War of Hearts, A Historical Romance by Lynn Hubbard Page A

was getting way too stimulated by the vision of the
girl tangled in his covers. “Let’s try this again shall we? I am
Tristan Radcliff, welcome to my home.”
    Sarah was rendered speechless as his name
sunk in. This was Robert’s brother. Her eyes went to his face
searching for recognition. They looked quite different to be
brothers. Where Robert was dark, Tristan was light. He was a bit
taller, and definitely more muscular. Of course Robert would be too
if he wasn’t half starved like the rest of them.
    “And this is where you’re supposed to
introduce yourself,” he added when only met with silence.
    Sarah’s mind whirled, still fresh from
sleep, she ran through her thoughts trying to decipher what name
she had chosen. “Sarah... Smith,” she finally spat out.
    He raised an eyebrow at her reply. “Well,
Miss Smith. Welcome to my home,” and my bed , he added
silently.
    “Can I have my pin back?”
    “No, I think I am safer if I hold onto
it.”
    Sarah sat up straight in bed. “I must have
it back, it was a gift.”
    “A gift?”
    “Yes, it was all she had.” Tears stung her
eyes when she thought of Margaret.
    Tristan, seeing her despair, handed over the
pin. He wondered what kind of people only had pins to give as
gifts.
    “Now be off! It isn’t decent to be in a room
with you; I was raised better.”
    He stepped back and nodded to her before
stepping into the hallway. Sarah was out of bed as soon as she
heard the click. She grabbed for her clothes and was dismayed that
they were not there. Instead was a lovely blue dress; she threw it
on and was surprised by the fit.
    Apparently Cecilia swapped them while she
was asleep. Thankfully it buttoned up the front. Running her hands
through her slightly damp hair, she quickly plaited it into a
braid.
    Sarah glanced at her reflection in the
mirror.  She was a bit surprised by her appearance; her face
was thin and sharp. Her usual rounded cheeks had disappeared so she
pinched them to add a bit of color. Nonetheless, her eyes were
still a lively green; eyes that had seen enough death and despair
for a lifetime. The spark of hope had not died, but it was
flickering.
    How had she ended up here? At Robert’s
family home? This was supposed to be her last resort; she was
running out of options fast.
    She wondered how Robert could give up a life
such as this. Most of the soldiers were from humble backgrounds,
and didn’t have much to lose either way.
    With Robert’s wealth he could do as he
pleased, or nothing at all. Of course Washington himself was quite
wealthy, and he chose to not only fight, but to lead. She had asked
Robert once why he joined; he had laughed and told her it was for
the wonderful benefits. Perhaps he left because of his wife after
all. However, it was one thing to leave a trivial wife; it was
another to abandon your entire family.
    Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she
headed out the door. The hallway was thankfully vacant and she
followed her earlier steps down the stairs.
    The front door once again beckoned to her,
but her growling stomach won out and she followed the aromatic
smell of baked chicken to the kitchen. She was met by Cecilia, whom
eyed her critically before escorting her to the dining room. She
hesitated just an instant to compose herself before stepping into
the room.
    The Colonel, some man she didn’t know, and
Tristan occupied the room. Their deep conversation was cut off
abruptly when she neared the table.
    “Ah, so glad you could join us,” the Colonel
greeted her as the men stood.
    “As am I,” Sarah replied, flashing him her
best smile. He reached across the table and grasped her hand. Sarah
cringed inwardly as his moist lips brushed against the back of it.
Repulsed, she resisted the urge to wipe off the wetness and instead
took a seat across from Tristan.
    The new man was introduced as the Colonel’s
aide, Ryan. He was awfully quiet and his ink stained fingers gave
away his talent.
    Sarah glanced at the