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Page 190
he said as mildly as he could, "that I must make a venture to a trading post for replacement."
"Will you go upriver to Pittsborough?" asked Holly. She sounded eager, as if anticipating an invitation to join him, her method of escaping this place.
Thorn observed the wave of pain that crossed René's countenance. "I could go to the new post, Harrigan's, down-river, but I expect salt will be less dear in the larger town by the fort."
"I think you should try Harrigan's first." Mariah sounded upset, and he recalled that she had hoped someone going downriver would deliver a message for her to a man namedParks, was it? No, Pierce. The idea of her wishing so fervently for contact with another man caused his throat to tighten. All the more reason for him to forbear from heading in that direction.
"Then perhaps," Holly said, "you can pick up some supplies for us." She looked toward Mariah, who nodded.
"That's right," she said. "If you'll advance me the part of my wages that isn't going toward repayment of my debt to you, I'll come along to buy extra dresses."
Her voice trailed off as Thorn glared at her. "I would have thought you used to having seamstresses at your beck and call to create the latest of fashions." He was angry that she appeared to be mocking the scarcity of goods here in his wilderness. "Ready made clothing seems unlike your style."
She had the grace to appear abashed as she turned to Holly. "I made another boo-boo, didn't I? Mistake," she hurriedly responded to the question in the other woman's eyes. Mariah looked toward Thorn, who also wondered at the strange word she had used. "Why don't we all go with you to Pittsborough so I can see what's available?"
She seemed too eager to go along. Why? To further conspire with the soldiers against the settlers? Unlikely. At least she was not harping on his venturing downriver instead. But why not? This woman was full of contradictions that he could not understand. Better that she stay here out of trouble.
"Who will tend the inn if you all accompany me, Miss Walker?" Thorn did not keep the irritation from his voice.

 
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