Free Daring Masquerade by Margaret Tanner Page A

defense. "Don't blame Harry, Ross keeps picking on him all the time."
    "I've noticed, can't understand him," the old man agreed. "For some reason you raise his hackles."
    Jack chatted away to Harry as they ate until a couple of men drifted over to join them. She soon recovered her good humor, joining in and encouraging the cheerful banter. Gil sat silently staring into the fire.
    What pictures did the flickering flames conjure up in his tormented mind? She would have given twenty years of her life if it would help exorcise the demons tormenting him. Did he feel guilty because he survived while his mates all perished? She couldn't understand, none of them could, except Ross. He would know what it felt like, having also been confronted by the horrors of war.
    "Best if you turn in, lad," Jack finally said to Gil. "Get a few hours sleep before we go on watch. Ross wants us to go into town for supplies tomorrow."
    "He didn't say anything to me," Harry said. "I've been looking forward to going."
    "Didn't mention you, just your brother."
    "It's not fair."
    "Now young Harry, Ross is in charge. We can't tell him how to run this drive."
    "Don't argue," Gil remonstrated, sounding tired and defeated. "We're only getting some fresh bread and a couple of other things."
    She said no more, but inwardly fumed. Ross had promised she could go into town to buy more supplies. Well nearly promised. Wasn't she the cook? Wasn't getting food part of her duties?
    Are you mad, she castigated herself as she stood up with Gil. You wanted to go into town because you thought Ross was going. I didn't. Had the dip in the river caused water to lodge in her brain? Maybe she suffered heat stroke. Ross thought of her as only a kid, a cheeky, male kid.
    She regretted this mad scheme of hers now, but they did need the money, and it was the only way she and Gil could work together.
    Forget Ross Calvert. Think only of Gilbert Martin your sick, troubled brother.
    "Goodnight," she whispered as they settled down for the night.
    "Sleep well, Harry. I'm sorry for snapping at you before. I know Ross is driving you hard, you seem to fire each other up."
    "I nearly died when he threw me in the water. Lucky I had the waistcoat buttoned up."
    "Yeah, you've got to be careful from now on. You're getting under his skin. He's watching you all the time."
    "I know."
    She shivered. If he ever saw through her disguise there would be hell to pay. He won't. Not if I'm careful.
     
    * * *
     
    Next morning as the sun crept over the mountains, unfurling ribbons of pink against the skyline, Harry wriggled out of her bedroll. Thankfully, the warmth of her body overnight had dried out her wet pants. She had still been awake when Gil and Jack set off for their watch and Ross and the other men returned.
    Her waistcoat had dried, thank goodness. She slipped it on and did up the buttons. Running her fingers through her hair she grimaced at the oily feel of it and headed towards the river to wash her face and hands. It wasn't clear enough to drink, but she had filled all the water bags at the previous camp for their tea and to cook and wash the dishes in. Down on her knees, scooping water over her face, she did not notice Ross' arrival until he spoke at her shoulder.
    "Want another swim?"
    She jumped up so suddenly her head spun. "What are you creeping around for?"
    He moved as silently as a ghost, that's what made him so dangerous. He could creep right up close without her even being aware of it.
    He squatted down to splash water over his face. She turned around slowly. His hair was ruffled and dark stubble covered his jaw and chin. So ruggedly handsome her heartbeats escalated. Common sense urged her to run away from him, but her traitorous feet wouldn't move.
    "I'm sorry about yesterday." He rested his hand on her shoulder, sending a lightening flash down her arm. "Gilbert told me you're frightened of water."
    His eyes, not darkened with hostility, were now a clear dove gray. His full lips had