Two #2
Eliza strode toward them carrying a loaded tray of food, accompanied by a young woman balancing a beverage tray, and a young man holding a chair in his hands.
The chair was placed beside Lucy, and then food and drinks were arranged on the table.
Bread, cheese, slices of roasted pork, pickles, fruit, and dainty sweets were served on beautiful plates edged in gold.
Lemonade filled an expensive crystal pitcher, while a floral-painted teapot held steaming tea.
Lucy remained silent as the three servants nodded to Martha and then left.
Martha bowed her head, and Lucy hurried to follow suit, listening as the woman asked a brief heartfelt prayer on their repast and time of getting acquainted.
“Thank you, Mrs. Washington,” Lucy said after uttering a soft amen. She draped a fine linen napkin over her lap, then waited with hands clasped beneath the table as Martha reached for the lemonade.
“Would you care for lemonade or tea?”
“Lemonade, please,” Lucy said, looking forward to enjoying the treat.
She had only had it a few times in her life, since lemons, along with tropical fruits, were expensive.
She stared at what she was sure were pieces of pineapple among the berries on the plate of fruit.
Not once had she tasted it, but she couldn’t wait to try a bite.
Before she ate, though, she wanted to know more about the locket.
Martha filled two glasses with lemonade and set one in front of Lucy, glanced around, then placed the locket on the table between them.
“You read the note?” Martha asked in a subdued voice, as though she was sure someone was listening.
“Yes. Truthfully, Theo and I have been trying to decipher it. It’s a code of some sort, isn’t it?”
Martha nodded. “It is. I am unable to divulge details to you, Lucy, until I know more about you. Your father is reputed as a fair man who hasn’t yet taken sides with Loyalists or Patriots, which is why I was so grateful to reach your shop. I knew I would be safe there.”
Lucy thought of her own disappointment that her father hadn’t been swayed to join those pursuing liberty, but didn’t give voice to her opinions.
Her father was a good man. A kind man. A fair man.
If straddling the fence between loyalty to the Crown and liberty had meant Martha Washington felt safe coming to his shop, then how could Lucy find any fault?
“Father feels it is important to have places in town where anyone can shop without fear of being castigated for their political beliefs.”
Martha remained silent for a moment and scooted a little closer to Lucy. “What do you believe?”
Lucy knew spilling her heart to the wrong person could end with her in the stockade, a prison, or even dead. But she was desperate to do her part to help the Patriots win the war, regardless of the personal cost.
“I believe it is time for the colonies in America to unite, to cast off the shackles of the king, and do whatever it takes to blaze a new path for our country. We cannot go back, and it seems to me the only way is forward into a future built on equality, where we all have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Martha smiled at Lucy’s reference to the Declaration of Independence. “You have memorized some of the lines of our great declaration.”
“They are lines worthy of being memorized and remembered often. Thomas Jefferson’s writings are inspiring.
” Lucy had heard Mr. Jefferson from Virginia had penned much of the declaration, even though he was one of the younger members of the Continental Congress.
“I must admit, Mrs. Washington, to being an admirer of both you and your husband. He is a fine leader, yet he does not have an easy task ahead of him. Those of us who believe in what he and the Continental Army are fighting for must be willing to do what we can to help.”
“Are you willing, Lucy? To help? To step into the unknown without wavering? Once you do, there is no returning to the way things were before. You must be completely dedicated to the cause.”
“Oh, I am, Mrs. Washington!” Lucy spoke quietly, but hoped her voice conveyed her fervent belief in what independence would mean to their colonies.
The thought that she was sitting next to Mrs. Washington discussing freedom left her so overwhelmed and full of excitement, she could hardly keep still on the chair.
“I do not know how to explain myself, other than to say I yearn to be part of something so much bigger than myself. Something vital to the battle for freedom.”
Martha sat quietly while Lucy’s heart thumped in her chest. She prayed she wouldn’t land in trouble and leave Theo at the mercy of strangers.
Finally, the woman nodded once. “The locket has been used a few times in recent months to transport messages to my husband and other officers in his command. I was nearly beside myself when I realized I had lost my gloves. I had hoped to hand the locket to a courier on my walk, but before an opportunity arose for us to meet, two men ran up to me, and one tried to yank the locket from around my neck. My servant managed to push them away, and all I could think of was escaping. I stuffed the locket inside my glove as I hastened away.” She glanced around again and lowered her voice to a whisper.
“There are spies for both sides all around us. Make no mistake about it. I had no idea anyone was aware I was in possession of the locket. I was quite desperate to hide when I realized I was close to your shop. Providentially, you stepped outside and kindly invited me in. Your assistance was greatly appreciated.”
“I’m glad I could help, ma’am. If there is anything I can do to aid the Patriots, I’m willing.”
“You realize, Lucy, this is not a game. Men’s lives are at stake, including my own beloved George. Every message, every movement, every word spoken or written could greatly impact whether they live to see another day or die on a battlefield.”
Solemn and sobered by the potential for tragedy at every turn, Lucy accepted the circumstances and steeled her resolve. “If there is any way I may be of service, I still would like to help.”
“What are you willing to do, Lucy?” Martha asked, then took a sip of lemonade.
The question was simple and straightforward, yet it carried enough weight that Lucy began to feel crushed beneath it.
What was she willing to do for liberty?
“I …” Lucy hesitated. She had no idea what danger she might put her family in, but the need to help, to be part of something bigger than herself, won over caution.
This was her opportunity to support those fighting so hard for her freedom.
To be a Patriot—a true Patriot—was something Lucy longed for with nearly every breath.
She wanted to do more than knit stockings and create homespun fabric.
She wanted to do her part to serve in this battle for freedom.
“I will do whatever is asked of me, Mrs. Washington, as long as it does not compromise my moral beliefs.”
“Gracious, dear, no one would ask that of you.” Martha patted her hand.
Lucy fell silent for a moment as thoughts tumbled through her head, then spoke before the bravery surging through her ebbed.
“I’ve heard people speaking without reserve in our shop.
Men who think I’m not listening as they discuss troop movements, alliances with the Redcoats, and hoarded supplies.
Women chatter, unwittingly divulging details their husbands have shared in person or through letters.
Father’s shop is a place where people speak freely. ”
“It most certainly is.” Martha offered her a colluding look. “If you hear information about troops, ships, supply houses, anything of the like, it could make a difference in winning not just a battle, but the war. Would you be willing to share the news you hear?”
“I am willing to try. I have no idea how to write in code. Is that something I’ll have to learn?”
“Think of a word, and then remove letters not absolutely necessary. I believe that is the basis of it. Like ammunition is abbreviated to a-m-m.”
“So, Theo was right,” Lucy said, then took an absent sip of her lemonade.
Martha frowned. “You mustn’t involve him in this, dear. It could prove dangerous, and it is only fair to offer you a warning.”
“I assumed there would be a potential for danger, but thus far, battles aren’t raging in our streets.” Lucy glanced around at the tranquil, peaceful setting surrounding them. “I should be safe at the shop.”
“That is true, but you must always be careful. Trust no one. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t even think to request it, but you must not mention this to your parents. Not to anyone.” Martha gave Lucy another long studying look.
Lucy’s fingers toyed with the napkin on her lap. “Will you be able to get the message to a courier now?”
“No. I’m being watched, and it wouldn’t be safe for him to meet with me again.
” Martha reached out and clasped Lucy’s hands between hers.
“It is asking far more of you than I have any right, dear girl, but would you be willing to get it to him? I will send word to a courier to retrieve the locket from you on the morrow.”
“I’ll do it, Mrs. Washington. I will take care of the locket until a courier retrieves it.”
“Splendid!” Martha squeezed Lucy’s hands, then leaned closer to her. “Remember, tell no one about it, or your plans.”
“I won’t,” Lucy said, taking the locket when Martha held it out to her. She tucked it into the linen bag, then secured it in her pocket. “I will do whatever is necessary.”
A smile wreathed Martha’s pleasant face. “I was sure that would be the case the moment I saw you, Lucy. Now, tell me more about Theo. He seems like a curious, intelligent boy. What does he enjoy most?”
They spoke for a few moments about Theo, then decided on a secret word the courier would offer to Lucy so she would know he was the person sent to retrieve the locket.
Before they could discuss anything further, Theo appeared, and the three of them enjoyed the excellent food, much of it unlike anything Lucy or Theo had ever tasted.
Like Lucy, Theo particularly enjoyed the sweet and delicious pineapple, along with the tiny little cakes that were airy and moist, topped with sugared flowers.
When Eliza came to see if anything was needed, Martha asked her to fill a basket to send home with them.
“We couldn’t take it, ma’am. It wouldn’t be right,” Lucy offered in weak protest.
“Oh, but you must. I insist.” Martha grinned at Theo and set another little cake on his plate, appearing thoroughly charmed by the child who had drawn on his best manners.
Soon, they found themselves standing at the front door, a large basket overflowing with treasures of tropical fruit, cheeses, flavorful breads, and cakes in Lucy’s left hand.
“Be brave and keep true,” Martha whispered as she gave Lucy a hug, engulfing her in the scent of lavender and cloves. “Remember, trust no one.”
“I’ll remember,” Lucy said when Martha released her.
The woman cupped Theo’s chin and smiled. “Will you promise to keep a good eye on your sister for me?”
“I promise, ma’am,” Theo said solemnly, then grinned. “Thank you for the food and for allowing me to explore. It was amazing!”
“You are most welcome, Theo.” Martha opened the door, then stepped back. “In the event I do not see you both again, may God’s blessings be upon you, and may He keep you sheltered from all harm.”
Lucy stepped outside and took Theo’s hand in hers as the door shut behind them.
Despite Martha’s warnings not to involve him, it looked like the only person Lucy could trust or share her secrets with going forward would be her little brother.