His gaze trailed her face. “I’m heading down to New York. Uncle has provided me with a new assignment and I’m to be stationed there indefinitely. When I found out I was to pass a message on to another solider here in Sandwich, I knew I had to find you.” His grip on her fingers tightened and his voice dropped. “I couldn’t go to New York without knowing your decision.”
His features lifted in a hopeful smile and Kitty’s lungs stilled. Poor James. She offered her most gentle grin and slid her hand from his grasp. “James, you are indeed generous in your affections for me, and you know I am honored by them. But, my feelings... I am... as much as I appreciate your friendship, my heart belongs to another.”
James dropped his chin with a nod. His mouth tightened, and he looked away with a brave set to his jaw before looking back. “I cannot say that I am not disappointed, but I want the best for you and I respect your feelings.” Silent, he motioned with his head toward the road. “Am I wrong to assume your heart leans toward a certain country doctor?”
Had her attentions been so obvious? She lowered her eyes. “Dr. Smith has been a good friend to me.”
A wounded smile rested in James’s eyes. “I wish you every happiness.”
Just as she opened her mouth, another voice peeled from behind.
“Well, Kitty, what a pleasant surprise.”
Kitty spun around as Henry Donaldson approached, his expression bright as a noon sun.
“Henry, what are you doing here?” She breathed easier, and her smile broke free as the discomforts from seconds ago eased thanks to the presence of one whom she cared for as a brother.
Henry looked at James before swooping off his hat and offering a generous bow. “I’ve come to see Lt. Higley as I pass through town.” He winked. “I should have known he would have found the most delightful woman in Sandwich to fawn over.”
James’s mouth straightened in a tight smile and he cleared his throat. The sorrow in his expression sat heavy against her heart when his gaze shifted from her to Donaldson. “There is an urgent matter which I need to discuss with you privately.”
“Aye.” Donaldson turned to Kitty. “We’ll not be a moment.”
“Of course.” Kitty glanced to the road where Nathaniel had gone, her mind rehearsing the revelation she must make to him this evening. Or at least, the revelation she must explain. He said he already knew. But how? Both her head and her heart began a dull ache. I will trust in God. All will be well.
She gazed across the vacant churchyard and squinted at the sky when a low rumble rolled inland from the sea. From behind, the men’s voices floated toward her and she stepped forward, uncomfortable with overhearing the transaction, when an invisible hold held her back.
As the muted words trickled into her ears, the hairs on her neck stood on end.
“You have a message for me?” Donaldson questioned.
“Aye, sir.” James’s quiet tone thundered in her ears. “We have intercepted this message from a patriot courier. My uncle’s orders are that it must not make it to Plymouth.”
“I understand.” Donaldson answered, his tone reflecting his rank.
“We believe there might still be another courier on his way. Tell your men to keep an eye out,
and question anyone traveling north.”
Kitty’s arms went numb and her fingers tingled. A message important enough for two couriers to deliver? What kind of message? What wasn’t Plymouth to know?
The men cleared their throats and the sound of their steps grew louder. Kitty spun to face them.
James tapped his hat atop his head, his eyes trailing her face. With a forced smile, he bowed. “Miss Campbell.”
Sorrow for having caused him such pain tightened the rise and fall of her chest. “James, I’m—”
“Say no more, Miss Campbell.” He breathed out a rough sigh and stepped away. “I bid you farewell.”
Kitty curtsied. “God’s blessings upon you, James.”
He offered another half-smile and tipped his hat and after a quick nod to Donaldson, exited the courtyard, leaving Kitty and Donaldson alone in front of the chapel.
“He cares for you a great deal.” Donaldson peered at her then flung a quick look at Higley’s retreating frame.
“Aye.” She kept her eyes on James until he disappeared behind the trees on the corner. “Higley is a good man.”
“But?”