by Ginny Dye
Carrie was surprised by the question, but she suspected Amber was leading up to something. “I don’t think so,” she answered honestly. “Why are you asking?”
Amber shook her head. “Is there anyone you’re jealous of?”
Carrie thought about the question carefully. “There were a few girls at medical school that I guess I was jealous of,” she admitted. “They seemed to understand things faster than I did, and they didn’t have to study as hard as I had to.”
Amber stared at her. “Did you resent them for it?”
Carrie wondered who Amber was referring to, but wanted the little girl to communicate it in her own time. “I suppose there were moments I resented it, but I realized it wasn’t their fault they were smarter than me. It just meant I had to work harder, so I did.” Her thoughts went to her former housemate, Alice Humphries—the petite blonde had a mind like a steel trap—but the reminder of her medical school classmate made her sad. She hated that her three housemates, Alice, Elizabeth, and Florence, had all ended their friendship when Carrie and Janie decided to pursue homeopathy.
“Didn’t you get tired of having to work harder?” Amber demanded.
Carrie shrugged. “I wanted to be a doctor, so I did what I had to do,” she said gently. “It would have been a waste of energy wishing it were different. In the end, I knew as much as they did.” Amber turned her head away, obviously thinking about what she had said. Carrie sat quietly, wondering if Amber would tell her what had prompted all the questions.
“Felicia is a whole lot smarter than I am,” Amber finally blurted.
Carrie nodded. “She’s very smart,” she agreed. She waited a moment and then added, “Is that hard for you?”
“Sometimes,” Amber admitted. She opened her mouth to say more, but shut it again and tightened her lips.
“Do you resent it?” Carrie questioned gently, free to press harder now that Amber had revealed what she was struggling with.
“I suppose,” Amber said with a ragged sigh. “I try not to, because I love Felicia, but I sure wish things came to me as easy as they come to her.”
“I understand,” Carrie replied. “She told me the same thing about you when she was here last month.”
“What?” Amber stared at her with an expression that made it obvious she didn’t believe Carrie.
Carrie nodded. “It’s true. Felicia and I were out riding one day, when she saw you racing across a field on Eclipse. She told me she wished she could ride like you, but that she knew she never would be able to because she didn’t know how to feel a horse like you do.”
“Really?” Amber breathed. “Felicia said that?”
“She said that,” Carrie assured her.
Amber stared off into the distance, a look of wonder on her face. A question finally sprang into her eyes. “What did you tell her?”
“I told her we all have our own gifts. I told her not everyone has a gift for horses like you do, and not everyone was going to be as smart as she is.” She hoped Amber would be able to absorb what she said next. “I told her the only important thing is to be the best you that you can be.”
Amber sat silently for several more minutes, before she turned back with shining eyes. “Is that what you’re doing, Carrie? Now that Robert is gone?”
Carrie managed a light laugh. “I hope I was doing that while Robert was still alive, but yes, that is certainly what I am doing now. I pray every single day that I will be the best me that I can be.”
Amber smiled brightly. “That’s what I’m going to do, too,” she said. Then she shot Carrie a mischievous smile. “Like right now when Eclipse and I beat you down to the end of the road.” The little girl leaned forward, releasing Eclipse into a full gallop, her whoop of joy sounding loudly in the cold air.
Carrie laughed, gave Granite his head, and released herself to the joy of the race. She knew Eclipse had too much of a head start for them to catch up, and that Granite would be frustrated to be bested in a race when he used to win every competition on the plantation, but she still reveled in the run. Bright sunlight streamed down on them, melting away the remnants of the night’s frost, but there was still enough to cause the surrounding grasses to dance with shining diamonds. Bright red cardinals flitted through the branches as a large gaggle of geese flew in a perfect V formation over her head.
It was pure joy just to be alive.
*****
Susan was grooming a new mare in the barn when Carrie and Amber returned. They had walked the last mile to give their horses time to cool down. They quickly untacked them, brushed them, and turned them into their stalls to eat, before Amber dashed away to work with the colts and fillies she was tasked with training.
“Have time to talk?” Susan asked.
“Certainly,” Carrie replied.
“I know you’re starving,” Susan teased. “I went over to the house while you and Amber were gone. There is a plate of ham biscuits waiting for you in the office.”
“I love you,” Carrie said fervently as she walked into the office to claim the plate. When she had polished off two biscuits, along with the lukewarm tea that still managed to taste delightful, she was ready for conversation. “What do you want to talk about?”
As usual, Susan was direct and to the point. “My offer to buy Cromwell Stables.”
Carrie tensed, knowing the conversation would come up at some point, but since she hadn’t yet made a decision, she had hoped it wouldn’t happen for a while. She forced herself to relax. Susan was a friend. Perhaps talking about it would help her clarify her thoughts.
“It’s all right if you don’t want to do it,” Susan said, “but I would like to know what you are thinking.”
Carrie felt a flash of alarm. “Why? Are you leaving?” She couldn’t imagine what she would do if Susan were not available to run the stables. Miles, Clint, and Amber were great at their jobs, but Miles was getting old, and Susan brought both experience and valuable connections. She had already more than proven her worth. Without her running the stables, Carrie’s options would disappear almost completely. She couldn’t imagine being able to leave for Philadelphia to open the clinic if she were also solely responsible for the stables.
Susan hesitated. “I don’t know what I’m going to do,” she said honestly. “I suppose I always imagined myself married by this age, but I don’t see my marital status changing any time soon. Perhaps, as Annie suggested, I’m too tough to attract a man.”
Carrie snorted. “That’s nonsense. You are one of the most beautiful women I know. You are strong, independent, intelligent, and great fun to be around.” Her eyes darkened. “The reality is that hundreds of thousands of eligible bachelors were wiped out during the war. There simply aren’t enough men for all the single women in this country.”
Susan shrugged, trying to look nonchalant, but failed. “Whatever the reason, I am convinced I need to plan for my future as if I’m going to be a single woman.”
Carrie nodded thoughtfully. “I suppose you’re right.”
“It’s probably for the best, anyway,” Susan added.
“Oh?”
“Cromwell Stables is becoming very successful,” Susan replied. “If I were to gain part ownership, I would certainly not want to risk that in a marriage.” Her eyes flashed. “I would also not want to risk the money I earn here by giving control of it to a man, no matter how much I love him. The marriage laws in this country should make any intelligent woman reconsider her willingness to give up control of her life.” She propped her feet up on the desk, crossing them at the ankles. “The profit percentage you give me is generous. If I keep working hard and save it, I will someday be able to start a stable of my own.”
Carrie listened quietly. She knew that legally Robert could have bequeathed his share of Cromwell Stables to anyone he wanted. She could have ended up sharing the stable on her own family’s plantation with a complete stranger. The marriage laws were ludicrous, but they were the law. The fact that Robert had written a will that gave he
r complete ownership was rare. She also knew it was a testament to her father’s influence on Robert after his own marriage to his businesswoman wife. The list of things Carrie had to be grateful to Abby for was quite lengthy.
“That’s one of the reasons for my hesitation,” Carrie admitted.
“The fact that I might get married, and you could possibly lose ownership control of the stables?” Susan asked.
“Yes. Sometimes I long for the days when I was ignorant to how unfair the law is to women, but now that I know, it is only wise to let it mandate my decisions.”
“I agree,” Susan said. “I understand it is not a risk you want to take.” Her eyes were both sympathetic and sad.
Carrie’s thoughts whirled. She understood her reasoning, but she also understood Susan’s reasoning. It only made sense that a single woman would want to position herself for financial independence. She stared off into space as the seed of an idea began to grow in her mind. She spun it, working to examine it from all angles to determine if she could spot any flaws.
The occasional snort or whinny were the only sounds that broke the silence as dust motes danced in the sunlight streaming through the window.
Carrie finally turned to Susan. “Is it ownership that is the most important to you, or is it the potential for half the income, and the surety that you would be able to continue with the stables if something were to happen to me?”
Susan sucked in her breath. Her eyes widened as she caught the meaning of Carrie’s words. Still, a long silence stretched out as she considered the question. “The guarantee of income for my labor, and security for the future is what matters the most,” she confirmed when she spoke. “I won’t deny ownership is important to me, but not as important as the other two. Do you have something in mind?”
“I do,” Carrie answered. “I haven’t been sure what I thought of you buying the stables because I don’t want to give up ownership—especially since Robert started the stables here on my family’s plantation. I realize, however, that I don’t know what my plans are for the future. I can see what the next six to eight months will be like, but beyond that is nothing but a murky shadow. I might never return to the plantation to live, but it’s also a possibility that I will return. I also believe I would be foolish to give up the income from the horses. I realize you would buy the stables, but I believe it makes more financial sense to have it as a steady source of income for the rest of my life.”
She took a deep breath, feeling better as her thoughts came together into what she believed was a solid plan. “With that in mind, I would like to propose that the two of us split the profits from the stables equally. Up to this point I have accepted all the risk and paid all the expenses. We would share those moving forward, but would split the profits between us. You will still manage all aspects of the stables, but when I’m here I will help. I will draw up a contract detailing our agreement. I will also draw up a will that makes you one hundred percent owner if I should die, as long as you draw up a will that gives the stables back to my family if we still own the plantation at the time of your death. It would never be acceptable for a stranger to have control of Cromwell Plantation property.” Carrie sat back, satisfied she had spoken her thoughts clearly. “What do you think?”
Susan was looking at her with something akin to awe. “I think I had no idea you are such a savvy business woman.”
Carrie laughed. “I didn’t either,” she confessed. “I suppose listening to all the conversations between my father and Abby, and then everything Abby taught me when Robert died, must have rubbed off more than I knew.” She took a sip of tea that was now cool. “So, what do you think?”
Susan stared out the window for several minutes. They could hear Amber laughing in the distance. The rumble of wagon wheels revealed that Simon, June, and their children were arriving early, as promised, to spend the afternoon before the Leonid Meteor Shower gathering.
Carrie was content to wait. She knew Susan had a big decision to make. She opened her mouth to tell her friend she could take time to think about it, but Susan’s words stopped her.
“What happens if you get married?”
“Good question,” Carrie answered. “Abby was concerned about the same thing when she married my father. She loved him deeply, but she didn’t want to be unwise.” Susan was listening closely. “My father signed a document saying that all the assets Abby came into the marriage with would always be hers alone. Of course, the factories they have developed since then are split equally.”
“You would do the same thing?” Susan asked keenly.
“I would,” Carrie promised. “I will include that in the contract.” She paused. “And if you marry?” She was glad they were both laying all their cards on the table. She was also surprised how much she was enjoying the negotiation. Perhaps she was more of a businesswoman than she realized.
Susan sighed. “I find that highly unlikely, but I will do the same thing. Make sure to include my commitment to it in the contract.”
Carrie nodded, sure they had reached a good agreement.
Susan suddenly laughed. “Did you ever think, in your wildest dreams, that you would be negotiating business terms like a man?”
Carrie grinned, but her answer was serious. “I prefer to think I am negotiating business terms like a woman,” she retorted. “Abby made sure I learned how to negotiate after Robert died. I’ve learned from her that a woman can be as effective as any man when it comes to business.”
“I’ve heard,” Susan said with a smile. “Anthony told me he had no idea what was happening the day he met you until it was almost over, and he had paid more for a group of horses than he ever had before.”
“They were worth it,” Carrie said smugly.
“He agrees,” Susan replied, thick admiration in her voice. “He got wonderful prices for this year’s crop of foals, as well.” She cocked her head. “If I agree to this arrangement, will you teach me everything you know?”
“Definitely,” Carrie answered. “It only makes sense if we are going to split the profits that I would want you to make as much money as possible.” She smiled. “It’s time women learned what they are capable of. Most men may not think we can do anything they can, and the laws of our country may not recognize women’s equality, but there are certainly things we can do to protect ourselves while we fight for our rights.”
Susan straightened her shoulders. “Then, yes, I accept your offer.” A brilliant smile made her face glow. “It will be an honor to be your partner,” she said. She reached out her hand to seal the deal.
Carrie shook her hand firmly, and then leapt up to pull Susan into a hug. “I’m so glad! I believe this is the perfect answer for both of us.” She pulled back, stretched, and nodded her head toward the house. “Simon and June are here. Let’s go have some lunch. I can’t wait to cuddle with Ella Pearl.”
“Absolutely!” Susan replied. “I never knew doing business could make you so hungry.”
Laughing and talking, the two business partners, and friends, made their way toward the house.
*****
Carrie was delighted when she walked into the house and discovered Louisa and Perry had also arrived early. Nathan and Little Simon were just disappearing out the back door, their clenched fists full of Annie’s oatmeal cookies.
“Hello, you two!” Carrie called cheerfully. The two boys both grinned, raised a fist, and ran down the stairs toward the wooden swing hanging from the tall oak that sheltered the back yard. She never failed to be thrilled by the contrast of Simon’s black curls and Nathan’s blond locks. The two boys were the best of friends. Seeing them together always gave her hope for the future. She watched them scamper toward the swing, and then twirled toward June. “Give me that little girl,” she demanded.
June smiled as she handed over her five-month-old daughter. “I’m more than happy to share. She just had her lunch, so she should be content. I predict she will be asleep soon.”
Carrie gazed te
nderly into Ella Pearl’s dark eyes. “You are so beautiful,” she crooned. She’d only had a few hours with the little girl when June and Simon had visited to tell Moses and Rose good-bye. “I was right,” she announced. “Ella Pearl is the most beautiful baby on the planet.”
“You’re only saying that because Rose is already gone,” June retorted, her eyes softening as she reached out to touch her daughter’s soft curls. “Of course, you also happen to be right.”
Carrie nodded. “I know I’m right. And, besides, Hope is almost three now. She isn’t a baby anymore.”
“And what about my babies upstairs?”
Carrie whirled when Marietta’s indignant voice broke into the conversation. “That doesn’t change anything,” she assured her. “The twins are still infants. They aren’t old enough to count as babies yet, so they are the two most beautiful infants on the planet.”
Marietta rolled her eyes. “Do you always have an answer for everything?”
“Only when I’m right,” Carrie said confidently. She grinned brightly as she lifted Ella Pearl to face level. “I’m right, little girl. You are the most beautiful baby on the planet, but the twins are going to be competition soon. Enjoy your time in the winner’s circle for as long as you have it.”
Everyone in the room laughed as Ella Pearl gave her a wide smile and waved her arms in delight.
Annie appeared from the dining room. “Quit your cooing at my grandbaby and get yourselves in here to eat. Once you done polished off my chicken and sausage gumbo with cornbread, there be lots of work to get ready for them folks coming tonight.”
Simon patted his stomach. “I’ll do anything you want if you’re gonna fill my stomach with your gumbo,” he promised. He looked at Perry and Louisa. “You haven’t eaten until you’ve had Annie’s gumbo.”
Louisa sidled closer to Annie. “Will you teach me how to make it if I work hard this afternoon?” she pleaded.
Annie snorted. “You can quit battin’ them eyelashes at me, Miss Louisa. And why you got to ask me? You mean Felicia ain’t given you no recipe from a book yet?”
