Forever Young Birth Of A Nation by Gerald Simpkins Read Free Book Online Page B

tonight.”
    “Hmmm. It is touted as a celebration of the
victory of the Crown over the rebels at Lexington and Concord in
April. They never did seize the arsenal they went to get, but they
succeeded in starting a war.”
    “Yes. Don’t you think it is premature for
the British to celebrate this early?”
    “Yes. The colonists took Fort Ticonderoga as
we heard from a fur trader just last night. I wonder if the high
command is trying to do this to negate the effect of the colonists
taking Ticonderoga.”
    “Maybe it is designed to distract the public
from that and be a morale booster to the rich Tories in New York.
Are we still attending church today then?”
    “Oh yes James. It would never do for two
bankers expecting to start up a bank to ignore attending church. We
will go again to the Anglican Church of New York this morning. It
may be that you will see Laura there” he said with a wink.
    “Hah! If we do not see Rebecca mooning at
you today I will be surprised indeed.”
    Ian chuckled and said “If she comes at all,
she will be with Colonel Grundy. I want no trouble with a senior
staff member of His Majesty’s forces in America over some lady.
That is no way to start up a bank my friend.”
    “Well from where I sit, someone had better
tell her that” said James as he laughed heartily at his own joke.
Mrs. McKinley came in with her usual heaping platter of breakfast
goodies saying “This is only the second meal I have served to the
two of you since you came here. Wherever do you eat?”
    Ian thought wouldn’t you like to know!
And if we told you then what ? He looked at James and they both
laughed heartily, each knowing exactly what the other was
thinking.
    At the church Ian and James both sat with
the Millhouses, James sitting next to Laura herself. After the
conclusion of the services, they all queued up at the door to shake
hands with the Bishop as they left. As they spoke with him outside
on the steps, Ian heard his name called. Turning he saw Rebecca
Davis coming toward him with another young lady. She was smiling
radiantly.
    “Hello James. Hello Ian. I am so glad you
came today.” She came to Laura and hugged her and her mother and
aunt. Turning to Ian she smiled dazzlingly, saying “Are you going
to the Gala tonight?”
    “Why yes. James and I both received
invitations only yesterday.”
    “Oh, marvelous! Ian I am in a quandary. I
thought that perhaps Colonel Grundy was going to escort me, but he
has been sent to New Jersey by General Gage and no one knows when
he will return. I do so want to go and Papa is away. Would you be
so kind as to take me?” The two older ladies and the bishop all
looked at each other in astonishment at her audacity.
    Even as he smiled Ian thought Good night!
I cannot refuse in front of these people after saying I would
attend. And Grundy is sure to hear of this! “Why Lady Rebecca,
it would be my pleasure indeed. When shall I come for you
then?”
    “Oh please come at six o’clock, Ian.”
    He thought that is an hour before it
starts, but that can’t make it any worse for me. He smiled even
more brilliantly as he said “Six o’clock it is then, Lady Rebecca.
I do look forward to it.” He then took her hand and raised it to
his lips, merely brushing the back of it. An electrical thrill
passed through Rebecca at that moment and her eyes sparkled.
    “Then I shall see you at six, at our
house.”
    “You shall indeed” he said with a bow and
then he turned to James and said “I am going to the bank to check
on the progress the workers made yesterday. I will be there with
the contractor for some time if you need me. Otherwise I will see
you back at Bessies’ later this afternoon.” Turning back to the
ladies he gave a slight bow and said “Until tonight ladies.”
Donning his black tri-corner hat he briskly walked away.
    Rebecca was a bit disappointed, hoping to
have him over to eat lunch at their house, but she was excited at
the prospect of the evening ahead.