CHAPTER 4
Morning came quickly, as Stephanie had never even closed her eyes the remainder of the night. She played the evening over and over and over in her mind, happiness flowed through her though she was tired beyond belief. She washed her face before quickly dressing and heading out of the tent.
Breakfast was a quick affair. A team of men had started preparing at three in the morning, allowing them ample time to have an early meal of porridge and crispy sliced pork ready. All dishes and cooking pots were scoured clean by the time the sun came up, freeing them to their tasks for the day.
Stephanie was still riding the high of her marriage proposal as a few of the women from town came into sight through the tents, headed for her. "Good morning, ladies," her face was beaming in her greeting. "We have a busy day ahead. The General is due in about mid-afternoon and will be needing a light snack upon arrival. We need to hang the bunting, sweep the floor and the stage, and I need the bouquets of wildflowers set in the crocks at the cook tent before too long."
The ladies tittered and gossiped as they worked, whipping the area of the camp designated for the ball into shape. By mid-day, the entire outdoor space was decorated as fine as they had ever seen. Additional lanterns were strung along the ropes, ensuring the entire area would be well lit and inviting. Sawdust and woodchips were spread over the dusty and worn grass around the dancefloor, to protect the ladies' dresses from the dust and debris of the bare ground.
Sitting down in a circle under the shade of a massive elm tree, the ladies passed around hearty sandwiches of stewed beef tongue and slices of fresh tomato. Fresh lemonade was refreshing in the late summer heat. Stephanie had spied the first orange colored leaf just the other day, Autumn would be upon them far sooner than they would like. She would need to preserve as many fruits and vegetables as she could manage for winter.
Sargeant Hapland walked back to his post after conferring with Stephanie about supper plans for the night. He would take the lead in preparing the meal for the enlisted men tonight, allowing Stephanie to focus on the ball and their guests. He would do everything in his power to ensure that the meal went off without a hitch.
After the noon meal, the ladies hurried to their homes to prepare themselves for their arriving guests. Stephanie was able to secure a wash tub large enough to fit her small frame into and take a proper bath, scrubbing her entire body from top to bottom. It was far better than the quick dips she had endured in the freezing creek these last few weeks. Combing through her curly hair was a chore in of itself, detangling was even worse. But soon, with a little luck, she was able to pull it back and into a stylish bun at the nap of her neck. The newer of her two dresses would have to suffice for working in camp and possibly meeting the General.
A cloud of dust could be seen far in the distance as a rider dashed into camp to announce the arrival of General Washington and his troops. Stephanie nervously checked her hair before continuing on with her plan of putting together a collection of tasty bits for the incoming guests. Fresh fruit, sweet little fried dough balls made from her acorn flour, cookies, bread, cheese, and slices of a salt cured ham one of the soldiers found in a shop the next town over. It wasn't elaborate, but it would stave off the hunger of a long ride and the fresh lemonade would slake their thirst.
She had just set down the last tray with the food in the tent the captain had designated to discuss business with all the leaders, before she turned to find herself face to face with the incoming guests. She curtsied, eyes cast to the ground, too shy to actually look anyone in the eyes. "Afternoon, Gentlemen. There are refreshments, please help yourself." She turned to exit the tent only to find herself blocked by a mountain of a man. Stephanie glanced up to find Lt. Blinde giving her a dazzling smile and a wink before she made her way out of the tent. The sound of the captain speaking to the group carried through the air as she headed for the cook tent.
Shaking like a leaf, Stephanie never in her 19 years would have ever thought she would be in the company of such an important man such as General George Washington. Good heavens! She could only imagine what her mother thought when she heard that Stephanie would be hosting the man who led the Army to liberate the Colonies from royal rule. Chuckling to herself, Stephanie thought it must irk her mother to no end, being a loyalist. Steph was thankful she and her father had sided with the colonists and those that sought freedom from the crown. It had been near torture living with such a staunch loyalist mother entire life.
Adding the last of the drizzle icing to the top of her lemon cake, Steph glanced up to find a Paige from the General's attendants looking for something. "May I help you?" Sweetly asking as he rummaged around the cook tent for something.
"I was trying to see if you had anymore of those delightful little brown nut cakes that were on the refreshment table. General Washington is fond of them and there are no more left. Would you have any more?" He was obviously used to dealing with such things for the entourage.
"I believe I am out." She watched his face fall, and quickly added, "Though it will only take me a few minutes to make a fresh batch if that is alright?"
Fifteen minutes later, Stephanie carried into the meeting tent a large platter of fresh fried dough balls, dusted with sugar. She carefully swapped the platter for the empty one and made to leave. But before she could quietly make her escape an older gentleman stopped her with an odd request. "My dear, could you be so kind as to write down the recipe for those delightful little fried dough balls? I'd love for my wife to make them for me when I travel home to Virginia." She turned to look directly into the eyes of none other than General Washington.
"Erm... Yes, Sir. I'll have it for you before you leave tomorrow morning." Shaking in her boots, Steph could hardly believe she was speaking with the man himself.
"What is it that makes those so delightful?" He inquired as he picked up one, gazing at it like it was the greatest puzzle in all the land.
"It's made with acorn flour, Sir. We supplemented our flour rations with the acorn flour when our stores ran short. The men seem to like the bread made with it as well. A bit nuttier and rich than normal bread."
"Acorn flour. Well, wonders never cease. That was quite imaginative of you, Mistress..."
"Plum, Sir. Mistress Plum."
"Thank you, Mistress Plum."
"Sir." She ducked out of the open sided tent quickly dashing for her own. She could feel her cheeks hot from her blushing, at least she hadn't tripped over her feet and landed on the ground, displayed in a sprawl like some idiot. If her mother had even cared, she would have been proud of her daughter's manners and decorum. Heaven knows she was proud of herself. And to ask for her recipe even! Her head was in the clouds.
She came crashing back to earth when Sargeant Hal came into the tent looking for her. One of the wagons that carried the wine, ale and whiskey had been looted by a few of the young hoodlums from the town. The guard hadn't been able to chase them down, but the description of them gave Stephanie a good idea of who to track down. She dragged Hal right behind her as she raced to a pair of horses, saddled and waiting for the next rotation of perimeter guards. "No time to waste! I am sure I know who those little hellions are and we'd best hurry if we're to save any of the alcohol from them."
Mounting the horse quickly and settling into the saddle, she raced off at a gallop with Hal scrambling behind. He knew he'd be in a world of hurt if anything happened to Mistress Plum on his watch.
Stephanie headed for the bridge that crossed the river, knowing the scallywags liked to hide under the bridge on hot days. She came to a sliding stop, hitting the ground running in search of the troublesome young men. She skidded to a stop when a group of ten boys revealed themselves, smirking at her standing by herself. "Lookie here, boys. Looks like we got ourselves a visitor." The oldest boy, whom she knew of as a ruffian by the name of Mark.
"I want the wine and ale you stole. The whiskey as well. I know it was you. Someone saw you and I want it all, NOW!" She ordered, stamping her foot for good measure.
"We didn't steal anything Mistress." Another boy taunted. We found these here bottles by the side of the road. Yeah, that's it. By the side of the road." His mocking leer was one she longed to slap off his ruddy little face.
"It belongs to the Army. Not the likes of you! How DARE you steal what we were going to serve General Washington. You should all be ashamed of yourselves! I have half a mind to tell your mothers!" Hands on her hips she was incensed at their ruthless behavior. "And to think, half of you will be attending the ball tonight!"
"We ain't giving it back, Bitch." Another boy with a scar through an eyebrow advanced on her, holding a knife pointed at her. She did a double take, seeing that the knife was one in the same that her father had go missing not more than three months before.
"That knife is stolen as well. I know it for a fact. I bought that very one for my father last Christmas. I'll be needing that back as well."
"Oh, I'll give it to you alright." He advanced, swinging the knife at her. She dodged, his swing going wide.
The cocking of a series of rifles gave pause to any further advances by the knife wielding boy. "I believe the lady has given you orders, Gentlemen. Hand over the booze and the knife or your parents will be pulling musket balls out of your bodies before they bury you." She turned to see Sargeant Hal and a small squad of his men holding the boys at bay with their weapons.
All the bottles of wine and small cask of ale and all but one bottle of whiskey was retuned. The boys had managed to down one bottle in the time it took Stephanie to find them under the bridge. The knife was handed to her, handle first as the boys stood there looking thoroughly chastised. Hal marched them back to the camp, under guard as Stephanie led the other men carrying the looted booze.
Captain Manoso and his guests had just begun their tour of the camp when they witnessed the squad's return, with the boys in tow. The captain couldn't believe his ears when Sgt Grover recounted the encounter with the ruffians and Stephanie's unbelievable bravery. Two of the Majors traveling with General, Washington chuckled and asked if she were married yet, enamored with the gutsy lass. That only reinforced the fact that Carlos had fallen in love with the perfect woman. She was brave, selfless, caring and oh so beautiful.
The rapscallions were sent back home with a guard, tasked with ensuring the young men were released into the custody of their parents. Stephanie spent the remainder of the afternoon avoiding the General's entourage, embarrassed at the attention brought onto her from her retrieval of the stolen goods. The remainder of the food and desserts were delivered to the open sided food service tent. A few of the women paid to ensure the food was properly displayed on the platter and such spent their time working and shooing away flies.
Late afternoon found Stephanie checking in with Sargeant Hapland, as preparations for the nightly meal was well underway. Content with the progress made by the capable Sargeant, she headed to her tent to dress. With little time left before the ball starting, Stephanie tucked and pinned the last braid of her complicated updo, allowing a few stray strands of her curls to escape and frame her face. Her new dress fit like an absolute dream, no adjustments necessary, thankfully. A matching drawstring purse was tucked within the folds of the skirt, making her squeal in delight at its discovery. Once properly dressed, she left her tent headed for the dancefloor to rendezvous with the small band of musicians. Three fiddlers who would rotate to prevent fatigue were more than ready for the festivities to begin. Stephanie had found sheet music at some of the homes of her wealthier friends, they would play them as well as local favorites.
As the last lantern was lit, bathing the entire area in soft, dreamy candlelight, she spun in place ensuring everything was ready for their guests. She neatened up a stack of dance cards and tiny slate pencils to be distributed to the ladies as they entered the area of the ball. "Everything is set Stephanie, have you seen the Captain yet?" Her friend Mary Louise Stankovic, better known as Mary Lou.
"Not yet. I've been so busy; I haven't had a chance to see him all afternoon." Wiping a small bead of sweat off her brow, she leaned back, stretching her lower back, enjoying the slight breeze stirring the air.
"I still can't believe he proposed." Mary Lou whispered, bumping her shoulder against Stephanie's. That bit of news was supposed to stay a secret until after the ball, so as to not detract from their guest visit. "He's so dreamy." A light blush-stained Stephanie's cheeks at Mary Lou's observation.
"Have you heard anything from my father?" She was nervous, to hear if he approved of the match or not. She had sent an invitation to her parents, it was returned with a message from her mother, 'Tell that ungrateful wench, I will never attend a ball full of rebels and traitors, least of all her!'
It had hurt, knowing she'd not see her parents, but it was somewhat of a relief, all the same. Not having to endure her mother's berating and nagging would be a godsend. Stephanie was her own woman, and she was finding her own way in life. She didn't want, nor need her mother's constant negative oversight.
"Not since your mother received the invitation. She's kept your father close to home and in his forge. His hammer stays busy most of the day, only still during the mid-day meal." She gently brushed a curl behind her ear, gazing out across the camp toward the dancefloor. "I know you miss him, and I'm sure he misses you just as much." Wiping a stray tear from her cheek, Stephanie cleared her throat and flustered a bit as she collected herself.
"I'm sure Leonard is boring himself waiting for us to finish here. Carlos will be collecting me from my tent shortly and I need to change into my dance slippers." A foot clad in her everyday shoes poked out from the hem of her dress, making the two giggle like young girls.
Carlos could hardly believe his eyes when Stephanie stepped out of her tent. She was a vision. His stomach flip flopped as she batted her beautiful eyes at him when the wind was knocked out of his lungs at the very sight of her. "Absolutely breath taking. You are lovely, my Darling." He dropped a chaste kiss to the apple of her cheek, breathing in her apple blossom scent.
"Thank you, Carlos. You are quite handsome yourself." She was weak in the knees at the very sight of him. His hair tied back with a leather thong as most days, foregoing wearing a powdered wig as most of the officers did in the visitor's entourage. His sleek black hair was a striking contrast to his dark blue linen coat with white facing he wore with impeccably shined brass buttons. Even his shoes shined, the buckles reflecting the lamplight. The black tricorne normally perched atop his head was held in his nervous hands. In every dream Stephanie had since meeting the handsome Captain, he was dressed in this exact uniform, making her heart flutter like a trapped sparrow.
"May I escort you to the ball?" He held out his cocked arm, awaiting her every move.
Once her hand laid atop his arm, they casually walked to the entrance for the ball, greeting others along the way. Smiles and pleasant idle speak filled the time between their entrance and the official beginning of the ball. Several of the officers both from Carlos' company as well as the visiting entourage asked Stephanie to save her a dance on her card. Soon, it was full, though she left several spaces blank to be filled in by her Carlos.
The fiddles began playing a lovely tune, easing the attendees into a dance that was simple and fun. Glancing to her dance card, she saw that she was due to dance with General Washington in a small while, ratcheting up her anxiety. Stephanie smiled and made small talk with the men she danced with for the first few, earning sore toes when one of the top officers, Major Clandswin repeatedly stepped on her left foot. He was already three sheets to the wind and she locked eyes with one of her friendly officers as they parted. "Please keep an eye on the Major. He's already deep into his cup and likely will need to sleep it off soon."
"Yes, Ma'am." The lieutenant replied, following the major as he headed for the wine.
"May I have this dance?" She spun on her heels to find Carlos smiling down at her indulgently, waiting for her answer.
"Of course!" Stephanie allowed him to sweep her into his arms as one of the fiddlers began a waltz. They spun around the floor, oblivious to all those around them as they stared into each other's eyes. It was the best night of her life, after the night Carlos proposed, of course. The song had ended, their hands still clasped, gazing into one another's eyes.
A light tap upon her shoulder and a greeting pulled them out of their little bubble. "Excuse me, my dear. May I have this dance?" She turned her head to see General Washington standing there expectantly, handheld out to receive hers.
"Oh! Of course, Sir." She eased out of Carlos' arms and into the gentle embrace of General Washington.
"A lovely ball, I would say." He stated as they gently swayed to the music.
"Indeed. It was such fun to plan." She spent a great deal of time during their dance, taking in all his features, enamored with the military great.
"I do have to say, visiting Trenton today was far better than the last time I was here." He said with a small smile upon her face.
"I remember the day. It was bitterly cold, and I was so happy to see your troops engaging with those nasty Hessians that were stationed here. Though, the second battle a few weeks later was no less brutal. We tried to find shelter away from the fighting and it was a bit dodgy, but the townsfolk mostly managed to stay safe through the second battle."
"It was with great relief that I spied all the friendly faces as we marched through this afternoon, though I could still see a few loyal to the crown remain." Her face fell, at the mention of straggler loyalists. It brought to mind her mother.
"I believe that we have a long path to follow to bring this country where she needs to be, but we are on our way. She will be a wonderful place." Her infectious smile soon had him grinning as well.
"I can see what Captain Manoso says about your fearless optimism. You are an enchanting woman and if I hadn't married the love of my life years ago, I might have tried my hand at capturing your heart." She blushed ten shades of red at that announcement before their dance ended.
"It was lovely to dance with you General." Her blinding smile warmed him as he patted her hand in happiness.
"It was entertaining."
As she turned to walk back to the refreshment table, Stephanie accidentally bumped into someone's broad chest. She stepped back, but the words of apology died on her tongue at the sight of whom she had jostled. "I'm so very sor..." Her heart froze as did her hand which hung in the air, originally intended to be placed onto the gentleman's arm as she spoke.
"Ah, my little Sugarcake." Constable Morelli stood before her, dressed in what he considered his very finest clothes. Though if Steph had been able to think at the moment, she would have spared a few seconds noticing the ill fitted coat with moth holes eaten through the left arm, the dirt stains on his breeches that he failed to clean and the unkempt way his hair fell into his eyes as if it had never seen a brush nor comb. "Just in time."
He snatched her hand out of the General's and dragged her away to a quiet corner of the gathering, no doubt to sully her reputation.
Finally finding her backbone, Stephanie yanked her arm out of his grasp, giving him a glare so foul it made even him, take a step back. "Unhand me!" She whisper-yelled, eyes darting around to see if they had gained an audience. "I want nothing to do with you." She spun to walk away only to have her arm grabbed by the brute once again.
"You're not leaving until I have my dance." He ground out through clenched teeth. Morelli spun her around capturing her hand in his as they did nothing more than sway to the music as he didn't know how to dance. His mouth dropped down next to her ear hissing, "I missed you at the supper your mother invited me to. Our plans were ruined when you fled to the fort. I was left to rot at your parents table all alone because you refused to marry me?" The growl of displeasure was enough to make the hair on the back of her neck stand up in fright.
"I will be by tomorrow morning to collect you and your things. We will be married by sundown, and I will make you my wife in all ways that matter, by morning.
Terrified, Steph began to struggle to escape his tight grip, forcing her to do the one thing she hated more than most anything else, she drew attention to herself. Her scream cleaved the air, bringing the entire ball to a screeching halt.
"Unhand me!" She still struggled against his vice-like grip, whimpering in pain as she twisted to and fro, attempting to loosen his grip.
"Release her!" In an instant the two were surrounded by countless men, looking for a fight.
Constable Morelli gave the surrounding men a depreciative smile before explaining, "just a disagreement between lovers. She is nervous about when we are to be wed. Nothing more."
"Let me go. I am NOT going to marry you! I will NEVER marry you. I'm to wed another."
"As I stated before, release her!" Carlos stood rigid, hands fisted by his side, prepared to physically defend her if necessary.
Constable Morelli's head cocked to the side slightly, eyeing the captain. "It's you." He released Stephanie's arm, allowing her to quickly hide behind the protective bodies of Lt. Santos and Lt. Blinde. "You're the one she's talking about. Isn't it?" Spittle flew from his mouth as he raged, ignoring the audience surrounding them. "You fucking, Dandy!" His swearing caused gasps among the women in the audience, assaulted by the coarse language.
"Yes. Mistress Plum and I are to be married by the end of this week. She agreed to be my wife last night." The gleam in the captain's eye was one of triumph as the venom cut through Morelli like a knife. "She'd never marry a twistical like you!"
"I never agreed to marry you. My mother conspired with you to wed me. I never agreed to it, and I never will. I am marrying Captain Manoso!" Stephanie darted around her protective guard, coming back face to face with the constable.
"I don't care what you think you're planning. You're marrying me." He lunged forward grabbing her by the arm once again, although this time a knife was pressed to her throat. He jeered at the captain, "I won't have you lay a finger upon my Sugarcake. She is mine and mine alone." Stephanie froze, scared beyond belief.
"Stand down Constable!" General Washington barked, his eyes aflame with anger. "How dare you put this fine young lady at risk. Unhand her and I'll see that you receive a fair trial." There were now six men surrounding them, their rifles trained on Constable Morelli's head. People scattered, attempting to flee lest they become rifle fodder.
"Let her go, Morelli. Let's fight this out like civilized men." The captain stated, stepping forward another step. Stephanie could feel the telltale prick of the blade into the soft supple skin under her chin, a warm trickle worked its way down her throat. Causing her eyes to tear up and fear course through her veins.
"I'll do no such thing. I'm taking her with me. Nobody need follow, unless they wish for her beheading." Morelli began to drag her away from the lighted area of the ball, headed for the stables for his horse. Captain Manoso and several of his men followed right along with the six riflemen trained onto Morelli's head. As they crept along away from the light, Morelli didn't see the two men covered in ash and charcoal, creep out of the darkness and take position behind him and his hostage.
With a nod, the Captain authorized for the men to free the hostage while disarming the constable. The first man hit the arm wielding the knife, knocking it loose, as the second man brought a blackjack down upon the back of his head, knocking him unconscious. Captain Manoso rushed forward, catching an overwhelmed Stephanie, who promptly fainted into his arms.
Waking from her impromptu nap, Stephanie found herself laid out on her bed, the town doctor and Carlos at her side. "She'll be right as rain. She needs rest and possibly some sugar to bring back the color in her cheeks." At Carlos' nod, the doctor left, leaving the two of them alone for the first time that night.
"I'm sorry." She hung her head. "I ruined your beautiful Ball. I'm sure the General is upset and wishing to punish you for my stupidity."
"Darling. You have nothing to be sorry about. If anyone is to blame, it's that cur Morelli! As for the General, he was by just a few moments ago to check on you. He was upset, but not for the reasons you would imagine. He took Morelli into custody and is holding him in the Brig. He'll be tried for assault and kidnapping, among other charges. The General is mad at neither you, nor myself. In fact, for the bravery my men and I have shown, he's stated he's recommending that we be promoted."
Unable to help herself, she wrapped her arms around his neck drawing him closer, inhaling his uniquely male scent that sent her head into the clouds. "Thank you, you saved me. And thanks to the men that saved me, as well."
"I'd do it a thousand times if it meant keeping you safe from that bumbling idiot." His lips swooped in to kiss her senseless, as someone cleared their throat just outside the tent. A moment later after they had separated and she felt her cheeks burn hot with her blush, the tent flap moved aside and the visitor entered, stooping to fit into the short tent.
"Mistress Plum. I am so glad to see you awake. No worse for wear, I hope?" The General's eyes darted down to the nick on her neck along with the dried blood.
"I'm as well as I can be, Sir." She smiled, resting her head on Carlos' shoulder, closing her eyes in relief.
"I wanted to thank you for an unexpectedly exciting evening. Despite what happened, the ball has continued. Am I to assume you won't be returning?" At her nod, he carefully ran a hand down the top of her head to her cheek in fatherly reassurance. "Then I wish you well and want to congratulate you on your upcoming nuptials. I will send a gift in celebration. Now, please rest. I will bid you good night and goodbye. Thank you, my dear. I will never forget this night."
With that, the man exited the tent and strode back to the ball, a few of his underlings following behind at a quick pace. The two stared at each other in almost disbelief. "I can't wait to become Mrs. Manoso." She hugged him tightly, eyes closed in contentment.
"Not as much as I." He teased, before slanting his lips across hers in a demanding kiss, making her insides turn to jelly. "I love you, My Darling."
"I love you too, My Captain."