A World Apart (The Hands of Time: Book 3) (8 page)

Abbie climbed into bed next to Martha and turned toward the wall, pretending to be asleep.  She wasn’t in the mood to talk about Martha’s wedding tonight.  She had her own thoughts to contend with.  Abbie had surprised herself when she offered to walk home with Finn after church.  She hadn’t meant to do it, but it just slipped out.  Normally, Matthew Granville walked her home after church, as had been their pattern for the past few months. 

Matthew had been the first boy to show any interest in Abbie, and she had been surprised and flattered
by his attention.  He was a nice-looking boy with flaxen hair and light eyes that were the color of the sky on a cloudless summer day.  Abbie had been terribly nervous the first time Matthew had asked to walk her home, but she tried to retain her composure, letting him do most of the talking.  They’d never had a proper conversation before, so Abbie was curious as to what Matthew’s personality was like.  She had to admit that although she found him to be handsome; he was a bit of a braggart, always going on about his accomplishments and dreams.  She had dreams too, but he never really asked her about them.  Still, being courted by a boy was exciting and new.  Martha said that Abbie had to be nice to him, and try to be coy to pique his interest.  After all, there were lots of girls he could have invited to walk with him, but he’d chosen Abbie. 

By the time Matthew had walked Abbie home
for the third time, she felt more comfortable with him.  All she had to do was ask him a few questions, and he was off talking.  She didn’t have to work very hard to keep him interested.  Abbie wondered if Matthew would eventually say something about the future or try to kiss her.  She didn’t have long to wait.  Just two weeks ago, Matthew had let it slip that his parents approved of Abbie highly and would like nothing more than to have someone like her for a daughter-in-law.  They thought her to be hardworking and obedient; two extremely desirable qualities in a wife for their son.  Abbie didn’t think of herself as being particularly obedient, but there was no need to disillusion Matthew.  He’d find out for himself soon enough. 

All that talk of possible marriage brought Matthew to his real purpose.  He asked permission to give Abbie a kiss.  Her heart pounded in her chest as she nodded mutely, closing her eyes and raising her face to receive the kiss.  She’d fantasized about being kissed often, since seeing Gil kiss Martha.  She wasn’t sure what a proper reaction for a woman was supposed to be, but she hoped to find out.  Matthew’s lips came down on hers, kissing her softly, then retreating again.  Abbie opened her eyes, to find Matthew watching her, a smug look on his face.  She had to admit that she was somewhat confused.  He’d done exactly what he was supposed to do, but she felt nothing.  His lips had been warm and soft, but it didn’t feel any different than kissing Annie or Sarah.  It just felt, for lack of a better word, nice. 

Abbie slid her arm through Matthew’s as they continued their walk.  She felt as if she’d sealed a bargain with that kiss, but her soul was in turmoil.  Was that all?  Is that what it felt like to kiss a husband?  What about the other stuff?  She’d begged Martha to tell her what happened in a marriage bed, and Martha reluctantly explained; her cheeks blazing as she avoided meeting Abbie’s eyes.  She didn’t go into any details, but she said it was much like the animals, except that people usually faced each other during the act.  Martha said that it was supposed to feel nice after the first time, and that according to her sources, which were a few of her now married friends, the wives didn’t really mind. 

Abbie tried to imagine having Matthew do that to her
, and if she would mind, but she simply couldn’t picture it.  The idea of having Matthew stick his prick into her just seemed ludicrous.  He’d probably just keep talking as he did it, expecting her to ask questions and fan his ego all the while.  Abbie turned to Matthew, interrupting the flow of his monologue. 

Abbie thought of what happened after their last kiss.  “
Kiss me again,” she demanded, raising her face to his.  There had to be something more.  She was sure of it.  Maybe if they kissed often enough the feelings would come.

“Oh, liked it, did you?  I’ve been told that I’m a good kisser.”  With that Matthew bent down to kiss her, but Abbie turned away, shocked.

“Oh, and who told you that, Matthew Granville?”  She was glaring up at him, all thoughts of kissing forgotten.  Matthew obviously realized that he’d said the wrong thing, backtracking immediately.

“Oh, it was no one.  I’d only kissed my cousin once
, and she said it was nice.  We were just playing, mind.  It meant nothing.  It’s you I want to be kissing.  Please, Abbie.  Let me kiss you again. “ 

Abbie relented, allowing Matthew to kiss her again.  The kiss was much like the first
-- soft, warm, and completely devoid of anything she thought it was supposed to be.  Abbie sighed and continued to walk, oblivious to Matthew’s confused gaze.  She supposed that’s how it was, and her imagination had gotten the better of her.  Abbie sighed, smiling up at Matthew as he started chattering again.  He fancied himself a great wit, and tried to impress her with his observations of their neighbors.

But now there was Finn.  At first
, Abbie felt sorry for him.  He seemed awfully sad and lost, even bewildered, when Jonah first brought him to the house.   Abbie felt a strange urge to comfort him and make him feel as if he had at least one friend, but she had to admit that her motives weren’t completely pure.  She couldn’t help noticing his lovely eyes.  They were the color of summer leaves, fringed with thick dark lashes.  He had the body of a hunter, lithe and lean, his movements economical and precise.  Abbie could see the muscles in his forearms stretch the fabric of his shirt when he moved.  He was strong, but graceful.  As Abbie looked at him, she couldn’t help noticing his lips.   They were full and looked so soft, especially when he smiled.  She had no problem imagining Finn sticking his prick in her.  The unbidden thought made Abbie blush crimson, but once she imagined it, the picture kept coming back.  Would his kiss be the same as Matthew’s?  Would it be wrong to find out? 

Abbie closed her eyes, willing herself to go to sleep.  Finn would walk her from church on Sunday.  That was all.  There was nothing between them other than friendship.  Matthew might be upset, but Martha had told her to be coy.  Let him think that Finn was
sweet on her as well.  Maybe that would make him take more of an interest in her as a person, not just a potential wife.

Finn tried to ignore his aching bladder and go back to sleep, but the tactic wasn’t working.  He’d had too much ale at supper, and now he’d have to drag himself outside to the privy.  Despite the warmth of the day, the temperature dropped rapidly after sunset, frost glittering on the grass at dawn.  A chamber pot would have come in handy, but the Mallorys only used chamber pots for the two youngest children.  Mrs. Mallory couldn’t abide the reek come morning with so many people living in such close proximity. 

Finn suddenly had a wicked thought.  He’d get up quietly, so as not to wake Jonah
, and piss out of the window.  No one would be the wiser, and he wouldn’t have to leave the warm loft and freeze his bollocks outside.  There’d be enough of that come winter.  He froze at the thought of still being here in the winter, but put it out of his mind and crept to the window, opening the shutter just enough to do his business.  Finn was just untying his flies when a voice from outside stilled his hand. 

“How is it with you, John
?” the voice asked.  It was gravelly and low, but audible enough.

“All’s well.  We’re all hoping that Sam will be able to come home for Martha’s wedding.  It might serve a dual purpose, come to that
.  What’s the news?” answered John Mallory.  The sweet smell of his pipe drifted up to the window, so he couldn’t be too far.

“The news could be better.  Seems Governor Dunmore has been busy since he fled Williamsburg.  He’s aboard a Royal Navy vessel in
Norfolk with his family.”

“Yes, I know.  He’s been there since June,” John Mallory replied. “What
’s he done?”

“He’s been begging for reinforcements, so General Gage has ordered several detachments of 14
th
Foot Regiment to Virginia. Seems they’ve been raiding the countryside for military supplies in order to undermine the rebellion.” 

“Where are they taking these supplies?” asked Mr. Mallory.

“They’ve hastily constructed a few forts, using them as their base.
” 

“
I think the Militia needs to focus on protecting what’s ours and retrieving what’s been taken, Alfred.  We can’t fight a war without ammunition.”

“Right you are, John.  Right you are. 
We’ll have to watch and wait, choosing an unguarded moment to seize back what’s been taken.  Now, tell me about this boy that you’ve taken in.  Do you reckon that’s wise in these turbulent times?”  Finn decided that whoever Alfred was, he liked to stir things up.

“He’s a good lad, Alfred.  Seems that he’s lost his parents, but hasn’t come to accept it yet.  I need help on the farm with Sam gone, and the boy needs a place to live.  Seems like a fine arrangement to me.”  John Mallory sucked on his pipe, letting out a wheezy cough.

“And what of his family?  Where did their loyalties lie?”  Alfred asked, obviously not ready to let the matter drop.

“I can’t rightly say, Alf, but the boy is no Loyalist.  I think he grew up in the backwoods somewhere.  Doesn’t seem to know much about the political situation.  I saw him gaping at Jonah when he mentioned Lobsterbacks.  Didn’t even know he was referring to British soldiers.  He’s no threat, Alfred.  I think I’m a good enough judge of character to know that
; otherwise, I wouldn’t be fit to be doing the work I’m doing for the Committee.”

“As you say, John.  I’ve never had cause to question your
judgment.  I’ll be taking myself off now.  I still have to visit the Crosby farm before returning to Williamsburg.  Will I be seeing you there next week?” Alfred asked, already mounting his horse by the sound of it.

“Yes, at the usual place.”

“Until then, and give my regards to my sister and the children.”

“That I will, Alf.  Don’t forget the pie.  Hannah would be put out if you didn’t take it.  She made it just for you.”

The sound of hoof beats faded into the night as the stranger left.  Finn waited until he heard Mr. Mallory go into the house and close the door behind him, before emptying his bladder into the night, climbing back into bed and falling into a deep sleep. 

The sound of the rain lashing against the wooden shutters and the roof was somewhat soothing, but the damp chill of the room kept Valerie from sleeping well, not to mention her constant state of worry.  She finally gave up, sitting up in bed just in time to see Alec’s shadowy form slipping through the door. 

“Did I wake you?” he asked, tossing his hat onto the table and
sinking into a chair to pull off his boots. 

“No, where have you been?”  Valerie could smell the liquor on his breath all the way from the bed. 

“I just had a tankard of ale with a merchant I met at the tavern.  We got to talking about the Revolution, and I lost track of time.  Did you know that the colonists threw chests of tea into the Boston Harbor?” Alec asked, grinning in the dark.

“Yes, I’ve heard something about that about a hundred years ago, or was that a hundred years from now?  What else did he tell you?”
  Valerie was wide-awake now, eager to hear what Alec had learned.

“Oh, we just talked about the grievances of the colonists against the
King, and England’s response to their complaints.  Very interesting.  I’ve spent my life being a loyal subject of the King, even in times when I didn’t agree with what he stood for.  It takes great courage to rebel against the might of England,” Alec sounded strangely impressed, making Valerie smile.

“Are you turning into a
Revolutionary, Alec Whitfield?” 

“No, I’m just in awe of what these people are trying to accomplish at such great risk to themselves and their families.  We know that they’ll win this conflict, but they don’t.  They’re risking everything.”

“Yes, they are.  That’s what makes them so brave.  Are you coming to bed?”  Valerie scooted over to make room for Alec, but he continued to sit in the shadows.

“Val, there’s something I want to talk to you about, but please hear me out before you get upset.”  His face was lost in the
shadows, but Valerie could hear the urgency in his voice. 

“What is it?  Is it Finn?”  Her heart was pounding, fear pooling in her stomach and spreading to her limbs.

“We’ve been here for a week now, and it’s clear that Finn isn’t here.  I’ve walked back to Rosewood several times, and there’s no sign of him there either.  We need to make a decision, Val.”

“I’m n
ot going back without my son,” Valerie retorted, sounding harsher than she meant to.

“I wasn’t suggesting going back, although maybe we should use the device to
go back and check on the family.  I think we need to widen the search.  The merchant I was speaking with is going to Williamsburg tomorrow.  He’s offered to take us along.  I feel we should go.”  Alec came closer and sat on the side of the bed, taking Valerie’s hand in his. 

“Alec, why would Finn go to Williamsburg?  For what purpose?  It would make sense for him to come to Jamestown, but Williamsburg?”  Valerie looked into Alec’s face, trying to understand the reasoning behind the suggestion.

“Sweetheart, nothing makes sense.  I keep going over it in my mind, trying to figure out what would make Finn choose 1775.  I don’t expect that he knew what the device was for, but why that number?  What is the significance of 1775?  Maybe if we could understand his logic, we might figure out where he went.  I keep trying to put myself in his place and think of what I would do if I found myself in such a predicament, and I think I would go to Williamsburg.”

“Alec, I don’t know what the significance of 177
5 is.  I’ve certainly never mentioned it to Finn.   He might have just been pressing random numbers to see what the thing was for.  I don’t think there’s any special clue, but why do you think he’d go to Williamsburg?”  Valerie was surprised by Alec’s suggestion.  She wasn’t sure if Finn was even aware of Williamsburg’s existence.

“If he came to Jamestown as we suspect, he would quickly see that there’s nothing for him here.  He’d take some time to figure things out, but eventually his survival instinct would take over.  Finn is a tracker, a hunter.  He knows how to follow clues.  Jamestown seems to be in a decline, but Williamsburg is the capital of Virginia.  The place must be teeming with life and opportunities.  If Finn has to find a way to survive in his new surroundings, he would go to a place where he ha
s the best chances, and it wouldn’t be here.”  Alec searched Valerie’s face to see if his explanation made sense, but saw only confusion.

“Alec, you said it yourself.  Finn is a hunter.  What if he is living rough
somewhere in the woods?  His natural instinct would be to escape from the life he doesn’t understand and go to what he knows.  I’m sure he has his hunting knife and his tomahawk with him.  That’s all he needs to survive.”  If Finn was indeed living in the woods, they’d have no chance of finding him.  He could be anywhere.

“No.  Finn’s not in the woods.  He loves the hunt, but he doesn’t like living rough.  He never stayed in the woods overnight
if he didn’t have to.  He always came home.  Even if he ran scared and spent a few nights in the woods, he would eventually seek people.  It’s his nature.  Anyhow, what choice is there?  We either go back home or widen the search.  What will it be?”

“We can’t go home, and I don’t want to just pop in.  It would only confuse everyone, especially little
Louisa.  We continue to look for Finn.  If you think we should go to Williamsburg, then that’s where we’ll go.  I’m not giving up.”  Valerie wrapped her arms around Alec as he pulled her close, kissing her forehead. 

“That’s my girl.  No giving up.”  With that, he finally climbed into bed and was asleep within minutes, leaving Valerie to ponder the wisdom of going to the capital.