So Pure a Heart (Daughters of His Kingdom 4)

He breathed out and rolled his shoulders back. No use in trying to untie a knot that had been tangling itself for so long. He’d struggled for years to come to an understanding. He’d made no progress then, and he wouldn’t now.

Ignoring all his former thoughts, he tried to communicate as if his insides weren’t afire. “When we arrive, we must ever be cautious, ever alert. Do not allow yourself to be alone with them.” He would focus on their mission. That and nothing else. Though no matter how he tried, his instinct to protect her surpassed everything. “Do you understand?”

She offered a cursory glance, then looked away and nodded.

“I cannot have you doing anything foolish, Hannah.”

“Foolish?” She scowled. “You act as if I know nothing of what is ahead of us. I am not a young girl, Joseph.”

“No, you are not.” He stopped the horses again and turned to face her. “You are a beautiful woman. You will attract the attention of every soldier—your every action will be watched. Closely.”

Her mouth dropped open slightly, and she pulled back, as if the thought slapped her. “That is ridiculous. They shall be far more intent upon their own duties than upon me.”

Leaning forward, he held her as motionless with his glare as he nearly did with his hands. His voice rumbled through hi

s chest. “If you believe that, then you do not understand the ways of men.”

She squirmed and averted her eyes. Good. Perhaps his need to frighten her was working. “Our utmost caution in all things is paramount. Especially your safety.”

She straightened, her mouth a thin line. “We spoke of all of this before we left. Captain Donaldson and Nathaniel made everything clear, and I do take it seriously, no matter what you may think.” She crossed her arms, the steely creases in her brow not as imposing as she might have thought. “I do not see why you should still be so concerned even after we’ve planned this so well. I begin to think you do not trust me.”

“Trust has nothing to do with it.” Small measured breaths ensured his volume wouldn’t rise. “And what have we planned, exactly? Have we considered that you are known well enough for anyone in town to become suspicious should they see both of us at the foundry?”

“’Twill be over in two weeks, hardly time enough to raise suspicions.” A dainty sigh left her mouth, and her chest dropped. “Visitors are rare, and all the workers have gone. Joseph, I cannot understand—”

“What of your father?”

The words made her freeze, the color in her cheeks slipping from red to pink. Another victory, though it pained him to halt her in such a way.

Her gaze fell, and her mouth twitched. “What of him?”

“When did you see him last?”

“I…” She brushed a snowflake from her cheek, glancing away. “When I refused to return to Sandwich with him six years ago, when I told him my home was with his brother, he vowed he would never see me again.” Raising her eyes to him, she finished the thought, her tone a cold thread. “That vow he has not broken, though he never ceased his continual rain of hatred on Ensign. I doubt even the knowledge of his brother’s death would entice him to mend anything between us.” Flinging a look to him, a flash of pain darkened her eyes before courage turned them evergreen. “Joseph, I would not have accepted this had I any indication my father would make an appearance.”

Joseph’s muscles cramped as he wrestled the reality he knew and that she did not. Her gentle features strained as she stared at the wood at their feet. The vulnerability that lined her eyes and mouth tugged at him like a thickly twined rope. The battle against the desire to reach for her hand, to promise their safety and success, drained all the strength from his limbs.

Sighing, he turned forward, ready to flick the reins. Perhaps he should turn back. Perhaps he should force her to forfeit by revealing all that he knew. Aye, ’twas what he wished—for the safety of her life and the safety of his heart. But reason nudged his thoughts in line. “Keep in mind the mission and the danger. That is all I ask.”

“I am committed in every way.” She smiled, all ease and friendliness as if their very lives were not in the balance. “We shall not be discovered.”

“You cannot be sure.”

“I have never been more sure.” She placed her hands in her lap. “If you are not, then I suggest before you retreat, depositing me back home, and I will do it all myself.”

Blast it, woman! He bent forward, his nose almost touching hers. “It is my responsibility to keep you safe, and I will do that as best I can, but as I cannot chain you to my side, I must ask you to be wise.”

The black centers of her eyes grew wide, and her brow plummeted. “You think I would not be?”

He dipped his chin, his voice low. “Nay…but I know your impetuous nature, your determined mind. And as you are under my care—”

“Under your care?” Cheeks scarlet, she faced him in full. “Must I remind you that we are merely reluctant partners in this venture, two people emboldened by a greater cause? So do not believe for a moment—”

“Hannah.” His volume roared louder than he’d wished. “You cannot begin to think that—”

“I refuse to—”

A sound around the bend hushed them both, and they looked to the road, then to each other before assuming postures that told nothing of their argument.