Whispers in Williamsburg by Wanda Luttrell

Author:Wanda Luttrell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: american revolution, slavery, colonial williamsburg, early american life
Publisher: Wanda Luttrell

Chapter 12

“Ethan, I will never let these girls travel that road again!” Aunt Charity declared at supper that night.

The sergeant had come by to make sure the colonel knew about the disaster they had so narrowly escaped that afternoon and, Sarah thought, his own role in their safe return home. He had made no effort to keep her aunt from hearing all the nasty details.

“All right, Charity,” Uncle Ethan agreed. “I understand your concern. In fact, I share it. However, they came to no harm, thank the good Lord, and Sam and Sergeant Nelson performed their duties admirably.”

“So our music and dancing lessons are over,” Abigail said desolately.

Her mother patted her hand across the table. “We’ll find someone here in Williamsburg who can teach you, dear,” she assured her.

As she watched tears gather in Abigail’s big blue eyes, Sarah knew her cousin didn’t want just music and dancing lessons. She wanted them from Señor Alfredo. “What if Señor Alfredo would come here to instruct us?” she suggested.

“Oh, I’m sure he would!” Tabitha put in excitedly. “He has no carriage, but if you would let Sam pick him up, bring him here, and then take him home, Pa, I’m sure he would come!”

“It’s a long drive, Tabitha,” her father said. “That would mean a double trip each day—over there and back to pick him up and again to take him home.”

“It’s no use, girls,” Abigail said dejectedly. “We have no ballroom, and our parlor just isn’t big enough for such dancing as we do at Pleasantwood.”

Sarah recalled the sweeping movements Abigail and Señor Alfredo made around the big dance floor and knew she was right. There certainly was no room in the snug brick house for such dancing! In fact, no matter who taught them, where would they practice? The only place she knew of in Williamsburg with a ballroom was the Governor’s Palace itself. Of course, there might be others of which she was unaware.

“I’m sorry, girls, but I cannot justify risking your lives for the sake of a few music and dancing lessons!” Aunt Charity said firmly.

“May I please be excused?” Abigail asked in a small voice that Sarah knew meant she was close to tears. At her mother’s nod, Abigail laid her napkin beside her plate and walked quickly into the hallway. Sarah heard her running up the stairs to her room.

“Ma, isn’t there anything you can do?” Tabitha begged. “I’m afraid ‘Gail’s heart is broken, and she was doing so marvelously well with both her dancing and her playing. Even if Sarah and I can’t have lessons, is there any way you can arrange for ‘Gail to continue?”

“I told her we would find someone here in town,” Aunt Charity reminded them.

“But, Ma, it’s just not the same!” Tabitha protested. “Señor Alfredo is such an excellent teacher, and ‘Gail…well, you should see them dancing together.”

“I will not allow you on that road again, Tabitha,” Aunt Charity repeated in a quiet voice that meant the discussion was over.

When they went upstairs to bed, Sarah heard Abigail sobbing in her room.

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