The Widow of Rose Hill (The Women of Rose Hill Book 2), стр. 49
“There are many things to consider, Señor.” She withdrew her hand. “There is Samuel.”
“He needs a father.” His words echoed Colonel’s Maish’s.
Her son did need a father. A father he adored.
“Rose Hill and my family’s land are Samuel’s inheritance. If I remarry …” They both knew the property would become Alexander’s the moment she married him. “I can’t risk losing what is rightfully Samuel’s.”
“Of course, your son would still inherit your property.” He looked grave. “But the truth is, you may lose the plantations anyway. You no longer own slaves. How can you pay workers after the Army leaves? How will you plant, harvest, and market your crop with the few Negroes who might stay? And if they leave because you cannot pay them? What then?”
A queasiness clenched her midsection. Everything he said was true. Hadn’t her own fearful thoughts come to these same conclusions?
“I don’t know what to do.” She felt more confused than ever. She didn’t want another loveless marriage, but was his offer the solution she’d prayed for? For a fleeting moment, she wished it were Colonel Maish proposing marriage, but he would return to his home in Pennsylvania soon. Even without a wife waiting for him, a life with him was still impossible. Her home was here, in Texas.
Alexander took both her hands in his. “I will wait, mi pequeña. Please say you will consider my proposal, hmm?”
She looked into his eyes, such a deep brown they almost appeared black. He’d been her friend for many months now, and she had never had cause to fear or mistrust him. He’d offered to be a father to Samuel and to help keep Rose Hill running. Perhaps marriage to the handsome man would not be such a terrible thing.
“Very well, Alexander.” His obvious satisfaction at her use of his name brought a hint of pleasure. “I will consider your proposal.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Natalie entered the kitchen after breakfast the following day carrying a basketful of fresh garden produce. Carolina’s giggles met her, but the wide-brimmed hat flopping over her eyes made it difficult to see what the young woman thought so funny.
“Carolina, what are you—?” Natalie lifted her head and found Corporal Banks seated at the long work table sipping from a cup. Carolina stood nearby, the coffee pot in her hand. None of the other servants was nearby.
Corporal Banks stood. “Good morning, Mrs. Ellis. Let me assist you.” He took the basket. Without asking, he carried it to the sink and set it where the carrots, tomatoes, and onions could be rinsed before being taken to the cold pit or chopped up for a meal.
“Thank you, Corporal,” Natalie said. Was Colonel Maish also at Rose Hill, perhaps waiting for her on the porch? Her heart fluttered at the thought. “What brings you to see us today?”
“The colonel asked me to check on the men while he’s in Austin.” A look in Carolina’s direction set off another giggle.
Disappointment washed over Natalie. “I see.”
“He also asked that I make certain the fallen tree is chopped into firewood. Miss Carolina volunteered to assist me if that would be all right with you. It sure would save time if I had someone to help pick up the pieces of wood and stack them while I do the splitting.”
Natalie almost snickered at the absurd request, but one look at Carolina’s hopeful face told her she would crush the young woman’s heart if she refused. “What chores do you have this morning?”
Carolina’s shoulders slumped. “Harriet said I’s to beat the rugs in the parlor, dining room, and hall.” Her voice held little enthusiasm. “After that I’s to dust and polish ever’thing in those rooms.”
The chores would definitely take the remainder of the morning. Natalie glanced between the two young people. Corporal Banks did seem genuinely interested in Carolina, but she didn’t want the servant hurt when Banks returned home, as he surely would. Yet looking at them, with their surreptitious glances and obvious attraction, who was she to keep them from exploring the possibilities?
“Very well,” she said. “You may assist Corporal Banks this morning.”
The young woman squealed.
“But you’ll need to return to your chores this afternoon.”
“Yessum.” The young woman beamed brighter than the sun when she met Corporal Banks’ happy grin.
From the kitchen doorway, Natalie watched the pair head down to the barn, Carolina chattering like a magpie and Banks grinning like a fool, hanging on every word.
“Now ain’t that a sight.” Harriet came toward her from the main house, her gaze on the young people. “That Yankee be all that girl can talk ’bout these days.”
Natalie sighed. “I keep reminding her he will return home soon.”
“I think she hopin’ she gonna go with him.”
Shocked by the revelation, Natalie looked at Harriet. “Do you think she would?”
The woman shrugged. “We ain’t never had no choice to stay or go before. Some think the grass is greener up no’th, so to speak. Say there be more jobs and such for us Negroes. Others say Texas just as good as any place to start fresh.” She shrugged again and entered the kitchen.
While Harriet set to work washing the produce, Natalie sat at the table to mull over the possibility of Carolina leaving. She would miss the