So Pure a Heart (Daughters of His Kingdom 4)

he blinked she might lose sight of what she’d already lost, and then the pain she’d suffered would be too much to bear. Having loved him once before, ’twould be all too easy to fall prey to him again.

Such reckless behavior should never be condoned. She must be strong, no matter what he did or did not do. The power to remain safe was hers alone. Like freshly scrolled words on a crisp parchment, Hannah hovered the memory over the flame of those pain-filled years. With a groan she collapsed back against the thin pillow and stared at the ceiling, unwilling just yet to touch that waiting flame to the precious moment. His eyes had turned such a deep blue as he’d looked at her, his strong hands giving their warmth. His breath was so soft. Did that mean he still cared for her? A man would not be so with a woman if he did not…would he?

She slapped her hands to her face. Foolish woman! He cares for you as you care for him. Not at all.

Hannah jerked upright, burning once and for all the memory of his touch upon her hand. Tomorrow would begin a new day, and tomorrow she would arm her heart with musket, sword, and dagger. For without defense, she would lose her whole soul to him as she had once before. And that she could never endure. Not a second time.

Chapter Nine

The next day was long and colder than the last had been. How that was possible, Hannah couldn’t begin to fathom. Though the snow no longer fell as it had yesterday, the temperatures reached through to her bones. Thank the Lord the foundry was just around the bend. The trees were as familiar to her as if they were her very kin, welcoming her home. The five soldiers who went ahead of them were almost out of sight, certainly out of range of the sound of their voices.

She glanced to where Joseph sat beside her on the wagon, the protection she placed around her heart so far doing the job she’d intended. Neither had spoken of the touch, and neither even acted like the event had ever occurred. If she allowed it, she wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or otherwise, so she settled on the former, promising herself he thought not of it, as she was working to do.

Clearing her throat, she stared forward. “We are nearly there.”

“Aye.” After a quick glance her direction, he stretched his shoulders back. “Be watchful. Be cautious. We know not what awaits us.”

The reserved thunder in his whispered words made her pull her cloak tighter. She nodded. “I am ready.”

“Our escort is not so innocent.” He flung her a quick glance before studying the road.

She nodded. “There is something he does not tell.”

A single brow slanted, as if he was surprised she had noticed it as well.

“We will gain our objective—we must.” She inhaled a long, slow breath. “And I am not afraid, Joseph.”

“I know you are not.” Head twisting only slightly, his voice reached low to jostle her. “That is what worries me.”

His words stung. How could her confidence bode ill? Yoking her shoulders between steadfastness and strength, Hannah pulled the weight of her conviction headlong into the future. For you, dear Ensign. For the cause.

“We’re here.” Joseph said the very words her heart whispered.

Chin raised, she rested her previous frustrations in the comfort of the view that consumed her as they rounded the remaining corner. Eaton Hill. At long last the house came into view—its shining windows and red door seeming to bid them welcome, while the foundry and small hill not far beyond sang a homecoming ovation.

There in the yard between the foundry and the house, the soldiers were dismounting and leading their mounts to the barn.

Play the part, Hannah. Live it. Breathe it.

“’Tis good to finally see home again.” Hannah caught Greene’s stare. “You are very kind to see us here. May I offer you something warm before you take your journey back?”

“Forgive me, my lady.” Greene dismounted and nodded to another soldier to take his horse. “I may have neglected to inform you that your uncle’s foundry has been commandeered.” No more sweet civility in his words, but a strict man of business. “We quarter here now.”

Hannah looked to Joseph, who spoke a hundred warnings in a single look. Her insides twisted like a sopping piece of wash, and she turned to Greene, who, from his firm features likely assumed she would protest his announcement. Pleasurably, she disappointed him. “You are? This is news indeed.”

He pretended politeness, his eyes more squinting than smiling. “I shall inform the captain you have arrived.” With a curt nod he made for the house.

Only once he was gone did Joseph finally speak. “Are you certain he does not recognize you?” He hurried around the wagon to help her down.

She swallowed, hoping he didn’t hear the hesitation in her tone. “Aye. I am certain.”

Jaw ticking, Joseph moved to the back of the wagon and pulled the first trunk forward, whispering so the piling snow could not stand witness. “Stay with me. If things take a dangerous turn I—”

“So you are the family Mr. Young spoke of.”

Both Hannah and Joseph spun toward the voice.

The man stepped forward. Bold smile and stocky build, the older soldier stepped within only feet of them, his congenial nature so thick it reeked of fabrication. He prepared to speak again, when suddenly his gaze landed on her, and his stance eased, his eyes widening. “Major Ezra Stockton at your service, my lady.”