So Fair a Lady (Daughters of His Kingdom Book 1)

by Amber Lynn Perry

  Eliza wiped her hands down her face before clenching her knees. “Kitty, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for what’s happened and that you’re hurt and confused—”

  Kitty’s voice spat arrows. “I’m not confused, Liza. You are. You cannot possibly appreciate the gravity of what you are doing. You must quit this foolish quest and stop your political involvement. You must repent and follow God’s will.”

  Thomas stepped forward and raised his voice. “That’s enough, Kitty. It’s not your place to call your sister to repentance. You speak of things you do not understand.”

  “I understand more than you think,” she said, raising her chin and staring at Thomas. Kitty squared her shoulders. “I’ve sat quietly and listened to the two of you long enough. You speak of righteous indignation, the proper role of government and laws, but our lives are good, even though it may be difficult for some. It will only be more difficult for everyone if we push against the one man who keeps us truly safe.”

  “And who is that, Kitty? Who is the one man that truly keep us safe?” Thomas baited.

  “King George, of course.”

  “You’re wrong.” Thomas’s rich voice rang clear and strong. “He who keeps us safe is God alone.”

  Kitty’s face reddened. She pursed her lips and turned away. “You mistook my meaning, Thomas. Of course I know it’s God. Don’t play with my words!”

  Without another glance, Kitty tromped up the stairs and slammed the door.

  Eliza rested her head in her hands as the sound of Kitty’s muffled cries tiptoed back down and pranced around her. The tides of her emotions ebbed higher until they breeched her carefully laid barriers of courage. She wept into her palms.

  Thomas knelt in front of her, stroking her hair, helping to abate the sudden storm of pain.

  “Thomas, I’ve done it again,” she said between tears. “I made a decision, and it was the wrong one. I’ve pushed Kitty away from me. I’ve made her miserable. She’s never raised her voice at me. I never knew she felt any of this.”

  Her weeping increased and she crumpled into his shoulder.

  “You didn’t cause her reaction. It would have happened at one time or another. Don’t blame yourself. Kitty was wrong to keep it clamped inside. She should have told us her feelings long ago. Don’t place blame where it isn’t due.”

  Eliza knew his words were intended to be encouraging, but so far nothing could assuage the remorse that clawed through her. She kept her head down, self-conscious of her mussed looks and runny nose. Thomas handed her a handkerchief and she buried her face in it again, inhaling the masculine fragrance of him the fabric carried.

  Looking up, Eliza folded and unfolded the soft fabric again and again in her hands as she gathered her thoughts. Thomas crouched in front of her, his thumb making little circles on her knee.

  “Thomas, I know she’s wrong. I can’t put my feelings into words, but I know it.” She stopped, remembering the revelation that had come to her at the rally. “Even though it was foolish to go, I did learn a great deal. I am beginning to see what Father meant for me to know and why he believed what he did. Why he risked his life for such a cause. He always said to love and honor our King. And now I know he meant God the King. He never lied to us. How can I help Kitty see that?”

  Thomas met her weak gaze with a powerful one, a contemplating stare in his ever-blue eyes. “There is not much you can do for Kitty but continue to love her and continue to follow the path God is showing you.”

  “Do you really think God is leading me?”

  “I don’t just think it, I know it.” Thomas took her hands in his and helped her to rise with him as he stood. “And I also know God led you to me, of that I have no doubt. I believe he meant for us to be together. For you to be my wife and love me forever the way I love you.”

  A flood of warmth filled the once cold cavern in Eliza’s heart. She opened her mouth to answer him, then immediately closed it. The pain of moments ago renewed itself at her words.

  “What shall we do about Samuel? What if he finds us? I’m afraid of what he might do, Thomas. Whatever shall I say to him?”

  Thomas held her close, cupping her head against his hard chest. “Don’t worry about that now, my love. We must stay vigilant a while longer, ‘tis true, but I don’t believe that Samuel will ever find us now.”

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Why can I not formulate a decent plan?

  Samuel growled at the ceiling. He had to stay focused, but the memory of Thomas holding Eliza—kissing her—infiltrated his thoughts, making it difficult to breathe.

  He couldn’t sleep. He ate nothing and drank only a few sips of ale after returning to his quarters at Newcomb Tavern.

  A knock sounded at the door.

  “Enter,” Samuel grumbled.

  “How are you, sir?” Donaldson came into the room they shared and closed the door behind him.

  Samuel shook his head and turned away.

  “If you truly love this woman, as you profess to, you will want the best for her. And from what I saw she didn’t look like she was under any kind of duress. I suggest you let it go—”

  Samuel launched from his place on the thin mattress and grabbed Donaldson around the neck. “Let it go?!” Samuel pushed him onto the bed and gripped harder as Donaldson choked for air. “Never! Eliza is mine!”

  After another shove, he let go. Donaldson gasped for air and rubbed at his throat, coughing.

  Samuel’s chest heaved as he stared at his subordinate. “We will find a way to get her back. She loves me. That man has forced himself upon her, I know it!”

  His vision darkened and his arms shook as his need for Eliza pulsed through him with the strength of the entire British Army.

  Donaldson pushed off the bed, still massaging his neck. “You’re on your own. I will help you no longer.”

  Samuel jerked back, his nostrils flaring as his hot breath seethed through his nose. “So be it,” he said, opening the door. “You’ve been no help to me anyway. Get out.”

  Donaldson turned as he stepped into the hall. “You’re digging your own grave, Martin.”

  Samuel leaned forward until their faces were only inches away. “When I bring her back, you will accompany me to Boston whether you like it or not. If you choose not to, I will personally see to your professional demise. I know how you need every cent for your pitiful mother and sisters. I suggest you obey orders.”

  Samuel shoved him into the hall and slammed the door, then pounded it with the side of his fist.

  He shook his head. I can do this on my own. Pacing the length of the tiny room, he used every parcel of shrewd thinking left within his brain.

  Time was precious. He rehearsed possible scenarios through the long night and mapped their location with precise detail in his mind. There were no guards at the small house, at least none that he had seen. No reason for him to have any trouble removing Eliza and her sister.

  Yet, his thoughts stalled at every possible course. What if they were no longer there? What if they’d suspected his coming and left?

  He shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair, brushing away the thought. No. The house looked settled. They were there to stay.

  Why could he not think of what to do? How to save her? How difficult could it possibly be?

  After the long night ended, and as the first fingers of sun crested over the rooftops an idea, flawless and simple rose in his mind as pure and bright as the sunrise. For the first time since seeing Eliza again, his muscles relaxed and renewed strength charged through his veins. She would be safe and in his arms within the hour.

  Heedless of his soldiering duties, he crept out of the boarding house in silence and paced down the street, taking the back way to Watson’s hideout, just as the traitor and Eliza had done the previous night.

  A wild excitement pushed him over the frozen ground. His shoulders and arms buzzed with anticipation.

  Do not worry, Eliza. Our nightmare is almost over.
/>
  The morning’s sunrise sprinkled bits of pink and orange on the waiting horizon. Eliza noted how the evening’s snowfall blanketed the outside world, the glowering clouds of last night having floated away as they slept. And with their welcome departure, a parcel of her own oppressive load vanished forever into the sorrowful past.

  She smiled at the beauty of God’s daily handiwork and splashed a handful of cold water onto her face, then patted it dry with her apron. She peered past her reflection in the north window that overlooked the small barn, getting lost in blissful visions of the future. There were no animals in the building now, but soon—once they were free from hiding—Eliza and Thomas would settle this small farm and make it their home, filling the barn with animals and their home with the fruit of their love.

  She rested her head against the window-pane, a smile tugging at her mouth. Her usual distress over important matters—such as marriage—never surfaced. The decision to marry Thomas came as natural as breathing. Where Samuel had wanted to make all her decisions for her—as easy as that would have been—Thomas allowed, even prompted her to think for herself. Thomas valued her thoughts and opinions. He valued her.

  At the memory of Kitty’s rebuttal, her heart pinched.

  She exhaled a misty breath into the cold glass. If only Kitty would speak to her—like she used to. Kitty’s eyes still glistened with love, but since last night something deep started to take root within her, and Eliza feared there was nothing she could do to make amends.

  Now she could see why her father had insisted that Kitty never know about his involvement—and that she was young, if not in age, in understanding. Somehow he had known Kitty would react with anger and keep her heart closed to the truth.

  Securing her bun in place, Eliza continued her meditative moment then grabbed her cap from the table and fastened it on her head. It didn’t matter. All would be resolved in God’s time—Father, Kitty and Samuel—so long as she relied on Him with all her might and strength.

  As she peered out the frost-framed window once again, a streak of crimson flashed around the door of the barn and disappeared. She jumped. Her hands began to tingle. Squinting her eyes, Eliza tried to see against the glare of the morning sun.

  Gasping, she clasped both hands over her mouth.

  Samuel!

  It couldn’t be. But it was.

  His familiar face poked out from an opening in the barn door and his pointed gaze shot musket rounds through her chest. How had he found her? He held a finger over his mouth as if he wanted her to remain quiet. Her throat thickened and the hairs on her arms stood on end. Fear pierced its pointed nails into Eliza’s pumping heart.

  Lord in heaven, what do I do?

  She whipped around to see if Kitty had returned to the room, but she was alone. Blessed be. She turned again toward the nightmare in the barn, hoping by some chance she’d imagined it.

  Her limbs went numb. No. He was still there. She gripped her arms around her chest as her entire frame began to tremble.

  He motioned to her to come to him, but kept his finger over his lips. He doesn’t want Thomas to know he’s here. She placed a shaking hand over her mouth and tried to breath.

  A million frightening scenes pelted her brain like a destructive hailstorm. After learning of Samuel’s behaviors with Thomas, she knew Samuel must have ill intentions. What would he do?

  She stood glued to the floor beneath her feet, sorting out the tempest that wailed in her chest. A little voice chimed in her head. You’ve only ever known Samuel to be gentle and sincere. He may have made mistakes, but there must be good in him.

  Looking again at the bedroom door, Eliza struggled to calm her racing thoughts. Perhaps she could convince Samuel of Thomas’s goodness, and plead with him to stop the hunt and allow them to live in peace, leaving all of this heartache behind them.

  She looked back again at the window. It was worth a try. Didn’t Thomas deserve that much?

  Samuel continued his beckoning, waving his arms with more vigor. He looked around, as if wary of being seen.

  I have to do this. Lord, please help me.

  Eliza waved then raised a finger and pointed to the door. Samuel nodded before disappearing around inside the barn.

  Grabbing her shawl, Eliza ran downstairs.

  When she reached the front door she stopped, rested her hand on the cold metal and looked around for either Thomas or Kitty. The sounds from the kitchen and the pleasing morning aromas announced her sister was busy with her favorite chore. Where was Thomas? She almost called for him, went looking for him, to explain the danger that lurked just outside the house.

  A clamorous warning rang in her ears. Thomas would never allow her to do what she planned. She flicked away the caution. This way she could keep him from possible harm, and maybe even convince Samuel to leave them alone for good.

  She breathed in deep and slow, placing a hand over her middle.

  No. Better not to worry Thomas. Samuel would listen to her. He would understand all that had happened. Besides, if he truly loved her, he would see the error of his ways.

  Careful to stay silent, she slipped out the door and tip-toed across the hard, sparkling snow.

  Once inside the hollow barn she clutched the thick shawl around her shoulders. “Samuel?” No response. For a moment she breathed easier and her fingers relaxed. Perhaps she’d simply imagined it after all.

  “Samuel?” she called, this time quieter, taking another cautious step into the cold, dim emptiness.

  In an instant, strong arms came from behind and dragged her into the farthest, darkest corner. Eliza squealed in fear, but a rough hand covered her mouth and muffled the sound.

  Samuel turned her to face him with a violent twirl. He released his hold on her mouth and traced her with an intimidating stare. His rough hands molded into her arms. The usual gentleness she’d come to recognize in his pale eyes had been replaced with raw anger, turning their light-blue into the color of his steel blade. His frenzied gaze narrowed as his fingers gripped tighter.

  “Eliza!” he said, pulling her to him with crushing strength. His voice was quiet and the words poured from him. “Eliza! What happened to you? You were gone. Then I thought you were dead. I nearly died myself with worry for you. Are you all right? Are you hurt?”

  He moved his hands along her back and kissed the top of her head.

  Overcome with his tenderness, Eliza hugged him back. Maybe there’s nothing to be afraid of. He was merely sick with worry.

  “I’m fine, Samuel. I’m fine,” she said, as he pressed her head against him. “There is much I need to say—”

  Before Eliza could stop him, he cut off her words as he pulled her chin upward and kissed her mouth, grunting and moving his arms around her back in a way that made her stomach sick.

  She squirmed, and tried to push away, but his mouth still covered hers and her words were mumbled. “Sa-uel—lease! Sto—!”

  He kissed her harder. Panic surged through her muscles as she fought against him, hitting her fists against his solid chest.

  Finally, he released her with an angry push. His clouded features hardened. “No, Eliza, I can’t stop!”

  His chest heaved and his knuckles turned white as he clenched his fingers. “I have done nothing but search for you all these many weeks. I’ve worried day and night over you. I love you. You’re to be my wife! Will you not kiss me back?” He shook her by the shoulders. “What’s happened to you? What has Thomas done to you?”

  His eyes searched her face then grew wide and flashed with venom. “Has he defiled you? I’ll kill him! Is that why you push me away? You think I won’t have you? It doesn’t make any difference to me, I’ll love you just the same—”

  “No! No, Samuel, please. It’s nothing like that.” Her fingers trembled as she held tight to his biceps hoping he could read the sincerity in her eyes. “He’s done nothing to me. He’s protected us from the beginning—”

  “He kidnapped you!” Samuel seized her
arms with iron fingers.

  “He rescued us.” Eliza whispered, hoping Samuel would follow her example and quiet his voice. “The soldiers were coming, what else was he to do? I . . . we . . . there’s much to explain, all you need know is that Thomas got us to safety, Samuel. If we had been caught . . .” She looked away wondering if she should reveal all she knew. “Because of the threats placed upon his family it was necessary for us to stay in hiding until we knew all was safe.” She paused and reined in her remaining fears. “You should know plenty about that, Samuel. It was your doing.”

  She held her breath, waiting to see how her declaration would be received.

  Samuel’s face warped and he balked. “If you believe for a moment that I did anything less than my duty to the king you are mistaken.”

  “Your duty?” Eliza spat, as bursts of indignation blasted in her chest. “It was your duty to threaten the lives of innocent people? And for what purpose?”

  He lifted her to her toes, and bent his face only inches from hers. “It is my duty to defend the king by whatever means necessary. The members of that traitorous group will get nothing less than they deserve.”

  “And what is that, Samuel? What do they deserve?” she said, thinking of not only Thomas, but of Father. What would Samuel have done to him?

  Samuel didn’t answer. He set her down, his features melting. He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. “Something’s happened to you, my love. That odious man has treated you wrongly, I have no doubt, and filled your mind with his vile rhetoric. I’m so sorry, Eliza. You must get away from here and back to your home where you can recover and begin to think properly again. I’m ready to take you away this instant.”

  Eliza shook her head and tried to answer but he stopped her with his finger on her lips. His eyes narrowed and his wounded tone carried fire. “I saw him kissing you.”

  The blood drained from her face and settled at her feet. The dark barn began to spin. “What?” she breathed.

  “I saw you at the rally. I saw you running from him.”