The General’s Wife: An American Revolutionary Tale by Regina Kammer Read Free Book Online Page B

knock on the door sounded the alarm before it was opened. Paul Bridgers poked his head through. “Sorry, boys, I gotta kick you out,” he said. “Sentry’s just come in warning that General Strathmore is approaching with some men. I think he’s got Hessians.”
    “And a good morning to you too, Bridgers,” Sam said teasingly. He retrieved his brown linen shirt from where he had thrown it earlier and pulled it over his head. “And don’t leave the door open. Come on in and have a seat.”
    Bridgers sank into a slipper chair in the corner of the room, looking less like a brothel master and more like an older brother come to check on his errant siblings. The uncertainty of war made a man find family where he could. Especially if one’s own family did not share one’s republican sympathies.
    Bridgers furrowed his brow. “Sorry, Pat, I have to use Connie for the general,” he said glumly. “She knows his tastes already. She’s used to it.”
    Pat pursed his lips as he buttoned his breeches. Sam flashed him a sympathetic glance. The general could be rough, but Constance was well-trained. “Yeah,” Pat sighed. “I understand.”
    “Look, as long as he follows my rules, she’ll be safe.”
    “Mr. Bridgers,” Chastity said smoothing down her shift. “I started my courses. I need a towel.”
    “I’ll get you one, sweet,” Bridgers soothed. “Come here.” He patted his lap and she happily bounded over to him.
    Sam sat opposite them on the edge of the bed fastening his spatterdashes. “We’re camping about a day’s ride from here, Bridgers. We’ll stay there until you can get the supplies to us. Unless you think that imprudent.” He stood up and winked at Prudence. “That’s what you should really be named, my dear.” He wrapped his arms around her waist, then kissed her willing mouth, tasting his own musky flavor on her lips. “If it weren’t for the war I could enjoy your charms all day.”
    “And if it weren’t for the war, Pru would be a farmer’s wife with half a dozen fine strapping sons, and you would be a lawyer in some big city,” Bridgers commented scornfully. “I’ll see what I can do for you, Sam. Now you boys get out of here quickly.”
    * * * * *
    From behind the glazed lights surrounding the front door of the brothel, Paul watched as General Strathmore and his party arrived in the yard. There were five of them: the general, plus two Hessians he had never met, and two British officers—a colonel and a lieutenant colonel—he only knew by sight.
    The patriots had left long ago, but not without a few tears from Constance as she said her goodbyes to Pat after her own client had departed. Paul knew he shouldn’t even offer Connie’s services to Strathmore. She was far too good for the likes of him. The general owed a substantial purse of money from his last visit, and the only reason Paul even let him build up credit was the fact that the British army paid on time for his legitimate services.
    And Strathmore’s presence at the brothel was a potent reminder that the general was cheating on his beautiful, innocent wife. The man was a swine.
    He sucked in his breath to compose himself and opened the front door. “General Strathmore, what a pleasant surprise.”
    “Bridgers,” the general grunted his greeting before dismounting his ride.
    Paul snapped at his grooms to take care of their guests’ horses.
    “My wife is pregnant,” the general began. “I’m here with a few friends to celebrate the happy occasion.”
    “Congratulations, my lord,” said Paul, masking his disgust.
    The general ignored the felicitations. “I’ll want the usual.”
    “Of course. The building is ready as we speak.”
    “And that same girl.”
    Paul nodded.
    “It’s a shame you’re not closer, Bridgers,” the general said, removing his gloves. “I’m sending my wife to Manhattan Island for her confinement and she’s taking that whore of a maid with her. You should set up shop in