Chapter 19
“They say that from the top of Federal Hill, we’ll be able to see halfway to Washington,” Richard said as they climbed the hill together. “Though that may be an exaggeration.”
Callie and Richard had ended each day of this long week of preparation and waiting with a walk to a different part of the city. Baltimore was the third largest city in the United States, but they were coming to know it well.
“Is Federal Hill as high as your Hampstead Hill? The one you’re digging ditches on?” Callie asked, panting a little from the climb. “That gave a most splendid view of the city and your earthworks.”
“I don’t think this hill is as high, but it does have fine water views.” They crested Federal Hill and looked out past the forts and down the Patapsco River, which led to the bay. Richard stiffened and muttered an oath under his breath.
Callie followed his gaze. In the misty distance were the clustered masts of sailing ships. A cold hand seemed to clench her heart. “The Royal Navy?”
Richard laid a comforting palm on her lower back. “I think it must be.” His voice was stark. “In the next few days, Baltimore’s people and resolution will be tested.”
“Trey.” She swallowed hard. “If General Ross lands his troops, Trey’s regiment will surely be called to action.”
“Perhaps, perhaps not,” Richard said calmly. “Militia, volunteers, and seasoned soldiers have been pouring in. The city is filled to the brim. The British can’t match the American numbers, and given the very fine fortifications we’ve built, the militia won‘t be routed like the troops at Bladensburg were.”
She guessed he was right. Sarah had told her that after the burning of Washington, Baltimore had collapsed into flat panic, but within a couple of days, the city had rallied and grimly dedicated its resources to resisting the likely British attack. She gave a silent prayer to keep Trey safe.
Burying her anxiety, she said, “I’ve heard that the British can’t sail into the harbor unless they turn Fort McHenry into rubble. Do you think that’s true?”
“The Hampstead Hill digging crews certainly believe that.” Richard gestured at the star-shaped brick fort at the end of a peninsula that pointed directly at the distant warships. “According to the sailors I was working with, the fort is well positioned and the river is too shallow for the largest warships to come all the way in. Only the smaller naval vessels can get within firing range.”
“Meanwhile, General Ross’s army will land and invade from the east.” She realized her hand was locked in his with numbing force. She consciously eased her grip. “I wish this damnable war had never begun!”
“I agree.” Frowning at the fort, Richard continued, “I’ve realized that while I don’t stand against my own country, I want the United States to come out of this war stronger and more sure of its identity.” His gaze slid to Callie. “I never could resist cheering for the little fellow.”
She smiled. “Neither can I. How imprudent of America to take on the greatest military power in the world! They’ve made dreadful military mistakes in the war, but here they are literally digging in and making their stand.”
“And more power to them.” He turned, taking her with him, and by mutual consent they headed silently back to the warehouse.
She enjoyed these after supper walks because it gave them private time together. These shared hours were like their childhood friendship, except for the nightly kiss he claimed on the stairs up to their living quarters.
Callie could have eluded him if she’d wanted to, but she’d discovered that she didn’t want to. He didn’t attempt to seduce her, but the kisses became longer and more intoxicating every night. She suspected he was courting her, but didn’t want to ask. A week from now, the battle might be over and it would be possible to think about the future.
But not yet.
* * *
After such intense preparations, Baltimore had started to become complacent, but having British ships within view brought the city back to a state of high anxiety. Troops garbed in everything from official uniforms to scruffy sailors’ clothing churned through the streets, complicated by the number of people who’d decided that the time had come to visit out of town relatives.
Trey was home on an overnight leave, but he bubbled with excitement. “We’ll be mobilized in the morning, I’m sure of it!” he exclaimed.
Gordon considered enlightening him about the ugly realities of combat, but decided against it. Trey wouldn’t believe him, and he’d learn the truth soon enough.
Callie said, “Let’s make a rope ladder tonight, just in case. Josh, do we have enough cordage to make a ladder that will reach the ground from this floor?”
Josh considered, then gave a confirming nod. “We do, and I have wood that would do for solid crossbars.”
Molly asked, “Do you think we’ll need to escape that way, Miss Callista?”
“Probably not, but having had one house burned in this war, I want to be prepared,” Callie explained. “These buildings are all wood, and they’d go up in flames very quickly if the British decide to torch the city.”
Gordon agreed with Callie, and also recognized that having a joint project to work on was a good distraction from the uncertainty looming over them.
Callie lit all their lanterns to provide working light, and even Sarah helped now that she was feeling stronger.
Like most men who spent time at sea, Gordon knew a great deal about knots, so he was designated the knot master. With everyone working together, in a couple of hours they had a sturdy rope ladder long enough to reach the ground from either the front or back of the warehouse.
The ladder made quite a large pile when finished. As Gordon and Trey rolled it into a fat cylinder almost the size of a tobacco barrel, Molly asked worriedly, “Will you be able to manage the ladder if we have to use it, Grandma?”
Sarah laughed. “If it’s the ladder or turning into barbeque, I’ll manage!”
Josh nodded approvingly. “I won’t let you fall, sugar. In the morning when it’s light, I’ll put anchors for the ladders in the front and back.” Josh covered a yawn. “Now I’m ready for some sleep.”
“I’m going to sleep on the balcony,” Trey said. “So I can hear if they give the signal calling the troops to assemble.”
“I think I’ll join you out there,” Gordon said. “It will be pleasantly cool.”
Molly smiled. “If Miss Callista and I sleep outside, too, Grandma and Grandpa can have their bed back.”
Josh chuckled. “A mighty fine idea. I’m not fond of sleeping alone.”
“Me neither,” Sarah said with a smile. “I miss your snoring.”
Gordon wouldn’t miss Josh’s snoring, but he envied the older couple the deep affection that bound them together. He and Callie had great affection, but it was an open question whether it would be enough to hold them together.
The balcony was indeed pleasantly cool, though there was more activity in the streets than usual. Trey and Molly spread out their blankets on the left end while Gordon and Callie took the right end. Gordon was pleased when she spread her pallet beside his. Not close enough for trouble, but close enough that when everyone had settled down, her hand was able to glide over and take his.
He lifted her hand to brush a kiss on her fingers, then settled down into sleep. He was grateful for both his self-control and his fatigue. If he’d given in to temptation and seriously tried to seduce Callie this strange week, she’d probably have brained him with the barrel of her pistol.
Instead she was becoming increasingly relaxed around him, and encouragingly responsive to his kisses. Next time he asked her to marry him, she might actually give the question serious consideration.
If not, well, he’d bide his time and ask her again later.
* * *
Callie awoke at dawn to find that she’d migrated over to Richard’s side and burrowed under his arm to rest her head on his shoulder. She tilted her head up and saw that he was watching her with amusement in his gray eyes. Seeing she was awake, he gently stroked his palm down her arm to the side of her hip. It felt dreadfully wonderful. He didn’t say a word when she silently scrambled away, but the amusement deepened.
She lay on her back, and remembered that today war would surely come to Baltimore, and her stepson would be part of it. Her hand moved back to take Richard’s and he threaded his fingers between hers. Her feelings for him were complicated, but at the moment, she’d take any comfort she could get.
They lay like that until Trey began to stir. “Today’s the day!” he said in a husky voice. A man’s voice, not that of a boy.
Molly, who was not an early riser by choice, said crossly, “I accept that you’re keen to get yourself killed, but can you be quieter about it?”
Callie smiled at the familiar sibling banter. “Time we all got up, I think.” She suited her actions to her words and sat up with a yawn.
“Time all you sleepyheads got moving,” Sarah said from the balcony door. She sounded like her usual healthy self. Sleeping with her husband’s warm body next to her must have improved her energy. She continued, “I’ll make us some breakfast, and then I think we all should go to the nearest church and do some prayin’.”
“Hard to argue with that,” Richard said as he stood and rolled up his pallet. “I just hope God remembers my face when I set foot in that church. It’s been a long time!”
“Then a good thing you’re going this morning, because I guarantee the devil knows your name!” Chuckling, Sarah returned to her cooking.
Beginning the day with laughter was not a bad thing, Callie decided. Laughter and prayers. They needed both.