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Thomas pointed at the light-green dress that still lay in the package. “That one’s for Kitty. And there are two . . . two nightgowns for you both as well. And, well, all the other things you will need.” His face burned and he cleared his throat.
Eliza’s countenance brightened. She must have noticed his obvious embarrassment.
“Thomas, you’ve done too much. How will we ever repay you?”
“Well, I wish I could say I picked it out myself.” He moved his chair closer to the bed. “I had bought you and Kitty some fabric when I came to town the day that . . . the day you were attacked, but I dropped it along the way in my hurry to, well, anyway . . .” He stopped, and searched for another way to explain it. “I gave Nathaniel some money and asked him to pick up some dresses. I’m not sure how they’ll fit, so I had Nathaniel purchase what things you’d need to take them in.”
“They’re simply perfect.” She smoothed the dress again, stroking the fabric, then turned to him. Her eyes narrowed and she tilted her face down as if she might lecture him. “We will repay you, Thomas. Once we get home—after this madness has ended, this ridiculous search for all of us—I promise to make it up to you.”
He leaned forward. “I don’t want anything from you, Eliza. I take full responsibility. And I won’t argue with you about it.”
She sighed and for several silent seconds looked at the wall in front of her. “No. ‘Tis all Father’s doing. We’ve been over this before.” She remained motionless, only blinking her eyes.
He looked down at his hands and massaged his palms as he worked out what to say.
Lord, how can I help her see that Robert did what he thought was best? How can I help her see the importance of our cause?
As he stared downward, his gaze slipped to the worn copy of Cicero resting on the small stool. It was the book he’d been reading while he kept vigil at her side those many days on end. A book Robert had given to him.
He picked it up. “Have you read this?”
She studied the tired, leather-bound copy of The Republic and The Laws.
A curious spark rested in her question-filled eyes. He wiggled the book, hoping she would take it.
“You’re reading Cicero?” She laughed and took the book in her slender fingers. “I didn’t know you’re a scholar.”
Thomas grinned and relaxed in his chair. “I’m not. But your father was.”
“Yes, he was.” Her voice was so quiet he almost didn’t hear her answer.
Thomas pinned his eyes on her. “I knew nothing about politics when I joined the Sons of Liberty. All I knew was that I didn’t like the oppressive nature of the British government.” He stopped for a moment, remembering the many happy times he and Robert had talked hour after hour. The man was like a father to him—a real and loving father. “About a year ago, he gave me that book.”
He nodded toward the worn article in her hands. Eliza’s mouth formed a small O and her eyes widened. Then the sadness returned and she shook her head with tiny movements, her delicate eyebrows dipping down. “Why would he tell you all these things? Why would he open his heart and his beliefs to you and never tell me anything about what he truly believed?”
Her eyes glistened and Thomas’s gut pricked. He knew Robert loved his daughters and wanted only the best for them, but how could he make her see it?
He leaned forward in his seat. “I believe that he must have taught you more than you think he did. He didn’t always feel this way. He came to the truth of things a little at a time, like we all do. Since he was known and loved by the British he had to keep up his appearances, even after he inwardly renounced all for which they
stood.”
Eliza tightened her full lips into a long thin line. “I still don’t know why he couldn’t tell me. I’m his daughter.”
Thomas expelled an exasperated breath and cupped his hand over his mouth. He hadn’t wanted to make her upset. “Why don’t you read this book while you stay in bed.” He emphasized the last bit with a touch of teasing hoping to get her to smile. “Your father treasured this book. You may understand more about him and about what he believed in—and why he did what he did—after you’ve read it. When you come to understand the truth of it, Eliza, the truth will make you free.”
Eliza jerked up at Thomas’s words. That was what Father had said.
Her heart beat like the pounding of an Indian drum and the hairs on her arms pointed straight up. She wanted to know more. Truly. She wanted to believe her father hadn’t kept his secret for lack of faith in her.
But Samuel had said a woman had no place in politics. And maybe that’s what her father had thought as well. Maybe that’s why he’d never told her, along with wanting to keep her safe.
She swallowed timorously at the question on her tongue. “I heard a woman has no place in politics.”
Thomas grinned. “Politics is for everyone.” He tilted his head. “Who told you that? Certainly not your father?”
“Oh, no. Samuel did.”
“Who’s Samuel?”
