Love’s Betrayal Read Free

thoughts and desires of other young women her age—a home and family. Not that she didn’t want those admirable blessings, but she felt duty-bound not to seek such a future until the war for independence had been won. Perhaps God had made a mistake, and she should have been born a man.
    Clenching her fists, she rapped on the tavern’s door. The deafening sound caused her to hastily glance into the darkness. Along with the smells of the wharf, she inhaled the odor of sour ale. When no one appeared at the door, she knocked again a little louder.
    â€œWho goes there?” a gruff voice called.
    Delight took a deep breath. “One bearing scripture fitting for the times to Cavin Sullivan.”
    The latch lifted with a squeak, and she stood before a man who in the shadows resembled a huge beast. “For all that is just and right,” he whispered. In the next moment he grabbed her arm and flung her inside. “Lass, do you not know how dangerous it is to be out and about?” His stern voice, laced with a thick Irish accent, frightened her. In the darkness, this man could do anything.
    â€œAre you not expecting something?” she said.
Oh dear, I sound like an unscrupulous woman.
    He said nothing for several moments, but oh how conscious she was of this giant of a man. “Did you tell me you brought scripture?”
    â€œYes sir.” Her voice sounded shaky, not at all courageous. “‘Delight thyself also in the Lord—’ ”
    â€œAye, you’ve said enough,” he whispered. “What bring ye?”
    â€œMr. Taylor was seized by the soldiers today.”
    â€œIndeed.”
    â€œI could not deliver my message, and I saw it goes to you.”
    She heard him expel a heavy breath.
    â€œYou are brave to risk the night for our cause,” he said. “I expected a man.”
    She stiffened. “I am able to go undetected in most places.” Delight reached down to unlace her shoe and to retrieve the document for Mr. Sullivan.
    â€œThank you, lass,” he whispered and took the folded paper. “Now, let me escort you home. It is not safe for you to be unescorted.”
    â€œI would be most obliged.”
    Suddenly his hand clamped over her mouth.

Chapter 2
    T error reigned through Delight’s body along with a measure of foolishness. She knew stealing out into the night to the wharf area without an escort invited peril.
    Someone pounded on the door. “Open up. We are in need of spirits.”
    Mr. Sullivan moved not a muscle.
    â€œOpen up, or we will beat down the door. Our captain requests a bottle.”
    Redcoats! I’ve been followed. Caught!
    Mr. Sullivan released her mouth and led her backwards. Surely all of Boston could hear her heart pound. “Just a minute. Can’t a man sleep?” Mr. Sullivan called. He pushed her behind what she thought was a barrel.
    â€œYou can go back to bed once you have given us what we need.”
    The door creaked open. “And what would you like?” Mr. Sullivan said.
    â€œRum!”
    â€œAnd do you have payment?” Mr. Sullivan demanded.
    A laugh rose from what must have been two, possibly three soldiers. “Talk to our captain in the morning. We were told to get a bottle of rum, that’s all.”
    â€œNot without payment.”
    Silence invaded the room.
Please, give them what they want.
    â€œEither give it to us or we will take two bottles.”
    Loathsome redcoats.
    â€œI’ll get your rum,” Mr. Sullivan shouted. Shortly thereafter the door closed. “Are you all right, lass?” He bent to help her to her feet—this man whose face she had not yet viewed.
    â€œI am well,” she whispered.
    â€œCome, this has been a hard night, and no doubt you seek the comforts of your home.” A candlelight’s flicker opened the darkness, and she saw his face.
    Once they silently disappeared into the streets, Delight gave thanks for her escort,