The Jackal's Mistress

A few weeks later, Weybridge and Libby collect apples from a grove near the house. He feels physically improved and is happy to be up and about on the crutches Joseph made him. At one point, he feels soft ground underfoot; immediately, Libby is there for support. The romantic tension between them increases as she touches his arm.

Later, a Confederate lieutenant, Darcy Sears, arrives and addresses Sally, wanting to search the premises. He claims there is a rumor in the neighborhood that a Yankee officer was left behind in the area and may be in hiding. Sally runs to fetch Libby from the mill. Weybridge hears Sears from the bedroom and quickly plots how to best strike the man with the water pitcher.

Libby comes quickly from the mill and cheerfully introduces herself to Sears. She graciously shows him through every room. Weybridge hides behind the bedroom door, ready to hit the man and fight for his gun, but Libby insists Sears stay in the doorway, since it is her private bedroom. Sears looks into the room and leaves, since the search has come up dry. Before he goes, Libby wants to know who implicated her, but Sears will not say.