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“Where was this?” Samuel asked.
“Two miles north of Sandwich.”
Samuel looked away quickly doing the calculations in his head. From where they were it was about another thirty-five to forty miles away.
He took a step away from the table and ground his teeth.
This story had holes. How did he know this man was even telling the truth?
He didn’t.
What was worse, he still didn’t know if the woman was in actuality his Eliza. He could spend all this time following another dead trail and lose precious time.
Lee groaned when Samuel increased the pressure of his grip. “How well did you see these girls? Was there anything unique about them, any distinguishing features?”
“It was past sundown so there wasn’t much light.” Lee turned his head and squinted his eyes. “I didn’t see much of the young one, but the other girl had a small mole right here.” He pointed at his left cheekbone and Samuel nearly vomited.
He pushed the man back down on the table and wrenched the gifted pistol from his belt, speaking only inches from the man’s swollen face.
“Thank you for your help, but I’ll be taking this.”
Lee didn’t seem to care. He cupped his cheek and lumbered off the table, then sunk into the nearest chair.
Samuel hurled out the door and into the shivering group.
He yelled at Donaldson. “Get the horses. We’re leaving. Now.”
Chapter Twelve
As the days passed and the decorated trees relinquished their dressings, Thomas could sense that Eliza continued to gain strength. He stayed at her side as much as he could, while still allowing Kitty her share of the caregiving.
Never had such a task brought more fulfillment. He helped her with every sip of broth, every small bite of bread. Ever so slowly, she spent more time awake, spoke with less strain, and even made a few attempts at teasing him. Her chocolate eyes, so round and deep, seemed to brighten more everyday. He pretended not to notice all the times she peeked at him when she thought he wasn’t looking. Had he imagined the traces of longing that often shrouded her charming face? Perhaps.
She lay quiet most of the time, eyes closed, her chest making lazy movements up and down as she breathed. When she slept, Thomas read by her side, not wanting to disturb her, but ready at any moment to help should she need him.
A gentle tapping sounded on the front door downstairs.
Thomas stood from his perch, placed his book on the chair,
then took quiet steps down the staircase.
He opened the door, already knowing who came to call. “Come in, Nathaniel. Good to see you.”
“Good day, Thomas,” Nathaniel boomed as he removed his cloak.
“Quiet, my friend, Eliza’s sleeping.”
Putting a finger to his lips, Nathaniel nodded.
Kitty hurried in from the kitchen, drying her hands on a checkered cloth. She bobbed her head and curtsied.
Thomas covered his mouth to keep from chuckling. He’d wondered how long it would take her to make an appearance. She always rushed in when Nathaniel arrived, and Thomas had a difficult time disguising his amusement. It was obvious Kitty found Nathaniel charming by the way her cheeks blushed and how quiet she was around him, when most of the time she had plenty to say.
Nathaniel bowed in a playful manner, making sure to keep his volume minimal. “Mademoiselle.” He looked up and flashed his winning smile.
Thomas rolled his eyes.
Kitty’s face flushed as she made another quick curtsy. She flashed an impish grin at both of them and went back to the kitchen, towel in hand.
