Free War by Edward Cline

the pianoforte, at least better than I ever learned to at home. Hugh bought me one, in France. I have my own music room upstairs. I must show it to you.”
    “Yes, Hugh wrote me all about that. I should like to hear you sing and play.”
    Reverdy grinned. “Then, perhaps Etáin and I can arrange a special concert for you and Mr. Manners.”
    They chatted about other things, mostly the storm five falls ago that had caused extensive damage in Queen Anne and neighboring counties, with torrential rains that leveled crops and winds that blew down housesand drove four merchantmen aground on the York. “They were the two most frightening days of my life,” said Reverdy. “I was certain that the winds alone would smash this house, as they did half the tenants’ dwellings. We lost several windows on this side of the house from branches that must have blown clear across the river from Gloucester! Hugh’s water tower was knocked atilt and was so battered that he had to replace it. He was not able to salvage most of the crops that year. All the planters here suffered losses. Mr. Otway’s plantation further up the river, as large as Meum Hall, but which is on lower ground, was flooded. The invading waters were so violent that they brought down half his great house and carried away most of the outbuildings. He abandoned the entire place. He salvaged what he could from the ruins and moved his family to Richmond town to begin anew.”
    “There are no storms like that in England,” remarked Tallmadge. “When Lieutenant Manners and I passed through Surrey on the James, people told us about a spring freshet two years ago that roared down that river and wiped out several homes and took many lives.”
    Reverdy clasped her hands together. “But, enough of the weather! Such a prosaic subject!” She turned to the lieutenant. “Mr. Manners, you have been treated to a portion of our lives and have exhibited a commendable patience, but I am afraid we have neglected you. Tell me something of yourself.”
    The junior officer blushed and fidgeted in his chair. “What do you wish to know, milady?”
    Some minutes later the breakfast door opened and Hugh Kenrick came in. “Roger!” he exclaimed, rushing to meet his friend. The two men met in the middle of the room, shaking hands and slapping each other’s shoulders.
    “What are you doing here?” exclaimed Hugh, standing back to spread his hands in happy, helpless wonder.
    * * *
    “I am here at the behest of the secretary-at-war, Lord Barrington,” answered Roger, who had managed to defer an answer in the midst of welcoming also Elyot Geary, captain of the
Sparrowhawk
, who had followed Hugh into the breakfast room, having accompanied him from the waterfront, and during the subsequent introductions and pleasantries.
    Roger and Hugh sat in the study with glasses of Madeira. “I am, essentially, spying on the colonies, to apprise their ability to wage war — againstthe Crown. Lieutenant Manners and I have since January wound our way up from Savannah. Perhaps by August, we shall reach Boston and report to General Gage.” The captain looked contrite, adding, “I apologize for not having warned you of my presence in the colonies. The Earl of Rochford and Lord Barrington impressed upon me the necessity for secrecy. Not even Alice or her parents know the true reason I am here. They believe I am escorting a Crown survey party in search of timber for the navy.”
    “I see,” answered Hugh. He frowned. “How could you accept such an assignment?”
    Roger shrugged. “Serving officers must accept their orders and perform their duty.” He paused. “Naturally, I am not happy with the assignment. But, it gives me a chance to see this part of the world, which I otherwise would not have had the means to visit.” After another pause, he added, “I wished to see
your
country.” He reached into his coat and pulled out an oversize sheet of paper. It was the Association broadside. “I saw you