Hearts of Iron (Book 7 in the Legacy of Love series)

Chapter 12: Betrayals

The evening air in Richmond had taken on an ominous chill, a stillness that clung heavily to the city streets. Virginia felt it as she moved through the Blake mansion, her every step echoing with the awareness of danger. Her covert assistance to Ethan and the Union cause had grown more perilous with each passing day, but it was nothing compared to the cold certainty she'd felt earlier that afternoon. Her brother, Thomas, had looked at her in a way he never had before—his gaze suspicious and unyielding, as though he'd begun to piece together what she'd been hiding.

She forced herself to focus on her surroundings, pushing down the anxiety that clawed at her. If Thomas was truly onto her, it was only a matter of time before he acted. She knew her brother's resolve ran deep; he wouldn't hesitate to confront her or, worse, expose her to others in the Confederate circles if he thought she had betrayed the family.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a quiet knock on her door. She opened it cautiously to find Clara Belle standing there, a reassuring presence in the dim light. Clara had come under the pretense of checking on her "ailing cousin," a ruse they had devised as a cover. Virginia had feigned a lingering illness, an excuse for Clara to make frequent visits under the guise of medical care while they exchanged information and coordinated their efforts to support Ethan's mission.

"Virginia," Clara whispered, slipping into the room and closing the door behind her, "I came as quickly as I could. I heard Thomas spoke with you today."

Virginia nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "He looked at me with such suspicion, Clara. I think he knows... something. I've been so careful, but..." She trailed off, unable to complete the thought, her worry clear in her eyes.

Clara placed a reassuring hand on Virginia's shoulder, her expression calm but intense. "We'll find a way through this. You're not alone in this, Virginia. We all have a part in this, and we're ready to do whatever it takes to protect you—and Ethan." She pulled a small vial from her satchel, filled with a pungent liquid. "Drink this. If Thomas confronts you, this will give you symptoms strong enough to convince even him that you've been unwell."

Virginia took the vial, her fingers trembling slightly. Clara had thought of every detail, every contingency. It was comforting to know she had such a loyal ally. Clara's visits, once a source of mere companionship, had evolved into a lifeline in their covert network, a channel through which they coordinated movements and covered each other's tracks.

They sat in silence for a moment, each lost in thought, until Clara spoke again, her tone resolute. "Charles will be here tomorrow. He's taking a risk coming into Richmond right now, especially with so many Confederates circling, but he's insisted. He wants to speak with you personally and offer whatever help he can to protect Ethan."

Virginia's chest tightened at the thought of her cousin risking himself to safeguard Ethan's mission. It was no small gesture, especially since Charles's business dealings had become more precarious with every passing day. Many in Richmond were struggling, but the Carter family had managed to stay afloat, balancing their loyalties and livelihoods on a razor's edge. If Charles's assistance was exposed, it could mean the collapse of the trading post and ruin for the family.

"He's risking too much," Virginia whispered, her voice thick with worry.

Clara shook her head, her eyes fierce. "He knows what's at stake. He's not risking this blindly, Virginia; he's prepared, as we all are." She gave Virginia a look of unbreakable solidarity. "The Carters have always been a united front. Our family's strength lies in our loyalty to each other, and to the cause of freedom. Whatever it takes, we're all committed."

Virginia took a steadying breath, the weight of her family's sacrifices sinking in even deeper. She knew that she was not alone, that each of them had accepted the dangers willingly. She resolved to face Thomas's suspicion with the same strength her family had shown, even if it meant looking her brother in the eye and lying for the greater good.