Bobbi Smith - Captive Pride

He lifted her chin and kissed her quickly, uncaring that Ruth looked on. “I’ll go, but believe me, there’s no place I’d rather be than here with you.”

She smiled up at him warmly. “I know.”

It was near dusk as Noah grimly approached the Hammond house. He had spent the better part of the day on board the Lorelei, but even as he’d busied himself there, his thoughts had been of Matthew and their bitter parting the night before. Logically, he knew it was probably the best thing. For his business’s sake, he could risk no overt connection to the rebels. Still, it troubled him that Matthew had left without taking his share of the money, and Noah was determined that he should have sufficient funds. He had deposited half of the rebel advance in a reputable bank in Matthew’s name and was on his way to the Hammonds now to leave word that the money was available for him.

“Noah!” Faith was surprised to find her new brother-in-law standing on her doorstep when she opened the door.

“Hello, Faith.” Noah was unsure of his welcome and so kept his tone cool.

“Please, come in,” she invited warmly, holding the door wider for him to enter.

“No. Really, that’s not necessary. I just came by to leave a message for Matthew. I don’t know where he’s taken up residence yet and-”

Before he could say any more, Faith cut him off. “He’s taken up residence here, Noah. Please, come in. You can give him the message yourself, for he got home a short while ago.”

Noah looked decidedly uncomfortable to learn that Matthew had moved in with Faith and her mother, and he hesitated to take her up on her invitation.

“Noah, Matthew and I were married last night.”

“What?”

“Please come in and we’ll explain everything.” At her continued insistence, Noah entered the house. “He’s in our bedroom. Make yourself comfortable in the parlor while I go tell him that you’re here.”

Faith hurried down the short hall to her room at the back of the house.

“Matthew…” She entered their room without knocking and stopped dead still.

“What do you think?” he asked with a lopsided grin as he turned to face her from the washstand where he stood.

His face was covered with a mixture of soot and red Indian war paint, and about his head he wore a headband adorned with several feathers that stuck up at a rather rakish angle. He wore dark, nondescript clothing and had a blanket thrown about his shoulders.

“Dear Lord, what are you doing?” Faith demanded after she regained her composure.

“It’s part of a plan.”

“What plan?”

“The leaders have sent one last demand to the governor requesting that he send the ships back without unloading the tea. If he agrees, there will be no problem, but if he refuses…”

“If he refuses, what?” Faith was growing worried. She had no desire to lose her husband as she had lost her father.

“If he refuses, then we will take care of the tea ourselves.”

“Matthew…couldn’t this be dangerous?”

He shrugged, and then, understanding her fears, he came to her to take her in his arms. “Don’t worry. Nothing is going to happen to me. Who knows? If the governor comes to his senses, we may not even have to act. Now, what was it you wanted when you came into the room? You seemed rather excited about something.”

“Oh…I almost forgot.” She drew back. “Noah is here to see you.”

“Noah?” Now it was Matt’s turn to be surprised. “I hadn’t thought… He’s actually here?” At her answering nod, he strode quickly from the room in search of his brother. “Noah?”

Noah was standing near the window when he heard Matthew approaching. As he turned to greet him, he was totally unprepared for the sight of Matthew dressed as an Indian, and the shock was evident on his face.

“What the…” Only Faith’s presence behind him stopped him from swearing.

“Faith said you wanted to see me?” Matt asked, his expression guarded. He was not sure why Noah had come, and he was not about to act as though nothing had happened between them.

“Yes, I have something of importance to tell you, but first, what are you doing dressed like that?”

“Since you desire no further contact with the rebels, I suggest you not ask.” As his brother scowled, Matt asked again, “Now, you were saying?”

Off balance and decidedly uncomfortable, Noah replied tersely, “Yes. Here.” He handed him the small portfolio.

“What are these?” Matt glanced from Noah to the papers.

“I deposited your share of the funds in your name. Those are the papers.”

“I told you how I felt about the money, Noah,” Matt said flatly.

“I know, but I would never refuse you what’s rightfully yours,” he answered.

Matthew regarded him solemnly. “Thank you.”

Noah could only nod. “I understand that congratulations are in order?”

“Yes, Faith and I decided that there was no point in waiting any longer. We were married last night.”

“I’m sorry that I missed the ceremony, but I want you to know that I wish you the best.”

“Thank you, Noah.” Faith went to him. “I know that means a lot to Matthew.” She looked from brother to brother. “I think I’ll leave you two alone now. Noah, it was good to see you again. Please, come back.”

When she had gone Noah glanced at Matt again. “You’re not getting caught up in anything foolish, are you? I don’t want you taking unnecessary chances. We both know that things could get violent at any time now.”

“As I said-”

“I know what you said,” Noah exploded, “and you know how I feel about you risking your life and limb. For God’s sake, man, you have a wife now!”

“I’m very aware of that,” Matt replied heatedly, “but this is something that has to be done. Even CC feels that way.”

“CC?” Noah froze at the mention of her name. “What has CC got to do with this?”

“She’s involved, just as I am.”

“Involved in what?”

Matt closed the distance between them. “There’s going to be a rally tonight at six o’clock at Faneuil Hall. Word has been sent to the governor that we want the three ships returned to England with their cargo intact. If he agrees to ship the tea back, then everyone goes home, but…”

“But what?” Noah ground out in annoyance. He wasn’t quite sure why he felt a driving need to know what was going to happen; he just knew that he had to find out.

Matthew hesitated only briefly before telling him all of what was planned. “If word comes back that the governor has refused, then we’re going to take care of the tea ourselves.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, we’re going to go on board the ship and dump it in the harbor.”

“That’s outrageous!”

“Yes, it is, isn’t it?” Matthew smiled quixotically. “But when we get done, Parliament will know that we’re serious.”

“Matthew…” He wanted to convince his brother that it was foolhardy to try such a stunt.

“Don’t say it, Noah. This is my decision. This is something I have to do.”

“But there are troops everywhere… There might be trouble…”

“We have to take a stand. It’s time to let them know that we will no longer tolerate their continued interference in our business.”

“And CC is in on this?” The thought that CC might get caught up in a potentially dangerous situation left him rigid with sudden fear for her safety.

Matt read his concern for CC and was inwardly pleased. “She was at the meeting and seemed most determined to participate.”

“Didn’t Graves try to stop her?”

“Why? Are you worried about her?” he probed.

“She’s a woman, damn it!” he snapped as his brother touched a nerve.