The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [198]
“Thank you, ma’am.” He exaggerated the word, the touch of Virginia, and she laughed, her hand covering her mouth.
“I am proud to say, ma’am, I have entirely read Robinson Crusoe.”
“Marvelous, General. You should be proud. I shall be pleased to send for more books, if you would like. I believe everyone in this army would be honored by your efforts at our language. Many of the European officers have done very well with their English. My husband tells me that General Lafayette is nearly flawless.”
“Ah, yes. I do not meet General Lafayette yet, ma’am.”
“I have not either, General. He is to return here soon, I believe. My husband has a great affection for the young man. I am looking forward to making his acquaintance. I have never known my husband to make such a fuss over one of his officers. He regards General Lafayette very much as he would his own son.”
Von Steuben smiled again, had run out of words. He began to feel awkward, and she looked away, said, “Dear me, General, I truly must retire. I’m certain my husband will be pleased by your visit. I do not know any reason why you must continue to wait in the hall.”
He made a deep bow, realized she had sensed the uncomfortable moment, had removed it with the skill of a perfect hostess.
“Mrs. Washington, it has been my pleasure to speak for you.”
She laughed, her hand again on her mouth.
“Not quite correct, General. You’re learning though. Good evening, sir.”
She began to climb the stairs, and he waited for a moment, could hear her steps above him. He looked again down the hall, heard nothing from Washington’s office. He eased closer, made a sharp rap on the wall, peeked around the edge of the door, said, “General? Permit me, sir?”
Washington was at the tall desk, sat back, said, “Mr. von Steuben, by all means. Please, come in. Sit there.”
Von Steuben obeyed, kept his back straight, his hands at his sides. Washington said, “I did not see Mr. Duponceau this evening. Is he feeling all right?”
“Oh, quite, yes, sir. I excused him. I wished to . . . speak without him tonight.”
“Very well. Excellent. I admire the young man. Difficult duty, being an interpreter. I cannot imagine seeing my words pass through another man. Something is surely lost.” Washington seemed concerned, said, “If I am speaking too rapidly . . . please tell me.”
“Oh, no, sir. Not at all. It is good for my lessons. I can understand . . . mostly.” Von Steuben tried to relax, always felt tense around Washington, realized now it was the first time they had ever been alone.
“Did you wish to speak to me?”
“Oh, General, I apologize. I should not take your time.”
“Speak to me, General.”
“Sir, I observe your Captain Gibbs.”
“Caleb Gibbs? Yes, I selected him myself, captain of the guard. I know his family well. Is there some problem?”
“Oh, no, sir. Well, yes. Problem is that your guard is . . . all from Virginia, correct?”
“Yes. I required loyalty, General. In the beginning of this campaign, there was discussion in this army about hostility between the states. I regret some of that still prevails. It was thought that a guard from New Hampshire or New Jersey might not be so . . . efficient as one from my home. Virginians would tend to be more protective of Virginians.”
Von Steuben was frowning now.
“You don’t agree, General?”
“I agree with the . . . principle. But I disagree that it is necessary today. In fact, sir, I am feeling it is wrong. It could be a problem.”
Washington seemed surprised, said, “Please continue.”
“Sir, you have soldiers here from all over America. From what I see, they all follow you as their commander. This entire army is example of loyalty for the world. It is amazement. I have a suggestion, sir. I believe it is better for this army if you return their loyalty.”
“How do you mean?”
“They show you their loyalty. Show yours . . . to them. Your guard should be from each state. You select a few men from each state, you send message to all states. You respect them, you believe they will serve you as well as Virginians. Captain Gibbs, if he is a good