The Heavens Shall Fall (15 page)

It did not come without reservations. Marcus had gone to Andre, who had the ear of Clinton. Despite the job Marcus had done, Marcus comprehended he would never be Clinton
’s confidant. Marcus had connections to Cornwallis. The two generals mixed together as well as oil and vinegar…the undercurrent of politics.

“
It is a far reach,” Marcus reproached Andre when he cautioned him of the consequences of such a trial. “Corbett is part of Lincoln’s staff. It is not a precedent we should set. Realize that Woodland has some grudge against Corbett. This…this will backfire on you…on us.”

Andre shrugged.
“Perhaps I see things differently.”

“
I thought I taught you better.” Marcus eyed him sternly. “I taught you to think a step ahead. Do not become arrogant. If you go through with this sham, you will turn the whole of Charles Town against the British. I know Clinton believes that most in the South are Loyalists. I have found most indifferent. They care only to live their lives.

“
They have been thrown into a war they want nothing to do with. If this goes through, you will give them a reason to fight instead of returning to being loyal subjects of the Crown.”

“
That is a fear,” Andre acknowledged. “Or it could be an example. Dr. Corbett has been at the least an annoyance.”

Marcus grimaced,
and then chided himself for not hiding his irritation. The years had indeed made him cynical.

The courtroom was packed, not by spectators
, but mostly British soldiers anxious for the verdict. A cheer erupted when the judge announced it. “Doctor Jonathan Corbett, you have been found guilty of high treason. You will be taken out at dawn and hung by the neck until dead.”

Marcus withdrew from the scene. He no longer had the energy or desire to play this game. He had quite made up his mind. There was nothing more for him to accomplish. He had done his duty—he was going to resign from His Majesty
’s service and return to England.

* * * *

Rebekah managed to squeeze to the edge of the courthouse steps and waited. The soldiers allowed her no closer. Jasper had not returned when a cheer erupted within the courthouse. Rebekah needed not to be told what the verdict had been. She felt the color drain from her face. Her chest heaved heavily, as if every breath was a burden.

The door burst open and a cry went out.
“It is the gallows!”

Stunned in disbelief, she made no movement, only gazed out bl
indly to the venting crowd. Cries of outrage poured out from the spectators: some cries for her Jonathan to be hung, but mostly cries of outrage from frustrated inhabitants. Soldiers once more disbursed within the masses to quiet them forcibly.

Being pushed around like a rag doll, Rebekah said nothing. Numb with shock, she saw only a bleak future without her husband. A future she couldn
’t accept. She had to act.

From the corner of her eye, she
noticed the eyes of those around her turn to look forward. She turned to see a team of guards surrounding a prisoner walking down the steps—Jonathan!

He looked sullen and tired, but carried his head high
and looked straight out into the crowd. His arms bound in front of him, he walked soundly with an air of dignity.

Surreal
ly, she watched him walk past her. She could take no more. She pushed forward. “Jonathan!”

He halted
and looked her way. Recognition crossed his face, visibly softening it. He could do no more, for one of the guards pushed him forward.

She covered
her mouth with her hand, before she dropped to her knees, and watched Jonathan until he faded from sight.

“
Get up.”

Rory
stood over her. He bent down and slipped his arms around her. He stood her on her feet. A scowl crossed his face.

“
Breathe, Rebekah. If you want to talk, it will be best to talk away from ears,” Rory commanded. He reached over and pulled the hood of her cloak back over her head. “Walk steadily to the Battery. I will meet you there.”

His manner riled her, but she contained her swelling emotions. She needed his help. Her mind was in a whirl, obsessed with one thought—Jonathan—and here she stood
, in want of Rory’s assistance.

Rory disappeared from her side.
She gathered her wits before she followed. She had to think.

Rebekah turned the corner and walked toward the water
, away from the crowd. She noticed him immediately. He had halted under a shade tree not far from the railing, but away from prying eyes.

She slowed her pace and gestured in a slashing motion for Jasper to wait where he stood. She had to do this alone.

She turned and faced the man who she hadn’t seen since that fateful night she almost died. He had come then to save his…their daughter and Rebekah, if she wanted to go with him. She hadn’t…

There was a pause that seemed to last an eternity. She could find no words. He stared at her
, his face set in stone. He was not going to make this easy.

“
I need your help, Rory.” Her voice faltered. “I have no one else to turn to. The British are in the process of confiscating my properties. I have nothing to offer you.”

“
Is that what you think I want—your properties?”

“
I know you well. It is all you desire…that and revenge. Please, Rory, do not take out your hatred of me against Jonathan.”

A look of revulsion crossed his face when she said his name. He gripped her arm tightly.

“You think so little of me. Yet I’m the one you have come to.”

“
Do not do this, Rory. Don’t make me beg.”

Abruptly, he released her. Fury raged in his eye.
“Go home, Rebekah. I can do nothing…nor would I.”

“
Nothing?” she questioned, filled with a sudden rage of her own. “Nothing? I do not believe you. Do you not think I haven’t heard of your raids? It is said the British lean upon you greatly. Please, Rory…for Eliza.”

She saw something resonated within him. Anguish swept across his face; his eyes darkened.

“You would use my daughter to plead for your husband?”

“
Remember it was Jonathan who saw to her safety. Jonathan who gave to me a name…gave Eliza a name. He gave her a chance for a happy life away from all this madness.”

“
He took my family from me, Rebekah. He took you.”

“
Me? You think he took me from you?” White-faced and trembling, she did not relent. “It was you who sold me to the highest bidder. You who sent me back to the grasp of my uncle, disgraced and with child. It was you!”

“
It was not what I wanted…” He paused. His chest heaved. “It was a mistake…one that I tried to correct, but for your good doctor, I would have. By God! Rebekah, you married him.”

He sighed and
caressed her cheek. “You told me you wanted to run away with me.”

She pushed him away. Her eyes hardened upon him.
“Don’t touch me. I am not going to play games with you, Rory! I have been through too much… Tell me what it will take for you to help me… We may lose everything here in Charles Town but…”

“
I know he is not a pauper, Rebekah. Do you not think I looked into where my child lives? Contrary to what you believe, I love Eliza. If I did not believe she was where she needed to be now, she would not be there.”

“
Then for her sake…”

“
Don’t tell me what to do, my dear.” He edged closer to her. “I do not take orders well. I told you there is nothing I can do. I had nothing to do with the trial. General Clinton, himself, signed the arrest warrant. If anyone is at fault, it would be you.”

She looked at him in confusion.
“You make no sense.”

“
Come, Rebekah, you are not that naïve. When the British first arrived, they catered to you, wanted to gain control of your shipping business.”

“
I would never give them…”

“
And now your husband will hang in the morn,” he said harshly. “They were under the mistaken impression that you would do anything to save your wealth. They gave you the opportunity. You flung it back in their faces.

“
Had you no clue how hated your husband is by the British? Had he not told you of his escapades at Saratoga? It seems at times the good doctor has led charges in battle. Does that sound like a physician? The one at your house, Colonel Woodland, believes his brother died by your husband’s hand. Your good doctor holds to everything we abhor. This call for Liberty.”

“
If it’s the shipping business they want, they can have it…all of it.”

“
You and I both know you don’t have that much control.” Rory shook his head. “Moreover, after the spectacle they created today, I’m afraid they are intent on making an example. They won’t lose face, my dear.”

Rebekah took a step back
, unable to move or breathe in the suddenly oppressive air. It was useless.

“
I have to see him, Rory. I have to. Have you no compassion?” She looked up at him, uncaring of the tears that streamed down her face; her chin quivered uncontrollably. “Some people are not destined for happiness. I know I am one of them, but Jonathan gave me a glimpse. Please give me but a moment more. Let me see Jonathan.”

Unable to say anything else, her hands covered her mouth. She had no idea how much time passed. A second. A minute…more. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped her face.

“Dry your eyes. Do not let him see your weakness. Give him your strength.”

Her eyes lit up with hope.
“You will help me?”

“
I will arrange for you to see him,” he said. “But know, Rebekah, I will do no more.”

*
* * *

In the last few years, Jonathan had faced death a thousand times. He had not feared death, but never had he wanted to live more than he did at this moment. On the battlefield, there was no time to contemplate what he would lose. He had a mission…a purpose that he believed in passionately.

Yet in the stillness of the prison he had been placed, he had too much time to think of what could have been. Now, they had brought him here to the courtyard. He had not expected to see her. But she was there.

Rebekah stood with her back to him
, surrounded by a swarm of red uniformed soldiers. It mattered little. He hadn’t thought he would have this opportunity…the chance to say good-bye.

She turned. She wore the gown he had last seen her
in when they had taken him from the courthouse earlier in the day, wrinkled and soiled. She had clearly walked through the filthy streets. The hem of her skirt was caked with dried mud.

For a moment, she stood frozen. Her reddened and swollen eyes fixed on him as was his on her. He saw her bottom lip trembled. In a small, shaking voice, she cried his name.
“Jonathan!”

Then she ran. The guards released their hold and he had her in his arms. In front of all around him, he kissed her, long and hard. A kiss to last a lifetime…a last kiss.

He broke from her lips and touched her face. She gripped his hand tightly.

“
I can’t do this, Jonathan. I can’t. I don’t understand. You’re a doctor. A physician. Why are they accusing you of this awful crime?”

He shook his head
. His strength faltered. He couldn’t. She would never survive if he did. He swallowed hard to find the courage he didn’t feel. “It is war, my darling. Nothing makes sense. We both know the enemies I have made over the years. It is a price that will have to be paid. Sacrifice is not new to either of us, just as it was to your father and mine. Be strong.”

“
No, no, I won’t let them,” she whispered against his lips. Her head tilted against his. “I won’t. I won’t lose you, too. I’ll give them my ships if they will pardon you. I’ll call them back into port. I can. I will tell Daniel…”

“
Rebekah, don’t. They aren’t going to change their minds. They are fixing to make an example. I will only be part of it. I don’t want you to suffer. Leave. For God’s sake, woman, listen to me this time. Get hold of Daniel when the city settles.”

“
Jonathan, I won’t leave you.”

A small smile emerged on his face. His stubborn Rebekah. His eyes welled. He cupped her face in his hands.
“Listen, my love. I love you. You have given me a happiness I had never known. Keep me in your heart and I will always be with you. Promise me…promise me you will go to Williamsburg. I will die my death knowing you will be safe in a family that will love and care for you. Tell William I love him. Tell him…tell him his father died with honor.”

Rebekah grasped for breath. Her control shattered.
“I won’t lose you, Jonathan. I won’t. You don’t understand. You are my life. I have nothing…nothing without you.”

From the corner of his eye, he saw movement. He felt a hand on his shoulder.