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“I would never allow that. Just as I will not allow you to be placed in any more danger.”
His firm sincerity stilled her forthcoming reply for only a moment. “But you shall not be there forever, and what am I to do when…” That future she’d been unable to see, unable or unwilling, crashed like a blow to the chest. What would she do? Once Joseph was back with the troops, when the soldiers raped the foundry for all it had, was she to stay there alone? The new owner of Eaton Hill would not return until after the war, and there was no telling how long this conflict with England would last.
She blinked, failing to clear her thoughts as she faced frontward. So many feelings crowded up to her mouth ’twas all she could do not to spill them out all over the quiet. The strongest of all pressed hard against her teeth. I don’t want to be without you.
“I will make sure you are not alone, Hannah.”
Joseph’s calming timbre brushed against her skin like the delightful touch of his fingers. His hand covered hers, and she looked up, captured by the rawness in his ever-blue eyes. “I will be sure you are safe.”
Like a flood, the worries she’d tried to hold back breached their barrier, spilling over into the dry places she wished to keep safe. “Joseph, Ensign sold Eaton Hill.”
Only his eyes narrowed, and he moved his hand away, questioning her with his silence.
She went on, freeing herself from the weight of the harbored angst. “But he refused to tell me to whom he sold it, and now that Ensign is gone, how am I to know who this person is and if they will honor their agreement?”
Joseph looked forward, then at his hands, moving his thumb back and forth against the smooth leather. His mouth a firm line, he breathed hard through his nose. “Hannah, there’s something I—” He halted and tugged the horses right, whatever he’d prepared to speak shoved aside as a small house peeked at them through the trees. “We’re here.”
The small cabin, s
o quaint with its smoking chimney and candled windows, was minuscule compared to the large barn behind it.
Hannah gazed at Joseph. Expression stern, his eyes were fixed, as if his mind was already struggling in battles that were yet to be fought.
“Stay with me.” Voice taut, he swung her a fierce look. “Should anything happen—”
“Welcome! I’ve been expecting you.”
Both Hannah and Joseph jerked at the sudden bellowed pronouncement. From around the cabin, a tall fellow, slight of frame and balding, waved them forward and around to the barn.
“Aye, aye, this way. You may leave your wagon right there, excellent.”
Joseph shot Hannah another fleeting look that warned her to stay cautious despite the man’s surprising hospitality before he leapt down and met the man in front of the horses. “Willis Plains?”
“At your service.” The man extended his hand.
Joseph gripped it and grinned. “You received word of our coming then?”
“Indeed.” Willis nodded and continued as Joseph helped Hannah from the wagon. “Your foresight is wise. I’m pleased you wished to make such a journey.” He leaned forward and winked as he led them toward the house. “Though I suspect Stockton wasn’t too pleased to have to say farewell to either of you for even a few hours.”
He chuckled to himself as he opened the door and ushered them in.
One hand at her back, Joseph let Hannah enter before him.
Instantly the homey scent of the fireplace and hot coffee somewhere in a pot made the strange surroundings seem welcome, warming. She stepped farther in as Joseph closed the door, and Willis hurried forward, gesturing to a seat nearest the fire.
Small but powerful, the fire’s heat reached out to her as if it knew somehow she craved its companionship. Joseph took the seat beside her, his long legs and large frame dwarfing the compliant seat he’d been offered. He tossed Hannah a look, more amused than solemn.
Willis peered out the window beside the door, then shoved the lock in place.
Spinning on his heel, the man marched the few steps toward them, sliding the last chair opposite Joseph. The bright merriment eased to pensive sincerity, that aimless tone to his voice replaced with a depth that rivaled even Joseph’s.
Hand on his knee, Willis leaned forward, his gaze clutching Joseph. “I am very glad you have come, brother.”
Chapter Nineteen
Joseph sat up as Willis’s admission drew his spine straight. Could he be…
He glanced to Hannah, whose knitted fingers and rigid posture told him she too was at a loss of what to say.
