An English Rose

By Elizabeth M. Forbes

It all started after Anne made her debut in London and was just starting to get acquainted with possible suitors when her father decided to move his family to Boston in the American colony.
The family came across in a British warship captained by her uncle in answer to the Boston Tea Party. While traveling the Atlantic, Anne became acquainted with her uncles second in command, Jonathan Wallace. Once on shore in Boston, they became more than mere friends while her sister began her own kind of rebellion against societies rules.
A tragic accident put the little family taking sides within itself as love blossomed. At the same time, a sibling rivalry between her father and his brother, the Captain of the warship, erupted along with gunfire and the famous Boston siege which threatened to part the couple and interrupt a return to England. Meanwhile, Anne ministered to the wounded and made friends with the Indians while looking for her brother in Saratoga as British troops become outnumbered by flintlocks and muskets.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503567122

Elizabeth M. Forbes

This author was born in Saratoga, New York which is known for its spring water and its famous racetrack. She is a first generation American descended from family coming from Scotland and Germany. Her maternal family history was told in her first book, The Proud Prussian. This story focuses on her paternal family who came from Scotland to Nova Scotia, Canada and then down into upstate New York. She was born in Saratoga, N.Y. and grew up surrounded by the history of that city and some of its historic sites such as Fort Saratoga. She has great memories of visits to the Seneca Indian Tribe located in upstate New York where she learned to appreciate nature in all its glory. She graduated from Skidmore College and studied history and languages. At graduation, she found that New York had a hold on hiring any teachers for that year. Rather than wait and work part time as a substitute, she followed a family tradition from the Royal British Navy and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where she worked at the Pentagon with Naval Intelligence and as an Admiral’s Aide. She has traveled extensively overseas where she has visited Russia, Germany and, of course, the United Kingdom. Her first trip to Russia was with an International Exchange with the U.S. where she visited Moscow and St. Petersburg along with various museums and hospitals. Her visits to Germany have been more frequent as have her visits to England and Scotland. While in the U.S., she has lived in New York along with Virginia, New Mexico and Texas. At present she lives in Washington state where she is familiar with that state’s two well-known universities, the University of Washington and Washington State University. She is an avid fan of the New York Yankees and yes, she sings the praises of the Seattle Seahawks.

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Copyright © 2015 by Elizabeth M. Forbes.

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Rev. date: 05/06/2015

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CONTENTS

DEPARTURE – FEBRUARY 10, 1774

ARRIVAL - MARCH 1774

A CARRIAGE RIDE

TROUBLE ANID SOCIAL GRACES MAY - JUNE 1774

LOVE AND A TRAGIC ENDING - SEPTEMBER 1774

BOSTON TO NEW YORK

CLINIC WORKERS SEPTEMBER 1774

AN UNEXPECTED DUNKING DECEMBER 1774

SARATOGA - WINTER 1775

THE SIEGE OF BOSTON APRIL, 1775

MOLLY’S STORY – HER NEW BEGINNING

INDEPENDENCE DECLARED JULY 4, 1776

CHRISTMAS AND NEW BEGINNING

BATTLES OF SARATOGA SEP 19 & OCT 7, 1777

ENGLAND!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DEPARTURE – FEBRUARY 10, 1774

T HE WIND WAS blowing in penetrating gusts as Anne Douglas walked sadly along the English port from which the warship, HMS Majestic, was due to depart in a few hours. Her mother, Alice, accompanied by her sister, Margaret, were eagerly walking ahead…or at least her sister was eager for their expedition to the colonies in what they called ‘America’.

Anne was due to turn nineteen on February twentieth of that year, and now she could look forward to only a small celebration at sea on her uncle’s ship while he served as captain instead of the more lavish one that she had been preparing for in London. She and her aunt, Eleanor had planned a party that would have introduced her to much of their immediate society in London. Now, due to her father’s insistence, their little family was scheduled to joined him in the American colony in Boston, all because he was a part owner in the British East India Company with an office in Boston…the very place where several shipments of tea had been informally dumped into the harbor by the citizens expressing their dislike of the imposed new taxes. On top of that, any invites to dances commemorating Valentine’s Day would also go unanswered or unobserved while she managed to become accustomed to the rock and roll of a ship pitching on the Atlantic. At least Anne had managed to include a new dress with red trimming for the holiday while she saw her expectations of any beaus drift away. She had also managed to find some mistletoe and had it wrapped up tightly in a small traveling packet where she could keep it watered and fairly respectable as a memory of the beaus she might have had.

Even thinking about the days ahead had her almost in tears. She would much rather have stayed with her aunt, Uncle Drew’s wife, in their house in London. There would have been the inevitable birthday cake and presents from well wishers along with dances and parties to celebrate the lovers date along with her birthday…not to mention her hopes of receiving calling cards from eligible bachelors. Both she and her cousin, Alexandra, a year younger than Anne, were of the age when they both might expect some interested gentlemen to be asking to court them. They had been anticipating making their debut at the same time; and it all was being ruined by this disastrous idea of her father’s.

But no! Her father, Richard Douglas, had not only traveled to the colonies, which was upsetting enough for their family, but now he had insisted that the entire family join him in this new god-forsaken land. As far as she could make out, this new colony was inhabited only by ruffians and Indians. All of this because her father had decided to become one of the co-owners in the British East India Company which supplied spices and food supplies to the colonists. That was still no reason for them all to suffer.

She had said her good-byes to her aunt, Eleanor, which was bad enough. To be torn away from her cousin, Alexandra, was a major disappointment. Alexandra was only a year younger than herself and they, along with Alexandra’s brothers, had made many plans for the beginning of this year. She was so frustrated with this turn of events that she found it hard to restrain her disappointment. The only thing that managed to get her through it was that she was trying to support her mother who was even more unwilling to make this trip from England.

Anne resented her father because, in her mind, there could be no man in the colonies more eligible than the ones she would be able to meet in London. Her aunt and uncle had been more than willing for her mother along with Margaret, Will and herself to live with them while selling their own home along with waiting for their passage to be approved by the war office.

It was a common rule that a captain of a British warship could transport his wife with him rather than arrange for passage on a commercial ship. To Anne’s mind, that was all very fine for her mother along with Margaret and Will to choose to cross an ocean to be with the head of their family. To Anne, it simply disrupted her life tremendously.

She had always been closest to Uncle Drew and his family. Part of it was because she and Alexandra so closely resembled one another that most people thought they were twins. While both were blondes, Alexandra’s hair bordered on a silver or platinum shade while Anne’s was a honey gold. Alexandra eyes were a clear blue while Anne’s eyes ranged from blue to green and could be described as hazel with thick dark lashes. In short, while their coloring was almost the same, Anne’s was more vivid and striking. Her uncle often compared it to a ‘pirate’s gold’ in color. While both girls looked like the typical English rose, Anne’s coloring was that of a dark red, vibrant rose, while Alexandra’s was more pastel and a reminder of a delicate flower. The other thing they had in common was that they were both named after her father’s and Uncle Drew’s mother, Alexandra Anne.

From there, her family’s genes seemed to imitate her mother’s family as both Will and Margaret had decided dark brown hair and eyes. To Anne’s mind, that coloring should have worked better for her mother, and made her stronger and more vital in her attitude toward life. Maybe that had once been the case, but not now any longer. Her mother’s dark hair and eyes set against her pale skin only made her look like a person saddened by a horrible loss and lost in despondency over her future. She seemed to have lost interest in life itself. Even now, as they walked along buffeted by the gusty winds blowing about them, Anne almost expected her mother to be blown away by the forceful winds swirling around them.

Anne couldn’t help but feel that her mother’s despondency was due to her father. When he had first left for the colonies, her mother seemed to come out of her listlessness. They had a full year of happy smiles and outings. Then came the letter informing them of his wishes for them to join him in the colonies. Her aunt, Eleanor, had helped her mother put their house up for sale and make the preparations for this ocean trip. From the very first, Anne had thought she would not have to go. Her uncle, Captain Andrew Douglas, had even tried to dissuade her father in this plan of his. He had pointed out that the colonists were in almost constant uprisings against the crown which clearly did not promise their trip to be a peaceful vacation. She had struggled and pleaded to no avail…and now here she was standing and looking westward toward that dratted colony inhabited by what she considered, half civilized peoplel.

Will came charging up to her, rosy cheeks, bright eyes, every bone in his body eager for their ‘grand adventure’. Her mother and Margaret had stopped ahead. As Anne drew closer, she saw that her mother’s cheeks had taken on a rosy glow. If there was any encouraging sign about this trip, it was seeing her mother’s rosy cheeks. She worried how her mother would fare on the trip over as well as where they would be berthed on a warship. To Anne’s mind, it was hardly encouraging from all she had gleaned about passenger ships going with newcomers to the colonies even though she knew they would be making much better time.

On board the ship, Captain Andrew Douglas was telling his First Officer, Jonathan Wallace about their passengers. The ship had been given orders to sail because of some grievances which the colonists were voicing. A show of strength seemed called for. That was enough to warrant some caution, but to add a wife and three children; Anne, eighteen, almost nineteen; Margaret, sixteen and Will, almost fifteen to the mix seemed to be pushing it.

Jonathan’s eyebrows raised in concern as he said, Sending three young people and of those three, two are young women, makes me concerned for how they will manage. It could be a rough crossing during the winter months.

Will, being almost fifteen, can bunk with the crew. We, or rather you, might have to curb his eagerness. My brother’s wife, Alice, will probably spend her time in her cabin with Margaret, the sixteen year old. My niece, Anne, will have her own cabin and she can oversee her mother’s needs. She will let me know of any problems. It’s Alice that I’m most concerned about. She’s taking this transfer very badly.

Jonathan only nodded. Don’t worry. I’ll give them priority. Sailing is not always easy for anyone, but since we’re a warship, we’ll make better time than any commercial ship. They usually are so crammed for space, burials at sea are not uncommon. I imagine your nephew will do fine, but I’m most concerned about the women.

I take it that’s from a purely seaman’s concern over passengers, right? the Captain’s eyes twinkled mischievously.

I know Anne, the one who’s almost nineteen, is your niece and I know from all you’ve said that she’s most dear to you, so I’ll make sure she’s properly situated.

Captain Douglas got up from his desk and patted Jonathan on his shoulder saying, I have complete faith in you, lad. Anne has fought against this trip, as its coming just before her nineteenth birthday and a planned debut into society with her cousin, Alexandra; but there was no arguing with my brother. I’ll give them all a short talk in my quarters as to their conduct. We’ve got a good ship here and we’ll ride out most hard swells. You can introduce her to our ship’s cook so he can get a birthday cake ready for her to appease some of her ruined plans. She’s got a level head on her, and if she takes after me, she’ll be a good sailor. She may have to get her sea-legs, but once over the initial ship’s movements, she should be fine.

Jonathan took a deep breath with his captain’s last sentence. He was a young officer several years out from the naval academy, but in all the women he’d encountered, including his own mother in Scotland, he had some concern over ‘sea-legs’. His final thought as he left the captain’s quarters was that he’d treat this Anne just like his own sister. A smile kept threatening to break out as he remembered how so many Scots said that they were actually descended from the Vikings who had been ship wrecked off the Scottish coast. It was felt that the saying explained why so many Scots took to sea-faring of one sort or another. That, added to the fact, that Britain itself was an island, made this trip an interesting, if not exciting, one.

As first officer, he informed the crew before any passengers came on board that all behavior had to be exemplary and there would be absolutely no fraternizing with the two young ladies who they expected. He saw their eyes rove and reminded them that all communications would go through him. He heard one crew member mumble, Lucky him and he’s an officer.

Jon’s gaze found the culprit and added, These passengers are members of the Captain’s family. I expect you all to behave accordingly.

He also added that there would be another ship following behind them; a troop ship which was bringing troops to the colonies due to an objection voiced over taxes which resulted in a display whereby certain shipments were dumped into Boston harbor. He added that once they entered colonial waters, they would be on high alert while some troops would be off-loaded so they could be stationed at the pier when the Majestic docked. That would be just an added safety precaution against any further displays from the colonists.

When the gangway was lowered and put in place, Jonathan went to the rail to observe his passengers. His eyes quickly noted the young lady with the golden curls standing a bit behind her little family. She was wearing a light blue hooded cape with darker braid along the hood and sides. When the wind blew her cape, he caught sight of a pale blue-grey dress edged in lace. Suddenly a sharp gust blew her hood off and tried to scatter her curls. She quickly caught at her skirts and made her way toward the ship. He started to smile and then quickly composed himself. What he had seen in just one instant told him that all the curves were in the right places while being slim and willowy. Even from his distance on desk, she emitted a strength and a will that couldn’t be denied. The thought came to him, almost unbidden, that such a young woman was exactly what he had often envisioned for himself.

He mentally reminded himself to tread cautiously. He wasn’t one to jump into serious affairs of the heart and this being the Captain’s niece, any move he made could not be placed in the category of a quick flirtation. He would have to remember that his conduct had to remain that of a proper gentleman at all times.

Minutes later he stood by the gangway when they stepped on board. His role was simply to introduce himself while escorting the women to the captain’s quarters. It changed a bit when he caught Will by his sleeve while with his free hand handing him over to one of the crew telling him to take Will into the captain’s quarters. Alice came next visibly anxious and leaning on Margaret’s arm. As soon as Margaret stepped on board, she dropped her arm that was supporting her mother. Alice staggered and was quickly supported by Anne even before Jonathan could intervene.

I’ve got her. She’ll be fine. Do you want us in the Captain’s quarters?

He looked into those blue-green eyes that were so unwavering…just like the Captain’s. He started to introduce himself just as Anne stepped out headed in the correct direction. He was a bit disappointed, but then reminded himself that they had some weeks ahead of them and plenty of time for getting acquainted; and at that point, he definitely knew that he wanted to become more friendly with this very unique young lady.

She had a no-nonsense air about her right from the start. Her quick look at him had been just that…a level look from two dark pools that he could get lost in. She was direct and honest and apparently completely unaware of her provocative looks or of incurring any masculine desire. She was a beauty and still unaware of her effect on any man. Just as those thoughts drifted through his mind, she stopped a few feet from him and turning, smiled saying, I do know the way, but thank you for being there. I sometimes forget and jump in too quickly when I think Mum needs some support. You’re very kind.

Her smile did it! Her face lit up and her eyes sparkled. She gently put her arm around her mother as she guided her steps forward. His own eyes lit up. This Anne was a flower ready to bloom and be picked, but only by someone with the best of intentions. With that last thought, Jonathan decided that he had best be honest with himself before he made any further moves.

Once they were all assembled in the Captain’s quarters, Andrew made sure they were relaxed and reminded them they had only a few minutes before leaving at which time he wanted to see them all settled in their quarters. He took charge of Alice and Margaret while he asked his first officer to show Anne to her quarters and reminded her that he’d be checking on her once they were underway and out of inland waters.

Jon smiled a welcome to Anne and led her off. Anne noticed the slight movement of the ship while her feet followed his. After a few steps, she reached toward the bulkhead to steady herself and he quickly supplied his arm for her to lean against.

It will take you a few days to get used to the roll of the sea under your feet. When you feel comfortable, you can try coming up on deck. The crew has been given orders to not bother you in any way. Do you have something to occupy your time?

I brought along a book, but I can see that I’ll have to adjust my eyes if just this little bit has me losing track of where I am.

No fear. It happens to all of us. Perhaps the book can wait for a few days…just to make sure that your equilibrium is settled.

Just the motion of the sea should give us all a good night’s sleep. By the way, I know my uncle, uh, the Captain did mention your name, but can you tell me again?

Certainly, I’m Jonathan Wallace, at your service. For any and all complaints, come to me. If they get too serious, I’ll let the captain know.

Does that include if I get feeling a bit queasy?

Most especially that.

Are you married? I only ask because… she stopped.

They had arrived at the door to her cabin. No, I’m not married, but I’ve seen a lot and I do have a mother and a sister, so please let me know and I can suggest some things you might try to settle any discomfort. A ship is basically a man’s domain, but we are all gentlemen so rest easy that your comfort will be our first concern.

Jonathan opened the door and Anne walked inside to view a bunk bed plus a small built-in desk and chair. The light from the desk could be swiveled to afford some illumination for reading in bed. Anne opened a tall, narrow door and discovered a built-in closet of sorts.

Any questions?

She shook her head. I guess this is it for my next few weeks.

Jonathan leaned against the door, It’s not what you’ve been accustomed to, I know. But we’ll do everything to make your trip happy as well as a certain birthday you’ll be having.

Thank you. I shouldn’t look so glum. After all, I’m the intruder. I should just be thankful you’re putting up with me. I’ll try not to be a burden; after all, you have more to do than look after my welfare.

Make no mistake. Captain Douglas is concerned about all your welfare along with that of the crew. We share in that responsibility. Now, I’m going to leave you and the Captain will visit you later once we’re out to sea. He turned to leave and then stopped short to add, Have a good evening and remember, take the first few days easy until you get your sea-legs.

With that, he was gone. Anne sat down on the lower bunk, removed her cape and then let her tears fall. It was just so unfair. She wanted to run out and off the ship! But that wouldn’t do. She wanted her uncle to be proud of her. She wanted to live up to all this nice first officer expected of her. His eyes were so kind…and when he smiled, they twinkled in such a kind way. She heaved a big sigh and squared her shoulders as she stood up…and immediately grabbed hold of the bunk bed as the ship pulled away from shore…from England…from all the people she loved.

Later that evening, her uncle came down for a short chat. At the end, he escorted her to the ship’s cook and introduced her as the young lady who would be celebrating her birthday in February. Just that little walk and back to her cabin had her realizing that holding onto something was definitely better than trying to ‘go it alone’. In the end, she simply curled up in the bottom bunk after eating a small bit of beef stew. Her uncle had also left her with a small glass of rum adding that it might relax her for a ‘good night’s sleep’.

The next day was not bad, although she wasn’t hungry and munched on a piece of bread while finishing the rum. Will came tapping at her door only to find her lethargic and napping off and on. He ended up disgusted with his favorite sister and soon took off to watch the crew going about their duties. His day was spent nimbly jumping out of their way and trying to imitate them climbing into the rigging. The last brought him to the attention of Mr.Wallace, the first officer.

On her second day at sea, Anne made it to her mother’s cabin to find Margaret complaining of everything while her mother simply laid with her eyes closed enduring the ship’s motion. Before Anne got to her cabin, she ran into Mr. Wallace and managed to lean against the bulkhead while telling him she was ‘fine’ and assuring him she had ‘no complaints’. He insisted on seeing her to her cabin, but when her feet insisted on going in a direction she didn’t expect, he gave her his strong arm to lean on. As he opened her cabin door, he offered to get her some bread which he said would help discourage any stomach problems. Anne waved him off while weakly adding, a small glass of rum would be nice.

Jonathan only smiled and returned with the desired items. He told her to eat the bread with every meal and in between to keep her stomach settled. Anne only nodded meekly, while he gave her some positive assurance saying, You’ll do fine. I’ll check on you daily.

Anne was left to wonder if she’d live out a full month and considered what her burial at sea might be. Jon closed her door silently while he had to admit that what he’d like to do was hold her close and reassure her that all would be well. Since that was out of line, he quickly returned to his crew and his duties while trying to ignore any other cravings.

After several days of bread mixed with stew and topped off with a little glass of rum, Anne began to return to her normal self. Margaret took a bit longer because she refused to take any advice from ‘old sailors’. Alice, simply slept and let the ship loll her to dream of land somewhere on the globe.

Anne’s first time on deck invigorated her and gave her an honest appetite. She was impressed with the miles of horizon. The salt sea breeze pushed some pink into her cheeks and had her thinking of how she looked. She was surprised when Jonathan walked up and stood beside her.

"I see you have managed to look about. How does it look now?’

Mr. Wallace, thank you. I know you saved me with the bread you brought…as well as the rum. Uncle Drew gave me the first dose and I know you kept me supplied.

With just enough to calm you. Call me Jonathan…or Jon. I think we can relax the navy regs a little during this voyage.

Having said that, he smiled invitingly and found her returning his earnest gaze. Anne took a deep breath of the salty air and found that her entire body seemed to awaken from her slumber of disappointment. For the first time, she really looked at Mr. Wallace and looked beyond his uniform of gentlemanly courtesy.

She saw a tall, broad-shouldered man in his late twenties or early thirties with dark brown hair that invariably allowed a stray lock to fall onto his forehead giving him a boyish look despite the uniform and the respect it commanded. Looking into his eyes made her realize that there was an unmistakable interest and appreciation there with what he saw. She felt herself mentally reaching up to his expectations even while she wondered where those expectations might lead. She felt drawn to him, trusting in whatever he do or desire. She found herself repeating his name and heard him spell it… J – O – N…not the usual spelling.

So… if we should meet on shore again?

Oh, by then, it’s definitely on a first name basis, or at least I hope so.

They both exchanged smiles. He asked about how she was managing to get about and she assured him that every day was better. That was when he suggested a lime and told her to add that to what she ate while at sea.

Anne told him she’d heard that British sailors ate limes as part of their regular diet, both of them adding when she got to the finish, And that’s why people call us ‘limeys’…right?

That brought laughter from both of them as well as a few questioning looks from some crew members. Since Anne didn’t want to cross any proprietary lines with him and his crew, she quickly made her departure and went below. Most of her visiting after that was done with Margaret and Alice. All three of them ate together while they checked on each other to make sure they were still hale and hearty.

Gradually, the days sneaked past as they encountered frosty blasts from the north. Mostly they tried to stay in the southern routes where the seas were calmer. As the month crept up, Anne checked with the cook and found he had a birthday cake on his calendar for the twentieth. Anne ran downstairs to her cabin where she had been tending to her sprigs of mistletoe. She had included it to remind her of the friendly kisses she would be missing. Along with that thought, she dragged out her valentine gown of cream colored satin trimmed with some red lace. She planned on wearing that on her birthday and hoped it wouldn’t be too elegant and out of place during this voyage.

She couldn’t help but worry a bit that it might be over-doing her day. The gown was so obviously meant for a formal function with its low-cut neckline. She didn’t want to encourage any improper actions or thoughts from the crew. Wistfully, she decided to wear it only for when the family would be together in Uncle Drew’s quarters. She found a small silk cape to cover her shoulders just to be practical.

She had packed the dress and matching cape along with the springs of mistletoe when she had felt so depressed at not being able to attend any coming-out party or debut in London. Anne decided to keep it in her cabin to be shared among just the family as they gave her some good wishes on her birthday. As for Valentine’s Day, she simply heaved a sigh while she figured her future looked dismal since she’d probably be an old maid tending to her mother in this strange rebellious colony. Quite a come-down for someone who had had such elegant expectations!

Valentine’s Day came and went with only her family exchanging well wishes with one another. Capt Douglas stopped by at her cabin to give her a small present that he told her was identical to the one he had purchased for Alexandra and which his wife would be giving her on this day in London. He gave her a hug and kissed her on the forehead telling her that she was ‘as precious’as Alexandra while reminding her that even after arriving in Boston, his ship would be staying there for some time as a peaceful reminder. He added that he would be checking on her daily to make sure she was settled happily.

Anne smiled through her misgivings for the future; hers, in particular. What could her uncle do when, according to the law, her father was her legal guardian and she would have to obey him.. She failed to consider laws under any military presence and how that presence might lead to important changes.

Later that day Jonathan surprised her by a quick visit in her cabin. His words introduced a new element into their small friendship. It wouldn’t do for an attractive young lady such as yourself to not be noticed by a gentleman on this day of hearts. Hope I’m not out of line by saying that you are the most attractive passenger we’ve ever had.

Anne was so surprised that it took her a moment before she could come back with a response, "Thank you so much. I must apologize for sometimes seeming less than cordial when you’ve tried so hard