Surrender the Night by MaryLu Tyndall Read Free Book Online

made her way to the barn, trying not to spill the savory broth. Steam rose from the meaty stew. Her stomach growled. She’d been so anxious to feed Mr. Reed, she’dneglected her own dinner. High in the sky, the hot August sun poured its own steamy rays on her.
    “Hello, Prinney.” She smiled at the pig as she passed by his sty. He gave her a forlorn snort, but she couldn’t stop to let him out now. The redcoat—or bluecoat, she supposed because Mr. Reed was in the navy—had developed quite a voracious appetite since he’d awoken from his fever the day before. Other than bringing him food and checking on his wound, Rose had avoided him as much as possible. She would do only what was necessary to save his life and send him on his way. Anything more would be an insult to the memory of her mother and father. Thankfully, the man seemed even less interested in conversing with her than she did him. Though he spent much of his time in slumber, his eyes were regaining their clarity and his body its strength. A strength that caused Rose to feel increasingly uneasy in his presence—which was why she had elicited Amelia’s help today to change his bandage and move him to the icehouse. So far she’d managed to keep his presence from Cora and her aunt and uncle, but it was only a matter of time before one of them ventured to the barn.
    Skirting the barn doors, Rose approached him, surprised to see him alert and lying on his back with one arm behind his head. He snapped his hazel eyes her way, giving her a start. A gentle smile curled his lips. “I did not mean to frighten you, Miss McGuire.”
    “You didn’t frighten me.” Rose knelt beside him and lifted her chin. “I have brought you some stew.”
    Gripping the wooden post of Liverpool’s empty stall, Mr. Reed lifted himself to a sitting position with minimal effort. Dark wavy hair grazed the collar of his white shirt—a shirt devoid of the waistcoat and cravat that would offer him a modicum of modesty. Instead, the garment hung open over a well-muscled chest. Rose cleared her throat as a heated blush rose up her neck.
    “Your color has returned, Mr. Reed.” She kept her eyes on the ground as she handed him the steaming bowl.
    “Indeed. I feel stronger every day.” The sound of his accent grated down her spine. Lifting the dish to his lips, he took a sip, then another and another as he hungrily devoured the stew. “Thank you. I realize that aiding the enemy does not bode well for you or your family.”
    “No sir, it does not. And the sooner you are gone the better.”
    “I assure you, I am of the same mind.” Dark eyes as deep and mysterious as the swirling water in Jones Falls River remained upon her. “Regardless that our countries are at war, I do not wish you or your family harm.”
    Rose found no insincerity in his gaze. But that didn’t mean she could trust him. She lifted her chin. “Yet when you are well and return to your ship, you will continue to terrorize my friends and neighbors.”
    Regret clouded his eyes. “I am a part of a war that I did not start nor chose to engage in, miss.” He stretched his shoulders, flexing the muscles in his chest.
    Averting her gaze, she plucked fresh bandages, a knife, and a satchel from the pocket of her gown. “My aunt returns from Washington tomorrow. If you think you can walk, we should move you to the icehouse where you’ll be hidden.”
    “Sounds rather cold.” He gave a mock tremble, followed by a grin.
    Ignoring his playful demeanor, Rose pursed her lips. “We have not used it in years, Mr. Reed, but it’s down by the river and out of the way. Nobody goes there.”
    He glanced over the barn, his nose wrinkling in disgust. “And with whom am I to share these chilled quarters? Pigs, chickens, rodents? Or perhaps a sheep or two?” A slight grin toyed upon his lips, but his tone held a hint of hauteur. “Will I at least have a bed?” He grabbed a handful of hay and flung it to the side. “Or do all