Lily in Bloom (20 page)

“You don't have to explain. You didn't have any other choice.” Lily stroked his hair.

He sighed. “I don't know. Making her dependent on the Colonel is a move I will always regret. He is not, as you know, a kind man. He was abusive to her, cruel. He took his anger at me out on her. Finally, in desperation she came to me begging for help. I agreed to set her up in an apartment. She stayed at the house for a few nights but left to see her sister, she said. She died that night in a carriage accident, although the circumstances have always been suspicious. I have no proof that it was Kingsley but I would bet money he was responsible. I saw him a few months later. I confronted him about his affair with Caitlin and her death. He said, 'What do you care? Now you are free to marry your little blond.’ Clearly Caitlin had told him what drove her away. He smiled and added, 'I hear she is an heiress. Is she as pretty as they say?’”

“What did you do?” Lily felt her heart beating wildly.

Eric’s hands clenched behind her back. “I broke his nose. Best punch of my life.” He hugged her closer.

“Eric, why did you think I needed to know this before we got married?” Lily couldn't believe he had reacted to her the way she had to him on their first meeting or that it had so impacted his marriage.

“Don't you see, Lily? This has always been about me. Kingsley wants the land, he wants the beautiful wife, but he would not have picked you if it wasn't for me. Caitlin's description of your innocence, my infatuation and his anger with me has made you an irresistible prize. He would not be taking such big risks otherwise. He is using Kathryn against me and he tried to turn Caitlin against me as well. She told me he seemed to have a loathing for me. You are another punishment for me.” Eric looked at her, touching her cheek.

Lily shook her head. “This is not your fault, it's his. You can't blame yourself for his actions.”

“When we were at the inn, you asked me if I wanted to back out of the marriage because you brought too much trouble. Now I offer you the same.”

Lily kissed him long and slow, so happy to be with him. He smiled at her in the way that made her whole body tingle. She snuggled into him.

He kissed her one more time. “We should think about heading back. Your brothers must be worried. We've been gone a long time.”

They got up and began to get dressed, Lily's mind full of all that she had heard. A doubt crept into her thoughts. He had called her the marrying kind and he said that he wanted her but he hadn't proposed to her until he was forced. In fact, he had gone out of his way to not marry her. It could only mean one thing. While he wanted her, he didn't love her. She was the marrying kind so he hadn't acted but once he had to marry her, he gave in to his desire. It explained all his actions.

Walking back toward the camp, Eric held her hand and it calmed her building fears. She had always known he didn't love her, it was just more difficult after what they had just done. If he wanted her, they were married, and built a family, perhaps in time he would grow to love her. She almost smiled to herself. 'Keep telling yourself that, Lily, your wish might come true.'

They entered the camp and Lily immediately noticed a newcomer to the group.

“I see you're in good hands.” Tracker's voice rang across the fire as he stepped out of the shadows.

Lily ran the few steps and clasped Tracker’s hand. It seemed natural, she had spent several days riding on his horse with him, sleeping next to him. He felt like her family. James stood up suddenly and Eric closed the two steps between them, grabbing Tracker by the collar while wrapping his arm around Lily and pulling her away.

“Eric, stop.” Lily almost laughed and a small giggle escaped.

“What are you giggling about?” James snapped.

“Are we back to that?” Lily's exasperated tone shushed James in a second.

He rubbed his neck with his hand. “Lily, I've been a real ass. It's not you. You're right. You've done more than I could have asked. It's me, I've failed you. I should have protected you.”

She hugged her brother. “You've done a wonderful job. I’m sorry about the things I said, too.”

“And what about this one?” Eric nearly growled.

“You can let him go, Eric.” Lily gave him a small push. Eric slowly released his collar but he looked like he was about to commit murder.

“It's all right, Lily,” Tracker said easily. “He has a right to keep his lady away from strange men who go around kidnapping young women.”

Lily rolled her eyes. “I've told them the whole story. They know that you are the one who saved me and that you were a gentleman.”

Tracker looked over at Eric. “Besides, it's obvious she only has eyes for one man.”

“That so?” It was Eric's turn to rub the back of his neck with his hand.

“Actually, several of the men could tell you she says your name in her sleep.” It was Tracker's turn to laugh.

“Tracker!” Lily blushed, mortified.

Eric responded by reaching over and grabbing Lily up into a hug. She tucked her head into his chest and he stroked her hair, which Lily had left unbraided. She realized her hat was still by the river.

Ann stepped forward. “It's nice to meet you, Lily.” Lily gave Ann’s hand a squeeze. As the other woman backed away Lily noticed Ann giving Tracker a sly glance. One of Lily’s eyebrows shot up.

Eric let her go and Lily turned to the rest of the group. James said nothing. He was clearly on his best behavior, so she turned to Tracker. “Not that I'm not happy to see you but why did you come?”

Excitement filled Tracker’s eyes. “I told you my real name is Michael and it will be again soon. Kingsley has a large shipment coming in for which I was able to get inventory lists. When he does not pay any of the taxes or tariffs, we will be able to arrest him.”

“Is that the worst of his crimes?” Eric asked. They all knew that tax evasion was relatively common.

Tracker shook his head. “There are several other charges we have been gathering evidence on. Warrants for prostitution, murder, and theft have been issued. Tax evasion is the easiest to prosecute. I am delivering the last of the evidence and, with luck, we will arrest the Colonel and Lily will be safe.”

“How likely is it?” Eric asked, his mouth thinning.

“Truthfully, not very. Maine is a vast state and there are lots of places to hide. Even if he is not arrested, he may be too busy hiding to be much of a bother to you or...” Tracker paused.

“He may make it his last mission,” Eric finished.

“You know him,” Tracker stated.

Eric nodded, “He will want to take us down before he goes.”

Tracker brow furrowed. “I'm afraid it might be so. But that is a problem for another day. The reason I have taken a several-hour detour is that you have another problem.”

Lily felt her spine stiffen with fear.

“I ran into Lieutenant Colonel Andrews on the way to deliver my evidence. As you might have guessed, he is in league with Colonel Kingsley. I told him I was also looking for Lily, trying to cover all areas. I tried to tell him we thought you might be dead but he doesn't believe it. You leaving Bucksport in the middle of the night has made him suspicious. And while he doesn't yet know who you are he has also grown suspicious of your group. He can't put his finger on why but he has met no more travelers and wants to speak to you again.” Tracker paused.

“What do we do?” James sounded more tired than Lily could ever remember hearing him.

“We ditch the wagon and make a break for Portland. If we leave early, we could be there by nightfall,” Eric said grimly.

Tracker nodded, “They will easily catch up to you if you don't and that could be extremely dangerous. Finding the empty wagon will certainly tip them off but hopefully you can hide in Portland.”

“We have a ship, waiting in port there,” Eric told the other man.

“Ah, than that is definitely the way to go,” Tracker affirmed.

“What about my aunt? I was hoping to find my family or at least one person from my family in Portland.” Ann asked the question quietly but Lily could hear the tension in her voice.

“We will split up. Morph our group again.” James turned to Ann. “I will stay in Portland with you while Tom, Eric and Lily return to Boston.”

“I have another ship, The Divine that will be arriving in Portland in three days to unload. James, you can return on that boat,” Eric added.

“Ann,” Lily turned to the other woman. “If you don't find your family, please consider coming to stay with us.” Eric nodded beside her.

“We can certainly make room for you in our home and help you find an income of your own or a suitable husband, whichever is your desire.”

Ann nodded, smiling at the couple. “Thank you. You have no idea how much comfort it brings me to know that I will not be left out on the street. I am beginning to wonder if I was meant to meet you.”

Lily returned her smile. “I think perhaps you were.”

Tracker turned to Eric. “If I am unsuccessful at capturing Colonel Kingsley, I would beg you to allow me to come help you in Boston. I think it may serve both of our purposes.”

Eric nodded. “That would be most appreciated.” Eric gave Tracker the names of several ships he might look for passage then went to his satchel to find paper and pen to scroll notes for James and Tracker to receive passage.

Tracker followed, handing Eric a small pouch that Eric tucked into his satchel as he pulled pen and paper out. Lily wondered what it could be.

“Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.” James stood, tucking his papers into his bag.

Lily laid down on her bedroll but Eric immediately pulled her into his arms. With a smile on her face, she fell instantly asleep.

THE GROUP WOKE EARLY
, ate little, and climbed into their saddles. They had taken everything they needed that could fit on their horses and left the wagon for another traveler to use.

Tracker departed, heading west, while the rest of the group moved due south with the sun rising on their left shoulders. James took the lead with Lily and Ann behind him and Eric and Tom at the back of the group. The two men seemed to be talking often, but Lily could catch little of what they said.

They did not stop until mid-afternoon and the pace was a great deal quicker than Lily was used to riding by herself. Every muscle in her body ached and she would have loved to stop. Only the demons behind them drove her forward. Eric called everyone back on their horses after only twenty minutes. If Ann were uncomfortable, she said little and she gave Lily strength. She did tell Lily some about her life in Maine, her family and her husband. Lily found the conversation extremely enjoyable. It kept her mind off the journey, Ann was a good storyteller and she found she liked the other woman a great deal.

“Ann, I hope you find some family in Maine but I will miss you if you don't come to Boston. But even if you don't, I would like to visit. Once this is all behind us, Eric is planning on buying a home in Kennebunk for us to use part of the year. It would be wonderful to see you.”

“I would like that,” Ann paused. “Truly, though, I am not sure who will be waiting for me in Portland. My parents died some years ago and my uncle is a bit of a wanderer. My aunt raised me and her health was failing when I left a year and a half ago.

“I hated to leave her, but Jake had found a good opportunity north and we were trying to make a life. I was planning on coming back for her after Jake died. I should have just come home then. But Jake had bought stake in a boat and I was trying to recoup that money or make some profit but I didn't get very far. Much of it was done with a handshake and not on paper.” Ann's mouth was drawn and Lily could see how painful the experience had been for her.

“I am so sorry.” Lily comforted her as best she could.

The day dragged on and finally, toward nightfall, they could see signs that they were nearing their destination. The path they had been traveling on became a road and outlying settlements could be seen. They stopped at a stream to water the horses before heading into town. Portland was on a peninsula and could only be accessed by one strip of land in and out. They were stopped at the threshold.

Lily was dipping her hands into the cool water, grateful for a drink. It had been a long hot day on the trail. Lifting her hands to her mouth, she heard the distant sound of what she first thought was thunder.

She could see James scanning the horizon. He jumped on his horse and headed back the way they had come.

“Lily,” Eric called as he mounted his horse. Ann and Tom followed suit. Lily turned to him and Eric pulled her on his horse as she heard James shout.

“Go.” Without a moment’s pause, Eric kicked his horse into action. Lily could tell immediately that this horse was a beast of quality. Even after riding all day it took off with amazing speed. It must have been from Eric's personal stable. She looked back, but already she could not see Tom or Ann. She hoped that they were all right.

Eric and Lily rode swiftly into town, heading for the docks. Eric must have been familiar with Portland.  He weaved his way through streets and alleys. “Are they going to be all right?” she shouted over her shoulder.

“Fine,” Eric yelled. “They headed south. Only we came into town.”

Lily immediately realized what this meant. Their pursuers might follow the others instead of her and Eric. With night approaching, it would be easy to hide. Or Andrews and his men could be following them and, hopefully, they would be safely on a ship before they were caught. It was a good plan but Lily could not believe that James had allowed it.

Over the clatter of their own horse, Lily could hear the thunderous hooves of several horses behind them. She turned to look and could see several men in uniform pursuing them. It suddenly occurred to her that there was a third option. They could catch her and Eric and, being military, no one would question their right to capture her. Eric turned a corner and in front of her the sails of several ships billowed out in the wind. The tide had risen and ships were leaving the harbor.

Eric pressed the horse faster and called out to the men on one of the ships. There was a moment’s pause and then a swarm of sailors came dramatically down the sides of the boat, sliding on ropes and skidding down the gangplank and launched themselves down the peer toward them. Several held pistols in their hands, as well as long swords. Lily felt almost as afraid of them as she did the men behind her but Eric reared up the horse and tossed a man the reins. “Take care of her. See that she makes it to the stables of James Carter in Kennebunk.” The man nodded and, jumping on the horse’s back, took off into the night.