< previous page page_183 next page >

Page 183
them, planting himself in front of Ann. "You, madam. What is your purpose being here?"
The poor creature blanched as she stammered, "Iwe"
"They're on holiday." Mariah placed herself between Maitland and the girl. "They'd heard wonderful things about Thorn's inn and decided to try it." She smiled from one soldier to another. "Breakfast is ready, gentlemen, and there's plenty. Would you like some?''
Maitland had sharp features and cold, dark eyes. The expression he turned on Mariah was contemptuous, and she had to keep herself from flinching. "What would this group be doing on holiday? We have been sent to follow them. They are former bondspersons who"
"Who intend to begin farming south of here, and east of the Proclamation Line." Thorn was suddenly beside Mariah, and though his arm barely touched hers, it lent her support. She could have kissed him. Almost. "But they wished to see this area before settling down. Is that not correct?" He directed his comment to Francis, who appeared ready to say something else until the young woman raised her hand pleadingly.
"That is correct," Francis snarled. It was the first time Mariah had seen him anything but cheerful. "We will stay one more day, then be off to our new homes. South of here, and east."
Maitland snorted. "Perhaps, then, we shall join you in this holiday. We shall begin by partaking of breakfast. Let us take seats in the other room, men."
Men? From what Mariah could see, half the soldiers were no older than Ann. One appeared particularly youthful, although he sported a small, dark mustache and goatee, as though attempting to look older. The kid had stared at Thorn the whole time with narrowed pale green eyes, his hand hovering about the hilt of his sword, as though ready to run Thorn through at a sign from the officer.
Strangely, the kid looked a bit familiar to Mariah. Maybe she'd seen him at Fort Pitt when she'd arrived in this time.
The men took seats all over the room, leaving no table

 
< previous page page_183 next page >