Free Daring Masquerade by Margaret Tanner Page B

a sensual downward curve. A strange, primitive yearning from somewhere deep within almost overwhelmed her, but she gritted her teeth and ruthlessly suppressed it.
    "Dawn is my favorite time of day," he mused.
    "Mine too," she replied softly so as not to break the intimacy enveloping both of them. "Everything is so fresh and new, gives you hope of better things—I mean like a new beginning." What was she thinking of, letting down her guard like that?
    "Yeah, I suppose so." He rubbed his hand along the side of his pants. "Time you got breakfast going."
    "Yes, boss." She purposely sketched him an insolent salute. "Whatever you say, boss."
    "I'll give you another ducking if you don't stop being insolent."
    "Yeah, try it. I'll be ready for you next time."
    "You insolent little bugger. I've got a good mind to toss you in the water right now."
    She darted away, not daring to stay around. What if he had tried to undress her before dumping her in the water? Shock almost sent her tumbling to the ground.
    After breakfast the men set off again, leaving Harry to her own devices, just the way she wanted it. Less dangerous that way.
    In the burning heat, the temptation to take the waistcoat off was almost beyond endurance, but she dared not in case Ross returned. A damp shirt clinging to her body would be a dead giveaway.
    Gil caught up with her mid-afternoon. He handed over some butter wrapped in a damp cloth, several loaves of bread, some fruit and vegetables. They were all set to eat well tonight.
    "Here." He handed over a bag of sweets. "I bought these for you, and a couple of newspapers." His grin took away the haunting sadness in his eyes.
    "Thanks! You're in a good mood."
    "Jack and I had a counter lunch at the pub washed down with a couple of cold beers. Did you know half of Devil's Ridge belonged to him once?"
    "Really?"
    "Yeah, signed over his share to Ross and his brother before the war. Ross owns the lot now. I don't think Jack's short of money either. He's got other investments."
    "I'm not surprised. Wealth is written all over them."
    That evening food was abundant, their plates piled high with bacon and eggs, vegetables and fresh bread thickly spread with butter.
    "Eat up everything," Ross instructed. "What we don't eat at breakfast tomorrow will have to be thrown out. Won't keep long in this heat."
    Those not watching the cattle lounged around the fire yarning, drinking tea or smoking. The friendly camaraderie suited her. It was the best night she had spent for ages. Ross read one of the newspapers he had brought back from town, Gil the other.
    "The war isn't going too well," Ross remarked to no-one in particular. "I don't know what those bloody English generals are doing. They're squandering men."
    "No! No!" Gil's anguished cry rent the night air with a terrifying shrillness.
    "What the hell." Ross tossed his paper to one side and leapt to his feet, but Harry was even quicker. She dashed over to Gil who knelt on the ground, shaking and sobbing, his arms stretched skywards pleading with God. Tears poured down his cheeks. It was a blood chilling moment. If she lived to be a hundred she would never forget the sound and sight of his torture.
    "What is it?" She grabbed his hand. Icy cold. "What's the matter?"
    He couldn't speak; he was simply beyond it, just moaned as if in agony.
    "The paper," Jack said. "He's read something in the paper."
    "Get a grip on yourself, boy," Ross instructed. "What's wrong?"
    "I have to go back now."
    "Back? Where?" Harry asked fearfully. "Where do you have to go, Gil?"
    "To my mates. I have to go back. They're all gone now." Tears rolled down his cheeks, his whole body shuddered and convulsed as he staggered to his feet.
    "For God's sake," Ross tried to steady him. "What are you raving about?"
    "Gil, please, what is it? Talk to me. It's Harry."
    He ignored her and pushed Ross' hand away, staggered a few steps to a fallen log and collapsed in a shivering heap.
    Harry raced towards him, but Ross