Chapter 29

Over the course of the week, our farmhouse settled into a new routine, one that was more relaxed and involved more laughter. The telephone hardly rang as the soldiers under Seth's command undertook the bulk of the slaying that the village once looked to me to perform.

When Friday arrived, I busied myself all morning and tried not to think what would happen that evening. Seth had sent a note asking me to arrive early, to discuss War Office issues first. After luncheon, I packed a saddlebag, and then wheeled Trusty out of the barn and started the engine.

"Don't come home early!" Alice waved, wearing a cheeky grin as she stood by the kitchen door. For the first time, we wouldn't trade secrets as we lay in bed tonight, but I hoped she would curl up in my room to hear about my evening with Seth.