Surrender the Stars by Cynthia Wright Read Free Book Online Page B

to make her own tea, clad in a demure gown of pink-and-white-striped muslin. Freshly scrubbed, every hair neatly arranged atop her head, she had been the embodiment of restrained gentility. It was an image that hadn't even wavered during the following days; if anything, Lindsay's usual tendency toward proper reserve had only intensified during the past week.
    "Cassie, did you hear me? How did Lindsay respond to the British attack? Perhaps it was more traumatic for her than she lets on?"
    "She was quite upset that those redcoats just sailed into our harbor and burned the ships—particularly those built by Captain Raveneau. After the British warped the ships out into the river and set fire to them, I saw Miss Lindsay walk out the front door and stand in the middle of Main Street to watch that tragic spectacle. Tears were running down her face, and I'm not sure she even realized it." Cassie took a breath, searching for the right words. "She seemed frustrated that nothing could be done to stop the redcoats and that the townspeople weren't fighting back. But once it was over and the damage was done, Miss Lindsay seemed quick to recover and to go on with her life as usual."
    Devon listened thoughtfully. It was hard to imagine her daughter weeping in the middle of Main Street or wishing violence on anyone, even red-coated enemies. Perhaps Lindsay was pluckier than her parents realized. Devon could only hope that this was the case and that the adventure of moving to London would release some of that pent-up liveliness.
    From the front of the house came the sound of the door opening and closing, then Lindsay calling, "I'm home!"
    "We're in the kitchen, sweetheart," Devon replied. She stood as her daughter entered the big, warm room carrying a stack of books and papers that she deposited on the table before embracing her mother.
    "How pretty you look today, Mama." Lindsay smiled.
    Devon glanced down at her own beautifully fitted gown of jonquil silk. Emeralds sparkled at her neck, and her curls were caught up in a flattering silk bandeau. Lindsay, on the other hand, wore a dark blue spencer over a simple gown of white muslin. How lovely she would be in the new gowns, jewels, bonnets, and slippers they would buy in London!
    "It's sweet of you to say so," Devon replied, casting a meaningful glance toward Cassie.
    "If you two ladies will keep an eye on the stew, I think I'll pick some daffodils for the supper table," the housekeeper said promptly.
    Lindsay poured a cup of tea for herself and took a chair across from her mother. "Oh, this day seemed endless! Jonathan Payton had the devil in him all morning. I could have thrashed him! Fortunately, I think he exhausted himself, because by the time we did sums, he stopped pinching Sally Arnold and quieted down." She paused, her eyes alert. "Mama, is something wrong?"
    "Lindsay, I have something to tell you, something I consider wonderful news. I only hope you'll agree."
    "Well, good news would certainly be welcome in view of last week's tribulations!"
    "I can see that wary look in your eyes, so I suppose it wouldn't do me any good to work up to this gradually. The fact is that while we were in Philadelphia, Senator Hampshire asked your father to go to England on a diplomatic mission."
    "What?"
    "Now, let me explain, briefly at least. You see, because of the war, there has not been an American ambassador in residence in London. The president desires that someone known to the British go there now. There is concern that someone may be selling American secrets, or influencing the powers that be in a negative way, but it's only speculation. Our only purpose in going may be simply to spread American goodwill. All the other prominent Americans who also are trusted in London are currently in Ghent, with the Peace Commission, so your father was a logical choice. At first, as you might imagine, he balked because of his business here, but in view of recent events, there is nothing to keep him in