Chapter Twenty One: A Plan Revealed
I did not know whether it was the dust Ellie disturbed under her hooves or the quarrel between Benjamin and me, but my eyes stung with tears. My breathing was heavy and fast matching Ellie's as we galloped down the road. The trees appeared nothing more than apparitions as we galloped past. The wind blew furiously against my skin whipping loose strands of hair into my face. I wiped away the tears with the back of my hand. The tears came from a combination of frustration and injured pride. Was is so impossible for Ben to understand that I have a duty to this cause as well? I could only playback the painful words we exchanged over and over in my mind. I was angry with Benjamin, but was it justified? Was it unreasonable that he would be concerned for my safety? I thought he would have seen reason and understood that I would have been perfectly safe. Was he refusing my offer for my own protection or was he just being stubborn?
I arrived back at home. Thankfully Father and the girls had not made it back from town. I required no assistance off of my mount because a rush of vitality that came from riding in such a fury eased the effort. I brushed my hair back out of my eyes and tied Ellie to a post near the stables so that James could unsaddle her for me. I stormed across the yard and up the porch steps just as Rachel and James rode up. I could hear Rachel call out to me but I ignored her. So many thoughts were rushing through my mind and I couldn't control them. I needed something to take my attention away from this if only for a few minutes. I pulled off my cloak and gloves and threw them on a nearby chair. I escaped to the only place where I knew I would be left alone to think, the library. Then I remembered I still had my muddy riding boots on so I sat down in my window seat and struggled to pull them off. Once I had them off I tossed them aside.
A book or pamphlet would take my mind off of the situation of awhile. I walked from one end of the bookshelves to the other. Combing through the pamphlets on one particular shelf I pulled out one of my more recent favorites, Common Sense. This was the spark that ignited the flame of the populous towards the idea of liberty. Up until the point Common Sense was published the war had been isolated to the colony of Massachusetts. After, the people at last saw that we must look to each other to secure our own liberty. I practically had the pamphlet memorized after reading it so many times. My eyes reexamined every word on each page until one quotation stood out to me. "A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason." The words spoke to me in my moment of internal conflict. I laid the pamphlet in my lap and pondered Paine's words. But who is wrong and who is right? Benjamin or me? Am I in the wrong here? I thought to myself. Only time will stir the thought towards the correct answer, but I did not know how much time I had. I expected that Father would make the announcement that evening at dinner.
At that moment, I could hear the clattering wheels of our family carriage as it drove up to the house. I felt a sense of urgency as I sat up and quickly moved to hide my muddy riding boots. Before Father, Anne, and Bess could make their way inside I rushed into the parlor to put away my cloak, gloves, and boots in order to remove any suspicions that I had left the house. Anne and Bess burst in the door chattering and giggling away. Rachel took their cloaks and hats from them. Father slowly followed behind them.
"Did you enjoy your outing, Father?" I asked as I dutifully took his hat and coat.
"Oh, it was quite uneventful, my dear. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. Although, it was rather odd seeing Doctor Winthrop out and about."
"Really?" I was surprised by this revelation. "Do you think the doctor has overcome his melancholia?" If Winthrop has recovered he could begin visiting his old patients again. That way the town would no longer require my services. Rachel took father's hat and coat from me after she had hung up the girls'.
"I do not know. He did not seem to be in poor spirits, however such things a hardly ever visible." He told me. I nodded in reply. Melancholia is a grave illness of the mind. A terrible thing to suffer from.
"Perhaps he may now give up his drinking and see to his patients." It was not that I disliked the work I was doing only that Winthrop needed to take up the responsibilities of his profession. If we are to return to Philadelphia I would have to abandon my work as a midwife and physician at least until the cause no longer requires my service.
"I hope so my dear only so that you need not bear the burden of doing so any longer." Father spoke reassuringly as his placed his hands on my shoulders. "That reminds me. I have an announcement to make at dinner and I hope that you and your sisters will be pleased to hear it." Father smiled and turned reaching for his pipe and newspaper. That was it. I had done it. Philadelphia was all but certain now. A sense of victory swelled inside my chest. I wanted to ride back to the continental camp at once and tell Ben, but the fresh memories of our quarrel stopped me. The more I thought about it the worse I felt.
That afternoon I sat in the parlor and listened while Anna and Bess practiced their music lessons. Father sat nearby smoking his pipe while he read the latest edition of the Pennsylvania Evening Post. I decided to write to Charlotte and tell her about these recent events. So much has happened I have not had time to write to her in nearly two weeks. I knew I had to be discreet in my wording in order to avoid implicating Charlotte in my scheme.
My Dearest Charlotte,
I pray that you and your young son are in good health as well as your husband. These dark days are a shadow over us all. This growing conflict having now reached our very doorstep I fear will only grow more hostile to the civilian population. Father, Anne, Bess are well and soon to be in high spirits for I expect us to be returning to Philadelphia before long. I do hope to see you again soon for it has been too long since our last meeting. There is other news that I would like to share with you. A young gentleman has come into my life and I firmly believe that I want him to remain so. He is tall and handsome though you know I would never wholly respect a man if those were his only virtues. Benjamin is a man of intelligence and compassion. When we converse I feel as if we are equals and are completely immersed in each other's thoughts. I have never felt such happiness as I have in the past two weeks. It is quite surprising I must admit. I do hope to receive your reply at most haste. I am very much looking forward to hearing from you.
Your Affectionate Friend,
Katherine Allen
Tears welled up in my eyes as I wrote to Charlotte about Ben. If I could not fully confide in Charlotte the reason for the quarrel nor the reason why I am so happy to return to Philadelphia who could I tell? My sisters were not an option they would gossip to anyone they pleased. Father could never know the truth. He did not even know about me sneaking off to Brandywine and the Continental Camp to aid the wounded men. If I divulged my secrets to someone I would be putting them in grave danger. No one can know. I told myself. The only way to keep my family safe was to keep them in the dark. I folded the parchment and sealed it.
Once it reached the early evening hours I went upstairs to dress for dinner. I was certain that Father would make his announcement then. I chose my green damask frock just as Rachel came in to help me dress. There was a sense of awkwardness between us as she tightened my stay. After the events of earlier today I'm sure Rachel wanted to ask about me. I did not want to speak in the hopes of avoid the subject entirely. She however would not allow the matter be swept under the rug.
"Miss Kate? Are you alright? You seemed so upset this morning after well you know." Rachel spoke with such concern for me that I felt guilty about remaining silent. I contemplated my thoughts for a few moments. I was not sure how much I wanted to tell her. I started to let my hair down so that I could tame it with some ointment and brush it a little. The brown waves fell delicately onto my shoulders and down my back.
"I'm fine Rachel. It was nothing just a small disagreement between Major Tallmadge and I." I spoke softly as I brushed through small sections. It was obvious that my answer did not satisfy her. From the corner of my eye I could see her raise a suspicious eyebrow at me.
"From the sound of it you and the Major had quite the squabble." When she said that the emotions came flooding back. It was a combination of frustration, sadness, and affection all at once.
"How much did you hear?" I looked back at her, but she did not glance up at me. Did she and James overhear my plan? The thought alarmed me.
"Not much, just you two arguing rather loudly. It was all rather muddled." Her tone was plain. I was relieved that she hadn't heard the reason for the argument. It became clear to me that I had to lie to Rachel about the reason for the quarrel. So I cooked one up out of half-truths.
"I told him about Father's business arrangement with my uncle in Philadelphia. Ben became rather cross and that was when it began." I was reluctant to conjure this lie. I thought about how many more I would have to create in the weeks to come.
"Well, most pairs have arguments, Miss. They usually happen over nothing and neither side is usually in the right." Rachel words forced me to think about what had transpired earlier that day. I started to reexamine everything that had happened.
I'm sure it was not Ben's intention to wound me so. Nor did I want to insult him. Our jabs at each other repeated in my mind again and again. Perhaps Rachel was right? What if no one was wrong? Maybe we were both making a decent arguments, but failed to articulate them properly. I stubbornly opposed his refusal and he failed to see the logic behind me becoming a spy. I realized then that there was no one correct answer. I wanted to do my duty to the cause and Ben wanted to protect me from the dangers of doing so. Possibly if I had not been so willful I would have stayed and explained the entirety of my plan to him. I felt like such a fool and Ben possibly he felt the same. The revelation soothed my troubled mind temporarily. "It is hardly anything to worry about, Miss."
"I know, Rachel. It's only that I feel so foolish for being so cross with him." I admitted that much to her.
"I bet he feel just the same. Though he should be the gentleman and come apologize." She winked at me mischievously. "Your Father seems to be in good spirits. Is it because of the new business arrangement with your uncle?"
"Yes, I should think so. I think everyone is going to be rather pleased. Father is going to tell them all tonight." I hesitated. "But I suppose I'll tell you now." I paused. "We are going back to Philadelphia." Rachel tightened the laces sharply shocked by what I had just told her. Her face was twisted in confusion and surprise. She could hardly believe it. "It's true. Uncle is in business with the British quartermasters and has asked Father to join him." Rachel shook her head slightly still perplexed.
"But, Mr. Allen's a patriot is he not?" Rachel said baffled. You could say Father was believed in the cause, but he was more loyal to family.
"Father's a businessman as is my uncle. This venture could bring in a great profit and I did not think Father should let this opportunity pass him by. That is why I persuaded him to accept his brother's offer."
"So when you told Major Tallmadge that you might be leavin' for Philadelphia he started questioning you family's loyalty." Rachel assumed that was what had happened and I had to allow her to keep her presumption. It was the only way I could preserve my story.
"Yes." I falsely admitted. "I tried to tell him that he was being utterly foolish and that my family's true allegiance would never waiver, but he wouldn't listen." The melancholy character I managed to convey hooked Rachel in.
"Why didn't you say that in the first place? The Major clearly overstepped. He should be the one to feel like the fool, Miss, not you." Rachel had been riled up by the falsity. The guilt came flooding back. I just smiled and nodded just as the clock struck six o'clock. I quickly finished getting dressed and hastily pinned my hair up.
Coming down the stairs I could see Anne and Bess chattering away about something. Their excitement overflowing. Bess could hardly contain herself as she bounced up and down giggling.
"Well, what's got you two in such a cheerful mood?" I raised an eyebrow slightly amused by the tomfoolery. Bess began dancing around the foyer as if she was a wood nymph. I rolled my eyes and grinned shaking my head as she frolicked about the room.
"Father's making an announcement tonight and Bess thinks were are finally going back home to the city." Anne informed me. I laughed a sigh. Perhaps Bess wasn't as much of a fool as I thought, I told myself. I was surprised that she came to correct conclusion. "Do you know what going on, Kate?" Anne inquired.
"I haven't the slightest idea." I lied again shrugged my shoulders and pretended I was just as aloof as Anne was. Father finally came down stairs and took us into dinner.
The four of up sat down and we served that evenings supper. The room was relatively silent with the exception of Father occasionally breaking the silence.
"So Kate how did you spend your afternoon?" He inquired taking a sip of wine.
"It was rather uneventful so I spent most of my time in the library." I looked up from my pate and told him. It was partial truth so I did not feel a guilty.
"Ugh! You're always in that stuffy room. You'll never get a husband with your nose stuck in a book." Bess said contemptuously. I wanted to reach over Anne and smack her, but I held my composure. I instead went for a more subtle approach.
"Perhaps you would find a husband as well of you weren't such an insufferable wretch." I snapped back at her. Bess recoiled from my bard. I knew that I had hit my mark.
"Kate!" Father was surprised and disappointed by my outburst although with the way Bess constantly behaved he should have expected something much worse from me.
"Well, it's true." I mumbled as it took a sip of wine. Bess slumped back in her chair and pouted like a small child. I rolled my eyes and went back to eating my supper of boiled potatoes, carrots cabbage, and mutton. The room was silent for the rest of the meal. My anticipation grew as we waited for Father to interrupt the meal with his announcement. I fiddled with the napkin in my lap as the tension built up inside me. The ambient noise of clinking glasses and silverware only made my anxiety worse. Suddenly there was a uniform tapping of a knife against a glass. The three of us all looked over towards Fathers simultaneously. He cleared his throat before rising from his chair.
"Well, I have been meaning to make you all aware of this since it first came to my attention. Your uncle has made an offer to me to join him back in Philadelphia." Bess squealed with excitement. I rolled my eyes at her reaction.
"Please, continue Father." I said half annoyed by Bess' interruption.
"Yes, thank you. You see your uncle has made many new friends since the British took the city. General Clinton just so happens to be one of them. Business arrangements are being made and my brother has asked me to join him. I had been reluctant to do so, but I have sought guidance and I am now firmly convinced that such a venture will be good for our family."
"So we are going back home to Philadelphia?" Anne queried clearly perplexed.
"Yes, we are. I have already begun making arrangements and we should be leaving in a week. " Father sighed in admittance. Bess was practically jumping for joy. Anne was contented by the news. I silently slumped back in my chair my eyes closed and sighed in relief." Kate, are you happy with my decision?" I rose from my seat and went over and kissed him on the cheek.
"I am, Father. I would have supported whatever conclusion you came to." I smiled at him. Supper ended on a high note for everyone in the house. I retired to my room and laid down on my bed. Everything had fallen into place. Now all I needed to do was go back to Ben and try again to convince him of my plan. Despite what I had told him I knew that I could not become a spy without him. I need to go back to the camp. Propriety be damned! I'm going . . . tonight!
A silence had fallen over the entire household now that everyone was turning in for the night. Every once in a while I could hear Anna and Bess giggling in their room. They were likely gossiping about what scandals they missed over the summer months. I knew Rachel would be here any moment to help me change out of my dress. I had to act quickly before anyone noticed me leave. Going over to my desk I quickly scratched a note to Rachel letting her know that I would be back before anyone could awake for second sleep. I left the letter on my bed for her to find and opened my door checking to make sure that I could make a swift escape.
I slowly crept out of the doorway and down the hall toward the stairs. My path appeared to be clear so I quietly made my way down. When I reached the bottom steps I could hear Tildy and Jonas conversing in the dining room as they cleared the table. I pressed my body against the wall and tried to keep out of sight until they went into the kitchen.
"I don' know why Mr. Allen would be wantin' to be a part of any business with them redcoats. " I overheard Jonas say.
"Well, that ain't none of our business. Though I'm more surprised Miss Kate didn' fight him tooth and nail to stay here. She's been so happy in the past weeks. It just seems so strange that she'd be alright with leavin' 'specially after meetin' that young man she fancies so much." Tildy replied. I smirked to myself blushing at the thought of the servants gossiping about Major Tallmadge and me. I heard someone push open the swaying door to the kitchen. I glanced around the corner and saw that the room was empty. I strode across the foyer and grabbed my cloak before quickly and quietly headed out the door.
The moon was my only source of light as I hastily crossed the yard to the stables. I pulled my cloak in closer because the night had grown cold. I knew that Jonas was asleep in his quarters. I could saddle Ellie myself. It took longer that way, but at least I wouldn't be discovered. Once I had Ellie saddled I led her out of the stable and mounted. Ellie snorted a bit, but that was all the noise she made. I gave a gentle kick and we trotted down the road. When we were out of sight off the house I sped Ellie up to a gallop.
Moonlight seeped through the bare tree tops which looks like the skeletal fingers reaching out of the forest. The dead leaves scratched against the dry earth as the wind blew. Perhaps I'm being rash? Maybe I should wait? I slowed Ellie down back to a trot. I've continuously tried to dissuade myself from what I wanted. It was a habit that arose from always being told what was appropriate and what was not. For years, I was taught to be the example as the eldest daughter to a rich family. I was always held to a higher standard. When I at last had a chance to break free from that I recoiled and doubted myself. To Hell with it. I kicked Ellie a little harder and she returned to a gallop.
I could see torchlight up ahead of me so I slowed down to a cantor. There were to guards keeping watch over an entrance to the encampment. In the darkness they could not see me, but they did hear my approach.
"Halt! Who's there?" One of the young privates commanded as he held up his musket. I came up to them and let down my hood. One guard was rather short in stature compared to the other. That was the only distinction I could make in the dark.
"I beg your pardon gentleman, but I have an urgent message for Major Benjamin Tallmadge." I tried my hand at acting the part of a courier. It was uncertain whether it would work.
"What business do you have for the Major?" The other on blurted out harshly. I maintained my poise keeping up the appearance that I was meant to be there. I remembered a piece of advice my aunt Augusta once told me. If you appear as if you belong there then you do. No one will dare say otherwise.
"I am afraid that matter is confidential and for his ears alone." They glanced at each other and whispered so I could not hear them. I felt uneasy about whether or not they would let me pass. After a long deliberation, the two guards turned back to me.
"I'm afraid we cannot let you pass, Miss. Not without proper clearance." The taller one informed me. Suddenly from out of the shadows I heard a familiar voice.
"It's alright boys, I know the lass. Major Tallmadge has been expecting her." Caleb Brewster was rather intimidating with his burly and unkempt appearance. The guards never questioned him. I gave Brewster a grateful smirk and dismounted. Caleb led me into the gate.
"Thank you, Caleb." I was relieved that he showed up when he did.
"Ah, it's no trouble. It's rather quite the coincidence. Mr. Sackett asked me to go find you and bring you here. He and Ben had a chat not long after you left. You two had quite the lover's quarrel didn't y?" Caleb smirked. I rolled my eyes at Brewster's jest.
"I suppose Ben told you why I came here then." I grinned.
"Yeah and it's a daft idea. A right and proper lass such as yerself shouldn't be getting' mixed up in that sort of work. Besides Ben's got enough to worry about as it is."
"Well, Caleb. I'm not exactly proper nor do I care to be. I have thought about this for a long while now and I'm well aware of the risks involved. I have a plan, not that Ben listened to it, that lays out my strategy for gathering intelligence and how I will be safe. That's why I've come back. I want to go speak to Mr. Sackett and explain my plan fully." I did not shy away from my intent. Brewster went silent as he processed everything I told him.
"I'm glad you came back here saves me the trouble of going after you myself. Ben's been acting quite the jackass ever since you left." He spoke as he casually took Ellie's reins from me and led her as we walked further into the camp. The forthrightness of his words was surprising.
"How so?" I was puzzled by the idea of those two having some sort of dispute. My brow furled as I looked over at him.
"Ah, well he's just not thinking with his head. I told keeping you out of this was for the best and at first he agreed. But then he started too question himself and began wondering if you was right and he was wrong." I was stunned. A wide smirked crept across my face. Ben had contradicted himself as well. "There are others who collect intelligence for Washington. One's a friend of ours."
"And you're worried about putting more people in danger." I interrupted. Caleb glanced over and nodded. "Whatever disagreements you and Ben may have you are still friends. I'm sure it will be alright in the end. You both have lost someone close to you and the wounds are still very fresh. It's understandable that you would want to prevent something like that from happening again. However, there are certain things we cannot avoid. We all must make peace within ourselves and mend." I attempted to give Caleb some wholehearted advice.
"I'll make peace as soon as the bastard who murdered my uncle has a hatchet in his head." Caleb growled.
"I suppose that is one way to do it even though you may be killed in the process." That brought him down a peg. "Where would that leave your friends? In the same spot where you are now. I recommend you make your peace with Ben before moving forward." Caleb looked away from me and contemplated what I said for a moment. His brow furled and his mouth pursed.
"Well, I suppose when you put it like that." He glanced back at me. I smiled triumphantly. Suddenly, we heard a commotion coming from a nearby fire pit. As we crossed a clearing in the camp Caleb and I came upon group a men were openly brawling in the middle of the camp just in sight of Washington's headquarters. It seemed rather ridiculous to me at the time that this would occur however when a man's pride is agitated those situations do arise.
"Does this happen often?" I enquired slightly amused by the scene. We watched as three of the agitators threw the fourth on the ground and began pummeling him. I squinted my eyes, but it was still difficult to identify them in the dark.
"Ay, sometimes feathers get a little ruffled." He paused a moment as if he recognized one of the brawlers. "Wait here." He ordered. Before I could stop him Brewster was stomping across the field and towards the scene of the scuffle. I instinctively followed behind him. I chose to stay hidden behind a nearby tree and watch. I could not hear the words exchanged, but suddenly Caleb punched the soldier who was beating the one on the ground. The victim of the abuse stood and fought off the others with Caleb and then I realized it was Ben. I sighed in relief when the defeated combatants walked away. The fray was over as swiftly as it began. I couldn't hear these words Ben and Caleb first exchanged so I moved closer in order to eavesdrop.
"Are you alright?" I heard Caleb asked Ben. Ben let out a short chuckled breath
"Yeah, it's just a scratch." Ben sighed. The long pause told me that that wasn't what Caleb as asking him about.
"But are you alright though?" He questioned him again.
"You know I really wish I go and ask that of Washington. 'Are you alright, sir?' I can't for the life of me understand why he will not stand up and defend himself to his detractors." Ben frustration leaked through his words. Caleb's mood had changed drastically from before. He seemed to be more considerate and understanding.
"Well, you know how these officer types are. Always under pressure shouldering burdens we foot soldiers can't see. Maybe we should give him some slack." Caleb spoke earnestly. Something in his words told me that Caleb was apologizing in his own way. Also, that he was not just talking about Washington, but Ben as well. Perhaps their quarrel had been mended in that moment. I watched hidden behind the birch tree as Caleb clapped ben on the shoulder. "Come on, I got a surprise for ya that will take the sting off that." He said pointing at his face. I knew immediately that Brewster was talking about me. Panicking, I withdrew behind the tree. I was afraid to face him again. I wasn't certain about the mood Ben would be in when we faced each other again. Perhaps he is still cross with me. When they grew closer to my hiding place I closed my eyes. As if that would have made me disappear. Ellie snorted loudly giving away our position.
"What are you doing behind there?" Caleb enquired with a raised eyebrow.
"Thanks." I grumbled at the horse.
"Caleb, who are you talking to? What surprise?" Ben spoke as he came around behind Caleb. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves, sighed, and came out from behind the tree. I let down my hood so Ben could see me in the dark.
"Hello, Ben." I spoke softly and thinly smiled. I looked up into his eyes waited on baited breath for him to say something, anything at all really. Nothing escaped Ben's lips, but a smile. That was a great relief to me, but we still said nothing. I felt like Caleb was becoming more annoyed as he looked back and forth between us.
"Christ, will you two just say something?" His outburst broke our locked gaze. I struggled to find the words and so did Ben. At last we came out with it.
"Ben, I am sorry."
"Katherine, I am so sorry." We blurted out our apologies simultaneously. Then we broke out into laughter. When the laughing stopped we reverted back to our silent gazes and smiles. Caleb nudged Ben's shoulder hard to get him to snap out of his ogling. "Ow! Caleb, what the hell?" Ben recoiled rubbing his arm.
"Well, we ain't got all night Tall-boy. The lady here's got to be getting home before her old man finds out she's gone." Their words back and forth made me giggle. Ben realized and was embarrassed by his behavior.
"Katherine, what are you doing here?" He was spoke through a smile still surprised by the fact that I was there. Come to tell you the truth so was I. I fiddled with the ends of my sleeves as I started to answer.
"Well, I did tell you that I would send word when my Father decided we were going back to Philadelphia." His eyes narrowed we I finished. "But, I also am to apologize for this afternoon. I'm afraid I may have been too belligerent in my response to your refusal." Ben shook his head stepped closer to me as he reached out and took my hands in his. My heart started beating faster.
"No, I should be the one to apologize. I ought to have listened to your entire plan instead of writing it off immediately as too dangerous. It was because I wanted to protect you." He grinned from the corner of his mouth in his usual way. I could feel the blood rise into my cheeks.
"I know that." I smiled softly as I looked down away from his eyes. We smiled at each other again. Before we could prolong our gazes I spoke up once again. "I'm also here to speak to Mr. Sackett. I wish to tell him about my plan as well. In full detail."
"Alright." Ben nodded. "I'll take you there." With his arm outstretched he guided the way towards Mr. Sackett's tent.
As we made our way across the camp Caleb led Ellie along behind Ben and I. The sights, sounds, and smells of the camp seemed more alive during the night. Now and again a chorus of laughter would erupt from a group of men huddled around a fire. The negativity and harshness still lingered in many of the faces of the men we passed. We at last reached a rather large enclosed tent that jutted out from a covered wagon. Ben opened the flap and gestured for me to step through.
A short stout man in a brown waistcoat and breeches sat at a long table assiduously scribbling. The room was filled with the scent of burning candlewax, ink, and parchment. Mr. Sackett did not look up from his quill when we entered the room.
"Um, Mr. Sackett sir?" said Ben. The gentleman either paid Ben no mind or he could not hear him. I looked up at Ben and him down at me. "Mr. Sackett?" he tried again. It was rather laughable at the time. It was only when Ben loudly cleared his throat did the gentleman look up.
"Oh, Major Tallmadge? What are you doing here at this ungodly hour?" I could see the man possible in his fifties, he had brown hair that had the early signs of grey upon it. He also wore spectacles, no doubt as a result from working diligently in such poorly lit spaces. He to a certain extent reminded me of Mr. Benjamin Franklin who was a frequent guest at my father's house while the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia.
"I know it is late sir, but I have someone here that I believe you wished to speak with." Ben said as he looked down and gestured to me. "This is Miss Katherine Allen the young lady I mentioned to you earlier today." Ben seemed nervous, but I did not know why. Sackett rose from his seat rather enthusiastically.
"Ah, yes! Our lovely young lady from Philadelphia! Major Tallmadge has told me quite a bit about you. Nathaniel Sackett." He introduced himself looking over his bifocals. I smirked at his mischievous tone. Sackett offered his hand and I took it while I curtsied. Sacket was only slightly taller than I was. "It is such a pleasure to meet you my dear. Come, come sit down." He waved me over and pulled out his former seat. Sackett brought over another chair and placed it across from me. "Now, I do believe I know the reason why you are here so why don't we just get on with it?" He reached over and grabbed his quill, in, and blank parchment.
"Oh, yes of course. Although I do not know exactly what Major Tallmadge has told you?" I needed some clarification so that I might know what he knows. That way I could be more precise and thorough in my explanation.
"Well, he mentioned that your uncle has made an offer to your father to join him in a deal with the British." I nodded when he stopped. "And also that you have offered your services as an agent when your family returns to the city. Am I correct?" He gazed intensely over the top of his spectacles as he spoke.
"Yes, sir."
"Surely you have a more detailed plan for when you return. How do you intended to relay intelligence? What means do you have to keep our couriers as well as yourself safe, Miss Allen?" Sackett interrogated me thoroughly. I kept my composure.
"Well sir, there are many loyal patriots still left in the city that would be willing to help me secure intelligence. I have studied several encryption methods that would disguise the messages. My favorite being a book cipher it is a very simple method, but is difficult to decode without the proper key." Sackett scratched down notes as I spoke. I glanced over at Ben who was standing on the other side of the table. He nodded slightly encouraging me to keep going. I took in a nervous breath and continued. "As for maintaining my safety Mr. Sackett my family is very well respected in the city and being a woman also garners its advantages. Most will look at me and see only the eldest daughter of a prominent loyalist family nothing more. As a member of the presumed weaker sex, I could think of no better task for me than to become an agent for General Washington." I paused for Sackett's criticism, but the room was silent. I watched Sackett expression change for intense to sly. A deep smirk crept to one side of his mouth then a smile grew from it.
"What about these friends you say that would be willing to assist us in this endeavor? Who are they?"
"Well, there is Mr. Johnston, a silversmith. He has known me for my entire childhood and he is loyal to the cause. He can be persuaded to help. Martha Creedy, a milliner and tailor's wife. She is also a potential ally." Suddenly, Ben spoke up.
"Abigail is also in Philadelphia." I was confused. Who was this Abigail? Ben looked at me. "A servant in the household of Major John Andre, head of British intelligence." The information was very clarifying.
"Yes, she could be quite useful to us as well. Is there any way you can contact her without incriminating yourself?" Sackett looked back at me.
"I'm sure I can find a way." I nodded.
"Well, there are some details we can work through, but my dear your plan is quite the deceitful one. I am impressed." He spoke earnestly. I smiled. "But are you certain you can keep such a secret form your family?" Sackett's eyebrow crooked upward.
"I have many secrets that I keep from my family. This would only be one more to keep." I told him in all honesty.
"Yes, I do believe you will be quite successful. Of course, this will need the approval of General Washington before we can move forward." He rose from his seat as did I. "However, I doubt he will object after he meets with us all. Until then my dear I believe you should be returning home before your family realizes you are gone. I'm sure Major Tallmadge will be more than willing to escort you." He looked over at Ben and grinned mischievously. I grinned to myself while Sackett pushed his way passed Ben and Caleb as he made his way to Washington's headquarters. We all followed Sackett out of the tent.
"I do suppose I should be getting back. It was good to see you again, Caleb." Brewster nodded before giving Ben a sly grin. I turned to Ben. "Major would you be so kind as to escort me home?" I smirked repeating Sackett's suggestion.
"It would be my pleasure to escort you home." He smiled down at me. Ben called over a young officer and told him to bring him his horse. A few minutes later the boy returned with Ben's mount. I untied Ellie's reins from the post and Ben offered his hand to help me mount the horse, assistance I was happy to take. Before long we were riding out of the camp and down the road back to my home.
"So, Major do you approve of my plan now that you've heard it in full?" I inquired of him.
"Before I had been quite skeptical, but now I have no doubt that you have a thorough plan to gather intelligence. Although you will need to familiarize yourself with the encryption methods Sackett and I have come up with. I can provide you a copy of our codebook before you leave." I nodded while Ben spoke with an instructor's voice. "These people you say that could be willing to help you I am not certain you should involve them." His mistrust of my possible allies was understandable.
"You think they would turn against me?"
"Yes, that is a possibility and you would also put them at risk. It would better to use Abigail to pass intelligence to us."
"If you feel that s best then I will do as you ask." I wasn't going to question him. Not tonight I was growing rather tired.
We at last came up to the house. There weren't any candles lit that I could see so we continued on past the house and made our way to the barn. Ben got down from his horse and helped me dismount. When his hands gently grasped at my waist I used his shoulder to keep my balance. Our eyes were locked and I dare not look away. When my feet reached the ground I could help but shiver. Our bodies were so close that I could feel the warmth radiating off of him. His hands still remained at my waist and mine had slid down just above his chest. My heart beat faster and my breathing trembled. I blushed and coyly shied away from Ben's gaze.
"Katherine?" Every time he said my name my heart stopped for a moment. "I have faith in your plan. There is no doubt in my mind that you are more than capable of infiltrating the loyalist high society." I felt that he was trying to say something else but he couldn't find the words.
"What is it, Ben?" I asked almost begging for him to kiss me. When I said he name he smiled. That only made me more flushed.
"Katherine, this morning the way I acted it was only because I care for you and I just wanted to keep you safe." He was nervous and shaky, so was I.
"I know." I spoke softly looking up at him an earnest smile crossed my lips. "And I care for you." Ben let out a light breathy laugh in astonishment. A cold breeze blew past us giving me a chill. I instinctively grew closer to Ben for warmth. I pursed my lips in anticipation. The silence only made the tension build. It was agonizing. What was only seconds seemed like hours? Ben slowly brought his hand and gently rested it around my neck just under my ear. His thumb tenderly grazed across my lower jaw. His eyes were almost begging me to kiss him first and end this unbearable delay. He brought his lips down closer to mine.
"Katherine." His voice was smooth and tender. I looked up from his lips and into his eyes once again and grinned.
"Please." My eyes pleaded as I brought my hand and gently caressed his cheek. The sprouting facial hairs were prickly against my palm. "Call me Kate." I whispered and then our lips finally met.
My heart burst into a joyous thunderous symphony when Ben's lips enveloped mine. I could not hear, see, or feel anything but Ben's lips pressed gently against mine and his arms around me. Ben would kiss me and then I would reply with several of my own. I had never wanted something more desperately than his embrace and I was not ready to let go. The warmth that we generated countered the cold autumn night. Nothing else existed in those moments but us. His breath was sweet and his lips were soft. I felt the scratch of the hairs of his unshaven face as his chin rubbed across mine. As soon as it began it was over to my chagrin. Ben's eyes were softened into a tender gaze. My left hand had reached up to touch his that still caressed my neck and cheek. The right hand drifted down from his cheek and caressed his upper arm. I sighed into a laugh and so did Ben. I hoped that the joy I felt in that moment would last a lifetime.
"You must go." He whispered. My heart was still racing.
"I do not want to." My head shook. I did not want him to go. My eyes pleaded with him to stay.
"Neither do I, but you have to." He kissed me again only this one was much shorter. I grimaced and looked back toward the house. "I'll take Ellie back to the stable, but you must go now." I knew he was right, but a part of me was begging to go with him. I said nothing and just nodded. My body inched its way towards the house, but my eyes were locked on Ben's.
"Goodnight, Ben." I spoke softly.
"Goodnight, Kate." He whispered. I smiled once again when he said my name and turned and went back to the house.