Two Wars Raging

By Deborah Reese

The war of 1812 is raging.
Buck Stephens, notorious privateer, is interested in only one thing - driving the British from the eastern seaboard. He is sidetracked by Marianne Primrose, an insistent and opinionated schoolteacher. Their purposes collide, so a compromise is grudgingly made.
The combative relationship between Buck and Marianne slowly evolves into a burgeoning love affair until malicious former love interests vow to separate them. Despite the intrusion of the outside world, Buck and Marianne find their way back to one another time and time again.
But in the end, will their love be strong enough to fight for and win the wars that could destroy their happiness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Aug 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645757603

Deborah Reese

Mary Reese and Deborah Burke, writing under the pen name Deborah Reese, are both grandmothers with Southern roots. Their time is divided between their families, their church activities and community service. They both enjoy reading and historical research. It has always been their dream to write a book which is fun to read, while painlessly teaching history. They reside in Concord, North Carolina.

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About the Author

Mary Reese and Deborah Burke, writing under the pen name Deborah Reese, are both grandmothers with Southern roots. Their time is divided between their families, their church activities, and community service. They both enjoy reading and historical research. It has always been their dream to write a book which is fun to read while painlessly teaching history.

They reside in Concord, North Carolina. Two Wars Raging is their first book.

Dedication

We dedicate this book to Stephen Burke and the late Buck Reese.

Copyright Information ©

Deborah Reese (2020)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Ordering Information:

Quantity sales: special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Reese, Deborah

Two Wars Raging

ISBN 9781645757597 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781645757580 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781645757603(ePub e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020909875

www.austinmacauley.com/us

First Published (2020)

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 28th Floor

New York, NY 10005

USA

[e-mail]

[phone]

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge our Savior, who makes all things possible.

Chapter 1

What the hell is going on here? Buck Stephens thought to himself. With a trace of doubt and nagging suspicion, the well-known shipbuilder and notorious privateer, propped his boots on the desk of William Pinkney and waited impatiently for his return. The Maryland Attorney General had summoned him to his office in the Baltimore Courthouse to assist in a mysterious assembly matter. It all sounded a bit fishy, but William was like a father to him and he was happy to make allowances.

While waiting, Stephens scanned the stately room complete with portraits of all previous presidents of the United States including the present leader, James Madison. Buck felt honored to be in such revered company.

Leaning back in his chair, Buck’s mind drifted to his early childhood and the man he had become. Never knowing his father and losing his mother to consumption as a child, Buck was left to fend for himself on the seedy docks of Baltimore. William had discovered him – a skinny, ragged twelve-year old scrounging for food scraps, half-starved and shivering with cold. The boy was barely alive when William brought him home. In the coming years, no man had a more loving son and no son a more devoted father.

Known for his impatience, Buck began to get restless, wanting to return to his shipyard. He was about to leave a note when William walked into the room.

It’s good to see you, his mentor enthused. I’m glad you were patient enough to wait, he chuckled, knowing exactly what Buck was thinking. He circled the massive mahogany desk and made himself comfortable.

I can’t imagine why you would need me specifically, Buck insisted. There are other assemblymen that would have been anxious to assist you. You know I have no real interest in political foolishness.

The Attorney General shuffled some government papers on his desk before looking up and urging him to continue.

Buck went on, Of course, I’ll make time for you, but do you really think I’m your best choice? You do realize that it’s essential I meet my deadline. Three ships must be ready to sail before September. The British are becoming a larger threat by the day. Buck truly believed that the destiny of the United States of America lay partly in his hands. His beloved country had declared and won her independence thirty-six years ago, but alas, the Redcoats were already at her throat again. He was determined to help stop them no matter the cost.

William should understand. He had influenced Buck in many ways, but none so much as the deep love of country that they shared. As a young man, William had participated in the Revolution, and made great and lasting friendships with the likes of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and even a passing acquaintance with General Washington himself. The stories and antidotes of his past entertained and educated Buck throughout their shared lives.

I realize how demanding your work is, but I’m only asking a small favor. The constituent involved is a personal friend of mine, and I want someone I trust to take seriously her interests. It won’t affect the outcome of the war for you to give this deserving young woman a few hours of your time.

Considering that remark, Buck sat upright and noticed the mischievous glint in William’s eye. Aha! I knew it had to involve a woman. You’re worse than an old mother hen meddling in my affairs.

Still settled behind his desk, William tried once more to convince Buck to willingly help Marianne Primrose. Actually, I’m doing you a favor. Miss Primrose is a very special young woman, and she could really use your skill. She just might be able to teach you that there is more than one way to serve your country.

The older man’s tenacity mixed with his good humor cracked Buck’s defenses. In mock submission, he leaned against the far wall with his arms crossed in front of him. What special talent do I have that would serve her better than my colleagues on the council? He paused to ponder the whole situation. Thinking aloud, he looked again at William, Marianne Primrose. That name sounds vaguely familiar. Have I met Miss Primrose previously? At your home, perhaps?

You remember correctly. You barged in at one of my wife’s dinner parties and caused quite a stir among the ladies if I recall, dressed like a pirate – earring and all. I don’t believe my wife has ever forgiven you.

She should have thanked me for taking my leave so promptly after delivering the report that you insisted that I bring over immediately. You own some responsibility for that debacle.

I absolutely do, said William chuckling. I doubt that Miss Primrose is holding any ill will; she probably doesn’t even remember you. She however has matured into a very interesting woman. She’s smart, hard-working, and caring. She never hesitates to help anyone in need, especially children. I think you’ll find her quite impressive.

Exactly what does she expect from the assembly? Buck questioned.

It has something to do with the schoolhouse where she teaches. When she arrives in the chamber room, I would like for you to listen to her proposal attentively and with an open mind.

If you insist, said Buck offhandedly. His mind was already wandering back to the country’s greatest need – warships. He managed a capable crew to build his ships, yet it was his blueprints and strategic planning that would help America win the war.

Thanks, I appreciate that. I’ll return later this afternoon so we can discuss the outcome then. William rose and retrieved his frock coat and top hat. Turning, he gave Buck some last words of advice. Listen before you speak and don’t underestimate her tenacity. I have found her to be a remarkably astute young woman. I think you will as well.

Tired, Buck leaned back in William’s worn leather chair and propped his boots onto the desk while waiting for Marianne to arrive. From this vantage, he could rest while having a clear view of the street that faced their office.

The busy thoroughfare of carriages and passersby was quite a contrast to his month at sea. The ships he built seemed no longer able to penetrate the British blockade. The war seemed to be taking an ominous turn with no end in sight. President Madison declared war on Britain in 1812. Sailor’s rights and free trade were the primary issues at the time but had since blossomed to British expansion in North America. During the first year of the war, England was at a disadvantage at sea. Napoleon was keeping at least half their powerful Navy busy on the continent. But now that France had abdicated, Britain was free to put the full force of the Royal Navy against us. Now those lobster backs were free to fight in the Great Lake Territories, Upper Canada, as well as blockading the Atlantic seaboard from New York to points south of the Chesapeake, all the way to Georgia.

Buck had struggled so hard with his high hopes of defeating the British within the first year of the War of 1812. It hadn’t happened, and now the war was well into its second year. Disappointment washed over him just thinking about the futility of the situation. No matter how many warships he and the other American shipbuilders constructed, the Patriots just couldn’t out-man or smuggle enough arms to keep up with the unending English resources.

Staring out the window for some unknown solution, Buck noticed a woman walking briskly up the cobbled walk toward the courthouse. His mind immediately spun back to William’s request. Could that be the schoolteacher? The hot June sun must be playing tricks on him, because this woman didn’t match his former recollection of her. He almost fell out of his chair straining to get a better view of the extremely tall, long-limbed lady as she approached with purposeful strides. Buck found it difficult to tear his eyes away from her. She fascinated him. Why? Maybe, he realized it was the way she moved so determined yet so graceful.

Marianne understood when she made this appointment that convincing the council to accept her proposal would not be easy – not by a long shot. And she was determined not to back down. As a teacher, she was convinced that her objective was reasonable and necessary to the betterment of Baltimore. She would simply state the facts clearly and understandably until the council agreed with her position.

As Marianne walked toward town, she thought back to how far she had come since her parents had died in a carriage accident seven years ago. She had led a sheltered life as the daughter of a preacher in rural Maryland. Books were her best friends. She immersed herself in the facts and fantasies of the world through the volumes in her father’s library. Her only acquaintances were the members who attended her father’s church. After her parent’s untimely death, Marianne was thrust into a world she was limited in navigating on her own.

Kind neighbors let her stay in the parsonage until she could collect all her family’s possessions and find a direction for her life. She inherited enough money from her parents to live comfortably if not lavishly, so she need not worry about finances. But her deep and abiding faith had been tested with their deaths. Devastated, she pressed ahead with the help of much soul-searching and many prayers. Eventually, she allowed hope and God’s love to refill her heart. Marianne felt the Lord leading her to apply for a position as a teacher in a small school outside of Baltimore. Exceedingly successful in attracting students, she was persuaded by William Pinkney to move to the city. She soon realized that she was doing exactly what was meant for her. Accepting the job three years ago, Marianne thought back to how many people she had met, how kind everyone had been to her, and how much she had come to love the area as well as her students.

Marianne stopped abruptly when realizing she was standing across the street from the courthouse. She shook her head slightly to clear the past from her mind and concentrate on the present. Fear would not dominate; she would prevail.

Marianne pulled open the heavy front doors of the huge government building. There was a vast foyer before she came to a long corridor ahead of her. Although she knew William Pinkney’s wife, Sophie, very well, her acquaintance with the Attorney General was only on occasion. Little thought was given to where his priorities lie.

She found a door marked ‘town council’ and pushed it open. I’m looking for Attorney General Pinkney. Am I early?

Not at all, Miss Primrose; you are exactly on time. Allow me to introduce myself. Leaning over the desk, he offered his hand. Buck Stephens. William was unavoidably called away and asked me to meet with you in his place since the whole council will not be meeting today. Hopefully, we can get a head start on your proposal.

This man looked more pirate than politician, thought Marianne. His striking appearance stole her breath away. How would she ever be able to discuss anything coherently with him? Uncertainty rose within her.

Looking down at her hand which lay nestled in the palm of his larger one, she felt a strange sensation that caused her eyes to immediately meet his. Had he felt it too? No, of course not, he looked completely composed. She had to gather her wits! She took a deep breath and tried to concentrate solely on her purpose.

Quickly removing her hand, Marianne said, I hope you can help me, Mr. Stephens. His dark turquoise eyes glazed directly into hers, causing her heart to thump wildly.

Wetting her lips nervously, she started to explain, I…I need an allocation of funds from the town’s treasury to have a new schoolhouse built. The one we have is past the point of repairing and…

Surely, you realize that I do not have the power to grant a request as large as that on my own, he replied as he suddenly turned and cornered the desk to confront her.

Why no, I never would have come if I’d have thought that. Wait a minute. Mr. Pinkney knew somewhat of my plans, and he didn’t seem to think it would be a problem for you to grant a small amount to benefit our city as well as our children.

I’m afraid that’s a decision for the whole council to make. Money and supplies are tight. We are at war, Miss Primrose, or have you forgotten?

Of course, I haven’t forgotten. But we need to keep some sort of normalcy for our children. An education in a warm, safe place is a starting point.

If we jeopardize this war because we’ve squandered what little money we have on unnecessary extravagances, we won’t be able to worry about building schools or anything else for that matter.

I don’t see the conflict, retorted Marianne. It’s not my job to see that we win this war. It’s mine to be sure that every child who wants an education gets one. There is no reason that we cannot put our joint effort into both our concerns.

I don’t agree. He shrugged as if he was through discussing anything with her. If you want to pursue this, you’ll have to wait until the assembly meets on Wednesday.

Don’t you want to read my proposal? I’d love to know what you think of my plans.

I’ve heard enough. It would be a waste of my time and yours. He walked back behind the desk and started shuffling through some papers.

It was a clear dismissal, and it infuriated Marianne. William led me to believe that… she started.

William must have misunderstood, he barked.

He did not! she challenged.

Firmly, Buck put an end to their conversation. Miss Primrose, I’m afraid I can’t help you. Turning away from her accusing gaze, he brushed Marianne off as easily as he would the lint from his frock coat.

You mean you won’t help me? She couldn’t believe the nerve of this man. Speechless, she stood dazed as he shook her hand good-bye and led her to the door. For a moment she wondered if he could be having second thoughts when he paused and turned her toward him. His gaze was drawn to her mouth, completely unnerving her. Her blood started to boil – with fury and some emotion she couldn’t describe. Marianne jerked from his grasp.

Ignoring her protests, Buck held her chin firmly while scrutinizing her features. Remove that awful bonnet and you’re quite pretty.

Shocked by his forwardness, she did not answer, but her eyes memorized his face as he watched her reaction. She’d never had any personal interaction with a man her own age before. It was unnerving. Such a wicked smile with dimples imbedded in bronzed skin. And those eyes! She’s never seen anything so stunningly blue.

Astounded, she pulled away with as much dignity as she could summon and walked back down the corridor. Once out on the street again, Marianne’s temper flared. How dare that man treat her like some doxy! She had no illusions about herself. Marianne was well aware of her own shortcomings and being empty-headed was definitely not one of them. It was true she had thick, overly curly red hair, unsightly freckles across her nose, a too-wide mouth and worse of all, her incredible height. She stood a full five feet ten inches in her bare feet. Very few men had looked at her the way that Buck had. But now, feelings had been awakened. She needed to rid herself of this emotion. It could bring her only pain and humiliation.

But maybe, just this once she’d let herself wonder. Had Buck Stephens done the unforgivable by forcing her to think about things and want things she had given up on years ago? What should she do? More contact with him would inevitably turn her ordered life upside down.

She was not about to walk away from her efforts to build a new schoolhouse, just to avoid him. Not on your life! The well-being of her students consumed her. She would not give in to Buck’s quarrelsome tactics. If he thought he’d heard the last of Miss Marianne Primrose, he was sadly mistaken. Bright and early Wednesday morning, she’d appear before the assembly to plead her case in earnest – Buck Stephens or no Buck Stephens.

Chapter 2

William Pinkney was distracted by the buzz in the assembly room as he flipped through the cases to be heard that morning. At ten o’clock, the town hall filled with curious onlookers, who wished to observe the resolutions being presented by Baltimore’s citizens. Rarely, if ever, was there a heated discussion. As a matter of fact, most of the items on the agenda merely initiated the weekly town gossip.

Today promised to be different. However, William was startled to see Marianne Primrose’s name on the docket. What the hell happened between Buck and Marianne?

He surely had misjudged by thinking the matter was settled! Too bad that time had not allowed a second meeting between him and Buck before now. He never imagined that Buck would make Marianne face the town fathers. How could he be so obstinate when the solution to her request was so simple? Obviously, Buck’s single-mindedness must have blinded him to a cause other than his own.

William admired many of Buck’s fine qualities, but his unrelenting determination fueled several disagreements among their colleagues. Once Buck set his mind on something, he was dogged. The problem with that was, of course, he gave little consideration to much else. He resisted picturing Buck a racehorse with blinders.

The Attorney General realized that Buck’s argument was that the republic’s every resource should be diverted to the war effort. While he, on the other hand, felt sure that the assembly could manage to grant Marianne’s request without compromising the war with England. With his power to cast the deciding vote, William was prepared to assist Marianne, no matter how valiantly Buck fought against her.

Checking his timepiece, William found he’d finished his overview of the pending proposals with five minutes to spare. He allowed his gaze to scan the room completely before stopping on the upturned face of Marianne Primrose. She sat front row center; her hands nervously twisting in her lap. How he hoped her confidence would not desert her. She’d need every bit of courage to face off against Buck. An image of dueling enemies brought a chuckle to mind.

William continued to watch as Marianne returned a tremulous smile to his encouraging nod. He found it remarkable how she had emerged from a shy girl of nineteen to become such a capable, well-loved schoolteacher. He also remembered her fears. Fortunately, the vivid coloring of her youth had softened to a radiant beauty, although his wife could not convince her of that fact, and her beautiful bone structure had become even more defined as she matured. Yes, Marianne possessed a rare kind of loveliness in spite of those spinsterish glasses and unflattering bonnets she consistently wore.

The more William pondered the situation he had created, the more he believed that perhaps he never should have meddled. He should have minded his own business. Yet Buck and Marianne were both young and spirited; both were unmarried. Could anyone really blame him for trying to spark an interest between them? He smiled mischievously as he called the meeting to order.

The whacking sound of William Pinkney’s gavel brought Marianne’s mind to full alert.

Miss Primrose, please come forward, the Attorney General announced.

Yes sir. Marianne could feel her knees trembling while she walked the short distance to stand in front of the assemblymen’s bench.

As was customary, one by one they stood and acknowledged her. Marianne’s gaze followed each as she smiled and curtsied in return. For an instant, her eyes were drawn to the end seat where she knew Buck Stephens sat waiting in judgment. Their eyes locked, her heart pounded, and yet she was again captivated by his features. Merciful heaven, the lure this man’s physical presence held over her! Shaking mentally, she remembered all too clearly that under that handsome façade, beat a heart of indifference. She must act accordingly.

Marianne, the council has carefully read the documents that you submitted. Would you care to give a further statement before we discuss and vote on your proposal? Pinkney asked.

I would, she responded faintly. There were so many people! She could sense their eyes boring into the back of her. Panic coaxed her to turn and run, yet the images of her students’ faces held her in place. They would have gained nothing, and Buck Stephens would have gained everything! No, she wouldn’t allow herself to become a laughingstock. She’d come this far, and with God’s help, she’d make it through.

Taking a deep breath, she continued, I’m not sure how many of you realize that the existing schoolhouse is little more than a tinder box with room for less than twenty children. The windows are either cracked or broken, and desks and books are few. The children shiver in winter from the drafts. Many of them own only flimsy coats. They have even less to wear during our hot summers. It’s a travesty that a town the size of Baltimore cannot provide for its children.

Travesty! Buck shot up out of his chair, abruptly interrupting her speech. Don’t you know what peril our country is in? Don’t you realize that our survival as a nation depends on focusing all our resources on the war?

Out of order! Out of order! William’s gavel pounded over and over. Mr. Stephens, will you please sit down. Miss Primrose has a right to be heard without interruption.

Shaken by Buck’s untimely outburst, Marianne put her hand to her breast. It wasn’t until the outrage at his rudeness surpassed her fear that she was able to speak again. Shyly, but with determination, she turned back toward the other assemblymen. Surely, you men can divert a small amount of funds from the treasury.

Buck almost jumped out of his seat. I am sick to death of war protestors! he looked straight at Marianne as he made that statement. Daggers flew from those penetrating eyes.

And I’m sick to death of self-righteous bullies who have no thought of anything but their own agenda! Marianne stomped her foot.

My agenda? Look who’s talking!

That’s what you should be doing, Mr. Stephens – looking, not talking! William shouted, almost coming out of his seat.

Buck defiantly eased back down before William could cite him for being out of order, but the look on his face was formidable.

Marianne could feel her cheeks flush scarlet from Buck’s intense stare. Still, she had much more to say and she would not be stifled. "Gentlemen, I understand Mr. Stephen’s passion for his country. I love this country too. That’s why I want what’s best for our children. They need an education and our support. They are the