The Rood by Donna Hechler Porter

Author:Donna Hechler Porter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Donna Hechler Porter
Published: 2017-10-26T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Four

A SHOT RANG FROM THE crowd on the road at the top of the rise. Laughter broke out in the back ranks. ‘Twas apparently a good-natured shot if ill-timed. There would be more before the day was done.

Thomas, on Dominic, looked down the rise toward camp.

“How much longer is he going to be?” Mac asked.

“How do I know?”

“’Tis a simple enough job. Be seen in camp with guns while we are gone to the wedding.”

“Regardless of the hires,” Thomas said, “ye and I should make an effort to get back here this afternoon.”

Mac nodded. “Sarah will nae doubt be ready to come home.”

Thomas would nae be attending the wedding now if he had his way. The last week without Elizabeth had been torture, and seeing her might well turn his mind. He could nae be held accountable for his actions.

From the back of the line, Indian war whoops erupted. Another rifle fired. Horses spooked and whinnied. Children screamed, and mothers begged them to calm. Loud laughter rippled through the crowd. A bawdy song was heard near the back.

“The Natives are getting restless,” Mac murmured.

“Aye. Some of them have been here since early this morning.” And they were bored and ready to process into town.

And still, William spoke with the hires.

The last week the mischief had turned dangerous. The new dogs were missing again. The wheels had been taken off the carriage and rolled into the creek. Fortunately, they were retrieved and dried before too much damage had been done.

The loosing of three rattlesnakes into camp, however, near did William in. “What was that Thomas, about ye being gone before any danger was brought to the rest of us?”

“I am sorry. I will be gone the day after the wedding.” He pinpointed his brother with a glare. “Unless ye want me to leave now.”

The man had not. He was determined Thomas would be his best man.

William mounted his black steed. He raced up the rise. The crowd cheered. The wreath of flowers around the horse’s neck bobbed up and down.

More shots were fired. The horses pulling the wagon, which carried Colina, Sarah, and Issy, stamped their feet and tossed their manes. William waved his hat and pulled between Thomas and Mac.

Thomas patted Dominic’s neck, careful to avoid crushing his own wreath. Mac’s horse had been decorated as well. Garlands had been hung on the sides of the wagon.

They reached the carriage gate to Baltimore Town to find a crowd had gathered. Cheers lifted upward. Arms waved in the air. They entered the town to more of the same. And then, to Thomas’ left and in the midst of a crowd, Matthew Hardwin stood.

Thomas’ gut tightened. He wanted to yank the boy from his horse. He wanted to ask why Elizabeth disliked him so.

He wanted to know if he was to be a threat once Thomas was gone.

“Thomas!” William called.

Thomas looked up the street. William and Mac were several feet ahead. A horse jostled into Thomas. A crowd of unruly men slowed to a halt at his back.

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