Chapter Eleven

"W e must make haste, Benji!" Liddy turned her horse, weaving her way through the marshy ground and away from the creek itself. They had managed to ford the stream—barely. Despite her urging her traveling companion to hurry, Liddy knew the ground they traveled was far too trappy to willy-nilly speed through it. But, oh, did she want to do that very thing. From the cover of the bush along the creek bank, just before crossing, they had spotted the governor's recruits marching, making their way to the south and east.

She and Benji needed to find the militia or any other patriots to share the knowledge that troops were on the way to try to take Wilmington in the name of the king. She had read accounts of how the king's army had made life unbearable for the citizens of Boston. She would not let that happen to her own beloved town.

So now, while impatience gnawed on her from the inside, common sense at least held the reins. She would be careful until they rode back to the road, which she already spied through the trees.

"Miss Liddy!" Benji's hissed cry came from behind.

Liddy spun in the saddle just in time to see her companion lose his grip on the saddle of his floundering mount. The horse had hit a boggy hole and was now intent upon burying itself in the muck. Benji was not in much better shape as he tried to scramble to solid ground.

She needed to get Benji free first, if for no other reason than to get him out of range of the struggling horse. A stout stick or rope would be her best bet, but with neither one at hand, she untied the long whip coiled near the pommel of her saddle. It had its uses in keeping wild animals at bay as well as moving cattle from one pasture to another. Right now, she hoped it would be equally good as a lifeline for her friend.

"Catch the end and wrap it around your wrist!" She flung the thong toward him. Benji caught it and wrapped it around his hand.

"May I be of assistance?"

The sound of that deep, familiar voice was nearly enough to make her sob with relief. Liddy turned to see Alec, mounted on a sturdy horse, just a few feet distant. As he caught sight of her, his eyes widened beneath the brim of his hat.

"Liddy?"

"Oh, Alec. We most definitely need your assistance. Benji's horse is stuck, and as you can see, so is he. But be careful. The footing through here is tricky at best."

"See if you can pull him with you as you ride out. The horse may well free itself before we're back to the road. If not, I have a rope we can use to provide some additional leverage."

With the assistance of her whip, Benji was able to find enough footing to pull free. They both scrambled to the road, filthy and out of breath. Alec's eyes narrowed on them for an instant before turning to take in the horse. Just as he lifted his hands to move down the bank, the horse's front feet found purchase on solid ground. In a matter of seconds, the animal had freed itself from the muck and cautiously picked its way to their side, head hanging with fatigue.

"What are you doing here?" Liddy asked, unable to take her eyes from Alec. Her heart beat heavily at seeing him once again. Sure she was relieved they had help, but she was also sure she was not imagining the heat in his gaze when it settled on her.

"I am with the militia. However, my commanding officer gave me permission to check in on you. When I discovered you had disappeared, I began following fresh tracks that led away from your country home." He raised an eyebrow as he studied her attire in some amusement. "Is this your normal mode of dress while in the country?"

Liddy rolled her eyes in response to his smirk. "No. It is my escaping-from-the-captivity-of-my-own-home attire." She wanted nothing more than to continue their banter, but other things had to take precedence. "Never mind my choice of attire now. Benji and I spotted the loyalist troops on the other side of the creek. They look as though they may be heading to Widow Moore's Bridge because with the water up, there is no safe crossing."

The momentary laughter that had lightened Alec's expression as he examined her clothing disappeared. "How far do you estimate they are from us?"

Liddy blew out a breath. Before she could speak, Benji filled the silence. "Probably an hour, sir."

Alec moved his horse next to hers and covered her hand with his. "This is not as I had planned to do things, Liddy. We will make time later to talk. For now, are you and your companion able to ride and keep up?"

Her breath caught at the look in his eyes, but she forced a lighthearted laugh. "I believe you'll find I can keep up with anyone on horseback."

*

In the ensuing minutes, Alec had to agree that Liddy could indeed keep up. If anyone was lagging, it was her companion and his horse. The struggle in the muck had tired them both. As they reached the crossroads that would take them toward the bridge, Alec signaled for a halt. Benji's horse was blowing, as was the young man.

"Liddy," Alec addressed her first, "you are at a point where you can choose to return to your house or continue with me. As for your companion, I'm afraid Benji's horse is slowing us down at this point."

As the young man started to bow up, Liddy raised a calming hand to him. "It is all right, Benji. Mr. Kirkwood and I are close friends. He owns the bookstore in Wilmington. You know that I cannot go back, but you still have your excuse that you have been hunting, and now you can do so safely on Mr. Ballard's farm."

Benji glanced from her to Alec. "Are you sure, Miss Liddy?"

Alec glanced from the boy to her to find her studying him. "I am quite sure. Head home now, and thank you for your help."

After the lad had turned his mount to trot in the opposite direction, Alec edged his horse next to Liddy's again.

"Are you really all right, Liddy? I have wanted to ask that question of you since the moment I saw you. You are unharmed?"

She raised her chin. "My father and MacGill thought to hold me prisoner there, but I will not have it."

Alec took her chin in his free hand. "I came after you as soon as I could. Forgive me for my momentary pigheadedness. You have your friend Phoebe to thank for setting me straight."

He saw the moment her expression eased and knew he was forgiven. "Did your commanding officer indeed give you permission to check on me?"

"He did." Alec sucked in an impatient breath. "I wish we might hash all of this out right now, but we must take the information you have to the militia. If we can stop the governor's loyalists from crossing at Moore's Creek Bridge, we may yet keep the British out of Wilmington."

Liddy dug in her pocket and handed him some rolled papers. "Maps of the area. My father commissioned them some years ago. I think he had some idea of buying more land, but he was always more interested in his shipping business. I hope the maps might be of use." She settled more firmly in her saddle and gathered her reins. "I'm ready to ride."

Unable to resist, Alec leaned in for a quick kiss. "I love you, Liddy."

Her eyes widened as she drew back. He was glad to see his kiss had startled rather than shocked her. It gave him hope that she felt as he did. With another touch to her cheek, he growled, "Let us be off."

She kept pace with him as they alternated between a brisk trot and a canter. Although Alec would have liked to go faster, he had to keep their horses in mind. There would be precious little chance to change out horses anywhere. The pace also gave him some time to think. While he had received permission from his commanding officer to check on Liddy, he doubted that stretched to bringing her back with him, especially clad as a lad.

"Will we reach the militia in time, Alec?" Liddy asked as they slowed to a walk to let the horses blow.

"I feel sure. We had already discussed that Moore's Creek Bridge might be the location where a crossing attempt would be made." He glanced at Liddy's flushed cheeks. "I am sorry to be dragging you into this Liddy. You should be safe in Wilmington with Phoebe."

Her eyes sparked as she met his gaze. "I am right where I wish to be."

"With me or riding into potential danger?"

Liddy laughed. "Definitely with you, but maybe also the danger part. The life of a woman is quite constrained, Alec."

He reached over and took her hand. "I hope that is never the way it will be between us."

He wanted to say more, but they had made better time than he'd anticipated. As they rounded a curve in the road, they encountered the tail end of the militia's column.

"In other circumstances, I might suggest you allow me to maintain my disguise," Liddy murmured as they rode closer. "However, most of these men have known me since I was in leading strings... or they were."

Alec chuckled. "You might have been able to fool someone on short acquaintance, but I believe you have the right of it. Are you concerned they'll be scandalized?"

Liddy laughed outright at that. "I believe I'm far too deep into this farce to let that be a concern."

"You may ride up with me so I can report to my commanding officer or stay behind. Your choice."

"Then I choose to go with you."

That was exactly what he'd hoped to hear.