by Ginny Dye
Silence lingered for several moments.
“Is she always like that?” Anthony asked. “What an amazing little girl.”
Carrie smiled. “She is certainly amazing. And, yes, she is always like that.” She watched through the door as Amber skipped across the yard to the area under the trees where all the food was laid out. “Robert died saving her life,” she revealed. “Vigilantes came here to burn the plantation. They tried to shoot Amber when she got in their way. Robert took the bullet meant for her.”
Anthony gained points with her when he replied, “Obviously, it was a life worth saving.”
“Yes,” Carrie answered. Nothing could bring Robert back, but she was so thankful for the opportunity to watch Amber grow up.
*****
Moses settled back on the ground with a satisfied sigh as he patted his stomach. “Now that was a meal.”
Rose raised her brow. “I’d say that was a meal for a few men, not just one.”
“I’m a big man,” Moses protested lazily. “Besides, I’ve earned the right to eat all that food.” His voice became deeply satisfied. “Somehow we managed to break the tobacco production record we set last year. I just heard the news a little while ago.”
Thomas was walking by as Moses made his statement. He settled down on the ground next to them. Rose wondered if she would ever stop being astonished that her old Master was not only her half-brother, but also a friend. A lifetime of slavery had not prepared her for this new reality, but she was grateful beyond words.
“The managers at the tobacco warehouse are asking how in the world you managed to send so much tobacco,” Thomas said.
“What did you tell them?”
“That there was more coming,” Thomas replied with a grin. “I also told them the results of our crop should show the effectiveness of our methods here on Cromwell Plantation.”
“And their response?” Rose asked dutifully, though she was certain she already knew the answer.
“That a bumper crop of tobacco didn’t justify treating niggers like white folks,” Thomas said with disgust. He shook his head. “I know it’s going to take a long time for people in the South to change, but since they are so concerned about money, you would think the reality that Cromwell Plantation has had the largest tobacco harvest in the state would show them that change can be good.”
“You can’t reason with stupid,” Moses said flatly. “They want to make money, but they want to do it the old way—off the backs of slaves.” He took a deep breath. “Do you ever think it will change, Thomas? Really?”
Thomas seemed to sense how serious the question was. “In time,” he said, “but I’ll admit I believe it’s going to take a long time. Slavery has existed in America for centuries. The government might force people to change their actions, but that doesn’t mean it will change their thinking. You are going to have to fight that for a long time, Moses,” he said with a grimace. “I’m sorry.”
Moses shrugged. “It’s not anything I don’t already know.”
“It’s why we are going to college,” Rose said with firm determination. “It’s going to take a long time to change the way people think, but we can play our part in helping make that happen. With me as a teacher and Moses as a lawyer, we can help make things better.
Moses nodded his agreement but he couldn’t stop the churning in his gut, and he didn’t miss the assessing look on Thomas’ face.
*****
The sun had set and the bonfire for the dance had been lit, its flames dancing toward the stars and the canopy of gold and red leaves that swayed overhead. Easy conversation swelled around him as Moses gazed out over the field. His worries about what might happen during the Harvest Festival had been unfounded. The day had been a good one. The children were tired from non-stop playing and games, the women were happy from spending time with their friends, and the men were filled with pride for what had been accomplished. Everyone was looking forward to an evening of dancing.
Moses stiffened and surged forward as one of Simon’s men emerged from the woods on horseback. He could tell by the set of the man’s shoulders that something was wrong. “What is it, King?” He kept his voice deliberately low so no one would become alarmed. He would not ruin the relaxed atmosphere unless it was necessary.
King swung down easily from his mare, his lanky form almost hidden by Moses’ massive body as they talked. “A message came back from one of the fellas guardin’ the road. He seen four men comin’. They stopped at the entrance to the plantation and talked for a right long time, but then kept on a goin’.”
Moses listened carefully. “What’s your gut tell you?”
“That they be going for backup,” King said. “I reckon they know there be a celebration happenin’ here today. They probably figure ain’t nobody watchin’.” He shook his head. “You figure they be that stupid?”
“They’re not smart, King, just mean.” Moses thought through the possible scenarios. He didn’t want to alarm anyone, but he also didn’t want to put anyone in danger. “How many men are out on the road now?”
“Ten,” King answered. “I passed three of the men closer to the house and sent them on up to the road.”
Moses considered King’s answer. Unless someone knew the woods extremely well, an attack from that direction was unlikely, but they were vulnerable in other places. “I want ten men stationed around the barn,” he ordered. “It wouldn’t be hard to follow the trail that leads in from the school.” He pushed aside thoughts of emerging from those same woods to find Robert shot and dying.
King nodded and glanced over his shoulder. “You gonna tell them? My wife and two little girls be over there. I don’t want them scared, but I do want them to be ready.”
“I agree,” Moses said heavily. “Everyone should have a chance to protect their family.” Making his decision, he turned and strode into the bright light formed by the bonfire.
“I need everyone’s attention, please,” he called. It took only moments for complete silence to reign. Not even the tiniest baby’s cry marred the stillness. The only sound was the crackling of flames as the bonfire surged higher. Moses briefly explained the situation. “There may not be anything to worry about, but I don’t intend on taking any chances.” He didn’t need to mention what had happened that spring.
Within moments he was surrounded by grim-faced men. The flames revealed an even mixture of black and white. Before Moses could say anything, Rose pushed forward. “What do you want the women and children to do, Moses?” Her voice was calm, and her eyes were steady.
Moses reached down for her hand and squeezed it gratefully. There were close to one hundred women and children staring at him fearfully. He closed his eyes, but it took only a moment to know what needed to be done. “You know these woods better than anyone, Rose.” Her years of teaching a secret school before they had escaped slavery were going to be their salvation. “I want you to take everyone into the woods. Go back at least one hundred yards and make sure everyone is behind a tree. Light some fire sticks so everyone can see. You have enough time. But,” he added, “make sure all the sticks are ground out into the dirt once everyone is in place. I don’t want anything to give away your position if there is a bigger problem than we can handle.”
Rose nodded, squeezed his hand once more, and then turned away toward the women and children.
Moses turned back to the men. “If vigilantes are coming, they will either come from the road or they will come through the woods from the school. There are ten men on the road and ten more of Simon’s men are taking position in the woods behind the barn.” He waved his hand toward a group of white fathers standing at attention. “There are enough of us here to protect both the school and the plantation. You did a fine job of keeping the school from burning this spring. Are you up for doing it again, Alvin?” He spoke directly to the man who had taken the lead on protecting the school before. He didn’t need to add that the vigilantes would show the white men no mercy if they found
them here at the Harvest Festival.
“It’s done,” Alvin said. “I’m getting real tired of this, though.”
Moses couldn’t agree with him more, but now was not the time to think about it. He merely nodded before the white fathers ran for their horses and disappeared into the darkness. He directed ten of the Cromwell workers toward the gate, ordering them to stay back further from the road in case the vigilantes broke through the line of men already there, and then sent another fifteen men to stand guard in the woods around the house.
Thomas appeared suddenly. “I was inside with Carrie. Is there more trouble?”
“I don’t know yet,” Moses answered. He once again explained the situation. “Rose is taking all the women and children back into the woods.” A quick glance showed the small army was already headed into the trees, their arms full of blankets to make sure everyone stayed warm. Each woman carried a fire stick to make sure they could light the way for their family. He had no doubt every one of them would be carefully extinguished. They respected Rose and would do whatever she told them to do.
Moses turned back to Thomas. “They may come, but we are ready for them. I’ve directed the men closest to the gate to fire if vigilantes put one foot on Cromwell Plantation.” He paused. “I told them a warning shot would not be necessary.”
“We will protect the people who are here,” Thomas agreed in a grim voice. “You’ve thought of everything but the tobacco barns. They aren’t easy to reach, but we’re not going to take any chances they will be burned. I’m taking Mark, Matthew, Jeremy, Perry and Anthony down to the barns. We’ll shoot anyone who tries to get close to the crop.”
Moses nodded and turned toward the barn.
Miles and Clint appeared out of the open door. Clint was leading Moses’ gelding, Champ. “We turned all the horses out into the back paddock,” Clint said. “If the barn is set on fire, at least we won’t lose any of them.”
“Thank you.” Moses pushed back thoughts of the men who killed Robert while attempting to set fire to the barn that spring. “Did you check to make sure the barn is empty?” He knew he didn’t have to explain his question.
“It’s empty,” Clint replied, “but I can promise you Amber would never make that mistake again. She came in from playing with the kids to check on All My Heart. I sent her and Mama into the house.”
“Your daddy is at the front gate,” Moses said. He trusted all his men, but he knew Gabe would keep a clear head in any emergency.
“What you want us to do?” Miles asked.
Moses considered his answer. He had plenty of men stationed around the entry points to the plantation, and there were men around the barn, but there was a chance one or more of the vigilantes would break through. “I want you to stay inside here. If anyone gets close, shoot them.” Miles and Clint nodded and turned back toward the barn and the rifles waiting just inside the door.
Moses waited until the last woman and child disappeared into the woods. He waited until the last sounds of snapping twigs and crackling leaves had faded, and he watched until the last fire stick had been extinguished. He had done all he could do to keep them safe. He glanced at the house but knew Carrie and Abby would have things under control. He took comfort in the certainty there was an escape route for them if necessary. He longed to move into position with the men at the gate, but he needed to be at the center of the plantation so he could take charge if an attack happened.
He mounted Champ and moved forward to wait in the deep shadows of the big oak tree. The bonfire continued to burn brightly, but its flames would not reveal his position as they shot up into the sky. He listened intently, forcing himself to ignore the wave of frustration filling his mind.
He would face his future later—right now he had to focus on the present danger.
*****
“I shouldn’t be glad that the ball has been disrupted, should I?”
Abby rolled her eyes, but even through the concern, Carrie detected amusement. “What happens if they determine there is no danger?” Abby asked. “Everyone is going to want the ball to happen. They look forward to it every year.”
“I know,” Carrie admitted with a sigh. She and Abby were stationed at the window in her room. Janie and Polly were keeping watch out the back. Susan and Catherine were at one of the side windows, while June and Annie stood guard on the far side of the house. Louisa, Amber and Felicia were watching the younger children. They would not be caught unawares.
“You’re really more worried about choosing a king for the dance, than the possibility of an attack?”
“Pathetic, isn’t it?” Carrie wasn’t going to tell Abby that the mere idea of an attack had caused horrible images to stampede through her mind. It was easier to deal with the dilemma of who she would crown if the ball were to go on. She tried not to be glad that every passing minute made it less likely, but she was failing miserably.
Abby reached for her hand. “I know the idea of choosing a king must make you feel sick inside.”
Carrie tried again to push the images of the Blackwell Ball from her mind, but decided talking about it may be better. “Louisa was certain Robert would crown her queen when he won the tournament on Granite seven years ago. She was furious when he chose me, but it was the best night of my life to that point.” She closed her eyes as she remembered moving into Robert’s arms for the first dance. “It’s like we had always danced together. It was magical.”
“Robert told me once that he fell in love with you when you cut a lock of your hair for him during the tournament.”
Carrie smiled. “Yes. I felt so silly, but it certainly did turn out well.”
Abby chuckled. She turned to Carrie for a moment before peering back into the darkness. “Who will you choose if you have to?”
Carrie groaned. “I have no idea.”
“What about your father?” Abby asked. “I know he would be honored.”
Carrie shook her head. “I thought about him, but the two of you belong together during the first dance.” She held up a hand to silence the protest she knew was coming. “I already know it would be fine with you, but it doesn’t feel right.”
“The same with Matthew, Mark or Jeremy?” Abby guessed.
“Right.” Carrie’s mind raced as she thought through all the possibilities. Her first solution had been to not attend the dance. Amber’s bold words had destroyed that option, but it had not taken her any closer to a decision. She didn’t want anything bad to happen tonight, but she also couldn’t help hoping the situation would stretch out long enough to eliminate the Harvest Tournament Ball.
“What about Anthony?”
It took several moments before Abby’s words registered. “What?”
“What about Anthony? He’s not with anyone here. And I happen to know he is a very fine man.”
“No.”
“Why not?” Abby asked. “It’s a dance, Carrie. Nothing more. If it happens, you have to choose someone.”
“No.” Carrie couldn’t explain what was swarming through her heart and mind, but she knew choosing Anthony was not an option. He did seem like a good man, but it was somehow disloyal to Robert to even think about crowning a single man as the King of the Ball. As she had many times that night, she eyed the mirror that would open into the tunnel that could take her away from all of this. Amber would be so disappointed in her, but the idea of that didn’t bother her as much as it had earlier. What they were asking her to do was simply too much.
*****
Gabe rode up beside King. “Anything?” he asked.
“Not yet,” King answered, his voice low enough not to be heard over the wind blowing through the trees.
Gabe nodded and settled in to wait, his tall bulk relaxed in the saddle. King and Moses obviously believed something more was going to happen. He hadn’t been there when Robert was murdered, but now he would do anything to keep those he loved on the plantation from being harmed in any way. No one would try to shoot his daughter again.
/> The warmth of the Indian Summer day had been swallowed by a cold front ushered in with brisk winds. He could feel leaves swirling through the air as they dropped from the surrounding trees. Tomorrow morning there would be a vibrant carpet covering the ground. The wind offered protection, but it also meant it would obscure a threat. Since no one could count on noise alerting them, they had to simply watch for any movement in the dark.
Thirty minutes passed slowly as Gabe shivered into his thick coat. “You really believe they will come back?” he asked.
“I think they believe they can do right much damage on a night like tonight.” King stiffened and leaned forward.
Gabe saw the movement at the exact moment King did. He laid his hand on his gelding’s neck and held his breath, praying there would be enough light from the moon dancing with the clouds to determine if it was friend or foe. He didn’t have to wait very long. A sudden burst of wind shoved back a layer of clouds, allowing the glimmer of the moon to provide just enough illumination to identify a band of hooded men trotting down the road with grim purpose, their arms holding long rifles.
“Here they come,” King muttered. “Moses was right. They are stupid.”
Gabe waited. Moses had been clear. If the vigilantes made one move to enter Cromwell Plantation, they were to fire. He actually hoped they did. The man who had murdered Robert was in jail, but Gabe was certain some of the men riding tonight had taken place in the fateful raid. He wouldn’t mind a taste of justice.
The men rode as far as the gate and stopped. Gabe listened carefully, but could hear nothing of the conversation taking place because of the wind. He could tell there was an argument going on by the fact that several of the men were waving their hands, but there was no way to know if the argument was about attacking the plantation or leaving it alone. He glanced around at the thirty men waiting quietly in the cover of the trees. Without exception, these men were all veterans who had served under Moses or Mark Jones. They knew what to do and would not hesitate to do it—especially with their wives and children counting on them for protection.
