The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [154]
He stepped across the stone carriageway, and the door opened abruptly, a blue-coated officer emerging, stopping suddenly, saying something in German, some word of surprise. There was another man behind him, and Cornwallis heard more German, and the second man moved up, said, “General Cornwallis, welcome, sir. Please, our apologies. We were not aware you were coming. I am Captain Heisel.”
Cornwallis was surprised at the man’s skill with English, could see that Heisel was genuinely concerned.
“The apology is mine, Captain. I was performing my routine, and realized that I had not offered my respects to General Knyphausen. I can certainly return at a later time.”
The man stiffened, said, “Certainly not, sir. General Knyphausen is in the library. I will inform him you are here. It will only be a moment, sir. Please come inside, your men as well.”
Both officers stepped back inside, and Cornwallis climbed the short steps, moved past the two guards who were still facing out, their eyes following him closely. His staff followed him into the house, and he saw a small parlor to one side, said, “My men can remain here, if that is acceptable.”
Heisel moved that way, stood beside the door, said, “Certainly, sir. Gentlemen, please be comfortable. I will arrange refreshment.”
He looked at his aides, a silent order, Stay here, and there was no protest. They filed into the small room, and Cornwallis waited for Heisel, who moved quickly, said, “Please, General, if you will allow me . . .”
There was a long hall that led through the center of the house, and Cornwallis saw another man emerging from one side, recognized von Donop, who saw him, said, “Ah, General! A pleasant surprise!”
Von Donop came forward, smiling broadly, something Cornwallis had never seen. He managed a smile of his own, and von Donop was suddenly serious, said, “Is there a problem, General? Are we in some difficulty?”
“Oh, no, quite the opposite, Colonel. I would prefer that this be a social visit.”
The smile returned, and von Donop said, “We are honored, General. General Knyphausen is right this way. He will be delighted to see you, sir!”
He followed von Donop into the hall, felt thick carpet under his boots, thought, I have never known General Knyphausen to be delighted about anything. At least they’re making a good show. This should be interesting.
Von Donop motioned toward an open door, and Cornwallis saw the old man now, sitting in one corner, dwarfed by a wall of books. The room was musty, the familiar smell of old paper, and Cornwallis could not help but marvel at the amazing collection of books. Knyphausen stood up slowly, and Cornwallis saw that the old man was out of uniform, was suddenly embarrassed, realized he had never seen any Hessian officer without his full dress coat.
“Forgive me, General Knyphausen. I should have made an appointment.” He was very self-conscious now, thought, I am, after all, the junior officer here. He looked at von Donop, expected the man to translate his apology, but the colonel held out one hand, said, “Please, sir. You are an honored guest. The general has remarked many times that he wished to make your better acquaintance.”
Cornwallis looked at the old man, was surprised that Knyphausen was even aware of his name. Knyphausen was looking at him, pointed silently to a chair, and Cornwallis still felt awkward, said, “A wonderful library. Surprising. Few like it in the colonies, I’m sure.” He moved to the chair, waited for Knyphausen to return to his seat, the old man moving slowly, settling back into his chair. Cornwallis sat as well, felt the soft leather under him, looked again at von Donop.
“If it is not too much of a bother, Colonel, your service at translation is much appreciated.” Von Donop said something to Knyphausen, and the old man made a small laugh, a brief wave of his hand. Von Donop said, “Thank you, General. That won’t be necessary. I hope to see you before you depart.”
Cornwallis was surprised to see von Donop move to the door, and the man was gone, the door to