“I know.” She dropped her gaze. “I’m sorry I said that.”
A noise sounded in the corner by the broom—the mouse again.
He blew out a breath. “I have all that I can handle, leading half a dozen men on a mission to strike the quartermaster’s depot and the cotton warehouse without getting any of us killed. And on top of that, I have to protect you and Fr—the Schramms.”
“Frieda?”
“She is part of this mission, and so is her father. They have orders to vacate their house before the attack. Just like you have your orders to stay put a couple extra days and then come.”
“Is she travelling with you?”
“No. Of course not.” He rolled his eyes. “They are hiding out and then leaving on their own. They’ll be assisted by their people.”
“But how can I leave Lucy? I promised her.”
He arched his eyebrows. “You had no business promising, especially not if you did so on my behalf. I’m only one man. There’s only so many people I can handle looking after.”
“Lucy reminds me of my sister.”
“Your sister?”
“Eyes-Like-Sky. The first few years after our capture, she belonged to a warrior named Old Owl. I’d hate to think of what she suffered at his hands. I couldn’t do anything to help her. I have to do something to help Lucy.” Her mournful voice wrapped its tentacles around him.
Eyes closed, he leaned against the cool, rough stone, the edges biting through his jacket. He ran both his hands over his hair. As much as he believed in and hoped for it, there was no guarantee the war would end slavery in Texas. If he did nothing,Lucy might never gain her freedom. Could he live with that?
His lungs deflated. “I’ll find her the address of a house. Someone who could hide her and help her get north. The Schramms have friends who’ve helped smuggle escaped slaves to safety. But just like with us, there aren’t any guarantees. Christmas is going to stir up a hornet’s nest. I’ll get her the name, without any of the particulars of our plans, but she needs to wait until after Christmas to tell Ned. It’ll be their responsibility to find a way there.”
“Thank you.” Morning Fawn beamed and hugged him tight. “Thank you. I know you have much to do. Too much. If we give them the name, we’re giving them a chance, and not adding any risk for us. More than anything, I want you to be safe.” She bubbled like a gushing brook. Gratitude sparkled in her eyes.
How could a man say no when his lady made him feel as if he’d righted the world?
He touched her cheek. Words spilled forth from his tongue that he never thought he’d say to anyone again. “I love you.”
Wide-eyed, she hushed. Her lips parted.
Heat pulsed through him. He lowered his head and took the kiss he’d waited two days for. Heaven. If only they were already on a long, slow boat ride to Brownsville, with the danger behind them and their courting days ahead. He was quickly becoming a believer in a short courtship.
Morning Fawn crept through the back door of the house. Down the hall in the parlor, the mantel clock chimed twice. She hugged herself and leaned against the closed door.
Devon. Her heart soared. She could have sat on that bench cuddling with him all night long. His lips and his arms. Hissteadfastness and strength. His courage. He wanted a future for them. He hadn’t said marriage yet, but he would. Is this how things had been between Eyes-Like-Sky and Dancing Eagle?
She shuddered. Eyes-Like-Sky had lost the man of her heart. Morning Fawn glanced at the ceiling, imagining the stars beyond. Did the God of the universe listen to prayers, especially ones from someone like her who knew so little about Him? Devon would?—
A creak on the stairs.
Morning Fawn held her breath. Another creak. She straightened. There was no need to flee. Her story would be that she’d been to the outhouse.
Head held high, she tightened her shawl around her and headed for the foyer.
Thea waited on the bottom step. An open silk dressing gown half covered her nightgown. A cluster of curling papers fluttered around her head, no doubt dampened with Senegal gum.
Morning Fawn tensed.
“Where have you been?” Thea arched her eyebrows and flitted her gaze over Morning Fawn from head to toe. A smirk hovered across her lips.
“To the outhouse.” Why the smirk? Did Thea suspect something?
“You got all dressed up just for that? A chamber pot wouldn’t do?”
