A More Perfect Union: Emily's Vow Part 21

Something flickered in his eyes as he removed his cloak and handed it to Jasmine. Emily focused on the man in front of her. The man she had trusted all her life.

The man who challenged her trust.

"Very successful, thank you." He glanced at Frank. "The contact I spoke to you about awaits further orders."

What was that about? Emily cleared her throat drawing her father's attention. "I've returned from an adventure of my own." Wait until you hear where I've been while you've been roving around on some secret mission. Anger seethed inside at how easily he lied to her. She never suspected until recently, and then to have John throw it in her face, adding insult to injury. "Would you join me in the library for a sherry?"

"I'd like to freshen up first, if you don't mind," her father said warily.

"I do mind, Father. Come, there's not much time before our guests arrive, and we must talk. Now." She ushered him down the hall and into the library, keeping Frank's hand securely in her own until they all crossed the doorsill.

Emily positioned herself in front of the fireplace. Her father stood impatiently in front of her. Frank closed the door behind him. The fire hissed and popped in the background as she stared at her father, silently trying various phrases before she dared to speak them. He gazed back then opened his hands in a questioning gesture.

"What is this about, darling? I must dress for dinner. I'm much later returning than expected due to some rather unexpected complications."

"I'm enthralled and would love to hear about your trip. After you explain why you lied to me." There, she'd said it. Confronting him felt good, to challenge him on his actions.

"Lie? When did I lie to you?"

"Did you think I wouldn't discover the truth? The entire town knows, including the British. That's why I've spent two days held prisoner, being groped and kissed by John Bradley. All thanks to you."

She ignored Frank's startled look, though she'd likely have to explain her comment to him later.

"You were in the dungeon?" Her father stepped to her and hugged her. "Because of me? Oh G.o.d, I didn't know."

"Of course not, you who've been privateering and hoping n.o.body would catch on. But they did. And they imprisoned me for it."

"Why would they think you were involved?" He set her away from him and gazed at her face.

"I went to your shop to prove your innocence in your own ledgers."

"Tell me you didn't go by yourself?" His grip tightened on her arms. "I warned you to stay home."

"I took her," Frank said. "She didn't venture out alone."

"Major Bradley found me there, where I read through your ledgers and finally understood the deceit you engaged in."

"You should not have gone there. I knew someone in town asked questions, and suspected that Bradley boy. Why else do you think I wanted you to stay home but for your safety?" He peered into her eyes, searching for she knew not what. "I did not want you to be involved in any of this."

"Easy to say now." A tear threatened to show itself, and she swallowed. "Why, Father? Why did you do this?"

"I've done nothing but try to protect you by not revealing everything to you. That way, if they discovered how I supported our new government, the British could not implicate you as well." He hugged her to him, and his heart beat against her cheek, strong and even. "You must believe me."

"It's hard to when the father I knew and trusted did not also trust me in return." She pushed away from him. "How am I to trust you?"

He folded his arms across his chest and shook his head slowly. "You have no need to be ashamed of me. What I've done, I'd do again without qualms. I love our new America and will do anything within my power to fight for it and all it stands for. I am an American, not a British subject. I'm working for our government. Would you have me do less than that?"

A soft knock on the door echoed in the ensuing silence. Amy's voice quietly called through the door. "Emily, we must dress. Our guests will arrive soon."

"A moment." Emily glanced at Frank, then her father. He had done his duty for their newly formed government, helping turn the tide of the war in their favor. Sometimes a good reason existed for not telling the whole truth. She moved to him, searching his eyes for understanding. "No, sir, I would not have you do less than to defend our country. I had not understood your reasons. Will you forgive me?"

"There is nothing to forgive, dear." He kissed her forehead lightly and smiled. "You are a true patriot and loving daughter who demonstrates a deep caring for her old father. I love you. Shall we prepare for our guests now?"

Emily smiled at him and took his arm. "Yes, we shall."

"Sir, a word with you?" Frank asked.

"Now?" her father replied. "What is it with you two?"

"It will only take a moment." Frank smiled at Emily and motioned with his head for her to excuse them.

Emily slowly removed her hand from her father's arm. "Please do not linger long."

She eased the door closed behind her. What did Frank need to say to her father in private?

"The sun had faded long ago, hiding behind the ominous clouds sweeping across dead trees. A rattle and clatter echoed through the bare limbs, chilling the three travelers to the bone, but it was only the long claws of the trees sc.r.a.ping against each other in the biting wind."

Emily appreciated the new story Amy had written for her father to read. Apparently the crowd gathered around the fireplace did as well, for they intently listened to each word.

"An enjoyable evening as always." Frank handed her a cup of warm apple cider.

She sipped and smiled. "Thank you, Frank, for everything."

He kissed her hand. "My sweet, it is entirely my pleasure."

Jasmine appeared in the door of the upstairs parlor and caught Emily's eye as she glanced past Frank's shoulder. Emily nodded at the silent message.

"Only one man survived that horrifying night, and he never spoke of what happened. The end." Her father leaned back in his storytelling throne and smiled at the applause he received at the conclusion of the story.

As the commotion died down, Emily stepped forward and clapped her hands twice. "Dinner is served, everyone. If you'll make your way down to the dining room, we'll eat momentarily."

Samantha appeared at her side, smiling. "That was a wonderful story."

"Be sure to tell Amy," Emily replied. "She has such a gift for stories."

"I'll thank her for your release from prison as well. She had a hand in that, employing her gift, from what I hear."

Frank winked at Emily. "Perhaps a little stretching of the truth is more like it."

"I do not know what she said to Colonel Balfour to make him order John to release me," Emily replied honestly. "Nor do I care at this point. As long as I am home among my family and friends for the holidays, I'm content. Shall we join the others?"

After they took their seats at the expansive table laden with savory meats, vegetables, relishes, and fruits, the sound of laughter and conversation filled the cheery room.

Emily perused the faces around the table, smiling at each in turn. Her father sat at the head of the table, holding court over the proceedings. Emily sat at his right hand, with Frank beside her. Frank's leg casually rested against hers, keeping a constant intimate touch between them. Samantha and Amy sat across from her, with Uncle Richard and Aunt Lucille beside them. She noticed an empty seat beside Frank.

"Who is late for dinner?" she whispered to Frank. "I cannot think who it is."

"Benjamin will join us shortly." He sliced through the roast duck on his plate. "He is anxious to become reacquainted with Miss Amy."

"How intriguing."

"Isn't it?" Frank chewed with a knowing smile.

"I dare say Amy will not be pleased with such an event." Emily sipped her wine and watched her cousin engage in an animated conversation with the older man beside her.

"I suppose we shall find out, since he has just arrived."

Benjamin moved lithely through the arched opening. Frank stood, drawing his attention, and motioned for Benjamin to join them. Frank remained standing until his friend reached the empty seat.

Amy looked at Emily, dismay haunting her eyes. Amy did not want to reconnect with Benjamin, although Emily only had her suspicions as to why. Now Amy had no escape. Emily gently shrugged at her cousin and best friend, apologetically indicating her predicament. Amy closed her eyes briefly in resignation, then shrugged as well, though her posture remained rigid.

"Have a seat, my friend." Frank motioned to the empty chair. "You're just in time."

Frank looked at Emily, intently searching her face. A premonition warmed her. Something momentous, surely. Frank tapped his knife lightly against his flute of wine, holding it aloft as he gazed about the room. The conversation stopped, and everyone watched him expectantly.

When he turned to Emily, her heart skittered at the love s.h.i.+ning in his eyes. "I wanted you all as witnesses when I ask this lovely, intelligent woman if she will consent to become my wife. Emily, darling, I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

Marry him? Could she?

What of her fears? Her vow? Her shop? Actually, she'd have more success convincing Frank to a.s.sist her with setting up her own business than her father. After all, her father's emphasis was on her safety, while Frank's was on her happiness. And her shop would definitely make her happy.

She glanced around the sea of faces, where hopeful expectations reflected back at her.

Amy smiled and nodded, wiping at her eyes. Her father waited, one hand braced on the table, the other holding his flute filled with wine hovering above the linen tablecloth. Samantha grinned and inclined her head in encouragement.

Emily looked at Frank, her love for him engulfing her heart. She had her answer.

"Yes."

"You've made me so very happy, my dear." He took both her hands and helped her stand beside him. "I love you so. I'll always be at your side to protect you."

He kissed her, a long, lingering touching of their mouths. A joining of their love and lives.

"Now you have to marry him," Benjamin said, laughing. "Three cheers to the newly engaged couple."

"Huzza! Huzza! Huzza!" echoed around the room as everyone joined in the celebration.

Darting a look at Benjamin, Amy rose from her chair and pushed it backward with a sc.r.a.pe. Muttering "excuse me," she fled the room.

Emily watched her friend hurry through the door and noted with a smile when Benjamin also rose and excused himself. Perhaps another romance stood poised to blossom in the near future. Frank cleared his throat, and she returned her gaze to him.

Frank searched Emily's eyes and smiled. "Would you agree to a traditional wedding on Twelfth Night? Will that give you enough time to prepare?"

"Perfect. Mayhap this war will be over and we'll have even more to celebrate."

"We can hope." He kissed her again, watching her response. "I love you, Em."

"I love you." She kissed him, then smiled into his eyes. "Together we'll form our own perfect union."

The End.

Want more from Betty Bolte?.

Page forward for an excerpt from.

AMY'S CHOICE.

A More Perfect Union.

Book Two.

Excerpt from.

Amy's Choice.

A More Perfect Union.

Book Two.

by Betty Bolte.

Award-winning Author.

Amy glanced at Benjamin and then glided to her chair across from his. He slowly sat back down and sipped from his cup of coffee.

"Benjamin, what brings you out here so early this morning?" Walter slathered yellow b.u.t.ter on yet another slice of bread.

Amy kept her eyes on her plate, but her movements slowed, indicating she listened intently.

"Colonel Scarsdale made an important announcement last week, one that increases the chance of violent retaliation and looting by the British troops as they prepare to evacuate the city." Benjamin kept his eyes on Walter but watched Amy's actions at the side of his vision.

"Is the war finally over then?" Walter laid down his knife, eyes intent on Benjamin.

"It appears to be, all but the acts of signing the peace treaty and evacuating His Majesty's troops."

"When might that happen?" Emily fisted her napkin and gazed at him with hopeful eyes.

"As soon as conditions allow them to leave the harbor. But between now and then they will scavenge for any items of value they can lay their hands upon." He willed Amy to look at him, and finally she rewarded him by lifting her eyes to meet his.

"But how does that impact us out here?" Amy regarded him, one hand poised above her plate, a bite of ham waiting. "Surely the Britons will not harm us so far from town. They'll be busy preparing to evacuate."

"Clearly you do not fathom the reality of the matter." When Amy merely stared at him, realization dawned as to the extent of the situation before him. "I have come to take the girls back to town where I can keep them safe."