20. ~ A Beacon of Hope ~

CHAPTER 20

A group of soldiers left for London with the prisoners, the extra horses, and Oskar Krause's body as evidence. Alex and I rode south with Thomas and the rest of his men.

Instinctively, my hand went to the tender skin on my neck, and the memories flooded me—the desperate run for our lives, the enemy's indescribable brutality, and my terror when Krause almost took Alex's life.

The audacity of the German soldiers to come onto British soil was remarkable. Their masterfully designed plan had almost succeeded. After disembarking the Belgian vessel, they'd headed to a farm where an accomplice waited with horses. And since the forest wasn't a stranger to the training of troops, their presence went unnoticed. They planned to assassinate my father, retrieve the classified information, and return to the ship under the cover of night. Notwithstanding, the Royal Navy's inspection, the arrival of Colonel Swinger, and the secret tunnel foiled their plans.

Now, my focus was on discovering the outcome of the encounter back at home. According to Thomas, reinforcements hadn't reached Forti Radici when he left. I hoped Father managed to hold out a while longer.

"Their number wasn't the challenge. The surprise attack gave them the advantage," Thomas said. "As you know, we had no time to prepare, and then your father ordered me to take some of Swinger's men and come after you."

The sinking feeling that I might never see my father again made my heart ache. I swallowed the lump in my throat and blinked my eyes dry. I had to be strong for him.

At last, we crossed into Keyhaven, a fishing hamlet near Hurst Castle. Alex brought his horse level with mine. "We'll camp here. The fortress is overrun by soldiers. I don't think you'd be comfortable there."

I smiled. "Sleeping in the open is not appealing either."

"Don't worry about that. I have something in mind." He winked and urged his horse forward, retaking point.

The atmosphere grew warm and muggy as we neared the sea, my exhaustion increasing. I felt heavy and stiff, my senses slow. When my body slipped too far to one side, threatening my balance, I patted my face and refocused. I couldn't fall off the horse.

"Florence, do you see it? Just beyond those trees." Alex pointed to an obscure silhouette. At first, it didn't look like much, but as we drew near, it formed into a bedraggled cottage that had seen better days. Shut in by trees and safely concealed, it looked like heaven.

"Find a good spot to set up camp," Thomas ordered the weary soldiers.

"It's not much, but I'm glad it still stands." Alex extended his arms to help me dismount. And as nightfall chased away the remaining daylight, he extracted a torch from the sack on his horse. "I haven't been here since I joined the army. Let me make sure it's safe."

"I haven't come all this way to sit out here." I stumbled after him, relieved when my legs didn't give in.

"If you insist." Alex pushed the door open. It screeched in complaint, sending a plume of dust through the space.

We stepped into a large room. In the semidarkness, I could see a stone fireplace, a table, and two chairs. Alex shined the torch on a ladder in the corner.

"Here, Florence, hold the torch." He lifted the ladder to a square opening in the ceiling. "Do you want to see up there?"

"Certainly."

The ladder protested under Alex's weight but stayed in one piece. I followed him into the attic. He moved to a window with shutters and opened them, letting in a fresh breeze. Except for an enormous trunk with shiny hasps and a metal bed, the space was empty.

"It's too dark now, but you can see the sea from here," he said.

I peered into the woods. "How can you possibly see anything through that jungle of trees?"

"You'll be surprised. We are a lot closer to the water than you think. Listen. Can you hear it?"

I listened. "Yes, barely. I hear waves washing on the shore."

"Look! That's Hurst Castle's beacon." Beyond the treetops, a beam of light circled the sky. "The lighthouse has been a guiding star to wandering vessels for generations."

"My father brought Lucca and me to see it when we were little. I hardly remember it, though."

"My family came here all the time during hunting season. It was my grandfather's cottage. But after he passed away, the tradition slowly went away."

"That's too bad. It must have been amazing in its glory days."

"It was. Now, it's the perfect hideout."

"Is it?" Fear suddenly struck me. "What if there are more German soldiers in the forest? What if they track us here?"

"Not likely. They wouldn't come this far. It's too close to Hurst Castle."

"But what if?—"

"Don't worry, my lady. If that happens, I'll send Thomas to fight them," he joked.

"Very amusing, General."

"Ah, very nice. You called me general."

"You are impossible."

He chuckled and pulled me into him. His lips brushed against mine, but a voice called from below the window before we could enjoy the moment. "We are ready, General."

"I'll be right down," Alex told the soldier, then spoke to me. "I'll go to the fortress with a few men to secure a ship and send a report to London."

"Do you think there is a ship already here?"

"I hope so, but it's not likely."

"Are you going to send a message to your parents? I'm sure they've learned about the attack by now."

"No, I can't. Until the mission is complete, I exist only in the army. My parents know how it is. They'll be fine."

"Could you inquire about Forti Radici and my father, then?"

"I'm planning on it."

Aided by the torch, I found a lamp among the artifacts in the main room. And while waiting for Alex, I freed the cottage from dust and aired the bedding in the trunk. I looked about me, pleased. It wasn't the honeymoon I envisioned, but being together was all that mattered.

I heard horses approaching, followed by voices, and soon Alex came through the door.

He looked around the space. "You've been busy."

"I just got rid of the spiderwebs."

"What did the spiders ever do to you?" he teased, setting a sack of supplies on the table. "No matter. Look what I got."

"I should send you shopping more often."

"No, let's not make a habit of it." He unwrapped a package of bread, cheese, and some fruit.

It looked delicious, but I lacked an appetite, even though I hadn't eaten all day.

Alex noticed. "Are you unwell?"

"No, I'm just not hungry."

"It must be the stress of the past day, but you must eat something." He handed me a piece of Manchet bread. "At least eat this. We might be here for a bit, and I don't want you to get sick."

I tore a piece of the bread off. "Any news of home?"

"Very little." His eyes held mine with a measure of compassion that worried me.

"Tell me."

"The reinforcements ended the battle quickly, but they were unsuccessful in locating General Contini. He is missing."

"Missing? What do you mean missing?"

"Please don't panic. The military continues to comb the woods surrounding the house. They'll find him soon enough."

"He could be wounded." A rising sense of desperation crept into my heart.

"Your father is well trained, and he's come through worse scrapes. I'll check again tomorrow."

"There must be something we can do." In my mind, I pictured the places I'd search. "No one knows the manor and its vicinity as I do. I should be there. I should be looking for him."

Alex moved his chair closer and took my hands into his. "Do you trust me?"

At that moment, I felt as if Father stood beside me, his hand on my shoulder, reminding me of his advice to trust Alex. "I do."

"The best thing we can do for General Contini is to complete the mission he assigned us."

"What about Mrs. Allerton and Mr. Leroy? Did they get out?"

"I haven't heard about anyone else. Please, Florence, we must stay focused."

"It's so hard." The uncertainty and fear would consume me if I let them, but he was right. I had to keep a cool head. This wasn't just about me. The classified information we carried had the potential to end the war and save lives. The thought felt empowering and somewhat comforting.

Alex encircled me in his arms, bringing me into his chest. "If it cheers you up, know that the soldiers at the castle had a good laugh at my expense."

"They did? Why?"

"Have you seen my face?" He raised an eyebrow. "They called me ugly." The bruising and swelling were getting worse.

I laughed. "How rude."

"Quite rude, but I won't take it personally." He reached for the blackberries. "Shall we try these?"

I ate a handful of the sweet, juicy berries, followed by a piece of cheese, chewing slowly so as not to upset my stomach. Minutes later, the meal was over. Our conversation died down, and Alex extinguished the lamp. With my thoughts and emotions racing in different directions, we ascended the ladder to the attic.

The night was warm and still, the only noise coming from the natural creaking of the wooden structure. We stood in front of the window, watching the bright moonlight travel across the treetops and into the room, bathing our skin with a soft glow.

With a gentleness that had my heart pumping out of rhythm, his fingers slipped down to the buttons of my blouse. One by one, he unfastened them, sliding the fabric off my shoulders and letting it fall to the floor. "Oh, heavens, you are beautiful."

I smiled, realizing this moment would change us forever.

"I hope you will never regret the decision to marry me," he said.

"When I married you, it was the only time in my life when I knew what I wanted."

"That's wonderful because I want to be with you forever. I can't imagine life without you."

I helped him out of his shirt, and even though I knew of his muscular physique, the shape of his chiseled arms and chest surprised me. Then, I saw the dark contusions spreading from his shoulders to his waist. "I'm sorry about this." I brushed my fingers over his skin.

"My lady, for a single moment like this," he spoke softly, his cool lips tracing my cheek, "I would take the beating all over again."

Daylight touched my face, and birdsong called me out of a deep sleep. I refused to open my eyes, fearing the peace I felt would disappear. Being with Alex, even if just for a while, had lifted the anxiety and uncertainty from my heart. I stretched my arm across the mattress, searching for him, only to find the bed empty.

"Florence, come down for breakfast."

I smiled. I loved his voice. "Only if you make me."

With a groan, he climbed the ladder. I hid my face underneath the pillow, but that proved to be a bad idea. Alex tickled me until I nearly suffocated with laughter.

"Are you coming now?"

"Not convinced yet."

"My lady." He faked a serious voice. "I'm starting to understand what poor Mrs. Allerton went through all these years."

"She served me breakfast in bed," I said, mimicking his tone.

"Well." He looked into my eyes, and I saw the deep love there. "I've already tried persuasion, so you leave me no other choice but to?—"

"To what, General?"

"Force you to come down." He swept me off the bed and swung me into the air before letting my feet touch the floor.

"You know, General, if you want me to be obedient, all I require is a kiss."

He laughed. "Why didn't you say that before?"

Our lips connected, and the world around me faded. Breakfast would have to wait.

The afternoon sun filled the forest with life. It was the first time since we left Forti Radici that I noticed the beauty of nature with its many shades of green, full of vitality. The trees didn't seem so dark and dense anymore. They now stood like giant warriors, there to protect us instead of harassing us. And the wildlife that had seemingly been concealed now emerged from everywhere.

"Hurry, Florence. Come on!" Alex called as he ran up the path to the sea.

Through a break in the brush, the shining blue water beckoned. I lengthened my steps and exited the woods to join Alex on the sand. He dropped the bag from his shoulders and unlaced his boots. To my surprise, he went on to remove his clothing and plunge into the ocean.

I took off my shoes, dipped my toes in, and gasped as the freezing water touched my skin.

"Come on, Florence!" Alex waved for me to get in.

I shook my head decisively.

"Come on! Come on!" he insisted, his voice lost in the sound of the waves.

"You are mad!" The thought of being wet, cold, and miserable convinced me to stay on the beach.

I strolled along the shore, soaking up the warm sunshine. The expansive fortress established by Henry VIII stood fully visible from here, guardian of our shores for over three hundred years. Its enormous wings sat majestically on the narrow strip of land stretching out into the sea.

My memories transported me back in time. One after another, images of the day Father brought Lucca and me here flashed through my recollection. I closed my eyes, tilting my head toward heaven, my feet still moving. It had been years ago, yet I could clearly see us riding up to Hurst Castle.

I remembered Father's boring history lesson on our journey across the New Forest. I thought of Lucca walking across the courtyard, his face beaming with pride as he dreamed of becoming a soldier.

Alex hugged me from behind.

"You are wet!" I exclaimed the obvious.

"Where is my lady going?"

I had wandered off without noticing, closer to the fortress than anticipated.

"Would you like to go inside?" he asked.

"No, not today."

"If you change your mind . . ."

"I won't. And you, General, will catch a cold."

"You sound like my mother."

"I am Mrs. Sterling, after all."

"I better dry off, then, Mrs. Sterling." Alex took my hand and broke into a run, pulling me along with him.

"You are going to break my legs!"

"Is that so?" Before I could react, Alex scooped me into his arms and resumed his run. "How about now?"

"Much better." I laughed wholeheartedly as his face contorted with the strain the movement caused to his body.

"You are heavier than you look." Out of breath, he set me beside his clothing.

"And you are stronger than you look, General."

With a grin, he lay down on the sand, his eyes fixed on the sky. I unpacked our bag.

"Would you like an apple?" I offered.

"Not hungry."

The waves danced on the ocean's surface. Like a kaleidoscope, they reflected a mesmerizing amount of light. I took the last bite of my apple and realized the silence had stretched on too long. I glanced at Alex. He seemed deep in thought. "What is on your mind?"

"Do you remember what the priest said?"

"During the wedding ceremony?"

"Yes. Do you remember?"

"Some of it. Maybe. I'm not sure. Why?"

"He said we would be together until death separates us. Truly, Florence, have you ever thought about what happens after death? Will we be together again or is this life the end? In the forest, I came too close to losing you. And just the thought of being without you drives me mad."

"I'd much rather believe there is life after death—that a supreme power watches over us, giving us the gift of love. Love, I think, is the most powerful force in the world. It must last longer than a lifetime."

Alex opened his mouth to say something but didn't.

I observed the sun, almost behind the west skyline now, and recalled Mrs. Allerton's words. "After my brother passed away, Mrs. Allerton told me that difficulties come into our lives to shape us and strengthen our character. She said that what matters is the way we handle our trials—that we design our destiny through the things we do and believe during hard times. She was sure there is more than we can see and feel right now. This life is just a temporary trip, she used to say." I smiled at the thought. She wasn't here, yet I felt her presence through her influence.

"Do you believe her?" Alex held my gaze, holding me accountable for my answer.

"I do. Even when I get discouraged, the hope of seeing my brother again someday, keeps me going." I read an unusual sadness in his eyes and realized death frightened him. Though he was fearless when confronted by it, he feared losing those he loved. "Alex, promise me that no matter what happens, you'll hold on to hope." I held his gaze now, holding him accountable for his answer.

He considered my petition for a moment. "All right, my lady. If it makes you happy, I promise."

"Very well, General. We have an agreement, and we also have this time together."

"Well then, we better use it wisely." His eyes took me in with a desire that made me blush.

I stole a quick kiss and jumped to my feet. "I'll race you back to the cottage!"

"Wait! What about all of this?" His eyes darted over the items scattered on the sand.

"That's your problem, General. I need a head start!"

He shook his head, watching me merge with the woods.

"General Sterling, sir!" Thomas called from just outside the window. The sun had barely risen.

"Is he seriously calling this early?" Alex yawned, turned onto his other side, and closed his eyes.

"General Sterling! News, sir!" Thomas insisted, louder this time.

"This better be good, or I'll shoot him." He jumped out of bed and pulled his shirt on.

"That's a bit too drastic." I groaned, unable to shake off the haziness of sleep. Exhaustion had finally caught up to us both.

Alex pushed open the shutters. "Captain Frankfort, what's the rush?"

"The ship, sir. It has arrived." Thomas's words jolted me awake. Change had come.

"I'll be right down."

"Yes, sir."

Alex gazed out into the forest for a long while, clearly disturbed by something he might not have considered previously.

"How soon do we have to leave?" I asked.

"Right away." He slipped into his uniform, his thoughts still far away.

"Should I start packing?"

"No, not yet. We'll talk about it when I get back."

We'll talk about it? What is there to talk about?

He hurried down the ladder.

"It's a French Navy ship." Alex avoided my gaze. "Only four of us will go."

"Am I included?"

"Florence, I'm sorry. You can't come."

"What? You can't be serious." I seized his arm, forcing him to face me.

"Please don't make this any harder on me than it already is."

"Hard for you? You're not the one left behind."

"Listen, Florence." His voice rose, his frustration evident. "I wouldn't ask you to do this if it wasn't best for you."

I sank onto the bed, heartbroken. How could he leave me?

He sat next to me, his hands fisted.

"Why didn't you tell me this from the beginning? I could've gotten used to the idea by now," I said.

"This wasn't the plan. I'd never leave you out here alone. But when Thomas showed up, I realized there was more than one reason your father sent him."

"You're going to blame it on my father now? He did order you to take me to France, didn't he?"

"Before we left, your father ordered that if the situation permitted, I wasn't to risk your life. The ship could be attacked, or worse, there could be traitors aboard. You'll be safe here. You have Hurst Castle's protection. And apart from the military, no one knows you are here. If you came with me, I might be forced into a situation where I must risk the lives of my soldiers to protect you or risk yours to protect theirs. Please try to understand how I feel. What happened in the forest is nothing compared to what could happen."

"I might be safe here, but what about you? What if I lose you?"

"There is a slight chance of that, but I'm more likely to succeed if I travel alone."

I understood the wisdom in his plan, but it didn't help the anguish of being apart, of worrying about his safety. But I could do nothing except to hold on to hope, as I had preached to him. "I suppose I better get used to you leaving."

"Please don't be sad. To me, you represent what the lighthouse is to wandering vessels. I'll always look for you, always come back to you." His tight embrace left no doubt he spoke the truth.

"Every night when I see the light shining into the sea, I'll remember your promise. As long as it shines, I'll be waiting for you." I drew in a long breath, absorbing his warmth and familiar smell, fearing this might be the last time I might do so.

He placed his finger under my chin, guiding me to look at him. "Florence, I love you."

"I love you more." The tears behind my eyes betrayed me and rolled down my cheeks.

"I won't be gone long. I'll deliver the documents and head back as soon as possible. If anything changes, I'll send word to Hurst Castle for you to return to Breamore." He brushed the back of his hand across my face, wiping away my tears. "Unless you want to go back now, but I would rather you stay here. I don't want to risk anything happening to you. Besides, the manor is still a crime scene. You would have to stay in the inn."

"I can't go back if Father is not there. And I suppose there is no news about him or Mrs. Allerton and Mr. Leroy?"

"No. However, I found out that Colonel Swinger survived the attack. He's in the hospital recovering."

"That's wonderful." I felt happy for Swinger and at the same time beyond distraught about Father. Too much time had elapsed. If he was alive, he would have surfaced by now.

Before long, Alex was ready to depart. I tried to be strong and let go, and, to a certain degree, I succeeded, but on the inside, I withered. We said our final goodbyes, and he walked away, taking my heart with him.