Page 24 of Earl of Excess
He thought back over the day, recalling the letter Bethany had written to his family was now in the hands of a man looking for a soldier—but not him. It would have been easier for Bethany and Dandie if the man had been searching for him. But then, he would have never known her. The way she had taken care of him had been nothing short of amazing. She was the most competent woman he had ever known—his mother and sister excepted, of course.
At the thought of her, he smiled, closed his eyes, and unclenched his fists. Gradually, he felt his body relax.
Chapter Twelve
Bethany woke toDandie’s licks. She furiously kissed her mistress’s face and nudged her chin with her nose. The last embers of the fire should have been out, but were burning warm, heating her face. Opening her eyes, she saw Matthew fully dressed and leaning into the fireplace, poking through the logs.
“I thought you might like a little heat as you stirred. It seemed Dandie had other ideas. She thought a face bath was more what you would want,” he laughed.
A snort escaped her. “I confess, I was having a dream that we had already arrived at my aunt’s,” she said, sitting straight up. “To wake and find that the trip is still ahead is a little defeating. I have never taken off in the darkness, before. But it seems necessary this time.”
“Yes. It seems we cannot stay here. I am more concerned about Smoot and the trouble he could cause than the man that got the letter.” His words were pensive.
“I hope you could sleep. I feel quite rested, although it is always hard to pull myself out from under the warm coverlets.” She stood, having slept somewhat dressed. With Matthew unable to see, she had not worried, as she normally would have about her state of dress. “Thank you for stoking the fire. It is probably smarter to go about things with that lower light than lighting the candles. I will bank it just before we leave.” She finished folding the blankets and stacked them on her bed, noticing Matthew had straightened the bedding.
Going back into the living area, she reached for a long leather tether that hung next to the fireplace. “I will put this restraint on Dandie in case she sees something in the water. I don’t want her going after it.” The dog whimpered at the sight of the leather lead.
“She is unused to that, I take it,” Matthew offered.
“Yes. However, sometimes, merely having it attached keeps her in check. She hardly ever leaves my side. However, I do not want to look for her, just in case she sees something in the water.” She trembled at the thought of the cold, murky water.
Bethany walked over to the window and peered out. “We have a full moon and fog—a lucky combination for our travel, I hope. The fog will burn off soon enough with the sun rising but will provide adequate cover. Let me put the food supplies in the boat. Then, I’ll pull it around and we can leave.”
Once Matthew and Dandie were in the boat, Bethany gave a last check to her windows and door, carefully securing the small items such that they would alert her if they were breached, before climbing into the boat herself. Quietly, she pushed away from the dock and began the trek down the canal.
The boat moved quietly through the water as she carefully kept toward the middle. Birds had begun to chatter along the tree line, while frogs and crickets still chirped their existence as they all searched for bugs and other sustenance for their breakfast. Her boat cut through the river, making quiet ripples. Dandie sat next to her, the tether attached but not taut.
No one spoke for about a half-hour, until they had moved beyond the first bend.
“How many miles did you say we would travel?” Matthew whispered.
“It’s about ten. It should not take us too long. It usually takes about two to three hours, depending on the current. At least we don’t have the strong current of the river to deal with. These are fairly mild and allow us to go both ways pretty easily.” She was relieved that the weather was cooperating. The full moon provided enough light for her to see around her boat.
“Don’t be alarmed if you hear splashes. The inhabitants of the canal are just going about for food,” she explained. “We are safe in the boat. We should keep our voices down, though, as they carry over water.”
“Iwasjust wondering about those splashes,” Matthew admitted quietly.
“Yes, I heard them too. I think it was a gator. They do not bother people. Only small animals, fish, birds, and other smaller prey. That is one reason I put Dandie on a tether. She knows better and minds, but she is untested during the darker hours, so I am being cautious.”
“That is wise. She is a very inquisitive dog. I am probably here today because of that part of her nature,” he mused aloud.
Bethany giggled softly. “Yes, my grandmère calls us quite the pair. I was just thinking about what her reaction to you will be.”
“Does she hate the British? You mentioned she came from Canada as a child. If I recall my history, it was not always pleasant in the Canadian territory. She may not be pleased with my presence.”
“I never recall Grandmère disliking anyone. She seeks the goodness in others, as she will do so with you. She will want to help you. I am sure of that.”
“Your Grandmère sounds like a lovely person, very generous of spirit,” Matthew whispered in return.
Bethany remained quiet, listening to the surrounding sounds. She had decided to use one paddle, moving it on the left and right of the boat slowly so as not to make too much noise. Pulling it up for a moment, she listened. It sounded like the familiar small splash of a paddle was still hitting the water behind her. Turning slightly, she scanned the area, searching but seeing nothing. It would be light soon, and she could confirm her suspicions.
She stayed quiet for a few more minutes before whispering to Matthew, “The sun will rise soon.” Her tone was more hushed.
“Is something wrong? I noticed we slowed down,” he replied quietly.
“I think we are being followed,” she returned, keeping her voice as quiet as she could. “I am not sure, though. It’s just a suspicion. But I could hear what sounded like my paddle hitting the water, twice.”
“I have my pistol and my knife near my feet, just in case we need them,” she added.
