Paxton's War by Kerry Newcomb Page B

double pleasure to see such a strong display of our sovereign’s commitment to his grateful colony. I suppose you’ve heard already that Charles Town is safely under the Crown’s control?”
    Peter nodded. “A felicitous piece of news, sir. Given to me but moments after our arrival.”
    â€œCharleston?” Jason asked, his heart sinking. “Taken by the British?”
    â€œMuch to the chagrin of the so-called Patriots, of course,” Buckley said, enjoying Jason’s discomfiture. “You’ll be undoubtedly pleased to learn that Brandborough is just as securely under the Crown’s control. And your presence here can only reassure those whose long loyalty has been so bountifully rewarded.”
    â€œWe are duty-bound,” Peter said simply.
    â€œAnd we’re bound for a splendid picnic,” Colleen broke in. “Did you know, Jase, that today is the Brandborough Spring Fair?”
    Charleston taken! My God, is it possible? And Brandborough? The whole colony, too? “Eh?” Jason asked aloud. “Oh, yes. I was told.” He manufactured a smile. “What a happy coincidence.”
    â€œYour arrival couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time,” Colleen went on. “I’m certain Mr. Somerset would be honored to have you and Captain Tregoning join us in his carriage. Your family will all be there. Do say you’ll accompany us.”
    Jason looked at Colleen with wonder. She was almost enough to make him forget the bad news about Charleston. There was a vibrancy to her voice, a vivaciousness he found irresistible. Her transformation from child to woman was nothing less than astounding. “You’ll meet Joy,” Jason told Peter. “That is, if Buckley doesn’t mind our intruding upon him and his fiancée …”
    â€œI’m not his fiancée …” Colleen began to explain before Buckley cut in.
    â€œMind? Why, it would be an honor to introduce the captain to our distinguished citizenry.”
    â€œI’ve only to place my lieutenant in charge of the men,” Peter said, intrigued by the idea of an American picnic.
    A few moments later, after Jason made arrangements for his trunks, the quartet climbed into the carriage. Buckley faced Peter and began to expound on the current local military situation. Jason faced Colleen, and though they spoke not a word, their eyes embraced as their souls sang the same sweet song of longing.

Chapter 4
    Jason felt rather than saw the passing countryside. In spite of the fact that he hadn’t been on American soil in four years, he was unable to look out of the carriage, unable to keep his eyes off Colleen. In her, he saw all the beauty that he associated with home, that spark of aesthetic energy that he’d missed so deeply. Her smile seemed to symbolize the vibrant innocence that old-world Europe, for all its great cultural riches, sorely lacked. Looking at her, he realized how accustomed he’d become to the world-weary attitude of the English, French, and Italians. In her fresh eyes, he felt renewed, and his heart stirred when he realized that the tune she was humming was the very same that he had heard on the Shropshire .
    The short ride passed quickly for everyone, and soon enough the sound of boisterous, happy music signaled their arrival at the picnic grounds. The sound, yes, and the scent of spitted beefs and fresh bread and piping-hot berry cobblers. Simple, hardy fare, blending with the music of a people at play.
    â€œI say,” Peter exclaimed as they stepped from the carriage, “these hardly seem the sounds of a people at war.”
    â€œThis is our day, good Captain,” Colleen volunteered, “to forget all that has been so harshly imposed on us. It’d be a mistake to interpret this as our customary mood.”
    â€œYours is a most peculiar interpretation, Colleen. One hardly fitting to be expressed in front of our honored