-= 96 =-
25 September, 1781
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Wolfe's Inn, named for the heroic general slain on the Plains of Abraham outside Quebec during the Seven Years War, was a popular attraction for officers of the powerful North American squadron. Not a day passed where the common room wasn't filled with the blue, white and gold of the Royal Navy, or the red of their marines and those in charge of the six thousand defending Halifax from American incursion. Captain John Andre didn't look out of place here therefore, and none took notice when he first bought a drink to steel his nerves, then silently ascend the stairs.
Captain Andre was one of those rare men that spymasters love: Smart of course, quiet and discreet. Most importantly Andre could memorize and process details and observations. A few hours unguarded conversation could say much about a person and what they wanted. It was Andre's continued, accurate, insistence that loyalist fervor along New York's Hudson River valley still ran high that explained the continued 'unofficial' militia raids deep into their heartland.
Just as useful from a spymaster's view, Andre could be charming when he chose. He knew how to put someone at ease which allowed for easier discussions. He loved art. He loved debate, so long as he didn't need to commit himself. A perfect operative, even in an unofficial capacity.
"Yes?" A door opened at Andre's knock and a hotel servant looked up anxiously.
"Is Mrs. Foster in?" Andre reached into his purse and pulled out a small card.
The servant read the major's name. "Yes, sir. Please come with me."
He followed her through an opulent common room - drapes, paintings, a polished table made of a wood Andre couldn't identify, and the scent of .. lilacs? The servant led him into Foster's bedroom then left, smiling and closing the door behind her. Andre arched his eyebrow curiously.
Anne Foster was tall and thin, with curly blond hair. Like Andre she'd learned long ago how to charm people and put them at ease. She'd quickly learned three things that spurred her
career with the Foreign Office. First, men seemed to respect and admire (and leave alone!) women who were married, which explained the junior operative pretending to be her husband. Second, few men considered a woman threatening unless she were unusually catty or aggressive. Third, people always assumed the worst. She stood now, peering over the buildings of Halifax in a flowing blue dress with gloves like she planned to go to a party.
"Ma'am?" Andre bowed and she turned.
"Good morning, Captain." She smiled and indicated a chair against the wall. "Please have a seat. Would you like a drink?"
Andre could be rakish when he chose, but a married woman's lair was a little beyond his depth, especially when he'd expected business. "Please." While she poured from a crystal decanter he looked around. More oppulence, easily the equal of his father's house earned through a lifetime of mercantile activities. The scent of lilacs was stronger here.
Anne leaned close as she handed him his drink.
"Ma'am, this is ...irregular," he murmured.
"Don't be foolish, Captain." She smiled to take the sting from her words and walked to her window. "You were observed coming up. There is a devillish American in the square now taking notes." She smiled down at the fool before firmly pulling the curtains closed. "So long as he thinks we are intriguing against
Mister Foster, then they will not suspect our true purpose."
"Of course." Captain Andre downed his drink in one gulp and studied her closely. Straight backed, like a tree...rigid. Perhaps even paranoid, even now her eyes darted back and forth as if she expected another devillish American to pop out of her closet. "I was told you required my services."
She regarded him sharply. "Yes. How much do you know of what is happening at home?"
"Very little, I'm afraid. News is slow in coming here."
"As I suspected." She pulled another chair and sat across from him, almost knee to knee. "Lord North's government fell earlier this year. The Marquis of Rockingham and his Whigs are in power."
"The king must be furious." Though staunch supporters of the Hannoverians in general, the Whigs spoke out constantly against the current wars. They'd also made many enemies by insisting parliament needed reforming.
"The king has not been well. Anyway, that is not our concern. We have a new mandate, and that is to end this war while leaving Britain's honor intact."
"That may prove difficult." Andre sipped at his empty glass, frowned and put it aside. "Word from the south is General Arslan and their Heyward are stalemated in West Florida. Arnold's expected to intercept another of our 'raids' near Saratoga, and they have another army marching through New Hampshire. Raiders have captured all the Hudson Bay and Labrador territories. New Brunswick has of course been in enemy hands for years."
"It would be difficult if we didn't have someone inside the Continental Congress."
"What!? Who!?"
"You."
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12 October, 1781
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
"Good morning, Mister Andrews." Meshech Weare, President (Governor) of New Hampshire shook his hand warmly. "I hope you were not inconvenienced. I only arrived in town this morning."
"Not at all." Andre smiled. "I understand you were in Dover?"
"Yes, sir. A niggling little case, both lawyers are quite .. active and energetic, I assure you." This seemed to vex Weare, who looked away. "It is my court, however," he swore. After a moment he smiled wanly. "But enough of that. It is not often we hear from the western towns. What can I do for you?"
Andre studied the man closely. "I do not need to tell you that the western settlements are... concerned about the degree of power focused on the coast."
"Yes," Weare frowned. "And I think a seasonal meeting in Concord is quite enough to satisfy them. It is natural law that most of our people live on the coast." At one point between wars the towns along the Connecticut River valley threatened secession, claiming the coastal communities dominated the state. It took several concessions to win them back.
"Oh, I agree entirely, sir. However I respectfully submit that were I to be nominated, and with God's blessing accepted to Congress, then their argument has no further bearing."
"And help your career at the same time, Mister Andrews?" Weare closed one eye and studied him sidelong.
Andre shrugged. "I have an eye on my own interests, certainly. However, I see no reason we cannot help each other. You want the inland settlements to let you get on with business. I can help with that."
"Perhaps." Weare frowned. "So you do not think Mister Peabody answers?" Nathaniel Peabody had represented New Hampshire for two years.
"I say nothing against Colonel Peabody. However, he's from Plaistow. Plaistow is too close to the coast, it does not answer back home."
"Where is home anyway?"
"Bennington."
"In the Green Mountains?" Weare gaped. "But that's in New York!"
"By order of the king," Andre replied. "However there are many in Ver-mont who do not accept this. I do not need to tell you the king's word is void. New York is unable to defend herself, let alone us ... and they treat us as, well, a colony. You have been generous enough to see me. Were I to travel to New York, even if I avoided raiders it would be weeks before I saw even a minor functionary. I promise nothing mind you, but I dare say there are those who would happily discuss joining up with a state willing to treat us as a partner, and not as a possession."
Weare narrowed his gaze. Irritating the arrogant, often whiny New York representatives who showed up in Portsmouth to make demands had definite appeal.
"Your plan interests me, Mister Andrews. I want you to come to dinner tonight. There are some people I want you to meet."