless. Homes were vandalized. Insults were traded. Fights broke out in public. Many who had run to the Americans and reported on the most vocal British supporters now were vehement in their loyalty and support for the King. Arrests were made and men were hauled up before the magistrate, accused of treason and then given prison sentences. All a conviction took was a couple of witnesses, and there was no shortage of witnesses. Many citizens who had worked hand in hand with the invaders had done so proudly, foolishly believing the Americans had been there to stay. Lawrence was called up to give testimony regarding the disappearance of Mr. Arnold Henry. He confided to Reverend Strachan exactly what had happened that night and the minister stood beside him before the magistrate. Word was sent out by the reverend for John the smith's son to appear, but there was no word of him. The whole proceeding took about ten minutes and it was decided that Lawrence was innocent of murder as he had been defending himself and his wife from a traitor. Jacob's presence in the Orr home was brought up by Strachan and Lawrence gave a brief explanation of the reason for that. In the end, the magistrate's decision was that Lawrence had acted with honour and a brief cheer went up from some assembled militia officers. Captain Orr had no idea why several officers from the militia had been present at that time, nor why they left immediately after the magistrate's verdict, but he did suspect the smug minister of some involvement. Upon returning home, Lawrence hoped to surprise Abigail with the good news. Annoyingly, she listened with vague interest and a small, knowing smile upon her lips. "Of course you were going to be fine: you acted with honour. And the good reverend has plans for himself and you are involved. He has no interest in seeing your public record damaged," was all she would say in way of explanation for her lack of surprise or excitement. 35 After breakfast on the first Saturday following the departure of American forces, Lawrence announced that he was going to hunt up John and confront him over his absence at the magistrate's court. "You should just let it lie, husband," warned Abigail. Lawrence frowned at her uncharacteristic answer and searched the faces around the table. Millie and Jacob seemed surprised by Abigail's response, as well. "What's wrong, my dear?" he asked, placing his hand over hers. "Something's wrong, Lawrence. I'm getting the cold shoulder from many of our neighbours and some have been actually rude to Millie," his wife explained. "What?" asked Jacob, with anger in his voice. "What's all this about?" interrupted Lawrence, ignoring Jacob. Abigail bit her lip. "As the Americans were leaving I noted that some people seemed less inclined to respond to my greeting. It has become worse. I assumed it was because Jacob is in our house." "But this doesn't make any sense, ma'am," answered Jacob. "Everyone seems very polite with me. If my presence here is making trouble for you and Millie then why do people treat me so well?" "Something else is going on." Lawrence rubbed his chin in thought. He wondered silently if Mrs. Henry could be causing trouble for his wife and maid. It made little sense though, considering that the decision of the magistrate had been made public only three days earlier and Lawrence, himself, had heard many derisive comments made about Mr. Henry since then. His wife had an ample list of targets, but this problem seemed specific to his family. "Sir, if someone is bearing false witness against Mrs. Orr and Millie, perhaps it might help to know who were the first people to be impolite to either?" asked Jacob. "That's damn good thinking!" responded Lawrence, slamming his hand down on the table. Both women jumped at the sudden noise. Then he remembered the language he had just used. "Uhm...sorry, ladies." "Well, the first odd behaviour I saw was with the Bennets and the MacDonalds. They do live near each other, over by the smithy." Abigail covered her mouth as soon as she voiced the last word. "The smithy..." said Lawrence with disgust. "I don't understand..." hinted Jacob. Millie sighed. "John's family owns the smithy and they live right by both of those families." Lawrence stood and threw back his shoulders. "I really do have to have a talk with that militiaman." "I'm coming with you, sir," said Jacob, rising to his feet. Abigail shot her husband a worried look. Lawrence nodded to her and then turned to the younger man. "No, you're not coming with me, son. This is family business and you are just a guest." And an American invader, thought the younger man. Jacob scowled, sat down again and stared at the table top. "Take your weapons, husband," advised Abigail. 36 Lawrence marched up to the smithy in full uniform and an older man, with a clear paternal resemblance to John, came out to meet him. Lawrence wondered if all smiths were well-muscled by nature, or if the nature of their labours made them so. "You'd be Captain Orr, then? What do you want here...sir?" asked the middle-aged man. "I'm looking for your son John. I have some questions for him." "You'd best be watching your wife and maid, rather than minding where honest folk are. John's a hero! He didn't surrender to the Americans, nor did he hide in his home behind his wife's skirts." The smith narrowed his eyes and started to turn around. "You'll answer my questions, smith, or I'll drag you before the magistrate to answer for slander!" The smith turned to face Lawrence again, his face contorted with fury. Lawrence answered by making a show of putting his hand on the pommel of his sword. "I am not the type of man who is accustomed to being insulted in the street by a man of your class!" He hated saying it but felt it necessary to defuse the situation. "John's not here." "As surly as you've been to a King's officer, I've no reason to believe you to be honest and forthright. I'll search your home for him." Lawrence took a few steps forward. "He's not here! He goes to the tavern by the lake on Saturdays, especially now that the Americans have left." "Very well. If he returns here, please inform him that Captain Orr is looking for him." The smith gave Lawrence a confused look. Lawrence did not know exactly where the tavern was, but he was able to find it easily enough as there were only about three-score buildings in the whole town and the one he was looking for had a new sign in front proclaiming the place as The York Tavern. The building had the look of once having been a residence and he could hear laughter echoing from the interior. He marched up the steps, onto the wooden veranda and then opened the door. The interior was dark and, even with the bright sunlight splashing in it took Lawrence's eyes a few seconds to adjust. In that time the laughter died down to be replaced by whispers. Lawrence spied John surrounded by four other men of similar age, one of whom he recognized as the other militiaman, Pierre. "John, we need to have words," stated Lawrence in a commanding tone. John looked unpleasantly surprised and then seemed to muster his bravado. "I've got nothing to say to you," John took a long drink from his mug, "sir." He gave a mock salute that had his friends laughing, all except Pierre, Lawrence noticed. "It was requested that you be before the magistrate to give information concerning the death of Mr. Henry. You were truant, John." "You killed him and I helped you hide the body. What else could I tell the magistrate?" Lawrence decided to try a different tack. "You were privy to discussions in my home prior to Mr. Henry's death, since you were hiding there. The magistrate may have wanted to hear what had been said before and after the event." The other youths looked at John uncomfortably. "I wasn't hiding! You ordered me to stay there. You wanted help guarding a prisoner who couldn't even crawl out of bed. How's your Yankee friend doing, by the way?" "So you have no explanation for not appearing before the magistrate other than laziness? And as I remember it, the pair of you volunteered to remain at my house. Isn't that correct, monsieur?" Pierre opened his mouth to answer. "You shut your mouth or I'll shut it for you!" shouted John. Pierre's face went red and Lawrence detected a look of disgust that was quickly concealed. "Pierre doesn't have to speak, John. Clearly you are concerned about other people giving honest testimony. Don't you trust your memory?" "Oh, my memory's good, Orr. I remember Millie making suggestions to me. She was eager and warm and she screamed out several times." "Millie is a respectable young lady, sir. Have you been telling falsehoods about her?" All the young men, except for Pierre, chuckled evilly. Lawrence noted another look of disgust on Pierre's face. "Oh, she was one step away from whoring herself around town when your wife pulled her into your home, sir. Millie's eager and willing to service any young man. Has she spent a night in the American's bed? I took my turn with her and so did Pierre..." Pierre spat out a few French words. "I did not sleep with that girl and she did not sully herself while we were there, John! You were never alone with her long enough to..." John raised his fist and snarled. "I told you once!..." "So you have been slandering an innocent woman, John!" shouted Lawrence, saving Pierre from being struck by his large companion. "Sir! I believe you to be too cowardly a rogue to publicly admit your falsehoods and restore Millie's good reputation so I demand satisfaction! Are you man enough to face me with pistols or swords?" Everyone in the tavern went silent. Pierre let out a quiet and triumphant laugh. "Well?" asked Lawrence in as impatient a tone as he could muster. "Duels are for nobility and officers. I'm a militiaman! I don't have to duel you!" "I give you three days to change your mind. If you are still too much of a coward to face me and have still refused to admit your deceit, then I will ask the magistrate to summon you to his court." Lawrence turned to the barman. "I am sorry to have disturbed your other patrons, sir." Then he walked out of the now silent bar. Once outside, he took a deep breath of cool air blowing from across the lake. He liked the idea that he was a problem solver. Millie had a problem and he was going to solve it in three days, one way or the other. Even if John did duel him and kill him, the people of York would think Millie innocent of the charges against her simply because her employer had laid his life down for her reputation. Then he frowned as he thought of Abigail's reaction to what he had just done. 37 Abigail seemed surprisingly calm over the whole matter. Millie and Jacob, on the other hand, were furious. "Sir, I will go and tell John that there is to be no duel!" explained the maid with her eyes flashing. Abigail merely shrugged her shoulders helplessly at the girl's uncharacteristic behaviour and then sat back on the couch. "Now, see here Millie," began Lawrence, wagging a finger before her face. She batted his hand away. "You could be killed! Where would that leave your wife? And over me? I'm no-one! Until Mrs. Orr took me in nobody cared one whit for me and I won't have you risk your life over something of no value like my reputation!" Lawrence knew he would lose this battle if he allowed it to be played out fairly. "SILENCE!" he shouted. Millie shut her mouth and her eyes went round. "You are our servant," began Lawrence, in as calm a voice as he could muster. "You have no family so it falls on Abigail and me to look after you and protect you. John has dishonoured you and ruined your reputation. It's my responsibility to take care of that matter and I am! Now I will not listen to one more word from your mouth on this!" Millie opened her mouth for a rebuttal, but Abigail grabbed her arm and shook her head silently. The maid frowned and seemed to shrink. "Now as for you..." said Lawrence, turning on the American. "I will say my piece, even if it means you throw me out of your home, Captain Orr," interrupted Jacob. "Very well," acquiesced his host. "Sir, you have a wife to care and provide for. Millie is correct in that your responsibility lies there. I, on the other hand, am a guest in your house and although I am on foreign soil I still owe you my life." He nodded towards Millie. "It falls on me to face John. If I should fall, then you can always issue another challenge to him. I think it's unlikely that he would silence his slander should he kill me, so there would be ample chance of his re-offending." "Abigail and I have both noticed that you are very fond of Millie." Jacob and Millie's cheeks reddened. "However, you have made no promises to her that we are aware of. So your status is simply that of a foreign guest in this house. I appreciate that you wish to do the honourable thing, but it is my responsibility. I will hear no more on this matter." Lawrence turned tiredly to Abigail. "And what have you been saving up to say to me, dear?" "I could expect no less from you than how you have behaved, husband. I don't want you to be hurt, but I also don't want you to be less a man than you feel you must be." Lawrence relaxed. "However, you are under a great deal of stress and I think it wise if we were to have a picnic lunch. Just you and I, Lawrence." Lawrence stared at his now-unpredictable wife as she sent Millie off to collect everything the two would need. 38 The Orrs had left a short time earlier and Millie set out lunch for herself and Jacob. They ate quietly, with Millie only responding with a curt "thank you" when he mentioned his approval for the meal. As they finished, Jacob decided that it would be an ideal time to talk of intimate matters to the maid. "I think you were very generous to be willing to throw away your reputation as long as it kept a man you respect safe from harm, Millie." Her eyes rose from the table and blazed as she stared at him. "Uhm, I mean that I don't believe the stories for one second. I thought you were...I mean, I thought your concern for Captain Orr very..." he wilted under her glare. "Jacob! I am no less upset at you for being willing to take part in this stupid men's game of honour!" she spat out at him. "I don't understand..." "Of course you don't! All you men do is strut around, shooting at each other over honour and insults. What do I care for my reputation?" She pounded her breast with her fist. "I had no reputation a few months ago; I was merely that girl who was always around and begging for work or food. Did anyone look at me and say 'she's penniless but she's honourable"? No!" "But things are different now, surely..." "I'm the same person! I know things I didn't know before, but my soul hasn't changed. God gave me that! What is honour? A man lies about me and people believe him! Tell me how honour stopped that!" Tears rolled down her cheeks and she shook with rage. "It isn't like that, Millie! Honour gives you standing. Honour allows you to...well, it allows you to marry into a respectable family." There was silence for several minutes, while a bird chirped in the garden. "No-one ever spoke to me of marriage, except to try to get something else first," she said, venomously. "Not all of us are like that, Millie." Again there was a silence, but this one was broken up by Millie's sobs. Jacob was nonplussed. He sensed that Millie's emotions were dominating their conversation, but he couldn't fathom why. He knew she had feelings for him so why was she being so hostile now?