As James gazed at his family, he felt many emotions. The first hours after his arrival had been a melancholy time. After the shock of discovering that his mother had gone he’d reproached himself bitterly for not coming sooner. But now, looking at his family, he suddenly experienced a great wave of affection. There was his father, still handsome as ever. And Abigail, the baby sister he hardly knew, almost fifteen already, and turning into a young woman. With what joy and hope she’d greeted him. How protective he felt toward her.

And then there was Weston. James had watched his father’s face soften and his eyes light up at the sight of the little boy. With his fair hair and blue eyes, Weston looked like a tiny version of his grandfather.

There was so much to say. James wanted to know about his sister Susan and her family, and it was agreed that he should go up to Dutchess County to see them as soon as possible. He gave them news of the Albions, and recent events in London. There was only one person who had not yet been discussed.

“We are sorry not to have the pleasure of welcoming your wife,” his father said at last.

“Indeed.” Vanessa. On his arrival, James had told them briefly that, because of the need for a hasty departure, it had not been possible for his wife to accompany him. It was an imperfect explanation. But now, with a glance at his little son, he smiled cheerfully, as if her absence were the most natural thing in the world. “Vanessa looks forward to that pleasure in the future.”

There was a pause. They were waiting for him to say more. He didn’t.

“Do you mean to stay long, James?” Abigail inquired.

“I am uncertain.”

“So are the times,” his father replied grimly.

James steered the conversation to lighter topics after that. He wanted to know all about Abigail’s life, what pastimes she enjoyed, what books she liked to read. Everyone made much of little Weston.

It was only some time later, when Abigail had taken Weston off to bed, and James could sit alone with his father, that they could talk seriously about the colony’s affairs.

John Master gave him a full account of the recent events up at Lexington. Whatever the Boston men might think, he pointed out, this had only been a skirmish between the Patriots and a small body of troops, and had no bearing on what the full might of well-trained British troops would do to the Patriots in a real encounter. As for the raiding of the supplies and the seizing of arms in New York, they were rebellious acts for which a price would surely be paid.