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Page 203
"This is Miss Mariah Walker," said Thorn. "She is a new servant at the inn."
"Welcome." He bowed with a flourish, then reached for her hand and kissed its reddened back. Mariah found herself blushing, and she reveled inside at Thorn's obvious irritation. He might treat her like the servant she was, but he couldn't expect everyone to do so.
She noticed that Francis, who'd gone to wait on another customer, was scowling at Ainsley. That was a situation she'd have to diffuse quickly, particularly if it had anything to do with her. She knew Francis had developed a crush on her. The last thing she wanted was to trigger a confrontation if it could lead to the screenplay's story coming truethe part where the soldiers attacked the settlers.
"Thorn has needed more help at the inn for some time," Ainsley continued. "I am delighted he found someone as charming as you."
"Thank you." But Mariah found herself left behind as Thorn paid Allen and the two men walked from the trading post, leaving her to carry her own purchases. By the time Allen had tucked the thread and needles in a fold and bundled the fabrics together with string, Mariah couldn't see where Thorn had gone.
Great! she thought. What was she to do if she lost him?
She tried to hurry out the door, but Allen stopped her.
"One thing I must say, Miss Walker. I tried to warn Thorn whilst you were looking at goods, but he did not wish to hear. There are rumors hereabouts of a new Indian uprising. It has been five years since Pontiac's War, and with settlers even now not stopped from heading into the West, the savages grow upset."
Mariah felt alarmed. "Do you think they'll attack Fort Pitt?"
"More likely they'll set at undefended places like Thorn's inn," he said, a troubled expression on his fleshy brow. "Best be on your guard, Miss Walker. And try to convince Thorn as well."
"I will, Mr. Allen. Thanks." An Indian uprising. That had been in the screenplay, along with "Mr. Allen, do you

 
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