Passion's Series (51 page)

He still didn't know how to treat Dawn. One minute he saw in her the warrior her mother was at her age. In the next minute he recalled the laughing child of her youth. And then, above both those rose his desire to crush her to him and hold her forever. Being near to her kept him constantly confused, never sure of what to say or how to treat her. Worse, he found himself saying and doing things before he thought them through.

How bravely she had handled herself with the robbers. His heart swelled with pride as well as the love he allowed himself to acknowledge. His little warrior soared above the other women he knew. How he wished they could build a life together forever, but he knew it could not be. She would wilt in the confines of English society. She needed the freedom offered by her Chota Town, where he could never return. He exhaled a huge breath. What were they to do?

Dawn said nothing, but he knew she wasn't convinced the wound wasn't serious. She took her place behind him. He wasn't fooled by her maneuver. She had refused to ride beside him earlier out of anger. She now had another reason to stay behind. Any faltering from him and she would not be stopped from checking his wound.

They rode only a short distance when Dawn noticed Eagle limping slightly. "Raven, I think Eagle has picked up a stone."

"Yes, I had just noticed that myself." Raven slid from Eagle's back and, placing a hand on the horse's rear flank, rubbed down the leg. Eagle obediently lifted his foot and allowed Raven to examine his hoof. "He has a nasty, ragged stone wedged in his hoof and has thrown his shoe." He retrieved his knife and dug the stone out. "He needs to be shod. There's a village about a two-hour walk from here. It's in the wrong direction, but that can't be helped."

"We also need to tend your wound. Will we be able to purchase the supplies we need there?"

Raven released Eagle's hoof gently and stepped back. "There should be no problem with finding what you need. It has been a long time sense I've visited Dunmere. I have a good friend who lives there. His name is Richard Whitmore."

Dawn stepped to Eagle, so she could loosen the saddlebags. "I guess we'll find out when we get there. Let's transfer what we can from Eagle's back onto Lady's. I have a couple of apples. Want one? We can eat them as we walk."

"I'm sorry for not taking the time to eat something. Are you terribly hungry?" Raven held Eagle and waited for Dawn to settle the saddlebags and retrieve the apples.

"No, this will be fine." She tossed him an apple, which he caught in one hand. "How do you know this Whitmore fellow? The name sounds familiar."

"William and I met him at Eton when we were boys. Richard's father, Sir Robert Whitmore, was a respectable horse breeder. Richard inherited his father's knack with the animals. Well, you know how I feel about horses." He patted Eagle's neck. "The village fair hosts a horse race each year. One year, Eagle here, outran one of Richard's best. I can tell you, that caused quite a stir."

To Raven's disappointment Dawn shrugged. "I see." She did not look impressed, and simply took a bite of her apple. "Is this the Baronet who married Lord Blake's daughter?"

“The very one.”

They walked the rest of the distance in companionable silence, lost in their thoughts. Raven tried not to hear her soft sighs or to remember the night they had spent in each other's arms. They had made such sweet love. He reminded himself they could not have a life together. He could not return to Chota, and she would never be happy in England. There seemed to be no way for them to be together. He bit into the apple and tried not to think of her at all, but how could he not? The very birds singing in the forest reminded him of her and his arms ached to hold her again.

The medicine of her love was strong, but was it strong enough to free him—or did it pull the snare even tighter? For too long he had lived with his anger. He had drawn his strength from that part of himself, that well of rage and resentment. It was so much a part of him now that he didn't know if he could exist without it.

***

Jeremy Thorton slowed his mount. He'd pushed the old nag too hard and feared she wouldn't last to the next village. Captain Brown had been so anxious after hearing Charlie's fate, he purchased the first animal he came to. Jeremy had found Charlie himself. The ship hand's throat had been slit from ear to ear and then his body left to rot in a dark alley. It looked like robbery, plain and simple, to Jeremy. The captain thought otherwise, especially since they had not found Johnson.

Captain Brown knew from his last received report that Becker and Little Jack would be following Mr. Raven and Miss Dawn to York. Jeremy figured they were maybe a day and a half ahead of him, but he'd close no gaps on this animal.

"Mr. Thorton!"

Jeremy reigned in his mount and stared at a large outcrop of brush to one side of the road. Becker and Little Jack peeked from between the leaves.

"Becker, Jack. What are you two doin'? Good Lord, man, come out of the bushes and show yourselves."

The two smudged faces turned toward each other and then back to him. Finally Becker spoke, "Well, Mr. Thorton, if we step out, we'll be showin' a bit more of ourselves that we'd be a likin' ta do."

Jeremy nudged his horse closer. "Explain yourself, Mr. Becker, and it had better include why you're not on Miss Dawn's trail."

"Oh, we was on her trail," Little jack quickly inserted. "Mr. Cloud saw me once, but he thought I was just a traveler."

"So where are they now?"

"We don't rightly know for sure, but there be a village not far down that road," he pointed to a fork in the main road. "I reckon that's where they went, Mr. Cloud bein' injured and all."

"Injured!" Jeremy sputtered. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "And Miss. Dawn? Don't tell me you two let something happen to Miss Dawn."

"He's not hurt bad, and Miss Dawn be just fine." Becker rushed to reassure him.

Jeremy's patience had come to an end. Dismounting, he continued, "Come out of that bush, Becker, and must get back to the Golden Lady. You must get a report back to the Captain." As he stepped closer he saw Becker's black hair was clumped on one side of his head. He rushed forward. "What happened here? Is that blood?"

"Oh, I'll be fine, nothing a little soap and water won’t make good as new. I'll be off to report to the captain. If you hurry, you and Jack can make it to Dunmere before Mr. Raven and Miss Dawn leave."

Jeremy tied his horse to a branch. "No one is leaving until you two explain what's goin' on 'ere." He reached into the bush and jerked back the foliage. Both Becker and Little Jack stood naked and barefoot, their hands bound behind them.

Chapter Eighteen

Raven and Dawn reached the outskirts of the village in less than two hours. They led their mounts from the woods through the town's wide rows of attached cottages clustered neatly behind low stonewalls that lined each side of the road. Each common yard hosted its own water-house and outhouse, while supplying enough space for each cottage to maintain its own gardens.

As they walked past, they were greeted with an occasional smile and nod of welcome. Dawn returned each smile and wondered why London would be so crowded when a place such as this existed. The aroma of fresh baked bread floated on the gentle breeze, and her stomach rumbled.

"I know you're hungry," Raven said. "I'll take the horses, you go straight to the inn for a room and food."

"I'll go with you. I'm not so hungry that I can't help you first," she answered without stopping. "Do you really think we need a room? I hate to delay too long. You could leave Eagle in the care of this Richard Whitmore you mentioned. Surely a friend will loan you a horse, so we can travel on. We could return his horse and collect Eagle on our way back to London."

"We'll see. Look..." He nodded his head. "The center of the village."

The sight that greeted her took her breath away. The lane opened to a large circular green. The sound of water flowing over rock caught her immediate attention. "Oh, Raven, look." She pointed to a brook of clean, clear water that meandered through the village. "Isn't it beautiful?" she murmured, absorbing the peace of the sleepy village.

She let her gaze travel up the rough trunk and along the gnarled branches of a tremendous oak. It stood old and protective as it spread its leafy arms out to shade the plush green below. Her thoughts, as they were apt to do, went flying home to the memory of just such a tree in her own village.

Dawn forced down the pang of homesickness and drew her focus back to the village. Around the green, cottages of various sizes nestled cozily beneath the woods. Across the commons in a place of prominence sat the much larger manor house.

"Here's the inn." He indicated a large two-story building to their right. "There will be a smithy in the back. Are you sure you wouldn't like to go in and book us a room and order some food?"

"No. I'll go with you," she insisted and hurried back to his side.

Together they walked through the wide doors into the breezeway that led to a paddock in the back. Just inside stood an older man leaning against a stall. When he saw them enter, he pushed away from the stall and walked casually toward them.

Dawn studied the man as he approached. He didn't look as if he belonged in a stable. He was much too old and plump to be a smith. His modest clothes were clean and of the cut of a farmer. She noticed the twinkle in his eyes and recognized a kind humor.

As he neared, the friendly joviality of his personality bubbled past his ability to contain it. "Hello, Raven." He gripped a pipe between his teeth and extended both hands. '"Aven't seen you 'round in a good while." He pumped Raven's hand as if it were a pump handle, and winked at Dawn. "My name is Derman Wallace," he told her. "But everyone calls me Grandpa." He glanced at Raven. "You just arrived in town?"

"My horse needs to be shod," Raven answered. "I'm surprised you remember me. It's been at least two years since my visit to your village."

Grandpa took his pipe from his mouth and pointed the mouthpiece at Raven. '"At was a memorable visit, I'd say. Quite a race, that one. Not many 'orses can outrun one of Sir. Richard's animals. Old Simon lost a few coin on that bet." His eyes clouded. "Simon passed last winter. The new Magistrate just ain't the man Simon was," he said gruffly and cleared his throat.

"Richard does have an impressive stable." Raven diverted the conversation back. "I only wish I had time to stop in for a proper visit."

"It's just as well you don't. Sir Richard left yesterday on holiday." Grandpa sniffed loudly, then seemed to shrug off the sad thoughts and reverted back to his happy self. "Off to visit 'is wife's family, I believe." He peered around Raven to Eagle, his face beaming. "This be the very animal you rode in the race?"

"The very one. You have a sharp eye for horseflesh yourself."

Grandpa winked at Dawn again and she smiled. "Aye, that I do," he answered.

"No doubt," Raven drawled. "Eagle picked up a pretty nasty stone a short way back. Is the smith about?"

Dawn noticed Raven leaned heavily on Eagle, one arm thrown over his mount's back.

'"E's 'round 'ere somewhere. When ye going to tell me who this lovely little girl is an' why ye got 'er dressed like a boy?"

Grandpa poked his pipe between his lips and puffed vigorously before blowing the smoke to one side. At Raven's downward drawn brows and Dawn's giggle, he chuckled himself. "Ye thought to keep 'er safe on yer travels if ye disguised the fact she was a female, did ye? Well, don't be so concerned, this old man's eyes aren't easily fooled."

"Nice to meet you, Mister Wallace. The clothes are my idea. I'm from the colonies and prefer to travel this way." Dawn smiled as she extended her hand.

The old man looked at her hand and then back to her face. "I don't shake 'ands with anyone that don't call me Grandpa."

"Well, Grandpa, my name is Dawn and I'm very pleased to meet you."

"The feeling’s likewise, Dawn." He shook her hand firmly.

"Grandpa, did you find yourself another wayward traveler to assist?"

Raven and Dawn turned. "Nicholas." Raven quickly acknowledged the young man and shook his hand.

Dawn was struck by a feeling of familiarity as she studied the new arrival. Much shorter and of a more delicate frame than Raven, his stance was obviously calculated to command respect. His clothes were expense, yet modestly colored for the most part. His Hussein boots were polished to a mirror finish. The cut and fit of his fawn gray pants, with the matching waistcoat over his perfectly starched linens, contrasted with the intricately decorated burgundy overcoat that he patted and picked at. Dawn thought the hideous color clashed most unfavorably with his auburn hair and ruddy complexion. As she watched him pose and primp, she grinned to herself. He reminded her of a young rooster.

"Were you here on a visit?" Raven asked. "I just heard that Richard left on a holiday."

"Yes, I'm on my way home now. And no, Richard and Rebecca have postponed the trip home. Rebecca has a terrible headache. Can't say that I blame her. If a headache would get me out of a visit with father, I'd have one too. I see you have all met." He looked at Dawn. "Don't know you, though." He bent slightly and peered closely. "Why, in heaven's name, is this beautiful girl dressed as a boy, Raven?" He straightened and looked hard at Raven. "Oh my, I think I may have to fight for the poor girl's honor."

Unsure if she should be flattered or insulted, Dawn settled on the former and smiled as she extended her hand. "Hello, I'm Dawn. Raven's future wife."

"And I'm Nicholas Blake."

"Sir Edward's son? I met your father and mother in London. I believe you resemble your father."

"So I'm often told. Trust me, fair lady, the resemblance stops at physical appearance." Nicholas winked, then addressed Raven without releasing Dawn's hand, "Well, congratulations are in order."

Raven took hold of each of their wrists and pulled their hands apart. "No, they're not. It's a long story." He wagged a finger in Dawn's face. "I'll talk to you about this later," he scolded.

Dawn flashed Raven an impish grin as she peeked at him through her lashes. "Oh, poo, Raven."

Nicholas nodded in recognition. "Poo? I see you've met our William. Are you sure you wouldn't rather marry William, or better yet, me? Raven was foolish to think he could dress you in buckskins and a tricorn to disguise your loveliness. I, for one, have no problem seeing how beautiful you are."

Raven pushed against Eagle as he leaned into Nicholas's face. "Now just a minute, Nick. Dawn is a lady."

"Raven." Dawn, knowing that Raven didn't perceive Nicholas's jest, put a hand to his arm. "I think I will go to the inn." Relieved when he stepped back, she continued, "I wonder if there are any herbalists in this area. I didn't bring along anything helpful for Eagle's hoof."

"Then I can be of 'elp." Grandpa beamed with barely controlled mirth. "My wife is who ye need to see. Everyone calls 'er Granny, and she be the best herbalist 'round, little lady. She would be thrilled to meet you."

"This is wonderful." Dawn looked hopefully at Raven, then turned back to Grandpa. "Does your wife mix a potion for the heart?"

"Any herbalist worth 'er salt knows many potions for disorders of the heart." Grandpa squinted his eyes as he studied Dawn's face. "Ye can't convince me Raven or yerself need the likes of them."

Dawn was quick to reassure him. " Oh, it's not for one of us. It's for a friend. Please tell me where to find your wife."

Raven interrupted, "I don't want you walking around town unescorted."

"No need to worry, I'll be glad to escort 'er to me home." Grandpa looked Dawn up and down. "Forgive me if I don't offer ye me arm, Dawn. Such a sight might bring more attention than ye want." Grandpa poked his pipe back into his mouth and indicated the doorway with a casual wave of his arm.

"When ye be finished 'ere, come straight over. We'll just follow the main road right through town. Remember, it's the last 'ouse ye come to just before the forest begins. If n ye forget your way, anybody in town can tell ye where it be."

He nodded respectively to Nicholas. "Your Lordship." As he caught up with Dawn, he grinned wickedly. "I think yer just the woman for Mr. Cloud. I 'ave never seen such a confused young man."

Dawn turned and waved as she walked away with Grandpa.

Nicholas placed a restraining hand on Raven's arm. "You know Grandpa and Granny Wallace are the nicest folks in town. She'll be fine there."

"There's the smith." Nicholas nodded toward the back of the stable. "I have no idea who the man is with the horse. He must be tending him for Richard. No one else in the area has a mount like that one."

The smith was talking to a scruffy looking man holding the lead of a stunning thoroughbred.

Nicholas looked back to the street. "Well, it looks like the coach is prepared to depart."

Raven peered suspiciously at Nicholas. "It seems a bit odd, you riding on public transport."

At that moment a lovely young lady stepped into view and Nicholas grinned. "Her name is Stella. She finds herself suddenly without family ties and has decided to travel into London to look for work."

"I see. And you just happen to meet her at one of the stops, and being the kind and generous fellow that you are, you offered to accompany her."

"Actually, Stella is from right here in Dunmere. She's been in the employ of Richard and Rebecca. Her mother died a few years back. She's been supporting her drunken father ever since. About three months ago, he just up and left. Being an independent and resourceful girl, she decided she would like to try her luck in London. She saved her wages and has a dream of opening a shop."

"Of course. You happened to be on your way there and offered to act as escort?"

Nicholas put on his most dignified face. "If you must know, my family, as you well know, have many acquaintances, any of whom may need a seamstress. Rebecca, of course, felt bad that she and Richard wouldn't be escorting her, but she felt much better knowing I'll be looking after Stella's well being."

"You?" Raven snorted in disbelief then pressed a hand to his aching side. "Rebecca always was a romantic. I hope you can remember to be a gentleman."

Nicholas leaned close to him. "That's just what I intend to be with this one." He turned to watch the lady in question. "She's something special. And I don't suppose I have to tell you, when you find that special one, you don't let her get away."

Raven leaned against Eagle as he fought a wave of dizziness. "Just how long was your visit?"

Nicholas slapped his shoulder. "It doesn't take long, old friend, to recognize the love of your life."

The pain from that little scuff on the shoulder almost felled Raven. He knew now he'd underestimated the seriousness of his wound. Determined not to alert Nicolas to his condition, he forced himself to stand away from Eagle, but kept a steadying hand firmly to the mount's back.

"And your family?" Raven questioned. It was no secret that the Baronet and his wife were expecting their son to marry as high as their combined wealth could push him. They were not ones to hobnob with the lower classes. They barely tolerated Raven, and only because of his association with William.

When Nicholas looked at the young woman under discussion, Raven saw an unexpected transformation in his friend. "They'll accept my choice and will grow to love her just as I do." Steel resolve clipped his answer.

"And if they don't?"

Nicholas shrugged. "Then to hell with them. I'll grow old with the woman of my choosing."

By the look in his eye and the sound of his voice, Raven had no doubt that Nicholas believed he had truly found the love of his life. He had always admired Nicholas's single-minded determination and sense of rightness. He extended his hand. "Good traveling to you, friend."

Nicholas clasped Raven's hand and pumped firmly. His auburn brows drew together as he glanced at Raven's hand. He peered hard into Raven's eyes. "Raven, your hand is absolutely hot and you look a bit peaked. Are you well?"