A Hiss Before Dying

April 1, 1786 Saturday

A blue sky filled with fleecy cumulus clouds promised true spring. The James River sparkled, batteaus, larger ships, filled the docks and slips. Traffic, thanks to the good weather and the ice having broken up, filled the wide river. Above the slip, walking away from the ceaseless activity, Yancy Grant and Sam Udall could still hear some of the shouting, a ship’s bell ringing.

A young man hurried past them, tipping his hat to Sam.

“Mr. Udall.”

Sam returned the gesture. “Mr. Parham.” He commented as he swung his gold-tipped walking stick, elegant and expensive. “The young are ever in a hurry.”

Yancy, his stick under his arm, wolf’s head in silver at the top, nodded. “And it’s spring.”

Sam smiled. “I’ve always thought that high spring, when the dogwoods bloom, should be a respite from work. No one can think anyway.” He laughed. “The sap is rising.”

Yancy chortled. “Indeed.”

They passed houses, the farther away from the docks, the more impressive. Had they stopped to look back and down, the tops of the tobacco warehouses would have reflected the light, row after row, of long, large buildings. The Old World could not get enough of Virginia tobacco. Hemp sold well and if apples were properly packed and the ship made good time, the English were awakening to some of the sweet varieties not found over there.

“Madam.” Sam lifted his hat high, inclined his head slightly as did Yancy.

Yancy whispered, “Dazzling.”

The redhead, accompanied by her lady-in-waiting, enjoyed the weather on her brief walk to a friend.

“Maria Skipwith.”

“Ah, the Skipwiths.”

“Mmm.” Sam nodded. “Now of marriageable age, her mother has fantasies of the beauty marrying a noble in England or France.” He paused, then related with relish, “And that divine creature said, ‘I will marry an American or I will not marry at all.’ ”

They walked along, children playing, dogs playing with them, an open carriage rattling by, its deep green paint shining.

“Have you considered my proposition?” Yancy hoped his desperation didn’t show.

“I have. I believe this will be a good year for corn, hemp, annual crops unless we suffer a July and August drought. One can never discount that, but it has been a wet winter and spring. I am prepared to lend you fifteen thousand dollars against your estate at five percent interest.”

Yancy swallowed. Five percent was outrageous. “When would you wish repayment, Sir?”

“A year from April 15. You may pay quarterly or all at once. But I must have the total sum plus interest by April 15.”

“We have never discussed what would befall me should I fail, not that I will,” Yancy hastily added. “It’s just that I had not considered such a dolorous event.”

“The land becomes mine. I have the documents for you to sign, granting me the title should you fail or perish. All is in my office and we can review same on Monday. My clerk will be there and should corrections be needed he can do so.”

“Would you keep the land or sell it?” Yancy sounded unconcerned, just curious.

“Sell. Mrs. Sel—I mean Holloway, whom I know through her first husband and, of course, I am adjusting to Mr. Holloway, has expressed interest.”

Yancy’s voice shot up. “Has she now? And how did she learn of my situation?”

“That, Sir, I don’t know. Our dealings are in strictest confidence, but as I am one of the few financial men making speculative loans, someone could reach such a conclusion as we have been seen together. Naturally, I replied through a letter that I am not at liberty to discuss any such business and I had not made a loan to you, which at the time I wrote the missive was true.”

Color flushing in his cheeks, Yancy, with his voice level, said, “I feel this uncertainty will pass. The land I purchased before all this confusion is valuable and I think I will be fortunate I did not let it slip through my fingers.”

“Indeed. We must develop financial consistency. We need businessmen in Congress, men who understand something as simple as you cannot expect states to raise militias, train them, feed them, clothe them and yet only Congress can declare war. This is a burden that must be shared, a true national expense regarding our protection. As to our currency problems, again, businessmen must untangle this mess.”

“Indeed. And what do you think will happen in Europe?”

“Ah.” Sam’s walking stick was raised up higher from the ground for emphasis. “If the various kings live, we can consider a stable foreign policy. The men we send on missions to England, France, even Russia, seem highly intelligent, but, Sir, should a king die unexpectedly, who is to say? That’s the terrible crisis of a monarchy, a sudden death or a king who is mentally unable to rule.”

“They all seem healthy,” Yancy murmured.

“Well, King George is fat.” Sam laughed as they approached Georgina’s.

Walking in the opposite direction, chattering away, were Eudes and Mignon, who opened the back gate to go to work. Eudes had given Mignon an early tour of houses close to Georgina’s with lovely gardens.

Yancy stopped.

“Are you well, Sir?”

“Oh, quite.” The horseman paused. “It’s just that I recognize that tiny little woman.”

“I don’t believe I have ever seen her but the fellow is the cook, best cook in town.”

“She’s a runaway slave.” Yancy spoke with emphasis on runaway.

“Ah, well, Sir, I would keep that to myself as I am certain she is not the only such woman at Georgina’s.”

“There is a one-hundred-dollar reward.”

Sam’s reply cut. “A pittance to a man of your standing. One should stay on the good side of Georgina. She has long talons. Do keep it to yourself.”