TORY ESCAPE

Milton, Massachusetts / October 1775

The war was all anyone talked about. British vs. Americans, Loyalists vs. Patriots, Tories vs. Rebels. For Penny it was too much. She just wanted the conflict to end so her life could return to normal.

Still, when she overheard her parents discussing the recent vandalism at a Tory home in Milton, she stopped outside their bedroom door to listen. She had heard about stones being thrown at the house, breaking several windows.

Her parents’ discussion grew heated. "We can't leave here soon enough,” said her mother angrily. “It's just three weeks now; when are we going to tell the children about Halifax?"

Halifax! The name struck Penny like a shot. Her Loyalist parents were taking her and her sister Clara to Halifax in far-away Nova Scotia? My God, that would mean forsaking her beloved Moses – forever!

Her father’s gravelly voice responded, "We must wait until just a few days before our departure. I’m worried about Penny, lest she run away with her American beau.”

"Well, the sooner we depart, the better,” her mother retorted. “I told you months ago we should have gone to Boston. Instead, it gets worse every day with these so-called Patriots harassing us.”

"Yes dear, I know your feelings on that subject," her father soothed.

As she listened, Penny recalled a dinner-table conversation soon after the fighting broke out at Concord. Her mother wanted to leave Milton and join other Loyalists from the countryside moving into Boston, still in British hands.

But her father insisted on staying put in Milton. It would all blow over, he said. Now it was too late, with Boston surrounded and under siege by the rebels.

The more Penny heard, the angrier she became. By the time she turned to continue down the hall, her mind was made up. Her father was right: she would not go to Halifax. After all, she was no longer a Tory, not since she started going with Moses. Yes, at 18 she was still a minor and could not legally disobey her parents. But she was in love. She would run away; she had no choice.

That evening she sat down and wrote a letter to Moses at the Roxbury encampment of the Continental Army.

My dearest Moses,

I am in a terrible predicament. From a conversation overheard between my parents, I have learned that in three weeks’ time we will be moving to Halifax. They have not yet told me or Clara.

I have decided that I will not go to Halifax. So lest we be parted forever, my love, you must help me to escape. Can you meet me at the old barn late some night in the next week? It must be after 1 a.m. to allow time to walk there. I must also find a place to stay. Perhaps your house?

I have asked my messenger Matthew (our neighbor) to await your reply. When I receive it, I will send him back with my confirmation.

I know this is very sudden, and the thought of leaving my family gives me great trepidation. But I will not leave you. And given my parents’ secrecy, I dare not wait any longer to plan my escape.

Loving you always,

Penny

The next morning Penny gave the letter to her neighbor, 12-year-old Matthew Bond, who sometimes ran errands for her. Normally she paid him a few pence, but now she gave him a whole shilling to take her message to Moses in Roxbury.

Placing her hands on his shoulders, she looked him in the eyes. “I can’t tell you how important this is, Matthew. You must guard this letter with your life. And above all, make haste! I will anxiously await your return.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Matthew. After all, Penny was the most beautiful woman he knew. He would do anything for her.

As she watched the boy walk away, she felt a pit in her stomach. Was she really going to run away? Leave her parents and Clara?

-----

Moses Lennon and Penny Baxter met at the Harvest Fair the previous October. One couple apart in the line dance, their eyes caught and Penny smiled. Moses saw a tall, buxom girl in a stylish green dress with chestnut-brown hair cascading over her shoulders. A few years younger, he guessed.

Later, he caught her again glancing his way. This time, he smiled back and motioned her to an empty table.

“Hello,” he said, as they sat down. “I’m Moses.”

“And I’m Penny,” she replied, smiling.

For the next two hours they talked about everything from horses to their favorite desserts. Penny felt a sense of ease conversing with this tall, well-spoken man in a maroon shirt.

To her relief they barely touched on the political tensions in Massachusetts. Moses did mention that he was in the Milton militia, which made him a Patriot for certain. Penny said nothing about her Tory family.

They were still talking at closing time. As they rose from the table, Moses asked, “Would you like to walk on the town green next Saturday?”

“That’s a wonderful idea; I’d love to,” Penny replied, barely containing her elation.

Walking home, she pictured Moses. Slightly taller than her with a slim build. Black hair combed back above a sharp-featured face. With the maroon shirt he wore gray britches and polished boots.

Yes, Moses was a handsome man, and he seemed interested in her. But would he still be interested when he learned of her Loyalist family?

She resolved to tell him on their walk. And be bold with it.

-----

They had exchanged greetings and begun walking when Penny slipped her arm into his. Bold.

“Moses, I must tell you something,” she began, looking down as they walked, “My parents are Loyalists. So I guess that makes me one as well, even though I don’t feel any great devotion to the British. At this point all I care about is ending this disharmony so everyone can get along again.”

She paused, awaiting his response.

“Well, it sounds to me like you’re a fence-sitter, not a Tory,” said Moses. When Penny looked up, he was grinning. A wave of relief swept through her. He hadn’t turned and walked away after all.

“Yes, I guess that’s what I am, a fence-sitter,” she said. “But at home I must be a Loyalist at least in name, so as not to upset my parents. My father is a merchant and trades with Britain.”

“Have you told them about us?” asked Moses.

“No, I haven’t. But I must do it soon. Otherwise, they’ll hear it from someone else, and that would be worse. They’re not going to like it, especially my mother. What about your parents?

Moses said, “I will tell them tonight. They’re Patriots, and they’ll be fine with it.”

Then Moses put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.

“And you know what? You won’t be a fence-sitter much longer; not if I have any say about it.”

“You just might be right,” Penny replied.

----

On the day Penny dispatched her message to Moses, nearly a year had passed since their walk on the town green.

In the early days they met at the old barn off Field Road, secluded from prying eyes that might disapprove of their odd match. In the abandoned structure, Moses and Penny kissed to their hearts’ content. Penny let Moses touch her soft breasts, and before long they were discussing marriage once she turned 21.

Moses’s love for Penny went way beyond her looks. He loved her spirit, her sense of humor, her boisterous laugh. And Penny loved him for his sharp mind, his optimism, and his commitment to the Patriot cause.

Their old-barn idyll ended with the first shots fired at Concord. Within days Moses left Milton to join the colonial militia in Roxbury. Penny hadn’t seen him since.

Moses slung another shovelful of Roxbury dirt out of the entrenchment that he’d been digging since early morning. Another fortification to defend against the British redcoats holed up in Boston. Just yesterday morning Moses and his company took to the entrenchments to return fire when the enemy cannonaded the Patriot lines.

Now Moss heard a child’s voice above him.

“Hello sir.”

Moses saw a boy looking down from the edge of the trench. No more than 12 or 13. Tousled hair sticking out from under a faded blue cap, wearing a patched jacket and gray britches.

“Moses Lennon?” the boy asked.

“That’s me,” said Moses.

“I have a message for you from Penny.”

A message from Penny? Why would his girl send him a message with this lad?

“You wait right there, son,” said Moses, dropping his shovel. “I’m coming up.”

Clambering out of the entrenchment, Moses wiped his dirty hands on his trousers and approached the boy, who held out an envelope to him. “Penny told me to wait for you to write your answer and then bring it back to her,” the boy announced. “She said it is very important.”

Moses felt a jolt of anxiety. If Penny needed an immediate response, it meant trouble for sure. And just as certain, it involved her Tory parents.

“What’s your name, son?” he asked the boy.

“Matthew, sir.”

“OK Matthew, follow me over to the barracks where I can read this,”

“Yes, sir.”

“You can call me Moses, son. Are you from Milton?”

Trailing behind, Matthew answered, “Yes sir … I mean, Moses … I live just up the road from Penny.”

Moses grinned at Matthew. “Well, you’ve done a good job delivering this. You walked all the way from Milton?

“Yes sir.”

“Did anyone give you any trouble?”

The lad answered proudly, “No sir, I just walked along and didn’t look at anyone; like I was minding my own business.”

“Good, son; that’s very good.’”

Moses motioned toward the barracks steps. “OK, you sit here, Matthew, while I go inside to read this and write my answer.”

Moments later Moses sat stunned after reading Penny’s message. He had to save his girl from deportation. For that’s what it would be: deportation against her will. As a minor, Penny couldn’t refuse to accompany her parents to Halifax, much less leave home on her own.

So to save their love from this death sentence, they must break the law.

Moses pondered how he would get to the old barn. Since the Army was not granting leaves of absence during the war, he’d have to sneak out late at night, bribing a sentry if need be.

Yes, he’d take Penny to his house on Pasture Road. She knew his parents from their visits before the war. As Patriots they would welcome her.

Considering what day would be best for his scheme, he remembered that General Washington was to pay a visit to the Roxbury encampment on Saturday. That meant there would be a hullabaloo all day Friday preparing for the commander’s inspection. So he’d sneak out late Friday night.

Moses picked up his quill.

Dearest Penny,

Of course I will help. Here is my plan.

I will leave here late Friday night and meet you at the barn between 1-1:30 a.m. We will walk to my house where you will stay. I will leave immediately as I must return to Roxbury before dawn.

If something happens and you need to postpone, just send Matthew with the new date.

I dare not express that time is of the essence. We will succeed, my love,

Moses

Moses then picked up another piece of paper and wrote to his parents.

Dear Ma and Pa,

Penny has found herself in a crisis where she must leave her home. I am meeting her early Saturday and will bring her to our house to stay, arriving approx. 2 a.m. Please make Penny welcome, as I must immediately return to Roxbury.

M

Moses sealed both letters and brought them out to Matthew. After determining that the boy was familiar with Pasture Road, Moses issued his instructions.

“You will deliver Penny’s message first, then go to my house on Pasture Road."

He looked down at Matthew. “Now, my lad, how much Penny has paid you for your services.”

“One shilling.”

“Well, here are two more for you,” said Moses, digging the coins out of his pocket. “One for each message.”

“Thank you very much!” replied Matthew, standing ramrod straight. “I’ll take extra care and deliver them as fast as I can.”

‘You do that, Matthew,” said Moses. “You do that, and you’ll be a hero for Penny and me. Now, off with you.”

Moses said a silent prayer as he watched the lad set off at a brisk pace.

Lying in bed that night, he contemplated the risks of his plan. What if the sentry refused to accept a bribe? What if someone recognized him as he walked the Milton road? What if Penny’s parents caught her trying to escape? And as Penny herself feared, what if they came out to Pasture Road to take her back?

-----

The next morning Matthew appeared once again at the Roxbury encampment with Penny’s response in hand. Sitting on the barracks steps, Moses broke the seal and spread the paper.

Dearest Moses.

I confirm your plan. I will leave the house at 12:30 a.m. I should arrive at the barn about 1:15. I will bring one bag.

What I am about to do in leaving my family unnerves my hand whilst I write this. How I long for the day when our trial is over. And now, pray for me as I do for you.

Penny

-----

The afternoon of her “E” day – E for Escape – Penny sat down at her bedroom table to write her farewells.

Dear Father and Mother

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that l say farewell to you and this house tonight. It is my home, and you and Clara are my family. I understand why you must go to Halifax, just as I understand your loyalty to Britain. But I must follow my heart and remain here with Moses. I wish you Godspeed on your voyage and settlement in Halifax. Please write to me.

I am leaving a note for Clara as well.

With all my love and hope for your future,

Penny

At supper Penny tried to take part in the conversation as her stomach churned. She was sitting at the family table for the last time. Was this what she really wanted, to leave her parents forever? Her sister? How could she?

In her room after saying goodnight, Penny stripped off her clothes and donned her outfit for the journey – her warmest dress over two petticoats, with a woolen jacket and leather brogues on her feet. In her carpetbag she put a change of clothes, a few pieces of jewelry, and her Bible.

At her appointed hour Penny eased the bedroom door open, tiptoed along the hallway and down the stairs. She placed her letters on the hall table and lifted her coat off its peg. Turning to the door, she pressed her body against the latch to muffle its sound. Ever so slowly she pressed the lever down until she heard the click.

Penny picked up her bag, pulled the door open and stepped outside into the chilly autumn night. Down the walk and onto the road. She couldn't look back.

Walking as fast as she could, Penny was glad she hadn’t put any more in her carpetbag, which periodically bounced off her leg. Her route took her up Pine Lane to Field Road, thence a quarter mile west to the cart track leading to the old barn. She met no one.

She had a momentary fright when the barn finally came into dim view across the field. What if Moses wasn’t there?

But then she spotted his dark form standing in the doorway. Her Moses. Dropping her bag, she ran into his open arms. "Oh my Lord, thank God!", she gasped, smelling his familiar wool coat.

“Did you have any trouble?” asked Moses.

“None, did you?”

“Not after I gave the sentry two shillings. I met nobody the rest of the way.”

Clasping and kissing, they savored their reunion until Moses said, "We need to hurry, my love, as I must return to Roxbury before dawn."

Pulling the creaky barn door closed, they set out for Moses's house, two miles distant. The silence of the night enveloped them, punctured occasionally by an owl’s hoot. Holding hands to start, they soon let go to move faster on the dirt track.

They had just turned onto Pasture Road when a movement ahead caught Moses’s eye. An apparition in the darkness, slowly coming toward them. Closer, they saw a disheveled old man, hunched over and carrying a walking stick.

"My Lord,” Penny whispered, "it's Old Man Munson."

Everyone in town knew Old Man Munson, the village hermit. Lived in a hut made of old boards in the woods off Field Road. Always accosting people with questions like how much money they had or which side they were on in the colony’s political schism. Tonight was no different.

"Heh, heh,” cackled the old man, leering at Moses. "You Patriot or Tory?"

Moses figured it was best to humor Munson. "Patriot through and through."

"You too?" the old man asked, fixing his sunken eyes on Penny.

"Oh yes, Mr. Munson. You don't have to worry about me."

At that point Moses couldn’t resist asking, "And what about yourself, Patriot or Tory?"

"Ah, both sides are a bunch of balderdash,” the hermit replied. “So I'm sitting on the fence, waiting to see who wins.”

That was enough for Moses. "Well Mr. Munson, it’s been nice talking to you, but we best be getting along now.” He started to move around the hermit, pulling Penny with him.

"Oh no you don't, not so fast," the old man snarled, switching his walking stick into a horizontal position across his body like a closed gate. Moses grabbed at the stick and yanked it away, letting it fall to the ground. As Munson bent to retrieve it, Moses cried to Penny, “Run!”

In no time they’d left Old Man Munson far behind.

-----

Around one more bend and there was the familiar white house, its lamp beckoning.

Moses’s mother Alice appeared at the door and hailed them. “You made it! Come in, come in. Penny, dear child, you must be freezing."

Alice kissed her son and then Penny as they crossed the threshold. Penny held fond memories of the thin woman with graying black hair and a wry sense of humor. Behind Alice stood Moses’s father, Edward, a tall husky man who gave the two arrivals his own hearty greeting. "Patriots are always welcome in this house," he said, looking directly at Penny.

In the spacious hearth room Penny rubbed her hands together for warmth. Mrs. Lennon, as Penny still called her, had laid out a small feast for the night travelers. But Moses had no time to sit down, much less dine.

“I wish I could stay,” he said, taking a corn muffin. "But I must be back in camp before dawn, lest I be caught. After what we've been through tonight, we don't want that.”

Alice Lennon was holding back tears. “I will return as soon as I can, Ma," Moses said as he hugged her. “It’s not long now before my time is up at year’s end. Pray that we drive out the redcoats by then."

Penny put her arm in his, and together they walked out the door they'd just come in. Reaching the road, they fell into a tight embrace.

“It won’t be long now, my love,” said Moses, as Penny’s tears coursed down onto his coat.

She pleaded, “Hurry, please hurry! End this war and come back to me so we can marry.’

“I will my love. I rejoice at the prospect of our union.”

Then he was gone, striding down the road back to Roxbury. Back to the war.

Penny prayed as she returned to the house. Eating a piece of cornbread, she turned down Mrs. Lennon’s offer of pudding. “I just can’t eat any more. I’m exhausted.”

“I should think you would be.”

Showing Penny to her room, Mrs. Lennon pointed out the chamber pot, dresser, and closet. On her way out, she stopped in the doorway.

"I just want you to know how glad we are to have you with us, my dear. You can stay here as long as you want.”

“Thank you. You are too kind,” said Penny, seated on the bed.

Still in the doorway Mrs. Lennon smiled and fingered the edge of her apron. "And rest assured that when Moses comes home, I'll make sure he doesn't set foot in this room until the two of you are wed."

Penny groaned inside. Mrs. Lennon’s humor?

-----

In the morning she awoke to the sound of voices outside. She immediately recognized one voice. Just as she feared, her father had come to retrieve her.

Dressing hastily, she went to the sunlit window. There was her father in his black frock, standing beside the carriage, talking with Mr. Lennon. At the sight of him, Penny felt the anguish of the past week boil over. How could she not go with her own father?

She heard his voice grow harsh as the two men conversed.

"I told you; I have come for my daughter; bring her out now," Mr. Baxter demanded. “Or I will go in to fetch her.”

“I cannot allow you in my home,” answered Mr. Lennon.

"Look, I know that I am a Tory and you are a Patriot," said Mr. Baxter. "But this goes beyond that. I wish to see my daughter and take her home."

"If you will wait, I will see if she desires to speak with you," Mr. Lennon replied.

Moments later Moses's father appeared in Penny's doorway. Before he spoke a word, she said,

“I heard your conversation. Please tell my father that I cannot come out.”

“As you wish, my child,” said Mr. Lennon. “We will do what is best for you.”

Outside, as Mr. Lennon approached Penny’s father, the man's face suddenly lit up. "Daughter!" cried Mr. Baxter. Mr. Lennon looked back and saw Penny standing in the doorway.

"Father, I regret that I cannot go with you to Halifax,” she called out. “I must stay here with Moses so we can marry when the war is over.”

"Do you realize what you are doing?” he asked.

Penny pleaded, "I beseech you, father, to grant your approval.”

Her father looked at her for a long moment, then gave the slightest of nods and climbed into his carriage.

"I love you, father," Penny cried as she watched him turn the horse toward home.

Stephen Brayton is a former journalist and communications consultant. His short stories have appeared in CommuterLit, The Raven’s Perch, Fictional Café, and Flash in a Flash. Steve is past-president of his hometown historical society in Dedham, MA and active in environmental causes.