Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia by Jessica James Read Free Book Online

reckless and boyish in the way his blue eyes twinkled that was
both fascinating and attractive.
    It was late before the other men retired, but
despite her weariness, Andrea waited until the last one had departed. “I
understand you are looking for a contact in Richmond,” she said casually, as
though she’d not been burning to ask the question all night.
    Daniel stared at her, showing surprise at first,
but then he acquired the same thoughtful gaze J.J. had. He cocked his head to
the side. “Colonel Jordan told you about Richmond?”
    Andrea grinned. “N-not exactly. I … overheard a
conversation.”
    Daniel put his head back and laughed. “Ah-ha. I
see.” He winked at her, but gave Andrea little time to analyze the look.
Leaning forward, elbows on his knees, he became all business. With his blue
eyes assessing her, he asked in a hushed tone, “You would be interested in such
a position?”
    Andrea nodded earnestly. “I was born in South
Carolina and schooled in Richmond.”
    “I did not detect your accent.”
    “I was tutored in speech and diction befoe the
wah, suh. But I declayah, talking like this comes natchral enough.”
    Daniel laughed and leaned back. “It would be extremely
dangerous nonetheless.”
    “I understand.”
    “Colonel Jordan is comfortable with you
accepting the assignment?”
    Andrea began to answer yes, but stopped
mid-breath when she looked into Daniel’s honest eyes. “N-not exactly. I believe
he wished to confer with you first.”
    “Well, I’ll have to think about it.” He stood up
and brushed off his coat. “Colonel Jordan implied he had something to discuss
with me, but it will have to wait. At any rate, it’s late. You must be
exhausted.”
    Andrea sighed and nodded.
    “Next time you’ll have to tell me about
yourself. I fear I bored you with talk about me and my men all night,” he said,
helping her to her feet.
    “I was not bored in the least.” Andrea looked up
and met his gaze. “As for me—it’s a long story.”
    Daniel placed his hands on her shoulders. “It’s
funny,” he said in a soft, serious tone, “but I feel like I’ve known you all my
life, Sinclair. Yet I know nothing at all about you, not even your real name.”
    His words caught Andrea off guard. A part of her
felt bewildered, ready to run. Yet another part found comfort in his eyes, a
feeling she could tell this man anything—and perhaps everything. She cleared
her throat and tried to suppress the emotions raging within her. “I think I’d
better say good night, Colonel.”
    “Yes, of course.” Daniel led her toward a row of
tents. “I apologize for keeping you up so late. I know you’ve had a long day.”
    “Actually, there is one more thing I’d like to
ask you.”
    “Of course.” Daniel stepped closer. “What would
you like to know?”
    “When I, when we , were being attacked,
you called the Confederate officer by his given name, Alex. Are you
acquainted?” Even in the dim light from the campfires she saw a shadow fall
across his face.
    “Yes, I know
him very well.” His voice was almost a whisper, and he averted his gaze. When
he looked back, a somberness that had not been there before filled his eyes.
“But that’s the way of this war, is it not?” He said nothing more, just tipped
his hat respectfully and disappeared into the darkness.
    Andrea wrapped herself in her blanket and laid
down, but instead of falling instantly to dreamland as she had anticipated, she
lay awake thinking about the gallant Colonel Delaney. She recalled how he made
her laugh and how comfortable she felt in his company. Although she lived, ate,
and slept around men every day, they were simply friends and comrades, nothing
more. But this one’s indescribable charm made him somehow different. He seemed
so gentle, kind, tenderhearted—the complete opposite of the infamous Captain
Hunter. Andrea shuddered at the thought. Yet when she did finally drift off to
sleep, it was Captain Hunter’s piercing