Take My Heart (Heroic Rogues Series) (25 page)

He leaned against the hearth, peering down at the burning logs in the small fire. He waited for her in the parlor, and as each second passed, his palms grew moist, his breathing quickened. Tonight he’d lie to her. He didn’t want to, but there was no other way. He knew Mercedes wouldn’t run to the King’s Army to turn him in, but William didn’t want her to worry. He’d gone to secret meetings for a while now. Meetings she wouldn’t understand.

He contemplated over what excuse to give her. He thought about telling her a good friend had been injured and needed his help, but since he was recovering from an injury himself, that wouldn’t work.

Silently, he grumbled. Tonight’s meeting was vital. Captain Wilkes and his men were getting closer to the truth and getting closer to arresting all the members of the Sons of Liberty. William couldn’t let that happen.

“My, my, William, you do look a fright this evening.”

Startled, William spun around and faced Mercedes. Why hadn’t he heard her enter the parlor? She stood inside the door, her hands clasped together against her stomach, her head tilted as she looked at him.

He chuckled and moved away from the fireplace. “Forgive my lack of enthusiasm, my love. If I had known you were here, I would have appeared more pleasing to your eyes.”

She smiled and walked toward him. Slipping her hands around his waist and fit herself against him perfectly. He lifted her hair and scents of the lilac scented soap she used enveloped him.

He kissed the top of her head. “Are the children asleep?”

She looked up at him. “I am quite certain they are not. But they are in bed.”

He laughed. “And who could blame them for not sleeping? Especially the way you played with them tonight, getting them wound up instead of relaxing them.”

“Are you disappointed?”

His heart softened. Her green eyes darkened, her smile relaxed. How he truly loved this woman. “Disappointed is far from what I feel, my love.”

“Then what do you feel?”

He spanned his hands over her back, pulling her against him. “I feel like the most fortunate man in the world.”

“No, I am most fortunate, my dear husband.” She grinned.

“How much to do you love me?”

Her expression softened. “Very much, indeed.”

“Then will you forgive me if I tell you I have to leave for a little bit tonight?”

Pulling out of his arms, she frowned. “But why?”

“As much as I want to be here with you, the drawing I am doing for Colonel Burwell is not to my satisfaction. Tomorrow he will come to collect the drawing, and I want them to be perfect.”

She nodded, her smile seemed too forced all of a sudden. His heart clenched for having to lie to her.

“I will still love you even though you have to leave my side for a little time tonight.” She rose and kissed his mouth, but quickly pulled away. “I feel a headache coming on, so I had planned on retiring for bed early anyway.”

“I will make it up to you,” he promised with a wink as guilt ate at his gut.

“I am certain you will, my love.”

As he watched her leave, he prayed she would never discover his deceit. He didn’t want to lie to her, and hoped this would be the last time. But until she understood his cause, he may have to keep her in the dark anyway.

Trees canopied the darkened sky and hid the moon, making the path harder to follow. The cool wind howled around Mercedes, blowing leaves and dust in her face. With one hand she gripped the reins. With the other she pulled the hooded, black cloak tighter around her head. The cool night’s breeze slipped through the man’s clothing she wore.

Where is William?

She’d feigned sleep until she heard him leave the house. Instead of following him immediately, she waited a few minutes, then left. She scrambled out of bed and ran to the stable to dress in the servant’s clothes Hyrum had left for her, mounted Thunder and hurried on her way.

She’d been following William for a while now, and it seemed as if he’d just disappeared. Light fog had settled in the dark night. In the distance, a dog barked. Other dogs joined in, the sound growing louder as each second passed. She shivered and rubbed her arms.

When the moon broke through the fog and shone through branches, she reined in the horse and surveyed the surroundings. According to the street sign, this was
Honeybrooke
Lane. So where was the abandoned cottage?

She nudged the horse with her heels, urging him forward. Just a little farther down the road, she was certain the cottage would come into view. If not, she’d return home.

After riding another mile—or at least it seemed that far—nothing was in sight. Discouraged, she tugged on the reins, turning the horse around. Through a group of trees, the fog had lifted enough for her to spot a flash of light. Encouraged, her heart pounded. Could this be the place?

Keeping her eyes alert, she urged the horse forward into a gentle gait. Traveling farther, a house finally came into view. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw William’s horse standing to the side of the small structure. She exhaled deeply. Comfort surrounded her knowing he was near.

Climbing vines cloaked the front of the house. A boarded up window and door gave the place a haunted appearance. She swallowed hard. She’d never believed in ghost stories, so what made her afraid now?

She halted Thunder and slid from his back. After securing him to a tree, she tiptoed to the light peeking through the boards on the window, but the window was too high for her to see inside. Under her breath she grumbled, stepped away and sneaked around the side of the cottage, looking for another point to eavesdrop. At last, she found a window low enough to peer inside, and one of the boards had been removed.

Perfect.

Careful not to step on any debris that might make noise and announce her presence, she moved closer to the window. Immediately, she spotted William. His large stature and handsome features made him stand out in a crowd of men. By his side stood Gabe, and she recognized a few other men she’d seen in town.

Approximately ten men crowded the room. All faces had drawn, worried expressions. William’s forehead creased, his lips pulled together, and it tugged at her heart to see him thus. If only he’d trust her enough to confide in her.

One man seemed to be in charge, and all eyes turned to him. The tall, silver-haired man, perhaps in his forties, waved his hand through the air, ceasing the many conversations building in the small room. “Please, gentlemen, we must come to a decision.”

Within seconds, the room quieted. “There must be a way to release Mr. Hoskins,” the man continued. “He’s been a devoted friend to us all, and we cannot allow him to fall victim to the King’s method of torture.”

“But Samuel,” another man spoke, “how are we to accomplish this without being arrested ourselves?” He held up his hands in surrender. “I’ve a wife and five children to feed. What will become of them if I am arrested for treason? I am but a mere farmer.”

Most of the crowd nodded, mumbling their concerns.

The man called Samuel raised his hand again, quieting the group. “I understand your plight. But what will come of our homes and families if we let these tyrants rule our way of living? If we do not stand up for what is right, we are nothing but cowards.”

Voices rose once again, louder this time. Then William raised his hand. “Men, listen to Samuel Adams, adhere to his word.” His voice boomed louder than the rest. “He will not lead us into danger, but through the Sons of Liberty we will be delivered from our chains of taxation.”

This time voices lifted in excitement, the room once again became loud. Mercedes inched closer, pressing to the window to hear and see more.

“What we must do,” continued Samuel, “is plan Mr. Hoskins’ escape. But he cannot stay here after we have freed him. We must have him and his family sent far away.”

The room echoed with agreement.

A man in the back of the room waved his hand. “Samuel? My family owns a farm in Boston.”

Samuel shook his head. “That is putting Hoskins closer to the enemy.”

“What about North Carolina?”

All eyes turned toward the short, pudgy man wearing spectacles. “My brother lives in North Carolina. I am certain he will help us. He owns a plantation and can always use extra hands.”

Samuel nodded. “That is good. Send a letter to your brother to see if he will take the Hoskins’ family.” He pushed his fingers through his receding hairline. “Now, let us formulate a plan to rescue Mr. Hoskins.”

“First,” William said, “I think we should ask our Lord for help in this matter.”

Mumbles of agreements scattered through the room as the men removed their hats and bowed their heads. William offered up a prayer that made Mercedes’ heart wrench and tears came to her eyes when she recalled their conversation not too long ago.
Men must be free to live their own lives, and worship how they will.

Once the prayer ended, the men crowded around Samuel Adams as he drew a map on the floor. Mercedes couldn’t see what he drew, but she really didn’t need to know. She pulled away from the window and walked back to her horse, her heart in her throat. These men were not about causing problems as the women at Lady Burwell’s party had discussed. These were hardworking men trying to provide for their families, and make their future brighter.

And to think William was one of them.

She smiled, her chest bursting with pride. The man she loved more than life itself was a brave hero, just as the other men in the cottage. There had to be a way she could help. Dare she suggest helping the Hoskins’ family? Hopefully she could convince William not to become upset and that she was really on his side, or the Sons of Liberty’s side. She must tell him today, and let nothing stand in her way.

She mounted her horse and guided the animal down the path toward home. Thoughts scrambled through her head of ways she could tell him. But perhaps the way wasn’t to tell him, but to show him. Now…she needed to figure out the perfect way to do that.

Kicking the horse with her heels, she urged him faster, anxious about getting home to formulate a plan. Perhaps she could think of a way to sneak the Hoskins’ family out of town, or even volunteer to help them pack.

Enthused about her idea, she urged Thunder into a fast gallop. As she neared town, familiar buildings took shape through the fog, and relief flooded through her. She led her horse away from the main street, not wanting to be spotted by the King’s soldiers, and retraced her earlier path.

Suddenly, prickles rose on her skin, and her stomach twisted in fear. She slowed her horse. Peering through the shadows, she searched for what had caused her fright.
Someone is spying on me.

She swallowed hard and pulled her cloak tighter around her neck. A shadow moved from behind a tree, and she caught her breath. A small animal darted in her path, and she yanked on the reins to stop the horse. Her heartbeat hammered out of control, but she breathed slower, trying to calm her fear.
It’s only a cat.

But another danger lurked out there in the night shadows, watching her. It was as if a pair of eyes burned right through to her soul. She shivered. Urging her horse faster, she turned a corner. A single rider came out from the shadows and blocked her path. She tried steering Thunder around the intruder. The large, dark figure reached out and captured her reins, not allowing her to pass. She wanted to scream but didn’t want to draw undue attention, especially if her husband was doing traitorous activities tonight.

Tears stung her eyes while her heart lodged in her throat. She smacked the stranger’s hands, but he managed to slow her horse. Large, strong hands reached out and scooped her off her mount, settling her on his lap. It was then she recognized the red coat of a soldier underneath his black cape, his white periwig absent this time. She gasped.
Captain Wilkes.
His deep laughter echoed through the night as he tightened his arms.

“My dear, Mrs. Braxton. What an honor it is to run into you this late in the evening.”

She found her voice. “Unhand me, sir.” She pulled at his hands around her waist, but his hold was unbreakable.

“But it is I, the man who holds your heart. No need to fear, my dear.”

Alcohol soaked breath blew across her face. She grimaced, her stomach knotted, threatening nausea. “Indeed, I know who you are, which is why I am afraid.”

His hand moved up and cupped her chin. She slapped at it, but it didn’t budge.

He nuzzled his face against her neck. “But my dear, you have not been to see me in quite some time, and I grow weary of your games.”

“Unhand me, or I will...I will...”

“You will what? Scream?” His laughter rang through the night. Off in the distance, dogs barked. “Are you playing the reluctant maid with me again?”

Her heart lodged in her throat, making it painfully hard to breathe. How could she get out of this mess? William wasn’t around to save her this time, and because she was perched on the soldier’s lap while his disgusting clutches held her prisoner, she had no other choice but to comply. Mercedes must become her sister—the very same woman this drunken fool believed her to be.