So Pure a Heart (Daughters of His Kingdom Book 4)

by Amber Lynn Perry

  He shrugged a shoulder, his face a melding of emotions she hadn’t time to decipher. Was he pleased? Dissatisfied with her explanation? He would surely tell her his feelings later, though she wasn’t sure she wanted to hear them.

  Sitting straight, Hannah poured calm over the ruts in her voice. “Now, please, sir, where is our uncle?”

  She felt a hand on her shoulder and straightened, not needing to look to know that Joseph touched her. His large, strong hands were known to her through glove and coat. The touch infused her with a courage she hadn’t known was missing.

  Stockton looked to Greene, then tossed his gaze to Joseph before stilling it upon her. “It gives me no pleasure to inform you, Miss Young, that your uncle is dead.”

  The sudden swelling ache in her throat and burning in her eyes forced her to straighten. She swallowed and took in a deep breath before attempting to speak.

  Blessedly, Joseph did before her. “When?”

  “Four days past.”

  Stockton’s expression drooped in degrees, and his tone mellowed to an even sincerity she almost believed.

  “I can see it pains you. I am so sorry.”

  “How…” The question was so thick she could not speak. The sudden charade draped back, revealing only the raw emotions she had not the fortitude to hide.

  Joseph’s strengthening grip on her shoulder deepened as he finished what she could not. “How did he die?”

  Stockton’s mouth bowed down. “His heart failed him.”

  Large, heavy tears plunked from her eyes. The lie she had known was coming crashed against her with a force she miscalculated by harrowing degrees. She curled her toes in her shoes and gripped the soft cushioned seat to keep from fleeing. His heart had not failed him. He gave it. His life for hers.

  “Was he given a proper burial?” The demand that carried in Joseph’s voice startled.

  Stockton nodded, his eyes trained with remaining distrust upon him. “He was. Upon the hill beside his wife. Captain Higley saw to his burial, and I can assure you, Higley would have treated him as his own.”

  A flick of rage sparked and popped like a dry log thrown onto a fire, and she clasped the major’s stare. Ripened accusations stung her tongue. Instead, she swallowed the sharp words with a wince and focused her attention on her hands.

  “The other question then begs an answer.” Joseph’s tone was humble yet commanding. “How does it happen that you should have stopped at our humble dwelling? I must only assume you are in need of something we can provide.”

  “You are right, Mr. Young.” Tension rising around his eyes, Stockton paced toward the fire, hands clasped behind his back. “Fools that the rebels are, they have taken much of what belongs to the king, leaving our army with little to defend against their wily ways.” His gaze went to Hannah. “So, my dear, we came to ask your uncle for the use of his foundry for the duration of the war, and he was most willing to oblige. But alas, he fell that night, and we were unable to revive him.”

  The lies continued to compound, their weight pressing ever harder on her back.

  Thankfully, Greene filled the stifling silence. “We shall be here for some time, as the king will require our every effort.”

  “I may be able to be of some assistance.” Smooth and rich, Joseph’s timbre swelled through the parlor.

  “How is that, Mr. Young?” Stockton eyed Greene before facing Joseph in full. “You would offer your services to the king?”

  “I would.”

  The major cant his head. “Go on.”

  Joseph took another step forward, the imposing height and breadth of him demanding attention as much as his voice. “I am a blacksmith by trade, but I am well versed in the skill of foundry work. I could lead your men in the job. That is, if you have not already chosen a man for such an occupation.”

  Humming his reply, Stockton pivoted to Greene, whose expression remained ever unimpressed. Hannah peered at Joseph, moving her hands beneath her legs as she sat, both to warm them and hide the sudden shaking she couldn’t ease.

  “What do you say to that, Greene?” Stockton asked, as if he’d already made up his mind.

  “I will accept your recommendation, sir.”

  Looking to Hannah, Joseph spoke again. “If you are willing to allow us to stay on here, my cousin could cook and wash for you while I assist in the production of goods. I do believe it would be worth your while.”

  As if enlivened by the thought, Stockton pulled his shoulders back. “That is a tantalizing suggestion indeed.” He swung his gaze to Hannah. “And you would be willing to do such a thing? ’Twould be only myself—the main camp is stationed two miles from here, where the other men will be. Your work would be minimal.”

  She clung to the opportunity as one clung to the reins of a runaway horse—wanting to release the sobs of grief but needing the strength behind their sorrow. This was their chance. Had not God orchestrated it just for them? “I am grateful to serve the king in memory of my uncle.”

  “Excellent.” Stockton’s eyes seemed to take in far too much of her, and she shifted in the seat. “Most fortuitous indeed.”

  Tossing a look over her shoulder to Joseph, Hannah prepared to speak, but he did first. “You must understand that with my cousin the only woman in the house, there will be rules of propriety that must be respected.”

  “You needn’t worry on that account, Mr. Young.” Bowing slightly, he grinned. “In point of fact, there are things I would wish to speak to you about. Alone.”

  “I understand.” Hannah stood, grateful for the forced solitude she hoped would quell pains that rained like a summer gale. “I should like to visit my uncle’s grave.”

  “Indeed.” Stockton bowed again, and she curtsied in response.

  Joseph caught her arm as she passed, his hidden glare a warning only she could see. She grinned slightly and touched his hand with hers. “I shall return and prepare supper before long.”

  The grip he held her with through his eyes nearly tugged at her like a grasp upon her shoulders, but with a blink and a smile she pulled to freedom. Walking to the door, she opened and stepped into the white winter light, blinded by not only the glare itself but by the sudden veracities that fell around her like the very snow from the heavens. This was her chance, her way to not only keep her vow to her uncle but to overthrow the very men who destroyed the life she’d loved. The farther she walked, the more it seemed the fears sloughed away like sand to lapping water. Emboldened, she turned back toward the house, a bitter-cold breeze tickling the hairs around her ears as she smiled.

  Let the game begin.

  Chapter Ten

  Joseph watched the doorknob latch into place after Hannah’s exit. He should be with her. Confounded woman. Did she not realize there could be soldiers about? Chest swelling with a breath he hoped would ease the thump of his pulse, Joseph turned back to the loathed men in front of him.

  Greene stared, mouth firm, eyes fixed. Clearly he didn’t like them despite the act he performed yesterday, and he planned to make it known. “So you are familiar with blacksmithing?”

  “Aye, sir.” Joseph nodded, resting a hand on top of the chair beside him. “I’ve worked in that trade near fifteen years.”

  Stockton rolled his shoulders back and opened his stance. “You own a shop of your own?”

  Shaking his head, Joseph recited the story he’d perfected. “I do traveling labor. Many shops need outside help for larger commissions, so I make my way around. I have a special skill set other smith owners will hire me to make use of.”

  A single brow rose on Stockton’s face. “Such as?”

  “Locks, gates, and the like.”

  Stockton shifted his feet and moved his eyes to Greene before fixing his gaze on Joseph. “Familiar with gun parts?”

  A pointed question. Joseph was grateful he could answer in truth. “Aye.”

  Stockton looked to Greene once more, whose only movement was a slight shift of the jaw.

  Facing th
e fire, Stockton rested his arm on the mantel. “I have an order for one hundred gun barrels.” He pulled his bottom lip through his teeth, as if second-guessing his sudden and revealing statement.

  Already the information flowed. “So many?”

  “Aye. The more advantage we have over the enemy, the better.”

  Greene stepped forward. “Sir, is it wise to—” He snapped his mouth shut when Stockton hurled a glare at his face.

  “Do you believe…” The major paused, staring down before gripping Joseph with a gaze he knew was intended to show the strength of his position. “Could you craft that many in a short amount of time?”

  Joseph reserved the shock of such a question. “How short?”

  “Six days.”

  Eyes fixed and mouth a firm line, Greene seemed ready to burst at the proposition that would shortly be extended. Why not make the devilish man a bit more uncomfortable?

  Joseph tilted his head as his mouth pulled to a frown. “’Tis almost too short, but with help, I could manage.”

  “Indeed I am intrigued.” Stockton’s gaze flung to Greene, not as an invitation to speak his mind but to repress any impending contradictions. Slowly, he turned back to Joseph. “Sir, I find you and your kind cousin to be most genuine. And as we are to be staying here together for an unforeseeable future, and if you are truly amenable to offering your hand in the service of your king, then I should be interested in offering you the honor of filling this order and any others that may be called for.”

  “Major!” Greene stomped across the floor, his face twisted and red. “You cannot possibly trust—”

  “Silence.” Irritation ticked below Stockton’s eye, and a menacing vibration settled off his shoulders as his voice rumbled from his chest. “You forget your place, Greene. Do not second-guess my judge of character.” After a beat of suffocating silence, he spoke again. “I can tell Mr. Young and his cousin are sincere in their devotion to the crown, and if they wish to be of assistance, well…seems to me that Providence is at work.”

  Providence indeed. Joseph bowed in a reverent show of acknowledgment while the two men exchanged glares like enemies exchanging blows. How could this not be God’s hand? Here he had just been offered such an opportunity—to learn the very needs and numbers of the British and to be so trusted by one in authority.

  Stockton thrust his last stare and turned to Joseph. “What say you?”

  Joseph’s muscles tensed, and he willed his blood to travel with less force through his veins. Bowing his head again, he replied. “It would be an honor. But I do not wish to interfere if there is another man for whom—”

  “Do not let Greene’s irritation dissuade you.” Stockton pushed away from the fire. “The remaining instructions are expected sometime this evening. I must visit camp to assess things there and will return sometime after dark.” Striding to the door, he stopped and turned with his hand on the knob. “Greene, you will ride with me.”

  He offered a shallow nod. “Aye, sir.”

  Swinging the door wide, Stockton exited before speaking over his shoulder. “I will discover which men can assist you in your work, Mr. Young. Oh, and tell your cousin not to worry over supper. I shall see her in the morning.”

  The way his mouth quirked at the last few words made Joseph’s stomach coil, but he smiled to cover the grimace that shot to his face. “That I will, sir.” Joseph followed them out. “I should like to have a look at the foundry before dark so I may be sure I have the supplies needed to begin work in the morning.”

  “Aye, excellent.” Stockton waited as Greene barked orders for one of the remaining men to bring his horse around.

  Joseph stopped in the center of the yard between the house and the foundry, noting the few remaining Redcoats. They had better not be lingering for much longer. He coated his voice in indifference. “Will your men be going with you?”

  “There is no need for them to stay here when camp is only two miles distant. They will work while I am here—arrive early, leave late.” He frowned as his horse was led to him, as if he’d been waiting far too long. Mounting, he pulled the reins to the side. “Be sure you’ve checked well the supplies. If we need anything, we must hasten to acquire it, for we must begin immediately.” Tapping hard at the animal’s flanks, Stockton rode the way Joseph and Hannah had just come, with Greene and the remaining Redcoats following behind.

  The biting cold nipped at Joseph’s face as he turned toward the hill. There, Hannah knelt on the ground, her hand on the dark mound of soil, her head bowed. Did she weep? If she did, she was too far to be heard. His legs urged him forward, to be at her side and give her the comfort he’d yet been unable, nay, too cowardly to give. If he allowed himself too close…nay, he couldn’t even if he wished to. She wouldn’t want him near.

  The urgency pooling in his muscles became too much, and he was forced to move to ease the tension. Her grief was deep, and if indeed she wept— He stopped as Hannah rose. Hugging her arms around her chest she stepped back before she began the short trek down the hill. Had she seen him?

  Pressed on either side, Joseph couldn’t move. The need to go to her, to be assured of her well-being, warred with the need to maintain a distance that would keep his heart from deeper wounds.

  He stared as she neared, the cold air painting red circles on her cheekbones, a strand of gold hair trailing beside her ear as she walked. Were those tears? Blast it. He stepped forward, then halted when she stopped and looked up. Not three yards away, and still he could see the evidence of grief on her face. The urge to wipe the streaks from her skin made his fingers ache.

  Opening his mouth, Joseph prepared to speak, but the crowd of thoughts jammed in his throat, and he was forced to close his teeth, offering only a weak smile.

  In a hurried motion she dabbed at her eyes before glancing around the yard. “Have they gone?”

  Her voice was fragile, as if the emotions she just bore still clung to her.

  Joseph nodded, not allowing himself a step closer no matter how his body willed it. “They will return sometime after dark.” He looked behind, then back to her. “They will not be here for supper, so you are relieved of duty for the evening it would seem.”

  A hint of a smile graced her mouth at one side, and he sighed out a smile of his own, grateful the bit of jest lifted a mite of her load.

  He motioned to the side. “It seems God has looked down on us in mercy.”

  “Oh?” She crossed her arms and rubbed her hands up and down. “How is that?”

  Joseph twisted to look behind, making sure they were truly alone before he bared the fortunate news. Even still, he lowered his tone. “Major Stockton has asked that I take charge of an order for the production of gun barrels for the king’s army.”

  “What?” Hannah’s large green eyes widened. “That is good fortune indeed.”

  “Aye.” The spark of surprised joy in her countenance rained on him like tiny orange flares. “So it would seem our quest has the full blessing of heaven.”

  A sigh left her parted mouth, which bowed in a slight smile. “I can scarce believe it.”

  “I find myself hesitant, but we are in such a precarious spot, I can hardly decline. Though this is a boon, ’tis also more dangerous. For if we are ever suspected…”

  Hannah’s mouth shut, and that dimple appeared as she held her lips tight, but the expression vanished like her white breath on the air. “We will not be. We shall do the very thing Ensign would have wanted.” She turned back to him. “We shall do what must be done.”

  “I’m so sorry, Hannah.” Unbidden, the words he’d not had the chance to speak spilled from him. “Your uncle was a good man. I admired him very much. For his character as well as his work.”

  She offered a pained smile. “He shall be greatly missed.” An untold number of emotions fought in her pained expression, and the driving need to pull her near and fit her head beneath his chin—to whisper all would be well and that he would keep her safe—surged blood to h
is unyielding limbs.

  A quick shake of the head freed him from the suffocating captivity, and he took a step backward. “I shall be inside shortly.”

  “Of course.” She began a slow walk to the house, her eyes still on him, before she hurried inside and closed the door behind her.

  Alone in the yard, the silence of the winter air upbraided him as he stared at the path she’d taken. The portend of ill should either of them be discovered was almost too much to endure. He would forever upbraid himself for allowing her to come. There was no way of keeping her clear of the dangers that lurked within their very home.

  A grunt lurched from him, and he bent inwardly to the truth that socked him square in the gut. ’Twas not the danger of his enemy he despised most, but that of a pair of green eyes that lured him like a rare and precious gem.

  Closing his own, Joseph lowered his head and wiped a hand down his face. ’Twas only two weeks. Fourteen short days. Before he knew it, ’twould be over and he could once again put her out of his mind.

  He growled. Out of his mind, perhaps. Out of his heart…

  Joseph whirled and strode for the foundry, leaving the rest of his deriding thoughts to die in the frigid air, where they belonged.

  * * *

  Staring into the mirror atop her dressing table, Hannah sat, unmoving, as she had done since before the sun had begun to drain its light from the sky. A candle flickered in front of the mirror, lighting not only her small corner but also the thoughts that wavered before her.

  The grave was as the major had promised. A proper sight, right beside Bea. Somehow she couldn’t quite clasp to the truth that Ensign was in fact gone, despite the gruesome reality that still played in her mind. She’d seen it, witnessed the act with her very eyes, wept over his grave, and yet here in this house, with the scents of his favorite coffee and hard soaps still lingering in the air, ’twas impossible to believe he was gone.

  Hannah ran her hand across the smooth wood of her dressing table. Simpleton. She dropped her hand into her lap. Aye, she’d wanted to make them suffer for what they’d done—to beat them at the very game they thought to win, but what did she know of such work? Gathering intelligence from the enemy? Dear Lord, why had she offered it? Moments ago at his grave she’d felt strong, confident. But now…