So Fair a Lady (Daughters of His Kingdom Book 1)

by Amber Lynn Perry

  She’d made it clear she didn’t want his help. Hadn’t she? He growled and slammed his fist against his knees. He didn’t know. Staring at the ceiling, he dug his fingers into his legs. No, she would have told him. Somehow she would have given him a sign that she needed him.

  Yet she had done nothing but walk away—with his heart in her grasp.

  “Thomas! Thomas! I’m so sorry.” Eliza wept into her hands, her petite frame trembling as she sobbed. “I only wanted to protect you. I love you.”

  Thomas’s eyes shot open and he grabbed the arms of the chair. With a quick shake of his head he tried to flick away the sleep from his mind and grasp the scope of what he’d dreamed. The popping fire ignored him, lending the only sound in the deserted home. He brushed a quivering hand over his jaw and tried to calm his shaky limbs. Staring into the dying flames, he blinked.

  Not a dream. A nightmare.

  Eliza, in a gold and cream gown, sat crumpled on the floor in the front room of her Boston home, weeping and calling out his name.

  It was so real he could have reached out and touched her, wiped away her streaming tears.

  He rubbed his hands over his head, gripping his hair by the roots and tried to press away the gnawing anxiety that bored into his gut.

  She needs you. She loves you. Go to her.

  The words were vivid and clear. Thomas jerked and looked around, expecting to see Nathaniel in the doorway. But no one was there. Silence enveloped the darkening room. He lay his head back against the chair and exhaled, expelling a storm of pain as he stared at the shadowed ceiling.

  He closed his eyes and tried to fight away the recurring images from his nightmare that pervaded his mind. Eliza’s tragic cries and declaration of love wove into his soul, causing his eyes to burn and his heart to seize with longing.

  You have done much good, my son, and are of great worth to me. You have a righteous desire, pursue it. Eliza needs you. Go to her.

  Slowly, like a drink of warm cider, the words filtered down through the maze of his mind and settled in the center of his soul, melting away the doubt and confusion. Every nerve in Thomas’s body sprung to life. His mind cleared in an instant and a powerful energy shot down his spine.

  It was not a nightmare he’d seen, but a vision. God was telling him to go after Eliza. She loved him—needed him. Blast it all, Nathaniel was right. Putting his past, his doubts, his pride and troubles at God’s feet would bring Thomas new life. The life he wanted with Eliza. But he had to rescue her first.

  His heart burst from his chest. How could he have been such a blind, selfish fool? Thank you, Lord! Forgive me for not seeing it before. Forgive me for being afraid, for not believing you. Help me to get to her in time!

  After flying into his greatcoat, Thomas rushed across town and slammed his fist on Nathaniel’s door, refusing to stop pounding until it opened.

  Nathaniel came to the door fully clothed, and yanked his hat from the peg. “I thought it might be you.”

  Thomas didn’t wait a second before speaking. “We’re going to save Eliza.”

  Pulling his dark cloak over his shoulder, a broad smile painted Nathaniel’s face. “Well. It’s about time.”

  Chapter Twenty-six

  As she stepped into her childhood home, Eliza felt as if she’d fallen into the arms of God. Safety enveloped her and she sank into the large chair in the center of the room while Kitty made her way upstairs. Though the familiarity of the surroundings allowed Eliza to breathe deeply again, it failed to release her of the crushing grief that had become her constant companion.

  She peered around, remembering that fateful night those many weeks ago when they had left in the dead of night, fleeing for their very lives. And though she’d missed these consoling walls, they no longer held such a powerful claim upon her heart. It was Thomas and his home that she longed for. It was in Thomas’s home, in his arms, where she belonged.

  Donaldson stomped in behind her and went immediately to the hearth, working to create a warm blaze in the cold and forlorn fireplace.

  “Are you going to be alright, my love?” Samuel said, in a gentle tone when he finally entered the house.

  Her voice refused to work as her rising emotions thickened her throat. No. Her heart had been all but cut from her chest. She would never be the same again.

  Samuel knelt in front of her and rested a hand on her knee. “You’ll see in time, Eliza,” he said, taking her hand in his. “This is the right way. I love you and I’ll take care of you. You are simply in shock. You’ve gone through a horrifying ordeal. You need to rest. I promise, you’ll feel much better in a few days.”

  He pushed off his knees then walked around the room as Donaldson went back outside, the fire now blazing. “I came here many times after I’d found you were gone. I arranged the furniture again, as you can see, and replaced the broken glass.” He ran his fingers over the back of Father’s favorite settee. “Coming here made me feel closer to you.”

  Eliza moved her eyes to where he paced in front of the now roaring flames. Samuel’s brow grew pensive. “I know I said we would marry at the end of this week, but I’ve decided on tomorrow instead. I have already asked a friend of mine, Reverend Edmonton, to officiate.”

  “What?” Eliza found her voice in an instant, and it resonated much stronger than she expected. “But you said seven days!”

  Samuel spun on his heel, a determined stare possessing his features. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Eliza, but we must not postpone. We can wed tonight if you’d rather.” He winked as if she would find his eagerness amusing. “I’ve arranged for our wedding to be here. I’m sure you won’t mind. We can have a special celebration sometime afterward, with our friends and family in attendance of course.”

  What friends and family? “Why are you doing this?” She choked on her words, her eyes burning.

  He tilted his head toward the ceiling and sighed. “Because we love each other, my darling. Your mind has been temporarily clouded. After we are man and wife you will be grateful for what I’ve done for you—for us.”

  Her mind raced, trying to find excuses and reasonable ways to delay. She cleared her throat and forced her voice to sound sincere, hoping that perhaps, such compliance would win her a few more days of freedom. “Samuel, I have no gown. Our wedding should be cherished, not rushed. There are things to prepare. Things to do before—”

  “What is there that can get in the way of our love? Frivolous things such a gowns are unnecessary. Vowing before God to love and honor one another until death is enough. Besides, it’s already been arranged. Tomorrow at six o’clock in the evening. Wear that gold and cream gown I love so much. It accentuates your already shining beauty.”

  Eliza trembled and clapped a hand over her mouth, sure she would cast-up what little food she had in her stomach. She stood to try and take a deep breath to suppress the wave of nausea. Once it receded she faced Samuel, who came to stand in front of her. He moved her hand away from her face, and held her by the shoulders, leaning closer until his lips rested on her head. She cringed as he tasted the line of her hair, her jaw, until he reached her mouth. Samuel released her before she had time to push him away. He laughed low in his chest and gave her a lecherous smile. By the way his eyes coursed over her body, she knew his errant thoughts.

  With another deep chuckle, he took a step away. “We’d better use caution, Eliza, and leave the rest for tomorrow evening.”

  The mere mention of it caused her to sway, but he caught her and helped her into the chair.

  He chuckled again and kissed her cheek. “The excitement of it is simply overwhelming.”

  Eliza cringed and closed her eyes, fearing if she opened them the tears would flow without end.

  “I’ll be staying here tonight,” Samuel said. “Just in case we have any unexpected visitors. And don’t worry, Donaldson will be with us until after the ceremony. I won’t ravish you until then.”

  The cold night air seemed to champion Thomas’s ca
use and the very trees around him whispered “God speed.”

  Nathaniel had many good friends among his patients in town, one of whom had promised the use of his horses should the need ever arise. Thomas had never been more thankful for anything in his life. They could easily cover the sixty miles on horseback, saving themselves enormous amounts of time.

  “Do we have everything we need?” Nathaniel asked as he tightened his saddle before mounting.

  Thomas reined in his spirited animal and sat tall in his seat. He gripped the leather in his gloved hands and tried not to kick his horse until his friend was ready. “I believe so.”

  Nathaniel mounted and brought his horse alongside Thomas’s. “Let’s ride.”

  The strong stallions heaved and grunted as they galloped at full speed across the rock-solid ground. Thomas sped across the darkened path, not knowing how he would find Eliza, but believing that his Father in Heaven would lead him safely to her.

  The vision replayed without end, Eliza’s cries echoing again and again. How could he have let her go? He kicked the animal once more, but the horse was already racing headlong into the night. The memory of Samuel’s prideful grin and possessive hold turned Thomas’s muscles to stone and he leaned into the wind as it whipped past his face.

  When he found her, how would he bring her to safety? What if he were caught? That would only secure her wretched future . . .

  The rhythmic beat of the horse’s hooves faded as a familiar voice whispered past the drumming. Robert’s voice. The pursuit of your righteous desires is worth every sacrifice.

  Squeezing the leather reins, Thomas held his jaw tight as the statement seemed to move the ground faster under the horse’s hooves. No doubt Robert was right beside him, ready to help him bring his daughter to safety—and to the home where she belonged.

  Eliza twisted and squirmed under the heavy quilt. When the moon hit the top of the sky, she sat up and propped a plethora of pillows behind her back. Kitty slept beside her, snuggled in her usual curled position. Sighing, Eliza tucked the covers around her sister’s back. At least Kitty hadn’t asked too many questions, though Eliza had seen the worry behind her sister’s mask of acceptance. Kitty appeared happy to be home. That was all that mattered.

  If only Eliza felt the same.

  She pulled her knees to her chest as a squall of bittersweet memories buried her heart and endless tears tumbled down her face. Eliza could bear the pain no longer. She had to leave the room before her tears woke Kitty. She lit a tall candle, wrapped a familiar shawl around her shoulders, and emerged from the room.

  Tip-toeing downstairs, she absorbed the comfort of the intimate surroundings in the parlor, inhaling the scents that reminded her of happier times. A slight glow emanated from the fireplace, casting a golden light about the room.

  From behind, Father’s office beckoned her, as if it reached out and tapped her on the shoulder, drawing her near with invisible arms. She’d not dared go in since his death, knowing it would awaken precious and wrenching memories. But now, she could not hold back. She walked down the small, quiet hall until the large door towered in front of her. Her fingers twisted the cold handle and she pushed it open. The candle in her hand cast a haunting glow along the many rows of books that lined the walls. His desk, still covered with opened anatomy diagrams and papers, looked just as he’d left it.

  She walked toward his large chair behind the desk, brushing her hand along the oak as she went, feeling closer to him than she had since his spiritual visit.

  His thick medical journal lay open. She placed the candle on the scattered diagrams behind the book, turned to page one, and began to read.

  She read of his treatments and the patients he’d cared for, his times of success and times of sorrow. Surprisingly, mixed among his medical records were notes about personal matters. Page after page she saw not only his day-to-day happenings as a father and a doctor, but how he’d felt about the politics in Boston—and how those feelings changed over time.

  Eliza gripped the shawl tighter and scooted to the edged of the chair, savoring every precious word. Father, how did I not know this about you before? And yet, it was as if she knew it already. As the hours passed, the light of clear understanding illuminated her mind, and her throat thickened. She recognized things she could never have comprehended if not for her time spent with Thomas. What he had taught her, and what she was now reading—words written in Father’s own hand—fit together like the tiny pieces in a colorful mosaic.

  Father kept all of this a secret, both for his protection as well as theirs. But he’d taught her all the things he believed, though she’d never recognized it.

  “Always serve your King, Eliza.”

  “You must remember you have but one King—you must honor and serve him.”

  “Give your all to the King. He will protect and keep you.”

  Her vision blurred. Father had loved both her and Kitty, of that she had no doubt. And now, she knew without question that Father had never truly kept them in complete darkness. She had simply not been able to see everything for lack of knowledge, for lack of understanding. If only Kitty could see it too.

  Eliza’s heart swelled and cleansing tears streamed over her face. She continued to flip and skim, still reading, still learning, until she reached the last entry dated July 1, 1773.

  My life is slipping away. It is not long now before I will once again see my beloved Mary, Peter, and rest in the arms of my Redeemer. I often wonder if I should confess my secrets to Eliza. Kitty shall not ever know—or if she does she must be older. She will not take it well. Eliza may be surprised, but I see a level spirit within her, and I feel it a sin not to disclose my activities to her knowledge.

  How I wish I could have been alive long enough to see Eliza and Kitty wed and experience the joy their children will bring.

  I have prayed many nights that Eliza will someday see the truth of Samuel—he is not the man for her. I have treasured Thomas Watson these many years now—I feel as if he is my son— and I hope that he and my dear daughter will meet. They are of the same cloth and I believe they would be very happy as husband and wife. But, I will leave such things in God’s hands.

  I hope Eliza and Kitty will know how much I love them, and that all I have done was done for their good. God will guide them, protect them, and lead them on the path of peace, so long as they trust in Him. I pray they will.

  Large tears flowed, plunking onto the pages below and bleeding over his words just as her heart bled with new pain. Father had wanted her to meet Thomas. In fact, he’d wanted them to marry. She wept harder at the realization. God had led them from the beginning. He had brought them together just as Father desired, and now, because of what she had done, her future of endless happiness would never be.

  Oh, how she wanted to see Father at this moment—to hold him tight and tell him she loved him, to thank him for his sacrifices and ask for his forgiveness for attending that ill-fated rally.

  She folded her arms over the journal and pressed her head into the crook of her elbow, attempting to muffle her sobs. How she wished Thomas would feel her need for him and come to her and take her away from her self-inflicted grief, but he must hate her now, after what she’d done. The thought of her actions and his stone-like features ripped at her heart and she cried all the harder.

  Two words moved back and forth in her clouded mind. Trust God. Trust God.

  She must trust God. And she did. But she feared that despite her trust in Him, the life she’d dreamed of had come to an end, and it was all her doing.

  The door to Father’s study creaked, and she jumped to her feet, wiping her cheeks.

  “Samuel.” She swallowed and wrapped her arms around her middle, trying to hide her curves. The way his hungry gaze poured over her nightgown compelled her to take a step back. Without the usual red coat, his shirt accentuated his muscular frame and his hair had been fastidiously pulled into a queue as if he’d been up for some time.

  “G
ood morning,” he said, coming close and sitting on the desk in front of her.

  It was then she noticed the light pink sunlight drifting through the window. She’d read all night.

  Once again, his eyes combed over her and his breathing stuttered as if he were thinking of things he should not. “Today is the day I have been dreaming of these many years.” He pressed his hands around her waist and pulled her close.

  “You’ve been crying.” He moved his thumb over her cheek and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “Are you alright?”

  She nodded, if only to stop him from asking. How I wish you were Thomas.

  He caressed the side of her head with his nose and whispered in her ear while his hands explored her back. “I understand you’ve been through a harrowing ordeal, Eliza, and the shock of it all must be terribly overwhelming. You will have a great deal of sorrow to battle, but I will battle it with you. You have no need to fear.”

  She choked on the rock that hovered in her throat. He had no idea how she feared her future with him. Her mind never stopped working, searching for something she could do to make Samuel understand they were not the match he believed them to be.

  Her eyes flew open when a vital truth ignited in her memory and she pushed away from him. How could she have forgotten this? It might be her saving grace.

  “Samuel,” she said. “Before we’re married there’s something I must tell you.”

  He straightened and his mouth tightened as if she might bear bad news. “Anything, my love.”

  “My Father was a member of the Sons of Liberty. He was not the Tory we all believed him to be.”