War of Hearts, A Historical Romance Read Online Free PDF

camp
was, it was her home now, and she considered the men and Margaret
her family.  
    The snow stopped and the sun shone down
brilliantly in orange, red, and purple. The shadows of the trees
grew longer, and Sarah started walking faster; she did not want to
be in the woods after dark.
    A halt was sounded, and she instinctively
gripped Pearson’s arm. Her heart beat faster, the Red uniforms
shining brightly against the fallen snow, reminding her of blood.
There were four of them, and as they drew closer Pearson held his
arms up, showing he was unarmed, and he shouted to the heavens.
    “God Bless us, and God Bless our king!”
    Sarah cried out, the one closest to them was
lunging forward, striking Pearson in the head with the butt of his
rifle. Pearson fell to his knees and Sarah jumped in front of him
holding the piece of parchment up high.
    “We have a pass, we have a pass!” her
shaking voice repeated the mantra until it was grasped out of her
hand.
    The soldier squinted at it in the failing
light; Sarah snatched it from his hand and stuffed it into her
bosom. Her eyes glared at him defiantly. The soldier eyed her a
moment before nodding, and stepping back.
    Still wary, Sarah grabbed Pearson’s collar
and helped heave him to his feet. He swayed and leaned heavily on
her; whether it was an act or not, she couldn’t be sure.
    They slowly shuffled down the path, and out
of site. Darkness was upon them; the lights from the town were
their guides. They passed by the second post without a hitch, and
then they were in Philadelphia.
    Sarah couldn’t help but gaze around at the
richness of the city. A fitting capitol for a new nation. Too bad
the British were occupying it.
    “Are you all right?” she asked, even her
whisper sounding loud in the still night.
    She received a grunt in reply, and decided
to take it as a yes.
    Suddenly, Pearson turned, pulling her into
his arms. She gasped in surprise, but instead of a kiss, he hugged
her tightly. His mouth was firm against her ear as he whispered
instructions.
    Moisture remained when he pulled away, and
she fought the urge to wipe it off. Instead she headed up to the
next door and knocked, leaving him leaning against the wall.
    A shaft of light split the night when the
door opened, revealing another soldier.
    “Do you have oil for my lantern?” she asked,
repeating the odd words she was told.
    “That and more,” he said ushering them
quickly inside.
    She watched as Pearson clasped hands with
him, and began discussing the plan. Sarah raised a quizzical eye
upon learning the plan was to drive a wagon full of supplies, back
the way they had come.
    “Do you think they are daft?” she asked.
    “No, but at dawn, new guards will be posted.
They will not question a respectable merchant, and his wife,
returning to his village.”
    Sarah still felt doubtful; however she was
too tired to argue. Her feet ached, her clothes were cold and wet,
and the fire in the hearth was way too inviting. With the hope of
bringing medicine back to her boys, she lay down to rest.
     

Chapter 6 Philadelphia
    Dawn broke, bringing with it a slow steady
drizzle. Sarah strained her eyes in the dim light as she rose. The
men were already awake and whispering.
    She frowned at being left out. A cup of
bitter tea was thrust into her hands and she gulped down the hot
brew. She didn’t see what all the fuss was about over tea; since
traveling with the army, she had learned to enjoy coffee, when it
was available.
    Her stomach growled with hunger and she
received a stale biscuit for her embarrassment. She listened in on
the plans as she nibbled. The food and tea warmed her spirit; when
a wagon arrived in front of the house full of supplies, she was
ready. Pearson guided her up onto the high bench and crossed to the
other side. The bench dipped when he sat next to her and she
grasped the seat to steady herself.
    Thin beams of light peeked through the town
and Sarah readily took it all in. It was a beautiful