Riverbreeze: Part 3 (33 page)

Even if they couldn’t, he would go on and on until he found her or he died trying.

He made it to the Paulette’s place in record time. Poor Apollo was getting another heavy work-out. At the front door, he jumped off his horse and vaulted up the three stone steps to the front door.

Alison answered the door when Robert pounded on it. Again, she was clearly surprised to see him. “Robert! What are you doing here?”

“Is your father at home?” Robert gasped, still catching his breath.

And then Robert heard Chiffock’s voice, calling from the dining room. “Who is it, Alison?”

She called back, saying it was Robert. “Bring him in.” Both Chiffock and Thomas said at the same time.

They went in. Again Robert had interrupted the Paulette’s dinner, but they didn’t seem to mind. The entire family was seated around the table, Thomas, Chiffock, Hugh and Harry, but not William. Robert recalled that William was on a trading mission to the Caribbean. Another surprise was that Reverend Gowan was also seated at the table. (By this time the Mathews had already sailed back to England.)

Every one of them stopped what they were doing to look at Robert; Chiffock put down his spoon which was piled up with pumpkin casserole; Hugh put down a piece of bread he was about to bite in to; Harry put down his glass of wine; and Reverend Gowan put down his knife although he continued to chew whatever he had in his mouth.

Thomas immediately stood up though, seeing the anxiety on Robert’s face. “What has happened, son?” He asked.

At the sound of Thomas’ kind voice, Robert almost broke down. It reminded him of Francis’ kind, fatherly voice and he missed that so much, an older, wiser, loving father to go to in times of distress. His voice cracked as he replied, “Elizabeth has been abducted.”

Alison let out a little shriek; Hugh and Harry gasped and Reverend Gowan whispered “God have mercy.” Thomas instantly came around the table to approach Robert, asking, “When?”

“This morning. Jamie and I searched for several hours. Elizabeth was clever enough to leave a trail for us for some of the way, but then it disappeared. We were lost after that so I decided to spread the news and ask for help. Sheriff Huett told me to tell you that he’s forming a search party and to go to his place after you’ve told your neighbors.”

Thomas clasped Robert’s hand. “Of course we’ll join the search party. But first, what do you suppose your brother wants? Money? That necklace Elizabeth was wearing on Twelfth Night?”

“I brought the necklace with me to bargain with. It’s in my saddlebag now, but we didn’t find them.”

“Did he leave a note asking for anything?”

Robert was stunned. “I never thought of that! But we didn’t see any note anyway.”

“All right. When does Ned want us?”

“Any time, but he said most likely the search will start early tomorrow morning. I only hope…” Robert paused, swallowing hard, trying to control this helpless feeling. He felt like he wanted to break down and cry, but he took a shaky breath before finishing, “that we won’t be too late.”

Thomas put both hands on Robert’s shoulders and looked straight into his eyes. “Do not think like that. We’ll find her and get her away from that son-of-a-whore brother of yours.”

“I want to believe that.” Robert whispered, a tear escaping from his eye to roll down his cheek.

“Ah son,” Thomas said, drawing Robert into a hug. “Let it out. Let it out.”

A sob escaped, and then another. “I don’t know what I would do if I lost Elizabeth.” He cried. “I don’t know if I could bear it.”

“You won’t lose Elizabeth.” Thomas said, holding Robert with strong, comforting arms. “We’ll see to that.”

“But she could already be gone.”

Reverend Gowan came over and put his hand on Robert’s head. “God will watch over her, protect her and keep her safe. He will see you through this tragedy. We all face difficult trials in our lives, but those of us who keep faith in God will triumph over evil.”

That sounded good, but Robert didn’t know if it was true. All the praying in the world hadn’t kept Elizabeth from being snatched by Wesley; even her dream hadn’t protected her and it should have. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t argue with the Reverend. “Thank you.” He murmured as he took a step back from both of them. He sniffled a few times and wiped his eyes and Thomas handed him a handkerchief.

“Have you eaten?” He asked.

“No.” Robert replied, wiping his face. That was the truth. Even though Abigail had packed them sacks of dried food, he hadn’t touched any of it.

“Come.” Thomas said, taking Robert’s arm. “Join us.”

“No, I shouldn’t. I know not if Elizabeth has eaten today and if she hasn’t, then I shouldn’t.”

“That’s very noble of you, but you need your strength to look for her. You won’t do her any good if you’re weak from lack of food.”

“Come, my son.” The Reverend said, now taking Robert’s arm. “Take my place.”

Robert hesitated, but finally they persuaded him to sit down and eat something. Earlier he had noticed the wonderful food on the table and now much to his embarrassment, his stomach rumbled. The roasted ducks in their own juices smelled so good his mouth watered.

Alison returned to her seat and Reverend Gowan sat down next to Robert on the bench. A pewter plate, a bone-handled knife and spoon, and a wine goblet were set in front of Robert by Thomas. He watched all of this guiltily. Here he was about to eat a fine meal while Elizabeth was somewhere unknown and possibly being tortured. He almost rose to leave when Reverend Gowan bowed his head and said, “Let us pray for our faithful servant, Elizabeth. Let us pray for her safe return. We trust in you, our Lord God, to show us the way to handle this wicked situation. We believe you when you say “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you”. We thank you for your daily blessings. We thank you for your guidance and love, so broad, long and high. Help Robert in this time of need; help him to refrain from anger for evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. Help him to forgive those that have crossed him and his family and help him to remain strong and pure.” He raised his head and looked at Robert. “God be with you, Robert. Amen.”

“Amen.” Everyone chimed in.

And then something happened that Robert would never forget. Just at that precise moment, at just the precise angle, the sun lowered in the sky and shone through the little, diamond-paned window and landed on Robert alone. The bright shaft of sunlight bathed him in light and warmth.

Everyone gasped except for Chiffock. He laughed joyfully, remarking, “Fine work, Father.”

“’Tisn’t my work. ‘Tis God’s blessing.” He smiled serenely, although there was a touch of smugness in that smile.

It was as if God had blessed Robert at that moment. Robert felt a sudden calmness take over his body as if he had nothing to fear and nothing could hurt him, and as if he were being held and supported by a divine power of unlimited greatness. His guilt vanished over partaking of this fine food and he was suddenly ravenous. He remembered all that Elizabeth had told him of her dream about their future and he knew, deep down, that he was a part of that future and that he would be happy with her. She would live and thrive and bear him children, and together they would prosper and grow old.

He turned to the Reverend, clasped his hand and said simply, with heartfelt emotion, “Thank you.”

“Thank the Lord.”

And then they ate.

Robert didn’t linger though; he had places to go and people to see. But his faith and hope had been restored and after wolfing down his dinner, he graciously thanked his hosts and got up to leave. With renewed energy and determination, he hastened off to his next destination: the Powhatan village.

Chapter Forty-Seven: Loss

Elizabeth couldn’t believe her luck. After hours and hours of misery, pain and feeling sick to her stomach, they had finally reached their destination.

During her ordeal of hanging over the savage’s shoulder, she had tried to leave a trail of wolf fur plucked from the savage’s mantle, and at first she had done a good job, boosting her spirits; but after two or three hours, she must have lost consciousness, because all of a sudden she woke up and realized it was much later in the day. She frantically started plucking at the mantle again, but it was too late. They had arrived.

But now that she recognized the cabin, her spirits soared. Even though the sun was about to set and it was nearly full dark, she recognized this place deep in the woods alongside a little swift-running creek. It was Billy Burcher’s cabin, the place where she had become lost when searching for the Billings’ boy. Then she had been rescued by Billy himself.

What about now though? Why was Billy helping Wesley and the savages? Her initial excitement vanished when she realized he must have turned traitor even after accepting Maureen and Phillip’s hospitality at Christmas and becoming friends with Robert and Elizabeth.

Right outside the front door, the Indian set her down on her feet, but her ankles were still tied together, her legs were numb, she felt dizzy, and she crumpled right onto the ground with a cry. She curled up into a ball, clutching her tied hands over her stomach. This pain wasn’t like any cramps she had had before with her monthly. This was different and she feared the worst. She let out a moan, but nobody even noticed. The Indian didn’t look at her and neither did Wesley which surprised her, but she was grateful also. At least they were leaving her alone for now.

Wesley went up to the door and banged his fist on the rough wood. Billy Burcher opened the door, looking angry. “Where have you been?” He demanded. “Your friend is nearly dead. I’ve tried—“

“Shut up!” Wesley snapped, shoving through the doorway. On the way through he grabbed Billy’s arm and pulled Billy into the house with him.

His friend
? Elizabeth thought.
Oh, that must be Burnett. So that arrow wound was slowly killing him. Good.

She took a peek at the other two savages. They had moved to the creek and were squatting along the edge, drinking from the cold, fresh water. She wished she could have a drink, but she kept quiet. If she remained silent, they might forget she was there. No, she really didn’t believe that, but she stayed quiet anyway.

After a few minutes, Billy came out and cautiously approached her, his eyes darting from her to the Indians.

Looking regretful, he knelt down and gently put an arm under her shoulders, slowing raising her upper body. He quickly whispered in her ear while taking his time picking her up. “I’m sorry, Elizabeth. I didn’t know what they were about. I know the Indians; I trade with them regularly, and they brought Wesley and Burnett to me. I thought they only wanted shelter for Burnett because of his wound. Why have they done this? Why have they abducted you?”

“Revenge.” She whispered back, and then she couldn’t speak any more. She let out a hoarse cry as the worst pain of all seized her accompanied by a gush of warmth and wetness between her legs. She started to cry in earnest as he carried her into the house. “It hurts.” She cried. “My baby.”

“What?” He gasped. “What do you mean, your baby?” He put her down on the bare floor in front of the hearth where a crackling fire was burning in the fireplace. The bed was already occupied by Burnett. Wesley was over there, kneeling by the bed and talking urgently to the dying man.

She was able to clutch Burcher’s shirt with her hands even though her wrists were still bound. “I think I’m losing my baby.” She whispered.

“Oh dear God.” He groaned. “What can I do?”

She shook her head. “Nothing.” And she started to sob.

Wesley stood up and looked over at them. “What are you doing?” He growled to Burcher. As he strode over to them, he pulled his pistol out and aimed it at Burcher. “Get away from her.” He ordered. “You know her, don’t you?”

Burcher moved slowly away from Elizabeth, watching Wesley warily. He also looked around his cabin, looking for a weapon. “Yes, I know who she is. Elizabeth Bassett.”

Wesley laughed contemptuously. “Yes, my sister-in-law.”

“What!” Burcher gasped, truly taken aback.

“Yes, I lied to you, Mr. Burcher. I’m not Mr. Halcock. I’m Wesley Bassett, third earl of Pennington and Robert and Jamie’s older brother.”