“Surely you are not going to hang the clothes,” Constance said in shock as the man made to leave.
He turned. “Don’t you think I’m capable of such a thing?”
“It’s not that,” she said, choosing her words carefully. “It’s just that you are a man. We’re capable women.”
Luke belted out a laugh, and Constance considered the trees around them shuttered from the sound. “That you’re capable women, I have no doubt,” he said. “But each of us does what we can to help one another. No roles are assigned here; everyone volunteers for the betterment of the camp. So, if I see three women lugging about baskets of clothes, I offer to take them off their hands and hang them myself.”
“He is right,” Emma said, her voice thoughtful. “I shall help in all tasks, as well. Even hunting!” She laughed and added, “However, for now, I will help you.”
Constance stared at her sister, horrified. Not that her sister wanted to hunt but that she would be off with Luke alone. She went to say something but stopped herself. They would still be within the camp, and she had to trust her sister; Emma was no girl anymore.
“If I am no longer needed,” Mary said, “I would like to rest. I’m tired from the day’s work.”
Constance gave her an absent nod, but her attention turned to Stephen and Louisa who were still talking - it looked as if they were arguing. She saw Robert sitting beside one of the fire pits, a man Constance did not recognize beside him, and she walked over to them.
“Ah, Constance,” Robert said as he rose from the bench. “This is Walter. He’s been with us for nearly six months.”
The blond-haired man stood. Something about him did not sit well with Constance. Though he wore a smile on his lips, his eyes had a coldness that warred against that smile. He gave a sweeping bow that almost had a mocking to it. “An honor, my lady,” he said before returning to his seat. “Are you finding camp life satisfactory?”
“I am, thank you,” Constance replied, doing her best to keep herself from shivering as the man’s eyes raked over her. She turned to Robert. “Is there anything I can do to help tonight with the cooking?”
“Nothing at all,” Robert answered. “But thank you all the same.”
Constance nodded and glanced at Walter. He was still watching her, and this time she did shiver. Rather than remain under the scrutiny of the strange man, she hurried away in search of Stephen, who had moved to a place beneath one of the trees at the edge of the camp looking out into the forest. Louisa had disappeared.
“I must train you on treading silently next,” he said without turning toward her and leaning against the trunk of a tree, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “You are louder than a dozen horses galloping through underbrush.”
Constance gave a sharp sniff. “That would be eleven horses, not a dozen,” she replied.
The man laughed and turned toward her. Though his face was bright, his eyes held a sadness. “So, are you happy here?”
Constance nodded.
“I think having time alone with your sisters was needed,” he said. “You will need to do it more often.”
“I think you are right,” she said. “We were able to swim and be…free? Yes, that is the word that comes to mind.”
“The woods and river do provide that feeling,” Stephen said as he looked around him with appreciation. “Tonight, we are to have a meeting after dinner. I believe you should attend.”
“A meeting? Yes, I would like…”
“She should not attend.”
Constance turned to see Louisa walking up to them. “It will do her no good, and it is far too early to include her in our…operation.”
Stephen pushed himself away from the tree. “It is time. She and her sisters will remain with us for the foreseeable future and their curiosity will only grow.”
Louisa scowled. “The lady washes clothes and is now able to join us in such important matters?” She snorted. “This should be quite entertaining.” She shook her head and walked away.
Constance closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Why did that woman hate her so? “I cannot help but think that Louisa would rather see me dead.”
“It is not you,” Stephen replied, looking past her. “It is I she wishes dead.” He gave a heavy sigh. “Forgive me, but I should go speak with her.”
What he said made no sense. Why would Louisa wish him dead?
She watched as the pair walked away from the camp and into the woods, disappearing from sight. Whatever the subject of the meeting, Constance no longer cared. She wanted to befriend Louisa - for Stephen’s sake as well as her own. The woman believed that Constance was just a lady, and therefore, she had to prove to the woman, as well as Stephen, that she was more.
How exactly to convince them of that fact was another matter entirely.
***
As with every night, the people of the camp ate at the long table, and Constance found herself enjoying listening to everyone speak. They shared stories full of adventure and heroics, and for the first time, she imagined herself doing such feats.
Once the meal had been cleaned up and the younger members sent off to bed, the remainder - some twenty people including Mary and Emma - joined Stephen and Louisa around one of the fire pits. Stephen rose from his seat to address the group.
“It is nice to have everyone here together,” he said in a loud voice. “So often we are busy, each doing tasks that keep us apart. Yet, here we are, proof that what we do as individuals benefits the entire group.” Several people cheered, but Stephen quieted them. “Louisa and Walter have learned of a new shipment headed to London. It will pass near us in two days. Walter and I will go, but I would like at least two more to join us.”
“I’ll go,” Luke said, raising his hand. “I grow bored sitting around the camp.”
Stephen eyed him and said, “Perhaps you should help with more chores, then.”
This brought on a bout of laughter from everyone else, including Luke. Emma was looking at him with that infatuation she had shown for him since they arrived. Constance would have to have a talk with the girl. And soon!
“As usual, the journey will be met with danger.” Stephen removed his knife and twirled it in his fingers. He did that a lot, it seemed, or so Constance noticed. Then he leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps even wild beasts.” This made the others around her laugh again. He did enjoy entertaining people!
Constance watched Stephen work the knife, and an idea occurred to her. This was an opportunity to prove she was not merely a lady but a woman who could help in any way possible.
“I would be happy to join,” she said, jumping from her seat. Her proclamation had been much braver in her mind, for now that she stood with all eyes on her, she wondered where that courage had gone. She swallowed hard, but then she looked at Louisa. That woman did not see her potential. Well, she would show her! “I’m not sure what we are to do, but I can still help.”
Stephen smiled as he re-sheathed his knife. “The journey will be fast-paced, and though I tease about the danger, it will not be safe. It would be better if you remained here with the others - at least for now.”
Humiliation washed over Constance as her chance to help was rejected. She went to retake her seat, but another voice spoke.
“I think it would be good for her,” Louisa said. “Surely she is more than a lady? Your prized pupil cannot remain hidden away forever.”
Stephen shook his head. “I said no. It is still far too early for her, and she is nowhere close to ready.”
Constance lowered herself onto the bench, her hands clenched in her skirts. How dare he!
Louisa simply shrugged and said no more.
“Now, we will need a group to go to Cornwall,” Stephen continued. “Who would like to volunteer to…”
As the meeting continued - all about shipments in various places - Constance wondered if perhaps it was best she remain in the camp as Stephen suggested. If these people were stealing, which is
what it sounded like, she wanted no part in it, anyway.
Her mind wandered, and she wished there was some way she could prove to Stephen and Louisa that she was more than a washerwoman, but nothing came to mind.
Soon, the night drew late and the group dispersed, breaking off into smaller groups filled with laughter and whispers.
“You will have your chance,” Walter said as he came to join her at her side, startling her. “It is because you are new, like me.”
Constance studied the man again. His cold blue eyes still gave her pause, but his smile did appear genuine. Perhaps she had been wrong about him. If Stephen trusted him, she should, too.
“I suppose you are right,” Constance replied. She glanced at Stephen and Louisa, who once again had their heads together. “It just frustrates me to be left out.”
The man nodded and brushed back a wave of blond hair. “You like it here, don’t you?”
Constance nodded. “I do. It is a place of refuge. Far better than Lankster Manor.” She clamped her mouth shut and closed her eyes. What had she done?
However, Walter seemed to sense her alarm, for he said, “You can trust me. I have no one to tell, nor do I want to. All here have one secret or another, but they have left their pasts behind.”
“Thank you,” she said, relief washing over her.
With a bow, Walter walked away. The worry over the man had been for not; he was like her, only trying to find acceptance.
She searched the camp until she found Mary and Emma speaking to Robert and Luke. Could she truly trust those men with her sisters? Was it possible to truly relax around a man? However, as she watched the women in the group, she realized none of them seemed worried in the slightest. Well, as long as her sisters remembered their training and remained ladies, she would have nothing about which to worry.
“I hope you understand why you cannot join us,” Stephen said as he walked up behind her.
Constance clenched her fists and turned, her heart pounding. “Do you startle me on purpose?” she snapped.
He raised his hands. “No. Forgive me. I’ve made it a habit to walk making as little noise as possible.” When he smiled, the anger inside her dissipated.
“Louisa believes I should join you,” she said, wishing she did not sound like a spoiled child. “I will not get in the way, I promise.”
“I understand, but I do not believe Louisa’s wisdom in this matter…”
“But she seems to have changed her opinion of me since earlier. Did you not trust me enough to join in the meeting?”
He sighed. “It is not the same thing. Being a part of the meeting has little danger, whereas what we must do outside of the camp is much more treacherous.”
Constance had heard enough. “Very well,” she said over him. “I will remain here with my sisters, washing clothes and doing chores you deem suitable for those of us less worthy. Perhaps one day I shall earn your respect and be able to cook the food!” She turned on her heel to march to the hut, but he reached out and grabbed her arm.
“You are a lady who has been away from the luxuries of home not two weeks. What you ask is madness. Give it time. You may join us another time when you are more prepared.”
Constance sighed. “You are right.” How it rankled her to admit such a thing! “I wanted to help and I hoped that you and Louisa thought better of me.”
“I think you are wonderful,” he said, and a familiar warmness washed over her. “I hope you never leave.”
Constance’s heart thumped thrice as she looked up at him, and the warmness heated further. Maybe she should go for another swim!
“That is…as a friend here in the camp.”
His words were like a splash of cold water. She was a fool! Yet, he rocked from one foot to the other like a young boy. How he confused her so!
“Thank you,” she replied, trying to calm the trembling inside her. “You are my friend, as well, and I do not wish to leave anytime soon. As to the washing and other chores, we do them with pride and as a way to thank you for everything you provide.”
Stephen gave a heavy sigh. “You may join us.”
At first, she was unsure what he meant, and she eyed him. “On the journey?”
He nodded. “We leave tomorrow at sunrise. The day will be long and we will sleep beneath the stars.”
Now that he had given her permission, she began to doubt her decision to offer to go. Not only would she place herself in danger, she would be leaving her sisters alone in the camp.
“You may stay if you’d rather.”
“No!” she blurted. She pulled herself together; one could never appear too eager, or so her mother had taught her. “That is, I will go.”
“Good. Now, follow me. I had Louisa select some new clothing for you for our excursions, something more suitable for the woods.”
Chapter Eight
The early morning had Constance wondering once again if agreeing to leave was the right choice. An hour before sunrise, Sally had wakened her. She led Constance to her hut and helped her prepare for the journey. The night before, Louisa had given her a pair of tan breeches, a simple white shirt, and knee-high brown leather boots, and it was these clothes which Sally insisted in helping her don.
“You’re sure looking a proper woodswoman,” Sally said as she helped Constance with her boots. “And don’t you worry none; you still look beautiful in these clothes.”
“Thank you,” Constance replied as she stomped her foot into the first boot. “Thank you for helping me. I’m afraid I would have been at a loss if I would have been forced to dress myself.”
When they finished, Constance looked in the hand mirror the woman offered her
“The clothes serve you well,” Sally said appreciatively.
Constance glanced down and sighed. It certainly was nothing a lady would wear, and it was a bit tight in all the wrong places, but she found the clothes much more comfortable than the bulkiness of skirts. She would never admit that aloud, however.
“Thank you,” she told the woman.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” Sally went to the table and returned with a small knife in a leather sheath. “Tie this to the waist of your breeches. It’s my favorite, and I want you to have it.”
Constance unsheathed the knife and admired the steel blade. “You are very kind. I wish I had a gift for you.”
“All I need is your friendship,” Sally replied.
Constance’s heart went out to the young woman. No one treated her unkindly, but neither did she seem to have friends - besides Stephen, of course, he treated her like a younger sister more than anything.
“It’s what I need, as well,” she said and then surprised herself by hugging the woman. “As my friend, I will entrust you with secrets close to my heart.”
“And I’ll do the same,” Sally replied excitedly. “And thank you.”
Constance eyed the door; she was putting off the inevitable. “I suppose I should go now. I shall see you tomorrow.” She moved to leave, but then stopped and turned around. “My sisters, will you watch them for me?”
“I’ll guard them with my life,” the woman replied, though Constance thought her a bit melodramatic. Yet, it did ease her mind, nonetheless.
She slipped out the door with self-conscious unease. The air was crisp, and the sky was a light pink. A small fire burned in one of the fire pits, and Stephen stood beside it. She moved toward him as quietly as she could, taking care with each step. When she was standing behind him, she reached out her finger and…
He spun about, grabbed her hand and placed it behind her. She screamed, but he only laughed. “Trying to strike me down?” he asked. “I’m fortunate to have such good hearing and you loud feet.”
Constance could not help but join in his laughter. “You really must teach me to walk with stealth.” She realized he still held her arm behind her - not tightly, but it made her breasts more prominent than was proper. However, she did not attempt to escape as he pulled her against him, her b
reasts pressed against his chest.
“In time,” came his husky reply. “I will teach you everything you desire.”
“I would like that,” she replied in a low whisper. This man was so handsome, and he could take away any and all rational thought!
His eyes raked over her before he gently pushed her away, her heart filled with more desires than she should have.
She swallowed hard, finding it difficult to resist the man’s teasing. “I have never worn clothes like these before. Though they are not proper, I find I do not mind them. Do you?”
“They suit you.” His voice still had a huskiness to it. “Though I suppose what a woman wears does nothing to change her beauty.” Her cheeks ignited, and he shook his head as if to clear away a thought. “Walter and Luke are waiting with the horses. We should go.”
Constance nodded and followed Stephen to the horse line. She glanced over her shoulder to find Louisa standing near a hut, her arms crossed over her breasts and the first rays of dawn lighting her scowl.
***
They traveled a path through the tall trees, and Constance grew accustomed to her surroundings, though the path wound through the forest like a snake. They had stopped at just past midday for a light meal before heading on.
Walter and Luke took the lead, oftentimes out of view when they met a bend in the path. Constance glanced at Stephen, who rode beside her. He wore his customary black garb, and she admired the way the man carried himself.
“Are you finding the journey comfortable thus far?” he asked suddenly.
“Yes, of course,” she replied, though her back - and backside- were sore. She was unaccustomed to riding astride, but she did find it easier than sidesaddle.
“Are you certain?”
She gave him a sideways glance. “I’m perfectly fine. Do you not believe me? I have been riding horses for as long as I have been walking. I assure you, I am well.”
“I do not think you a liar,” he said with a laugh. “But rather a woman too stubborn to admit the truth.”
Constance thrust her chin. “You are an arrogant man,” she said in a cool tone. “And so quick to judge a woman.”
Rogues Always Wear Black: A Steamy British Historical Romance Novel (Forbidden Kisses Book 1) Page 7