“Is your family in danger?”
“Nay more than anyone else. My brother Iain just sent word that he is a father to another, a brother for young Ned. He mentioned a few visitors who were sent on their way. The town is gone like so many others round here, and he doubts many of the ones who fled will come back so getting supplies is a chore and often dangerous.”
“As it is everywhere.”
“Aye, save maybe where ye come from. I doubt Maine gets many Rebs and Night Riders. As the major hinted, appears the war is headed south.”
James shook his head. “This is all going to leave a scar that’ll be a long time in healing.”
“I suspicion a lot of countries have one, but ye are right. At this moment, I just want to wash the stink of horse off, eat something, and then go to see if Abbie wants to go walking.”
“So, you and little Abbie . . .”
Hearing the amusement in the man’s voice, Matthew nudged his horse until he was a few feet ahead of James. The man hooted with laughter and Matthew fought the urge to hit him. Instead he focused on what he needed to do to get to Abbie before it got too late to go out for a walk.
* * *
Abbie sighed when Julia came in and sat down beside her. The woman did not even try to hide her pregnancy now and a few of the women openly snubbed her despite the ring on her finger. For a while Julia had avoided all of them but now she came around to share a meal and talk to Abbie.
“Robert said the officers are expecting trouble soon,” Julia said quietly.
“Well, I expect we will be told what to do to remain as safe as possible.”
“I hope so. The lieutenant has not said anything to you?”
“He asked if I keep my rifle close but nothing else. I asked Mrs. Beaton where she had put it and, despite her many complaints, it is now tucked in a corner in whatever room I am in.”
Julia looked at the rifle set against the wall in a corner near the window. “You can shoot that?”
“I can, and Matthew must think me competent or he would not ask me to keep it close in case we face any of this trouble no one is warning us about.”
Julia shook her head. “Men don’t like worrying women about things. Silly because, if we are warned about things, we would keep a better watch, don’t you think?”
“I do but, obviously, the officers have decided otherwise.”
“I often wonder how a man gets to be an officer.”
“I have no idea.”
“Do you ever have, well, feelings about something about to happen? Something bad or good?”
“Not really. Nothing strange. Why?”
“I am not sure, but I have a very bad feeling about what is going to happen.”
“Not sure what you can do about such feelings. Do you run? If so, how do you know which way to go? Or do you run out of the house to escape an unknown fear only to get run over by a wagon? You are probably just worried about Robert.”
Julia smiled a little. “Well, yes, I am. I am expecting his child. I have the ring and the paper but I would much rather have the man, too.”
“Of course you would.” Abigail patted Julia on the arm. “You married a soldier, dear. I suspect worry is a hazard of that.”
“Not so sure I like that,” Julia muttered.
“You left yourself little choice and I think that alone says you chose right.”
“Maybe.” Julia yawned and hastily covered her mouth. “I have to go and lie down. I am always so tired lately.”
“That is because you are carrying a child. Lots of rest is important.”
