Read Online THE CRY FOR FREEDOM (Winds of Betrayal) by Jerri Hines - Free Book Online

could hear Mother Agnes in the parlor humming to herself. The family had returned from Mount Fairview only yesterday, after Hannah had discovered Marcus Durham wondering about the plantation. He walked over behind his stepmother. Momentarily startled, she turned, relief in her eyes. He leaned over to kiss her cheek.
    “I am sorry, Jonathan. My mind was elsewhere.” She smiled as she placed her flowers down upon the table.
    “Where would that be?” he asked.
    Hesitating for only a moment, she answered. “Would it surprise you if it was on Hannah?”
    He reached for a piece of fruit from the table and took a seat on the winged chair. “In all honesty, no.”
    “I worry about her, Jonathan. I overheard her with the Miller’s girl, Peggy, this morning. She talked of joining the militia. I believe if we don’t tie her down she will, too.”
    He chuckled, but immediately knew his mistake. 
    “You think I jest,” she cried picking up the flowers to arrange once more. “I wish I was. She told Peggy that she could out shoot and ride any of them. And didn’t see any reason for her not to.”
    “Mother Agnes, she is merely mad at Gabriel for his inaction. And even if she was serious, no one is going to accept a woman in the militia. You do so worry about her, but this one isn’t within her means. You are sure there isn’t more?”
    She bit her lip. She looked down. “It is probably more the business with Gabriel. I can see she is quite taken with him. And with him asking John for her hand and now stands back. I believe that God-awful man Richard Wick put something dreadful into Margaret Witherspoon’s ear.  Hannah’s heart is breaking, Jonathan.” She paused for a moment. “If only he knew about Hannah’s dowry.”
    Jonathan shook his head. “Then he wouldn’t be marrying her for the right reasons, would he?” he said plainly. “In truth, Mother Agnes, Gabriel needs to mature and take responsibility for his actions. If he had doubts, he should have never have asked Father, no matter Hannah’s dowry or not.”
    She smiled up at him. “Ah, I shouldn’t dwell on the issue at the moment. You are here for such a short time. I wish your bride had come with you. I understand, though, Jonathan, I do. When you return, you are coming back home. Aren’t you?” Concern emulated within her voice “I know it is selfish, but we do wish all our children home.”
    “It isn’t selfish, Mother Agnes. I want nothing more than to settle here, but Catherine fears for me when I leave with my commission. Once I return for good, it won’t be an issue. You will love her.” Jonathan said with more confidence than he felt. In truth it was his desire. He would only have to convince Catherine of the same.
    * * * *
    A loud uproar woke Hannah from a sound sleep, and sleep hadn’t come easy for her lately. She had refused to think of Gabriel. Thoughts of him only angered her. Just yesterday Peggy said she thought Gabriel was only looking to marry money. But his words…his promises echoed within her head and filled her dreams. She told no one, but pondered them close to her heart.
    Loud voices resounded from down the stairs. She ran from her room and into Mother Agnes as she bounded down the stairs. She could hear drums beating from open windows. Her father raced from his study where he had still been at work. Jonathan had dressed hurriedly, quite disheveled.
    “Father,” Jonathan said. “William is here. The British have stolen the Magazine. The Drums are sounding.”
    “Get my musket, Jonathan. I’ll get my boots,” her father said anxiously as he moved passed the women. William stood by the door, ready for action. The drum thuds echoed throughout the house. Jonathan’s steps interrupted the rhythmic call. Within minutes the men were out the door without another word.
    Mother Agnes checked, ensuring the door, was shut tight. Hannah posed behind Mother Agnes waiting until she left the foyer. Turning, Mother Agnes shook her