“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I was praised for my heroics by my commanders, since those documents helped turn the tide of the war,” Colin said. “But it was Sam who was the true hero.”
John stepped closer and set a hand on his shoulder. “You did nothing wrong.”
“I did. I left Sam.”
“If you had stayed, you would have been killed, as well.”
“We could have fought them off together,” Colin attempted.
John lifted his brow. “I doubt you could have fought off an entire camp of French soldiers,” he said. “Furthermore, you had information in your possession that aided in the war.”
“It doesn’t take away the image of his lifeless body.”
“No, I suppose it does not,” John admitted, removing his arm.
Colin winced. “I’ve tried to find his family, but I haven’t been able to locate them.”
“For what purpose?”
“I don’t know their situation, but I want to ensure they are always taken care of.”
“That is most thoughtful of you.”
“It is the least I can do for the man who gave his life for mine.”
John tipped his head. “I can use my contacts to look into the location of Sam Burkard’s family, as well.”
“That would be most appreciated…” His words trailed off as he saw Arabella ride her horse towards the woodlands.
John followed his gaze. “Go on, then,” he encouraged.
“I’m only going to speak to her because I am worried about her,” Colin said, backing up. “After all, there are poachers in the woods.”
John didn’t look convinced. “If that is the only reason…” He left his sentence dangling, a knowing smile on his lips.
“It is.”
* * *
Arabella stoodnext to the stream and listened to the soothing sound of the water trickling over the rocks. Her thoughts turned to her mother, and she was reminded that this would be her first Christmas without her.
How Arabella missed her. She missed her strength, her kindness, and her ability to make everything feel all right, even when everything seemed to be crashing down around her. Her mother was a formidable woman who had taught her so much over the years. How was she supposed to go on without her?
She reached up to wipe away the tears in her eyes. She had cried so much over her mother these past six months, but it didn’t seem to ease her pain. Nothing seemed to help the gnawing ache deep within her.
Arabella turned her head at the sound of a rider’s approach. She was surprised to see Colin watching her intently from atop his horse.
He reined in near her. “I came to warn you that there are poachers in these woods.”
She turned away from him so he wouldn’t see her tear-stained face. “Thank you for your concern,” she replied. “I shall use caution, then.”
Colin didn’t say anything for a long moment. “You have been crying,” he finally said.
“I have,” she replied, seeing no reason to deny it.
“Are you all right?”
