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“We’ll be just fine. Thank you, Mr. Watson.”
He lingered, still searching her face. The world around Eliza slowed as she lost herself in his nearness.
Without warning he moved away a step and looked around.
Eliza did the same, shaking her hands at her sides. How silly to get absorbed in such a moment. She must be more weary than she thought.
Looking around, Thomas gave instructions. “Stay in this spot until I get back. If for some reason you should need me, follow this path through the trees. It will lead you into town.”
Eliza nodded.
“Tell Kitty as well, before she sleeps, in case anything should happen.”
“I will. Don’t worry.” Eliza hoped he caught her reassuring tone, instead of her doubt. “We’ll be fine.”
He looked back at the trail before once again turning Eliza’s insides to mush with his penetrating stare. “I wish I didn’t have to leave you, but I can’t take any chances and lead you into danger. You’re sure you’ll be all right?”
Eliza nodded. “I promise.”
Thomas took long strides along the familiar path, trying to put the feathers in his stomach to rest. Eliza could cast quite a spell. The closer he got to town the harder he tried to focus on something—anything but her.
He chuckled. His good friend Doctor Nathaniel Smith would surely have a good laugh when he found out Thomas was now in charge of caring for two women. He’d prepared to provide only for himself. Now, at least for the near future, he had Eliza and Kitty to think about.
Eliza.
The memory of her gentle features and the song of her laugh formed a grin on his lips. Then another memory took the stage of his mind and he couldn’t stop his fists from forming. Who was the blackguard who had asked for her hand? Did he even love her? Did she love him? If she did, he was a fortunate fellow indeed.
Just as his foolish imaginations began to run away with him, he rounded the last corner and his home came into view. Checking around the outside and inside of the house to see that all was safe, Thomas exhaled a heavy sigh of relief. Before he went into town he walked through each room, inspecting it and making a quick inventory of all he had, and the things he may need now that he had two women to care for. They would at least require clothes of their own and whatever other mysterious items a woman’s needs demanded. Scratching the back of his neck, he huffed. He’d have to think of what to do about that ...
He took another moment and looked around him. Masculine pride welled like a rising sea. This was a good, solid home. One he crafted and filled with his own capable hands. The parlor was small, but nothing to scoff at. The large fireplace sat agape, ready to devour the pile of logs that was stacked behind the house. Upstairs were two fair sized rooms, each with a feather bed and a chest of drawers. What would Eliza think of—
He stopped and shook his head again, harder this time. Fool. She would think nothing of it compared to the fine home she’d lived in all her life—the home she would return to when this horror ended.
Thomas left and quickly made his way to town. Bustling markets, shops, and taverns dotted the street. Men and women milled about, paying him no attention whatsoever. His arms and hands relaxed somewhat and it was only then he realized his fists had been clenched.
Upon seeing no red uniforms, he ventured deeper into the small city, continually reminding himself that Eliza and Kitty should not be left alone any longer than absolutely necessary.
As he walked down the main street, a new mercantile shop beckoned him. He halted and peered through the window. How could he resist? His chest and shoulders buzzed with the urge to hurry, but he resisted. The women needed supplies. He strode in, intent on buying fabric for Eliza and her sister. T
ime was valuable, but he hoped this small offering would be well received. They would want to make themselves new dresses and it was the least he could do for all the trouble he’d caused them.
The proprietor helped him pick out all the items the girls would need for their craft, since Thomas had no idea about the tools a woman used for sewing.
“What fabrics would they fancy?” the stout old man asked from behind the counter.
Thomas ran his fingers through his hair and shrugged as he stared at the stack of various colors and patterns. A laugh bubbled through him. “I haven’t the slightest idea.”
“Well,” the man continued, winking over his spectacles. “May I suggest this lovely purple batwing or this soft blue floral? These fabrics seem to be popular with the ladies in town.”
Thomas nodded, his shoulders suddenly lighter. “I’ll take it.”
When he left the shop, the bundle of fabrics and accouterments under his arm, a familiar voice called to him from behind.
“Thomas! Greetings to you, my good friend!”
Thomas stopped and turned. A large smile warmed him from his face to his feet. “Nathaniel!”
The tall, broad-shouldered doctor met Thomas with friendly eyes, his suit immaculate as always. Nathaniel’s wide smile, brown hair, and chiseled features attracted countless women, but it was his indomitable personality that men and women alike admired and were constantly drawn to. He and Thomas shook hands before exchanging a hearty embrace.
