Lady Emma's Campaign (13 page)

When Serena’s breathing began to return to normal, Emma spoke. “They have not taken everything. You still have the ability to love, you still have hope, and you have not become like them. Inside, you are still Serena, and nobody can take that away unless you allow it.” Emma repeated the words her mother had told her so often.

Serena remained quiet for a long moment. Finally, she shook the hair from her face and wiped her eyes with her fingers. “Emma, I thought to comfort you this morning, but you have brought me comfort instead.”

“It is what friends do. Sometimes they cheer each other, and sometimes they break a pot over an ugly Frenchman’s head.”

Serena smiled weakly.

Emma realized that she could possibly do more than stumble along blindly behind the group. Each of the people in their small company had been imprisoned. They had been part of a war and had seen and experienced horrible things to varying degrees. Though they had endured different hardships than she, the years of comforting her mother, of finding comfort of her own, gave her a capability that she had not thought of before as an asset. Obviously, she didn’t have much to offer as far as physical strength, but providing encouragement and understanding had always been something she did well. Her support had made a world of difference to her mother through years of mistreatment. Emma could use this skill to ease the burdens of the small band. Perhaps then, she would not be simply a burden herself.

Sidney held his musket in
the crook of his elbow, listening to Serena and Emma. He was not close enough to hear their words, but the sound of their voices assured him of their safety. He had followed the women from the camp, remaining out of sight to give them privacy yet close enough to be available should they need him. He didn’t dare let them wander off on their own. Not when there could be French soldiers, Spanish thieves, or any number of situations in which they could come to harm. They were leagues behind enemy lines, and such a place was dangerous for anyone, especially women.

Serena had been lucky that Colonel Stackhouse and his company had discovered her when they did. During his campaign through Spain, Sidney had seen a number of women who had not been so fortunate: women whose ears bled from having earrings ripped from the lobes, women with torn clothes and the empty eyes that attested to wounds that would not heal with time, women and children with injuries so brutal that Sidney had been sickened as he imagined the men who had inflicted them.

He shifted the musket to his other elbow. Battles upon the sea, firing cannons at ships full of faceless enemies were infinitely different. He didn’t have to see the widows and orphans, ruined lives, and the decimated lands that were the result of foreign armies clashing in the places where people had previously felt safe. War had been his business for nearly twenty years, and recently, he had found himself wishing he had established another way to support his family. The burden of his responsibility for their welfare sometimes felt tangible, like his chest was being compressed.

The women became silent, and Sidney moved closer to the stream. When he still heard nothing over the flowing water, he called out, “Emma? Serena?”

“We are here,” Emma responded.

Sidney found them sitting upon the rocks, Emma’s arm around Serena’s shoulders. Serena was wiping her cheeks, and Sidney could tell she had been weeping. He glanced at Emma, and seeing the slight shake of her head, he knew not to inquire.

“I thought to check on you,” he said lamely.

“We are quite all right,” Emma said. “Thank you.” She reached for her stockings but, seeming to realize that Sidney was watching, hurriedly swung her feet to the other side of the rock, out of view.

Sidney cleared his throat and turned away. He did not want Emma to think he was being indecent, but he couldn’t help but notice the deep, bleeding blisters on her feet. He winced. She must have been in a great deal of pain yesterday, walking in boots that didn’t fit properly. Today’s march would likely make her injuries worse. He wished there was some sort of salve among their supplies. Sidney also could not help but notice the curve of Emma’s delicate ankles, and instantly reprimanded himself. He needed to discard these kinds of thoughts. He was her guardian after all. He cast about for something much less pleasant to look at. Fate must have decided to support him in his endeavor as his eyes landed upon Enrique, who approached from the campsite.

Sidney’s eyes narrowed. What was he doing here? And more importantly, had he seen Emma’s ankles too? Did this pompous Spaniard have no respect for the women’s privacy? Sidney ignored the little voice reminding him that Enrique was not the only one intruding.

“
El
coronel
is anxious to travel as soon as possible today. The food is prepared, and I think you will quite enjoy it.”

“Ah, yes. I find that a side of fried serpent improves any meal, don’t you, Serena?” Emma said brightly.

Serena smiled, looking up at Emma gratefully through her lashes.

Sidney felt his heart warm at Emma’s attempt to cheer Serena. He had no doubt that the thought of eating a snake was anything but appealing to her. And he couldn’t help but be pleased that she did not once look at Enrique as she spoke.

“If you gentlemen will please allow us a few more minutes, we are not quite ready.” Emma indicated their discarded boots and stockings.

Sidney stood aside for Enrique and then followed him away from the stream. A few moments later, the women joined them for a hurried breakfast of rice and snake, which somehow, miraculously, Enrique had made palatable. They packed their supplies and began to make their way in the direction that Jim indicated. Which just happened to be up.

***

The group began their ascent of the mountain. At first glance, the slope didn’t seem extremely steep, but as they fought their way through dense scrub, around trees, and over loose stones, the incline began to be more of an issue. One particular spot where they would be forced to climb single-file between two large slabs of rock looked particularly daunting. Sidney climbed up first. Not only was it extremely steep, but where the large boulders met, the ground was covered with loose rock, causing him to slip. The only way he managed to navigate over the unstable ground was by pressing against the walls to take as much weight from his feet as possible. As one hand held a musket, he was forced to use his forearm. The pain in his ribs flared up with each stretch and pull, but there was no other choice.

Sidney emerged onto a ridge that ran like a backbone among the green hills. Trees and rocks covered the landscape. The mountain air felt crisp, and the sun was warm. Though not quite the summit, the area was high enough to afford good visibility of the surrounding area.

He was covered with sweat, and his muscles shook. He gently rubbed his side. It was true that he wasn’t in prime physical condition after two months in prison, but he was surely the strongest of the party. He had no idea how the remainder of the group would manage.

Where was some rope when he needed it? A sardonic grin touched his mouth. He’d never had that thought before. Aboard a ship, rope was everywhere. He’d spent hours coiling; uncoiling; pulling; climbing; and as a young boy, unraveling rope to make oakum. He’d learned to tie knots, memorized the proper position of every line, and replaced them countless times. He’d had rope burns so deep his hands hadn’t healed for weeks. A staple of his life at sea, he’d taken it for granted, and now he would have given anything for a simple length of the stuff.

Sidney searched for a moment and finally found a broken tree branch. It wasn’t smooth or even straight, but it was long enough that the others would only need to climb about fifteen feet before they could grab hold. He propped his musket against a rock then planted his feet against the sides of the opening and reached the branch down.

Jim sent Serena first, then Enrique. Sidney recognized that the sequence was by design. Jim was the likely choice to follow Sidney, as he was injured, and Enrique should have been last. But obviously Jim shared Sidney’s reservations about leaving Enrique alone with the women.

Luckily Jim seemed to be much improved after a good night’s sleep, although the red streaks spreading across his skin underneath the bandage still caused Sidney some worry. Aboard ship, the surgeon would have placed Jim’s name on the binnacle list, sparing him from his duties and giving him a chance to recover his strength. However, in this circumstance, taking time for recuperation was not an option.

Jim seemed to be giving Emma some instruction, demonstrating with his hands against the rocks.

Sidney moved the musket closer to his leg, even though Enrique sat a few yards away in the shade of a tree. He wouldn’t chance the man taking it while Sidney’s attention was diverted.

With Jim’s help, Emma pushed her hands against the walls and began to climb, holding herself up with first her arms, then legs, and finally, pressing both feet against one side of the crevice and her back against the other. Sidney let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. She was nearly close enough to grab on to the branch. He assumed she was resting her arms, preparing for the next segment, so he was surprised when she turned awkwardly to look behind, and leaning, reached her hand down to assist Jim.

Sidney felt a tingling in his chest that spread warmth through his body. Emma was by far the weakest and smallest of the party, and yet she would assist another, even though she likely did not have the strength to actually be of any use to the colonel.

Jim shook his head, motioning for her to continue, and Emma shifted around and resumed her ascent. Sidney’s pulse pounded in his throat as he watched each strain of her muscles and every grimace she made as she struggled closer. He tapped his fingers nervously on the rock. Finally, she was close enough to grasp the branch. Sidney held it with both hands and pulled until he could reach her arm. She let go of the branch, clinging to him instead, and he lifted her the remainder of the way through the gap. Once she was on firm ground, he relaxed and allowed the tension to leave him. He hadn’t realized how worried he’d been.

Emma’s arms were shaking, and she breathed heavily; however, she immediately turned around and knelt, pulling the branch through the crevice to reach for Jim.

Sidney crouched next to her and took the branch from her hands. “Emma, I will assist Jim. Sit with Serena and regain your strength. ”

She looked toward him and then back down between the large slabs where Jim was climbing. “Jim is not well,” she said, quietly enough that the colonel would not overhear. “His skin is burning with fever.”

“I know he needs rest, but he will not allow us to stop and care for him.”

“He will if he thinks it is his idea.” Emma pursed her lips. She seemed to be forming a plan. She looked at Sidney for a moment with her eyes squinting, and he would have given a mountain of Spanish silver to know what she was thinking.

A smile of amusement tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Lady Emma, I do believe you are plotting a scheme of some type.”

“Perhaps.” Emma raised one eyebrow, tilting her head with a teasing smile.

Sidney was caught off guard by her expression. Undoubtedly, she had used the same charms as she flirted with gentlemen among the
ton
. It was, in a word, irresistible. Was she aware of the power her smile had? He shook his head. He was merely a friend, her guardian, and she was certainly not flirting with
him
. In fact, such a concept should not have come to his head.

He turned his attention downward, and Emma followed suit. Jim neared the branch and grasped on to it. Sidney pulled. When Jim was close, Sidney and Emma both reached for one of his arms, hauling him out of the crevice.

Jim sat, leaning against a rock.

Emma offered the canteen, which he gratefully accepted. “Captain Fletcher, I believe the remainder of our party might be thirsty. If you don’t mind . . .” Emma raised her eyebrow ever so slightly, signaling that she wanted a moment to talk to Jim.

As he reached for the canteen, he realized that Emma had somehow taken over his command. She had given him an order and effectively dismissed him to carry it out. He was surprised to realize that he didn’t mind in the least. It was a relief to have a partner, someone to ease the burden of responsibility, someone to depend on as Jim’s condition worsened. The concept was a new one. He’d risen through the ranks of the navy, making decisions as befitted his station. And none of those serving under him questioned him. Life as an officer was lonely.

Perhaps it was her familiarity or the way she calmed and comforted those around her. Maybe it was the solitary months he’d spent in prison. Or knowing she was the closest thing he had to a younger sister. Whatever the reason, Emma’s presence and friendship filled him with a joy he was completely unprepared for. And it was as if a heavy weight sunk in his stomach when he considered how fleeting their time together was to be.

Emma sat upon the ground
next to Jim, frowning as she arranged her dirty and torn skirts over her legs. “Colonel, are you certain we are traveling in the right direction? This hardly seems like a path.” She indicated the crevice behind them.

“Perhaps you think I am merely torturing you, choosing the most difficult route?” Jim growled.

Emma studied the colonel’s face for a moment. His brows were pulled together, his eyes squinted in a scowl. But there was something else—a challenge?

“I would not put it past you, sir. You did, after all, consider a
serpent
to be a suitable breakfast food.” Emma tipped her head and gave her most teasing smile. “I wonder what other designs you might have up your sleeve.”

Jim lifted his eyebrows, the corners of his mouth turning down in a calculating expression. “Not intimidated by me anymore, I take it, my lady. Seems like a few days as a soldier has given ya a backbone.” He nodded. “And about time too.”

Emma was relieved. She knew the colonel would listen to her now that she had figured out how to get through his gruff exterior. “Colonel, I am worried about Captain Fletcher.”

The man’s eyes darted toward the group and then back at her, widening slightly. “And why is that?”

Emma glanced toward the others too before leaning closer to the colonel and lowering her voice. “He was on watch the entire night, and then he pulled each of us through the rocks. I believe it has quite worn him out. I am certain he has some pain in his ribs as well. He will be too exhausted to march another day and stay awake all night without a few hours rest. However, I know that he will not consider stopping unless he believes that it is for the benefit of the entire group. Perhaps if you should suggest it?”

Jim studied Emma for a long moment, chewing on the inside of his cheek. Finally he seemed to come to a conclusion. “I believe you are correct, my lady. We’ll walk a bit farther, and when we reach a suitable spot, I will recommend a halt.”

Emma smiled, relieved. One lesson she had learned during her time among the
ton
was how to cater to a man’s pride. And it turned out that military men possessed the same attributes as gentlemen in that respect.

The colonel stood, and Emma pretended she did not see his wince as the movement undoubtedly intensified the pain in his head. He offered his hand, and she took it, nearly gasping as she felt the fever on his skin.

Jim called out to the rest of the party. “We’ll march a bit farther and then halt for a few hours. Señor Trevino mentioned that he’d like to try and snare some rabbits, and we can avoid the heat of the day if we find some shade and a good, easily defendable position.” He offered his arm to Emma, and she took it, noticing the surprise on everyone’s face that the colonel would perform such an action. They began to walk along the ridge of the hills.

“Why did you choose this path, Colonel?” Emma asked, feeling as though she should think of something to fill the silence. “There must be easier routes.”

“We are nearly twenty miles behind enemy lines. Here, the terrain is difficult, but we have a chance to defend ourselves. Cavalry can’t follow us, and the infantry patrols the valleys, but those Frenchies won’t venture far because of the militia bands in the hills.”

“And the French army is no match for these bands?”

“It is an interesting strategy, my lady. The guerillas, or irregulars, strike small groups of the Frenchies. And they are ruthless. I have seen men nailed to a tree or cut into so many pieces that they were unrecognizable. These bands are no match for the trained army, but their impact on the soldiers’ morale is what makes them formidable. Because of the fear inflicted by these irregulars, the French rarely patrol in small groups. Which is another reason we are safer in the hills. We’d see a large company a long way off.”

Emma could not believe the colonel was speaking so genially or so bluntly. There was no trace of sarcasm or exasperation in his tone. She wondered if the pain from his injury had become so unbearable that he couldn’t maintain his bad-tempered disposition, or if he simply needed someone to listen. “And are we in danger from these guerillas?” she asked, testing the unfamiliar word in her mouth.

The colonel shook his head. “I’ve no doubt they know of our presence. They could be watching us this very moment, but my red coat is a signal to them that we fight the same enemy. We’ll likely be safe.”

Emma didn’t like the lack of a guarantee. The idea of ruthless warriors watching them caused the hair upon the back of her neck to rise, and she looked around the hills nervously. “How long have you been in Spain, Colonel?” she asked, hoping to distract herself.

“This is my third campaign upon the peninsula.”

“And before that?”

Jim sighed and touched his fingers to his temple, and Emma wondered how much longer he could maintain their pace. “Before that, it was much of the same. My father purchased my commission nearly twenty-five years ago, and I began my military service as an ensign. I’ve fought the same blasted French on three continents—through Egypt, Italy, France, the colonies. Always marching, fighting, searching for food, and preparing for the next battle.”

“And do you grow weary of such a life?” Emma could not imagine how anyone could endure the business of war for so long.

“It is what I do.” Jim raised his shoulders in a small shrug. “It is the life I have, and at times, it does grow weary. I have seen indescribable horrors.”

They stepped over an uprooted tree that lay in their path, and the colonel continued talking. “One freezing winter in Portugal, we occupied a small town. The inhabitants had long since fled or been slaughtered by the French—likely both. The men were so cold that we burned everything we could find. Furniture, shutters, floor boards, rafters. Finally, they began to dig up the churchyard, tossing the corpses aside to use the coffin wood.

“Another time as we marched through Spain, we came upon a river so choked with bodies that we could have walked across without a bridge. I shall never forget these sights.”

Emma felt her insides clenching at these images, but she did not protest or comment. The colonel seemed almost to be speaking to himself, and she felt as though anything she might say would simply remind him that she was merely a “screaming debutante.”

“But I have also seen remarkable things,” Jim continued. “I saw a man, so injured that he could hardly stand, drag his fallen comrade to safety before collapsing and dying. Men, sacrificing themselves so that the rest of the company would have a chance, giving their last morsel to a starving orphan, even as their own stomachs were cramped with hunger. There are few bonds as close as soldiers fighting together, risking their lives for each other. Soldiers become family. And war has a way of proving men’s merit.”

Jim was silent for a long while and finally turned to look at her. “I’d not meant to wax nostalgic. I hope I have not caused you distress with my ramblings.”

“Not at all, Colonel. I feel fortunate that you would share such things with me.”

Something that looked almost like a smile touched Jim’s lips, but it was gone so quickly that Emma wondered if she imagined it.

He made a sound that was a mix between a sigh and a growl. “Trying to make me soft. That’s enough of this genteel talk.” He withdrew his arm and reassumed his surly composure before turning to the others. “We’ll halt here.”

Emma looked around the bluff where they stood. Large boulders were scattered about, and there was a cluster of tall trees next to a mountain stream. The green hills spread as far as she could see. Bright yellow flowers completely covered an entire hillside, and groves of olive trees climbed up another. The prospect was stunning.

Serena filled the canteen at the stream and handed it to Jim.

Jim took a drink and then continued to bark orders. “Señor Trevino, set your snares; see if you can catch us a few coneys for supper. Captain Fletcher, you maintained the watch last night. Bivouac there among the trees. I’ll join you in the shade before my blasted head explodes. Lady Emma and Señorita Alvarez will patrol.” Without waiting for any acknowledgement, he turned and stomped toward the trees.

Sidney stared after Jim for a moment and then turned to Emma and Serena. “I think the colonel and I have been shanghaied by one lovely young sentry. Be careful around her, Serena, or you will find yourself doing something of which you had no intention, all the while convinced it was your idea.”

“I’m afraid I do not know what you mean, sir.” Emma replied with every ounce of innocence she could muster; however, she couldn’t help but allow a small lift of her brow.

Sidney continued to study her, a smile playing over his face. “And which of you sentries will carry the musket?”

Emma looked at Serena, who shrugged, and then back to Sidney. “We shall take turns, Captain.”

Sidney handed her the musket, and she had to rebalance herself. It was much heavier than she had expected. Sidney leaned closer, all traces of teasing gone from his expression. “Do not allow the musket out of your sight.” His eyes flickered toward where Enrique had disappeared into the brush farther down the hill. “If anything makes you uncomfortable, wake me immediately.”

“You do not trust him.” It wasn’t a question.

“No.”

She tucked the musket into her elbow the way she’d seen Sidney hold it. “Very well. Now, please allow us to do our duty.” She began to turn but was stopped by Sidney’s hand on her arm.

“I am serious, Emma, anything at all.”

Emma nodded, feeling a chill creep up her spine. The warm sun and beautiful surroundings suddenly did not seem as comforting. But she didn’t allow her uneasiness to show. She did not want Sidney to change his mind about resting.

She shifted the musket in her arms and touched her forehead in a crisp salute. “Now if you will excuse us, Captain, you are keeping us from our patrol.”

Sidney returned her salute, his expression solemn, but a gleam shone in his eyes. “Very well, soldiers. As you were.” Giving one last glance around, he turned and walked toward the shade.

Emma and Serena found a flat spot upon a large boulder that afforded a good view of the surrounding landscape. Emma thought how lovely it would be to lie down upon the warm rock, but she contented herself with scooting back and arranging her skirts over her legs. She laid the musket on her lap and sighed. If it weren’t for the threat of surrounding enemy armies and the equally disturbing threat of freckles that were certainly sprouting upon her face this very moment, the setting would be exactly perfect.

The two women sat for a long time in a companionable silence, and Emma felt herself becoming drowsy. She shook her head, reprimanding herself. She would not fail in this assignment.

Serena lifted her heavy hair from her neck, and Emma felt a twinge of jealousy at the shine that moved over her dark curls.

“España, she is lovely, no?” Serena said wistfully.

“Yes,” Emma replied. “My brother told me that, before the war, it was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.”

Serena smiled sadly. “It is true. The war has destroyed much in my country, but still, I shall miss her.”

“You shall love England,” Emma said, attempting to cheer her. “The countryside is lush and green. If you will come visit me, we can walk into town or attend dances at the assembly hall. And we shall not have to worry about the French even once.”

“I would like that, Emma. I hope it is something my brother will allow.”

“Of course, he will be welcome as well. When we return to London, I will speak to my brother William and have him extend an invitation.”

“I will love very much to have a friend in England,” Serena said, looking at Emma through her lashes.

Emma linked her arm through Serena’s and opened her mouth to reply when Enrique’s voice startled her.

“If I might join you ladies?” he said, bowing formally with his toe pointed. He walked around the large rock and sat next to Emma.

She shifted the musket, laying it between herself and Serena. She did not like how close Enrique sat to her or how uneasy he made her feel.

“How delightful to spend time in the presence of you two ladies. The captain, he wishes always to keep you to himself.” He lifted Emma’s hand to his lips, and she was glad she wore her gloves. As filthy as they were, they still provided a barrier.

She pulled her hand away. “Did you find any rabbits, Señor?”

Enrique placed his hand upon the rock behind them, shifting to rest his weight on it but leaning close to Emma. His breath was warm against her cheek as he spoke. “We must be patient. When the trap is set, it becomes a matter of waiting for the right moment and hoping the other predators are not nearby to steal our prize.
Los conejos
. They are soft and delicate. Many creatures desire them.” He brushed his lips against her cheek.

Emma bolted to her feet.

Serena clutched the musket.

“I think we should patrol the other side of the bluff now. Please excuse us, Señor.” Emma pulled Serena from the rock, and they walked quickly away, finding a spot closer to Sidney and Jim. Emma glanced back to make sure Enrique had not followed them. He still sat upon the rock, his face twisted in a self-satisfied sneer. Emma had the distinct feeling that the man enjoyed making her feel uncomfortable.

While she dwelled upon these thoughts, her eyes swept the hills and valleys below, and from the corner of her eye, she saw what looked like a flash. She grabbed on to Serena’s arm and pointed, waiting to see if she would glimpse it again. A few moments later, it reappeared between the trees on the valley floor. Emma realized several things all at once: the flash was caused by the sun reflecting off a shiny part of a French soldier’s gear, there was a road winding its way through the valley toward them, and if she could see them, there was a real chance they could see her too.

Emma dropped, pulling Serena down to crouch behind a patch of shrubbery. Her stomach felt rock hard. She turned and motioned for Enrique to join them but to stay down.