I'll Come to You: a novel by Jennifer L. Strand

Author:Jennifer L. Strand [Strand, Jennifer L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jennifer/Strand (Jul 2, 2024)
Published: 2024-07-02T00:00:00+00:00

25

CAUGHT IN A STORM

1864 AUGUST 25, THURSDAY

The ground was muddy, and water still dripped from the maple leaves and spruce trees as Brett, Clara, Sergeant Downs, and I led our mounts toward the Green Mountains. As soon as the morning dawned bright and clear after last night’s rain, Brett was at our doorstep.

Brett never ceased talking, pointing out the different plants and wildlife, naming trails and rock formations. It was called Smuggler’s Notch, he told me, because the British smuggled goods from Canada during the War of 1812. Naturally, he teased, it was still used for illicit behavior because of all the caves and siltstone outcroppings. I recalled Seth telling me it was the same place the men who killed Robby were found hiding.

He retold childhood stories, and I was content in listening while navigating the rocky trails. Every once in a while, Clara’s high-pitched giggle in response to Sergeant Downs would disrupt, and Brett would roll his eyes, causing me to hide my own laugh.

A pond, smooth and shining in the sun, had been placed by God at the top of the summit. Brett suggested an ancient glacier carved the basin where snow had melted, leaving the pristine small body of water. Fir and deciduous trees stretched out toward the water, shading a shore of shale and boulders. Hills and mountain peaks nestled our riding party.

Brett and I walked along the shoreline while I admired the view. Clara and Downs stayed back to set up the picnic on a flat rock.

“I’ve never seen anything like it in my whole entire life.”

“I’m glad the weather cooperated so I could bring you here,” he said.

We walked in silence, until Brett stopped to stare across the water.

“It’s hard to believe people are dying when we’re up here far away from it all, isn’t it?” Brett asked.

I desperately wanted to smooth his brow, to touch his scar that marred his cheek—the wounds war gave him. Before I could stop myself, my gloved hand had reached his cheek, the roughness of stubble prickling through the fabric.

“What’s wrong, Ella?” he asked, and I wondered if my own worries left scars on my face.

“It’s nothing.”

“Are you certain?”

I nodded and took my hand away from his face, but he grasped it in his.

“Now, angels don’t lie,” he said, inching closer and placing my hand against his chest.

I laughed at the use of the sweet nickname he gave me. “You have a decent heart, Corporal.”

“Only decent?” he asked, his eyes crinkling with playfulness.

“Oh, you want me to praise you further, do you?” The momentary seriousness dissipated. “Well, sir, I think you are very egotistical, and you should humble yourself before I retract the compliment altogether.”

“You wouldn’t do that and wound a poor soldier’s self-esteem?” he teased.

“Wouldn’t I?” I quipped, turning to walk back to where Clara and Downs were setting up the picnic.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.