Chasing Eliza

by King, Rebecca

  “We aren’t going to make it.” Edward shouted, glancing behind him. He pointed ahead of them to the left towards two more riders, moving to cut them off.

  Instinctively they made to turn towards the right but that pointed them back towards the wooded copse, and undoubtedly Scraggan.

  “Can you jump?” Eliza shouted, glancing across at Edward in time to catch his heavy frown.

  “It’s suicide.” Edward studied the moving traffic on the road ahead and cursed roundly. If they did jump the fence before them, they could crash into one of the moving curricles. It would mean certain death for both themselves and their horses. If they didn’t die, then they would have to go to the wooded copse and that would inevitably give Scraggan the opportunity he had planned for. Eliza was quite right in wanting to avoid the woods.

  Cursing fluidly beneath his breath he watched as Eliza began to slowly rein her horse in, studying the curricles as she rode. Behind them the heavy pounding of hooves grew louder as the riders giving chase caught up. The other three riders farther back had veered towards the trees, clearly intending to wait for their prey.

  Sending a prayer heavenwards, Eliza kicked her horse forwards and with a lunge cleared the fence. She screamed when on clearing the fence, she was immediately faced with the white eyes of a large horse pulling a farmer’s cart. They were so close that Eliza could feel the huge beast’s breath on her arm as she sped past. The horse beneath her whinnied in alarm when it realised the other horse was so close.

  Faintly she heard Edward’s curse and glanced back in time to see the cart horse rear up in terror, tipping the cart and its high pile of manure, along with the farmer into the middle of the road. The cart horse squealed again as one of the men giving chase appeared over the hedge, falling into the melee with a heavy thud. Immediately the horse he was riding stumbled in the manure, tossing its rider into the road and directly into the path of a curricle heading in the opposite direction.

  Eliza gasped and turned her gaze away from the bloody scene of carnage they left behind. Immediately guilt assailed her and she fought tears at the devastation they had wrought so easily to a helpless farmer and his horse.

  Edward reluctantly set aside his anger as concern for her grew. He had heard her gasp when she watched the man being run over, and had seen the distress clearly evident on her face. Immediately he slowed his horse into a steady canter and took the opportunity of the slower pace to study the area around them. There was nothing but rolling hills and the well ridden Great North Road for miles around. The men who had been chasing them were heading towards the small wooded copse on the brow of the hill, clearly intending to meet up with the rest of their gang.

  On the horizon he could see a small town and catching Eliza’s stunned gaze, nodded in that direction. “Let’s stop there. We can find somewhere to stay.” He sensed her hesitation and sought for a way to prevent her feeling weak and useless. A quick glance behind assured him that her reckless actions had bought them the opportunity they needed to thwart Scraggan’s plans. He could see the riders gathered in consternation on the brow of the hill, watching them make their way unhindered through the assorted traffic.

  Edward eased his grip on the reins and slowed to a steady walk, giving his horse a hearty pat for his efforts.

  “Eliza, pull up for a moment.” Edward ordered softly, studying her pale complexion carefully.

  Eliza drew her horse to a stop and turned to look at him expectantly.

  “Do you want to take a rest for a while?”

  Eliza shook her head. “We need to make the most of the daylight we have. Let’s keep moving while we have an advantage. You don’t know if Scraggan has any other nasty surprises lurking.”

  “He is certainly determined.” Edward rode alongside her for several moments. “Do you know any of the men in the group so far?”

  Eliza shook her head. “The one who tried to carry me out of the stable yard was definitely speaking Cornish, but I haven’t seen them in Padstow. Did you see the cutlass?” Eliza winced, knowing it was stupid question. Of course he had seen the cutlass, he had been fighting it.

  Edward smiled ruefully. “I saw a flash or two of it, yes. Although it looked wicked, unfortunately for the assailant, he wasn’t all that adept at handling it.”

  They rode in companionable if shaken silence for some time before the rumbling of Edward’s stomach gave him the opportunity he needed to find a way to get them off the road, and Eliza a break for a while.

  “Unless I am mistaken, I think we are headed towards Huntingdon. We need to get there to meet with Peter at the Hare and Hound.” Edward wasn’t sure Peter had the time to reach Huntingdon yet, even if he had been at Dominic’s to receive the missive. He hoped so, because he desperately needed the shot for his pistol Peter had been asked to bring.

  “Do you think they will be there?”

  Edward paused, wondering at the apparent ease in which she read his mind.

  Shaking his head, he saw no reason not to be completely honest. “I am not sure. We may have to wait until he gets the note. As soon as it arrived at Havistock, Dominic would have dealt made sure it was brought to Peter’s attention but there is no way of knowing where Peter is.” His eyes met and held hers. “He has been known to simply disappear within minutes if he gets word of a possible sighting of Jemima.”

  Sensing her lingering doubts and worries, he tried to put a brighter slant to their current situation. “We can at least reside somewhere where we can eat and keep warm. Despite Scraggan’s determination to capture you, it doesn’t appear that he is prepared to enter property to get to you. The men have clearly been instructed to capture you out in the open.”

  “Where I am easier to get at and it is easier to kill anyone with me, without raising the alarm and risk being captured and tried for murder.” Eliza’s voice was cold as she frowned into the distance, hatred for Scraggan burning fiercely in her breast.

  Edward studied her closely and sensed her burning anger. Once again he was impressed with her cool logic and calm acceptance of their predicament. He could understand her anger, and even a thirst for vengeance.

  “It won’t be too long before Dominic or Sebastian arrives. Even if they cannot locate Peter, they won’t leave us unprotected.” Edward assured her; very glad that he had two supportive brothers who were prepared to help out without question.

  “My brother Dominic and Peter were sent to Norfolk about eighteen months ago, to deal with a large smuggling gang there. They will know the people in the War Office we can report this to. People your father may have spoken to about his suspicions.”

  Eliza’s head snapped around to stare at him. “The War Office?”

  “They are smuggling goods into the country. It is against the law, Eliza. At best it is kegs of brandy and the odd bolt of lace. At worse, it could be people – French spies.”

  Eliza flinched, thinking of the papers secreted in the pouch beneath her breeches. Given everything he had sacrificed for her, she really ought to tell him everything and at least show him the papers.

  Edward didn’t miss the look of guilt that stole over her face and knew that despite everything, she was still withholding information from him. It disturbed him more than he wanted to admit.

  It took longer to reach Huntingdon than both had anticipated, and was late afternoon before they agreed they wouldn’t get there before nightfall. Edward cursed their luck and studied their situation for a moment.

  Although the Great North Road was littered with busy coaching inns, he was loathed to stop on such a busy thoroughfare while they were being followed with such determination. He was fairly certain two riders were doggedly following them, albeit at the moment making no move to attack.

  Dusk was darkening the sky to an inky blankness when a weary Eliza announced that she couldn’t ride any longer. Already she was sore and aching from the long hours in the saddle. Hunger had begun to gnaw at her insides and she was so very thirsty.

  Edward s
pied a single, low slung stone building sheltered in a small meadow on the horizon. It was evident from the dishevelled state of the place that it hadn’t been used for some considerable time. Glancing back at the empty road behind them, he was reassured that they had put enough distance between themselves and Scraggan’s men to turn off the road without being found. Nodding to Eliza, he nudged his horse towards the visual protection of a high hedge running the length of the field and headed towards the long slung structure. It wasn’t perfect, but it would have to suffice.

  Eliza glanced at the empty windows with a shudder. Surrounded on three sides by trees, the large looming rock-face on the fourth side was almost ominous for its towering height. She was very glad Edward was there.

  The area was so dark and isolated, it felt as though they were the only people in the world, as they quietly made their way to the rickety front door.

  “We’ll take the horses inside.” Edward murmured, keeping his voice low despite the fact there was little prospect of anyone being close enough to overhear them.

  “Are you sure there will be room?” It didn’t look as though there would be room for them inside, let alone the horses too.

  Edward smiled wearily. “We can try.” It was all he said as he dismounted and began coaxing his tired horse into the darkness within the tiny building

  With a rueful shake of her head, Eliza followed.

  They consumed the rest of the food as they sat on the rough floor of the small cottage. Eliza gave the core of her apple to her grateful horse, as they sat in the silence.

  “I’m sorry we can’t have a fire, or lighting but we really cannot alert anyone to the prospect that we are here.” Edward murmured softly, sensing her disquiet.

  “I know, but I hate the dark.” Eliza whispered with a shiver. She had never realised before just how dark the night could be. Whenever it had become too dark to see, she had always lit a candle. She had never considered before just how privileged she had been just to be able to do so. Eyeing the darkness warily she inched closer to Edward, issuing a small squeak of surprise when his long arm slid across her shoulders.

  “How are you feeling?” He whispered, tucking a loose tendril of hair behind her ear.

  “Sore.” She replied, shifting against the hard flood beneath her bruised bottom. “It has been several years since last rode. I had forgotten how much of a strain it can be.”

  “You did well today.” Admiration was clear in his voice.

  “Thank you. It is something I don’t want to repeat however.” Eliza replied ruefully.

  Silence descended for several long moments.

  “I’m sorry we didn’t make it to a coaching inn.” He murmured softly, wishing they had the comforting expanse of a soft bed beneath them. At least fully dressed and sitting upright he wouldn’t pose any risk to her virtue. He thought ruefully, shifting his numb bottom against the hard floor in search of a more comfortable spot.

  “Why don’t you try to get some sleep.” He ignored her soft snort and tugged her closer until she was flush against him. “I know it is difficult given the circumstances, but you really must try to get some rest. We have another long ride ahead of us tomorrow to get to Huntingdon.”

  As they sat side by side in the darkness, Eliza became aware of just how quiet it really was. The soft rustle of leaves brushed by the gentle breeze, and the occasional snort of the horses were the only sounds in the night. If she was to be faced with such a situation, then she could only be very glad that Edward was with her. She didn’t think she could face it by herself.

  She jumped as one of the horses coughed.

  “Try to relax.” Even through the darkness, Eliza could hear the humour in his voice.

  “I’m sorry, I just hate the dark.” She replied, eyeing the dark shadows in the far corner of the room warily. She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination but they seemed to be moving slightly. Squeezing her eyes tight, she did as he suggested and tried to relax enough to get some sleep, but she knew it would be a long time coming.

  And it was.

  Edward was resting his head against the wall behind him, his eyes were closed but Eliza knew he wasn’t asleep.

  Eliza gasped at a raucous screech that suddenly broke the silence. She instinctively grabbed Edward’s jacket and felt him jerk in response.

  “Oh God, what is it?” She listened to the loud, high pitched scream that seemed to go on forever. Terrified, her heart thumping heavily in her breast, she clasped her hands over her ears when after a few seconds of silent, another scream followed.

  “Don’t worry darling, it is just a female fox.” Edward murmured as he relaxed back against the wall.

  Eliza looked at him aghast. “What? How can you be sure?”

  “That’s the shriek of a female fox warning other foxes off her turf. She can probably smell the horses and mistakenly thinks they are other foxes.” Edward’s stifled a yawn, apparently unconcerned.

  When another shriek pierced the night air, Eliza resumed her position against his side and sat rigidly against him, as close as she could get without climbing into his cloak.

  “Oh God, make it stop.” She moaned when the haunting squeal continued to break the silence. It sounded so much like a woman screaming it made the hairs stand up on the back of her neck.

  Edward lurched to his feet and thumped on the door to the cabin. There was a sudden scurry within the leaves outside. He waited for several moments before resuming his position beside her. Blessed silence fell over them once again.

  “Thank you.” Eliza whispered, tugging her knees into her chest and holding on tight. She wished Edward would hold her tightly, but daren’t ask him. She glanced across at his stern face, barely visible through the gloom.

  In the darkness of the shadows, his face looked menacing. All dark, shadowy dips and hollows. So unlike the Edward she had become so familiar with, she shuddered and rested her forehead against her knees, willing the dawn to come.

  It felt an indeterminable age before the first shafts of light began to chase the impenetrable darkness away. Edward’s face lost some of its shadows and thankfully began to take on a healthier, more familiar glow. Eliza sighed with relief, wondering what the new day would bring.

  She jumped as a loud crack of wood broke the morning air.

  Edward suddenly jerked upright and frowned at her. After several moments, another smaller crackle of wood followed by rustling of leaves sounded louder. Whatever was moving out there was big, heavy and getting nearer.

  Jumping to his feet, Edward slid his sword off the floor beside him, his eyes locked firmly on the door. Eliza stood and moved to his back, clutching at the shirt on his back as they sidled towards the door.

  Edward paused and turned towards her, a dark scowl on his face. He lifted a finger to his lips and pushed her towards the horses. Eliza shook her head, refusing to be parted from him, even if it was only a few feet.

  His deep put-upon sigh was galling for Eliza. She wasn’t a wilting wallflower by any stretch of the imagination, but at that moment needed his reassurance. Clearly she was being a pesky nuisance. His attitude was galling. She frowned at him, with hurt filled eyes for several moments before turning to do as he bade only to find her cloak tugged.

  When she turned, she saw the scabbard handle being held out to her and glanced at him in horror. Instinctively she shook her head, only for him to shake his and glare at her in silent warning. Slowly she took the heavy weight in her hand with a shudder, hoping she wouldn’t have cause to need it. She had no intention of using it, but the unfamiliar feel of it in her hand was vaguely reassuring.

  Standing silently between the two horses, Eliza watched as Edward slowly lifted the latch on the door and tugged its squeaking weight inwards.

  Within seconds of daylight flooding the room, chaos ensued.

  A scruffy-looking man who was taller than Edward, lunged through the door with a feral snarl of intent on his face. Eliza caught sight of the wicked looking scabbard
that was thrust toward Edward before her attention was caught by a second man immediately behind the first.

  At first he didn’t see her in between the larger bulk of the horses, but her gasp of fear for Edward caught his attention. He grinned evilly as he moved towards her. Eliza knew there was nowhere she could go. As he reached out to grab her, Eliza instinctively wrenched away only for him to lunge forwards. Instinctively she lifted the hand holding the scabbard and watched, as though from a distance, as the man looked at her in astonishment for several long seconds. Eventually he broke eye contact and looked blankly down at his chest. The long handle of the scabbard stuck out starkly against his grubby shirt, a steady flow of blood turning the brownish colour black.

  Eliza felt sick. She was vaguely aware of the thumps coming from the corner of the room and watched in frozen horror as the man before her staggered backwards, pulling himself off the wicked blade that would prove to bring about his demise. Within seconds he slumped to the floor in a bloodied heap.

  Bile rose in her throat and she watched as a third man burst through the door. She watched him glance down towards the wicked blood soaked blade she held and hesitate. That hesitation was enough to give Edward the edge. Quickly he stepped over the heap on the floor and lunged towards the latest arrival.

  As she watched him trade blows with the man before him, Eliza wondered how Edward did it. His face was calm and stolid. The lack of emotion bespoke a lethal intent that made her shiver. It was a side to him she had never seen before. Although it should have repulsed her, it made her feel intensely protective and even proud. This man, this warrior, was fighting for her; to protect her and keep her safe from Scraggan and his thugs.

  She realised at that moment just what he was sacrificing for her. He was a Lord of the realm. An entitled man of noble blood who had significant wealth and undoubtedly family expectations placed upon him. He should be at home, setting up his estates and building the foundations for his future, not sleeping in a desolate shack in the middle of nowhere, fighting of a bloodthirsty band of ruthless pirates.