Lily in Bloom (11 page)

“Of course. Perhaps a little later?” Eric nodded as he spoke and Kathryn moved on. Lily sighed with relief.

For the next two hours, many well-wishers congratulated Tom and Danielle on their marriage and Eric and Lily on their engagement. Eric had been right. While people may have been talking behind their backs, to their faces they were nothing but enthusiastic. Apparently, Eric held enough influence in town to silence any dissent on his choice of bride or the accelerated timeline for their marriage.

Lily found herself enjoying the reception immensely. The Handlers’ home looked beautiful for the event and many friends and family she had not seen for a long time were there. She felt herself relaxing for the first time since her engagement. She also found herself looking forward to her marriage. For whatever reason, it hadn't occurred to her that she could soon have children of her own. Just the thought made her smile.

“What are you smiling about?” Eric asked next to her. Lily blushed, not realizing that she had been outwardly expressing her joy.

“I was thinking about what you said earlier about children, actually. I hadn't thought beyond Toby but now that you mentioned it...” she trailed off, unsure of what to say.

“It hadn't occurred to me either until I saw you surrounded by children. But frankly, it's a beautiful picture.” His hand brushed the small of her back as he softly spoke in her ear. It nearly took her breath away. “After Toby, Caitlin was sure that she did not want any more children. I had resigned myself to that fact but I must admit, I always did.” He paused again and Lily unconsciously held her breath. She had never heard him talk about Caitlin and this information fascinated her. But he stepped back. “It is obvious you'll make a wonderful mother to Toby and to any other children we have.”

“Thank you,” Lily replied trying not to sound disappointed. She had so many questions, she didn't dare ask. Usually, he was so distant and their relationship so new that she did not want to pry. Lily also had to admit that while she was glad they were making a connection, she wanted to be more to him than just a good mother. She knew it was impossible, but she wanted him to tell her how passionately in love with her he was. She did not have time articulate any of this, however, as another couple approached to engage them in conversation.

Eric stepped away to get them refreshments while Lily continued talking to some old family friends. Eric had meant what he had said about keeping Lily close and had not strayed from her side for more than a few minutes all evening. But as the conversation lengthened, Lily realized that some time had passed since she had seen Eric and she began to wonder if she should try to find him. On the one hand she felt relatively safe in the middle of a crowded room with close friends and family but on the other, she had promised Eric she would remain close to him at all times. Another five minutes passed and she finally excused herself to go find him. After checking several rooms, she finally stepped out onto the patio. She knew Eric would probably not want her to but she told herself she would just look for a moment and then return to the ballroom. As her eyes scanned the property, she saw a man standing in the shadows that looked strikingly like Eric, talking to a tall red-haired woman.

She hesitated, they appeared to be arguing and she did not know if she should interrupt or go back inside. Suddenly, a hand reached out and clamped over her arm and then quickly over her mouth. She began to struggle and looked to the two people she had seen for aid. She struggled, twisting and turning trying to break free while her feet kicked wildly. Her foot finally struck a footed pot which crashed to the brick patio, making both people turn toward her. She could clearly see Eric's face and wanted to cry with relief. A man stepped from the shadows and hit Eric with a blunt object in the head, sending him crashing to the ground. She thought for a moment to try to call out to Kathryn but the other woman simply stepped into the shadows and disappeared.

Two more men jumped out and she recognized the travelers from the church earlier. A sick dread began to fill her stomach as she realized the seriousness of the situation. Lily began to fight with every ounce of strength she had. More men grabbed hold of her and she continued to fight. She heard what sounded like a moan come from the direction where Eric had been standing. It sent her into a frenzy, trying to delay her attackers. As she struggled she heard one of them say, “Ain't no use. Just knock her out.” And with that she felt a sharp pain at her temple and then nothing.

SHE WOKE SLOWLY
and became aware of her situation in small increments. First she felt a rolling motion that added to the nausea she was experiencing. She smelled the distinct odor of horse beneath her and the rough voices of men all around her. She kept her eyes shut as she tried to piece together where she was and what was going on. After a minute or more she realized she was no longer in a dress but in some sort of rough pants and shirt and her breasts were clearly bound. Her hands, tied in front of her, automatically gripped the horn of the saddle while her back slumped against an unknown attacker. She tried not to stiffen away from him. She did not want him to know she was awake but clearly he was already aware because he whispered softly in her ear.

“Keep your eyes closed and lean against me. I do not want the others to know that you're conscience and I have a great deal to tell you.” She did as he commanded but he said nothing more for at least two minutes.

“It is my job to keep you safe but in order to do that you must do as I say.” He paused for a minute and then continued. “These are not good men you are among and they will take any opportunity to do unspeakable things to you. You must listen to me at all times.”

“I have put you in men's clothing to keep you as inconspicuous as possible. Do not worry. I have not violated you in any way.” She shifted slightly in the saddle, testing her parts. Her nether regions were the one part of her body that was not sore, so she assumed what he said was the truth. He stopped again and it must have been five minutes until he continued. “I know it is difficult to do but you must trust me that I will not harm you and that my intentions are to help you if I can. Beyond that I cannot say much more.”

Lily frowned as she pondered his words. A man who had kidnapped her, tied her up and now carried her from her family and home asked for her trust? He couldn't be serious? Still, she had to credit him in a few places. He had clearly taken measures to keep the other men at bay, for now, and had not touched her himself. For the moment, she would do as he asked.

Another man called for the group to halt and Lily felt fear rise up inside her. When the group was riding, no one was paying any attention to her but she doubted that would be the case when they stopped.

“Hey, Tracker, she awake yet?” A voice called from her left. She still had her eyes closed and had no intention of opening them.

“Not yet,” the man behind her replied.

“Funny, I thought I saw you whispering in her ear. Sure you’re not trying to sweet talk her for yourself?” Lily immediately recognized the voice of the man who had suggested she be knocked out and she felt her skin crawl at the sound of his voice again. Yes, she would stick close to Tracker.

“I was trying to wake her, and no, I am not trying to keep her for myself. We have strict orders, and you would do well to follow them,” Tracker said evenly, but his words did nothing to calm Lily. Orders? From whom? Was this Tracker saving her from these men only to deliver her to someone far worse? Perhaps his offer of help was just a way to keep her quiet and obedient for the trip. She would have to pay careful attention.

Another man piped in “Oh, a little fun never hurt nobody. Why you gotta be so rigid?” Lily kept her eyes closed and her body still but it was difficult. She kept telling herself to breathe evenly.

“Enough. Let’s eat a little grub, then we hit the trail again. We gotta put as many miles between us and her men as possible.” They began to make a quick camp and Tracker lifted her off the horse and set her down in his lap while the other men worked.

“Ain't you gonna set that girl down and help?” The voice that Lily now recognized asked. A hint of his plans, if Tracker did as he suggested, tainted his words. Lily found herself praying that Tracker would say no.

“Not on your life, Slim.” Tracker didn’t raise his voice but the other man did not respond and it seemed to Lily that Tracker had some authority in the group. He was clearly better spoken and she wondered briefly how he ended up with these men. How many were there? Tracker had told her to keep her eyes closed. Should she listen or try to find out more information about the men around her? She did not want one of them to see her awake so she decided to begin gathering information when they resumed the journey to where ever they were going.

As they mounted back up on horses, Tracker again whispered in her ear, “You're doing fine. Watch out for Slim. He's the most dangerous. I am going to loosen your wrists once we get started. Try to flex them so that they don't get too tired.”

Lily was puzzled by his words. She was still groggy and her head ached terribly. Why would he be showing so much concern for her? She had no idea how much time had passed or what direction they were heading. It was dark out and until the sun came up she would have no way of getting answers.

The ride continued and, with every passing mile, Lily felt her head pound harder and her nausea grow. When she felt she could take no more and was about to scream from the strain, the sun began to lighten the sky ever so slightly. It made its way over to the horizon and Lily could see that it was to the south and east of them which would mean that they were heading toward Maine. She almost smiled before she began to wonder if they had just made a direction change to confuse her. She would have to watch the landscape because if it was Maine, there was a chance that she could escape and make her way to her family. It was a landscape that was familiar to her.

This time Tracker called for a halt and the men pulled to a stop. No one spoke and she assumed they must be as tired as she felt.

“Eat this,” Tracker handed her some food that she ate without tasting but she felt her headache and nausea lesson immediately.

Tracker unrolled his sleeping roll and then picked her up, cradling her like a baby, and carried her toward the woods. As he walked deeper into the trees, Lily began to struggle.

“Where are you taking me?” Even she could hear the fear strangling her voice.

Tracker smiled, not in a malicious way but one that was clearly amused. “I, ah, thought you might need to relieve yourself.”

“Oh...I...thank you.” She felt a blush creep up her face as she stopped struggling. He set her down next to some bushes.

“Go in there. I'll wait right here for you.” He turned his back on her and she quickly headed for the center of the bushes. Lily contemplated using this opportunity to try and escape but she was bone tired and could barely hold her body up to relieve herself. She couldn't imagine actually escaping from a man who had not suffered a head blow and who was far more used to long periods on horseback. She saw little choice. Lily returned to Tracker and allowed him to lead her back to camp.

“Lie down,” Tracker told her as he motioned toward his roll. She gladly accepted with a nod of her head and immediately closed her eyes, ready to collapse. They bolted open seconds later when she felt a body press against hers.

“What?” Lily cried in a half strangled voice trying to sit up. She heard several men snicker from close by and she clamped her jaw shut.

“Slim, you're on first watch. Chris, you're second,” he directed the men. Then in a quieter voice, “Get some sleep, you'll need it.” Again, she did as she was told and Tracker wrapped her in his arms. This time she did not protest, and considering the men that surrounded her, it actually did make her feel safer. She closed her eyes and fell immediately to sleep.

Lily woke from an exhausted sleep, completely disoriented. She had no idea where she was or how long she had been asleep. Lily wondered why she had woken at all. She was at least warm, and relatively comfortable although she realized that she was asleep on the ground and wrapped in someone's arms.

“I am sorry to wake you but most of the men are asleep and I thought you might like a few minutes to wash up and get yourself...ah...ready.” A voice from behind her whispered softly and the reality of her situation came crashing back to her.

“Can I turn around?” She whispered back hoping to ask a few questions.

“Of course,” Tracker replied.

She shuffled quietly around but stopped when she looked down to see a revolver in his right hand, resting on her stomach.

“It is only for your protection,” he calmly assured her and she continued to turn. She looked into his face and had to admit, it was not unpleasant. He had dark brown hair and his eyes were like liquid pools. He did not look like he smiled very often but his face held no cruelty either. He seemed slim and wiry but memories of the hours he held her on horseback were coming back to her and told her that he must be strong.

“Where am I? Why am I here?” Lily asked the man she knew only as Tracker.

“I don't have time to go into any detail. Stay close to me and don't speak to any of the men. It will only provoke them. Keep your head down and pull your hat as low as you can. These men are dangerous.” Tracker's face hardened with every word and Lily felt herself tensing.

“I believe you.” Lily didn't doubt his words but she doubted his motives in sharing this with her. “Why am I with these men?”

A slight grimace touched his face. “Right. I believe that your hand is wanted in marriage.”

She stared at him stunned for several moments, unable to fathom what he had just said to her. “What?” Lily asked dumbfounded.

“Someone found your engagement unsatisfactory, to say the least, and has decided to make you his wife instead.” Tracker added quietly.

Lily's eyebrows furrowed. Who would kidnap her for marriage? But even as she thought the words, she knew who it was. “Colonel Kingsley.” She whispered softly as a slow dread began to fill her stomach. She suddenly realized what his kisses the night of the ball meant. He had intended to force her to marry him. Since that attempt had failed, he would try another.