Thomas pulled his horse to a stop and watched them for a moment, then turned to his friends. Thomas had treated them all to new clothes before they left the city, and they all were wearing them. George still had the soldier’s sword at his side, though in a new scabbard, and Eileen wore Benjamin’s rapier. Thomas grinned at them, sure they all looked outlandish.
“Home,” George sounded immensely happy. “At last.”
“Aye,” agreed Thomas. He was nervous, he realized. “At last.”
Eileen caught his tone and c****d her head at him. “What’s the matter with you?”
“Nothing,” Thomas said. “I’m just…”
“Afraid your father’s still angry?” guessed George.
Thomas nodded. “Aye.”
“He’ll be glad you’re back, now that all’s done,” Eileen said. “I’m sure of it.”
Thomas wasn’t. “I hope so.”
Eileen pulled h
