So the Army sat and waited. It waited for some word or sign that General Clinton was coming closer. Instead what it got was signs that Fall was here in all its splendor. The leaves turned bright yellows and reds and the nights were cooler. It also meant winter was coming with all the horrors it would bring if this Army were forced to winter where it was.
There were other signs. Signs that the American Army was growing in size and strength. Across the Hudson bands of men could be seen gathering daily. A rumor spread that the rebels had retaken Ticonderoga. Whether it was true or not didn't matter as the last Indians left when the rumors reached the camp.
Food and supplies were running short. The commissary officer, the husband of General Burgoyne's mistress claimed there were enough supplies for 30 days. A quick inventory found enough for less than two weeks. The General was running out of options.
Jeffrey leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. He looked around the small room and considered himself lucky as he wasn't in a tent. He was cleaning out items in his desk and making a list of his belonging. In the past few days he had grown very despondent about his situation and his future. The Army was in a bad way and he didn't see any way there could be a good ending. Food was beginning to run scarce as it was impossible for foraging parties to gather any from the surrounding area. Though he still had dinners with the General or the Riedesels or the Aclands, they had become tedious and predictable. Everyone trying hard to put on a good face though it was obvious it wasn't working. Even the food served at those tables was simple fare. Because of the ladies' presence, talk about the military situation was taboo. Since no news of any sort had reached the Army, the topics were sorely limited. Stories and gossip had been repeated over and over.
The last time he heard from home was when they were at Montreal. He received one letter from his father, which caught him up on the family. His sister was pregnant again making it number three. Of all the women in his life after his mother his sister Sarah was the closest. She was his confidant, the one he told everything too. He wrote her about Katrina and entrusted the letter to Lucien. Since he was returning home after his wounding, Jeffrey felt it would get delivered. He wanted to talk to Sarah, to tell her all about his love, and to share his joy. Despite of his confident attitude, Sarah knew him well and was his sheet anchor. If she were here now, she would clear away his dark mood.
There was very little said in his father's letter about Caroline. His Lordship said he was now living in the London house with Sarah and her husband as Parliament was in session and Caroline did not accompany him as of yet, She was going to arrive some what later in time for the social season. Remembering what he said to her when he left, Jeffrey felt she had already found another.
Yesterday he found Nancy's locket. He held it in his hand for a few moments then carefully put it in a small box. He wrapped it in brown paper, placed a small note inside and brought it to Lady Harriett Acland.
"Lady Harriett, would you please see that this package gets to your cousin, Nancy."
"Why, Major, you can deliver it yourself. I'm sure she wouldn't mind," Lady Harriett said attempting to give it back.
"No," he replied, "It would be better for all if you did. Thank you."
He took a sip of the rum he had on his desk. It had reached this point that all that was left to drink was rum. In the mood he was in, it was better than nothing. "Damn," he said out loud, "How did it get to this?"
Katrina and he were so deeply in love that it threatened to tear them apart. The longer apart they were, the more frustrated Jeffrey felt. The short time together was never enough and they were never alone. It was getting so he didn't want to see her. "How could this be?" he asked himself. All he wanted was to take her away from this madness, to be alone together, without any cares and to love her. It seemed like it was never to be. What she said yesterday was eating him up inside.
They found themselves alone along the river and they sat on a fallen log. They kissed and as they did, Katrina became more passionate. She attempted to push his coat off his shoulders. When Jeffrey broke the embrace and looked at her, she quickly stood up and walked away. Jeffrey followed her and slid his arms around her.
She looked skyward and sighed. "We are never going to get to Albany, are we?" she asked.
"No, I don't believe so," he answered.
She turned in his arms. "Then why must we wait? Two people like us who are so much in love, it is only right."
"Do you know what you are saying? Katrina?"
"Oh my love, I do," she exclaimed.
Jeffrey stood back. "You are a virgin and your first time should be special, not something dirty and sorted. There should a big bed and clean sheets. This is not the place. You shouldn't wear a green gown. You deserve better."
"Don't you understand, Jeffrey? It is not the place, it is the person. You will make it special. I feel as if I will burst if I don't have you!" Tears began to well up in her eyes.
"And what if you become with child and something happens to me. I'll not put you through that. Your mother..."
"My mother knew the price and so do I." Katrina moved close and hugged him. "I know and I love you so much."
Jeffrey kissed her forehead and pulled her closer. "Why did we have to meet here, this place, this time? I love you so."
"Begging the Major's pardon, sir," a young lieutenant stammered.
Without letting go, Jeffrey sighed. "Yes what is it?"
"Begging the Major's pardon but General Burgoyne requests your presence, sir."
Jeffrey looked at Katrina and sighed.
"It's alright," she smiled.
"Tell the General I'll be up."
"Is it true?"
