Cornwallis leaned back in his chair. "Hickman recommends we move our supplies by barge. In fact, he knows a perfect place halfway to Charles Town. What was the name of that plantation?"
"Loblolly, my lord," Ezra answered. "On the Black River."
"Your suggestion has merit," Cornwallis continued. "And since you are already acquainted with the house and its occupants, I'm putting you in charge."
Ezra's mouth dropped open. Damn. He would be far from the battle lines and entirely forgotten.
Cornwallis smiled as he poured a crystal glass full of wine. "You're a lucky devil, Hickman. You'll be eating well and living in comfort while the rest of us suffer."
The general didn't look like he was suffering or missing any meals, Ezra thought. "My lord, I was hoping for something more - " He noticed a hard glint in the general's eyes. This was not the time. "I am delighted to be of service, my lord."
The door opened behind him, and the aide spoke. "Greville, sir."
A tall soldier marched in and stood at attention.
"You're the soldier who escaped from the partisans?" Cornwallis asked.
"Yes, sir," Greville replied, his eyes gleaming with pride. "I escaped five days ago in North Carolina. I made it back here last night."
Tarleton advanced on the soldier. "You were captured at Nelson's Ferry?"
Greville's face reddened. "Yes, sir."
Tarleton gritted his teeth. "Where is Marion now?"
"He was in North Carolina when I escaped, sir. I believe he is still there."
Tarleton turned to Lieutenant Brewster. "When was the ambush at Kingstree?"
"A week ago, sir," Brewster answered.
Tarleton stepped closer to the lieutenant. "Who was the leader of the ambush?"
A drop of sweat ran down the lieutenant's cheek. "I don't know his name, sir. He had dark hair - "
"So does Marion," Tarleton interrupted. "Was he a short, swarthy fellow, in his forties?"
"No, sir," Brewster answered. "He was young and tall. He threatened to cut my eyes out with that vicious knife of his."
"Wait." Greville held up a hand. "He has a knife?"
"Yes, a long, wicked one with a handle inlaid with ivory."
"That's my knife," Greville insisted. "After the bastard broke my nose, he stole my knife to murder one of our soldiers at Nelson's Ferry."
"Make a note," Cornwallis addressed his aide. "I want a bounty on this man's head. A handsome reward should help us nab him. Do you know his name, Greville?"
Greville's crooked nose made his smile appeared lopsided. "Aye, I'll never forget. He's Captain Matthias Murray Thomas."
Ezra's breath caught. The mistress of Loblolly had introduced herself as Jane Murray Thomas. She had to be related. His heart started pounding, and he stiffened, carefully keeping his face blank.
"I mean to apprehend this Captain Thomas," Tarleton announced. "Since you know him, Greville, you will ride with me."
Greville's eyes lit up. "Thank you, sir."
Ezra remained wooden, not letting anyone know how excited he was. That hefty reward could be his! He could still attain his dream of being a wealthy man. All he had to do was turn in the wanted rebel leader Matthias Murray Thomas.
Chapter Fourteen
Monday, September 25, 1780
After Caroline had completed two rows, she passed the knitting needles and yarn to her niece.
Charlotte accepted them with a frown. "Do I have to?"
"Aye." Virginia lowered her ever-expanding form onto Charlotte's bed in the nursery. "Jane was kind enough to give us needles and yarn, so you should practice."
With a huff, Charlotte sat beside her mother. "I wager Miss Ludlow doesn't knit her own stockings."
"Don't you want to be able to take care of yourself?" Caroline asked. "And you, Edward, I'm sure you can find something more useful to do than playing with soldiers."
"I like playing soldier when Mama and Charlotte are knitting." Edward stretched out on the floor. "I pretend the clicking noises are their swords clashing."
Caroline plucked one of his soldiers from the floor. "What happened to this one? His head looks melted."
" 'Tis nothing," Edward mumbled.
Charlotte paused in her knitting. "He's punishing the redcoats."
"What?" Virginia asked.
Edward glared at his sister. "Tattler."
Caroline inspected the British army. Several soldiers bore mutilated heads. "Edward, what have you been doing?"
He sat, crossing his legs. "I burn them. They deserve it. They burned our house in Charles Town and our cabin - "
"I don't care!" Caroline gathered up the melted soldiers. "These don't belong to you. You have no right to destroy someone else's property."
"But armies do it all the time." Edward gestured to the soldiers on the floor. "And these are armies."
"These are toys." Caroline dropped the soldiers into the tin box. "And