Shannon watched the woman closely. She was short and plump and seemed filled with energy and excitement. Her dark, wrinkled skin indicated that she spent hours outdoors. Her light blue eyes sparkled with vitality and expectancy. She drew Shannon closer to say, “We have this secret room beneath the house. Joseph built it all by himself from our root cellar. You two will be safe there. Come along before any gray pants see us.”
Blane unsaddled Dan and Joseph led the loyal beast away. Hoisting the saddle over his left shoulder, Blane followed Mary inside and dropped it near a cupboard in the kitchen.
“Don’t you have any workers, Mrs. Thomas? Who helps you and your husband manage and protect your property?” she inquired.
“None left, child. They all went off to fight the war. We didn’t have slaves, just hired laborers. We don’t believe in buying human flesh and forcing their labor. It don’t matter. Joseph says our good earth can use the rest. We have a small garden to keep us busy and to prevent suspicion about our food supply.”
Shannon lowered her thick lashes, feeling guilty again. This time, she worried over taking food from these old people and placing them in peril. “I wish there were some way we could pay you.”
“Don’t be silly, child. We knew this war would be long and hard. We stored up canned foods and cured meats. All over the house there are hidden spaces filled with tin cans and jars. We have fruits, vegetables, stews, soups, salmon, boiled beef, sardines, and even oysters. There’s cured hams and bacon slabs. We have tea and spices and flour hidden. Me and Joseph have plenty to share with our friends. Them Union officers aren’t the only ones who can afford canned foods. My Joseph used to ship them back and forth between here and Europe—mainly England and France. I’ll give you and Blane a few to carry along. Can’t risk getting caught with too many on you.”
The woman showed Blane to a bathing closet on the side porch. “You fill this tub for your little woman while I show her around.”
Mary walked to a staircase to the second floor. She reached under the bottom step and wiggled her fingers. The three lower steps rose as a unit, displaying another set of stairs going down into a dark space. Mary took a lantern and told the younger woman to follow her. At the bottom, Mary turned and smiled to Shannon. “See?”
Shannon’s gaze roamed the shelves of glass jars and tin cans. It flickered over sacks of flour, corn meal, and sugar. Tins of coffee, tea, and spices were also on display. Above her hung cured hams, salted flanks of venison, and slabs of bacon. Shannon was stunned by the abundance and variety of food, especially when so many people within a few miles of them were literally starving. To be fair, Shannon rationalized that the supplies were being used for a vital cause.
“Me and Joseph prepared well for this war. God told us it was coming. During those first two years, we sneaked more supplies into Wilmington, then here. But the Rebs started watching and searching every ship and wagon. You have to watch them devils; they’re greedy and sly and wicked. That’s why we can’t pass out food to poorfolk. Them devils would hear about it and they’d come here and take everything.”
Mary pointed to the corner. “We got weapons only for hunting and protection. ’Least those guns won’t kill none of God’s children.”
The woman had spoken accurately. Their collection appeared to be a small arsenal. Nearby, Shannon also noticed extra blankets, several canteens, leather pouches, and assorted pieces of clothing.
Seeing Shannon’s interest, Mary beamed proudly as she informed her, “Whenever I can get clothes or supplies for my friends, I keep ’em here until someone needs them. Those Rebs steal everything loose when they search the house. Satan has them blinded; they follow him like dumb sheep. One week, they came nearly every morning, trying to catch us off guard. Well, we’d best get you fed, bathed, and tucked in. No telling when them fools will show up again.”
When they returned to the kitchen, Joseph had their meal ready. He had set out slices of ham, peas, carrots, corn muffins, peaches, and tea. While water heated, Shannon and Blane feasted on the delicious meal. Weary and hungry and aware of possible danger, they ate quickly and quietly.
“I know this will be difficult, Shannon, but hurry with your bath,” Blane instructed.
As Shannon scrubbed in the bathing closet, Mary cleared away their dishes and food remains. She placed the empty tin cans in the hidden pantry beneath the stairs, then prepared the room where Blane and Shannon would hide and sleep tonight.
As Blane scrubbed in the darkness near the well, the sixty-year-old Joseph strolled around the yards to make certain no one was approaching. He felt tense tonight. He wanted this couple to rush and conceal themselves. An agent like Major Blane Stevens was agreat risk to aid, and he feared becoming a Union martyr. Sometimes he wondered if he and Mary were doing the right thing. His wife was a stubborn, determined woman. Maybe he feared her disapproval more than God’s or the Confederacy’s! He scratched his head of thinning hair as his brown eyes darted from one shadowy area to another. He was beginning to doubt that either side was totally right or wrong. His large nose itched, then his bushy brows. He kenw it was from anxiety. He sighed with relief when Blane whistled completion of his chore.
“Need any help, child?” the woman inquired as she entered.
Shannon had dried off but was standing with the bath sheet wrapped around her. “Could you ask Blane to send me a clean shirt and pants,” she asked modestly, mutely chiding her oversight.
Mary smiled warmly. “You don’t need to stay dressed and ready to leave. No one can find you in our secret room.”
“Blane and I were attacked and robbed on the road. Besides one dress and a pair of slippers, pants and a shirt were all we could save.”
“You wait right here, child.” The woman left hurriedly to return soon with a cotton nightgown. “This will be a mite roomy, but cooler and more comfy. Please use it, child.”
Shannon knew she couldn’t refuse the woman’s kindness without inspiring doubt, and she wished Blane hadn’t lied about their being married. Shannon accepted the gown and thanked her. She slipped into it.
Mary gathered her dirty clothes. “I’ll wash these and Blane’s. By morning they should be dry. There, now, don’t you feel better?”
“Much better. You’re very kind and generous. Thank you.”
Mary looked into the kitchen to make sure the men weren’t there. She led Shannon to the cupboard, which had been shoved away to expose another staircase. Mary laughed and commented, “They always search attics and closets or look under rugs and furniture for secret doors. You’ll be perfectly safe down there, child.”
Shannon looked down the steps in surprise, for she had expected to be sheltered in the hidden pantry. A lantern was hanging from a long peg at the base. She could make out a door, which led beneath the house. The woman bid her good night and told her to go along and get settled. Shannon moved slowly down the stairs and entered the room. Her eyes widened in disbelief. She found herself in a small bedroom without windows.
Shannon moved into the room and looked around her. The walls were planked and painted. A double bed that looked enormously soft and inviting was situated in one corner. She saw a table nearby that held a pitcher of water and a basin. Beneath it on a shelf, there were cloths and several cups. Above it was a small, round mirror with candle holders attached to the wall on either side of the shiny surface. She noticed one chair beside a smaller table that held an oil lantern with flowers painted on it. A Bible had been placed beside the lantern. The right wall near the door revealed pegs for hanging garments, if the guest was fortunate enough to have any. The left wall beside the door exposed a curtained-off-area. When she peeked inside, she blushed, for the small area contained only a chamber pot, white trimmed in red.
Shannon smiled and relaxed. While descending those steps, she had feared she would find herself in a dim room with walls of moist dirt and corners that enticed those crawly things she hated. Though she did notice the floors were hard-packed earth,
there was a small rug by the bed, a wash stand, and a chair. Crocheted and embroidered pieces decorated the tables and a floral coverlet brightened the bed with the same fabric that had been used for the curtain to the private area.
She heard Blane’s boots on the stairs. Carrying his saddle, he entered the secluded room, then lowered his leather burden to the ground right of the door. “Isn’t this wonderful?” she asked.
Blane grinned. “They’re something, aren’t they? Now do you see why I told them we’re married?” He turned and put out the lantern behind him, then closed and locked the door.
Shannon’s gaze slipped over his damp hair and clean garments. He had even shaved! “No, I don’t,” she replied. “They sounded and behaved like good friends, people you could trust. Why mislead them?”
“They are good people, God-fearing folk who wouldn’t hold to our sharing this room—not with you age and looks,” he added roguishly. “They think the Lord’s going to reach out soon and strike down these Rebels. They consider what they do their God-ordered duty. I’m selfish, woman. I didn’t want to sleep with Dan, or risk being caught here. If they found me, the Thomases and Shannon Greenleaf would be in danger. Besides, it’s exhausting to stay alert twenty-four hours a day for days on end. I need to have complete rest for a change.”
“I understand, Blane. I’m glad you’re staying here with me. I wouldn’t sleep a wink if I had to worry about you and our safety.”
Blane captured the material of her gown between his fingers and asked, “What’s this? You been losing weight?” He chuckled.
“Seems you discarded my only nightgown, Mister Stevens. When Mary insisted on loaning Mrs. Stevens one of hers, I couldn’t think of a logical reason to refuse. It is ‘a mite roomy, but cooler and more comfy,’” she stated, quoting Mary, then clasped her hand over her giggling mouth. “May I have my brush before this hair tangles beyond fixing?”
Blane chuckled as he went to his saddlebag and retrieved it for her. “Do I need to use my sleeping roll, Miss Greenleaf, or can I trust you to keep on your side of the bed and behave yourself?”
“As I recall, we’ve spent many nights together, and I haven’t ravished you yet. I suppose I can control myself another night or two. If I can’t, you’ve only yourself to blame for being too irresistible.” Shannon pulled aside the covers and sat on the bed. “You don’t see any spiders, do you?” she asked worriedly as she worked her tangles free.
Blane could tell she was serious, so he didn’t laugh or joke. “Mary keeps it too clean down here. No spider would dare build its web in this room. But I sleep with one eye and ear open, remember?”
“You don’t plan to do so tonight,” she reminded him. “Will you leaven the lantern on?” she entreated softly. “It would be so dark and scary in here without some light.”
“Can’t, Flame. I don’t have a nightshirt, and these clothes will be too hot and confining to sleep in. Sorry, love.”
Shannon halted her movements to stare at him. “You can’t sleep without any clothes,” she informed him nervously.
“The light will be out and I’ll stay on my side with my back to you. I promise not to ravish you, Flame, no matter how tempting you are. Haven’t I been good so far? Just think of me as brother Blane.” His twinkling hazel eyes drifted over her pink cheeks.
“What about Dan? Will he be safe in the barn?”
“They have an old shed with vines growing over the cracks. Joseph hid Dan there with plenty of hay and water. It looks so awful, the Rebs don’t even search it anymore. They don’t know about the one clean stall at the rear. Even if they found Dan, they couldn’t find us down here. Calm yourself, Flame. I warned you in Washington and along the trail that the spy business isn’t an exciting game.”
“I’m beginning to discover that fact.” She braided her hair and placed the brush on the wash stand, then she slipped into bed.
Blane put out the two candles beside the mirror and started to lower the lantern. “Are you sure all the lights have to be put out?” she asked again, eyeing their shadowy surroundings.
Blane hesitated as he glanced over at her pale face. He lowered the light as much as possible, then placed the lantern on the floor. Only a dim glow flickered in the room. “How’s that?”
“Thanks, Blane,” she murmured in gratitude.
“Turn over and settle yourself,” he advised. When she followed his order, he stripped and joined her.
Shannon felt the bed sway beneath his weight. She stiffened her body to keep from rolling against his and watched the eerie movements of light as they danced on the wall before her. Without it, she mused silently, this room would feel like a pit. Shannon realized she was shaking.
Blane listened to her erratic breathing for a time; it revealed her tension and fear. “If this arrangement makes you too uncomfortable, Shannon, I can sleep on the floor,” he offered, propping himself up on his side toward her.
“I guess I’m overly tired and scared tonight. I feel like we’re trapped in here. What if the Rebels came and found us? There’s no way we could escape. What if they burned the house over us?”
“Both doors to this room bolt from the inside, Shannon. If anyone tried to move aside the cupboard, it wouldn’t budge. The Thomases claim it’s nailed to the wall to keep it from falling over and breaking their dishes. We’re sealed in safely, love. Don’t be afraid.”
“I’m sorry, Blane. I’m not accustomed to living in fear, or to being attacked by men like Major Clifford or those two ruffians on the road, or running and hiding in chimneys and holes in the ground, or staying filthy for days. I’ve never been hungry before. I’ve never seen such misery, so much destruction and hatred and killing, so much lying and deceiving. I never imagined this journey would be so terrifying or difficult. I’m embarrassed to be such a weakling and a coward.” She shuddered. “I just want to go home. I want my father and brothers. I want to feel safe and happy again. Will this war ever end?”
Blane rolled to his stomach, then pulled Shannon to her back. He gazed into her face and caressed her cheek. “I know it’s been hard on you, Flame. If I could change things, I would. All I can promise is to protect you with my life.”
“Would you hold me? I feel so safe in your arms.”
Blane knew the danger of their contact, yet he complied, embracing her tightly and possessively. He wished she hadn’t become involved in this hazardous conflict, but he was glad she was snuggled against him at this moment. He brushed kisses over her forehead, her cheeks, the tip of her nose, and her chin. His face caressed hers, his hands stroked her back and arms, and as he inhaled her sweet smell, his body grew warm.
As if she had been a kitten, Shannon nestled against him and silently encouraged more stroking with her reactions. Her fingertips teased over his shoulders and back and she sighed peacefully. His skin felt so cool and silky above its hard interior. He smelled as fresh as a spring breeze. She closed her eyes and let her senses absorb the stirring sensations within her. As her head rolled to his pillow, their lips touched lightly.
Blane nibbled at her mouth, dropping a brief kiss on it every so often. One of his hands moved around her body to move lightly and sensuously over her throat and shoulder. Savoring the feel of her flesh, he moved his fingers over her face and down her neck to journey over her arm. His hand found hers and brought it to his lips. He kissed each finger, then her palm, then worked his way over her wrist and up her arm. When his mouth claimed hers with its first searing kiss, she moaned softly, arched her body against his, and clung to him.
Their surroundings were forgotten. The war was forgotten. All reasons not to make passionate love were forgotten…
Chapter Seven
Blane’s tongue parted her lips and wandered inside her mouth. His body was smoldering with need for hers. Her responses kindled his desires. He had waited so long for this moment, had craved her so fiercely. His quivering fingers unbuttoned her gown to allow his hand to fondle a breast. His mouth left hers to trail
kisses down her throat to the creamy mound, and his tongue circled its protruding point before he captured it with his mouth. His hand roamed down her side and worked her gown above her hips. It fondled a firm buttock and stroked her thigh. Slowly and gently his hand searched for a fuzzy covering and another taut peak. Ever so skillfully and gently, his finger moved up and down its satiny surface, though it had come to life even before his encouraging strokes.
Shannon derived great pleasure and stimulation from his actions, and she wanted them to continue. Her stomach briefly tightened as he deftly worked his skills on her body, but she refused to think about anything or anyone except Blane and this rapture he was inspiring. Her hands roamed his powerful shoulders as she dreamily floated on romantic clouds, her senses alive and her body aflame.
Blane wanted and needed to feel her flesh against his. He pushed the gown higher until it wadded beneath her arms, exposing her ivory skin to his gaze and touch. His mouth took hers almost savagely as he clasped her to him. When Shannon said and did nothing to halt him, he moved atop her. Tenderly he parted her thighs and prepared to enter her, cautioning himself to be gentle. As his mouth and hands provocatively distracted her, he tentatively pressed his manhood against her stubborn entrance. Finally, he thrust within her.
Shannon’s outcry was muffled by his mouth. She struggled to push him away. When Blane’s lips left hers, she accused in panic, “You’re hurting me. We shouldn’t be doing this.”
Blane hesitated. He was already within her and his shaft was burning with desire. He wondered if he was too large for her small body. “I’m sorry, love,” he whispered against her lips.
His warm breath and tenderness stirred Shannon, for the pain was fleeing swiftly. She kissed him and hugged him tightly but didn’t know what else to do. She didn’t want him to withdraw from her. A curious warmth had begun consuming her heart and body. She would wait a while longer to see if the pain returned.
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