The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [209]
“I had little to do with it. This is close to Anthony Wayne’s home. He and General Washington scouted this ground back in December. The French engineer, DuPortail, designed most of the defensive works.”
“Oh, yes, of course. Louis.”
“Louis? You know his name?”
She laughed, said, “You would too if you weren’t so formal around those men. Anyone who didn’t know the army would walk through here and think every one of you is named General.”
Greene thought a moment, said, “Do you know General . . . um, Lafayette’s name?”
“I believe it is . . . Marie. And General von Steuben is Frederick. His young Mr. Duponceau is . . . Peter.”
“Hmph. I never thought of asking.”
“Does anyone ever address you as . . . Nat?”
He laughed now.
“Only Daniel Morgan. Calls everyone by their first names, even General Washington. Does break through the stiffness sometimes. Not sure it’s good for the army.”
They stepped closer to the creek, and he leaned out, looked down into the clear rush of water. He could see a small cluster of minnows, the dark flicker of a tadpole, and he backed away from the edge, knowing she did not enjoy small creatures of any kind.
“We should go to dinner. They’re likely being seated now.”
He led her back across the road, saw Knox emerging from the mess cabin, the round man coming toward them, quick short steps.
“General! It is confirmed! He will be here tomorrow!”
Greene felt himself sagging, looked past Knox, saw another round form appearing, and Kitty said, “Lucy! Here!”
Lucy Knox moved with the same heavy sway as her husband, joined him, a clasping of thick arms. Greene could not help but share her smile, the one woman who always had something to say, who had added more energy to the camp than anyone had expected. Knox said, “He will arrive tomorrow, General!”
Kitty tugged at him, and Greene knew her question, said, “You are referring to Charles Lee?”
Lucy spoke up.
“Oh, quite! The word is already passing to the entire camp. Quite exciting!”
Knox said, “Yes, indeed! General Washington is organizing a reception, all the senior officers are to ride out on parade, to greet the general when he arrives. It should be an interesting affair, certainly! Well, come along to dinner. General Washington will certainly provide the details.”
They moved heavily back toward the dining cabin, and Kitty pulled at him, seemed surprised he did not follow.
“What’s wrong, Nat?”
“Wrong? General Charles Lee is coming home. How truly, utterly marvelous.”
He did not disguise the sarcasm, and she released him now, faced him.
“Is that not a good thing? I heard they were talking about some sort of an exchange.”
“Yes, it was discussed for some time. We released the British general Richard Prescott. He had been captured last summer in Newport. It was considered an equitable trade.” He could feel his mood growing darker by the minute. “Damn. I do not understand everyone’s enthusiasm. The congress is positively dancing with joy. Most of this army believes his presence is all we require to crush the British.”
“You don’t? Nat, I have never seen you so . . . agitated.”
He looked across to the dining cabin, no one left outside.
“My opinion is of no importance. General Washington requires capable field commanders. It is possibly this army’s greatest deficiency. He believes General Lee will make a contribution to our cause. There is nothing more for me to say.”
He held out his arm, and she slid beside him. They moved slowly across the road. The wonderful smells were reaching them, and she said something, words that drifted