Selah gestured to Helion Laurent’s tethered horse. “Such an endeavor is fraught with risk.”
“Risk?” Xander looked down at her, amusement in his tone. “Going over to the Naturals or wrangling with the governor and his councilors?”
She nearly rolled her eyes in exasperation at his teasing. “Both.”
Yet this bewhiskered English warrior would go unflinchingly into hostile territory, come what may.
She tried a tone of supplication. “You cannot dismiss what happened to those hapless settlers who agreed to Chief Opechancanough’s last summons.”
“Tomahawked to the last man, despite being armed to theteeth,” he returned matter-of-factly. “That I cannot deny. Pray for me, aye?”
The earnest plea tumbled forth, and Selah’s hand shot out to touch his sleeve. “Iwillpray for you.”That God has mercy on your stubborn, mercenary soul.
His gaze fastened on her hand, and she released him, the burn of embarrassment following.
But Ustis was not finished. “What brings you to their camp?”
“I know not.”
The terse reply did not allay Selah’s alarm.
“Might I beg you to reconsider?” Ustis asked him. “Take adequate weapons? A guard?”
“And give the appearance of an invading army?” Xander shook his head. “Meihtawk brought the summons from the Powhatans’ principal stronghold of Menmend. I trust him with my life.”
“Aye, he has not failed us in friendship yet. But I would not turn my back on the wily chief, no matter what treaty was recently struck. As for our own government, beware of Harvey and Laurent and their minions lest they get word of what you are about and accuse you of spy.”
With that, her father returned to the store while Selah tarried outside. All around them James Towne was slowly awakening, the saltwater air heavy with the scent of hot cross buns from the bake shop across the shell-strewn street. Gulls careened overhead, screeching and scavenging, further raking her nerves.
“Let us return to more amusing matters.” Xander tied a bulging saddlebag shut. “Has Cecily Ward made her choice?”
Selah looked hard at him, surprised at so personal a mention.Was he partial to Cecily at first meeting? “Nay, not yet. No bride should be pressured, the council has said.”
Xander swung himself into the saddle. “Tell that to a great many overeager men.”
“Truly, several matches have been made already.” She smiled, or tried to, still uneasy at his going. “How long will you be away from Rose-n-Vale?”
“Not overlong. Plantation work doesn’t allow for extended leave.” He winked as he looked down at her. “Don’t look so downcast, Mistress Hopewell.”
He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow.
The timely proverb did nothing to weaken Xander Renick’s spell.
She looked to her feet rather than dwell on him. “I cannot make peace with your dangerous mission.”
“What does it matter to you?”
“It matters to all of Virginia, Master Renick.”Especially your young son.“You are ... irreplaceable.”
“And you, fair lady, are generous with your praise.” He reined west. “Your prayers go with me and are a far more formidable weapon than any rusted matchlock or rapier.”
Their eyes met a final time. Throat knotted, she watched him go up the street between rowhouses till he was out of sight. Another gull swept down, pecking at some garbage. Its frantic scavenging sent her back into the store, smack into Laurent. She looked about in vain. Shay and her father were occupied elsewhere.
“I’m in need of your assistance in deciding a feminine matter.”
Oh, how he provoked her simply by the overtaxed patience in his oiled tone.
Taking her by the elbow, he led her toward a shelf of fripperies, his cologne overpowering. “What is your personal recommendation for a woman of exceptional taste?”
