At His Mercies - Marline J (novel24 TXT) 📗

happy that he attempted to comfort me. I could use some comfort at the moment. 

“Yes, indeed. And the speed clears my mind.” I answered.  We rode in silence for perhaps another half an hour. 

“Let’s stop here and give the horses some rest. There’s a stream nearby.” Jack pointed to the side of the road where a large tree provided some shade. I hadn’t been aware that the sun was shining brightly and that it was actually quite hot for a winter day. Drops of sweat had formed on my forehead and I felt exhausted. The horses seemed very happy that we were stopping because they whinnied excitedly at the sound of water. I pulled the reins of my horse and then got off, in a very inelegant way. I glanced over to Jack if he had seen but he was already leading his horse towards the stream. I smiled at this small blessing, that Jack was a gentleman and that he did not seem to want anything other than to bring me home safely. I followed Jack’s example and led my horse to the stream as well. Upon arriving there it instantly lowered its head and started drinking greedily. I also bent down and drank from the stream before splashing handfuls of water over my face. Although the water was icily cold, it felt delightful and I felt like stripping off my clothes and going for a swim. This was not an option though and therefore I just washed my hands and my face and then walked back to the large tree with the dead-looking branches. I leaned against it and sighed, enjoying the feel of the sun on my face. As long as my thoughts didn’t drift to Alex, I could feel relatively content. It was a pity though, that my thoughts rarely thought of anything other than Alex. I was starting to get annoyed at myself and my thoughts. 

The buildings around me became familiar and I recognized where I was; not far away from home. I grew excited as I pictured what my mother’s face would look like when she saw me. Even my horse grew agitated, though I was pretty sure this was only due to the fact that it was much busier here than in the middle of the forest where Alex and his men camped. 

“That’s my house.” I pointed towards a large, white painted house with a grand veranda and high windows. Jack stopped his horse next to me and I glanced at him, slightly confused.

“I think I better leave you here.” He explained. “I’m not too sure your parents would be too happy seeing me.”

 “But Jack,” I protested, “Wouldn’t you like some food and some place to freshen up?” A smile spread across his face.

 “Don’t worry, I’m used to being hungry and dirty. I’m a criminal remember?” I couldn’t help it, I had to smile at that statement because Jack did not give the impression of being a criminal at all. 

“Well, thank you for everything.” I told him. I was about to ride towards my house when Jack stopped me. 

“Ms. Patson, I have something to say. Alex made me promise not to say anything to you about this but I do not agree with his judgement. I think when two people are in love then they deserve to be together.”

 “What do you mean?” I was shocked. Had I heard correctly or was I just imagining this? Did Jack just say that Alex was in love with me?

 “What I mean is that.. Well, didn’t Alex tell you that he has declared his love to dozens of girls before you and that you were just another one on his list of conquests?” I nodded. 

 “He lied.” Jack said, going straight to the point. “Alex has never kidnapped a woman before. When we went to the towns to rendez-vous with the whores in the taverns, we always urged Alex to have some fun with the women too but he refused. We were all very surprised when he brought you to the campsite. He’s in love with you Florence.”

 Jack said softly. I only stared at him, unable to utter a word. 

“Then,” I finally managed to stutter, “then why did he lie to me?”

“I’m not sure, but I am sure that he must have a very honourable reason for lying to you.”

 

 “Florence! Florence, is that you?” I looked at a woman who hurriedly came walking down the street. It was my mother and she was dressed in a beautiful beige dress. She was wearing gloves and was carrying a parasol. I momentarily glanced at my dirty dress and remembered that I had once been such a fragile-looking lady myself. 

“I have to go.” Jack said and then turned his horse and galloped away before I could say a word.  “Oh Florence!” My mother had now reached me.

“Oh, I’m so happy you’re alive!” I was still staring after Jack and had to remind myself that this was my mother who was talking to me and that she had probably been worried sick. 

“Yes mother, yes, it is really me.” I smiled down at her.  Jack was slowly disappearing from sight. ‘When he is gone, you will never be able to find Alex again.’ A small voice in the back of my mind warned me. It was true, I had no idea where Alex’s camp was situated and I knew he wouldn’t come find me. If I ever wanted to see him again, if I wanted to find out whether or not Alex loved me, I would have to act now.

“I’m sorry mother, I must go. I will be back soon.” I turned my horse around and galloped after Jack.


“No! No, Florence! Don’t leave!” I heard my mother scream after me. I ignored her, deciding that I would explain everything to her later. I doubted she would understand though, she had absolutely no knowledge of love.  I was immensely happy when I realized that I was probably on one of Alex’s best horses because it didn’t cost me too much time to catch up to Jack. 

“Jack! Jack!” I called when I was close enough. He slowed down and a smile crept over his face when he saw me. 

 “I was hoping you would’ve changed your mind and come after me.” He said. 

Fragile Hearts

I got off the horse and marched towards Alex’s tent. Right before I entered it, Jack grabbed my arm. 

“Nobody ever goes in there without knocking, Ms. Patson.” He warned. 

“Well, then I’ll be the first,” I said defiantly. I stormed into the tent and saw Alex standing there, with his back towards me. He turned around when he heard me enter.  I couldn’t say anything for a moment, I just stared at him, mesmerized by his handsome face. I had already started missing him in those hours I was away. But then my anger took over. 

“Exactly how many women have you taken to see the sunset? And how many have you told that you loved them?”

He didn’t answer immediately and right before he was about to say something, I cut him off. 

“The truth this time, please.”  It was as if he was debating with himself whether to tell me truth or not. 

“Only you.” He said, after a few more seconds of silence. 

“Then why did you lie to me?” I demanded. 

 “Florence, you have to understand, it’s dangerous to stay here. I’m dangerous. The moment you started expressing your love towards me, I knew that you had to go home. I can’t sleep in the same tent as you and I see the looks on my men’s faces. They want you, all of them.” I was surprised at this revelation but also realized the truth of his words. 

“You could have told me.” I said.

“You wouldn’t have left.” He was right and I had to smile at how well he knew me already. 

“You have no idea how difficult it was to lie to you. But Florence, you have to go back home. You can’t stay here.” 

“Why not?” I asked stubbornly, though I already knew the answer.  Alex sighed.

“Florence, we’re thieves and robbers. You don’t belong here. You’re a lady.” I crossed my arms over my chest, knowing that his words were true but not wanting to believe them. 

“Well you’re sure making it obvious that you don’t want me here.” I couldn’t help but say. This wasn’t fair, I was blaming it on him while it wasn’t his fault. But at the same time, if he really liked me then he could work a little harder to stay together.  Alex raked his hand through his hair in a frustrated movement and at that moment I wanted nothing more than to rush into his arms and kiss him. I clenched my hands into fists and forced myself to stay where I was. 

“Florence, you can’t live with a bunch of thieves. Do you know how dangerous these men are?” Alex asked, and his dark eyes flickered to mine. 

“Then leave.” I suddenly begged. “Leave with me and we’ll make a living together. We can do this.” 

“Your parents would never approve.” Alex said calmly. 

“I don’t care! It’s my life, I choose who I want to be with.” I said and I knew that with every word I sounded more desperate. 

 “Florence,” Alex said gently, and he took a step towards me. I backed away from him so I wouldn’t run to him and kiss him till his lips were blue.

“I can’t. This is what I’ve been doing my whole life. These are the only people I know. Besides, I am wanted all over the country. I have to stay hidden.”  With every word he spoke my anger rose. I was willing to risk everything to be with him, the wrath of my family, wealth, I was even willing to stay here if I had to. Yet Alex would not do the same for me. All I wanted to do at the moment was cry but I refused to let any tears pool into my eyes. Instead, I let my anger take over. 

“Fine.” I snapped at him. “Then I will return home and never think of you again.” I became painfully aware that this was one of the biggest lies I had ever told. It wouldn’t even be possible to never think of him again and I didn’t want to try. No man had ever made me feel the way he did and I wanted nothing more than to stay with him. I was about to turn around and walk out of the tent and head home when Alex stopped me. 

“You cannot go home now. It is too dark, it’s dangerous. You can go home tomorrow.” Though I knew that what he said was true and very reasonable, the last thing I wanted was to stay here. 

“I don’t care.” I said haughtily. “I’m going home.”

 “No you’re not.” Alex said.

“What are you going to do to stop me?” I raised one eyebrow at him and nearly melted when I looked into his eyes. How could he make my heart flutter so much when I was trying to be angry with him? I was tempted to yell at him for making me feel this way but at the last moment realized that that wouldn’t be the best idea. 

“You’ll be my prisoner for one