The headaches were worse. Everyday now she had to struggle, the pain crashing down on her like a weight. She said nothing. They would reach Fort Boonesborough in two days. Her home. She felt great anxiety when she thought of going to a home she couldn't remember and children she wouldn't recognize. All the while, she travelled under the watchful eyes of a husband who seemed a stranger to her - a kind and gentle stranger. Looking up she could see Daniel striding ahead of her, clearing the way.
He was tall. That's the first thing Sister Beatrice had told her about him. She smiled thinking of it. He was most definitely tall. He glanced back at her his green eyes resting on her for a mere second. He was handsome. She couldn't deny that either. The sisters had worried at first that he might be untrustworthy; a stranger trying to take advantage of a helpless woman. They hadn't spent more than twenty minutes with him before they changed their minds. He was a man who was clearly deeply devoted to his wife; a man deeply in love with his wife. Which was awkward, as she was that wife, and she couldn't remember him at all.
He was most definitely handsome she thought again. She found herself drawn to him. She liked him. He was kind and funny when he let himself be. He was loyal, devoted and patient. And his eyes were a lovely deep green. She hated to think she brought him pain and wished just for his sake alone that she remembered.
"Are you alright?" Sister Beatrice asked. "You keep holding your head."
"I have a headache. I'll manage." Sister Beatrice followed Rebecca's line of sight.
"He is a good man." Sister Beatrice said with a nod towards Daniel.
"He is." Rebecca agreed.
"Seems like you two are getting along just fine."
"I know I hardly know him, but I feel like I could be content with him. I think I could learn to . . ." She stopped as she realized what she was saying. "Does that shock you?"
"No." Sister Beatrice laughed. "He is so devoted and caring. You would be hard pressed not to be moved by it. Even if your memory doesn't return, I would feel comfortable leaving you in his care." She smiled at Rebecca squeezing her arm.
He dropped his pace and fell back along side her. "You feeling alright ? You seem kind of pale?"
"Just a headache. Don't worry about it."
"We can stop if you need to rest. I should've known you were feeling poorly. Your eyes always seem to get so big when you are ill." He said with a worried glance at her.
"No, I'm fine." They continued forward side-by-side, not speaking. He would glance at her from time to time, and she tried to hide the fact, that the pain continued to increase. Her foot caught on a rock and she stumbled. He caught her hand and helped her regain her footing.
"Easy there, darl . . . Becky." He said. "It is a little rocky, just now." He held her fingers gently in his.
"Thank you." She said looking up into his loving green eyes. She continued forward with him, and didn't let go of his hand.