by Ginny Dye
Carrie leaned back just enough to capture his lips. Robert’s blood roared as his wife’s body melted into his.
“Are the rest of us needed here?”
Robert chuckled against Carrie’s lips when Thomas’ voice broke through their passion. “Let’s get rid of them,” he suggested.
“Please do,” Carrie agreed. An impish grin flitted across her lips before she turned and flung her arms around Granite’s neck.
Robert smiled up at Thomas and the rest. “Welcome! I’m sure you won’t be surprised when I tell you it will be a while before Carrie and I return to the plantation. Everyone is waiting for you at the house. There is quite a feast prepared.” He should know. He had a large basket of it hidden away. He’d been busy since early morning.
Suddenly his eyes narrowed as he inspected the large carriage. “Where are Elizabeth, Alice and Florence?”
Carrie pulled away from Granite. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later.”
Robert nodded. The person he cared most about was staring at him with luminous green eyes. All he wanted was to get her alone.
Thomas gave them a wave. “Have fun,” he called as he motioned for the driver to continue on.
Robert watched until the carriage had disappeared around the next bend in the road, and then pulled Carrie close again. The kiss left him weak. If Carrie’s sagging body was any indication, she was in the same condition.
Carrie finally pulled back. “Are we just going to stand in the road all afternoon?” she teased in an unsteady voice.
Robert laughed. “Follow me,” he commanded as he sprang into Juniper’s saddle.
“No fair!” Carrie cried, staring down at her green traveling dress.
Robert flicked a glance at the bundle tied behind Granite’s saddle.
“Really?” Carrie breathed, a wide smile exploding on her face. She pulled Granite back into the woods. When she emerged a few minutes later, she was clad in breeches and a warm jacket. The air was not cold, but it was crisp enough to relish the thick coat. She had released her hair from its confining bun, and then quickly platted it into a braid that streamed down her back. “I’m ready,” she declared.
“Now let’s see if you can keep up,” Robert taunted her, urging Juniper into a gallop.
He heard Carrie’s musical laugh float through the breeze. He didn’t have to look to know she had vaulted into Granite’s saddle and was now after him in mad pursuit. He had a substantial lead on her, but it was only seconds before Granite streaked past him, Carrie’s slender form appearing as one with the horse’s muscular, gray body.
Carrie’s eyes widened when they broke out into the clearing along the river. She had instinctively known where her husband was taking her, but what was waiting for them almost took her breath away. “Robert!”
Robert remained silent while he dismounted, removed Juniper’s bridle and saddle, and tied her to a tree. When he looked up, Carrie was just turning Granite loose to graze. Granite would never dream of leaving. He slipped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “Do you like it?” he asked softly.
“It’s wonderful,” Carrie cried as she took in the square of brightly colored blankets laid on the ground, their corners anchored with large rocks to hold them in place. A picnic basket rested on the edge nearest the river. Off to the side was another pile of blankets. She shivered as Robert stepped up behind and slowly pulled her coat off her shoulders.
Carrie turned and stared up into his brown eyes. They were glowing with so much love it almost took her breath away. Robert looked wonderful. He was just as handsome as the day she had met him, but now his good looks were enhanced by wisdom and experience. The war that had nearly killed him had etched character into his face. All they had been through had done nothing but forge their souls. She reached her hand up and laid it gently on his cheek, her lips trembling with emotion. “I’ve missed you so much.”
Robert sucked in his breath. “How much, Mrs. Borden?”
Carrie smiled as her hand traveled down his cheek to rest on his strong chest. “I’ll be happy to show you, Mr. Borden.”
Moments later they were buried beneath a mound of thick quilts, their clothes a tangled heap on the side.
Carrie watched Robert as he stood, every part of her satisfied and happy. Her eyes were heavy, but her heart felt light.
Robert glanced back at her. “Ready to eat?”
She raised a brow. “Are we referring to the picnic or to…?”
Robert raised a brow in return, dropped the basket and turned to her with a meaningful look.
“Don’t you dare!” Carrie cried as she laughed in surrender. “I’m starving!”
“And I continue to be a neglected husband,” Robert said sadly, his eyes dancing with fun as he grabbed the basket, settled down next to her and opened it. “Annie took good care of us,” he murmured.
“I’m sure she did,” Carrie replied, “but the only way I’m coming out from beneath these blankets is if you hand me my clothes.” She shivered as a breeze blew off the water. They still had at least two hours of daylight, but the temperature was dropping.
“Cold front coming in,” Robert said casually, his eyes skimming her face appreciatively. He reached in the basket. “Fried chicken. Cole slaw. Potato salad. Biscuits. Pickles. Blueberry cobbler.” He smacked his lips as he pulled them out one at a time. “I predict you are going to love this.” He laid out the plates on the blanket and loaded them with food. Then he reached for a chicken thigh.
“Robert!”
“Yes, dear?” Robert took a bite, his eyes fixed on her creamy shoulders exposed by the blankets.
“My clothes,” she demanded. “It’s cold out there.”
“I offered to keep you warm,” Robert reminded her.
“That’s not fair!”
Robert shrugged. “I believe you’re the one who told me all is fair in love and war.”
“I never…”
“Then you should have,” Robert retorted. “Do you know how many nights I have dreamed of having you just like this?”
Carrie’s look softened. “I promise I will reward you well if you give me my clothes,” she said temptingly.
Robert tilted his head, considering. “How well?”
“You’ll be happy,” Carrie promised him. “On the other hand,” she continued, the playfulness leaving her voice, “if you don’t hand me my clothes right now so I can stop shivering and eat, you are going to be very sorry.”
Robert smiled. “Ah, there is the fiery woman I know and love.” He took another bite of chicken.
“Robert!” Carrie leapt up, grabbed her clothes, and began to dress quickly. She slowed down, suddenly aware Robert was devouring her with his eyes. Relishing in her power to torment him, she ignored her shivering body and drew out the process. “And to think that now I’ll have to punish you later,” she drawled as she struggled to keep her eyes stern after she had fastened the last button on her coat.
“Punish me?” Robert asked innocently.
“Certainly you don’t think you’ll be rewarded for this behavior,” Carrie scolded.
“And certainly you know I am the King of the Picnic Basket,” Robert retorted, pulling back the plates loaded with food. “You may want to rethink your decision, Mrs. Borden.”
Carrie laughed and dove for him, wanting to cry with joy as they wrestled on the blanket. How could she possibly leave him again? The very thought swept through her body like a wave crashing onto the shores.
Robert felt the change in her emotions. He sat up, holding her shoulders as he peered into her eyes. “What is it?” he asked.
Carrie struggled for words. Finally she shook her head. “Can we eat first?”
Robert hesitated. “You’re all right?”
“I will be,” Carrie replied. Looking into Robert’s concerned eyes told her everything was going to actually be all right. “I promise. I just don’t think I can do one more thing, or say one more word, until I have some f
ood in me.”
“Eat.” Robert reached behind him and pulled out her plate with a flourish.
Carrie ate slowly, not willing to hurry one moment of this perfect afternoon. Bees and butterflies buzzed and fluttered through the goldenrod spattered with specks of purple aster and Sampson’s snakeroot still holding their blooms. The branches covering their sanctuary still had a tight hold on the vivid red, yellow and orange leaves that seemed to strain against their constraints as the breeze kicked up whitecaps on the James River. The sun sparkling on the water made her catch her breath with the splendor of her home. “I’ve missed this so much,” she murmured, her heart catching again at the thought of returning to Philadelphia for another brutal winter.
Carrie tried to push aside the vision of coal-darkened snow piling up on sidewalks as a vicious wind blew off the coast, but it stood as a sordid contrast to the shimmering white pastures the plantation sported when it snowed. Don’t think about it, she scolded herself, trying to hold on to what Abby had told her last night. Just enjoy the moment you have right now.
“Carrie?”
Carrie knew by the worried sound in her husband’s voice that her effort not to think about the looming future was failing miserably. “I quit medical school,” she said quietly, not sure if she was disturbed or comforted by the flare of relief she saw in Robert’s eyes. Deep concern followed so quickly on its heels that she wondered if she had actually seen it, or just imagined it.
“What happened?” Robert asked as he reached for her hand.
Carrie told him everything. The sun had sunk low in the sky by the time she finished. Robert had not interrupted her once, not even to ask questions. She appreciated that he knew she simply needed to unburden herself.
There was a long silence when she finally quit speaking. Robert watched her closely. Even Granite had stopped grazing and was now watching her intently. Carrie waited. She needed to give Robert time to process what he had had heard.
“So you start at the Homeopathic College in two weeks?”
Carrie met his eyes. “That is when the term begins.” She suddenly couldn’t bring herself to say she was going to do it. She just couldn’t imagine leaving Robert again. Couldn’t imagine leaving the plantation.
“But you’re not sure you want to return.”
Carrie sighed. “Oh, I’m quite sure I don’t want to return,” she admitted, “but I’m struggling with what I am meant to do.”
Robert stared out at the river for a long moment before he turned back to her. “I may not be the best person to talk this through with. I know I am probably supposed to convince you to return to Philadelphia and continue your education, but in all honesty I never want to spend another night or day without you again. It is impossible for me to be unbiased.”
“I know,” Carrie replied. “I realize I have to decide for myself, but I share your feelings. I never want to spend another day or night without you again, either.” She gazed at Granite, who was staring at her with knowing eyes. “I don’t want to leave the plantation.”
“And once all you wanted was to leave here.”
“Yes,” Carrie agreed. “I’ve changed. Everything I love and value most is right here on Cromwell Plantation.”
“That will change, too,” Robert murmured.
Carrie nodded. “I know nothing ever stays the same, but I can’t deny that my heart is here.”
“Moses and Rose leave in the spring to go to school,” Robert said.
“Yes. I received a letter from Rose, and we’ve already talked about it.”
“Simon and June may be leaving, too.”
Carrie’s eyes widened. “Why? Who will handle the tobacco after Moses leaves?”
“That is still being discussed.” Robert paused. “Simon and June may be leaving to oversee Blackwell Plantation.”
“What?” Carrie blinked. “Blackwell Plantation has been standing empty since the war started. Has someone bought it?”
“Perry and Louisa are back.”
Carrie sat back and stared at him. “Here in Virginia? I thought they lived in Georgia now. Why have they returned?” She wasn’t certain why the knowledge was so disconcerting.
“You don’t sound pleased.”
“I don’t know what I think about it,” Carrie confessed. “Why have they returned?”
Robert shrugged. “General Sherman was quite successful in his march across Georgia. He set out to destroy a way of life. He succeeded. Perry and Louisa lost everything during the war. Perry tried to rebuild, but this year’s cotton crop was dismal. He brought his family here to start over.”
“When did they arrive?”
“About a month ago.”
“A month?” Carrie tried to absorb this information as she watched Robert. “You never liked Louisa.”
“There was not much to like,” Robert replied, “but she has changed.”
Carrie’s eyes widened. “You like her now?”
“I like both of them,” he said easily. “It took some time, though. We offered to let them stay here on the plantation when it was obvious Blackwell wasn’t livable.”
Carrie’s brain was swimming. Though she and Louisa had reached a peace, she had never considered having her for a neighbor again. “She was quite the Southern plantation mistress,” she murmured. “I can understand their returning, but are you sure Simon and June should work for them? I’m afraid it won’t be anything like Cromwell.”
“Actually it will be just like Cromwell Plantation,” Robert replied, a smile dancing on his lips. “Simon had refused to even entertain the idea, and Perry was acting like a prejudiced, entitled Southerner for a long time. Moses made it clear he would not encourage any of his men to work there unless it was run the same way. Perry wouldn’t even consider it at first.”
“And yet it’s the only way for Blackwell to become profitable again,” Carrie said.
“He knows that now,” Robert agreed.
“He has to change for more than money,” Carrie replied.
“Protective?” Robert teased.
“Of course I am! Simon and June are my family. I won’t have anyone treat them the way most Southerners treat blacks,” she said, her eyes flashing. “They’ve both dealt with too much already.”
Robert laughed. “Relax. Perry and Louisa have truly changed. Their time here worked something of a miracle in them. I’ll admit neither Moses nor I thought they could change, but they have. You’re going to be surprised.”
Carrie gazed at him, knowing it was her painful history with Louisa that was making her skeptical. They had found peace in Richmond, but she had many humiliating memories of Louisa when they were growing up. Having her on the plantation was reviving them in her mind.
“Give them a chance,” Robert urged. “Especially Louisa.”
Carrie sighed. As usual, Robert was reading her mind. “They’ll be there when we get back to the house?”
Robert nodded.
Carrie, not wanting to think about Louisa anymore, returned to their earlier conversation. “I don’t know what to do about school.”
“You don’t have to know right this second,” Robert responded. “Neither one of us does, though I don’t really have much to do with this decision.”
“You have everything to do with this decision!” Carrie cried.
Robert smiled. “I knew, almost from the day I met you, that you wanted to be a doctor. I decided that day that I would never stand in your way. I have told you honestly that I never want to spend another day or night without you, but I will also never try to dictate your decision. My job is to support whatever you decide. I have a beautiful and brilliant wife. You will make the right decision.”
“I wish I believed the same thing,” Carrie muttered, feeling comforted in spite of her lingering confusion. Just being there with Robert almost convinced her she truly would know what to do.
“I repeat that you don’t have to know right now. You’re not due to return to Philadelphia for nine m
ore days. So much can happen in that period of time. Just wait and see what happens.”
Carrie gazed at him for what seemed an eternity. “I hope you’re right.” She began to repack the picnic basket. “I know this plantation like the back of my hand, whether the sun is shining or it is pitch-black dark, but I’m afraid if we’re not home soon the others will begin to worry.”
“They probably will,” Robert agreed.
Carrie couldn’t identify what was in his voice that made her tense, but she felt sudden anxiety course through her body. “What is it?”
“I’ll tell you on the way home,” Robert replied.
Carrie wanted to demand answers right then, but she knew they couldn’t afford the time it would take for him to give them. She tightened her lips and packed faster.
Moments later they were picking their way through the darkening woods. Granite’s calm steadiness and Robert’s reassuring hand on Juniper’s neck were the only things keeping the mare from bolting as a strong breeze brought down small limbs from the trees. “Good boy,” Carrie murmured to her steady gelding She turned to Robert as soon as they broke free from the woods onto the road leading back to the house. “Tell me what is going on around here,” she demanded.
Chapter Twenty-One
“There is something else I need to tell you first,” Robert responded.
Even with dusk shrouding the plantation, Carrie could see Robert’s eyes were deeply troubled. She waited quietly, her gaze fixed on him.
“No one will buy the horses, Carrie.”
Carrie was astonished. “Why ever not? Eclipse has sired some of the most amazing colts and fillies I have ever seen. Surely people will realize that soon. We just have to get the word out more—”
“It’s not that,” Robert broke in. “Plenty of people know.”
The truth hit Carrie as soon as the words were out of his mouth. “They won’t buy them because of how Cromwell is being managed,” she said flatly, anger beginning to boil in her.
