Free Once a Soldier (Rogues Redeemed) by Mary Jo Putney Page A

family name or I’ll be tempted to hunt your father down and hurt him when I return to England.”
    “You needn’t look so murderous,” Athena said. “I’m a serious embarrassment. I’ve always suspected that my mother might have seduced my father just to humiliate him. At least he felt some sense of responsibility. He didn’t have to give me anything.”
    “You’re very forgiving.”
    “Merely pragmatic. There is no point in wasting resentment on a man I only met once in my life. He acted as if I was something one of the dogs dragged in. But he didn’t have me sent to the workhouse, for which I’m grateful.”
    Dismissing the subject, she pointed ahead to where their current road met the river. “You can see the remains of the bridge there. It was the only bridge in the central valley, so losing it causes a good deal of inconvenience. There’s another bridge higher up the river, but using it makes journeys across the valley much longer.”
    “I was sometimes seconded to help the engineers, and bridges were a specialty.” He studied the width of the river, the rushing force of the water, and the stone piers that were all that remained of the old bridge. “If timber is available and we can draft enough workers, it won’t be hard to build a new one.”
    “Both wood and labor are in short supply,” she said. “Do you think the soldiers who returned with you would be willing to help rebuild?”
    “Most have family obligations to attend to, but they’ll surely contribute some time to such an important project. Which leaves the problem of timber.” Will gestured toward the sunny expanses of the valley. “This part of the world doesn’t have a lot of trees.”
    “We’ll find something,” Athena promised. “Shall we continue on? A dam was destroyed on one of the creeks that leads into the river and it is also much missed.”
    Will grinned. “Bridges and dams are an engineer’s notion of amusement. Lead on, Lady Athena.”
    She laughed. “I’m very glad you were Colonel da Silva’s choice to come here!”
    As he watched her face light up with laughter, Will was equally glad.
    * * *
    By the time Athena had shown Will the worst problems in the valley, it was time for lunch. She led the way to a favorite spot of hers when she was in the area. Long ago, someone had built a wooden bench inside a shallow cave that wasn’t much more than a stone overhang. In front was a patch of soft grass and a dozen feet away, a spring emerged from the hill and pooled in a small stone basin perfect for horses or humans to drink from. The overhang was about halfway up the valley wall and gave a sweeping view of the river, farms, and vineyards.
    While Will tethered the horses in a spot where they could enjoy water and grass, Athena unpacked her saddlebag and spread a cloth in the middle of the weathered bench. “Sorry that lunch is another really simple meal,” she said as she set out packets of bread, cheese, and olives. Last to emerge was a jug of wine, a knife, and two sturdy glass tumblers.
    “No apologies needed,” Will said as he settled down on the other end of the bench. “Good food, good wine, a wonderful view, and most excellent company.” His gaze was warm.
    Even without looking, she was very aware of Will’s strength and presence. It was difficult not to stare at him. She’d given up trying to persuade herself that her attraction was merely because they were both English. She was attracted because he was unnervingly appealing. Intelligent, kind, quietly charming, and rather beautifully strong and handsome. Of course she noticed. She was human and female.
    So be it. They could be friendly and speak English for a week or two, and then he’d leave and she’d never see him again. Not ever. So enjoy his company, and give thanks for his presence.
    With an internal sigh at her foolishness, she poured wine. When she handed him a glass, he clinked it against hers. “To San Gabriel!”
    “To San Gabriel, and