“Aren’t you coming to bed?” Kitty asked.
Nodding, Eliza put a finger to her mouth. She brushed her hands in front of her, motioning Kitty to go to the room.
Kitty pursed her lips, waiting longer than Eliza wanted, then obeyed. “Fine. But don’t make yourself sick.”
Silent, Eliza descended a few stairs, remaining out of sight. What had Nathaniel wanted to keep from their ears? Her conscience told her it was wrong to eavesdrop, but her curious nature won the battle of wills.
“What is it?” Thomas’s voice sounded quiet and nervous.
“I know you want to stay away from town—and for good reason, but I want to tell you something I’ve been planning.”
“Planning?”
Eliza heard the rustling of feet and pressed her back firm against the wall, hoping to remain unseen. The creaking of a chair let her know someone had taken to sitting.
“The tension you felt in Boston is just as hot here.”
“I know,” Thomas said.
“There is much talk of the Tea Act, among other issues. I’ve been approached by several members of the community and they have invited me to be the leader of a group similar to your Sons of Liberty.”
Eliza strained her ears as their voices dropped in volume.
“You’ve accepted I hope?” Thomas asked.
“Indeed. The Tories in town are causing extreme tension and discord. Those of us who believe in this cause need to band together. The stakes are very great, but the consequences we will suffer if we do not oppose the Crown are too costly—not only financially but personally as well.”
Thomas’s masculine voice grew deeper. “Nothing could be of more importance.”
Eliza held her breath. What are the stakes? What are the consequences?
“I’ve been working for some time now to organize a large political rally. It’s scheduled to take place two weeks from tomorrow just before sundown.”
“Why haven’t you told me this before?” Thomas asked.
“There wasn’t much to say, knowing all the stress you’ve been under. It’s not as if you could have helped me.”
Thomas hummed in agreement.
The more Nathaniel spoke, the more strength flooded his voice. “Those of us in attendance plan to let our local leaders know where we stand on the issue of taxation. It’s going to be a peaceful gathering, but of course the militia won’t see it that way. I’ve just had word this very morning that three hundred people are expected to attend from Plymouth, and even more from Rochester and other surrounding provinces. I’m expecting upwards of eight hundred. With numbers that high, I imagine the British army will send even more of their minions to keep the peace.” Nathaniel’s voice knotted with poison.
Eliza covered her mouth to keep from gasping. Eight hundred people? Where would they fit such a crowd?
Nathaniel continued. “The rally will begin just before sundown. Wythe will be helping me lead the crowd to the courthouse. Do you know Joseph Wythe?”
More shuffling sounds echoed into the staircase and Eliza stiffened.
“No,” Thomas said.
“You’d like him. Strong as an ox and, like you and I, he’d be willing to give his life for this cause. His brother Cyprian owns Newcomb Tavern. Hateful man.”
“You mean Tory Tavern?” Thomas asked, with piqued interest in his tone.
“The very same. He’s given Joseph his fair share of trials, God knows. At any rate, we’ll meet at the south end of town, and God willing, within a few hours we’ll have this county acting in the name of the people—not the king.”
Eliza recognized Thomas’s heavy sigh through the silence. “Sounds like quite an affair. I wish more than anything that I could attend with you, help you in some way, but I need to think about the safety of Eliza and Kitty.”
“I know. I tell you not to ask for your attendance, but to caution you. There are already a larger number of Redcoats in the city, and I petition you to use even greater caution.”