Just Jane by William Lavender Page B

floor, unable to rest. The hour was late, the night air heavy with a drizzling rain. But all was peaceful, and peace was not what Robert wanted this night.
    Jane appeared in her nightgown at the top of the stairs. “We’ll know if they come, and meanwhile, you need some sleep,” she said in the uneasy calm.
    â€œIn God’s name, where are they?” he growled. “The rebel defenses are ridiculously weak. The Redcoats could storm in any time—what are they waiting for?” He continued to pace, muttering to himself.
    Her advice ignored, Jane went back to her room. But unable to sleep, she sat absently brushing her long dark hair and worrying.
What will happen to Arthur if the British take the city? To Cousin Hugh and his cocky stepson, Peter Quincy? Aren’t they worried?
At last she heard Robert coming upstairs, giving up his vigil for the night. Then she, too, finally went to bed.
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    In the cold light of dawn, she awoke with a start. Raising herself on one elbow, she froze, listening. Riotous shouting reverberated in the distance. She knew instantly that it was not the Redcoats. Throwing on a dressing gown, she hurried into the hallway. Robert, fully dressed, and Clarissa, in her nightgown, were just leaving their bedroom as well. Nellie stood trembling at the bottom of the stairs, wide-eyed in fright.
    â€œI’m going to investigate,” Robert announced, starting down the stairs. “Stay upstairs, and don’t open the door to anyone.
    The women dressed quickly, then huddled on the stairs.
Now they could hear a raucous celebration outside, full of exultant but menacing laughter.
    A few minutes later, Robert was back, scarlet with fury. He slammed the door and bolted it behind him. “It’s beyond belief!” he shouted. “The Redcoats have vanished like thieves in the night!”
    Clarissa gasped. “But why, Robert?”
    â€œThe sentry at the powder magazine says Continental troops were coming up fast on their rear. So now we’re left surrounded by rebel scum roaming the streets, attacking Loyalists. And they’re coming this way!”
    Indeed, they had already arrived. The house was assaulted by a mob shouting taunts at the known Loyalist inside. “Open up, Tory Prentice! Tell us what became of your yellow-bellied Redcoats! Are they too spineless to fight?” The words were hurled in contempt, along with sticks, stones, rotting vegetables—anything handy for bombarding the house.
    Robert peered out the window at the attackers, then barked at the women. “Back in your rooms, all of you, till I say it’s safe. Quickly now!”
    Clarissa and Nellie obeyed, but Jane lingered on the landing. Again muttering to himself, Robert dug in his pocket for keys, then hurriedly fumbled with the lock on a heavy cabinet in the parlor. Pulling the door open, he reached in and took out a pistol.
    Jane, watching, recoiled in alarm. “What are you doing, Uncle Robert?”
    He scowled up at her. “I told you to get back to your room!”
    â€œWhat are you doing?” she repeated, starting down the stairs.
    â€œI’m defending my property!” he bellowed, heading for the front door.
    But Jane got there first, blocking his path. “Are you mad?” she cried.
    â€œWhat’s the matter? Afraid I’ll shoot one of our own traitorous kin?”
    â€œYou know very well Uncle Arthur’s not out there, and neither is Hugh!”
    â€œThey’re rebels, aren’t they? All rebels are alike. Stand aside!”
    â€œUncle Robert, get hold of yourself!” Jane held on to his arm. “Those are crude, ignorant people. There are plenty of them in England, too. I’ve seen them. But it’s not their fault. They just need education.”
    â€œFine!” Robert waved his pistol. “I’ll educate them!” “Not like that! They don’t deserve to be shot!”
    â€œDon’t lecture