War of Hearts, A Historical Romance Read Online Free PDF Page A

help?”
    “A good jab to the throat or eye will get
their attention.”
    Sarah carefully grasped the sharp piece of
steel and hugged her friend. She could feel her bones through her
clothing and knew she had made the right decision.
    “I’ll be back before you know it.”
    “Be safe,” Margaret replied, watching her
scamper out of site.
    Sarah made her way to the quartermaster’s
tent. She was a bit early but unable to calm her nerves. She
attached the pin to her skirt within easy reach of her hand.
Several men were gathered around and she nervously looked for
Pearson, her contact.
    “I’m looking for Mr. Pearson,” she stated,
her voice sounding thin and weak even to her own ears.
    “You found him,” the burliest one of the
bunch replied, stepping forward.
    “General Washington sent me to accompany
you.”
    The man eyed her grimly, “Come along
then.”
    A bit wearily, she ducked into the tent
after him. He had a map laid out on his bedroll and quickly went
over the plan. They were to pick up a wagon in town and ride to
Philadelphia. There would be men in the woods, to give them cover,
if they were discovered. The cover story was that the rebels had
run them from their home and they needed to seek shelter within the
city.
    He handed her a pass into the city, a pass
that had cost several of their lives to procure.
    “Just let me do all the talkin’. And don’t
look them in the eye.”
    “Why not?”
    “It’s best for them not to notice how pretty
you are.”
    Sarah nodded, her eyes widening as she
thought of the soldiers who attacked her farm.
    He patted her on the shoulder with his
large, boney hand. “You listen to me and we might just get back
alive.”
    The two began their journey on foot. Sarah
was bequeathed a pair of ice creepers. The bent metal was tied to
her shoe to steady her on the slippery ground. They hoped to make
it before nightfall.
    Snow started to fall. It acted as an
insulator as well as covering their tracks. The less people out and
about, the better. She hardly noticed when their accompanying
guards slipped silently into the forest.
    “And how are we to carry the supplies back?”
Sarah asked.
    Pearson chuckled. “Steal a wagon.”
    A bark of laughter escaped Sarah. “Of
course, they won’t notice that at all!”
    The two were silent as they marched on
through the deepening snow, each lost in their own thoughts.
    Sarah had never been to Philly; in fact she
had never been much of anywhere, until they joined the army. She
had heard tell of the grand city with the towering mansions and
buildings lining the streets.
    Thoughts of the red coats growing fat and
strong, gave her energy and her steps became more determined.
    The walking kept her body warm enough,
however she had to keep wiggling her fingers to keep the blood
flowing. She was trying desperately to keep up with her companion’s
effortless strides and she soon began to pant.
    Finally noticing her peril, he slowed down a
bit. She wanted to ask him about his life, if he had a family, why
he was on this mission. But her fear of being overheard kept her
quiet. She knew their people were in the woods, and if she couldn’t
see them. There could be others.
    She heard him curse out loud as he came to a
halt, holding his boot up. Sarah risked a peek to see a thin,
spiked piece of metal sticking out of the sole of his boot.
    A caltrop. The bent metal was thrown on the
ground to deliberately injure horses. They must be getting closer
if the British were worried about cavalry attacks. She watched as
Pearson plucked it out and put it in his pocket.
    Their pace was slower after that, due to
looking out for more caltrops, or favoring his sore foot. She
wasn’t sure, but she was grateful for the break.
    Sarah’s legs were leaden, since they had
reached camp in December; she had no reason to march recently. The
soldiers had their drills, but her camp was close to the hospital,
so had become more complacent. No matter how uncomfortable the