A French and Spanish Love

Chapter Six: Major Leighton

September 15, 1776          New York City

It is September 15th, I have received no letters from Lucas. No letters saying if he was alright, or sick, or even dead. I have been busy helping the house staff clean and prepare a great meal for when the guests arrive, I felt a bit nervous since I wasn't quite fond of the British Army but this would be a great start to get information from the high ranking officers, who would suspect a girl? Soon after we finished cleaning, Alice dragged me upstairs to my room and started attacking my closet for a nice dress. "Are the cabins good?" I asked her as she went through my dresses, I was sitting on my bed. "They're comfortable and sturdy, they'll survive during winter," Alice answered before pulling out a pale red dress. "Red for England," Alice said jokingly, I laughed. "Alice, to be honest, I am not excited about these British officers staying at our house."
Alice started helping me undress. "Me as well, though unfortunately, we may have to suck it up." She sighed, helping me put on the dress and tying the corset. "You may be right, if they do anything to you or the rest of the staff, tell Rafal or I. They don't have the right to treat all of you badly," I said as Alice sat me down and started styling my hair. "Thank you. Do you want to wear a wig?" She asked me, I shook my head. "Wigs make me feel itchy," I answered, Alice, nodded and continued doing my hair before turning me around and started powdering my face to appear a bit pale as well as pinching my cheeks so that they appear pinker. Alice pulled out the shoes. "Do you think they'll notice if I don't wear any shoes?" I asked, grinning playfully. Alice giggled and rolled her eyes. "Just put the heels on." I pouted and put on the heels, Alice helped me put on some jewelry, and brought me downstairs. The house has never been cleaner than this, Rafal was in the parlor.
There was a knock on the door and Alice quickly opened it, revealing redcoats. Rafal was out of the parlor and smiled at the men. "Come in, gentlemen." He invited them in, the men walked in. There were in total, nine men. "Good afternoon, I am General William Howe." He introduced himself, I gaped at him. He was the actual commander-in-chief, Howe! "Rafal De La Corona." Rafal introduced himself. "Antonia De La Corona." I managed to say, General Howe smiled and kissed my hand.
The rest introduced themselves to be General Henry Clinton, Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis, Lieutenant General William Erskine, Major General James Grant, Major Daniel Bradman, Captain John West, Colonel Stephen Benton, and Major Ashton Leighton. We brought them upstairs to the third floor so that they could see their rooms, Major Leighton was the one to occupy the guest room on the second floor.
         While the men got themselves comfortable in their rooms, I helped Polly and a maid, Louise set up the table. After we finished I called the men down and we all sat down at the dinner table. "How long have you stayed here in New York?" Colonel Benton asked curiously as we all ate, he sat right next to me. "About a year or so, it is my first time here. My brother has been here in New York before." I nodded over at my brother, Colonel Benton smiled.
         "It must be a shame to have come here during a war." Colonel Benton commented, Rafal was having a conversation with General Howe and General Erskine. "Indeed," I nodded. "America would be more beautiful without the fighting. Say, have you driven out Washington yet?" I asked him curiously, perhaps he could give me some important information.
"Not yet, we plan to surround Washington at the Hudson and Bronx rivers in October." Colonel Benton boasted I smiled at him. "Thank goodness." I fake sigh. The rest of the dinner was some more chatting and eating, Major Leighton didn't seem to be fond of me, however, he spoke coldly towards me to the point where General Erskine pointed it out and scolded him. I reminded myself to stay out of Major Leighton's way in the future.
         After dinner, I spent my time in the guest parlor as the men occupied the family parlor. I was knitting a scarf and mittens for Rafal and me for when the snow came, I also made an extra set for Lucas to give to if I ever see him again. I was enjoying the silence until Alice ran in, holding letters. "Antonia! There's a letter from your brother, Lucas!" I sat up, disregarding the half-finished scarf and quickly grabbed the letters. "A few are for Mister Rafal." Alice added, I gave her Rafal's letter and quickly ripped open Lucas'.