Dreaming Companion

Chapter 13: Bare

Never had you set foot in that farmhouse, nor have you seen the man known to be Farmer Ibbotson, nor even witnessed the gunpowder being in production. Yet you were well aware of its importance to Delaney's plan. Clearly this was key to making a deal with the Americans for safe passage out of England. Therefore, the mere idea of all this careful planning, possibly crumbling down, sounded terrible enough.

Rubbing your hands together, you stood there on the front steps, watching James grip Godfrey by the collar in a dangerous fashion, yet speaking to him in a soft tone, his voice barely reached your ears. As he finally released the young man from his grasp, James' eyes locked with yours from afar. His piercing gaze never failed to stop you in your tracks. So there were you stood, breathless, with your mind wide open, hoping his soul would address you again.

Except he did not.

For after a mere three seconds, you saw him walk away. Brisk movements leading him as he disappeared out of your sight. And in that window of time, you swore you felt a piece of your heart crack, and was at the risk of breaking.

You kept your gaze fixed on the road while you slowly walked down the steps. You could have helped, somehow. You could have run up to him, you could have run after him, you could have assisted him in any possible way as you always hoped. But clearly, you chose to avoid him at the wrong time, and there you were facing the consequences. Nothing but pure uselessness. A piece of you feared greatly of the possible influence your stubbornness may have caused, thus hurting him indirectly, which would have created a great misunderstanding between the two. Could you have by chance, soiled the possible relationship you have managed to cultivate with James Delaney? All because of your pride?

"Y/N"
Godfrey's gentle hand on your shoulder made you focus once again.
"Oh Y/N..." He said, voice filled with despair,
"What are we to do now?"

You gulped, holding his hand as you pressed your lips, wearing a brave face.

"Go home Michael..." you whispered, "No one must know of your involvement..."

"That was what James said" he said.

You smiled tightly, "Well he's right" you said, "Be safe please"

As you watched Michael Godfrey run off, the sense of helplessness haunted you even more. Suddenly a walk outside did not seem to be the best decision. Wiping your palms with the sides of your dress, you slowly walked back inside. Conflicted was your emotion when you realized how useless you felt inside as well. But with the sudden growl of your stomach, hunger came into the rescue as the perfect distraction. And you did admit, there was barely any life in you nor sustenance to rejuvenate you.

Walking over to the table, you cried out:
"Brace! Is the breakfast offer still on the table?"
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You tore off the piece of bread into little pieces, while mindlessly chewing the food. You maybe fending off your hunger at the dinning table, but simultaneously you were completely lost in your thoughts elsewhere. And Brace was sure to take notice of it as he sat across from you.

"Eat well lass..." his said, "...the day we may get hanged for treason won't be too far..." his voice, directed your attention back to reality.

A witty response did not come to you then. The blind optimism you had about Delaney's plan was strong enough, never did you stop to ponder of the possible failures that might follow. You did not want to give up, yet you were still concerned. But most importantly, you were concerned about a greater matter.

Taking a sip of your tea, you looked over to the older man.
"Secrets ..."
You began, "What do you make of them , Brace?"

For a split second, you were certain Brace's face turned gaunt, which surprised you.
"What are you going on about lass?" The man inquired in an irritating tone.