Free THE CRY FOR FREEDOM (Winds of Betrayal) by Jerri Hines Page B

memory of Mother Agnes’ relenting. Mary, herself had taken the news well and hadn’t even gone back in the house, but plopped herself down in the carriage with Mother Agnes. Hannah readied herself to follow. Her brother talked with his father one last time, then shook his father’s hand goodbye. Jonathan made his way over to his mount, only to stop when  a group of riders descended on them.
    Hannah watched the other riders reined in. Hannah’s attention immediately was drawn to the leader of the group. Handsome, tall, dark with an aristocratic look, she knew instantly of whom it was: Marcus Durham. He rode up beside Hannah giving her a charming smile, acknowledging her presence.
    Behind him a few men rode, all uniform in manner, except for one. Well behind the others and seemingly uncomfortable in the saddle sat a heavyset man with a puffy face reddened as were his eyes. His legs from mid-calf downward were swathed in heavy bandages. Her Uncle!
    The man pulled back the reins with both hands shouting orders for the horse to halt. Hannah suppressed a laugh. The reins were too loose with his body swaying back in forth in the saddle. Eventually the horse decided to stop. One of the escorts assisted him down and in the process her uncle’s foot got caught in the stirrup and almost fell on top of the poor soul.
    “Richard?” John muttered watching him awkwardly make his way forward.
    “John, John,” Richard said extending his hand. “I told you it wouldn’t be long. I am back for the time being.”
    John stared hard at the man in front of him. “Richard, I wasn’t expecting you today,” he said coolly, but with effort. He suspiciously inspected the escorts. Hannah caught her father eyeing Jonathan. “And I had thought we saw the last of you for awhile. Agnes has yet to recover from your last visit. I, too, admit my own misgivings.”
    “I won’t bother you, but wanted only to let you know I was in town. I still want to discuss the misunderstanding with you. I realize I put my foot in my mouth before,” Richard said ignoring John’s obvious reluctance.
    Richard glanced over at Hannah, making her feel uncomfortable.  “Hannah, you aren’t leaving are you?  Marcus, encourage the girl to stay.”
    Hannah’s attention had been upon her uncle, but with the introduction, it shifted back toward his companion adjacent to her. She turned and his eyes transfixed upon hers. He was close enough to extend his hand to hers. He took her hand gently and placed his lips upon her hand.
    “Yes, Miss Corbett, please stay,” he said smiling. His dark eyes laughing as he looked into hers. She could feel her blood rushing to her face, she withdrew her hand.
    “Marcus and his associates have graciously agreed to escort me around. I do feel so much safer. With all this talk, one can never be too safe. Don’t you think?” her uncle continued.
    “And who, Uncle, are you protecting yourself from?  Us?” Hannah asked.
    Marcus turned his head away from Hannah upon the remark, but she caught the grin on his face.
    “Hannah,” Richard exclaimed. “Come, we are family. Are we not? I was in hopes of talking to you about your grandmother.”
    “She has an appointment that she doesn’t need to be late for. Jonathan, why don’t you escort your sister on?” John interrupted his brother-in-law. Jonathan nodded.
    “It will only take a moment,” Richard insisted.
    “As father has stated, I am late,” Hannah said, turning her horse. “Now, if you’ll excuse us. Enjoy your stay.”
    As if on cue they both gathered their reins,  and broke down the street in a trot. Hannah glanced back at the guest. She wondered just what her Uncle was up to now.
    * * * *
    The summer had drawn to a close, although this day in September had the warmth of the season past. Hannah had dressed with care, for Mother Agnes had specifically asked her to. The whole of the family would be together today. Jonathan was leaving in the morning. Taking one last