He grabbed his long black cape and hobbled out of the office. The wind hit his face and he squinted through the flying debris of dirt and leaves as he crossed the street. A crowd of soldiers gathered outside the nearest tavern, raising their cups in a toast. Their boisterous laughter gnawed on William’s nerves.
As he passed, he reminded himself, once again, how unfair life could be. Poor Mr. Hoskins, a faithful patriot just trying to do the right thing in his fight for freedom. And Mercedes being accused because she’d lived in England.
Down the street toward one of the several inns in town, a familiar figure caught his eye. Blinking against the blasting wind, he noticed a woman walk in front of Captain Wilkes as they entered the building. The back of her green cloak looked familiar, and he rubbed his eyes to focus better. By the time he looked up again, the couple had disappeared.
His heart hammered against his ribs and the palms of his hands sweat. The woman with Captain Wilkes wasn’t whom he’d thought. Mercedes wasn’t like the woman he’d married. Although he still didn’t know for certain who she really was, the woman he loved wouldn’t dally with other men. Mercedes loved him as much as he loved her.
Didn’t she?
Hurrying into the bank, he calmed his fears, telling himself he hadn’t seen Mercedes with Captain Wilkes. That must be his insecurities playing games with his mind.
He turned and greeted the bank clerk and requested a large sum of money to be withdrawn from his account. It was time he purchased a wedding ring for his wife – the woman he never thought he could love so much. He wouldn’t put off giving her this gift any longer.
He signed his name, and with the money in an envelope safely tucked into his vest pocket, he turned to leave. Thomas Paine entered the bank and met him at the door. After brushing the leaves from his overcoat, Thomas greeted William with a hearty handshake.
“Good day, Braxton.” Thomas smiled. “’Tis a pleasure to see you on this foul morning.”
“The weather does not cater to our needs, that is for certain.” William glanced at the bank clerk who’d busied himself with another customer. Taking a step closer to Thomas, he whispered, “Did you hear about Mr. Hoskins?”
Thomas nodded. “Inform as many men as you can that we will need an emergency meeting.”
“When?”
“Tonight. Eleven o’clock.”
William nodded, then straightened. He clapped his hand on Thomas’ shoulder. “Good to see you, again. Give the wife my respect.”
“And you do the same for your charming wife.” William stepped out of the bank, thinking over what excuse he would tell Mercedes tonight. She wouldn’t understand. Lying to her was the best choice right now. He hated to do it, but Hoskins and his family needed help as soon as possible.
* * * *
Mercedes stepped outside onto the back porch and the wind blew against her face. The children were in the nursery. This afternoon, she needed time for herself yet the more she thought about her problems, the more worried she became.
With a heavy ache in her chest, she walked toward the stable. The maid, Beth, informed Mercedes of the conversation the servant had eavesdropped on. The Sons of Liberty were meeting tonight down at the end of Honeybrook Lane in the old abandoned cottage. A secret meeting, Beth had said.
Anxiety hammered through Mercedes. She wondered if William would tell her. He hadn’t yet, and that’s what worried her. Doubts filled her mind and she groaned. Although she loved him with all her heart, she didn’t think he trusted her. Trust had always been harder to achieve with him. Obviously, William didn’t believe in her enough to tell her of the secret meeting.
Although she had a hard time understanding why William did this, it was his character to stand for what he believed in. But her love for him was stronger. She wanted him, his children, and the wonderful life she’d experienced so far.
Stopping inside the stable doors, she glanced at her favorite horse, Thunder. The black gelding neighed, bobbing his head in greeting. She smiled and walked to him, picking an apple out of the bucket by the door.
The animal acted more than happy to get the food, and as he munched noisily, she stroked his mane. She’d always enjoyed being with horses, but right now worry for William overrode all else. What if William was caught? She couldn’t bear the heartache of seeing him hanged for treason.
The sound of scraping wood echoed through the stable. She stopped. Listened. But didn’t hear it again. “Is anyone there?”
Thunder neighed and shuffled his feet. She stepped away from him, further into the room and listened. Her skin prickled with fear, unease running down her spine, a feeling somebody watched her.
“Is anyone here?”
Still no sound.
Shaking her head, she turned back to Thunder. Why had she experienced a cold chill as if someone watched her every move? She chuckled and stroked the horse’s mane. Must be her imagination.
“’Mornin’, Miz Braxton.”
She jumped and turned toward Hyrum, one of the stable boys, as he walked through the wide-opened doors. Seeing a familiar face, she sighed. “Good morning, Hyrum. How are you faring today?”
“Jus’ fine, Miz Braxton.” He picked up a brush and carried it over to her. “Thought ya might like this.”
She smiled, taking the brush from him. “Thank you. You seem to know what I want before I can speak it.”
He grinned, ear-to-ear, nearly displaying all of his teeth. “Did ya need me to have yer horse ready t’nite?”
She scrunched her forehead. “Why would I want that?”
He stepped closer then peeked over his shoulder as he looked around the stable. Her heart picked up rhythm. Why did he look so secretive?
“Jus’ in case ya want to follow yer husband, like ya usually does when ya spy on him.”
Mercedes’ breath caught in her throat. “S…spy on my husband, Hyrum?” She turned to brush Thunder’s mane.
“Waal, ya haven’t done it for a while, and I thought that’s why ya was here.”
She tightened her hand around the brush in mid-stroke. Spy on my husband. Her heartbeat accelerated. Yes, she could spy on her husband. How else would she feel the same enthusiasm about the cause like he does?
“And what else will you help me with?”
“Jus’ like always, I’ll have the servant’s clothes in the empty stall for ya to change into.”
She smiled. “You have done well, Hyrum. Remind me how much I owe you.”
Red stained his cheeks before he ducked his head and kicked the dirt with his foot. “Shucks, Miz Braxton. Ya don’t owe me nutin’. I likes helpin’ ya all I can, and I ‘specially likes it when ya teach me about workin’ in the stables. I’m learnin’ more ‘n more every day.”
A heavy sigh escaped her. “Well, Hyrum, you help me, and I will help you.”
“Yassum, I ‘no.”
“Hyrum, will you have my horse ready tonight for me?”
He grinned. “Yassum, Miz Braxton.”
Hyrum turned and walked out of the stable, his head held high as if he’d won the game. She smiled. The idea of sneaking off to spy on her husband tonight sent her heart beating fiercely against her ribs.
* * * *
William scratched his chin. His wife had been suspiciously quiet tonight at the evening meal. She’d conversed with the children, but every time she looked his way, her eyes clouded with something he couldn’t pinpoint. Certainly not desire. He’d seen that enough lately to recognize it. If he could put a name to that expression, he’d call it distrust.
He leaned against the hearth, peering down at the burning logs in the small fire. He waited for her in the parlor, and as each second passed, his palms grew moist, his breathing quickened. Tonight he’d lie to her. He didn’t want to, but there was no other way. He knew Mercedes wouldn’t run to the King’s Army to turn him in, but William didn’t want her to worry. He’d gone to secret meetings for a while now. Meetings she wouldn’t understand.
&nb
sp; He contemplated over what excuse to give her. He thought about telling her a good friend had been injured and needed his help, but since he was recovering from an injury himself, that wouldn’t work.
Silently, he grumbled. Tonight’s meeting was vital. Captain Wilkes and his men were getting closer to the truth and getting closer to arresting all the members of the Sons of Liberty. William couldn’t let that happen.
“My, my, William, you do look a fright this evening.”
Startled, William spun around and faced Mercedes. Why hadn’t he heard her enter the parlor? She stood inside the door, her hands clasped together against her stomach, her head tilted as she looked at him.
He chuckled and moved away from the fireplace. “Forgive my lack of enthusiasm, my love. If I had known you were here, I would have appeared more pleasing to your eyes.”
She smiled and walked toward him. Slipping her hands around his waist and fit herself against him perfectly. He lifted her hair and scents of the lilac scented soap she used enveloped him.
He kissed the top of her head. “Are the children asleep?”
She looked up at him. “I am quite certain they are not. But they are in bed.”
He laughed. “And who could blame them for not sleeping? Especially the way you played with them tonight, getting them wound up instead of relaxing them.”
“Are you disappointed?”
His heart softened. Her green eyes darkened, her smile relaxed. How he truly loved this woman. “Disappointed is far from what I feel, my love.”
“Then what do you feel?”
He spanned his hands over her back, pulling her against him. “I feel like the most fortunate man in the world.”
“No, I am most fortunate, my dear husband.” She grinned.
“How much to do you love me?”
Her expression softened. “Very much, indeed.”
“Then will you forgive me if I tell you I have to leave for a little bit tonight?”
Pulling out of his arms, she frowned. “But why?”
“As much as I want to be here with you, the drawing I am doing for Colonel Burwell is not to my satisfaction. Tomorrow he will come to collect the drawing, and I want them to be perfect.”
She nodded, her smile seemed too forced all of a sudden. His heart clenched for having to lie to her.
“I will still love you even though you have to leave my side for a little time tonight.” She rose and kissed his mouth, but quickly pulled away. “I feel a headache coming on, so I had planned on retiring for bed early anyway.”
“I will make it up to you,” he promised with a wink as guilt ate at his gut.
“I am certain you will, my love.”
As he watched her leave, he prayed she would never discover his deceit. He didn’t want to lie to her, and hoped this would be the last time. But until she understood his cause, he may have to keep her in the dark anyway.
Chapter Fifteen
Trees canopied the darkened sky and hid the moon, making the path harder to follow. The cool wind howled around Mercedes, blowing leaves and dust in her face. With one hand she gripped the reins. With the other she pulled the hooded, black cloak tighter around her head. The cool night’s breeze slipped through the man’s clothing she wore.
Where is William?
She’d feigned sleep until she heard him leave the house. Instead of following him immediately, she waited a few minutes, then left. She scrambled out of bed and ran to the stable to dress in the servant’s clothes Hyrum had left for her, mounted Thunder and hurried on her way.
She’d been following William for a while now, and it seemed as if he’d just disappeared. Light fog had settled in the dark night. In the distance, a dog barked. Other dogs joined in, the sound growing louder as each second passed. She shivered and rubbed her arms.
When the moon broke through the fog and shone through branches, she reined in the horse and surveyed the surroundings. According to the street sign, this was Honeybrooke Lane. So where was the abandoned cottage?
She nudged the horse with her heels, urging him forward. Just a little farther down the road, she was certain the cottage would come into view. If not, she’d return home.
After riding another mile—or at least it seemed that far—nothing was in sight. Discouraged, she tugged on the reins, turning the horse around. Through a group of trees, the fog had lifted enough for her to spot a flash of light. Encouraged, her heart pounded. Could this be the place?
Keeping her eyes alert, she urged the horse forward into a gentle gait. Traveling farther, a house finally came into view. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw William’s horse standing to the side of the small structure. She exhaled deeply. Comfort surrounded her knowing he was near.
Climbing vines cloaked the front of the house. A boarded up window and door gave the place a haunted appearance. She swallowed hard. She’d never believed in ghost stories, so what made her afraid now?
She halted Thunder and slid from his back. After securing him to a tree, she tiptoed to the light peeking through the boards on the window, but the window was too high for her to see inside. Under her breath she grumbled, stepped away and sneaked around the side of the cottage, looking for another point to eavesdrop. At last, she found a window low enough to peer inside, and one of the boards had been removed.
Perfect.
Careful not to step on any debris that might make noise and announce her presence, she moved closer to the window. Immediately, she spotted William. His large stature and handsome features made him stand out in a crowd of men. By his side stood Gabe, and she recognized a few other men she’d seen in town.
Approximately ten men crowded the room. All faces had drawn, worried expressions. William’s forehead creased, his lips pulled together, and it tugged at her heart to see him thus. If only he’d trust her enough to confide in her.
One man seemed to be in charge, and all eyes turned to him. The tall, silver-haired man, perhaps in his forties, waved his hand through the air, ceasing the many conversations building in the small room. “Please, gentlemen, we must come to a decision.”
Within seconds, the room quieted. “There must be a way to release Mr. Hoskins,” the man continued. “He’s been a devoted friend to us all, and we cannot allow him to fall victim to the King’s method of torture.”
“But Samuel,” another man spoke, “how are we to accomplish this without being arrested ourselves?” He held up his hands in surrender. “I’ve a wife and five children to feed. What will become of them if I am arrested for treason? I am but a mere farmer.”
Most of the crowd nodded, mumbling their concerns.
The man called Samuel raised his hand again, quieting the group. “I understand your plight. But what will come of our homes and families if we let these tyrants rule our way of living? If we do not stand up for what is right, we are nothing but cowards.”
Voices rose once again, louder this time. Then William raised his hand. “Men, listen to Samuel Adams, adhere to his word.” His voice boomed louder than the rest. “He will not lead us into danger, but through the Sons of Liberty we will be delivered from our chains of taxation.”
This time voices lifted in excitement, the room once again became loud. Mercedes inched closer, pressing to the window to hear and see more.
“What we must do,” continued Samuel, “is plan Mr. Hoskins’ escape. But he cannot stay here after we have freed him. We must have him and his family sent far away.”
The room echoed with agreement.
A man in the back of the room waved his hand. “Samuel? My family owns a farm in Boston.”
Samuel shook his head. “That is putting Hoskins closer to the enemy.”
“What about North Carolina?”
All eyes turned toward the short, pudgy man wearing spectacles. “My brother lives in North Carolina. I am certain he will help us. He owns a plantation and can always use extra hands.”
Samuel nodded. “That is good. Send a letter to your b
rother to see if he will take the Hoskins’ family.” He pushed his fingers through his receding hairline. “Now, let us formulate a plan to rescue Mr. Hoskins.”
“First,” William said, “I think we should ask our Lord for help in this matter.”
Mumbles of agreements scattered through the room as the men removed their hats and bowed their heads. William offered up a prayer that made Mercedes’ heart wrench and tears came to her eyes when she recalled their conversation not too long ago. Men must be free to live their own lives, and worship how they will.
Once the prayer ended, the men crowded around Samuel Adams as he drew a map on the floor. Mercedes couldn’t see what he drew, but she really didn’t need to know. She pulled away from the window and walked back to her horse, her heart in her throat. These men were not about causing problems as the women at Lady Burwell’s party had discussed. These were hardworking men trying to provide for their families, and make their future brighter.
And to think William was one of them.
She smiled, her chest bursting with pride. The man she loved more than life itself was a brave hero, just as the other men in the cottage. There had to be a way she could help. Dare she suggest helping the Hoskins’ family? Hopefully she could convince William not to become upset and that she was really on his side, or the Sons of Liberty’s side. She must tell him today, and let nothing stand in her way.
She mounted her horse and guided the animal down the path toward home. Thoughts scrambled through her head of ways she could tell him. But perhaps the way wasn’t to tell him, but to show him. Now…she needed to figure out the perfect way to do that.
Kicking the horse with her heels, she urged him faster, anxious about getting home to formulate a plan. Perhaps she could think of a way to sneak the Hoskins’ family out of town, or even volunteer to help them pack.
Enthused about her idea, she urged Thunder into a fast gallop. As she neared town, familiar buildings took shape through the fog, and relief flooded through her. She led her horse away from the main street, not wanting to be spotted by the King’s soldiers, and retraced her earlier path.
Take My Heart (Heroic Rogues Series) Page 18