The Rebel's Return by Susan Foy

Author:Susan Foy [Foy, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Books & Bibles, Literature & Fiction, Historical, Religious & Inspirational Fiction, Religion & Spirituality, Christian Fiction
Amazon: B017PVH0OA
Published: 2015-12-14T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

Nicholas slid into the dim alley beside the tavern, lifted the lid of the crate, and groped in its darkened interior. For a moment he felt nothing, then realized the paper was standing up on its side, not lying flat. He snatched it up and stuffed it into his pocket, then strolled out of the alley and down the street. After rounding the block once, he opened the tavern door and entered.

It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the light within. He heard a servant call, “Good evening, Mr. Teasdale,” and turned in the direction of the voice.

“Evening, Jenny. You’re rather busy here tonight, aren’t you?’

“Aye, we’ve been jumping all evening. Are you looking for some supper, sir?”

“I’ve already eaten,” Nicholas told her. “I just want a drink.”

The pretty, buxom girl laughed. “Just looking for some company, hey?”

Nicholas smiled. “You could say that.” He glanced around the room until his gaze picked out three figures at a table against the wall. “As a matter of fact, I think I’ve found my company.”

He strolled over to the table. Edmund Ingram looked up and surprise registered on his face.

“Ingram! And Mr. Quincy, if I remember rightly.” Nicholas bowed to the three men in turn. “What a coincidence! I never imagined to meet you fellows here!”

Observing Edmund narrowly, he saw the man’s expression of surprise become thoughtful, calculating, before he smiled. Edmund rose to his feet, bowed, and gestured to the chair across from him.

“It certainly is a pleasant surprise. Come join us, if you will.”

“Thank you. I hope I don’t intrude.” Nicholas dropped into the proffered chair and studied the stocky, muscular man seated next to Edmund, wearing the waistcoat and fine shirt of a gentleman. In spite of his elegant clothes, he was rather red-faced and sweating, either because of the heat of the tavern or quantity of liquor he had already imbibed. “I’m afraid I’m not acquainted with your friend.”

“Excuse my manners. This is Mr. Harry Hastings, a merchant here in town. Harry, this is Nicholas Teasdale, an officer in the fine army of George Washington.”

Nicholas saw Harry barely cover a smirk as the two men nodded to each other. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Join us for a drink.” Edmund poured a tankard full of the heady dark liquid in the pitcher and pushed it toward Nicholas. “My compliments.”

So that’s the idea. Get me liquored up and hope I babble like an idiot. Although from the nearly empty pitcher Nicholas guessed one of others might start babbling first. He turned to the servant who was passing by the table. “Jenny, could you bring me some coffee, please? Or better yet, do you have any chocolate?”

“So tell me, Teasdale.” Edmund took a long swig from the glass in front of him. “How do you come to be staying with the Fullers? Old friend of the family, Alice tells me.”

“That’s true.” Nicholas nodded around the circle of men. “We were neighbors as children, and I often visit when I’m in town.

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