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Mystic Owl Publishing
Mystic Owl Publishing
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Category:
Historical Fiction
Publisher: Mystic Owl Publishing
Type: Fiction
Pages: 268
Copyright: Oct 5, 2020
ISBN-13: 9781735374826
Price: $3.99 (eBook)
In 1782 Charles Town, South Carolina, the American War of Independence becomes personal...
2015, International Book Awards Finalist!
How could she love a man suspected of being a turncoat?
As the American Revolution drags on, Charles Town, South Carolina, remains under siege by the British, and one woman’s father is determined to marry her off to a suspected traitor. Emily Sullivan is beset from all sides but vows to fight her own war for independence. Using the best tool she has—her pseudonymous essays—she embarks on a path toward her freedom, risking the town’s condemnation as a female writer. A path putting her at ever greater odds with her father and the man she’s supposed to marry.
Frank Thomson walks a fine line between spying for the Americans and being a perceived loyalist traitor. He desires to end the blasted war and return to his private life. Unfortunately, the enemy conscripted his home. He accepts lodging from Captain Sullivan, happy to be under the same roof as his beloved Emily until his house is returned. Posing as a simple printer of broadsheets and pamphlets, he sends crucial encrypted intelligence to the general camped outside of town. But when Frank learns Emily has been imprisoned by the enemy, he risks his own life, freedom, and heart for hers.
Excerpt
“Why must Frank be coming back to town now?” Emily Sullivan shivered. If asked, she would blame the autumn evening breeze blowing inland across the Charles Town harbor for her reaction. How dare he even show his face? Why was he pretending to be a loyalist? For his own profit or was he a spy? Either way, she’d have naught to do with the man. “Father’s plan may solve one problem but it will cause more for me.”
“I’m sure he thinks he is doing what is best for you.” Samantha McAlester matched her stride for stride as they continued down the street.
“Perhaps, but I don’t agree that marriage is necessary.” Emily’s long skirts swirled about her hurried steps. “I’m glad you wanted to walk with me, Samantha. It’s nicer than traversing the distance home from Aunt Lucille’s house with my servants.”
“Together we’ll be safe enough for such a short walk,” Samantha McAlester replied, “though I doubt your father will agree, given his recent demand that you remain at home.”
“It’s my fault we left the sewing circle later than I intended, but I miss St. Michael’s bells chiming the hour. What shall we do without them? The British should pay dearly for stripping our treasured bells from the steeple.”
“Come, let’s get you home and off the streets.” Samantha quickened her pace.
Emily hurried down the sandy road beside her friend, noting the waning sunshine draping shadows across the street. The slap of the waves at the distant convergence of the Cooper and Ashley Rivers beat a syncopated rhythm against the array of ship hulls, large and small, in the protected harbor. Many of the masts bobbing against the darkening sky sported the hated British flag. The losing army had resorted to sanctioned looting of the beautiful homes—those still standing after two years of British occupation as well as fires and bombardments—as booty for the officers and soldiers before they withdrew.
The British officers sought retaliation for the threat posed by the patriots, who had hidden their true allegiance, against the loyalists living in the city. The officers encouraged harassment of the Americans, which translated into her father, a leading merchant in town, fearing for her safety. She’d walked alone throughout the occupation, so why did he suddenly want her to stay at home?
Dragging in a deep breath, unease settled over Emily’s frayed nerves at the thought of Frank’s return. “I cannot believe Father insists I marry him after all that man has done. Surely Americans have matured enough they wouldn’t force a woman to marry. I’m not a child. Why doesn’t he understand?”
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