After the Harvest ball, my life settled once more into a comfortable routine. I took my breakfast in the bedroom, and after I was dressed went across to the sunny sewing room where Cathy and her mother would be, with little James and his nurse. He was laughing aloud now. I sat on the floor next to his pallet, tickling his middle and delighting in his chuckles.
My father was frequently at Brianag for dinner; Kevin, almost always, and other neighbors often. After dinner we would play cards in the drawing room, then after our rest, have supper together with more friends, and after that, more games and music in the drawing room. Kevin and John Belden and Cathy and I played hazard together, when August was there she would play on the pianoforte while we sang, and sometimes John would play his violin.
Kevin and my father and I made a trip to Charles Town; I brought August with me.
We stayed at our townhouse there and I was obliged for the first time to fill my mother's place. My father's business acquaintances and their wives visited us; I served tea in the mornings and sat at the end of the table at suppers. Charles Town was vibrant with parties and dances and we attended them all. August and I danced with all the young men, colonial and British; for four days we scarcely drew breath.
August and I visited the shops, looking for Christmas gifts for our friends. I found a delightful rocking horse for James; though it would be months before he was big enough to use it, I could not resist. For Catherine, I purchased a gold bracelet at a jeweler's shop.
August bought pearl earbobs for her mother. I found a snuff box for my father, and studs for Kevin.
We left the jeweler and went down the street toward the stationer's. Outside the Gazette, a group of people stood. We heard raised voices.
"Gentlemen!" a well-dressed man was saying. "Let us not be too hasty. Let us wait and see."
"Wait and see?" another man shouted. "I have a daughter living there, sir, and grandchildren! I would not see them slaughtered by riff-raff!"
"Aye!" other voices joined in. "We must go and raise the militia. Get rid of the ruffians once and for all!"
A red-coated soldier came toward us; I recognized Freddie Ashford.
"Why, Lieutenant Ashford!" I exclaimed as he took my hand. "You do get around, sir!
How long have you been in town?"
"I have only just arrived yesterday," he said, his pale eyes surveying me. "How do you do, Mrs. Stewart."