The War Girls by Julie Rowe

Author:Julie Rowe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: WW1, Great War, Medical
Publisher: Julie Rowe
Published: 2022-06-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

They were both panting by the time Michael tore away from her, reached into his jacket pocket and handed the tickets to the conductor.

He glanced at the tickets, at Michael and, finally, at Jude. “Cologne?”

Michael nodded. “I’m taking my wife to stay with family.”

“You have leave for this?”

“Three days.” He pulled a paper from his inside breast pocket and handed it over.

The conductor looked at the page then returned it with a grim smile. “We’ll be making several stops to take on and let off passengers. Lock your door.” He backed out, closing the door after himself.

Michael engaged the lock.

Jude pressed against the wall and looked at him as if he were a package of explosives about to go off. Not afraid—cautious. A gentleman would retreat, resume his position on the bench, and discuss the next part of their escape plan.

He did neither. He remained crouched over her, more than half certain she’d bolt if given the opportunity. He wouldn’t give it to her. “We’re long overdue for a talk.”

She gathered herself, taking a deep breath. “What else is there to discuss?”

He let a grin slide across his face, showing teeth. “I want to know everything.”

“Everything?”

“How you came to be a nurse and spy in the former palace. How you came to be involved in the underground. What exactly you’ve been doing since the war started and why.” He leaned down so close their noses touched. “We have plenty of uninterrupted time. I want all the details.”

He hovered over her for several more moments until she raised one eyebrow. “You’re going to have a sore back if you stand like that for any real length of time.”

He slowly folded himself onto the seat. “You don’t fear me, do you?”

“Should I fear you?” Her furrowed brow made it clear she wasn’t asking the question lightly.

“I intimidate most people—men and women.”

“Really?” She turned away. “I can’t imagine why. You’re no different than any other man.”

He chuckled. “You’re the only person who has never been afraid of me. You’ve taken me to task when it suited you. And you asked me to marry you. A fact that would have scandalised your entire family had they known.”

“Well, you seemed so disheartened that day. I had to say something to cheer you up.”

He chuckled. “You succeeded.”

“Did I? You seemed somewhat uncomfortable with my question.”

“Well, I could have hardly expected it. And despite how you may have perceived my response, I was really quite tickled by your courage.”

“That will help explain all the rest I should imagine. Simply apply courage to the rest of your questions and you’ll have your answers.”

“Oh no. Don’t for a moment think that you’ve explained yourself to my satisfaction.”

She sighed. “What a bother. Fine, if you insist. After your rejection I was compelled to consider what use I could be to my family, since marriage was out of the question.”

“Why would it be out of the question? I’m sure you’ve had several offers for your hand.”

“None I could accept.”

“Why not?”

She rolled her eyes as if he were a young boy of limited intelligence.

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