The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [211]
Greene had left his quarters well before dawn, could endure no more of a fitful miserable night. He would not wake Kitty, slipped out of the house before even Major Hovey was awake.
The only movement was that of the ever-present guards, two men at each door of the house. They had taken his horse with quiet efficiency, and he stayed outside, would not disturb anyone’s sleep. He passed the time by walking along the creek, then the river, then retracing his steps. He had not noticed the time, realized finally that it was nearly full daylight, his thoughts broken by sounds from the door of the house. He watched as Tilghman appeared, followed by Lafayette, the two men stepping down, moving slowly across the yard, a quiet conversation. They did not yet see him, and he walked back across the road, caught a glance from Tilghman, who said, “Oh! Good morning, sir.”
“Colonel. Did we enjoy a pleasant night’s rest?”
Lafayette said nothing, was staring away, unusual response from the affable Frenchman. Tilghman seemed nervous, said, “It was not a good night, General. Forgive me, I should not speak of it further.”
Greene was concerned now, said, “What happened, Colonel?”
Tilghman glanced at Lafayette, who nodded slowly, and Tilghman said, “Sir, I discovered . . . it was most regrettable, sir. General Lee was provided quarters upstairs, near General Washington, the room that the staff has often used. It was no matter, we have use of another room. We have been accustomed to close quarters when a guest was present. It is my duty to wake very early . . .” He paused, and Greene saw a hard frown on the young man’s face. “General, I must trust . . . you are a man of discretion?”
“Of course, Colonel. What happened?”
“I do not know if General Washington was aware, sir, but General Lee was not alone last evening. I was in the hall, and was suddenly confronted by a sight . . . I should rather forget. General Lee has imported a . . . mistress . . . a miserable filthy hussy. She shares the general’s room even now.”
Greene could see that Tilghman was shaken. He fought the urge to laugh, said, “Well, who can be surprised by that?” He looked at Lafayette now, was surprised the young man was as serious as Tilghman.
Tilghman said, “Please, General. I ask you, do not speak of this.”
“Have no concern, Colonel. I will not betray your trust. Thank you for confiding in me.”
Tilghman began to move away, said, “I should return . . . the general has been awakened. He will require his coffee.”
The young man scampered up the short steps, disappeared into the house, and Greene expected Lafayette to share his humor, but the young man was still distracted, glanced back toward the house, said, “General, we should move . . . this way.”
Greene followed him, his curiosity growing now, and they reached the edge of the river, Lafayette now staring down into the water.
“General Greene, it was not a comfortable evening in this house.”
“No, I cannot say I enjoyed the dinner . . .”
“I do not refer to the dinner. I share Colonel Tilghman’s embarrassment for the commanding general, and especially so for Mrs. Washington.”
“I understand that. But there is nothing to be done about Charles Lee’s personal habits. General Washington believes that he is a valuable commander. We have no choice but to accept his role in this command.”
“I am not so certain of that. Before I retired, I engaged in a brief conversation with General Lee. I was attempting to offer my congratulations on his freedom. His response caused me considerable . . . agitation.”
“What did he say?”
Lafayette looked at him now, shook his head.
“General Lee has vigorous opinions of the commanders in this camp.