Joseph transferred his weight over his feet. “Then ’tis settled. I will make my efforts useful in Boston as it seems I can be of no further service here.”
Nathaniel spoke through his teeth. “I refuse to cease this operation when so many are in need.” He paused, anger twitching at his mouth. “As I am yet unable to go with the militia, I will do what I can. Risks be hanged.”
“You will be hanged, Nathaniel, if you insist on such impetuous behavior.” Thomas neared, pointing a finger at Nathaniel’s chest, before finishing under his breath. “You’ve yet to make that weakness a strength.”
Nathaniel’s face reddened as he strained to keep his voice quiet. “You would have us surrender our mission?”
“I would have us consider what else might be done before—”
“I will do it.”
Again, all three pinned their gazes on William.
“You’re not serious.” Nathaniel didn’t ask, he stated.
“I am.” William rounded the chair and joined the circle of patriots, his shoulders straight and conviction strong. “I am unknown to the town, and though that will cause some suspicion, ’twill be minimal and allow this much needed work to continue.”
“You are mad,” Thomas said.
William stepped forward, gesturing as he spoke. “I am unmoved.” Stirred by the knowledge that his experience and skills may at last be put to use in a righteous cause, his muscles pooled with zeal. “My understanding of the British army, their practices and so forth will allow me to do what the local patriots never could.”
“’Tis suicide, William.” Nathaniel looked to Joseph then Thomas. “There are plenty of ways for this to be resolved without you risking your life on a solo undertaking. You know all too well what dreadful end awaits you if you are discovered. Your wife will be made a widow before her time.”
Pensive quiet stretched between them. William studied his boots. True. Yet…
He pulled his shoulders to their full height, buoyed by the flooding convictions within. “I am well acquainted with the risks. If my life is cut short for such a cause, so be it.”
~~~
Anna stared at the door, as if the words were poisonous air and she were inhaling it. He couldn’t possibly be serious. The small room—part guest quarters, part storage area—radiated heat from the back of the fireplace that jutted into the space. Somehow, all the same, her skin chilled.
Looking to her friend who sat at her side, Anna whispered, “Have you known of this?”
Kitty nodded slightly. “Aye.”
Resolute, calm, her answer jolted Anna to the edge of the small bed, any thought of sleep vanished. “Are you not afraid of what might happen?”
An assured, steadfast gaze overcame her and she studied the ground. When she peered up again, a kind of serenity painted her face. “We live in a time of trouble. And I cannot be one to bow to fear however I am tempted—that spirit is not of God.” She looked forward, nodding toward the door. “There will come a time when we will be called upon to act in defense of the cause we believe in. It will not be enough to merely stand by and watch others do our fighting for us.” At that, Kitty turned. “Your husband spoke those words to me not too many months ago, and I have pondered their wisdom ever since.”
“You believe them?”
Kitty nodded. “I do.”
Anna gathered her husband’s profound words but struggled to hold them. Kitty would be willing to let her husband jeopardize his life? Indeed, allowing her husband to do so ’twas the same as if she risked her life as well. Anna blinked. It seemed as if such a thing hardly affected her friend at all.
The room quiet, Anna narrowed her focus on the voices misting through the door.
“What about tonight’s goods?” Nathaniel said.
Anna looked at Kitty, but her friend stared forward, mouth tight.
“Let me take them,” William said. “Is the package cumbersome to transport?”
“Nay,” the newly familiar voice answered. “’Tis little, so as to prompt less suspicion. Simply a bag of breads and dried meat, healing herbs, and a small inner-bag of munitions—just what the ailing people are in need of. The other towns offering assistance do the same.”
The clomp of boots against the ground made Anna sit straighter.
“If I leave now, ’tis likely the redcoats are still waiting. But they will be gone by morning.”