by DiAnn Mills
She tapped her foot against the hard ground. “How else will it be transported?”
“I believe I’m quite capable.”
“But your leg?”
He moved closer to her and took the lantern. “Is the question my leg or my loyalties?”
Stunned, Delight wrapped her arms about her. “I don’t doubt your commitment to the patriots, but I had not considered you—”
“Risking my life for the American cause?”
The conversation vexed her, forcing her to consider things she hadn’t mulled in her mind before. “Forgive me, Henry, but this is all new to me. First you tell me what Papa made me promise, then you announce your willingness to continue James’s work.”
“And you are confused?” His inquiry sounded condescending, his words jesting.
“Please do not laugh at me.” Delight released an exasperated sigh. “Truthfully, the danger is not a blithe subject.”
“Won’t I face more peril as a part of the Continental army?”
“It appears so.” How wrong she’d been in her evaluation of him, and it filled her with guilt.
He rested the lantern on the buckboard and grasped her shoulders. Peering into her face, he shook his head. “Ye can’t rescue the whole world. Permit some of the rest of us to take on the responsibilities.”
She didn’t know where the tears came from, only that they flowed swiftly over her cheeks. “You are toying with me.”
“Not at all, lass. Ye desire this war to be ended, the British sent back across the Atlantic, no blood shed, and no one to suffer pain.”
She nodded, unable to respond. Her musings were foolish.
“It’s an impossibility,” he continued. “James is a perfect example.”
Swallowing hard, she managed to control her tears. “In some respects, I—I have never really grown up. For me to view our lives as a fairy tale is imprudent.”
“Oh, ye are quite grown up, Delight.” He gathered her into his arms. “Sometimes I think ye were robbed of your childhood with all your preoccupation in caring for others.”
“My sisters say I’m domineering.” She attempted a smile.
“That ye are.” Henry met her smile. “’Tis because ye love them and want their lives unfettered by life’s problems.”
How well you know me. It feels soothing and yet frightening. Oh Lord, Thou knowest my stubbornness and my struggles to keep from being overbearing.
“Delight, what are ye thinking?”
“That you know me all too well.”
“Aye, I have a reason, a very selfish one.” Henry gathered her up in his arms, and she welcomed his embrace, yet perplexity over the future still reigned in her heart.
“What rules your motives?”
He caressed her cheek and slowly descended upon her lips. “The lovely woman in me arms, the one who has given me reason to wake each morning and dream about the future.” He sealed his words with a feathery light kiss, then deepened it when she slipped her arms around his neck.
My dear Henry, I long to tell you how you have captured my heart, but I’m fearful. With the thought of your leaving in a few days and possibly not returning, I cannot muster the courage to tell you of my love.
When the sweet kiss ended, she found the strength to say but little. “I pray God guards you and keeps you safe.”
“Thank ye,” he whispered.
She sought release from his arms. Another moment, and she would reveal the insurmountable love building in her heart. For now, it was enough to relay her feelings in a kiss. Stepping back, she took a deep breath. “Perhaps we should see how Charity fares with James.”
A frown crossed his face, and in the faint light of the lantern, his hair looked to be on fire.
“Are you angry with me?” she said.
Quickly a smile met her gaze. “How can I be? I’m overwhelming you, and I do apologize.”
Must you read my thoughts so perfectly? If you do, then surely you know my innermost secrets.
“I want to look about the wagon a little more. If James awakens before I return, please summon me so I can find out where to make this delivery.”
She took a few steps, not sure she wanted their time to end but insecure about their uncertain future: James’s injury, Papa’s absence, Henry’s enlistment, and her inadequacies. A thought occurred to her, and she whirled around to find Henry watching her. “What else did Papa and you discuss about me?”
He offered a broad smile. “I am not at liberty to relay our every word, at least not at the present.”
Delight found Charity still holding James’s hand. Her sister hadn’t moved since she’d left her an hour earlier. Charity’s tear-stained face glistened in the candlelight. No doubt, her every breath was a prayer.
Compassion overwhelmed Delight. Oh Lord, please touch James’s body with Thy healing.
His face looked placid yet pale, despite the stitched flesh beneath the bandages.
“Charity, I can sit with him now. Why don’t you rest?”
She lifted her gaze and pressed her lips firmly together as though she hadn’t heard a single word. Opening her mouth, she attempted to speak, but instead, she merely shook her head.
“You cannot nurse him back to health if you are exhausted.” When her sister failed to respond, she kneeled down and wrapped her arms around Charity’s shoulders.
“I … need to be here in case he needs me.”
“I understand.” Delight touched their friend’s forehead. Thankfully, he did not feel hot. “Praise God, no fever. Has he given any indication of awakening?”
“Not yet. Why don’t you sleep?”
Delight smiled. “Do you honestly think I could with all this activity?”
Her sister offered a slight smile in response. “Not any more than I.” Her frail shoulders sunk with a heavy sigh. “Where is Henry?”
“Tending to a few things in the barn.”
“What did the barrels contain?”
“Gunpowder.”
Charity gave no indication of surprise. “I thought as much. He has told me little about his business, but I suspected his endeavors were serious.”
Delight braved forward. “Do you happen to know his destination?”
“Nay.” She glanced into James’s face and touched his cheek, as if his unconscious state allowed her such liberties. “We need to know soon, don’t we?”
“Most assuredly.” Before good soldiers are killed for the lack of it.
Chapter 15
Henry searched up and down the dark road for any signs of soldiers. He studied the brush and the slightest movements around him. Every shadow became suspicious, every sound a faceless man stealing across the night terrain. Bear remained inside and the house silent, yet Henry hesitated with every breath. Not only had someone attempted to kill his friend, but Henry also had the Butler household to consider. Evil men lay in wait somewhere.
How did James escape death and still keep the gunpowder intact? Why didn’t the attackers steal the wagon while he lay in his weakened condition? Where and when did all of this occur? The questions ran repeatedly through Henry’s mind, plaguing him like an army of rats. None of them could be answered until his friend gained consciousness.
Only when he decided to enter the house did he remember Delight’s tender words. He knew without reservation she cared for him and not James. Although she did not convey her feelings with words, the truth glistened in her eyes and radiated from her face.
She had allowed him another kiss and responded shyly at first, then more fervently before pulling away. Delight Butler was not the type of woman to be frivolous with her affections, but he must proceed slowly.
Once he entered the hall, he watched the two sisters embrace. The sight warmed his heart as he recalled his own family left behind in Ireland. With a strange mix of awe, envy, and love, he realized the Butlers were his family now.
“You two can rest. I am here to keep a watchful eye on James,” he said.
&nb
sp; Delight laughed lightly. “I said similar words to Charity upon my arrival, but she would not hear of it.”
“Is that what ye are telling me?”
“Indeed,” she said. “Neither of us wants to relinquish one hour’s sleep until we know James will be well.”
“Aye, we are a strange threesome … but loyal ones.” Henry studied James’s face before easing down beside him. Deathly pale. He does not look like he’ll last the night. From the corner of his eye, he saw Charity’s tears. A selfish thread wove its way through his heart. In speaking his mind about his love for Delight, did he invite the same agony for her?
Henry waited through the night with Delight and Charity. They were all exhausted, but none would give in to more than a brief nodding off to sleep. James did not acquire a fever, surely a blessing, but the danger of infection had not yet passed.
Just before daybreak, Henry stood to stretch his legs. His friend’s color looked better. Hopefully it was not wishful thinking on his part, but a step toward healing.
“I should start breakfast,” Delight said.
“And I should do the milking and the morning chores.” He smiled into her weary face.
Charity brushed a wayward lock of dark hair from James’s forehead. “I’m afraid to move for fear he will waken, and no one will be here to tend to him.”
“Then you must stay,” Delight said.
“But I shouldn’t shirk my responsibilities,” Charity said. “I always begin the preparations for the morning meal.”
Delight patted her sister’s arm. “I believe Remember or Patience will do quite well this morning without you. Here lies your responsibility.”
“Mistress Butler will be disappointed in me, I am afraid,” Henry said. “Neither of you rested during the night.”
“Mama knew we would not adhere.” Delight shrugged. “I’m sure of it.”
“It appears that I am the only one who had sense enough to sleep.” James spoke hoarsely and didn’t open his eyes, but his humor broke the chill of the dismal night.
Charity instantly dropped his hand. “Oh James, ’tis splendid to see you alive.”
“Don’t … you dare release my … my hand. Your touch kept me breathing.” His words were slow and labored, but undoubtedly their lighthearted James was with them again.
Charity blushed scarlet but wrapped her fingers around his nevertheless.
“You gave us quite a scare.” Delight sighed.
He forced a weak chuckle. “I scared myself, and I hurt in places I didn’t know existed.”
“You need your rest,” Charity said. “Please, do not waste your strength by talking.”
“First … first, I need to tell you about the wagon.”
“I already found the contents,” Henry said. “Corn, among other things. Where were you bound? That’s all I want to know, so I can deliver it.”
James closed his eyes. Excruciating pain passed over his features, and he drew in a shaky breath before continuing. “To Philadelphia. It is not much, but ’twill help. Thank …”
“Hush, James,” Henry said. “Save yourself for healing.”
He raised his hand, then dropped it. “A friend, Cavin Sullivan—” He swallowed hard and moistened his lips. “Was to meet me east of the city.”
“No more, friend, lest you do more damage to your old body than already has been done.”
The injured man nodded and appeared to drift back to sleep.
Henry paced the floor. He wanted to take the wagon to Philadelphia, but he didn’t know a Cavin Sullivan. The mystery of how he’d locate this man pounded at his brain. Asking the man’s whereabouts once he arrived invited a wee bit of trouble. With a heavy sigh, he realized he needed to leave shortly, but he had not a destination. Perhaps a few hours’ sleep was in order, or else he’d tumble to the ground while driving the wagon.
“I know Mr. Sullivan,” Delight said. “He used to live in Boston.”
“Could you describe him to me?”
She tilted her head. “He’s Irish and has a thick mass of red hair.”
“That describes me!” Henry felt trapped with exasperation.
“Well, he’s Papa’s age and has a rounded middle.” She glanced at Charity, then back to Henry. “He owns a tavern and drinks more than tolerable.”
“Too many good men in this day and age drink too much.” Henry shook his head, frustrated and not knowing which way to turn.
Delight smoothed her skirt. “I have no choice but to go with you.”
“Absolutely not. I will not risk your life, nor will I go back on me word to Elijah.”
“I promised Papa to watch your doings,” Charity added.
“Did Papa speak to the entire family?” Delight’s face reddened in anger, but her voice stayed low.
“Just Charity and me self,” Henry said.
Delight folded her hands in her lap. “Your promises make little difference, since I am the only one who knows Mr. Sullivan.”
“Sister, consider the inappropriateness of traveling with Henry alone. It will be such a scandal.”
“I must go. There’s no other way.”
Charity rubbed her cheeks, fatigue clearly written on her delicate features. “Then I will accompany you, for I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you.”
“But what of James? You can’t leave him unattended.”
Her sister stared into James’s face, then lifted her gaze to Henry. “Would you consider waiting one more day so I can be assured of his recovery?”
Oh dear Lord, I promised Elijah to keep Delight safe and look after his family. Now what am I to do?
“It is nearly two hundred and eighty miles to Philadelphia,” Henry said. “That is a good fourteen to fifteen days’ travel with both of ye along.”
“Are you saying you could make it in less time without us?” Delight raised a challenging brow.
“Precisely.”
“Then we will make faster time with Charity and myself, for we both know how to drive a wagon.”
“And pray tell, lass, where do ye intend to sleep or even ride for that matter? Have ye forgotten the wagon bed is loaded with barrels?”
She touched a finger to her pretty wee chin, as he had seen her do so many times before. “We will all take turns driving, sharing a seat with the driver, and making do amongst the precious cargo.”
“Delight Butler, ye are a stubborn one.” How ever did Elijah get her to listen to reason?
“I’m not stubborn, but steadfast.”
“Steadfast?”
“Being stubborn is a sin. Steadfast is in the scripture as an admirable trait.”
He laughed despite his frustration.
“You give me no other choice.” Charity clenched her fists. “I shall leave James’s care to our sisters and ride along as a chaperone.”
Henry thought he’d be ill.
Delight slept with Charity curled beside her, since her sister refused to leave James’s side. The extra day had strengthened him and given Charity peace of mind about his condition. Remember offered to tend to him, and Faith and Patience also volunteered their aid.
Henry, too, rested for the journey ahead. Due to the serious nature of the wagon’s contents, they would be spending their nights under the wagon. A threesome, Henry had called them yesterday. Delight wasn’t sure how she felt about the many miles that lay ahead. In one breath, she looked forward to his company, and in the next she feared the topic of their conversation. Love didn’t choose who became tangled in its web, and for now, knowing Henry cared would help her through the war. In truth, she neither was ready for discussions about the future nor wanted them.
Her thoughts drifted back to Henry’s kiss and his growing affections. Odd, she had thought of little else except him declaring his feelings, and now that he had, she quaked in her shoes.
Delight couldn’t depend upon Charity to lead many discussions. She tended to shyness, although she did speak out earlier about the journey to
Philadelphia—considerable gumption from a sister who whined and carried on about the slightest variance in her life. Charity obviously had matured into adulthood with a few new observations and surprises of her own.
As she considered the matter, Delight concluded that delivering several barrels of gunpowder while pursued by an unknown agent sounded considerably less risky than having Henry realize her immense love.
Moments before the departure, the three checked on James. He opened his eyes.
“You have a wonderful knack of waking at the most opportune moments.” Charity bent to his side. “Henry, Delight, and I are leaving.”
“For … where?” he managed to say. “Not Philadelphia?”
She nodded and offered a shy smile. “Aye, James. Delight knows Mr. Sullivan, and I am going along to chaperone.”
James attempted to raise himself but could not lift his head. Charity gently eased him back onto the pillow. He blinked and cast his gaze around the room. “I see I’m in Henry’s quarters.”
“Right you are,” Henry said. “But I shan’t be needing them for a few days. How are you feeling?”
“Like somebody tried to kill me and nearly succeeded, but I survived their attempt.”
“From the looks of you, surviving is debatable,” Delight said. “You need to rest. By the time we return, you will be riding bareback.”
“Seriously,” Henry began, “do ye feel well enough to state what happened? I am thinking I need to be prepared.”
James nodded. “I suspected I was being followed about … ten miles out of Chesterfield.” He breathed in deeply, obviously fighting pain.
“Take your time,” Henry said.
“Once dusk set in, I … left the wagon in a thicket and backtracked. I came upon two men … on horseback—loyalists by the sound of ’em—who were bragging about what they were going to do to me.”
James closed his eyes and took several deep breaths before resuming. “I surprised them … took their weapons, and tied them to a tree, but I wasn’t expecting a third. He came from behind. We … struggled, and he knifed me before I got the utmost of him.”
Delight cringed at what James implied. She knew better than to glance Charity’s way, knowing her sister’s weak stomach.