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Ten days. It felt like ten months.
“My stomach hurts.” She went to touch it, but he stopped her hand.
“Be careful.” He reached forward, his gentle fingers held hers for a moment longer than necessary before he laid her arm back by her side.
“Do you remember anything? Do you remember what happened?” The low timbre of his voice soothed her so. She didn’t want him to stop talking.
Eliza inhaled little breaths and looked up at the ceiling, trying to piece together the broken bits of memory. The heavy fog in her brain gathered again and nothing clear emerged.
“Only bits and pieces.”
Thomas’s head bowed and the muscles under the stubble on his face flexed. “I’m nearly positive they didn’t take advantage of you.” He kept his chin down and cleared his throat. “Am I right?” His eyes popped up with his last question and he swallowed.
The fatigue that toyed with her muscles made it impossible to stay awake, but she could tell from Thomas’s impatient demeanor that he was desperate to know.
“Not to worry. I am safe.” She formed a weak smile on her lips as the exhaustion pulled her deeper into the bed.
Thomas exhaled with an audible huff as a visible load lifted from his shoulders. He leaned back in his chair and smoothed his hands over his head. Did that mean he cared? He must surely or he would not have done all that he had in her behalf.
She surrendered to the assault that ravaged her body and closed her eyes. Thomas would never have feelings for her. She was nothing but a burden. Besides, Samuel was surely looking for them even now and would find them within the week. And once Samuel learned of the treatment Thomas had received he would find that wretched soldier and have him punished.
Blissful sleep drew around her like a curtain of black fog, while visions of a handsome face, kind eyes, and a generous spirit floated in her memory.
Though she may be nearly engaged to Samuel, there couldn’t be any harm in dreaming about Thomas.
A smile twitched on her lips. No harm whatsoever.
They traversed twenty-five miles, searching every boarding house, every tavern.
Samuel hated how long it took. Almost two weeks passed since the night he found her missing. In his dreams Eliza called to him, and each day he awoke with renewed strength and resolve. Eliza’s love pulled him to her. He would find her. No matter what.
His head throbbed and his muscles pleaded for mercy. He and Donaldson ate little and slept even less. Donaldson didn’t complain, though Samuel saw the weariness in the gray circles that fringed his eyes. His reluctant companion had no choice but to obey orders. The man was a soldier and should expect to be tired and hungry.
They entered a small wayside town with only a few shops and a dreary looking tavern.
“We’ll stop here for the night,” Samuel said, dismounting. “Find a place to stable our horses and I’ll order a hot meal.”
“Right away, Captain.” Donaldson also alighted off his horse then led the animals away.
Inside the small tavern several lanterns glowed, and the few patrons looked up at him with indifference as he entered. An empty table near the back called to him. He wanted to be alone.
Samuel removed his cumbersome cloak and hat, then slumped into the hard chair, feeling almost grateful for the musty, sour air that filled the dingy room.
A circular woman with white hair approached his table.
“How can I be of service to you, sir?”
“I’m in need of a room and a hot meal for myself and another soldier.”
Just then Donaldson entered, looked around the nearly empty establishment for only a moment before spotting Samuel.
“The horses are taken care of, Captain,” he said, as he neared the table.
The old woman twisted her mouth in disgust as if she thought two British soldiers could only mean trouble.
Donaldson took off his hat and cloak. He nodded to the woman then took the chair across from Samuel, emitting an exasperated huff as he sat.
“We have only a Shepherd’s Pie.” The woman slanted one brow. “I do hope that will be satisfactory.”
