The Tory's Daughter, page 12
“Right…” She gasped sharply. “Here.” Buried in the middle of a tangle of new and old blackberries canes, she sat, hem of her gown to her knees, bloodied palms extended. “Help,” she squeaked.
Joseph stomped down the nearest vines with his boots and reached past her extended hands to her wrists. Her eyes clamped closed as he hoisted her upward. “Are you all right?”
“Fine,” she muttered, but didn’t pull away.
Relief made his head light. “What got into you, running off without telling me? I have enough troubles without needing to ride out after you.”
Her body trembled, and she tried to pull away.
Joseph tightened his hold. “I should haul you back to the cabin and lock you up again until planting’s done, as we agreed.”
She shoved away, wincing as she did so. “Go back to your fields and forget about our agreement. I don’t need you.”
“I definitely got that impression when I arrived.” He let the sarcasm roll, still reeling from what her screams had done to his insides. Much too affected.
They pinned each other with their glares.
Hannah’s taut jaw drew a nice line, and her lips pursed with a determined pout. As pretty as her eyes looked with the last hint of daylight swimming in them, it was hard not to lower his gaze. Especially with how close he still held her. His heart rate refused to slow. But then, only inches, and he could taste the warmth of her lips.
Would that be so wrong? She was his wife.
Her face tipped up, shortening the distance he needed to cross. Her gaze shifted to his mouth. Did she share his thoughts, his curiosity? Would it be hard to fall in love again? Would she fill the gap that Fannie’s death left? Would she learn to love him in return, leaving them free to explore every aspect of this marriage?
Or would even hoping for such be a sin?
A lie?
The truth of her father’s death wedged between them.
Joseph broke his hold. “I should start a fire before it gets too dark.” He turned, not wanting to see the confusion in her eyes turn to hurt. The low light of a campfire would hopefully hide anything he felt. One thing he’d learned from his marriage to Fannie was how nice it was to be loved by a woman, and to have her faithfully by his side. Watching Fannie carry and then give birth to his children had swept him with such an overwhelming sense of wonder and love. For a short moment he’d let himself hope that feeling would again be possible. The loss of that hope tunneled a larger hole in his center.
He would not forget himself again.
Protect her. Help her. But he could not let himself love Hannah Cunningham...Garnet.
~*~
Wrapped in the large shawl, Hannah huddled near the flickering orange and red flames, trying to glean what little heat the new fire offered. Not that the warmth did much for the stinging of her hands and ankles. She tried to examine her scarlet streaked palms. If she’d known Joseph was so near, she would have continued screaming and not tried to pull herself out of the blackberry briar.
Thankfully, Joseph came prepared. Flint and steel, bedrolls, food—almost as though he had suspected it would take longer to find her. Or he planned to go with her. So hopeful of the latter, Hannah was afraid to ask which.
“Here.” Joseph set the last log into place, and then reached for the leather canteen behind him. “Hold out your hands.”
She did as directed, and a stream of cool water trickled over her palms.
Joseph braced her wrist and turned her palm to the firelight. “A couple of the thorns are still imbedded.” He reached for one, but with far too much pressure to the rest of her hand.
Hannah flinched her hand away.
“I’m sorry.” He stood. “I’m not any good at this.”
“Your nails are worn flat. I’ll probably have better luck.” The tiny slivers were almost impossible to see in the firelight. She picked the thorns from her hands as best she could.
Joseph stood by with a strip of cloth for each palm. Though not perfectly gentle, his attempts to wrap her hands without causing any more pain seemed earnest.
“Thank you.” She’d be wrong not to express gratitude. “Can I use more water?”
“As much as you want.” He motioned in the direction of the river. “We have an endless supply only yards away.”
She tried not to think of his close proximity as she bared her torn ankles.
Without a word, Joseph tucked her hem around her knees and slipped the moccasins from her feet. Then he took up the canteen again.
“Umm.” As with tending to her wounded arm, he appeared unaffected by her bare skin.
“What’s wrong?” He looked at her as though he honestly didn’t know. His hand warmed her knee.
“Nothing.” Other than the heat he stirred within her.
He didn’t look away.
“Umm, I was going to say that I while I appreciate you coming after me, I can’t go back with you. I can…”
His hand slid down the back of her calf, and her mind spiraled out of control. Hannah forced her thoughts off his hands and their ministrations. “I will no longer delay finding my brothers.” The sensation of Joseph’s nearness faded into the background with thoughts of Myles and what had been said. What if he was dead?
“We’re not going back.” Joseph poured the water across her ankle.
We? “What of your fields and family?” And the threat from his neighbors?
“I promised I would help you.”
Her heart skipped. With hope. With questioning. “After the planting, you said.”
“Plans change.” He grunted. “Besides, there isn’t much left. Andrew will manage.”
So engrossed in his proclamation, Hannah hardly felt the pressure of his fingers as he pulled a thorn from her leg. “Because of…” She couldn’t think of a single reason that would compel him to leave everything behind for her sake. Unless it was to be rid of her. Perhaps he only sought to redeem himself in the eyes of the community. If she were gone…
“Because I promised.”
And because she’d refused to wait. Little did he know that was more for his sake than her own. He probably suspected hearing of Myles’s possible execution drove her. And it did. It just wasn’t the only catalyst. “Do you think what that man said was true? About Myles?”
Joseph stared at her ankle as though searching for any more offending thorns, but his focus had turned inward. Probably trying to think of the kindest way to remind her how outspoken her brother could be, and how passionate he had been about her father’s loyalties. Almost six years fighting for an army he’d despised? Myles wouldn’t have made it. He wouldn’t have stayed. And if he had been caught trying to desert…
She clamped her eyes closed. “Never mind. You don’t need to say anything.”
He patted her knee. “Don’t give up so easily.” The tenderness in Joseph’s voice drew her eyes open. His mouth showed a thin smile.
Strange to think how strongly the urge to kiss him had been only minutes ago. He’d looked down at her with such gentleness, his lips parting…
“Acker was trying to upset you. You can’t trust what he said.”
She let the air seep from her lungs. “I’m not sure who or what to trust, what to hope for, anymore.”
“Hope in the God who created them, that He preserved them. And trust that I will do everything within my power to help you find both your brothers.”
19
Joseph set another branch on the fire. He’d woken throughout the night to keep the flame alive for Hannah’s sake. The night had taken on a chill a single blanket couldn’t dispel. Even now, as dawn crept over the horizon and filtered its light through the trees, the temperature felt as though it continued to drop. Hopefully, the sun would rise warm before they needed to start their journey.
He settled back with a blanket draped over his shoulders. He’d given up trying to sleep—he’d only managed a few hours through the night. His mind ran rampant. Would Andrew be able to handle the farms on his own, especially with Rachel busy with the children and worn down by another pregnancy? Would Cyrus Acker and his friends leave well enough alone while he was away, or would he return to ashes? And what of Hannah? What would she do when she discovered her brothers’ fates? Even if Samuel had survived by God’s grace, Joseph didn’t hold the same hope for Myles.
“You don’t look very happy.” Hannah watched him.
Joseph’s frown deepened. “I’m naturally a bear in the mornings. Best to ignore me.”
“I shall do that.” A smile toyed at her lips.
He shed the blanket and reached for the packs. “We’ll eat something and then be on our way.” He heated water in the tin mug he’d brought along. Though he’d not thought to bring coffee grounds or tea, a hot drink would warm her more than the cheese and bread Rachel sent. They ate quickly and loaded the saddle and packs back onto Hunter. Joseph insisted she ride while he led the horse back to the road. They’d make better time without breaking new trail along the river.
“You didn’t know Myles very well, did you?”
Joseph glanced over his shoulder. Her thoughts had likely been on her brother all morning—the reason behind her bleak expression.
“I always sneaked over to your farm to see the horses. But he kept more to himself. Him and whatever piece of wood he whittled away at.”
That, Joseph remembered.
“He made all sorts of things. Tops and other toys for Samuel and Miriam. Spoons for Mama. He even made a comb for my hair once. Saw Rachel’s and modeled it after that.”
Silence settled for a short time, and Joseph wasn’t sure whether to feel regret or relief.
“Do you mind me talking?”
He shook his head. He liked the sound of her voice. And so far the subject was harmless enough.
“I know Mama’s language well enough, but it’s not what we spoke growing up in the valley. She gave it up for Papa. Her home, her people. Until he was gone. Everything changed after he was killed.”
Joseph stiffened. Time to redirect the conversation. “What was it like, returning to live with your mother’s people?”
“Hard, at first. I didn’t know the language well enough. And all the customs. It became better before the end, but then the fighting came too near. There was no place to go. The land around the Great Lakes had little food and new shelters needed to be built. Too many came. Other clans gathered there, as well. The British made little effort to help.”
Nothing surprising there. “The British never help. Why do you think we want them all to go home to England and leave us be?”
“All except your brother-in-law?”
“He’s not a soldier anymore.”
“And you never were one?”
Joseph tensed. “What do you mean?”
“You’ve fought. But I gather you never joined the Continental Army.”
A terseness in her words sounded warning bells in his head. “No, I did not.”
“And why is that, if this war is so important to you? Or are you simply content to let others fight your battles?”
Like her brothers. No wonder her eyes smoldered down at him.
“My battles have always been close to home.”
“Like next door.”
“I don’t mean it like that.” And yet that’s where the war had taken him. Maybe he couldn’t be held responsible for anything that had happened to her brothers. But he was far from innocent of her family’s hardships.
~*~
Hannah bit her tongue. It was wrong of her to aim her frustrations at him. He was helping her. Still an apology was too much to scrape from her throat with so much emotion brewing inside. It was hard enough to admit she owed him one.
Not much more was said. They paused only briefly at midday, and then pressed on. Most of the time Joseph walked ahead, leaving her to stare at the back of his head. And admire his strong, steady pace. If she were wise, she’d stop admiring him at all, but that was easier said than done. The other option was to ask him exactly what he planned for their marriage…but that was easier left as a thought.
Joseph muttered something under his breath and pulled Hunter to a stop.
Hannah leaned forward. “What’s wrong?”
“Move back so I can get on.” He motioned her to slide behind the saddle. “Take a look at those clouds forming over the eastern horizon.”
She maneuvered over the bedrolls and glanced at the sky.
The horizon wore an unnatural shadow under high reaching cotton. A thunderstorm.
He swung up in front of her. “I’d rather find shelter before those clouds reach overhead.”
Hunter lurched forward into a lope, and Hannah latched onto Joseph’s coat. Ignoring the pinch of her almost healed wound and the sting of her palms, Hannah wrapped Joseph with her arms. “What is the next settlement?” They’d passed what remained of the Frankfort settlement about an hour ago.
“Last time I rode this way not much remained between here and Fort Herkimer. The German Flats used to be a large settlement, but Brant burned most of those homesteads a couple of years ago.”
Hannah loosened her hold. She’d heard about Brant’s campaign. Otetiani and his warriors had ridden with him and the British that fall. Their success hadn’t meant anything to her until now.
“You aren’t related to Brant too, I hope?”
“No.” Not directly, at least. From the bite in Joseph’s tone, she gathered he’d never speak to her again if she had any close connection to the Mohawk chief who had led most of the raids against this valley.
“Good.”
Nothing more passed between them for the next few minutes. Not that there was much space between them for anything to pass. Hannah let her head relax against his back and closed her eyes. Though she didn’t fully understand why Joseph followed her, she was grateful. Perhaps he was more like his father than she had supposed. And perhaps their marriage was not so unwanted after all. Up until yesterday she hadn’t imagined he’d ever feel anything toward her. Then he pulled her from the briers.
Perhaps one day he would learn to care for her.
Perhaps with a little encouragement, he’d learn faster.
Joseph slowed Hunter as the trees thinned and a stone wall came into view. Beyond the stones, logs formed a taller fortification. The gates were propped open, and Joseph directed Hunter through.
Hannah peered around his shoulder at the men watching their approach, and what appeared to be a church in the center of the yard. Limestone walls rose with a tower at the front of the church, and a small cannon on a swivel nestled on top.
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
“I suggest we stop here for the remainder of the day. We’ll find somewhere to stay, and then I’ll see who I can track down to ask about your brothers.” Joseph dropped to the ground then reached for her. “Though let’s suggest they volunteered for their service.” He lifted her down. “Folks will be more willing to help us if it’s assumed your brothers are Patriots.”
His perfect logic chafed her pride, but the important thing was to find Myles and Samuel. She turned back to the horse to pull her shawl from where she had stuffed it between the saddle and bedrolls. She tugged on the corner but it didn’t come.
“Let me help.” Joseph reached past her.
She gave a harder yank. “I’m fine.” A caught thread popped free and her arm flew back to slam against Joseph’s face.
“Ouch!” He shuffled back and grabbed his nose. Blood ran between his fingers.
Her jaw fell open and all words fled. Hannah grabbed the handkerchief that peeked from his coat pocket and thrust at him.
Joseph groaned as he dammed the blood with the cloth. “I’m only trying to help. Was my suggestion really so offensive?”
“I didn’t mean to hit you this time.”
“This time?” After another minute, he sniffed and started to clean the scarlet from his hands. “I find it hard to believe you do anything by accident.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but the corners of Joseph’s lips twitched. His chest shook. Hannah nudged his arm. “Are you laughing?”
“Why would I laugh at having my nose broken?” But his smile was less contained now and his eyes twinkled.
“That’s what I’m trying to understand.”
The bleeding slowed, and Joseph gingerly prodded his nose.
“Do you really think it’s broken?”
“No. You were unsuccessful this time.”
“But I wasn’t trying to—”
He laughed and glanced to the man who stood back, waiting for an opening. Joseph tied Hunter to the hitching post.
“Good day.” The slender man wore his hair lose to his shoulders and a coat too large. He eyed the show of blood at Joseph’s nose. “Are you all right, sir?”
“Fine. Just a little accident.”
“Oh.” He glanced at Hannah but only briefly. “What brings you to Fort Herkimer, Mr…?”
“Garnet. And we’re just passing through. On our way to Albany.”
“Can’t blame you, sir. This backcountry has become unfit for civilized man. Especially with a family.”
Hannah almost smiled at the sudden tic in Joseph’s jaw. He thrust his bloody handkerchief back into his pocket. “Oh, we aren’t leaving. Just looking for my wife’s brothers. Joined the army a while back and haven’t heard anything from them in a long time. You know how women get on to worrying.”
Now Hannah’s jaw tightened. As though she didn’t have cause to fear for her brothers.
The man chuckled.
Thunder rumbled.
“You know of a place we can wait out that storm coming in?” Joseph asked.
“Of course. We’ve waited out more than just bad weather in here.” He motioned over his shoulder. “Those buildings over there are the Army’s, the ones here trade supplies, but that row opposite were built for holing up in during the Indian raids. Nothing fancy, but if you’re not done with this valley then you’ll find nothing to complain about.”
“Appreciate it.” Joseph spoke with the man a few minutes more and arranged for Hunter’s care in the nearby stable before they made their way across the compound to the indicated shacks.
