Answering Liberty's Call

Two days into our journey Benjamin and I stroll up the high street toward The Plough, I hear someone call my name. Congressman Harrison waves as he hastens across the churned-up street, dodging a wagon and a pair of men on horseback. Too excited to bother with the steppingstones, he joins us on the boardwalk, his shoes, stockings, and cloak spattered with mud.

“Missus Stone! What a delight to see you again.” Beaming, he clasps both my hands in his and brings them to his lips. 

I bow. “Thank you, sir.”

“Did you hear I am to join your traveling party tomorrow?”

“Yes. We will be glad of your company. May I present my husband, Benjamin?”

Harrison extends his hand. “Sergeant Stone, your servant, sir. If I may say, your wife is a singularly brave woman.” 

But Benjamin refuses to shake. Instead, his chin juts out as he puts a possessive arm around my waist. “I well know my wife’s determination and grit. But how dare you take advantage of her and put her in harm’s way, sir?”

Harrison’s good cheer fades and I speak up on his behalf. “Mr. Harrison did not send me on the errand to endanger me. I was proud to help.”

“He could’ve gotten you killed.”

“Oh, come now, Benjamin. All’s well that ends well. The important thing is Washington received the letter.” I shrug at Harrison. “The journey was more harrowing than I expected.”

Before Benjamin can reply, the congressman gestures toward the tavern. “I must hear all about your journey. Will you join me as my guests for supper? I imagine you might like to know more details of the situation necessitating you taking such a risk.” He lowers his voice. “Let me assure you, men in and out of Congress were maneuvering against Washington in favor of the hero of the Battle of Saratoga.”

At that, Benjamin’s eyes light up. He will not refuse the opportunity to learn more. He is as curious as I—and wild horses could not drag me away from this meal.

Harrison opens the door and gestures us inside the tavern where we gather around a table near the fire.