Eli, Pete, and George rode close by the wagon, out of St. Elizabeth, helping Tim to guard the two new passengers who sat on the bench beside him as he managed the team of horses on the return trip to the DuBois mansion.
“Do you really think the Rubidoux will try something here?” Eli asked as they rode.
George glanced at the two women sitting on either side of Tim and frowned. “Lilianna sees those women as possessions of the Rubidoux and will claim the DuBois have stolen them from her.” She tried unsuccessfully to adjust her behind in the uncomfortable saddle. “And Lilianna Rubidoux doesn’t suffer thieves.”
“Those women are as free as you and I,” Eli snorted. “Nobody owns them, and they can come and go wherever they please now.”
As if sensing George’s discomfort, her mount shied, and Ge
