If you’ve just discovered this free read, just click Archived Free Read and begin at the start.

La Belle Christiane

2011 copyright by Lyn Cote

All rights reserved

BOOK TWO

Chapter Nine, Scene 2

A week passed and thanks to Christiane and his own natural vitality, the Frenchman improved daily. Late in the morning, Christiane stood anxiously by her window. Captain Lee had sent a note which requested a meeting with her on this glorious autumn day. She had agreed to go for another walk. They did this as often as their duties allowed them some free time. Each time however she had to overcome her hesitation. Jakob still filled her mind and she felt the constraint of honoring the memory of such a fine man. But Jakob was lost to her now–forever.

And a natural friendship had been growing between her and the young captain. The thought had tiptoed silently through Christiane’s mind that Lee might be the man she would marry some time in the future. His unfailing kindness and gallantry impressed her and she knew that he came from an extremely prominent Virginian family. But whenever she thought this, panic seized her.

She closed her eyes willing away the emotions that wanted to come, roiling to the surface. She glanced down at her dress. Her wardrobe had grown to three dresses now, due to Mrs. Washington’s and other ladies’ generosity. Today she was wearing her black satin. It would have been quite severe except for the emerald green satin fichu, cuffs and belt. The maid entered unobtrusively, “Mrs. Kruger, a gentleman is downstairs for you.”

“Thank you. I will be down directly.” Methodically Christiane donned her small black bonnet and gloves and picked up her parasol. Her sun-tanned skin had finally faded to creamy white and she was always careful now about exposing it to the elements. She paused by the mirror and examined her reflection. Maman and even grandmere would be pleased. She did not want to remember how recently she had lived in rags and vermin.

Gracefully she joined Captain Lee at the bottom of the curved staircase. They smiled at each other. Wordlessly he took her right hand and pressed it into the crook of his left arm. Out they went into the golden sun. They strolled aimlessly around the still green lawns and pleasant garden of the large home. The marigolds were yellow and in full flower. Christiane fought the sensation that someone else was living her life, that she was not this woman in this pretty dress, clean and well fed.

“Mrs. Kruger, I regret not being able to see you till now,” Lee said.

Christiane looked down. “We have both been busy with our duties.”

“How is the Major General LaFayette?”

“Better.” They returned to peaceful silence. Finally Christiane found she was having trouble matching her partner’s lengthening strides. She cleared her throat. “You are worried?”

He stopped. “What?”

“We seemed to be having a race,” she said with a small smile.

“I am sorry. I came to see you and I am ignoring you.” He sounded suddenly exasperated, as if exhausted, pushed past his limit.

She looked up at him. “Tell me what is bothering you.” Her concern was sincere.

He tilted his head slightly as if asking a question. “I should not trouble you.”

“What is it? Please tell me.” Her hand touched his sleeve again and his hand pressed it there.

“The battle plagues me. I can’t get the mistakes out of my mind,” he admitted in a lowered voice.

“I’ve heard some talk already and I can be discreet.”

He pressed her hand again. “The carelessness of some officers made the engagement a disastrous defeat. Especially militia officers.” His voice was suddenly thick with feeling. “People want to be important so they say things without being sure. In the end, they look like fools and men die because of their folly. And we needed a victory now. It has been so long that we have endured without another….” His tone quieted. “I should not burden you with this. It’s just that I keep seeing glimpses of the battle.”

Christiane touched his shoulder, near his collar. “You do not burden me with your confidence. I understand. You know, I do.” Yes, I do. I wish I didn’t, but I do.

Taking her hand in his, he kissed it softly. He looked at her full in the face. “You do more than most women. You see day by day what happens. I’m glad you are here.”

Christiane looked down. “I am glad also.” Her tone changed to a more business-like one. “What misinformation was given exactly?” Information always came in handy for her, made her more useful. They began to walk again back in the direction of the house.

“Some of the Pennsylvania militia officers told the General that there were no river fords for twelve miles north of the village of Buffington. I cannot fathom why they would say this. Only inexperience or boasting could explain it. On the strength of their assurances Washington put us behind Brandywine Creek. The creek should have acted as a natural defense. We did not know the truth till a local farmer rushed into headquarters, claiming that he had seen the British crossing the Brandywine near his farm. Without his report we would have faced total disaster. Good Lord. As it was, we suffered a costly defeat and for no good reason or gain.”

She squeezed his arm to signify understanding and they continued walking in silence. How she wished to comfort him, but no phrases came to her. How could they hold on, experiencing defeat after defeat?  She was not only concerned about independence for herself for her own purposes. People were giving everything to the cause–suffering, dying. Tildy Main’s pinched, starved face came up hauntingly. Tildy, where are you? Again the heart pounding panic from the past intruded. She breathed in deeply, forcing the reaction down.

“I am sorry I am such bad company,” he said. “I thought seeing you would lighten my spirits.”

“I am sorry to be such little comfort.”

“Oh, please you should not be blamed. I apologize for even intimating such an idea.”

A thought came to Christiane. Perhaps she could cheer him and strengthen their connection as well. A glimpse of her past flashed within her. Jakob bringing her flowers, asking if he could call her by her name. She swallowed the panic pulsing through her. I can’t think about that now. I can’t let the past endanger my future.

Still, she could use Jakob’s way.He had courted her so well… Quickly she rushed all thoughts of Jakob from her mind. She would not marry again for a long, long time. Now she only wished to make a start.

Her palms became moist and her heart beat faster. She spoke to stop the thoughts that raced through her mind. “Captain Lee, we have been acquaintances–friends, I hope–for some time now. I was wondering if you would grant me a favor.” She was pleased that her voice did not betray her unseen trembling.

“Anything in my power, ma’am.”

“I was wondering if you would mind very much if I called you by your given name?”

He stopped, obviously startled.

“I hope,” she rushed on, “you do not think me forward for asking.”

He bent over her hand, and kissed it lightly. “You do me a great honor, madame.”

“Please, call me Christiane.”

“Christiane,” he repeated solemnly. She held onto his hand and they stood some moments, looking into each other’s eyes.He had kind eyes, just like Jakob’s. She wanted to look away, panic surging inside her like cold surf, but she couldn’t give in to fear. Finally, she turned, grasping his arm again. They walked toward the house.

“At least, the weather has not turned against us,” she said, trying to lighten the mood. Her heart still beat faster over her forwardness, her movement away from Jakob. “It is difficult to contemplate going into winter quarters again in just a few months.” They came upon a wooden bench and sat down. “I hope we will move farther south this year. Winter at Morristown was so severe.”

“That will depend on Howe,” he said.

“I suppose you are correct.”

“Christiane,” he began. “I wish you could be well away from all this. A woman, a lady, of your quality should not have to be so closely involved–”

“Henry, you know my feelings in regard to the Revolution.” Panic rushed through her, nearly pushing her to run. I can’t go back.

“Christiane, your patriotism is admirable, more than admirable. You have given so much. But I feel that this time if Lady Washington invites you to return to Mt. Vernon next spring, you should go.”

Christiane was shocked at the turmoil that this suggestion evoked. She looked at her lap, trying to cover it. His attention she desired. But hidden away at Mt. Vernon, her plans would not flourish.  How can I be thinking these things?

A voice intruded, “Captain Lee!” A corporal loped into view. “Sir, I am glad I finally found you. The General wants you right away. There is some argument–I mean, dispute–between two officers. And he needs you to clear up something.”

Lee visibly fought down his irritation; he turned to Christiane. “I am sorry, Christiane. I must cut our visit short.”

“Why don’t I join you instead, Henry? I would like to report to the General on Major General Lafayette’s recovery myself.”

Lee smiled and offered his arm. They hurried, trailed by the tired and rumpled corporal.

Soon they were at the General’s side. Christiane briefly reported to Washington and then stood idly at the edge of the group of officers, taking little notice of the dispute.

In time, however, she became aware that someone was staring at her. She turned to see a tall, spare woman, shabbily dressed, holding an infant. Christiane was about to turn away again when recognition shot through her. Tildy? Carefully Christiane examined the woman. Yes, it was Tildy Main and her new baby.

Christiane nonchalantly turned her back as though she had not noticed. Even as she did so, guilt rose and almost choked her. All summer she had made excuses to avoid finding out if the Mains had been forced to return to family camp. She had wanted to see Tildy, but she could not force herself to go back there, back to family camp where she’d suffered and lost Jakob. So now she stood stiffly, willing herself to forget. She would find Tildy sometime and make everything right. Sometime. Soon.

Life used to be so simple–just survival, but now…………

Tweet