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Dear Holly! Mariah thought. She had succeeded in defusing the situation, for the soldiers began to sit down again, and so did the settlers. The room was soon filled with the aroma of spices. |
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"What kind of tea is that?" Mariah asked. |
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"Sassafras," Holly replied. "My own receipt. I'll teach it to you if you wish." |
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Receipt? Recipe, Mariah translated in her mind. "I do wish." And I wish I'd come up with a diversion like that, she thought. |
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Even Thorn seemed mollified. He helped serve the guestseven Maitland's table, ignoring the smug smiles on Maitland's and the irritating boy's faces. Mariah wanted to tell him to sit down, that she'd serve him as the innkeeper should be served, that he shouldn't cater to these clowns in uniform, but she kept quiet, not wanting to embarrass him further. |
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In a while, the meal was over. The soldiers stood and walked into the courtyardall but Maitland. |
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"More tea, Mr. Thorn," he demanded. |
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Mariah caught the look of anger and disgust that crossed the innkeeper's face and suspected Maitland did, too. But he again looked impassive as he poured more tealetting some spill onto the corporal's lap. Maitland rose, sputtering. |
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"My deepest apologies." Thorn sounded not in the least repentant. "But should you wish a more cordial welcome next time you visit my inn, bring Sergeant Ainsley." |
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The sharp-featured corporal gave a nasty smile. "Do you admit you did not treat us with your best manners, Mr. Thorn?" |
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"Bring Ainsley and you will see." Though Thorn's tone was mild, he abruptly left the room. |
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So did Mariah, hiding her grin. Good for Thorn! She'd had enough of Maitland and his miserable attitude but hadn't had the guts to retaliate. |
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The settlers followed her to the kitchen. "Thank you for all, Miss Walker," Francis said. |
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"Where will you go now?" Mariah asked. "They'll chase you if you go west." And attack them, perhaps. The screen- |
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