The Patriot and the Loyalist by Angela K. Couch

Author:Angela K. Couch
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian Fiction
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2017-03-16T16:00:00+00:00

19

Though now December, Lydia climbed from the carriage into brilliant sunshine. As much as she longed to linger in the light, the day was spent, leaving her only a few minutes to go upstairs and make herself presentable for supper. She tightened her grip on the package containing her new hat, purchased for the sake of putting to rest Charles’s suspicions, and quickened her steps.

Five days and no word from Daniel. Lydia did not look forward to confronting Major Layton, but she could no longer avoid him. She had to convince the major to grant her more time, though she had little to offer him.

Lydia entered the house, stopping short at the sight of Charles. He leaned against the wall, hands braced and ear cocked toward his office. She closed the front door and he jerked around, his Adam’s apple dropping low, eyes widening.

“Char—?”

His hand hushed her as he lunged forward and caught her arm. Without a word, he dragged her to the dining room.

“What is going on, Charles?”

He released her to straighten his coat and cravat. “I did not want you to disturb Major Layton. He is meeting with his officers.”

Lydia took a step back to eye him. “And you are standing sentinel to keep everyone hushed?”

The short laugh sounded out of place on his lips. “I admit to some curiosity. This is our home, our community, and I like to know what to expect.”

“And?” Though probably as simple as that, sneaking around in the woods in an attempt to glean information from a rebel made her search the shadows for conspiracy. “What should we expect?”

“Nothing. From what I hear, the focus of the war is moving to North Carolina. All is well in Georgetown. For now.”

“For now?” The ominous tone of his last words seeped into her. “Why do you say that?”

“This war is far from over.” His lips tightened. “And the Swamp Fox is not going anywhere.”

“For now.” Her conversations with Daniel spilled guilt through her. If only she could put this war, this colony, and that man behind her. “Do you know if Major Layton will be much longer?”

“I do not imagine so. But he has requested supper to be served a half hour late to accommodate him and his officers.”

“Who will also be joining us?”

Charles nodded, and then glanced to the tote she held. “Is that…?”

“The hat I wanted.” Lydia had more time than expected to prepare for the meal, but she had no desire to spend another minute of it with Charles. “I should hurry and dress.” She hastened past him. She shut herself in her bedchamber and leaned into the door before noticing the bolt lock residing above the handle. It had not been there this morning.

Molly arrived a few minutes later with a fresh pitcher full of water and to help her with the ties of her gown. Lydia pushed aside thoughts of Charles’s eavesdropping. She needed to decide how to approach Major Layton. If he didn’t give her more time, and

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