Faith by Lyn Cote Read Free Book Online

Bellamy was and why the Rebel’s father thought he’d killed him. And had Jack killed him? Faith wanted to run but forced herself not to draw attention.
    Faith saw that Honoree was waiting for her outside their tent, pacing. Faith rushed up to her. “What did thee hear about Shiloh?”
    Honoree grabbed her wrists. “A woman said she heard tell of a light-skinned slave with green eyes at a plantation named Annerdale.”
    “Where’s that?”
    “Northeast of here in Madison County.”
    Faith absorbed the report, fighting the excitement of this first lead. “Does thee think this news is credible?”
    Honoree released her grip on Faith’s wrists. “I don’t know. I hope so. Shiloh’s green eyes do make her stand out.”
    Faith pulled Honoree to her and they rested their heads on each other’s shoulders. Faith, Patience, and Shiloh all had the same green eyes. The bond between the families was stronger than friendship. “We will follow up this lead.”
    Honoree let out a sound of disgust. “As soon as the Army lets us.”
    “Battles must be fought. Our private quest is unimportant to generals. Thee knows that I, a Quaker abolitionist   —”
    “And I, a free woman of color, aren’t safe in enemy territory, away from the Union Army.”
    Faith nodded against Honoree’s shoulder. “Yes. We might be close, but until Vicksburg falls, we must wait.”
    They stepped apart then and turned to go back to the hospital, where they were needed. Neither spoke. Faith allowed hope to flicker within. Annerdale Plantation in Madison County. When they finally were able to go there, would they find Shiloh?

    Nearly two weeks later in the surrounding predawn gray, Dev and one of his crack companies of close to a hundred saddled up their horses. Jackson, the state capital of Mississippi, had just fallen. Standing beside his mount, he finished adjusting his saddle and turned back to Armstrong. “I have a feeling I may not see you for days. Depending on events, you may have to take Jack to the hospital near here.” Jack was still feverish but lucid again and taking nourishment, seeming stronger. “Keep that incriminating belt buckle and hat hidden.”
    “You want me to continue to pass him off as Union?” Their conversation was buried among the sounds of restless horses and men speaking to their mounts and to each other.
    “Don’t offer information,” Dev said. “But if asked, tell the truth.”
    Armstrong nodded.
    “If anyone challenges you for this, say you are acting upon my orders.”
    Armstrong grinned. “Yes, sir.”
    “Good man. I plan to turn him in as a prisoner of war when I return.” He nodded once and mounted his horse.
    “Just come back in one piece,” Armstrong said   —his usual farewell.
    “I always do,” Dev replied in kind, knowing someday he’d break his word. He led his men out to the road they were about to head west on.
    Up the road, he paused to take stock of everyone and explain their mission. “We are to range over the roads towardVicksburg. According to the map, there are three. Keep close in your groups. I will stay upon or very near the southernmost road. Ride back to me with any report of Rebel sightings. Keep your carbines loaded and your heads down.”
    A few chuckled at his familiar advice, and then they were riding down the road and soon spreading out over the waking countryside.
    Dev reflected on the days before, and again the face of the lovely Miss Cathwell lingered. She would probably remain at the hospital near Jackson. He hoped the black girl   —the one the Quakeress called a friend   —wouldn’t give away Jack’s secret. But he couldn’t do anything more than he had. As his horse moved under him, Dev hoped for a keen eye and ear, to live through another day.

    “Wake up!”
    Faith swam out of a deep sleep toward Honoree’s voice. She blinked in the morning light.
    “We got orders to get with the Sanitary Commission wagons. We’re on the move again.” Honoree and