0 comments/ 2774 views/ 0 favorites The Fall of York Ch. 40-48 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. 40 Following dinner there was an insistent knocking on the door of the Orr home. Lawrence went to the door, quickly but with an air of calm, and then threw it open. Arrayed in the garb of his profession, Reverend John Strachan had his fist lifted for another assault upon the portal. "Reverend! Please come in and make yourself comfortable." Lawrence was content with the world and ready for any problems this man of God could hurl his way. Millie rushed forward from wherever she'd been and took the man's hat and cloak. "Thank you, child," the minister said without a smile. "Millie, ask Mrs. Orr if she is available to help entertain our guest, please." Millie curtsied to the two men and left the parlour. Lawrence motioned Strachan to a seat. "I think it would be best if we discussed something in private, Captain Orr. Your wife need not be involved," he said, taking the offered seat. "My wife is involved in every aspect of my life, sir. And she shall only be a moment." Abigail entered the room, followed by her maid. "Some refreshments, Reverend? We've only just finished dinner and you're welcome to a plate if you wish." Abigail took a seat opposite their guest and Lawrence sat on the couch beside her. The Reverend turned to Millie. "You may leave us, young lady." Millie shot a worried look to her employers, curtsied and then left the room. "I will get right to the point, Captain," began Strachan, "have you taken leave of your senses?" "Excuse me, sir?" Abigail was as taken aback as her husband. "Your husband challenged a local man to a duel. Were you not aware of this?" Strachan asked incredulously. Abigail sat up straight. "I was perfectly aware of this fact, sir. The duel was declined by the offending party. My husband then gave him a choice of admitting his guilt and making amends or suffering a magistrate's wrath for slandering an innocent woman." The reverend steepled his fingers in front of his face. "Perhaps I have not been made fully aware of all the background in this dispute. Please enlighten me." Abigail opened her mouth to say something, but Lawrence touched her arm. "You do understand, Reverend, that my wife and I are dutiful Christians?" asked Lawrence. "Yes, yes." "Well, meaning no disrespect, sir, but what does this have to do with you?" "I am here to ensure that York remains stable, peaceful and proudly British. When a British Captain of good repute demands a duel with a York militiaman, peace is likely to be at risk," explained the Reverend very carefully. Lawrence rubbed his chin as he thought over the man's words. "Very well. John stayed with us briefly, while the Americans held our town. Since that time he has been uttering the most degrading falsehoods about our maid, Millie." "The young woman who so politely took my coat and hat?" "The same, sir. John has been saying publicly that she seduced him and they had relations. The truth is that, unknown to us at the time, John was pursuing her and she refused him. We believe he has uttered these falsehoods because of the refusal. I went to confront him regarding his absence from testifying at the hearing concerning Mr. Henry's death. When I found..." "That was the same young man?" interrupted the minister. "The very same. When I found him at a local tavern, he repeated his slander in front of witnesses." "I see." The reverend relaxed in his chair. "And the girl is above reproach, of course?" "Assuredly!" answered Abigail. "Despite her lack of family and money, she has a good reputation. I'm sure you understand how easy it might have been for someone of her background to have fallen further, Reverend." "A good Christian girl struggling to make a life for herself when she suddenly finds employment with a family of good morals and good standing," mused the Reverend aloud. "She would certainly have no reason to want to risk your anger." Lawrence sat forward. "I can fetch her here if you wish to talk to her yourself, Reverend." "No, that will not be necessary. I take it on faith that she has been slandered. But why did you feel it necessary to challenge him? I could understand if he were another officer, but a mere militiaman? Why not simply bring charges against him?" "Uhm, well sir...I thought him too much of a coward to agree to a duel. Also, the strength of what he'd said demanded a counterclaim of equal strength. Being willing to lay my life down for my maid has ensured that many will now believe her innocent." "Even if it was a bold action I still think it a foolish risk, Captain. I had thought better of you," Strachan added thoughtfully. "My husband will not be entirely happy with my bringing this up, but he was born to nobility. His father is Lord Orr. He is the youngest of three sons and will not inherit the title, but he is a man who acts according to his nature. We have kept this quiet from almost everyone." The Reverend's eyes grew large. "Lord Orr? I don't recall the name, but then there are so many members of the nobility in Britain and abroad." His eyes betrayed the fact that his mind was awhirl in thought. After a minute of silence, that was strangely uncomfortable for Abigail and Lawrence, the Minister seemed to remember his surroundings again. "I will speak to the Chief Magistrate personally about the matter. When you go to press your suit talk to him and mention my name." The Reverend stood and stretched. "I must be going, but I am very glad we've had this talk. It has been most informative, Captain Orr. In the future, I would suggest you seek me out to deal with similar issues." After a couple of seconds of thought he added, "Or a magistrate." "Actually, sir, this would have been only the second duel I was to be part of. In the other instance I was a friend's second. I don't go around making a habit of challenging others." "Very good. Very good. Now where's that girl with my coat and hat?" he asked in a loud voice. Millie came rushing forward. "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't know you were leaving so soon." "You mean you weren't listening to our conversation. Most servants do. Raise your eyes from the floor, girl." She did so and the reverend appraised her face. "She has innocent eyes and an honest face." Millie's expression showed she wasn't sure what to make of the observation. "Feel free to come again, Reverend, and perhaps come for dinner on your next visit," said Abigail, as he threw on his cloak and carefully positioned his hat. Strachan smiled warmly at Abigail. "I will try to enjoy one of your fine meals in the next couple of weeks, Mrs. Orr. Now, Captain, this conversation has cost me time in composing a sermon for tomorrow. Perhaps I'll speak about bearing false witness against one's neighbours. I'll see you in church tomorrow and bring your guest. It is high time he attended and showed himself to be a good Christian, even if he is a Yankee." 41 Aside from some whispers, there was no antipathy shown toward Jacob when he showed up at church, the next day. Many did not greet them, but Abigail pointed out to Lawrence that it was the usual group and it bothered her just a little, now. They both noticed Millie's greater than usual shyness and they thanked God that this would all be over in another couple of days. The Reverend's sermon was met with thoughtful silence by the congregation. This Abigail found somewhat disappointing. However, as people left the church, Strachan made sure to hold a brief conversation with the Orr's and their maid. Many onlookers remarked on the congenial relationship the outspoken minister had with the couple and the young lady who had been mentioned so often in rumour. Abigail was heartened by the public show of support from this very prominent member of York society. Lawrence showed no reaction to the events of church, while Millie and Jacob seemed a little overwhelmed by the attention. The four kept themselves busy the rest of the day, performing various household chores. Lawrence left for a few hours and spent some time with the militia officers, who now seemed to hold him in high esteem despite any differences in rank. In the evening, the men played at chess while Abigail began to teach Millie the basics of reading and writing. 42 The next morning Abigail had been in the garden doing some weeding following an early morning's drizzle when she suddenly rushed inside the house, bursting with news. "Lawrence!" she called out eagerly. He came quickly to the parlour, followed immediately by both Millie and Jacob. "What is it, dear?" Lawrence peered out the open door, wondering if perhaps John had come early to face his challenge. "I was in the garden. Mrs. Whitehouse came up and said hello to me. She apologized for ignoring me the past week and asked me to forgive her. While she was talking to me, Mrs. Keeps came as well and offered the same apology!" "Did they explain why they had been cold to you lately?" Lawrence showed an unusual interest in this event, but his wife understood perfectly. Millie and Jacob stood with mouths agape. "Yes, they did." Abigail looked into Millie's face. "John has been spreading rumours and they heard them and believed the lies. They did not wish to damage their public image by associating with us, but now they know the truth. While they explained, Mrs. Croyden approached and gave me further news." She stood silently and stared at her eager audience, waiting for encouragement to speak further. "I really don't think this is the time for teasing, my dear." "Oh, very well! It seems John's bosom friend Pierre has disappeared. No-one has seen him since last Saturday night when the two were in a vicious argument in the tavern. John was again asserting his slander..." "God damn!" Lawrence swore, shaking his head. Millie saw a look of pure hatred pass across Jacob's face. "So, John was continuing on with his lies about Millie," Abigail continued, "when Pierre took offence. Pierre publicly defended Millie's reputation and denounced John as a liar and a coward. Pierre did not go home that night and no-one has seen him since. Rumours abound that John has done him harm to silence his once-friend. Many now suspect that between Lawrence's challenge of a duel, and Pierre's assertion, that John must have been bearing false witness and that Millie must be as innocent as a newborn babe." Millie turned to Lawrence with tears in her eyes. "Thank you, sir. I'll thank Pierre, too, when I see him next. This meant more to me than I had thought." "I doubt anyone will ever see Pierre again, I'm sorry to say." They all looked at Jacob. He shrugged his shoulders. "I can easily believe that John's the type of man to strike from the shadows and plunge a knife into a man's back." "Surely no person could be so...so cutthroat!" declared Millie. "Perhaps you are letting your fondness for Millie cloud your thinking, Jacob. I know there are evil men in the world, but I find it hard to believe I could have talked with one so easily," added Abigail. She glanced at Lawrence, but the look on his face changed her mind in an instant. "I think it possible that John may have murdered Pierre. I've seen such things before, and a man who lies so easily about one thing may fear the truth so greatly that he commits further crimes, ladies." Lawrence rubbed his chin in thought. "We had best lock our door at night until this matter is settled. Perhaps Jacob and I will keep watch, as well." Millie's face went white "There was something else, Lawrence," added Abigail. "Mrs. Croyden asked me to tell you that Mr. Croyden will be visiting you later today with the intention of offering to be your second." "I appreciate his courage and the Croydens have stood by us no matter what people have said, but he's in his late sixties! I'll have to refuse him somehow without wounding his pride. Besides, I certainly won't need a second for the duel: there will be no duel. John will either flee with his tail between his legs or else hope that the whole misdeed is quickly forgotten by everyone." Lawrence grabbed his wife and lifted her into the air. "Thank God this is almost over and we can get back to our normal lives again!" 43 It was after lunch when Millie heard horses canter into the front yard. As she walked along the side of the house to greet the visitors, she heard boots clicking on the stones in front of the door. Coming around the corner, she froze when she saw the red uniforms and the weapons. She forced herself to breathe again and approached the three men. She curtsied before them. "Tell me young lady, does Captain Lawrence Orr reside here?" asked an older man who was dismounting while a younger man held his steed in place. "Yes, sir." "And is he on the premises now, or did the Americans drag him away?" he inquired with a note of disdain. "I'll tell him that he has visitors, sir." Millie curtsied again and dashed back around the house. Captain Orr and Jacob were chopping firewood in a wooded lot behind the house, when the younger man spied Millie running toward them. The two set their axes down and awaited her arrival. "Sir! You have visitors! Three British officers!" she exclaimed between breaths. "Jacob, can you continue cutting and stacking the wood?" The American nodded and then exchanged a look with Millie. He wondered if the officers were here to cause trouble for the Captain and or to collect him as a prisoner, and he suspected Millie was wondering the same thoughts. "Millie?" The maid turned in response and then realized her master was waiting for her. "Come along with me, please." As the two walked leisurely back to the front of the house, they heard the steady thud of the axe resume behind them. "Millie, did the officers say this was an emergency?" "No, sir." "Then there was no need to dash about in an undignified way to collect me," he corrected her. "Your behaviour around guests speaks to the standing of the house and the family in it. If you run about like a beheaded chicken then you signal that the guests are far more important than your employers. If you are too relaxed, then the guests may think that both the servants and their hosts are haughty." "Yes, sir." "Now, when I dismiss you, please find Abigail and let her know there are guests. Until then, please stay near as these officers may want refreshments." "Yes, sir." Lawrence rounded the corner with Millie following close behind and spied three officers he did not recognize. There was a Major and two Lieutenants, all standing by their horses and sharing the appearance of impatient boredom. "Sir? You wished to see me?" asked Lawrence, facing the Major and saluting. The major sniffed, returned the salute and then looked Lawrence up and down. "Are you Captain Lawrence Orr?" he asked as if he didn't believe it possible. "Yes, sir. I've been busy chopping wood this last hour. Will you come inside and sit while our servant brings you refreshments?" The younger Lieutenants smiled at the possibility of relaxing on a soft chair and sampling the drinks and food this house had to offer. The Major examined the front of the Orr home and glanced with a frown at the vegetable garden which was just beginning to green. "I suppose..." he agreed. The men went in and the three visitors took seats in the parlour. Lawrence nodded at Millie and she left the room. The Lieutenants followed her with their eyes. "It's a very...rustic home, Captain. I suppose you must be very happy here, having married one of the colonials and all." The Major then turned on Lawrence. "You have been truant, sir." "Sir?" Abigail came into the room, walking casually. "Oh, Lawrence. Millie told me we had guests. Can you introduce me to your fellow officers?" "Our guests have not introduced themselves as yet, Abigail." Lawrence noted the sudden frown on the Major's face, but could not tell if it was because his discourtesy had been referred to or because he had called his wife by her first name in front of strangers. "I do apologize for not following the niceties, Mrs. Orr," he emphasized her formal name. "Lieutenant Jones, perform the introductions." Both Lieutenants stood up and held their hands out to Lawrence. "Captain and Mrs. Orr, I am Lieutenant Jones. This is Lieutenant Lumley. And may I present Major Pike?" Hands were shaken, but Lawrence noted with irritation that the Major did not leave his seat to greet Abigail. "Now on to business," said the Major gruffly. "Mrs. Orr, you will excuse us." "Stay where you are, Abigail," said Lawrence calmly. She looked at her husband uncertainly but did not leave the couch that the two of them sat on. "This is damn irregular!" proclaimed the Major. "We have military business to discuss and a woman has no right to eavesdrop!" "Sir, you are my superior officer, but if you are rude to my wife one more time I will chase you from my home!" Abigail's eyes shone as she stared at Lawrence. "Now, my wife stays here. If we start to discuss matters that are of no concern to her then she will excuse herself-politely. Say what you have to say, sir, and then remove yourself from my home." Millie came in with a tray full of cider, cheese and bread. The room went silent and she froze. "Please offer around the refreshments, Millie. The conversation just became a little boisterous," explained Abigail with a smile. She reached for her husband's hand and gave it a squeeze. After Lawrence, Abigail and the Lieutenants had taken a sampling from the platter, Millie set it down on a table and left the room. The younger men's eyes lingered upon her, again. "So, as I said Captain: you have been truant. We have come to collect you. I brought an extra horse on the assumption that the Americans would have stolen your own." "Major General Sheaffe said I was supposed to have reported to him already?" Lawrence asked with an edge in his voice. "Well, he expected you to have made it to Kingston by now. I suppose he said something about your ability to sneak past the enemy or something..." The Major waved his hand in the air as if the exact details were of no importance. "If I may, sir," said Lieutenant Lumley. "Major General Sheaffe's exact words were that he had hoped the Captain would have reported to him by this time and we were to go to York and return with him." "Yes, yes," muttered the Major. "The details are not important." "So, I'm not truant, then?" Lawrence looked from the Major to the two Lieutenants and received no immediate answer. "Well, Major General Sheaffe's orders were to report to him in Kingston when I was able to. My standing orders are to liaison between the British army and the York Militia. I have been busy since the Americans left." "Yes, yes. Of course you were busy! We saw you were busy when we arrived, didn't we?" sneered the Major. Lawrence bit down his anger. "Sir, I have been aiding the York Militia in repairing the town defences in case Major General Sheaffe returns or the Americans do. However, these duties do not take all of my time while I am here, so I am able to perform some chores at home, as well. Are you suggesting that I have been derelict in my duty?" The Fall of York Ch. 40-48 Abigail momentarily wondered if Lawrence was going to challenge the rude Major to a duel. "No-one has suggested anything of the sort, Captain. Now if you'll don your uniform we'll be leaving for Kingston immediately." The Major stood up, followed a fraction of a second later by the two Lieutenants. "I require a couple of more days to finish my work here, sir. In the meantime, York has a fine inn or perhaps one of the local dignitaries would be willing to lodge you?" "We're leaving now, Captain. Get your uniform on!" With that, the Major strode out of the house. The two Lieutenants looked shocked, then rolled their eyes and followed their commanding officer out the door. "What a..." began Abigail. "Millie might be within hearing and begin to think such language is proper for a lady, my dear," interrupted Lawrence. "I'll get your uniform ready upstairs. Will you be all right?" "Everything will be fine. I've met his ilk before; Generals like to send them out on useless missions to keep them from the front line troops as much as possible. Nothing the Major says will be given much credence. And I suspect the Lieutenants were sent along to use up some of their youthful energy and give them some familiarity with the road between Kingston and York." Lawrence began to follow Abigail to the stairs, when he heard a tap at the front door. He shrugged his shoulders at Abigail's inquisitive look and went to answer it. Opening the door, he found Lieutenant Lumley holding a satchel. "There was mail for you, sir." The young officer glanced back at the Major, who was busy checking his gear, then he leaned toward Lawrence. "Sir," he whispered, "please thank your wife for her hospitality, from myself and Jones. The Major intended you to open your mail on the way back to Kingston as he's quite curious about the contents." Lawrence took the satchel, thanked the Lieutenant and then closed the door. He opened the leather pouch only to find a bundle of letters. Dropping the bag by the door, he thumbed through the correspondence and found that they were personal letters for him, from his family in England. He ran for the stairs and rushed up, taking them two at a time. Abigail whirled in astonishment as he ran into the room. "Here, read them as fast as you can while I'm dressing!" he urged. Abigail undid the string and let the letters fall to their bed. "There's one from your father, Lord Orr. There's one from a Michael Orr and one from a Henry Orr." "My brothers. Henry's the eldest." "There's a fourth letter from a Mr. Peabody." "The name sounds familiar, but I cannot place it. Read the one from Michael first; he always gets right to the point. Just read it to yourself and give me a synopsis." "All right," responded Abigail. She read through the letter as quick as she could. Lawrence was almost finished as she began speaking. "Your family is all doing well and someone named Rebecca has had twin boys." "That's Henry's wife. She's a lot like your sister Barbara," he explained. "Hmm. Your brother hopes to have a seat in the Upper House within ten years. That would make it two Lords in your family, would it not?" "Yes. Do you hope it would be three?" he asked teasingly. "For your sake, yes my lord," and she curtsied. "Your family was overjoyed to hear of your marriage and they suggested it would be better if you 'return to England with your bride' rather than stay in the colonies." "Ha! Michael knows me well enough to realize I won't be returning." "Lastly, my husband, I have the most important news." Abigail smiled mischievously. "I have no time to play that game you enjoy so much..." he reminded her. "Oh, very well! Your family is sending all of your personal possessions over from England along with a wedding gift of roughly two thousand pounds!" "My belongings! That's wonderful! Wait a minute...did you say...?" "Yes..." "I have to go! If the money arrives while I'm away then spend it as you see fit. I intend to use it to buy you a better home and I'd like to use some of it to help rebuild York. I'm sure Reverend Strachan would have some good ideas in that regard." "Yes, I'm sure," agreed Abigail sourly. Lawrence grabbed her arms and pulled her close. "I'm going to miss you every second I'm away. My duties just don't seem to mean as much when they take me away from you." She put her palm on his cheek. "I love you, too." He leaned down and kissed her tenderly. Then they went downstairs together. Abigail stood in the doorway and watched Lawrence mount and then ride off with the other officers. Then she went to the kitchen, where Millie was already working on dinner. "Millie, go and fetch Jacob, please. I have some work for him." The maid left, while Abigail wondered where they were going to put Lawrence's personal belongings in this small house. That was the first time she had thought of her home as being small, she realized. She decided to invite the Reverend over for dinner and tell him the good news. She could use his help in finding a suitable home, one that would make others see Lawrence as a man of importance. She knew Strachan had plans for her husband and she also knew this two thousand pounds would go a long way to making life better for Lawrence, her and the people of York, if it was used wisely. 44 As they approached the smithy, Lawrence tried to attract the Major's attention. After deliberately ignoring the Captain for a full minute, the superior officer asked him what he wanted. "I have some brief business to conduct with the smith's son before I leave York." Lawrence could see John staring out the window at the four mounted officers who were temporarily stopped in front of his father's place. The Major thought the matter over. "Is the horse lame?" "What? No, sir. I have an urgent personal matter to discuss with someone here before I leave the vicinity of York." "No, you don't. Let's go!" The Major kicked his steed into a trot. The two junior officers sighed in unison, gave Lawrence an apologetic look and then hurried after the Major. Lawrence hung his head and then urged his steed on after the Major, as well. Looking back to the smithy, he saw John standing in front of the building with a smug grin on his face. 45 Late the next morning, Abigail and Millie were weeding the vegetable garden and discussing how excited Reverend Strachan had been at the news of the Orr's windfall, when they noticed a small crowd of people walking toward them. "John's leading that group," pointed out Millie. And Lawrence was forced to leave only yesterday, thought Abigail. "We'll see what they have to say. Maybe John's come to make amends." Millie gave her mistress a look of incredulity and then slapped at a mosquito. Abigail noticed that some of their neighbours were leaving their houses to see what strange event was going on. The group stopped at the front gate and John strode forward, boldly pushing the gate open before him. "Not one step further, young man. Let's hear your apology and admission about your slander and then you can leave." Abigail could smell alcohol on both John and several young men in the crowd. John crossed his arms. "I'm not going to apologize. I was right. Millie's a whore and she seduced me when I stayed here. We don't want her kind in a town full of good folk." Abigail noticed some in the crowd nodding in agreement, but not all. "Millie's a reputable girl who's been slandered by this would be rapist!" Abigail announced in a loud voice. "Now who's slandering who? I demand satisfaction!" John looked around and frowned briefly when he spied Jacob approaching from the house. "Where's Captain Orr, Millie's defender? He's run off rather than defend her honour!" "I'll stand up to you, you rascal!" called out a man's voice from behind the crowd. The people parted, making way for Mr. Croyden. He brandished his cane in front of a surprised John. "I'll see you sent to damnation for your crimes! I offered to be Captain Orr's second and I can still fire a pistol. So let's get some weapons and face each other right now!" John looked down at the elderly man and laughed. "You only offered to be his second. You're not his second!" John raised his hand as if to strike and Mr. Croyden cringed. "I'll fight you, John," said a cold voice. Everyone turned to look at Jacob. "He's one of the men who raided our town and killed some of our militia! He's a murdering Yankee! It's my civic duty to teach this little pup a lesson." John advanced on Jacob. "Wait one second, John!" called out Abigail. She looked at the size difference between the two men and realized John would easily kill his American opponent if their fight depended on size and brute strength. "Jacob is Lawrence's second...Jacob is Lawrence's second!" Abigail ignored the look of fury in Millie's eyes, but did note it was directed at her and not at the American. "He can't have one of the enemy as his second!" pointed out John. There were a few shouts of agreement from the crowd. "What do you know of duels, John?" Abigail spied Reverend Strachan's black robe in the distance, as he ran to the Orr house. "My husband knows all about them. He's the son of a Lord." There was shocked silence at that admission. None of their neighbours had known, but they all were aware that the nobility followed different rules than did the common folk. "That's a lie! I didn't insult any Lord's servant. She's lying!" he declared, pointing an accusing finger at Abigail. "No, she isn't." Everyone now turned to Reverend Strachan, who used the delay to catch his breath. The crowd was growing larger and larger as the drama continued. "I know for a fact that Captain Lawrence Orr is the son of a Lord Orr, who lives in England. He is of noble birth and any insult to him is a crime that will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. We are not anarchistic Americans! We will have law and order!" Abigail sensed the crowd was beginning to turn on John. "Where is Pierre?" she asked the crowd. "He spoke up for Millie, did he not? Where is he? Will he come forward and defend this innocent girl again?" Some in the crowd looked about as if expecting the Frenchman to join the drama, but a fair number sent a suspicious look in John's direction. "Pierre left!" he shouted. "But, it doesn't matter. Jacob and I were going to duel, but we have no pistols." "There is a pair of fine pistols in the Orr house. Captain Orr showed them to me on one of my visits. They were a wedding gift from another officer, I believe." Strachan noted how pale John had become at this new revelation. He was reminded of Lawrence's assertion that the young man was a coward and felt confident there would be no duel. "Millie, you know where the pistols are. Please go and get them," commanded Abigail. Her dark eyes flashed and the younger woman gave Abigail a look of pure loathing, but she obediently went into the house. She returned a short time later with a smooth, brown, leather case. Mr. Croyden offered to load the pistols and did so very carefully, with the crowd watching intently. Strachan turned to John. "Well, since we are going through with this and one of you shall surely die...and the pistols belong to the man who issued the challenge, I believe it is only proper if you choose which pistol you want, young man. Then your opponent will point the remaining weapon at your heart during the duel." John's shaking hand reached in to the case and withdrew one of the weapons. The Reverend eyed him coldly. Strachan brought the case over to Jacob. Abigail and Mr. Croyden were standing with him, while Mille had retreated to the doorway of the house. Abigail saw the tears streaming down the girl's face and wondered if she had just doomed poor Jacob. "I had thought that John's cowardice would have prompted him to back out of the duel before now, but..." admitted Strachan to Abigail. "Well, don't worry too much, son," he said to Jacob. "John has never fired a pistol before. And being the Captain's second he must have let you practice with them." "I've never fired a pistol before in my life, pastor." John examined the weapon carefully, seeming to be fascinated by its design. "He isn't Lawrence's second, Reverend," confided Abigail. "He never chose a second. Lawrence was confident that John would either confess to his crimes or submit to appearing before the magistrate." She cringed at the sharp looks that both Reverend Strachan and Mr. Croyden gave her. "I, too, thought that John would have shown himself yellow and fled, rather than engage in the duel. I thought you also might have had some experience with pistols, Jacob. I am sorry. I will admit my deception in front of the crowd so that you may bow out with honour." "The choice was mine, Mrs. Orr." He looked at the two men. "I want no repercussions to fall upon Mrs. Orr, gentlemen. It might be my last request." Both men nodded. Jacob turned to look at Millie. She took a step forward and then stopped and shook her head. Abigail raised her eyebrow at Millie's behaviour. "It's all right, Mrs. Orr. She told me that if I duelled for her honour, that she would treat me as if I were dead." "Whatever the outcome, Jacob, Millie and I will have a long talk." He simply nodded once in response. The four turned to face John. 46 As they left the inn, Lawrence gathered his energies to explain his situation to Major Pike. "Sir, if I may?" The superior officer groaned. "I've had enough of this nonsense, Captain! It's bordering on insubordination and I will not hear any more of it!" The Major turned his back on him and stomped away, while Lawrence cursed himself for not having been more diplomatic the day before. They collected their belongings, packed and readied their horses and then rode off eastwards, towards Kingston. The Major kept them at a slow pace, which surprised Lawrence. He had expected a trot so as to get him to Major General Sheaffe in short time, but without too much effort. Instead, the Major allowed the Lieutenants to set the pace on the second day of their journey and, despite their youth, they seemed to be in no hurry. As they rode, Lawrence kept glancing at the Major, trying to figure out how best to approach the man. If he were too forceful, then he might face stiff discipline. If he were too casual, then the Major might simply ignore his wishes as being unimportant. At one point, the Major seemed to explode for no apparent reason. "Jones! Get back here!" he bellowed. The Lieutenants halted and Jones turned his horse and raced back to Pike. "Jones, you're riding beside me. Orr, ride with Lumley." Lawrence shrugged and spurred his horse into a gallop. He was as eager to be away from the unfathomable and unlikeable Major as the man was eager to be done with him. Lawrence slowed and matched the speed of Lumley's steed. The Lieutenant gave him a curious look, then rolled his eyes and inclined his head back to the Major. "That could be considered an offence Lieutenant, but you've been with him longer than I have." The road turned close to Lake Ontario and Lawrence gazed through the morning mist at the dark shadow that he assumed was the United States, until he remembered exactly how wide this lake was. "Yes, sir, that I have. Jones and I have learned to be careful what we say around him...and to be careful of what we do, as well." The young man swatted at a couple of mosquitoes. "Sir, if you don't mind me asking, what was the urgency behind your staying in York a little longer?" Lawrence sighed at the intrusiveness of the question, but then decided to engage the Lieutenant in conversation so as to pass the time better. He told him of Millie and John. "I can understand why you'd want him to know you were leaving through no fault of your own. But, why the duel? Being a Captain and him a militiaman, you could have just had him whipped." "Old habits die hard. I was raised in a society where duels were used to undo outrageous behaviour. Sometimes I slip back into that way of thinking." "You're a member of the nobility?" asked the Lieutenant with a pensive look. "Third son of a minor Lord." "Interesting...are you cut off from your family wealth?" "In a way, my eldest brothers will inherit and nothing will get passed down to me except what my family has given me as a wedding gift. Actually, my eldest brother will inherit everything from my father, but there was a large estate belonging to my mother's family that my other brother can claim. I stood the best chance of winning my fortune by becoming an officer in His Majesty's army." "Sir, I have a suggestion to make to you. You may find it a little distasteful, but please follow my lead. Jones will, too. I believe the Major may change his mind about you." "Distasteful or dishonourable, Lieutenant?" Lawrence asked suspiciously. He was well aware that for a young man there was little distinction between the two. "If you feel your honour is going to be damaged then simply excuse yourself from our conversation, sir." With that, Lumley slowed his horse's walk. Soon enough, the Major and Jones caught up. "What's this?" asked the irritated Major. "I think my horse has a pebble stuck in his hoof, sir. May we stop while I tend to him?" The Major looked ahead along the road, then gazed at the mist-shrouded lake. "Very well, but make it quick. I don't want to be ambushed by a boatload of Yankees." They all dismounted and Lumley made a show of examining his steed's left front hoof. "Jones, could you take a look at this?" he asked. The other Lieutenant came over and the two had a brief, quiet exchange of words. "That's right," said Lumley in an unusually loud voice, "the Captain, there, is the son of a Lord. But, he's the third son and won't inherit a penny. He was to duel a man who had insulted his household." The Major hurried over. "What's wrong with you two? Don't you realize your voices will carry across the waters in this silence?" "Sorry sir," Jones whispered. "Lumley was just telling me about poor Captain Orr." "Yes, yes. Well, tend to your horse quickly." He eyed Lawrence and then looked at the gentle waves washing upon the shore. "Captain Orr, please come with me." Lawrence left his horse with the two Lieutenants, who both gave him a smile and a nod. Then he went over to the Major and stood beside him, gazing across the lake. "Do you think the Americans might be out there, Captain?" "It's possible, but I think most of their forces are concentrated either near Kingston to counter Sheaffe's army, or near the Niagara River. Any Americans that do hear us would have to first determine where we are upon this vast shore and then find their way through this fog, sir." Lawrence's mind reeled: why hadn't the Major figured this simple piece of logic out for himself? "Hmm." Several seconds went by. "I suspect that you are correct, Captain," admitted the Major. They both kept their eyes focussed on the mist shrouded lake. "So, were the Lieutenants speaking the truth about you, then?" "With regards to what, sir?" "With regards to you being the son of a Lord who won't inherit a penny of his father's estate?" "Yes, sir. Admittedly, my father and brothers did just arrange to send my wife and I a surprisingly generous wedding gift." Several more seconds of silence went by, while the two men watched several Canada geese fly over, honking as they went. "I was a second son and bought my Lieutenant's commission when I was nineteen. My brother inherited everything. I guess the King's army is all that's left for men like you and I." "Well, I certainly wouldn't consider the navy, sir." "Yes, yes. Very droll that. I'm sorry if I was rude to you and your lovely wife. I took you to be another one of these damn jack-a-dandies that I see so often, strutting about in their crisp uniforms and not knowing the first thing about how to fire a pistol." The Fall of York Ch. 40-48 "I accept your apology, sir. I've met a few of that ilk, as well." Lawrence wondered if now were the time to ask about returning to York. He would have dearly liked to ask either one of the Lieutenants for further advice on dealing with this Major. "So, someone insulted a member of your household?" "Yes, sir. A militiaman said scandalous things about our maid. That was the young woman who served us food and drink," Lawrence added. "That pretty girl? Such a shame. She seemed very demure and innocent. When was the duel supposed to take place?" The Major faced him and Lawrence spied a look of concern on the older man's face. "Today." "Hmm." The Major walked away with his hands clasped behind his back. Lawrence wondered if he had underplayed the moment, and then followed the older man back to where the Lieutenants were waiting. "How is your horse, Jones?" "Fine, sir. Lumley's is fine too, sir." "Yes, yes." The Major walked past the two men and the horses. The Lieutenants smiled at Lawrence again and then raised their eyebrows. Lawrence shrugged. The Major looked up the road toward Kingston and then turned and looked back in the direction of York. "Orr!" called out the Major. Lawrence hurried over to him. "Yes, sir." Pike stared down the road to York. "Deal with the cad. I'll let Sheaffe know that you're in good health and will reach Kingston as soon as you are able to." "Thank you, sir." The Major turned suddenly and put out his hand. Lawrence shook it. "And good luck to you, sir," said the Major quietly so only Lawrence could hear. Lawrence nodded and then walked over and mounted his horse. He saluted the trio and then rode towards York at a gallop. 47 John and Jacob stood with their backs to each other and with their pistols raised to their shoulders. Seeing the two men stand so close together lightened Abigail's conscience considerably. Average-sized Jacob would not have lasted long in a bare-handed fight against the massive blacksmith, John. At least with pistols he stood an even chance of surviving. Reverend Strachan spoke briefly to each man and then joined Abigail. Much of the crowd stood on the opposite side of the pair of duellers. Mr. Croyden raised his hands for attention and quiet. "I will count to ten!" he shouted. "At each count, you will take a step forward! After ten, you will turn and face each other! I will ask if you are ready! Then I will call for aim, at which point you will aim your weapons! When I say fire, you fire your weapons!" Strachan leaned over to Abigail and whispered, "I reminded John that he will go to Hell if he does not make right his wrongs before he dies. With luck he'll keep walking after the ten count." "And what did you say to Jacob?" she whispered back. "I told the American 'God be with you'." Mr. Croyden turned and glared at the two. Strachan waved for him to continue. "Do either of you wish to remove yourself from this conflict for any reason?" "No," the two men said in unison. "Very well. One!" and both men took a step forward. With each number, an additional step was taken until the final digit was at last called out. Abigail's heart sank as she realized how close both men were. Surely they must both die, she thought. Jacob turned and faced his foe. John hesitated and then turned. Reverend Strachan let out a sigh between his teeth. "Ready?" called out Mr. Croyden. John mustered some courage. "Ready!" he bellowed. "Ready," said Jacob in his normal speaking voice. Whispers passed through the watching crowd, as those in front relayed to those who hadn't heard the American speak, that both men were ready. "Aim!" John and Jacob simultaneously pointed their weapons at their foe. Abigail was amazed that neither one's hand shook. Mr. Croyden opened his mouth to call out the last word, when unexpectedly there was the loud crack of a pistol firing and smoke billowed from John's outstretched hand. "John!" shouted Mr. Croyden in an accusatory tone. "It was a misfire! I didn't pull the trigger!" yelled out John. "Jacob!" screamed out Millie in anguish, as she dashed across the Orr's yard. All eyes turned to see the young man from America grab his chest. 48 Mud flew up from the hooves of Lawrence's steed as it flew along the road. Lawrence and the beast paid little heed to the danger of such a reckless pace. The rider sensed the need for urgency and he was driving the horse as hard as he could in the hope that he would get back to York in time for whatever was required of him. There were ruts in the road, sometimes perpendicular to the direction of the road. The stallion paid no mind to any dangers that the uneven surface might pose. Lawrence knew that a sudden trip could easily mean the death of both of them at this speed, but he believed Abigail was in danger. And even if she wasn't, Millie might be and he felt a protective and paternal instinct for this young woman. So, he pushed the animal as hard he could. As he rode, the thought occurred to him that in the next few days he might be court-martialled out of the service for his actions. That thought would have been terrifying to him several months ago, but now he considered it of little importance. Whether he served as an officer in the King's army or not, he would be with Abigail and they had a future together. That certainty that the two of them had a future together made him careless in his rush back to York. Lawrence refused to believe that God could have arranged everything up to this moment simply to have him break his neck a short distance from York. On he rushed, ignoring the foam around the horse's mouth and the lather on its flanks. * The entire story is completed and a portion will be posted every couple of days.