“Then I should like to know to whom I may speak in regard to a Captain Samuel Martin. I understood that—”
“I beg your pardon, miss.”
Anna contained a retort behind pursed lips. Must he continue to interrupt?
He lowered his chin, as if preparing to speak some unpleasant news to a pleading child. “You are not enlisted in His Majesty’s Army and have no previous appointment. Therefore, there is nothing that I can do for you.” His eyes widened and his mouth pinched, indicating he was more than finished with her.
Anna’s skin prickled as shame dripped down her back. Her father’s voice laughed from across the sea. Vain attempt.
She glanced down at the simple homespun gown. In place of her usual silks and lace, this rough, plain fabric contributed to her newly espoused identity. An identity that had yet to change as easily within as it had without. In years past she’d needed only to request something for it to be granted. Money often had a way of speaking louder than words or connections ever could. Not that having wealth ever became the desire of her heart, as it seemed to do with others. Simply, such had been her way of life. But no more.
What now, simpleton?
She gave herself the reprimand she deserved before she met his gaze and offered a humble half-smile. “I do understand fully, and I thank you for making that clear.”
Anna straightened. This was merely a slight impediment, something to be expected and certainly nothing she couldn’t remedy. If Major Stockton had known Samuel, then she’d do whatever it took to find him. With a grin she hoped would inform the impatient soldier she was not one to be easily deterred, Anna turned and opened the door. She paused and widened her smile to indicate she wouldn’t ease his obvious pains without first making this slight setback worth her while. “Seeing as how Major Stockton is unavailable, perhaps you would be so kind as to tell me—”
“You don’t seem to understand.”
An unladylike grumble waited for release in her throat. Why must he be so rude? The man deserved a scolding. She refrained from stomping her foot, however desperately she wished to. “I simply wish to know if there is anyone else—”
He cut her off again, this time with volume raised. “There is no one else—”
“What seems to be the trouble, Gaiters?”
Both Anna and the soldier turned to see another man standing just below them on the stoop. Tall, commanding, and with features that spoke as strong as his deep voice, he removed his hat and bowed. His red coat appeared freshly laundered and the sword at his side gleamed from the beam of afternoon light.
The man he’d addressed as Gaiters stood straighter and answered, nudging his elbow toward Anna. “This woman claims she must speak with Major Stockton on urgent business. I’ve just informed her that he is not available for an audience.”
“Indeed.” The new stranger replaced his tricorne. “I should be grateful, miss, if you would apprise me of your business so that I may assist you, forthwith.” He bowed at the waist, keeping his eyes upon her. “Captain Paul Stockton, Major Stockton’s son, at your service”
Anna curtsied and stopped herself from staring at the man’s sky-blue eyes. Her unexpressed prayers must have made it to God’s ears before she’d even had time to contemplate them. Surely t
he son could be as helpful as the father. Perhaps more so. “I would be most grateful, indeed, sir.”
Paul motioned to the man who seemed perpetually irritated. “I shall escort her outside. Return to your duties.”
He gave a curt nod. “Aye, sir.”
Paul cocked his elbow and offered it to Anna, which she took without hesitation, stepping down the few bricks to the street.
She inhaled deeply for the first time in days. “I cannot begin to thank you for your consideration, Captain.”
“I am grateful to be of service, and pray, do not feel you must use such formality. My name is Paul.” His voice was as deep as the waters she’d just crossed. “Would you be so kind as to tell me your name?”
A warning bell chimed in the back of her mind. What gentleman offered the use of his first name with such flippancy? Certainly she would not ignore propriety.
“I am Miss Whitehead.” Anna craned her neck to peer up at him, reading his response to her answer. The lie seemed to be believed. She squinted against the sun. “I do hope you will be able to help me.”
“I’ll do whatever I can.” He smiled at her in a way that made her pulse jump. He wasn’t handsome, not to her way of thinking, but the mere thought of being gazed upon in such a way by someone her own age created a smile of her own that started deep within.
They walked slowly to the side of the house, away from the commotion of the street, but she soon stopped, grateful for the added privacy but uneasy at the thought of being too alone with him. “I do not wish…I do not wish to make my business widely known, which is why I had hoped to speak with your father. Seeing that he is in a position of trust, I believed he would keep my confidence.”
Paul’s features relaxed and in the same instance turned serious, calming the sudden bubbling nerves in Anna’s chest. Could she trust him? Even if she couldn’t, who else would help her? Lord, guide me.
“You may put your confidence in me, Miss Whitehead.”
She glanced around again and lowered her voice. “I am looking for Captain Samuel Martin.”