The Locket and the Flintlock by Rebecca S. Buck

Author:Rebecca S. Buck [Buck, Rebecca S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Lesbian
ISBN: 9781602826649
Google: rnWyXwAACAAJ
Amazon: B008RQTM12
Publisher: Bella Distribution
Published: 2012-05-15T02:46:32+00:00

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Julian arrived in the clearing with Daniel—the older frame-breaker—about an hour after Len and her party. Bill Wilcock was instantly more respectful of Julian than he had been of Len and began to act as though the true leader of the band had finally arrived. Lucia could see how Len was irritated by this but respected the restraint she showed in not protesting and causing unnecessary discord.

Len and William had tied their horses to a rail at the side of the cottage, loosened their girths, and ensured they had water to drink. The men who used this hideout had been collecting rainwater, and there was plenty to fill the trough. Meanwhile, Lucia had stood awkwardly where she dismounted Oberon, uncomfortable under the silent scrutiny of the men, until William, whose kindly attention was still remarkable to her, gestured to a large fallen tree and suggested she take a seat.

“We’ll see about some food and drink, and a fire,” he said. She smiled her thanks weakly as she sat gingerly on the tree. It was really very cold in the forest, and the damp had penetrated her thin clothing to reach her very skin. The idea of a fire was overwhelmingly appealing.

The kindling was just beginning to catch alight, bright orange and comforting in the clearing of greys and browns, when Julian strode into the scene, leading his mare calmly behind him. Despite his hostility towards Lucia, she found herself pleased when he arrived. Not only did he lend Len more credibility in the eyes of Bill Wilcock, his safe arrival meant surely nothing else terrible could face them today. She also looked forward to the conversation he would have later with William, when the latter revealed he believed she was to be trusted after events on the road today.

Len spoke with Julian, William, and Bill Wilcock before her attention returned to Lucia again. Lucia could not help the feeling of being rather unnecessary and out of place. She thought unavoidably of her father and of Isabella. Her thoughts touched but did not linger on the agonies they would be going through, even after the receipt of her latest epistle. Rather, she imagined they could happen upon her now, in this damp clearing with thieves and frame-breakers. What expression would she read upon their countenances? Surprise and astonishment, no doubt. Yet she suspected there would also be bewilderment, disgust, and maybe even horror. She did not like to picture such things, for they pulled at the place in her heart where she knew what she was doing was terribly, awfully wrong. She brought her attention back to the cold place in the woods. Clutching her shawl to her body, she was gazing at the ever-growing fire gratefully when Len seated herself astride the log next to her.

Lucia smiled faintly at her and tried to think of something useful to say.

“You’ve been thinking of home?” Len said, to Lucia’s astonishment.

“Yes,” she confessed, “how did you know?”

“I remember, Lucia.” Len paused.

“Are there only these six frame-breakers?” Lucia asked, when Len said no more.

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