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free for the settlers. Their arrogance was not lost on Francis, who stood in the doorway, breathing deeply, as though to maintain his temper. |
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"If you want," Mariah whispered, "we can serve your group in the kitchen or even outside." |
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"I wish not to give them the satisfaction," Francis said through gritted teeth. With a final resigned look at one another, his people ventured into the common room and scattered among the soldiers. |
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"What is happening here?" Mariah turned to see Holly peering over her shoulder. She was clad in the same dress she had worn yesterday, and Mariah realized they would have to acquire more clothing between them soon or wear out the few things Pierce had provided for her. "Are them the soldiers you said was coming? What're they doing with our guests?" |
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"Just harassing them for now," Mariah said grimly. "I only hope the settlers keep their cool." |
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"Their cool what?" Holly questioned. |
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"Heads," Mariah replied, wondering how many other expressions from her day might be incomprehensible to people now. She'd have to be more careful. |
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Holly and she bustled between the common room and the kitchen, setting spoons and trenchers on each table. On one trip Maitland grabbed her arm. She smelled a rank odor, as though he had been sweating profusely beneath his red wool uniform jacket. No wonder Thorn had spoken of skunk. |
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"We want real service here," the soldier said. "We started downriver from the fort before the day broke, and we are hungry. Tell Thorn he is to serve us and to refill our trenchers as we empty them." |
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"Right," said Mariah sarcastically. "Do you want him to eat for you, too?" |
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The young soldier who'd been stating at Thorn was at Maitland's table. "Yes," he hissed, "but only after we have tossed the food onto the floor for the other dogs." |
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His words brought a laugh from the nearby soldiers. The settlers at the table kept eating, as though ignoring the situation, but their solemn expressions told Mariah how much |
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