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pand the garden. Some soldiers were in red-coated splendor, others in uniforms of other colors or buckskin. Though dressed differently, they marched nearly in unison considering the forested terrain. Carrying rifles, they came from the direction of the river. |
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Ainsley was first, his small, dark eyes all but hidden beneath his tricornered hat. He swept the hat from his head, bowing as though to royalty. "Good evening to you, ladies. Have you food and lodging for some weary soldiers?" |
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Mariah wanted to send them on their way, but not if they'd catch the settlers sooner. She was about to respond when Holly curtseyed, holding out the skirt of the green dress she'd made from fabric Mariah had bought at Pittsburgh. "Welcome, good sirs." Holly's voice was sweeter than wild cherries. "If you come and rest yourselves in the tavern, we will prepare a meal worthy of you." Her usual, common-British accent had been replaced by a mocking version of aristocracy that mimicked the soldier's, and Mariah put her hand up to hide her smile. |
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"That sounds wonderful indeed," Ainsley said. He looked quizzically at Holly, and his eyes beneath their overprominent brows seemed to sweep her. "You must be the other new serving girl my friend Thorn told me about." |
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"That I am, sir." Holly led Ainsley around the partial palisade wall. The other soldiers followed. Maitland, with his sharp, pointed features, touched his hat politely as he passed Mariah, but his eyes were cold. That boy was along, toothe one with the small beard who looked incongruously familiar to Mariah. |
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There were more soldiers this time than the last, perhaps twenty in all. Mariah couldn't help the sickly sense of fear that seemed to compress her insides so she could hardly breathe. |
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Thank heavens Francis and the rest had a head start of several days. Maybe they'd be far enough away . . . |
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"Ainsley!" Thoro had been working on the palisade fence. His shirt was off, and Mariah couldn't help staring at his muscled torso glistening with perspiration. He hurried to his friend and grasped his upper arm with his left hand as |
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