Rosemarie shrugged and pulled Chandler closer to her side.
“You know if you’re hidin’ an escaped prisoner of war, you’d be in a heap of trouble. Could face treason charges.”
Bile rose to the back of her throat. “Captain, if you and your men are through with me and my family, I would appreciate you being on your way.” She winced when she shifted in her seat. “I don’t want my younger children to wake up and find you here.”
A soldier she hadn’t seen before entered the kitchen and walked up to the Captain. He didn’t seem to be much older than Chandler. Peach fuzz on his face and adolescent pimples marked him as not much more than a boy. “Nothing, sir.”
Captain Nelson addressed the young soldier, but kept his eyes on Rosemarie. “You check the barn and root cellar?”
“Yes, sir.”
The captain stood and shoved the chair under the table. “We’ll be on our way, ma’am.” He slung his rifle over his soldier and leaned toward her. “I sure hope we don’t have no reason to come back here.”
He nodded and turned to leave when a shout came from outside the house. Rosemarie’s relief was short lived. Had they found Daniel?
“Captain.” Another young soldier dashed into the kitchen, his eyes wild. “Someone just took off with my horse.”
“What the hell … ” Captain Nelson pushed the soldier aside and strode to the door, the rest of the men following.
Rosemarie cursed her sore leg and her inability to see the activity outside the house. “Chandler, go to the porch and see what’s happened.”
Chandler dashed after the soldiers, the door banging behind him.
Rosemarie attempted to rise, but fell back when the pain in her leg caused a wave of nausea to roll over her. Sweat broke out on her forehead and she slumped in the chair. Shouting and the sound of horses galloping brought her attention to the kitchen window, where several soldiers, Captain Nelson in the lead, raced past the house.
Chandler hurried into the kitchen, his eyes wide. “I think Mr. McCoy got away.”
Why did she feel like she’d been deserted — again? She mentally slapped herself. What did she expect, that Daniel would stay forever and solve all her problems? Certainly not when she had no desire to tie herself to another man.
She had a farm to run, and three children to feed. She didn’t need his help or anyone else’s for that matter. Her leg would heal, and everything would return to the way it was before the blighter entered her life. Good riddance. He made her feel uncomfortable anyway, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at her. The way he made scrambled eggs for Amelia.
Well, goddammit, she could scramble eggs, too. She used her knuckle to wipe the tear from the piece of dirt that must’ve gotten into her eye. “Chandler, check the trapdoor — see if Mr. McCoy is gone.”
Rosemarie held her hand to her throat as Chandler ran to the mudroom and lifted the trap door. He climbed down, leaving the rapid beating of her heart the only sound in the room.
After a few minutes, Chandler’s head poked up from the opening. “He’s gone.”
• • •
The weak Indiana sun beat down on Daniel’s head as he raced through thick foliage, trusting this horse he’d never ridden to keep from stumbling over the forest floor. All his years in training horses came into play as he guided the animal in the direction of the Kentucky border.
He tugged on the reins when he spotted a small creek to the west of him. They both needed rest and a drink. Daniel slid from the panting animal and knelt to dunk his head into the creek. After scooping up water with his hands, his throat muscles worked as he gulped the sweet liquid running down his chin, onto his shirt. He shook his head like an animal and smoothed back his hair, tucking it behind his ears.
From the position of the setting sun, he’d been on the road for about two hours. Nothing but the sound of animals rustling through the woods and birds calling to their mates greeted him the few times he’d stopped. If the soldiers had chased after him, they’d given up a while ago. He eased his body against a large oak tree, knees bent, hands dangling between his legs.
The sound of Rosemarie’s voice denying knowledge of his whereabouts to the soldiers had raised his spirits like nothing else. But then as he listened from his spot under the trap door, it became apparent the captain didn’t believe her. Afraid for the safety of her and the children, he’d made a quick decision and stole the horse, to escape and cause a diversion.
Rosemarie.
Everything he’d ever wanted in a woman. Pretty, smart, courageous, and a little bit feisty. He shook his head, smiling as he remembered their verbal sparring. She could hold her own, but every once in a while vulnerability showed through. Someone had mistreated her. It was there in her eyes, the way she held herself. Maybe not physical pain, but she carried around the burden of hurt.
His thoughts in turmoil, Daniel got back on the horse and continued on. As he rode, pictures flashed in his mind. Rosemarie pointing the gun at him. Amelia sticking her fingers in her mouth, Chandler glowing with pride as he held up the dead rabbit. And the last — Rosemarie wincing with pain as he settled her in the kitchen chair.
What was he doing? He couldn’t just run off and leave her. She wasn’t yet capable of caring for the farm and her family, still needed his help. His mind racing, Daniel slowed the horse from a gallop to a trot to a walk to a complete stop.
Does she need me, or do I need her?
His jaw clenched. Another time and place he wouldn’t hesitate.
After staring for a few minutes at squirrels chasing each other up and down trees, and rubbing his fingers over the heavy ring in his pocket, he knew even with the fear of capture and the war raging in Virginia, where his duty lay. For now, anyway.
Daniel inhaled deeply, then tugged on the left rein to turn. A weight lifted from his shoulders as he kicked the sides of the animal and headed back.
He needed to go slow. With darkness descending, it would be dangerous retracing his steps over unknown ground.
The nighttime sounds of the woods called to him as he made his way back to Rosemarie. Perhaps he used her injury as an excuse, but he had to know, had to figure this out.
Chapter Six
Rosemarie blew out the lamp in the kitchen, and leaning on the stick Chandler had found for her, hobbled to the bedroom. Just after nine o’clock and the three children were finally asleep.
She had a heck of a time explaining to Jace and Amelia why Daniel had left and would not be back again. It tore her up to see the look of disappointment on Amelia’s little face. She cried and asked over and over why Mr. a’Coy would leave them when her mama still needed help. And she thought since Mr. a’Coy was her friend, he wouldn’t go off without saying goodbye. Chandler’s face was a mask as she explained to them about the war and Daniel’s need to return to it.
Supper had been a sad affair. Rosemarie was amazed at how quickly they’d all grown accustomed to the presence of the friendly, helpful man. She also felt the loss of something else. An uneasy, unfamiliar feeling. And she preferred not to name it. Or think much about it.
With a deep sigh, she sat on the edge of the bed and struggled out of her clothes and into her nightgown. After washing her face and cleaning her teeth with the supplies Chandler had put by her bedside, she crawled under the covers and attempted to sleep.
She lay flat on her back, her arms crossed over her middle. They’d get by. Every day her leg would continue to heal, and she would get stronger. The chickens were now cooped up again, thanks to Daniel, and the food in the root cellar would see them through the rest of the winter.
Most of all, the feelings Daniel evoked in her would end. No longer would she sense the tingling when he accidently brushed against her, or the warmth of his hands on her when he helped her from room to room. Hans had never inspired such sensation
s. But she must put these thoughts aside. Her children needed her.
The moonlight filtering through the window cast an eerie glow over the room. She shifted onto her side, clasping her hands together under her cheek. More than an hour passed before she felt herself drifting off.
Rosemarie’s eyelid’s popped open. What was that noise? She rolled onto her back as Daniel walked through the bedroom door. He stopped inside the door and stared at her. Slowly, he moved to her side and squatted.
Her heart thumped so loudly, he must’ve heard it. Happiness warred with fear. His return put him in jeopardy, and her heart in danger.
He studied her face, his eyes seeking an answer to a question she wasn’t sure she wanted to know. He ran his knuckles over her cheek. “I wanted to lead them away from here, so they would leave you in peace.”
“I thought you were halfway to Kentucky by now,” she whispered.
He smiled, flashing straight white teeth. “I started to but you still need help.”
“Is that the only reason you came back?” She inhaled sharply, amazed at what she’d asked.
“No.” He lowered his head, his breath fanning her face. “But I need to leave one day. You must know that.”
“I do.” The last words she murmured before he took possession of her mouth.
• • •
Daniel felt as if he’d come home. Home to the woman he wanted more than any other. He’d lied to her, and to himself, when he said he returned because she still needed help. On the ride back he realized he needed her. And he wanted her — in his bed and in his life. He groaned as he pulled her closer, and tilted her head to take the kiss deeper. He nudged her lips with his tongue and she opened. Her warm sweetness overwhelmed him. Soft, wet, like molten honey, he touched all the sensitive parts of her mouth.
He moved away before he took it any further. If he didn’t return to his bed in the barn right now, he never would. With the war still tugging at him, he’d no right to make her his.
Daniel gazed into her passion-filled eyes, a feeling of satisfaction washing over him. She would be his one day, of that he was sure.
“I’ll see you in the morning.” He whispered against her ear, and then tasted her sweet lips once more in a light kiss.
• • •
Early April 1865
“I can’t believe poor Hans is gone, and I wasn’t here to comfort you.” Susan McDonough clutched Rosemarie’s hand, sorrow etched on her full face. “And then injuring your leg that way.” She tsked.
“I’m doing all right.” Rosemarie attempted to pull her hand free from her neighbor, who had descended on her with her husband, Jacob, and their four children.
Never too fond of Susan, who had a curiosity beyond polite and a well-developed propensity to gossip, Rosemarie had invited them into the house against her better judgment. Daniel was working in the barn, and the minute he appeared, Susan would pounce on him like a lion.
“Here Jacob and I hoped to ask Hans to help with our barn raising.” She stopped as she reached the small table in the kitchen, surprise lighting her eyes. “Why, I’m sure you didn’t even know the Rebels burned our barn down, now did you?”
“No, I didn’t.” Good manners required she offer them at least a cup of tea, when all she wanted to do was send them on their way. “Would you care for some tea? I have sweet biscuits left from breakfast.”
Susan settled her large bottom into the kitchen chair. “Why, that would be wonderful, Rosemarie. It’s been so long since we’ve talked.”
You mean since you pried information out of me.
“Maybe while we’re here Jacob can do some chores for you. I’m sure you’re havin’ a hard time since Hans passed, and with you having that injury, and all.”
As usual, Jacob remained quiet, letting his wife prattle on. It amazed Rosemarie how he put up with it.
“Mama, Mr. a’Coy sent me to fetch some water.” Amelia rushed into the kitchen, one of Susan’s girls following in her wake.
Susan turned to Rosemarie, her eyebrows raised. “Who’s that?”
“Mr. McCoy. He, ah, is the hand I hired to help out for a while.”
“Really?” Susan turned to Jacob and nudged him in the elbow. “You better go see this Mr. McCoy, make sure he’s not a criminal.”
“No.” Rosemarie snapped. “Sorry.” She turned to Jacob. “There’s no need to trouble yourself, Jacob, he’s been here for a while now, sleeping in the barn, and won’t be much longer. He just needed some work, and then he’ll be on his way.”
Jacob glanced at his wife. One look at her glare and he rose. “No problem, Miz Wilson. It would be a good thing to take a look at the man.” He slapped his hat on his head and left the house.
“Really, Rosemarie, how could you allow a strange man to stay in your barn? And with three children? Why, he could be dangerous.” She touched Rosemarie’s hand to stop her from arranging biscuits on a blue and white flowered plate and leaned in close. “You know,” she whispered, “I had a visit from some soldiers who were looking for a Rebel who escaped from prison!”
Rosemarie’s heart thudded. Although no longer in a Confederate uniform, once Daniel opened his mouth, Jacob would know he was a Southerner. She’d had another visit herself from Captain Nelson and his men, and got the distinct impression he knew Daniel was here. Luckily, that day Daniel had been away from the farm on the horse he’d stolen, hunting deer. The way things stood, he’d have to leave soon for his own safety.
Susan prattled on while Rosemarie kept her ear cocked, waiting for Jacob to rush in and announce that the Wilson farm harbored an escaped prisoner. No matter how much she strained, all she heard was the laughter and excited shouts of her children playing with the McDonough children.
After what seemed like hours, Susan stood, shaking out her skirts. “Well, land sakes, I don’t know where Jacob has gotten himself off to, but I have to get home and start my supper.”
The two women walked to the front door, Rosemarie with visions of Jacob tied up in the barn and Daniel miles away. Even though she knew that day would arrive, and most likely very soon, the thought of him leaving tightened a knot in her stomach.
Ever since the night a week ago, when he’d returned and kissed her with a passion she’d never felt before, things between them had shifted. After his last kiss, he’d pulled away from her, ran his knuckles down her cheek, and left the room. The longing in her body kept her awake most of that night. She’d been embarrassed to admit to herself she wanted more. More of his kiss, his touch.
The next morning, she took extra pains with her hair, made sure she wore a clean apron. Then she laughed at herself. What was she doing? Daniel had a life to return to, if he wasn’t recaptured first. She was a plain, work-worn mother of three children. Obviously, nine years with Hans had left her aching for tenderness and caring. But this was not the man, nor the time, to imagine she’d found it.
But one glance at Daniel when he’d arrived at her bedroom door the next morning to help her into the kitchen twisted her emotions. His warm smile and strong arms as he scooped her up and carried her down the hallway had her heart thumping again.
More than once, she’d caught a hunger in his eyes, right before he shifted his gaze away. If it hadn’t been for the distraction of the children, and the exhaustion of trying to work while her leg healed, she feared she would have done something foolish. Daniel was a hunted man, and it would serve her well to remember that.
No longer using the walking stick, Rosemarie hobbled to the front door. A sense of relief swept over her as Jacob and Daniel made their way from the barn to the house. She and Susan joined them as they reached the bottom of the porch steps.
“Seems like your man here has things under control,” Jacob said as he slapped Daniel on the back. “The barn’s clean, the wood’s piled up, and it looks
like he’s getting your garden ready for plantin’ in a few weeks.”
“Where are you from?” Susan peered at Daniel, her eyes narrowed.
Jacob chuckled. “Won’t do you any good to ask him questions, Susan. The man can’t talk. He’s been doing some kind of sign language thing with me, but I figured out what he was sayin’.”
Rosemarie bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.
Can’t talk? Doing sign language?
“Well, I declare. I never met anyone who did the sign language thing.” Susan turned to Rosemarie. “How do you manage to get him to work?”
Rosemarie kept her gaze from Daniel, knowing she’d burst out laughing if she looked at him. “It’s not hard, actually, I just sort of point to things, and he knows what to do.”
Daniel gave the woman a small salute, and turned toward the barn. Susan followed him with her eyes. “I don’t know that I could be around someone who didn’t talk.”
“No worry, you would do enough talking for the both of you.” Jacob turned and shouted for his children, who raced around the yard, chasing Missy, Amelia’s barn cat.
“No, David, leave my kitty alone.” Amelia ran after the ten-year-old boy, her arms outstretched.
Daniel stopped and squatted. The cat ran to him, and he scooped her up. He glared at David as he handed the cat to Amelia and ruffled her hair.
“Well, your children certainly seem comfortable. Him being a stranger, and all.” Susan sniffed and headed to the wagon where four children scrambled up, pushing and shoving each other.
• • •
Within a few days, Rosemarie could hobble around well enough to do most of her chores. Daniel did quite a bit of hunting, skinned rabbits and deer, cut the larger animals into chunks, and stored them in the smokehouse. More than once, he found it necessary to revisit the tunnel under the house when Captain Nelson made what was becoming his routine visit.
With the help of the two younger children, Rosemarie managed to do laundry. Daniel set up the tubs for her in the mudroom, heated the water, and carried it. The children gathered all the dirty clothes, and Rosemarie sat while she washed and rinsed them. Then Daniel would hang them on the clotheslines Hans had strung up years ago, joking with Chandler about how important it was for men to do women’s work when they needed to. Somehow, she couldn’t picture Hans doing laundry, no matter how far behind she got.
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