Chapter 7Since he had firmly put the encounter to the back of his mind, it wasn’t until late afternoon on Friday that Ben remembered about the assignation at Colonel Graham’s house with a sense of unease.
Although he was no longer obliged to obey the chain of command, Ben decided it would be circumspect to accede. After all, even an upstanding officer like himself had secrets he would prefer to keep hidden, specifically an auburn-haired, green-eyed country doctor who held the most cherished place in Ben’s affections. Because of Edward, Ben chose to comply with the colonel’s request rather than show resistance that might lead to moral blackmail or threats to Edward’s safety. Even so, Ben dithered until the clock struck six before tidying his appearance in his bedroom with Cribbins’ assista
