“They’ll perk up once we get some water on ’em,” Harriet said, already heading for a row of beans, the bucket in her hands sloshing precious drops of well water over the sides. “Jest remember not to give ’em too much. Too much water jest as bad as too little.”
“I’m helping.” Isaac followed his mother carrying a small pail.
“Me too.” Samuel hurried to catch up to his friend, but when a butterfly distracted him and he lost his balance, he splashed most of the water from his pail onto his clothes.
If their situation weren’t so dire, Natalie might smile at the sight of her son barefoot and golden haired, romping through the garden. But as it was, seeing him working—or at least attempting to work—alongside former slaves served as a stark reminder that everything in their world had changed.
Earlier, she’d overheard Moses tell Harriet he couldn’t spare any field workers to tote water to the garden. He hated that his wife would have to take care of the strenuous chore herself, but there wasn’t any other option. As the couple discussed the desperate need to keep the produce alive, Natalie, sitting outside the window on the porch with a glass of water and a fan in hand, came to the startling realization that if she hoped to survive all the changes taking place around her, she was going to have to change too.
Now, she grasped the handle of a heavy bucket full of water, already feeling the burn in her muscles even though all she’d done was carry it from the pump near the house to the garden. Heaving a sigh, she said, “We best get to work.”
“I still don’t think it right for you to be out here helpin’ us, Miz Natalie.” Carolina surveyed Natalie’s outfit with a frown. Although she’d worn an old straw bonnet and the most faded gown she owned, she still managed to appear overdressed for the task. “You gonna get your pretty yellow dress dirty.”
“Then I suppose I will have to learn to do laundry as well.” At Carolina’s wide-eyed reaction, Natalie chuckled. “I’ll water the tomatoes. You water the peas and carrots.”
The women worked nearly an hour in the afternoon sun, toting bucket after bucket from the well pump to a garden Natalie was certain had grown in size since they’d begun. The boys laughed and played in the mud far more than they actually watered any plants, but every so often they would announce they were helping. At least five blisters sprang up on Natalie’s hands, smarting each time she refilled her bucket. Sweat trickled down her face and neck, but she trudged on. If Harriet and Carolina could do the hard work, so could she.
Ebenezer’s barking drew her attention a short time later. It came from the front of the house, and she wondered if he’d cornered the barn cat again. She’d scolded him that very morning for chasing the poor thing up a tree.
“Samuel, please go see about Ebenezer. We may have to tie him up if he continues harassing the cats.”
“Yes, Mama.”
Samuel hopped up from where he and Isaac were digging for worms. Mud caked his hands and knees, and a large smudge crossed his face. Watching him scamper off around the corner of the house, she thought she’d let Moses bathe her son in the creek tonight along with Isaac. It would certainly save her from heating water to fill the tub, and he would enjoy it far more.
The dog’s barking didn’t stop. In fact, it seemed to grow more urgent. She’d almost decided to go see for herself when Samuel came charging around the corner, Ebenezer fast on his heels. But as her son ran to her, the dog stopped, turned, and gave a ferocious growl.
“What is wrong—”
“Señora Ellis? Are you there? I cannot move another inch, else your dog will take a bite of my leg, I am sure.”
Was that Señor Lopez?
“Ebenezer, come.”
The dog bounded to her, tongue hanging out of his mouth, tail swishing happily. He sat, looking up at her expectantly. A moment later, Alexander rounded the house, dressed in his usual impeccable style. Considering the man dealt in cattle, he always looked more like a banker. Ebenezer growled again, but Natalie shushed him with a snap of her fingers.
“Señora.” Alexander moved cautiously toward her while his gaze flicked from her to the dog and back. “I came as soon as I heard Federal soldiers were in Texas and the slaves had been freed.” He looked behind her to where Harriet and Carolina stood. “I am glad to see you have kept some of yours from running away.”
“Señor Lopez.” She glanced at the women, who looked as worn out as she felt. “Harriet and Carolina are free women now. They chose to remain at Rose Hill and work for me.”
Alexander’s forward progress halted when the fur on Ebenezer’s neck stood. A low growl rumbled in his throat. What had gotten into the dog? When she pointed to the ground, he plopped down again.
“And what of the others?” Alexander asked, glancing at the empty cotton fields closest to the house. Where most days found dozens of slaves working each field, none could be seen now.
“Twenty-five men remain in the quarter.”
He nodded, then his eyes travelled over her, seeming to just now notice where she was and what she was doing. His brow arched. “Señora Ellis, surely it is not necessary for you to do such strenuous labor. It is not fitting for the lady of the manor to work alongside the servants. Come, let us sit on the porch and enjoy some refreshments while we talk.”
Annoyance at the man’s presumptuous attitude rose to the surface, but manners instilled in her from the time she could walk kept her from voicing it. She turned to the women, who were back at work. “Please, take a rest while I see to our guest.”
Both of the women nodded, but Natalie didn’t miss the brief look that passed between them. She could guess at what it meant. She’d never before invited them to rest nor had she tended to a guest on her own. Well, nothing was the same as it had been. They all might as well get used to it.
“Samuel, come with me, and we’ll share one of your oranges with Señor Lopez.” She stretched out her hand, expecting her son to take it enthusiastically, especially if it meant getting to eat one of the treasured treats.
But Samuel scowled, his dark gaze landing on Alexander. “I don’t wanna share my or’nge with him. I don’t like him.”
“Samuel! That is not polite.” She turned to Alexander, embarrassment heating her already warm face. “I must apologize. I’m sure he didn’t mean it.”
“It is all right, Señora,” he said, presenting a tight smile to Samuel. “He can stay here with the servants while we discuss business.” He held out his hand to her. “Shall we?”
Although she needed to speak to Samuel about his rude behavior while it was fresh, she didn’t want to offend the man further. To be sure, her son would get a firm lecture on manners the moment Alexander left. Accepting his hand, she allowed him to lead her toward the front of the house.
“When I heard the news of Yankees in Texas,” he said, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, “I had to be certain you were safe. Have they been here to Rose Hill?”
“A company of soldiers brought news of the proclamation two days ago.” They rounded the corner of the house and ascended the steps. Sweat continued to trickle down her neck and back, and she desperately wished she could go inside and mop her face with a cool cloth.
“It is astonishing, is it not? All the slaves, free. I rode past dozens of them lining the roads, heading to Austin and San Antonio. It was a sight I did not think to ever see.”
Natalie settled on a wicker chair. “I can’t say I’m surprised. President Lincoln vowed he would set them free. It is a pity he didn’t live to see his wish lived out.”
Alexander’s brow creased as he leaned against the porch rail. “You do not sound disappointed to no longer own slaves.”
She gave a slight shrug. The past few days had her emotions and thoughts whirling to the point she wasn’t sure what she felt or believed anymore. “I’m happy for them to gain their freedom from slavery, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t wish them back. I don’t know how we’ll bring in the cotton crop in a few weeks with
barely two dozen people.”
“Your government has put you in a difficult position.” He wore a grave look. “To take away the slaves is to take away your livelihood.”
She pondered his statement. George’s father had always declared Rose Hill would go bankrupt if they had to pay the slaves a wage, yet hadn’t he faced bankruptcy anyway because of his own mismanagement of Rose Hill funds? Luther Ellis struck a bargain with Marshall Brevard, a fellow planter, to save the plantation, practically selling his own daughter to the man. But when Adella ran off with Seth Brantley, thus nullifying the arrangement, George had to step in and increase the profit shares Marshall would receive over the next decade in order to save the deal. The one and only reason Natalie no longer had to do business with Marshall was that he was dead. Southern sympathizers had hanged him when they discovered he was supplying Union troops with beef.
“The plantation hasn’t seen a profit in nearly four years, yet we survived.” She forced confidence into her demeanor, though doubts and fears threatened to overtake her. “We will get through this. If I have to, I’ll pick the cotton myself.”
His dark eyes surveyed every inch of her face. “You amaze me, Señora. When I rode into the yard, I thought I would find a helpless widow weak with worry, but instead I find a beautiful woman full of fire and determination. Such a woman is worthy of admiration.”
The intensity of his gaze made Natalie uncomfortable. She looked away. “Thank you, but it isn’t as though I have much choice.”
He moved to the seat next to hers. “Ah, but you do.” When she met his gaze again, he reached to take her hand in his. “I had hoped we would have time to properly court, but it appears I cannot delay in discussing a matter of great importance with you.”
Natalie’s eyes widened. Surely he didn’t mean to propose! She must stop him before they were both embarrassed. Marriage was the last thing on her mind. “Señor Lopez, I—”
Whatever she hoped to convey to him was lost in Ebenezer’s barking. The dog rounded the corner of the house, but instead of charging toward Alexander, he passed in front of them and headed straight for the open gate, which usually meant visitors were coming. Curious, Natalie stood, causing Alexander to release her hand. He rose as well. A moment later, two riders came up the lane, Ebenezer yapping at the horses’ legs.
The men’s blue uniforms were unmistakable.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Disappointment washed over Levi when he spotted Natalie on the front porch of the plantation house with a well-dressed man by her side. Although he reminded himself it wasn’t any of his business whom she entertained, he hadn’t counted on finding her with a man, certainly not one scowling at them like the stranger was right now. Levi brushed his fingers across the holster on his hip, making certain his revolver was at the ready. Southern sympathizers were known to create trouble from time to time.
“Colonel Maish,” Natalie said, her face flushed beneath a wide-brimmed hat. “I hope you come bearing good news.”
She looked slightly disheveled, a first since he’d met her. Was that dirt smudged on her cheek?
“Ma’am.” He nodded a greeting. “I do have a matter to discuss with you.” His glance shifted to the dark-haired man. “In private.” The man’s scowl deepened.
Natalie looked between the two men. “Colonel, may I introduce Señor Alexander Lopez. Señor Lopez, this is Colonel Maish. The colonel and his men brought the proclamation regarding the slaves’ freedom.”
Lopez regarded Levi a long moment before inclining his head ever so slightly. “Colonel.”
Levi returned the gesture, wondering who this man was and what he meant to Natalie.
Barking at his heel drew his attention away. When he looked down, he found the rust-colored dog—Ebenezer, of all names— carrying on like Levi was a squirrel he’d just treed.
“Sit,” he commanded. The dog quieted and plunked his back end on the ground, his tail stirring up a cloud of dust. Levi smiled. “Good boy.” The cloud grew bigger.
When he turned back to Natalie, her face registered surprise while the scowl of Señor Lopez had grown darker. Levi disregarded the man. “As I said, Mrs. Ellis, there is a matter I must discuss with you.”
She glanced at Lopez. “I really must speak with the colonel. He and his men are encamped at Langford Manor”—she shot Levi a little frown—“although I hope it won’t be for much longer.”
A look of pure shock flashed across Lopez’s face. “Union troops are camped nearby?” He looked at Levi, then Banks, his eyes filled with what Levi could only describe as alarm, making Levi all the more wary of the stranger.
“Yes.” Natalie appeared startled by his reaction. “Is something wrong?”
Lopez stared at her. “Why would you allow them to camp on your property?”
His hard tone didn’t sit well with Levi. He may not feel any sympathy for Natalie’s predicament, but she was still a lady and deserved to be spoken to with respect.
Ebenezer let out a low growl. Apparently, the dog agreed.
“Sir,” Levi said, gaining Lopez’s attention. “Mrs. Ellis had no choice in the matter. However, as this is between her and the Union Army, I would ask that you take your leave.”
Lopez obviously did not appreciate the request. “I will not leave her alone with two strange men.” He faced her. “Natalie, I do not believe you should meet with these men without a proper chaperone and someone to protect your interests.”
His use of her given name told Levi more than he wanted to know.
“I appreciate your concern,” she said, her tone kind yet firm. “But I am the mistress of Rose Hill. You will find no one more determined to protect the interests of the plantation than me.”
“What about your safety?” Lopez tossed a scowl at Levi. “You don’t know these men. They were your enemies until recently.”
Levi didn’t like the man’s insinuation. “You may rest assured, sir, the lady is perfectly safe.” When Natalie glanced at him, he added, “If you wish, your servant can attend the meeting.”
“That won’t be necessary.” When Lopez made to protest, she interrupted. “Thank you for coming to see about me. I’m afraid, though, that we will have to continue with our visit another day.”
Frustration flashed across Lopez’s face before the man finally yielded. “As you wish, Señora,” he said, taking her hand in his. “But I must insist on returning soon to see for myself you are well.” He kissed her knuckles.
“I will look forward to it.” She withdrew her hand and stepped away.
Without a glance or word to Levi and Banks, the man descended the steps and strode to his mount tied nearby. Levi noted the horse was one of the finest animals he’d ever seen. The midnight-black beast must possess the bloodline of a Texas thoroughbred. Watching Lopez ride off on the magnificent animal made Levi wonder at the man’s occupation as well as his purpose for being at Rose Hill. Turning to find Natalie’s eyes on Lopez’s retreating back, Levi could guess the latter.
When she faced him, she offered a tight smile. “I hope you’ve brought promising news, Colonel.”
“I suppose that will depend upon you, Mrs. Ellis, and whether you willingly accept or fight against what cannot be changed.”
Though he hadn’t intended to sound harsh, even Banks glanced at him with a quizzical expression. Levi ignored the corporal and dismounted, his mood significantly darker than when they’d first set out for Rose Hill.
“I take it the Army has no plans to vacate my property?”
He met her angry gaze with one of his own. “No, they don’t. However, General Granger sent an offer you may find beneficial.”
Her brow puckered. “I don’t see how. I don’t need anything from the General. What I need is the peace of knowing the Union Army is no longer encamped on my land.”
“Do you want to hear the General’s terms or not?” When Banks sent him another look, Levi tempered his testiness. “Trust me, the Union Army will do as they please, s
o it would behoove you to comply with whatever they want, for as long as they want. It will go much easier for you in the end.”
They stared at one another, each unhappy with the situation but for very different reasons. Levi could pinpoint the rise in his ire to the moment he’d seen Lopez on the porch. That he was obviously jealous of the Tejano galled.
“Very well.” She indicated a grouping of wicker furniture on the porch. “Please, come in out of the sun. Would you and your corporal care for something to drink?” Her stiff good manners revealed her displeasure, but he had to give her credit for them nonetheless.
“We would, thank you.” He ascended the whitewashed steps, Banks behind him, while Natalie disappeared into the house. Removing his gloves, he remained standing. This was no social call. The sooner they determined how she wished to proceed with the compensation, the sooner they could leave. Coming to Rose Hill had been a mistake. From now on, he’d let Banks handle the delivery of any messages for Mrs. Ellis.
Several minutes ticked by before Banks broke the silence. “When we were in Louisiana, I heard someone say they paint the ceilings of their porches blue to keep ghosts away. It doesn’t make sense to me. Why would a ghost care what color the ceiling was painted?”
Levi turned to find Banks staring upward. He glanced at the painted planks above them, boasting a coat of soft blue-green paint. He’d heard similar stories during the war as the Northern army had worked its way south. He was about to tell Banks the stories were stuff and nonsense when Natalie returned, her hair freshly combed and free of the hat, bearing a tray with two glasses of water and a plate of dark cookies. That she carried the refreshments herself surprised him. He’d expected her to fetch a maid for the task.
“Harriet baked a batch of molasses cookies yesterday,” she said, setting the tray on a small table. Settling on the sofa, she looked up at the men. “She’s a master at turning the simplest ingredients into something quite delicious. Please, help yourselves.”
The Widow of Rose Hill (The Women of Rose Hill Book 2) Page 6
