Storm Clouds Rolling In

by Ginny Dye

  “Are you going to stand there all night?” Robert opened his eyes with an amused smile. “I’d much rather have you in the room with me.”

  Carrie laughed at the impish look in his eyes. She moved quickly across the room and sank down into the chair next to him.

  “Tell me how you’re doing,” he invited.

  The next hour passed in quiet conversation. Not once did they draw near to dangerous topics. Sam entered the room twice to throw additional logs on the fire, but they barely noticed – completely involved in each other.

  Carrie covered her mouth with a laugh as a giant yawn escaped. She glanced at the clock and her eyes opened wide. “My goodness, it’s getting late!”

  Robert nodded. “I think it’s time we called it a night. You need your rest so that you’ll be ready for the Christmas dance day after tomorrow.”

  Carrie nodded. “I haven’t danced since our trip down the river on the John Marshall.”

  Robert snorted. “That was a mere fling. I understand that the Ball at Berkely Plantation is quite the social event around here.”

  Carrie nodded. “I look forward to it every year. People come all the way from Richmond.” She was looking forward to it even more this year because Robert would be her escort.

  “Has your father asked about Adams yet?”

  Carrie shook her head as Rose twisted her hair into a bun. She had learned how to do it herself, but it was nice to have it done for the dance. “No. He hasn’t asked once about things here on the plantation. He seems content to sit in his library and go through the volumes of papers he brought home with him.” She frowned. “He did say something yesterday about how good the place looked, but nothing beyond that.”

  “Does that bother you?”

  Carrie shrugged and then smiled ruefully. “I guess I’m prideful enough to want him to tell me what a wonderful job I’m doing, but the rational side of me knows that the less interested he is, the easier it will be to keep our secret.”

  Rose just nodded and kept jabbing pins. Carrie knew her thoughts were back in the Quarters with Moses. Rose’s being back in the Big House was temporary - just to keep up appearances for father - but surely she longed for Moses. As soon as the bun was secure she spun on her seat to look up at Rose. “We won’t be home till very late tonight. No one needs to know you’re not snug in your little room.”

  Rose stared at her for a moment and then a wide smile lit her beautiful face. “Thank you, Miss Carrie.”

  Carrie shook her head. “There is nothing to thank me for. The three of us are partners in this little charade we are pulling off.” She stood and walked over in front of the mirror, then gave a quick twirl, laughing as the red folds of her satin gown swirled around her. She stared into the glinting glass and noticed with satisfaction that the edging of green velvet along the neckline reflected her eyes.

  “You look like a woman in love, Miss Carrie.”

  Carrie caught her breath, turned away from the mirror, and then laughed. “I suppose I do, Rose.” It was the first time she had admitted it out loud.

  Rose looked at her closely. “Is Robert Borden the one you want to spend the rest of your life with?” Her eyes were inscrutable.

  Carrie turned back to gaze into the mirror. Was he? A deep silence filled the room. When she spoke, it was very slowly. “I know I love him more than any man I’ve ever known.” She paused, troubled. Why wasn’t that enough? What was causing her heart to hold back? She sighed deeply. “There are things that may be impossible to make right between us.” Images of their past arguments rose up to taunt her. An exploding ember flew from the fire and brought her mind back to the present. She shook her head firmly. “It’s Christmas. I’m going to just enjoy it.”

  “You look beautiful, Miss Carrie. I hope you have a wonderful time at the Ball,” Rose said warmly.

  Carrie could easily push away the uneasiness eating at her heart when she thought of the splendor of the Berkeley Ball.

  “Does Marse Cromwell know I be back on his plantation, Sarah?”

  Sarah shook her head firmly. “You know he would never allow it, John.”

  “He be bound to find out sometime.”

  Sarah shrugged. “I reckon we cross that bridge when we get to it.” She was not willing to think more about it. She had lived eighteen long years without the man who had held her heart all that time. She couldn’t bear to think of them being separated again.

  John wasn’t willing to just let it lay. “I won’t go back to the Green place, Sarah. They was good to me, but I don’t aim to finish up my years without you. I’ll run away. Miss Carrie said I could go free anytime.” He paused. “Will you go with me if it come to that?”

  Sarah stared at him. She knew the question was going to come sometime. She also believed she was going to die here on Cromwell Plantation, but it wouldn’t do any harm to make her man feel better. Slowly she nodded. “I’d go with you,” she whispered softly. The glad light in his eyes was all she needed to see.

  John reached over to take her hand. Together, they watched the flames of the glowing fire, feeling deep peace at being together once again.

  Elegantly dressed doormen met the guests from Cromwell as they ascended the stairs of Berkeley Plantation. As the door was opened to receive them, a deep voice rang out.

  “Thomas and Carrie Cromwell.” There was a slight pause, then Thomas moved forward with Carrie on his arm. “Mr. Robert Borden.” Carrie looked up to smile into Robert’s dark eyes. She knew her own were alive with excitement. It took only moments for the three of them to greet their hosts.

  Thomas took Carrie’s hand from his arm and placed it gently on the suit clad one Robert extended. “Have fun dancing,” he said with a warm smile. He moved away and was soon surrounded by men eager for the latest word from Richmond.

  Carrie watched him for a moment. “He and Mother used to love to dance,” she murmured. “He seems to care for nothing but politics now.”

  “Politics is keeping your father alive, Carrie. It has given him something to care about. Something to pour his energy into,” Robert responded.

  Carrie nodded slowly. “And if the country falls apart.....? What then? What will my father do?”

  Robert frowned, but was quick to answer. “Your father is a Virginian, Carrie. He will fight to the end to save the Union, but in the end he will remain loyal to his state. If Virginia secedes, your father will stand with his state and serve anyway he can.” Carrie frowned again, and Robert tilted her face up to meet his eyes. “Miss Carrie Cromwell, I refuse to allow any more talk of this kind. It’s Christmas. Virginia has not seceded, and the band is playing wonderful music. May I have the honor of this dance?” His voice was firm.

  A brilliant smile flashed over Carrie’s face as she curtsied deeply. “Why, I would be honored, sir.” She let all other thoughts flee her mind as Robert led her to the dance floor and swept her into a waltz. Her whole world was Robert and the feel of his strong arms holding her. Everything else faded into insignificance. It was Christmas – they would celebrate!

  Carrie leaned back in Robert’s arms as another song drew to a close and laughed up into his eyes. “Isn’t this simply wonderful?” She eyed a clock over his shoulder and gasped. “Why, we’ve been dancing for almost 2 hours. Is that possible?”

  “Indeed it is. My throat is telling me it’s true. Can I get you something to drink?”

  Carrie nodded eagerly. “Please!” She suddenly realized her throat was parched and dry. Robert led her to a chair on the side of the room and then disappeared. Carrie took the time to absorb her surroundings. Many of her neighbors and friends were at the dance but she had yet to speak to any of them. She had been dancing practically from the minute she had arrived. She leaned back in her chair and looked around. The entire, huge room was dripping with great boughs of greenery. All gas light had been extinguished to give prominence to the hundreds of candles flickering their glowing light on the crowd swaying and talking under their shimme
ring influence. Stringed music swelled softly in the air, lending its own symphonic magic to the evening.

  Carrie looked up with a smile as Robert threaded his way back toward her. She could just see the top of his head as he cut his way through the sea of people. Her smile faded as he emerged from the crowd. Louisa Blackwell, chattering brightly, was smiling up at him. That wasn’t what bothered her, however. Robert’s eyes, when he glanced up at her, had a stormy look in them. What had Louisa said to him?

  “Why, Carrie Cromwell. Isn’t it just wonderful to see you again!”

  “Good evening, Louisa.” Carrie’s voice was pleasant, though distant.

  Louisa seemed to not notice. She dropped down in the chair Carrie had pulled close for Robert and smiled over at her neighbor. “Aren’t you just the one for surprises. Whoever would have thought you would throw that wonderful Ike Adams off your property and insist on running Cromwell Plantation all by your little self.”

  Carrie ground her teeth and cast around in her head for what to say. She should have known the story would get out. She had greater worries than Louisa Blackwell, however. What if someone said something to her father? Her only hope was that the current state of affairs in the country would keep all conversation focused on politics. She forced herself to smile pleasantly. “You make it sound like quite a tremendous endeavor. I am flattered.” She almost laughed at the look on Louisa’s face. That she had not meant to compliment her was obvious. Louisa opened her mouth to say more, but a sudden commotion at the door stopped her.

  Carrie looked up, startled, as the front door, only yards from where she was seated, flung open and a mud-spattered man dressed in a Richmond Militia uniform burst in. He waited for no one to recognize him, but called out his message in a ringing voice that penetrated every corner of the room.

  “South Carolina has seceded from the Union!” His cry was at once triumphant and desperate.

  The great room grew immediately silent as the entire assembly turned to stare at the young messenger. The music stopped and the candles seemed to dim as the news was absorbed.

  Thomas was the first to step forward. “Are you sure? There is no mistake?”

  The young man shook his head and then extended his hand. “Andrew Cooke, sir.” He looked around the room and raised his voice once more. “South Carolina has seceded from the Union by a unanimous vote. They are now a sovereign nation.”

  Carrie closed her eyes as she saw the ruin of all she loved edging closer. That the young messenger was excited about the news was obvious. Soon enough he would realize what it would mean to his life and his dreams.

  Band members put down their instruments as knots of people formed all over the room to discuss this dramatic turn of events. Though expected – the reality would have to be absorbed.

  Louisa, her mouth still open to speak, apparently forgot all about her attack on Carrie. Now her eyes flashed with a victorious light. “Well, it’s about time someone in the South shows the North we aren’t going to merely lay down while they walk on us. Look at all the worried faces,” she said with a contemptuous toss of her head. “Do people really think the North will try to stop South Carolina? Of course they’re not going to send their soft, cowardly men down here! I can only hope Virginia gets over their own cowardice soon! It is so embarrassing to live in a state that shows such little backbone.”

  Thomas walked up as she was speaking. “It sounds as if you have been influenced by our Mr. Ruffin, Louisa.” His voice was pleasant but sad.

  Louisa looked up. “Indeed I have, Mr. Cromwell. And I find I agree with him wholeheartedly. I’m sure he is a happy man tonight.”

  “Undoubtedly,” Thomas agreed with a small smile. “He is in Charleston now. I’m sure he is celebrating with the city. It was he who sent the young messenger to deliver the news.”

  Louisa smiled with delight. “How thoughtful of him. It does make a most wonderful Christmas gift!”

  Thomas eyed her sadly. “I know there are many in the room who share your sentiments.” He turned to Carrie and Robert. “I am very tired. Would you mind if we go home?”

  Carrie rose immediately. “Of course not!” She knew how devastated her father was by the news. Even though he had expected it, now he would have to deal with all the ramifications of it. Her heart ached for him – for all of them.

  It took only minutes to thank their hosts. Great stars shone down on them as Charles urged the team at a rapid trot down the frozen road. No words were spoken.

  Carrie bid her father good night as he climbed the stairs and then turned toward Robert. “It was a wonderful evening. Thank you.”

  Robert smiled but laid his hand on her arm to detain her. He watched her father disappear into his room and then looked down at her. “Could I talk to you for a few minutes?”

  Carrie nodded. She had known it was coming. She sighed and turned to lead the way into the living room. “It’s about what Louisa told you,” she said as soon as she sat down.

  “I know it’s not really any of my business,” Robert said, “but it did concern me. Are you really running the plantation on your own?”

  Carrie hesitated. She knew it would only make matters worse if she were to tell him about the partnership between her, Moses and Rose. “I did fire Adams,” she finally conceded. “But I find the plantation is running quite smoothly.”

  “Why did you fire him?”

  “He was getting ready to beat one of the slaves!” Carrie made no attempt to hide her anger.

  Robert stared at her and seemed to search for words. “Does your father know?”

  Carrie shook her head firmly. “No. And I have no intention of him finding out! He has enough to deal with right now.” Her tone left no room for discussion. “I am the mistress of Cromwell Plantation. As long as I am the one left to run it - I will run it the way I see fit.”

  Robert looked at her with a mixture of admiration and amusement. “I know how strong and independent you are,” he said slowly. “I also know the pressures, so I can’t help being concerned.” He reached for her hand. “If you need help, Carrie, please let me know.”

  Carrie was grateful for his concern and took the hand he extended to her. “I’m fine,” she said softly. “Please don’t worry about me. And thank you for not telling Father,” she added.

  Robert flashed a brief grin. “I hope your father never finds out I knew. He’ll probably have me beaten. But I’ll play the game your way.”

  THIRTY-ONE

  Early on the morning of the 24th, the carriage containing Matthew Justin rolled up to the door of Cromwell Plantation. Carrie, Thomas and Robert were on hand to meet him. Sam took his bags and deposited them in the same room Robert was staying in.

  Matthew shook hands warmly with the two men and then turned to smile down at Carrie. “I had a feeling you came from a place as grand as this. You belong here!”

  Carrie smiled, but wished she could tell him how wrong he was. This “grand place” was built on a system she had come to hate. “It’s wonderful to see you again, Matthew. Welcome to Cromwell Plantation. And Merry Christmas!” Carrie had determined to make this Christmas as special as she possibly could. No one knew what the next year would bring.

  Thomas reached his hand out and laid it on Matthew’s shoulder. “Of course you know I am anxious for news from South Carolina.”

  Matthew nodded. “I’ll tell you everything I can but I’m afraid you won’t like it.”

  “That I’m sure of,” Thomas replied grimly. “But I still must know.”

  Carrie watched the exchange and stepped forward. “You will have until dinner to talk politics. Then it will be Christmas! I will not allow dark talk to ruin the holiday!” Her voice was unyielding.

  Thomas laughed gently. “Whatever you say, daughter. You’re in charge now.”

  Carrie stared at him. She could think of nothing at all to say as he turned and led Matthew and Robert up the stairs and into the house. With that one statement he had spoken his heart
. They had not talked at all about the plantation until then – no mention of when he would want to come back to the home he, and his family before him, had carved out of the wilderness. Carrie had harbored a faint hope that being here would reawaken the love in his heart for his home, but now she realized her hope was futile. It was many long minutes before she followed them.

  Matthew gazed around him as they walked into the house. “This is truly a magnificent place, Mr. Cromwell.” He paused. “I must tell you; this is my first time to be invited to a true southern plantation. Cromwell certainly lives up to the reputation they hold.”

  Thomas shrugged. “It’s my home,” he said simply. At one time he would have been delighted with Matthew’s enthusiasm. Now he had more important things on his mind. He led the way to the group of chairs in front of the fireplace, and settled down in the one nearest the flames. Then he turned to Matthew eagerly. “Tell me about South Carolina,” he urged.

  Matthew tore his eyes away from his inspection of the room and took a deep breath. “It was a unanimous vote, Mr. Cromwell. I don’t believe there was a single man there who had not already made his mind up about secession before he arrived. They had determined that since there was no common bond of sympathy or interest between the North and the South, all effort to preserve a unity would be fruitless.”

  “I think I may understand how they feel,” Robert said slowly. Thomas looked at him sharply. “I didn’t say I agree with it, sir,” Robert protested quickly. “I simply said I think I may understand how they feel.” He seemed to choose his words carefully. “They feel as if there is no other course of action available to them. They believe secession is legal and they see no other way to preserve the only way of life they know. In their minds, they have been backed into a corner.”

  Matthew nodded and reached forward to take a sandwich from the tray Sam had delivered to the room. “I believe you’re right, Robert. I don’t believe they have the right to secede, but neither has enough been done to avoid the inevitability of it. Everyone, including Buchanan who refuses to lead, and Lincoln who refuses to talk about it, has taken a wait and see attitude. The leaders of South Carolina feel they have waited long enough.” He turned back to Thomas. “The convention initially met in Columbia but a smallpox epidemic forced them to move it to Charleston. They were greeted there about the way you would expect,” he said dryly. “There was a fifteen gun salute and a huge parade.” Then he frowned. “I did some research while I was there. What I discovered troubled me. There are 33,000 men who have eagerly enlisted in the state’s military organizations. That’s over twice as many men enlisted in all of the United States military. They say they are ready to resist any overture by the Federal Government to oppose their decision.” His voice was deeply troubled.