Letters in the Grove

by Felicia Rogers

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  With her head on Gustav’s chest and his arm wrapped around her waist, she was content. His finger made rhythmic circles along her arm. She sighed. Their private time was ending too suddenly for Teresa. Loving each other twice in the last two years was not enough to sate her love for her husband. She could have spent the entire night in Gustav’s arms and still want more.

  She closed her eyes and whispered a silent prayer of thanks. Gustav could have cast her aside when he discovered her lies, but instead he had brought her closer. She chewed her lip. Did this mean that he would question her later? That he would insist she explain her motivation and every facet of the operation she’d been involved in?

  “We should leave.”

  Happy at Gustav’s plain and normal tone, Teresa groaned and pushed up on one arm. Her hair fell across the front of her body and he moved it behind her ear and smiled.

  “Trust me when I say I do not wish to leave any more than you. But we must. Berend can only keep Victor from finding us for so long.”

  She fell back and snuggled to his side. “How much farther do we have to go? I feel as if we have been riding for years.”

  Gustav’s chest rumbled with laughter and she rolled over and planted a kiss over one of his ribs. His swift intake of breath caused her to smile and lean forward to do it again.

  He grasped her chin and looked into her eyes. He winked at her. “Teresa, I could spend the rest of my days like this, with you, but if we do not leave now we may never have another chance.”

  Nodding her understanding, she stood and stretched. The time on the floor had put a crick in her neck. She drew her chemise over her head, followed by the new pale blue gown. Embroidered lace accentuated the sleeves. It was a gown of an impoverished woman.

  Behind her Gustav inhaled. She faced him. His eyes grew large as he studied her. He placed his hands on her hips. “You grow more beautiful with each passing moment.”

  She shuffled her feet and twirled. “Do you like it?”

  “Aye, I do. The color matches your eyes.”

  Teresa preened at the compliments as she headed for the window. The soaked linen strips shifted in the wind. Cool breezes wafted inside and Teresa shivered.

  She jumped at the feel of Gustav’s chest against her back. He nuzzled her neck and Teresa leaned into his embrace.

  “We must leave.”

  She nodded.

  He moved to the table and folded the cloth to secure the food items. Offering his hand, he said, “Are we ready?”

  Holding hands, they left the confines of the cabin and entered the front yard. The old man sat on a stump, whittling. “Have a nice time, did you?”

  Teresa buried her face against Gustav’s arm. “Aye, we did. Thank you for the use of your home as well as the extra supplies. Maybe one day we can repay your kindness.”

  “That won’t be necessary. The Book says to ‘do unto others as you would have them do to you. And what you do for the least of these you do for Me’. I’m figuring I owe the Lord this much.” The old man lifted his head toward the sky.

  Gustav thanked him again as they climbed astride separate mounts. Instead of returning to the road, they continued along the narrow trail through another field abounding with cornflowers. The blue blooms reached up and stroked her leg. The silken feel of the petals reminded her of the soft skin of a baby.

  Thoughts of children had her glancing at Gustav. He smiled at her perusal and she shifted her gaze. Would their reunion lead to a family?

  They reached the town of Reutlingen. The city was friendly to those of the Lutheran persuasion and Teresa begged to stay and explore; however, Gustav refused and their travel continued.

  Shivers raced along Teresa’s spine as they entered the town of Bruchsal and passed the palace courtyard. A peasant revolt in 1502 had led to the decapitation of ten men in this very spot. She offered a word of thanks to the Almighty that she hadn’t been there to witness their deaths.

  Continuing in a northwestern direction, they entered and exited towns so quickly that if she blinked she would have missed them. Now they faced the Hunsruck Mountains. Fortunately for them it was a low range and shouldn’t be overly hard to traverse.

  The trail Gustav chose narrowed and became impassable by horse. The mounts were left to graze and find new owners while they continued on foot. Her stomach clenched with fear, but she didn’t voice her worries.

  The path wound around large trees. Sheer cliff faces ran alongside them. Rocks tumbled and slid down their sides with each step. Through the thick tree limbs she could make out movement. Water rushed below.

  “I believe if we follow the river we will find the town of Mayen that Berend spoke of. He did say we would have to walk, but he didn’t know for how long.”

  Teresa nodded but didn’t take her eyes off her feet. One wrong step and she could tumble off the side.

  “This reminds me of a visit to Ireland. Jean was notorious for sending me on impossible missions. This particular time I was to find a priest that was in need of assistance. Unfortunately, he was murdered before I arrived.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “That’s not a very good story.”

  “True. But the trail is the same, treacherous.”

  Stopping to breathe, Teresa leaned against a tree trunk. The bark scratched her windburned arms.

  “This may not be the best place to rest. Perhaps if we go a bit farther?”

  Teresa blew out a puff of air and pushed off the trunk. The trail was two feet wide. Jagged rocks pierced the sole of her soft-soled slippers. Weariness overcame her and she staggered.

  Gustav’s grabbed her arm. “Be careful, engel.”

  She straightened herself and dusted the front of her skirt to hide the fear she felt.

  Around a bend the path widened and the land flattened so they could walk side-by-side. The river disappeared behind a line of trees.

  They walked in silence. The rough skin of Gustav’s hand cradling her own brought a flood of memories: long walks in the woods, strolls through the town center, holding hands at church services; every opportunity to touch had been taken.

  “Look there.” Gustav pointed at a wooden bridge.

  Ropes were tied to ancient rotting planks. On their side the bridge started high and descended at a sharp angle across the river. Wind blew over the top and set it swaying.

  Teresa took a step back and pointed a shaky finger. “I’m not going on that.”

  Gustav squeezed her upper arms. “I’ll go first, then you can follow me. Teresa, look at me.” He moved her chin until she stared at him. “You can do this.”

  Teresa wasn’t so sure. The bridge didn’t appear safe.

  The rope ends were tied to an old tree. She leaned against the tree’s trunk as Gustav slid onto the bridge sideways. It rocked with the wind and she exhaled.

  “I’m all right. You see? Nothing to it. Just move slowly.”

  No boards fell and Gustav managed to reach the other side. Closing her eyes she mentally prepared. When she opened them Gustav motioned her forward.

  She swallowed several gulps of air. Her first step onto the bridge wasn’t the bravest. She quivered from head to toe and caused the bridge to move unsteadily. Then she shifted her gaze downward.

  Far below was a rocky outcropping. A trickle of water ran through the huge boulders and pooled into a clear pond. Bones lay scattered upon the rocks.

  Teresa couldn’t avert her gaze. Whether human or animal, something had died beneath her. She released her hand to cover her mouth and lost her balance. The bridge came up to meet her face as she collapsed onto one knee.

  The soft touch of Gustav’s hand on her head gave her a start. He knelt before her and lifted her chin. “Focus on me. Stand and I will guide you across.”

  Teresa obeyed. When her feet hit grass, she vaulted into Gustav’s arms.

  “There, there, cherie, all is well.”

  The soothing words coursed over her and she pulled
back.

  He smoothed her hair. “Let’s go. We need to find Mayen before dark.”

  They started down a new path. Confident they would find what they sought, Teresa’s pulse returned to normal and she whistled. A bird in the woods mimicked her as it followed them.

  The pain and fear from the last couple of days melted away. A cool breeze lifted her hair from her shoulders and Teresa tilted her face toward the warmth of the sun. Peace flooded her soul. No matter what happened to them, God was in control. He would make all things work for His glory with or without them.

  “You look happy.”

  Teresa glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “I am.”

  Broken trees laid across the path and Gustav led them around. When they came out on the other side they were behind a ramshackle building. Voices floated to them.

  “I think we made it.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  In Mayen’s town center sat Genovevaburg Castle. Built by Heinrich von Finstingen in 1291, it was meant to protect the locals. Teresa urged Gustav to seek refuge within its walls, if only for a fortnight, but he had refused. Instead they stayed at an inn until means to leave became apparent.

  The next morning, they secured passage on a coach. They waited outside the rental office located on the main street beside the tavern. Loiterers lay on benches outside the drinking establishment. Loud raucous noises came from within and Teresa shuddered against him.

  They were fortunate that their arrival closely coincided with a coach; otherwise they could have been stuck in Mayen for days.

  Inebriated fellows in different states of dress drifted along the town’s one main road. Gustav kept Teresa glued to his side.

  A dust cloud grew in the distance. Sitting straighter, Gustav prayed it was their ride.

  The coach stopped before them. Closed to the elements, the vehicle didn’t appear spacious enough to hold all the waiting patrons.

  The driver jumped from his perch, hitched his breeches higher, and sauntered into the tavern without a word. Those who waited on the hired vehicle straggled toward it. Teresa pulled him along as she shoved her way into the fray.

  “Excuse me, coming through.” Grunts were heard as elbows connected with soft tissue.

  Impressed by her cheeky behavior, Gustav followed. Soon he was relaxing on a rough board, his head laid back against the splintering wood back of the ancient coach.

  Several other passengers climbed aboard. Teresa sat by the wall, with Gustav next to her. On his other side sat a man. Broad through the shoulders, the gentleman wiggled into place. The opposite bench encompassed two more men and one woman wedged between them. Her gown pulled tight against her bust as one of the fellows sat on the edge of her gown. Forcefully she grasped the material and jerked it free. A frown rested on her less than cordial visage.

  The man directly in front of Teresa wore a white wig, which sharply contrasted with his charcoal mustache. “Since we appear to be traveling together perhaps we should introduce ourselves.”

  The woman in front of Gustav held out her hand. “I’m Alberta Vale, and this,” she pointed to the man who had sat on her clothing, “is my brother, Albert.”

  “Nice to meet you both. I’m Nelson Monroe and the man over there hiding in the opposite corner is my brother, Anthony.”

  The four took time shaking hands and welcoming one another. Gustav and Teresa remained eerily silent. When the greetings ended, Alberta stared pointedly at Gustav. She started at this muddy boots and ran her approving gaze all the way to the top of his head. “My, my, you are a handsome one.”

  Teresa shifted beside him and he clasped their hands together. “My name is Jacob, and this my wife, Ann.”

  Gustav hoped no one noticed he neglected to mention a surname. Thinking on his feet with less than a few hours sleep was near impossible.

  “Jacob, huh? It is nice to meet you. Where is everyone headed?” asked Nelson.

  “Paris. But I doubt we will ever arrive,” said Albert, crossing his arms over his chest.

  “Oh, don’t mind him. He is just upset that we were unable to ride alone.” Alberta fanned herself.

  Teresa tensed and Gustav massaged her wrist with tiny circles until she relaxed.

  The driver rapped above them. “All set in there?”

  “Aye, I believe we are,” Nelson called back.

  The lurch of the coach brought Alberta out of her seat and into Gustav’s lap. Her gown dipped low, exposing a healthy dose of cleavage. Albert lifted his sister back in place. An embarrassed chuckle rent the air.

  “Forgive me.” Alberta whipped out a fan and worked her appendage vigorously. Red stained her cheeks and she studied her brother’s disapproving glare.

  Clearing his throat, Nelson said, “France is beautiful this time of year.”

  “Aye, indeed,” agreed Albert.

  “Do you live in Germany?” asked Alberta.

  “Nay, we live in France. We traveled to Germany on holiday. The country is in such a sorry state. We found it quite impossible to enjoy ourselves,” Nelson answered for the brothers and attempted to cross his cramped legs, only to bump into Albert and have to put his feet back on the floor once more.

  “What do you mean? I find Germany quite lovely this time of year,” said Alberta.

  “Mademoiselle Vale, the problem with the country isn’t the country itself but the people in it. I cannot believe the fervor with which these people have converted to Lutheranism. Why, Catholic priests have been thrown out of their churches without even a moment’s notice.”

  “Truly?” Alberta glared at her brother. “I know very little of the world. My brother has made it his duty to protect me from such things and he never releases his leash.”

  “As it should be, my lady. Your head should be filled with ways of making a husband happy, not of things such as religion,” said Nelson.

  “Oh, but I don’t have a husband.”

  “You don’t? How interesting,” said Nelson, while placing his arm behind Alberta.

  The banter between Alberta and Nelson continued until Teresa slowly relaxed against Gustav. Her head fell to his shoulder and she closed her eyes.

  “Dear sister, mother would not approve—“

  “Albert, do hush. I’m having a lovely conversation with Monsieur Monroe.”

  Thunder rumbled. Rain pelted the top of the coach. Lightning streaked the sky. Alberta leaned on Nelson and he wrapped her in a protective embrace. His brother shifted next to Gustav.

  “Mademoiselle, do not fear. I’m sure the driver will pull over and find us shelter if the harsh weather continues.”

  The assurances of Nelson Monroe didn’t assuage Alberta’s fears and with every clap of thunder she squealed. Startled by the shrieks, Teresa woke and rubbed her eyes. “Are we there yet?” she whispered.

  Gustav pushed hair away from her flushed cheeks. “No, my love, we are not. Why don’t you rest? I will let you know when we have arrived at the first stop.”

  A streak of lightening drifted in through an opening in the window fabric, causing Teresa’s blue eyes to sparkle. Gustav was mesmerized. Beauty radiated from his wife. Even in her ripped gown and tattered shoes, she was glorious.

  She placed her hand on his chest and his heart leapt.

  “How long have you two been married?” asked Albert.

  Gustav didn’t turn away as he spoke. “Five years.”

  “Five years and still enamored, amazing. My dear sister here was engaged for one week and broke it off.”

  Alberta faced her brother, flashing an intense stare. She scooted forward out of Nelson’s embrace, and placed her hands on her ample hips, elbowing both her brother and Nelson in the process. “The man was positively obtuse. Why, we had absolutely nothing in common.”

  “So you said.”

  She faced her brother. “Albert, you know it was true. He wanted me to stay with him in his house in the country. When I asked about visits to town he said that visiting once a year was one
time more than he preferred. If I had stayed with him I would have just died! Fainted away and died!”

  Teresa’s brows knitted together as Alberta discussed the man she had japed.

  “I see you do not approve. However, I must say, if Dale had been as comely as your Jacob I might have stayed. At least then the countryside would have been a mite more interesting.”

  Teresa clenched her hands in her lap and sucked her lip between her teeth.

  “Alberta, you’ve upset the young woman. You shouldn’t speak so of other people’s spouses. Especially not in their presence.”

  “Surely she knows her husband is easy to look upon. All I meant—“

  “Sister, please stop talking,” begged Albert, rubbing a spot between his eyes.

  Gustav agreed but kept silent, preferring to stare at his lovely wife and enjoy her show of jealousy.

  “My goodness, I can’t believe you! Like you aren’t staring at Ann!”

  “What?” asked Albert, his voice raising an octave.

  “Don’t act innocent. You’ve been looking at her under your lashes since we reached the tavern. I dare say the things you muttered under your breath about her were far worse than the things I’ve said aloud.”

  Albert appeared aghast. Gustav worked to control his rising temper by cracking his knuckles.

  Albert blinked and his eyelid twitched.

  Anthony shifted beside Gustav and stared pointedly at Teresa. When he spoke his voice was breathless. “I agree. The young Ann is a stunning example of a fine woman. Watch the way she carries herself. She thrusts her chest forward enough to draw your attention to her attributes even while they are covered. Then, of course, there is the matter of the leg that peeks from underneath her clothing like a winking star. Aye, I believe I could stare at her for an entire fortnight and not tire of the sight.”

  Gustav pulled his arm free of Teresa’s grasp with the intent of punching the man beside him, but Teresa grabbed his hand and squeezed. Nerves taut, he held his rage. Assaulting Anthony in the coach would bring them undue attention.

  “And what of me? Do I not exhibit the same qualities as her? Just look at her. She is filthy. Why, I don’t believe she has bathed in a sennight. Not to mention her ragged clothing. She looks like she has been walking through the woods for days without proper shelter. And I wasn’t going to say anything, but her stench is giving me the vapors.”