As she followed the crowd she wished more than ever for Thomas to be at her side. She wanted to tell him what she’d finally learned and how it had changed her in a matter of seconds. It would be almost impossible not to tell him, though over the course of time she could—just, not indulging him with the details of how she came to this knowledge.
Her conscience pricked and Eliza’s stomach once again became home to a pillow’s worth of tickling feathers. It was time to return home. She’d received what she’d gone to the rally for, the personal revelation she’d been seeking. If she left now she would be back before they’d discovered her disappearance. God had kept her safe thus far. Better not to try His goodness.
It would be unwise to stay any longer.
Eliza shook her head and brushed aside the nagging voice that throbbed in her ears. She had to stay, just a bit longer. What could a few more minutes do? No harm would come.
She would watch the crowd at the courthouse, and then she would go home.
Chapter Twenty-one
Kitty’s excellent cooking pleased Thomas immensely on most occasions. Tonight, he couldn’t even chew. The worry that bit endless holes in his stomach continued its monotonous gnawing.
Kitty retired only moments ago and Thomas made her promise to tell him if Eliza was unwell.
He paced in front of the dying fire, certain she would come down within seconds. He couldn’t shake the probing feeling that something was wrong even though he’d checked on Eliza an hour ago.
As seconds turned into minutes his tension rose and fell. Then did so again, and again.
He’d done his best to ignore the fact that the rally was today. The cheering of the crowd reached their home from the small town some distance away. He was relieved Eliza had ceased her absurd pleadings to attend. No doubt the crowd was enormous and could even be dangerous for a petite and innocent woman—not to mention the countless soldiers that no doubt fringed the excited patriots. Good thing the three of them were safe within the walls of their proverbial fortress.
“Thomas!”
Kitty’s shrill cry struck like a javelin in Thomas’s gut.
“Thomas, come quickly!” she screamed.
All the fears that had pricked him through the evening now stabbed. He raced up the stairs. Once in the room he stared, trying to distinguish the confusing scene before him.
Eliza was not there—only Kitty stood at the side of the bed, a corner of the quilt in one hand, the other covering her quivering mouth. A length of pillows lined the bed where Eliza usually slept.
Kitty began to weep. Her terrified eyes gorged him. “What’s happened, Thomas? Where is she?” she questioned, both hands now covering her cheeks. “Why would she leave us? How could she have left without us knowing?”
Thomas’s blood stalled. The rally. But why would she do it? He’d warned her of the dangers and yet she had ignored him.
“Kitty, listen to me. I must go after your sister. I know where she’s gone.” He walked toward the trembling young woman and rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You must promise me not to leave this house no matter what happens. I will return soon and I’ll have Eliza with me.”
Kitty looked at him, her face as white as the flakes outside.
“Do you promise?” he said, praying she’d not do anything as rash as her sister.
Kitty only nodded, the lines in her forehead deepening.
He forced an encouraging smile. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Where is she Thomas?”
He stopped in the doorway, silent for a moment, before looking over his shoulder. “She went to the rally.”
Kitty’s hands flew to her cheeks. “The rally?”
“I’ll bring her back, Kitty. I will.”
Thomas flew down the stairs.
Greatcoat. Scarf. Gloves. Hat. Boots.
Once ready for the elements, Thomas bolted out the door. He covered his face with the scratchy woolen scarf, attempting to mask his appearance more than shield himself from the cold. Truth be told, he felt nothing of the snow and freezing air.
The task before him gathered like a hostile storm. Where was she? Had she been caught?
Oh, Eliza, what have you done?
Once in town, the sheer magnitude of the crowd overwhelmed him. How could he ever find her amongst such a multitude? Dear Lord, open my eyes.
He scanned the rustling current for any females as the group marched toward the courthouse. There were only a few women, and none of them Eliza.
Then a terrifying thought struck his mind. She’s dressed like a man! How would he ever find her now?
Suddenly, at the opposite side of the crowd a small fray ensued between two soldiers and a large man holding a flag. Thomas rose on his toes to see above the animated men.
Four more Tory’s came forward, taunting the small group in front of them, causing tensions to rise. A few more patriots rushed to the aid of the victim.
Thomas’ blood heated as a powerful urgency racked him. Memories of the Boston Massacre flashed in his mind and he prayed that God would help him find Eliza. Now.
A small figure wearing a familiar hat and coat streaked across his vision and his lungs froze. He tried to trace the hat amongst the group as the person pushed their way past the tumultuous crowd.
Could it be . . . ?
He struggled to keep his gaze upon the bobbing individual that weaved and dodged through the group.
Blast!
He lost track. His eyes trailed along the unfamiliar faces and through the rising flags and torches, desperate to locate the person he’d seen.
God be thanked, there it was again. This time the figure moved dangerously close to the isolated feud. At that moment one of the soldiers shoved the man in front of him causing the other men behind him to rock and stumble about. One large man bumped into the figure Thomas had been watching, causing the small person to topple. After righting again, the person looked up, locking eyes with Thomas.
His muscles flexed, his breath dammed in his throat.
Eliza.
More soldiers flooded the scene to see what had caused the ruckus. Thomas had to get her out now or they stood a grievous risk of being caught.
Eliza slowed, negligent of the row that ensued around her. She stared at Thomas, her large eyes wide, her delicate mouth open in shock. Did she really think he wouldn’t come for her once he knew she was gone?
What Thomas needed now was wings. He needed to fly atop the tremulous sea of men, and pluck Eliza from them, bringing her to safety. Pressing through the thick group, Thomas shoved his way to Eliza—consumed with the need to rescue her from this dangerous expanse of men. He kept his gaze fixed. He would not lose her again.
Without warning, she too started her way through the crowd. A momentary wave of relief flitted through his chest, but quickly receded. She didn’t move nearer to him—she moved away! A frantic look filled her doe-like eyes as she pushed to the back of the throng.
He wanted to call to her to make her stop, but doing so would only increase the risk they already suffered. Shuffling against the tide as the distance between them lengthened, Thomas’s heart drummed against his ribs, powering him to a frantic pace.
Thomas kept moving, pushing. Eliza worked her way through with remarkable ease then popped out the back of the group and ran.
Wild urgency ripped his muscles and he charged against the wave of solid shoulders and unforgiving elbows. He broke through the barrier and sprinted after her, reaching her in a few pounding strides.
Yanking her arm, Thomas led her to the nearest alley between two vacant buildings, out of sight of any curious soldier. He pressed her body against the side of the building, holding his solid grip over her heaving shoulders. Thomas jerked the scarf down from his face, ready to boil her for such recklessness. She had no idea what might have happened, or more important, how his heart would break if she were taken from his life.
Not even the innocent regret that shimmered in he
r eyes could assuage the fear that continued to ripple through him.
They were not out of danger yet.
Eliza shrank under Thomas’s oppressive hold. His usual calm, inviting eyes launched a hundred daggers into her chest.
“What in heaven’s name are you doing, Eliza?” he seethed, through gritted teeth.
No wonder he was upset. She’d done exactly what he’d warned her not to. The sight of him amidst the crowd had all but socked the air out of her chest. It took no time at all for her to recognize his striking blue eyes. The guilt that struck her had also robbed all good judgment from her mind. She’d tried to get away and run home before he could reach her, and before she caused either of them to be caught. She prayed no one had witnessed the scene.
“I’m so sorry, Thomas,” she said between huffs. “I only wanted to—”
“I know what you wanted to do, Eliza.” His grip tightened.
“Please Thomas, you’re hurting me.”
He released immediately and took her by the hand, leading her through a maze of quiet streets, past the backs of empty buildings, around Shawme Pond and far away from the excited band of patriots.
The darkness in the air softened as the snow reflected the night’s minuscule light.
A safe distance from the fray and only a few long strides from the house, Thomas whirled her around. The color in his eyes testified of both his anger and relief. He yanked the scarf even further from his face, revealing his chiseled features before beginning his heated rebuke.
“It’s no small miracle, Eliza Campbell, that neither of us were seen. Did you not notice the small feud that erupted only feet away from you? You could have been caught. I warned you against such a thing. It was remarkably foolish, Eliza. I never thought you capable of such a thing.”
Eliza stiffened at his remark. He spoke to her as if she were a child, not a grown woman. “Nothing happened. I planned ahead, did I not?” Her volume began to rise, but Thomas cupped his hand over her mouth.
His masculine face contorted and his stance indicated he held back most of his rage. “No you did not plan ahead. Do you have any idea what that crowd could have done to you? Do you have any idea what would have happened had you been caught?”
His reprimand sliced through her thin armor, making her earlier excitement deflate. Soon a warm splash of pride coated her chest. She would not stand here and be punished like a schoolgirl. She whirled away from him and walked in the direction of the house.
“Eliza!” He called after her, his quiet tone loaded with anger. “Eliza!”
She quickened her pace.
Instantly, he was behind her again and yanked her around to face him. Her fury ignited.
“Unhand me, Thomas!” she snapped, in the loudest whisper she could produce and wrenched from his strong fingers. “I’m going home.”
“Not yet. I’m not done giving you the tongue lashing you deserve.”
She straightened and pursed her lips. “Mr. Watson, I am going home and if you’d like to lash me there you may, but I’ll not stand another minute in this cold, my toes are becoming icicles! ”
Eliza tromped through the muddy snow, trying hard not to stumble. She pumped her arms in the long heavy sleeves and puffed white clouds of air as she mumbled under her breath. All the while Thomas marched behind her. Her discontented thoughts rattled in her brain. Suddenly, she stopped and circled around to face Thomas, unleashing a scourging of her own.
“I had a grand plan Thomas, until you decided to come searching for me. No one would have recognized me in these clothes!” She moved her hands up and down in front of her. “Then you had to make a scene!”
He jerked the hat off her head, his hot words flying through gritted teeth. “You think this disheveled, ill-fitting mess you call a disguise would make you invisible to those around you?” He patted the tricorne back on her head with a scoff.
“Yes, I do! You saw the crowd, Thomas, there were hundreds upon hundreds of people—there is no possible way I could have been spotted, let alone recognized by anyone. Frankly, I cannot understand your anger.”
Thomas shook his head and the muscles tightened in his jaw. “It was a fool’s errand, Eliza.”
She exhaled a sharp breath and squared her posture. “It was not. I learned a great many things. Very important things. I’m glad I went!”
Tilting her chin upward, Eliza slammed her hands on her hips. “How did you even know I was gone? I thought of everything. My plan was flawless.”
This time he threw his head back and laughed. “Not in the least. If it had been flawless, I’d never have known you were gone.”
“How did you know?”
The features of his face relaxed. “I noticed you weren’t in your regular spot by the fire like you usually are that time of evening. I got worried.” He gazed at the house. “I asked Kitty where you were and she said you’d retired early, which you never do. That also heightened my concern. When Kitty went to bed, well, I’m sure you can figure out the rest.” A mocking tone echoed in his voice.
Looking at the sky, Eliza stomped her foot and growled. “Why couldn’t you have left it alone, Thomas? I would have made it home safely and you would have never known about any of this.” Suddenly, the bottled frustration she’d held on to for weeks bubbled to the surface. She leaned forward and pointed a finger at his chest. “And tell me, when have you ever really noticed me, or where I am, or where I sit? You never look at me. You avoid me like I’m the pox!”
Her volume reached new levels and she had to force herself not to yell up into his face. She spoke through her teeth to keep her voice low. “You’ve done your best to keep us safe and help me learn what I’ve needed to know about Father—and for that I will be forever grateful, but you can’t honestly pretend that you care!”
Thomas captured her shoulders again and pulled her in front of him with a jerk, making her hat fall to the ground. The glowering look in his eyes simmered and Eliza turned her head away. Taking a hand from her shoulder he wrapped his strong, gentle fingers around her chin, compelling her to look at him.
The low resonance in his rich voice was both imposing and tender. “I notice everything about you.”
Eliza tried to pull away, her heart beating against her lungs. “I don’t believe you. You’re actions say otherwise.”
Thomas huffed and glanced away before locking eyes with her again. “I’ve tried to keep away from you, to keep from developing feelings for you, Eliza. I know you have a life in Boston and I’ve only ever brought you trouble . . . but I can’t dictate my heart.”
He brushed his calloused fingers against her cheek. Eliza closed her eyes, relishing the feel of his tenderness. It was too wonderful to be real.
“I couldn’t bear to see you hurt again, Eliza. That’s what caused my anger. Not the fact that you went to the rally.” His honey voice softened. “If anything had happened to you, I would never have forgiven myself, and not because it’s my duty to care for you, as you think. Because I love you.”
Eliza’s breath hitched, and her heart thumped at the sparkle of surprise in his eyes, as if he hadn’t meant to speak the tender words. But from the way his gaze roamed her face, it seemed he didn’t regret saying them.
She looked up with parted lips, soaking in the sweet dew of his affections as he stepped closer. As if unwrapping precious china, he unwound the scarf that still circled her hair and let it drop to the ground near the hat. He smoothed his fingers around her ears, cupping her head, and directed her face toward his. All the world disappeared, the surrounding trees and shadows melting together and closing around them like a celestial dream.
He stepped closer and her knees turned as weak as the wilted blades of snow-covered grass at her feet. “What are you doing?” she whispered, trembling under his touch. An unmistakable hunger swirled in his gaze, reaching out and expanding the longing of her own.
The heat in his low voice stole her breath. “I’m doing what I’ve wanted to do for a v
ery long time.”
He leaned toward her, but she put a hand on his chest to stop him, her heart slamming against her ribs.
His dark eyebrows crunched down. “What is it?”
Eliza swallowed, trying to keep her voice even. “Last time you kissed me, you avoided me as if I were a poison. I don’t want that to happen again.”
A quiet, rumbling laugh escaped him. “You are anything but a poison, Eliza.”
He cradled her face in his hands, tilting it upward and nuzzled her cold nose with his. She closed her eyes and inhaled in a ragged breath as his warm lips moved across the corners of her eyes, her cheekbones, her ear. Delicious shivers sprayed down her skin and she clung to his chest to keep from falling. His hands brushed down her neck and shoulders—one resting behind her head, the other at her back, as if he wanted to keep her safely next to him forever.
Dear Lord, I love him.
In that moment, she gave her heart to him, and no matter what, she never wanted it back.
Thomas relished in the sound of Eliza’s ragged breathing as he moved his mouth around her soft skin and inhaled the delicate scent of her hair. Slow, deliberate, he lowered his mouth toward hers as he surrendered to the desire that possessed him. Their lips caressed, soft at first. She let out a tiny mewing sound, expanding his driving need for her closeness. He pressed her against him and deepened the kiss as she looped her gentle arms around his neck. Raking her fingers through his hair, she gripped tight as she returned his passion.
His blood raced at ferocious speeds, driving his imagination to places he couldn’t yet go. Not until they were married. He had to stop, before the need for her overwhelmed his reason. With Herculean effort he eased away, gazing at her through hooded eyes.
Her own eyes remained closed, and her mouth slightly open. He could see her chest moving up and down at a rapid pace as she breathed.
As if waking, she opened her eyes, blinking. A worried expression crept across her delicate features.
“Why did you stop?”
Her innocence humbled him, and despite the danger, he pulled her to him, resting her head against his chest. He remained quiet, unable to answer as he tried to force his surging emotions to settle. But such a task was impossible.
So Fair a Lady (Daughters of His Kingdom Book 1) Page 22
