Two Wars Raging

Deborah Reese

Description

The war of 1812 is raging.Buck Stephens, notorious privateer, is interested in only one thing - driving the British from the eastern seaboard. He is sidetracked by Marianne Primrose, an insistent and opinionated schoolteacher. Their purposes collide, so a compromise is grudgingly made.The combative relationship between Buck and Marianne slowly evolves into a burgeoning love affair until malicious former love interests vow to separate them. Despite the intrusion of the outside world, Buck and Marianne find their way back to one another time and time again.But in the end, will their love be strong enough to fight for and win the wars that could destroy their happiness?

Informations

• Publié par: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Date de parution: 31 août 2020
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781645757603
• Langue: English

Extrait

Two Wars Raging
Deborah Reese
Austin Macauley Publishers
2020-08-31
Two Wars Raging About the Author Dedication Copyright Information © Acknowledgments Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Chapter 41 Chapter 42 Chapter 43 Chapter 44 Chapter 45 Chapter 46 Chapter 47
About the Author
Mary Reese and Deborah Burke, writing under the pen name Deborah Reese, are both grandmothers with Southern roots. Their time is divided between their families, their church activities, and community service. They both enjoy reading and historical research. It has always been their dream to write a book which is fun to read while painlessly teaching history.
They reside in Concord, North Carolina.  Two Wars Raging  is their first book.
Dedication
We dedicate this book to Stephen Burke and the late Buck Reese.
Copyright Information ©
Deborah Reese (2020)
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.
Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Ordering Information:
Quantity sales: special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.
Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data
Reese, Deborah
Two Wars Raging
ISBN 9781645757597 (Paperback)
ISBN 9781645757580 (Hardback)
ISBN 9781645757603(ePub e-book)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2020909875
www.austinmacauley.com/us
First Published (2020)
Austin Macauley Publishers LLC
40 Wall Street, 28th Floor
New York, NY 10005
USA
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Acknowledgments
We acknowledge our Savior, who makes all things possible.
Chapter 1
What the hell is going on here? Buck Stephens thought to himself. With a trace of doubt and nagging suspicion, the well-known shipbuilder and notorious privateer, propped his boots on the desk of William Pinkney and waited impatiently for his return. The Maryland Attorney General had summoned him to his office in the Baltimore Courthouse to assist in a mysterious assembly matter. It all sounded a bit fishy, but William was like a father to him and he was happy to make allowances.
While waiting, Stephens scanned the stately room complete with portraits of all previous presidents of the United States including the present leader, James Madison. Buck felt honored to be in such revered company.
Leaning back in his chair, Buck’s mind drifted to his early childhood and the man he had become. Never knowing his father and losing his mother to consumption as a child, Buck was left to fend for himself on the seedy docks of Baltimore. William had discovered him – a skinny, ragged twelve-year old scrounging for food scraps, half-starved and shivering with cold. The boy was barely alive when William brought him home. In the coming years, no man had a more loving son and no son a more devoted father.
Known for his impatience, Buck began to get restless, wanting to return to his shipyard. He was about to leave a note when William walked into the room.
“It’s good to see you,” his mentor enthused. “I’m glad you were patient enough to wait,” he chuckled, knowing exactly what Buck was thinking. He circled the massive mahogany desk and made himself comfortable.
“I can’t imagine why you would need me specifically,” Buck insisted. “There are other assemblymen that would have been anxious to assist you. You know I have no real interest in political foolishness.”
The Attorney General shuffled some government papers on his desk before looking up and urging him to continue.
Buck went on, “Of course, I’ll make time for you, but do you really think I’m your best choice? You do realize that it’s essential I meet my deadline. Three ships must be ready to sail before September. The British are becoming a larger threat by the day.” Buck truly believed that the destiny of the United States of America lay partly in his hands. His beloved country had declared and won her independence thirty-six years ago, but alas, the Redcoats were already at her throat again. He was determined to help stop them no matter the cost.
William should understand. He had influenced Buck in many ways, but none so much as the deep love of country that they shared. As a young man, William had participated in the Revolution, and made great and lasting friendships with the likes of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and even a passing acquaintance with General Washington himself. The stories and antidotes of his past entertained and educated Buck throughout their shared lives.
“I realize how demanding your work is, but I’m only asking a small favor. The constituent involved is a personal friend of mine, and I want someone I trust to take seriously her interests. It won’t affect the outcome of the war for you to give this deserving young woman a few hours of your time.”
Considering that remark, Buck sat upright and noticed the mischievous glint in William’s eye. “Aha! I knew it had to involve a woman. You’re worse than an old mother hen meddling in my affairs.”
Still settled behind his desk, William tried once more to convince Buck to willingly help Marianne Primrose. “Actually, I’m doing you a favor. Miss Primrose is a very special young woman, and she could really use your skill. She just might be able to teach you that there is more than one way to serve your country.”
The older man’s tenacity mixed with his good humor cracked Buck’s defenses. In mock submission, he leaned against the far wall with his arms crossed in front of him. “What special talent do I have that would serve her better than my colleagues on the council?” He paused to ponder the whole situation. Thinking aloud, he looked again at William, “Marianne Primrose. That name sounds vaguely familiar. Have I met Miss Primrose previously? At your home, perhaps?”
“You remember correctly. You barged in at one of my wife’s dinner parties and caused quite a stir among the ladies if I recall, dressed like a pirate – earring and all. I don’t believe my wife has ever forgiven you.”
“She should have thanked me for taking my leave so promptly after delivering the report that you insisted that I bring over immediately. You own some responsibility for that debacle.”
“I absolutely do,” said William chuckling. “I doubt that Miss Primrose is holding any ill will; she probably doesn’t even remember you. She however has matured into a very interesting woman. She’s smart, hard-working, and caring. She never hesitates to help anyone in need, especially children. I think you’ll find her quite impressive.”
“Exactly what does she expect from the assembly?” Buck questioned.
“It has something to do with the schoolhouse where she teaches. When she arrives in the chamber room, I would like for you to listen to her proposal attentively and with an open mind.”
“If you insist,” said Buck offhandedly. His mind was already wandering back to the country’s greatest need – warships. He managed a capable crew to build his ships, yet it was his blueprints and strategic planning that would help America win the war.
“Thanks, I appreciate that. I’ll return later this afternoon so we can discuss the outcome then.” William rose and retrieved his frock coat and top hat. Turning, he gave Buck some last words of advice. “Listen before you speak and don’t underestimate her tenacity. I have found her to be a remarkably astute young woman. I think you will as well.”
Tired, Buck leaned back in William’s worn leather chair and propped his boots onto the desk while waiting for Marianne to arrive. From this vantage, he could rest while having a clear view of the street that faced their office.
The busy thoroughfare of carriages and passersby was quite a contrast to his month at sea. The ships he built seemed no longer able to penetrate the British blockade. The war seemed to be taking an ominous turn with no end in sight. President Madison declared war on Britain in 1812. Sailor’s rights and free trade were the primary issues at the time but had since blossomed to British expansion in North America. During the first year of the war, England was at a disadvantage at sea. Napoleon was keeping at least half their powerful Navy busy on the continent. But now that France had abdicated, Britain was free to put the full force of the Royal Navy against us. Now those lobster backs were free to fight in the Great Lake Territories, Upper Canada, as well as blockading the Atlantic seaboard from New York to points south of the Chesapeake, all the way to Georgia.
Buck had struggled so hard with his high hopes of defeating the British within the first year of the War of 1812. It hadn’t happened, and now the war was well into its second year. Disappointment washed over him just thinking about the futility of the situation. No matter how many warships he and the other American shipbuilders constructed, the Patrio