Chapter 8

At dawn, Colonel Hamilton stood outside the kitchen overseeing the delivery of baskets and crates of food. It was the much-anticipated arrival of provisions from the Keating estate. Hannah, the cook, was busy inventorying on her long boney fingers what she had. She sent much of it to the cellar. When she caught a glimpse of the colonel in the doorway, she averted her eyes making him suspicious. After the soldiers left, Hamilton tarried behind, slicing himself a thick piece of fresh bread that lay on the table.

"Hannah is there something you want to tell me?" he asked as he chewed.

"Why no sir, Colonel Hamilton. I has no business talkin' to you."

"You are happy to receive this food aren't you?"

"Of course, sir." Hannah turned her back and stirred her bubbling stew in a suspended black kettle at the big fireplace.

"Come now, Hannah, I know when you're troubled. You can't hide it from me."

"Are you askin' me to talk, Colonel Hamilton? Because if you is, I might be allowed to share a concern I have with you if you give me permission."

"Speak, Hannah."

The cook turned slowly but kept her eyes to the floor. Her normally smooth forehead was furrowed; her normally pleasantly bemused ebony countenance worried. "Sir, you know I ain't want to gossip in a hurtful way, but I seen and heard somethin's yesterday that has me deeply concerned for the young marquis." She hesitated in silence; shyly looking up to see the effect of her words.

"Go on."

"It seems all the servants were kept from their daily tasks yesterday by a closed door upon the bedchamber o' Mrs. Keating. They couldn't help hearin' the heated conversation goin' on behind that door."

"Oh, I see." Hamilton considered stopping the slave woman from going any further but he had some concern in his own mind prompted by the recent oddly sorrowful and aloof behavior of his friend, Lafayette. He decided to let her continue.

"They overheard Mrs. Keating tryin' to seduce the young man and he refusin'."

"Well, that is not necessarily--"

"She tried to convince him that General Washington had ordained it. Like it was all his idea."

Hamilton was shocked. "His Excellency would never suggest such a thing. He considers Julie a guest and would certainly respect her marriage to his friend. What nonsense."

"I know that, sir. General Washington is not a man to condone adultery in his own house. That's just plain wrong. The next thing I knew, the marquis was down here all upset a-pacin' in the breezeway. I left him here, but on my return he and General Wayne was in the kitchen yellin' at each other like two dogs and General Wayne was doin' most o' the yellin'." Hannah folded her arms across her spare chest and stuck her chin up all knowing like as if the import of her words ought to be clear.

Hamilton was puzzled because Wayne and Lafayette were good friends, then he recalled that General Wayne had purportedly had an affair with Mrs. Keating. He had dismissed that rumor since the source had been from Wayne's own mouth, which was not to be trusted after the consumption of much liquor. If it were true though, it could spell big trouble.

"I understand your concern, Hannah."

"It's not my place to talk o' such things, Colonel. General Washington would be greatly displeased to know that I had but I hope you can see the reason o' it? I'm thinkin' that if the young marquis has any friends they should be lookin' out for him and not be lettin' that 'she-cat' be a-lyin' and a-weedlin' her way into his affections. Those servants are goin' to spread what they heard all over this camp. There ain't nothin' I can do to stop 'em."

Hamilton chuckled. "She's a 'she-cat' is she, Hannah?"

Hannah placed her hands on her hips and frowned. "I reckon that ain't proper for me to say." The slave looked off and thought for a moment. "Colonel Hamilton, are you familiar with the Wisteria vine that grows wild in the south?"

"I've seen it. It is quite beautiful."

"Aye. It carries flowers that please the eye, but it chokes and destroys the thing it entwines--even mighty stone towers crumble under it." She turned narrowed black eyes upon the young man.

"Yes, of course. I believe I see your reasoning Hannah and you were right to share it with me."


The snow had let up for a day bringing sunshine, blue skies and the sharp melody of birds. After a hurried breakfast, Colonel Hamilton busied himself at trying to reduce the pile of paper on his desk in the front room of Washington's headquarters. Colonel Laurens, his best friend of late, was sitting quietly opposite him scribbling at a similar makeshift beat-up desk. By the rate the feather on his quill pen was moving, it had to be a heated correspondence of great purport.

Hamilton heard the heavy boots of a courier running past in the hall. He chose to ignore it.

"I say Laurens, what you are going at there?"

The darkly handsome young southerner looked up and frowned. "A letter to my father."

"Ah. I thought it a proposal to a lady friend for a moment."

Laurens once again looked up puzzled, perplexed at Hamilton's interruption. "If you must know, nosy Jack, I am telling my father of the news we have heard of late of Gates and his weasel of an aide Wilkinson. My father needs to hear from these parts as to the truth of the matter. Gates and his cronies will not get away with their attempt to replace Washington."

Hamilton smiled. "Aye. Wilky the Weasel, indeed. He is hereby officially christened. You have the ear of your father the president of the Congress. What better way to get Washington's true nature and purpose across. Tell him you and I agree on that matter. There's another matter closer to home I've been meaning to ask your opinion."

Laurens stopped writing.

"What do you make of this Julie Keating?"

"Make of her? She's a beautiful wealthy woman. The wealthiest woman in America, I've heard."

"Aye. Have you noticed how she looks at our dear friend, Lafayette, with those big blue eyes filled with love and devotion?" Hamilton asked.

"I have noticed. Are you jealous?"

"Of course, but that is not my concern. Lafayette seemed unusually distant and sad yesterday evening. Did you not notice?"

"Aye. I noticed. What of it?"

"I think there is something between the two of them."

Laurens looked up, his thick dark brows raised in surprise. "You don't suppose, they would actually…not in his Excellency's very house?" Laurens laughed gaily. "Well, vive Lafayette!"

"Shhhh….keep your voice down. The cook thinks so. She told me this morning after I delivered the items from the Keating estate. Hannah says the 'she-cat' has her claws in the young general. She thought his friends, meaning you and I, should be looking out for him."

Laurens laughed. "The cook says a lot of things that are nothing but nonsense."

"No. No. The servants shared with her words overheard between Julie and Lafayette behind a closed bedchamber door yesterday morning after we returned from the mutiny. It is troubling and no doubt will be spread via the servants all over camp. The cook overheard an angry exchange between Wayne and the Frenchman in the kitchen later. A right bloody row it was. Everyone knows Wayne had an affair with Mrs. Keating."

Laurens shook his head. "Alex, you better leave that alone. If our friend has found himself a playmate for this cold dreary encampment, than I can only congratulate him and wish the same for you and I. General Wayne understandably feels the jilted lover. He'll get over it. He would never challenge…at least I don't think so…would he?" Laurens had talked himself into a panic and was staring wide-eyed at his companion.

"Wayne is just temperamental enough to challenge--"

"Lafayette is just sensitive enough in regards to his precious reputation to accept," replied Laurens in despair. "My God, they'll kill each other."

"Alex!" a familiar voice yelled from the back room.

Hamilton jumped up and walked out into the entry hall and into his commander's office. He found Washington scowling and staring at a dispatch. The courier stood by staring at the floor.

"Yes, sir?"

"Jefferson has arrived at the outer redoubt and it appears he has the indomitable Patrick Henry with him. How like the politicians to gang-up on me. Be prepared to greet them at the door. Call out the guard. Governor Henry shall have his ruffles. Where is Lafayette?"

"Upstairs I believe, writing letters."

"Ah, of course, please retrieve him. Is Julie and Elizabeth in the house?"

"They are in the kitchen."

"Retrieve them as well."

"Right away, sir."

Hamilton ushered the courier out and closed the door behind him. He turned towards the stair, but stuck his head in the doorway of the front room and murmured to Laurens, "How is it I am to retrieve the whole world with only two legs and one voice?"

Laurens chuckled. "I will get the ladies."

"Of course you will, you gallant traitor."

Hamilton bolted up the small wood staircase that led to the bedchambers. He knocked on Lafayette's door. "General, we have guests. General Washington has asked that you attend."

"I will be right there, Alexander, thank you."

The haggard aide turned and ran down the stairs and out the door. He yelled towards the guards cabins. "Gibbs! Present arms on the double! A governor's ruffles if you please!"

The guards poured from their cabins and quickly aligned themselves perpendicular to the house along the path from the road. The American flag fluttered and flapped where it stood beside the path. It was always present when the commander was in residence.

The young colonel straightened his own uniform and looked himself over. He bent down and rubbed a spot of mud from his shiny black boot just as he heard the rumble of the carriage approaching from the south. When the black mud-splashed conveyance stopped before him, he opened the door upon two distinguished Virginians. "Sirs, welcome to headquarters."

Jefferson's long legs were the first item to exit the carriage followed by his wavy red-haired head. He towered over the young colonel. "Mr. Hamilton, we are most pleased to finally be here. The roads are deplorable from here to York. We were on our way home to Williamsburg and thought we would stop and greet our fellow Virginian."

"Yes, sir. You are expected. At least we are having a pleasant day here. That should give you some relief."

"Yes, yes of course. Come along Patrick."

The older man grumbled and clumsily stepped out of the conveyance into a soft spot of mud. He glowered at Hamilton. "Can't you do something about this? Where is Washington? He better be here."

The man in question just then stepped from the front door of the house. "Well Governor Patrick Henry, what a pleasant surprise to see you, sir."

The governor grumbled.

Captain Gibbs commanded, "Present arms!" A ratt-a-tatt-tatt of drums split the air with a merciless racket that continued for sometime--much past the time everyone thought it surely would stop. Governor Henry turned and eyed the captain of the guard with disdain.

When the flourish of drums saluting the dignitaries finally ended, Washington strode to the two visitors and offered his hand to Henry and then Jefferson. "Welcome to my humble home, gentlemen."

"Thank you for my renewed headache, General Washington," snarled Governor Henry.

"It is our customary salute to dignitaries, sir. The same one they give me. Please come inside. Alex, see to their baggage. They shall be staying with General Greene this evening."

"Yes, sir." Hamilton sent the driver along with directions to General Greene's quarters then he hurried back inside. He missed the introductions.

"Well, Mr. Washington," Jefferson said smiling, "this is a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to lay my eyes on such splendidly beautiful young ladies in the army's winter quarters."

The ladies giggled and glanced at each other.

"Mr. Henry," Jefferson said, "you have to admit to spend an evening in the company of such beauty was well worth the difficulties of getting here."

"Humph," growled Patrick Henry. "I suppose. Do you adopt every young waif that graces your door, Washington?"

The commander chuckled. "The daughters and wives of old friends."

"I'd say you have a lot of old friends."

"Perhaps that's because I'm an old man like you."

Mr. Henry sniffed and crossed his arms over his chest.

Mr. Jefferson offered his hand to Lafayette. "It is good to see you again, Marquis. I trust this old man is treating you well?"

The Frenchman smiled graciously and shook the offered hand. "Quite well, sir."

"I should think so when you have a pretty young lady on each arm," Jefferson quipped with the wink of an eye.

Jefferson asked General Washington some particulars regarding the camp and asked that he might have a tour, then the two tall Virginians began a discussion of their homeland-- Virginia, the tobacco crops, the weather, the health of this and that acquaintance.

Hamilton sighed. He and Laurens were standing behind Lafayette waiting for orders.

"Laurens," Hamilton said loud enough for Lafayette to hear him under the continued boisterous talk of Jefferson and Washington, "I feel like I just shrank to minutia. I'm a character in a Jonathan Swift novel. What say ye?

"I know the feeling, Hamilton."

"What are we to do? There will be no joy in Lilliput this winter if we don't tie down this improbably handsome giant right away."

"It's a problem of immense proportions, indeed. I say, we must put a bag over his head at once. That way his charming good looks can not sway the opposite sex so easily."

Lafayette turned his head and peered with narrowed eyes at the two colonels conspiring behind his back. His smirk told them, he heard their banter but he would not be drawn into it.

Hamilton sighed. "He is all major general today."

"Yes, indeed. Shall we retire to the sutlers' and spend all our wages on a bottle of whiskey?"

"Sounds like a merryplan to me. Lets away."

The colonels turned and left out the back door of the house unnoticed as everyone's attention was on Julie at that moment as she was laughing gaily at one of Jefferson's jokes.


Julie loaned a gown to Elizabeth and helped her dress before dinner. Elizabeth, a naïve young farm girl, was giddy with apprehension. The idea of dining with such famous men as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry made her head spin. She was only just becoming accustomed to being in the presence daily of Generals Washington and Lafayette. The borrowed maid was basting a hem in the dress to shorten it to Elizabeth's height as Julie worked on making her hair more fashionable. There were hot clay curlers in her side locks that burned her cheeks if she moved.

"Oh Elizabeth, isn't this exciting?" Julie said. "Yesterday's disorder has flown from my mind. The dinner will be wonderful with the vegetables from my estate and the puddings and pies Hannah has made. A fine southern spread to feast ones eyes upon and one's palette. General Washington is so lucky I am here. I have a talent for it you know. No one else could do it justice."

"Yes, of course," Elizabeth said thinking Julie certainly could never be accused of being humble, but Mrs. Washington would probably have a difference of opinion with her in regards to her 'talents'. "It's wonderful, but I have no idea what to say to those men."

"Oh, don't worry. It is always best to let the men carry the conversation and just answer their questions. They prefer to listen to themselves," she said with a little titter.

There was a knock at the door, just as the maid finished and scrambled up off her knees. It was Billy summoning them to dinner.

Julie removed the curlers, arranged and pulled on the tight curls then took one last look at Elizabeth as if she was her own creation. She than turned to the mirror and took another look at herself. "Shall we join the men, Elizabeth?"

"Yes, let's do," Elizabeth said with a faint voice.

The two young women glided down the stairs as "the men" watched with admiration from the hall below. General Lafayette stepped up to take Elizabeth's arm and escorted her to the dining room. General Washington did the same with Julie. The guests followed.

The table was larger than Elizabeth had seen it during her stay and it was full of every kind of meat, vegetable, bread, cake and hors-d'oeuvre. The colorful sight made her mouth water.

After everyone was seated, Billy carved and served the meats, then the bowls of sweet potatoes, green peas and carrots were passed around. Piping hot sweet cornbread was passed as well.

"George, what a wonderful feast you have laid for us," Mr. Jefferson said.

"Mrs. Keating was kind enough to have much of what you see brought from her nearby estate. You know Rutherford Keating do you not?"

"Of course. He is helping us find money. The man can milk it from a rock."

Julie chuckled. "He has a talent."

"I dare say Mrs. Keating has a talent for setting a fine table," Governor Henry said as he dug into his food. "This is not only beautiful but delicious."

"Oh, Governor Henry," Julie said, "really it was nothing, but I suppose since there was no one else here to do it, it was well that I could."

Julie was evidently complimenting herself on her modesty.

"So, Thomas, I hear you are going to be receiving our fine British guests from Saratoga," General Washington said.

"Yes indeed. They will have no cause for complaint in Virginia. They will be sequestered a mere six miles from my home. I plan to visit them often."

Governor Henry grumbled. "They should be thrown on a prison ship off of Yorktown if you ask me. No reason for them to get better treatment then our own unfortunate men."

"Now, Patrick, we have been over and over this point. You know that I am as disgusted as anyone with the treatment of our prisoners, but we must show the world what kind of republic we are and we are a republic who looks after the concerns of the individual be he a citizen or a captured enemy soldier. It is a question of natural honor and humanity."

"Natural honor my bunions," Henry grumbled.

Generals Washington and Lafayette looked at each other and chuckled.

"Are we too much in mixed company?" Mr. Jefferson asked with an innocent look.

"No, No, Thomas, please carry on," General Washington said. "Your concerns are our concerns."

"Oh please do continue, Mr. Jefferson," Julie said. "It is a thrill to hear even the smallest of debates between such marvelously brilliant men of our time." Julie threw a flirting glance toward the red-haired and freckled statesman.

Jefferson stood and raised his glass of port. "Your Excellency, I toast your health and the health of each and every one of your soldiers and officers be they in this camp or in captivity." He then turned to Julie and exclaimed, "and I toast the fair Mrs. Keating and her lovely meal." Everyone saluted his toast.

Elizabeth expected the man to sit down but he remained standing as if that was his customary position at dinner. "Rest assured," he said in a serious tone, "I have made myself clear in my remonstrations with the British command, that we hold their soldiers as pledges for the safety of our own in captivity. If they put our men in irons and deny them sustenance, we will most certainly repay them in kind. Please don't mistake my desire for republican virtues to be displayed by these two armies as reticence on my part."

"Thank you for that reassurance, Thomas," the commander said with a sigh.

Mr. Jefferson sat down.

"You are troubled, General Washington," Governor Henry said. "I can see weariness in your eyes. Is it this affair with Gates and Conway and Mifflin's corruption? I dare say it would have me ready to bust down the doors of congress and start shooting like a wild savage."

Washington smiled. "These troubles will pass Patrick. Rest assured. Deception hatched in the dark vacuum of jealous minds is always exposed by the light of truth. I have faith that the evil-doers will get their just deserts."

A fork clanged to the floor drawing everyone's attention to Julie who blushed. "How clumsy of me."

"Yes, I agree George," Mr. Jefferson added as he bent down and picked up Julie's fork with a smile. "Truth shall prevail." The tall Virginian hesitated for a moment regarding curiously the wealthy woman at his side that averted her eyes. "I fear our talk bores the ladies regardless of its eloquence. So Mrs. Keating, does your husband dabble in agriculture as I do?"

Julie smiled shyly, "No, Mr. Jefferson. His many businesses keep him away from the farm."

"Has he the land, though?"

"Yes. There are a small number of cattle and a small garden."

"That is a shame. I find my agricultural pursuits a balm to my nerves frayed by the politics of the day. I would have thought a landholder, even in Pennsylvania, would endeavor to make the best use of his land…"

"To feed an army, perchance, Monsieur Jefferson?" Lafayette asked.

"Why yes, and every kind of people when there is no war. Is that not the case in France, Marquis? Your many land holdings are profitable are they not?"

"Oui, thanks to those who came before me and those who manage it. I'm afraid my knowledge of it is limited to the taste of the wine produced from the vineyards."

Mr. Jefferson laughed. "There is yet time for you to find the pursuit of agricultural knowledge of interest, when you reach the age of General Washington or myself. One day I wish for you that you may put aside the study of war and pursue peacetime interests. I do envy you Frenchmen your grapes. We cannot grow them here but for the wild varieties."

"I can only hope to be as well versed in agriculture when I am older as you gentlemen."

The older gentlemen at the tabled chuckled.

"But I do find it disturbing to see so much land sitting idle around this camp," Lafayette said.

General Washington laid his hand on the young man's arm. "Marquis, Pennsylvania has a colder climate in winter than Virginia, or your native Auvergne, and the land about here is not that easy to farm."

"Of course, mon Général, I was thinking more along the lines of livestock. Herds of sheep, goats and bétail."

"I'm afraid, old William Penn is responsible for how the land fell in Pennsylvania, Marquis," Jefferson said. "He quartered it up and gave it to his children as wedding dowries and investments. He was not a man of agriculture--or sheep herding."

"Then he was a land speculator?"

"Yes, and a bit of a religious utopian. He had the right idea as an avid supporter of religious freedom which is readily apparent in this state today, but he was a miserable speculator as he failed to make a profit on the venture."

Lafayette shook his head. "I have seen many hardworking farmers in Pennsylvania. The German-speaking people especially, but the wealthy seem to acquire land for summer houses and something to look at from their summer houses…"

Governor Henry laughed. "It is a pity, young man. If these Pennsylvanians were more industrious I believe you would be sending them daily letters asking for provisions for your men instead of me."

Washington's weary glance at Lafayette indicated he was unaware of the frequency of the young Frenchman's contact with the governor of Virginia. "General Lafayette is filled with enthusiasm for his new Virginia command," Washington said, "and he is persistent where his men are concerned."

"Then he is a lot like Patrick Henry," Jefferson quipped.

Mr. Henry laughed. "It is my mouth that doesn't give up, Mr. Jefferson. It is your pen that matches young Lafayette's." The politicians fell to laughing.

Elizabeth noticed that Julie had grown despondent. She was staring at her plate, and poking at her food. Washington was watching her as well. Elizabeth saw the commander catch Lafayette's eye and grimace. Washington evidently thought that the Frenchman was responsible for that trollop's mood. So now, this generous volunteer was to be corrected at the dinner table in front of guests? Elizabeth felt her face redden with the rise in anger up her spine.

"General Lafayette," Washington said, "you surely don't mean to be chastising the wealthy Pennsylvania's that have just a night ago given from their purses so generously at Mrs. Keating's home?"

"No, my dearest commander, of course not. I am just frustrated with the many Americans that have turned their backs on this army and refused to feed and clothe these brave men. If the people would only turn their attentions to finding ways to support the army, it would be less of a burden for all. Instead they send their representatives to congress to squabble over little nothings, while the soldiers die daily for want of food, clothing and medicine."

"Son," Washington said firmly, "everyone here understands the seriousness of the situation."

"Of course, Marquis," Mr. Jefferson said. "This is a republic, though, and the people rule. Sometimes it leads to squabbles as you say, but it also leads to the truth and the rule of law for the many instead of the tyranny of the few."

"Is feeding an army that is defending your country from an invader, tyranny? The farmers are hiding their wagons and stock from us because the congress has fixed the price we pay for these items in worthless Continental money while the British are paying hard cash. We can not bring food to this camp without wagons and teams to pull them."

General Lafayette was growing upset and Elizabeth feared the worst for him--

"General Lafayette!" Washington said, "I believe that is enough on the matter. Our guests do not need to be berated at the dinner table over matters that they clearly have no power over."

Lafayette turned to his commander, his expression changed so suddenly to that of a hurt child that Elizabeth almost cried out in his defense. The young man collected himself quickly, though. "I am sorry, your Excellency, I had no intention of berating anyone. I'm afraid my emotions are just running high." He turned an innocent pale face upon the guests. "Please, I hope no one felt offended by my words. I met no offense or accusation against present company."

"No offense was taken, Marquis," Mr. Jefferson said. "Why Patrick and I spend most of our days in just such discussions. Nothing would please me more then to spend an evening discussing this topic or any other with such a bright and honest young man as yourself." The tall Virginian smiled as did the governor.

"Why, yes, Marquis," Governor Henry said, "I believe you are just what we the people and General Washington need around here. It's a good thing the congress managed--in a break from their squabbling--to note your distinguishing qualities when you presented yourself. You are a credit to your countrymen, sir."

Lafayette smiled and dropped his head. "I am flattered, Governor Henry and Mr. Jefferson for your kind words, but I am just a young man in search of a bit of glory on the battlefield. I am hardly one to speak of the congress or the people in such a profane manner. I do hope you will forgive my forwardness." He glanced shyly at Julie who was still chasing a green pea about her plate. Elizabeth wanted to kick her under the table.

"Thomas, have you brought your violin by chance?" General Washington asked.

Mr. Jefferson looked up surprised. "Why, no, George. Had I known you were going to have two beautiful women here to entertain, I most certainly would have done so. You must make an effort to keep your friends apprised of your living accommodations."

"I stand corrected. I will endeavor to improve on that score in the future. Julie had a beautiful voice as a young girl. I dare say, it has probably only grown finer with age. I've heard Elizabeth singing as well at a church service the first Sunday after she arrived. A most angelic and obviously trained voice. She drew much acclaim from the officers of my staff."

"General Washington," Elizabeth said in surprise. "I had no idea you were listening."

The general smiled.

Julie looked up demurely. "I love to sing and accompany myself on the clavichord. I have received much acclaim among Mr. Keating's many patrons and friends."

"How lovely," Washington said. "Unfortunately, we don't have one of those either. We shall just have to imagine what a charming evening we might have had if not for want of musical instruments."

Everyone laughed.

"Julie," Washington said, "would you step out and see that the coffee is ready to be served? I believe the servants have fallen asleep."

The hostess perked up. "Oh, of course, sir. I was having such a good time, I forgot my purpose here."

The gentlemen stood. Mr. Jefferson helped Julie from her chair, watching her graceful exit from the room.

"An exquisite young woman, George. You knew her as a child?"

"Yes. I suppose you would not remember her father, Edmund Rochester?"

The tall Virginian shook his red head and sat back down.

"I remember him," Governor Henry said. "Killed in a fall from a horse wasn't he? A factor, as I recall." The governor squinted at Washington. "His death made her the sole heir to an enormous quantity of land and business interests on both sides of the Atlantic. You are the executor of that estate are you not, General Washington?"

"Yes." The commander cleared his throat. "Good, here comes the coffee now."

Julie re-entered followed by Billy with a tray laden with cups and a pot of coffee. General Washington carefully steered the discourse for the rest of the dinner to lighter topics.

When Billy cleared the plates away, Elizabeth noticed that General Lafayette had hardly touched his food, though he behaved very graciously towards the guests and joined in the conversation. Elizabeth knew something was terribly wrong, though. It worried her so much she had trouble keeping up with the fast-paced conversation swirling around her.

After dinner, which rolled into supper with only a change of the tablecloth, Washington excused himself to speak privately with General Lafayette in the front room. Elizabeth went outside on the front stoop. She felt faint and knew it was the tight stays and the crowded room in the closed up house. The air was refreshing, though chilly. A late afternoon's deep blue sky brightened the dreary quiet camp. She heard Washington's voice booming through a cracked window.

"You were fanning the flames of discontent between the Pennsylvanians and Virginians!" the commander's angry voice exclaimed. "You've given those politicians ammunition--an excuse for their inaction. They can now blame it all on the wealthy Pennsylvanias! Believe me Marquis, I know a great deal about what I say; I've stepped in those traps, I've expressed my opinion on those very matters regarding the New Englanders early in the war but I soon learned better. We, the army, must be neutral and represent all of the states or we risk alienating and frightening some part of them. Do you not realize that Julie is one of the Americans you were denigrating? My God, Marquis, the very thing that so many Americans love about you is that you are not southern or northern or from Pennsylvania or Maine. Do you not understand what I am saying?"

Elizabeth wanted to run and find someone to come and defend her general. She knew he deserved no reprimand, not even the mildest scolding for his behavior. Julie Keating on the other hand needed a firm spanking. Elizabeth found herself crying. She wanted to run to her friends and tell them what she knew, but could not.

"Elizabeth?"

The troubled girl turned to see Jeremy Larkin standing in the archway that led to the kitchen.

"Jeremy, what are you doing here?" she whispered.

"Checking on my girl. You are crying. What's wrong?"

"Can you not hear? General Washington is yelling at General Lafayette for something he said at dinner."

"Oh. It's probably not that uncommon for Washington and Lafayette to have a heated disagreement. They feel things deeply and have serious issues to debate. Don't worry about it."

Elizabeth picked up her borrowed petticoats and scurried down the steps to hasten to Jeremy's side. "I think this is different, Jeremy. Julie is the cause of it. She is purposely getting Lafayette in trouble with the commander. Everything she does is calculated. I despise her."

Jeremy reached his hand up and twirled one of Elizabeth's side curls about his finger obviously amused and pleased with her new look. He put his arm around her and Elizabeth suddenly realized she was trembling. "I'm sorry, Jeremy. I suppose you think I'm being too emotional, but if you had to sit by and watch this going on, I'm sure you would be equally as mad as I."

"I'm sure I would. We can do little about that, though. I'm concerned about you revealing your true purpose here. You mustn't let Julie see your discomfort and anger. She would think it odd and unseemly for you to be that concerned with Lafayette."

A guard walked by and eyed the young couple but said nothing.

"Of course. She has already accused me of being his lover. I came outside--to cool off." Elizabeth could hear the supper party. Jefferson and Henry were in some debate over wine, which probably meant the Madeira was being poured. "I have to go back inside, but there is something I must discuss with you as soon as possible. It concerns Mrs. Keating. I can't talk about it here. Meet me at the stables later after Mr. Jefferson and Governor Henry leave for Greene's quarters."

"Aye. Be strong."


Lafayette stood before his commander. Washington's angry words and expression left no doubt about it. The young Frenchman felt that his days of being General Washington's favorite adopted son were over. He had let his emotions get the better of him at dinner and disappointed the one man he most admired in the world. Would he now be relieved of his new command? Would he be sent home to France like an obstinate uncontrollable child?

"Do you have nothing to say for yourself, Marquis?" Washington asked after a spill of venomous words that contained not a few expressions that the Frenchman didn't know. He assumed they were profane in nature.

Lafayette ran his hand nervously through his hair. "Sir, I-I--" The young man stumbled with his English. It always happened when he was upset. He could not answer his commander. He merely dropped his eyes to the floor even though he knew that was the wrong response.

"My dear boy, I hate to see you grow discouraged, too. Has it come to this?"

The younger man looked up to find Washington's face had softened, his gray eyes were sad and tired.

"This infernal camp is consuming us all," Washington exclaimed. "Politicians cause my ire to rise like sap. Gilbert, I have taken my anger at them out on you. Please forgive me."

"Sir, please, I apology with all of my heart for any discomfort my rash words caused you. I will apologize to Mrs. Keating this evening. I just feel so useless in the face of this wretched shortage of provisions. I cannot look the privates in the eye anymore."

"Of course. I know that feeling, son. I share it with you."

"I've been thinking on the problem of getting wagons across the frozen river," Lafayette said timidly. "We are cutoff from any supplies that might come from the north. I know the bridge is planned, but it is taking so long. Maybe we should be building sleds or something that we can pull from the bank."

Washington looked surprised. "Sleds?"

"Sir, I am no engineer, but we have the brain power here to overcome this…perhaps we could build bateau and equip them with sleds that can be removed in the spring?"

Washington looked into the fire a moment. "Marquis, you may have something there. I so wish my generals would look for alternatives--take charge of this problem. We are so grossly stymied by that incompetent quartermaster's department and a congress that sees a standing army as a menace. I will mention it to General Greene." The commander took a deep breath and looked sternly at Lafayette. "I will also issue an order to have any farmer, man or woman, caught trading with the British, flogged. My spies have been telling me that the locals have turned traitorous in their desire for British gold. It is time to act upon it. Will you stay here in my absence? I wish to accompany Jefferson and Henry to Greene's residence."

"Of course, sir."

Washington gripped Lafayette's arms and looked into his eyes. "You are doing a fine job, my boy. Thank you for reminding me of our purpose here. I am sorry to have been so harsh with you over a trivial family matter."

As Washington returned to his guests, Hamilton and Laurens sauntered into the front room inebriated. Hamilton put his arm around Lafayette and said, "Gilbert, the commander was having a right bloody time of it. He has an awesome temper that one can just stand and admire, even as one's ears are being boxed, but we brothers must stick together. You can tell John and me everything, mon ami. What troubles you? What is this fissure between you and our dear commander?"

"Alexander isn't it a bit early to be tipping the whiskey bottle?" the general asked with a smile.

Hamilton straightened his shoulders and stood at his full height. "Perchance, but it is so rare that we can attain it…"

Lafayette laughed. "Oui, it is a rare for you to attain such a drunken state."

"You will not be telling on us will you, Gilbert?" asked a remorseful Laurens, his hat in his hands.

"Of course not, mes frères. You better stay out of General Washington's sight though and downwind. You both reek of liquor. I'm afraid things could go rough for you after my display of emotion at dinner. He could very well take his anger at me out on the two of you."

"Aye, thank you for the warning," Hamilton said, "but do you not want to talk to us? You've been troubled for two days. Do you think we don't notice these things? We have missed our late night debates. Tell us what is on your mind."

"I'm sorry Alexander. I don't mean to slight your generous offer of help. I can scarce afford to lose anymore friends and certainly not my dearest brothers-in-arms." The Frenchman put an arm over the shoulders of each man and squeezed. He kissed each friend on the cheek. "I treasure you both, but I must return to the supper table now or risk another reprimand. Adieu." Lafayette quickly departed.