Judas Flowering by Jane Aiken Hodge Page B

be only too happy if you are proved right.” Sir James rose to his feet. “But my mind misgives me as to what action may be taken at home as a result of that Boston tea business last December. If only the mails were not so slow. But in winter …”
    â€œIt’s the one reason why I prefer Harvard College to England for my studies. At least, there I shall be in close touch with home by way of the Charleston packet.”
    â€œYes.” There was still a note of doubt in Sir James’ voice, and he hurried to turn the subject. “At least I can count on your family, Hart, for the fourth of June?”
    â€œLet us all go, Hart,” said his mother. “I will see to the arrangements for opening the town house, and, indeed, it is time it was aired and used. We have been shocking countrymice since I was ill, and it will be a high treat for the girls.”
    â€œFor Miss Phillips?” asked Hart doubtfully. “After her last experience of Savannah?”
    â€œAll the more reason why she should come back, and if I may say so, publicly, under your and my protection, Hart.” Sir James was drawing on his gloves. “You will all dine with me, I hope, after the celebration, and watch the illuminations from the Council House with me. I am inviting the Habershams and the Joneses, among many others.”
    â€œBoth fathers and sons?” asked Hart. Everyone knew that both the Joneses of Wormsloe and the wealthy Habershams were divided politically, fathers in each case adhering faithfully to King George III, while their sons, if not actually Liberty Boys, were certainly confirmed radicals and frequenters of Tondee’s Tavern.
    â€œBut, of course,” said Sir James. “We all love our King, here in Georgia. There has never been the slightest question of that. His birthday seems to me the ideal opportunity for an easing of the strife that has divided father from son, and brother from brother in these unhappy colonies.”
    â€œYes.” Now it was Hart’s turn to sound doubtful. “If only it works out.”
    â€œAt least”—Sir James bent gracefully over Mrs Purchis’ outstretched hand—“I am to congratulate you on a united household here. Though young Mayfield, I believe, keeps every kind of company when he’s in town.”
    It was almost a question, and Martha Purchis chose to answer it. “I’m afraid my nephew cares more for a hand of cards and a bet on it than for politics,” she said. “He’s a sad anxiety to my sister, Sir James. I only wish some office could be found for him.”
    â€œOh, shame, Mother,” protested Hart. “To be begging of Sir James, and without even Frank’s permission. Besides,” shrewdly, “if he were offered a place, I doubt he would take it.”
    â€œAnd this is no time for the giving of places.” They were all thinking of the mob violence that had threatened people who were even suspected of being appointed collectors of the unpopular Stamp Tax nine years before.
    As Hart escorted Sir James out to his carriage, the governor gave him a keen look. “Just the same,” he said, “your cousin does keep odd company. You think him sound?”
    â€œCompletely. He was saying only the other day how muchhe wished he’d been able to take a commission in His Majesty’s forces when he was in England. He’s just”—Hart reddened—”lazy, I am afraid, and a little spoiled. I’d hoped he would look after the plantation for me when I go north, but it’s no use. He thinks such work degrading.”
    â€œI wish you wouldn’t go, my boy.”
    â€œSir James, I’m so ignorant! Why, even Miss Phillips can put me down in an argument. She was talking about Locke and Montesquieu the other day, and I didn’t even know what they had written. Surely you must see that if we are to come through our present troubles we need