Naked in the Winter Wind by Dani Haviland

Author:Dani Haviland [Haviland, Dani]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Chill Out! Books
Published: 2014-05-12T22:00:00+00:00

**32 But I Want to Go

February 23, 1781

“But I want to go, too! I can help you, you know I can.”

I didn’t like begging, but that’s what I was doing. Sarah was going with the men to an area called Haw River. There were rumors that the Loyalists were gathering near there, and someone named Badminton Tarleton—or some goofy name like it—was coming to lead them into battle against the patriot militia. There had already been small skirmishes, but something big was in the wind. Our scouts had seen an ‘officer-looking’ man in a green coat leading a large group of foot soldiers. Scores of Loyalists, both young and old, followed behind him like little lambs. There were too many wound up tea-suckers—and with a leader—too close to home for me.

Sarah and I had been bickering about where I belonged all morning. “I know it’s not safe for me, but it’s not safe for anyone else either. I also know it’s not a good idea for me to be here alone. If Julian or Wallace has to stay here to watch out for me, then Jody will be one good man short if there is fighting. So, how about if I go with you, do as I’m told, and keep out of harm’s way?”

Sarah gave up the argument with a sigh. “I’ll speak with Jody and see if I can persuade him to let you come with us. If there is fighting, there’ll be injuries, and I could use your help. You aren’t afraid of blood, are you?”

“Only my own, and I always do my best to grab the right end of a knife.”

As if on cue, Jody appeared. “Would ye two come out here fer a moment,” he said, and then turned around, not waiting for an answer, certain that we’d follow.

Sarah and I looked at each other, wide-eyed and stunned at the male haughtiness that had just made an appearance. “Hmph,” I grunted.

“Hmph,” Sarah echoed as we joined elbows in perfect accord, ready to meet with the man—on his turf and at his terms.

Jody was standing next to the horses, scowling like a man who had come to a decision he hadn’t wanted to make. Julian and Wallace were a few yards away, fussing with their saddles, obviously trying to look busy. I knew they were trying to be unobtrusive, but they also wanted to be near enough to find out what was going on.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that Evie should come with us. I’ve arranged fer Todd Gillespie to come and take care of the animals. I canna risk leavin’ her by herself, and I’ll need Julian and Wallace by my side if fightin’ should break out. She’ll be safe with us…” He took a deep breath and stared into my eyes, either scolding me or challenging me—I’m not sure which—“as long as she does what she’s told.”

I unlocked his gaze then looked to Sarah. I shook my head back and forth, as if I were

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