The Widow of Rose Hill (The Women of Rose Hill Book 2), стр. 71

“What happened to them?”

“Who? Missy Ellis and Mistah Brantley?” At Levi’s nod, Moses smiled. “They took the folks that run with ’em down to ol’ Mexico then headed out West. From time to time, Miz Natalie get a letter from Missy Ellis—guess she be Miz Brantley now—and she says they has a good life, raisin’ hosses and such. I brung Miz Natalie a letter from town just the other day from Missy, sayin’ Jeptha and Zina and Aunt Lu done moved to Oregon with ’em now that the war is over and we slaves is free. Says Jeptha and Zina has a little boy ’bout Samuel’s age.” Moses wiped an errant tear that slipped from his eye and rolled down his cheek. “Hearin’ they is all safe is shore an answer to this man’s prayers.”

The story spawned more questions in Levi’s mind. “Would you ever consider leaving Rose Hill and going somewhere else to start over? Maybe somewhere up north?”

Moses looked off into the distance before answering. “I ’spect it’s crossed my mind some, but we gots to stay here for now.”

“Why?”

“My boys, suh. My boys is out there somewhere. Rose Hill be the only place they know to come look for me and Harriet.”

Levi understood. Thousands of Negroes faced the same, often impossible, challenge of finding loved ones now that they were free to do so. Inadequate record keeping and the reality of slaves being sold multiple times presented obstacles most could not overcome. Moses’ sad tale echoed dozens of others Levi had heard across the state.

“The Army is trying to help families reunite,” he said, not wanting to give Moses false hope, knowing the possibility of finding a lost loved one was remote. “We have people all across the South collecting names in the hopes of helping families locate missing members. If you give me the names and ages of your sons, I’ll add them to the list.”

A spark came to life in Moses’ eyes. “That be good news, Colonel. I shore would ’ppreciate you taking down my boys’ names. Their mama is mighty anxious to see ’em.”

Levi smiled. “My mama’s fairly anxious to see me, too.”

Moses grinned. A moment later, he squinted his eyes, looking toward the road. “Someone comin’.”

Indeed, a rider turned down the lane to Rose Hill. Though he couldn’t make out the man in the saddle from this distance, he recognized the horse.

“Look like Mistah Lopez here.” Moses watched the rider enter the yard. His frown and tone spoke his displeasure.

Curious, Levi said, “It doesn’t sound as though you approve of Lopez.”

Moses met his gaze then looked away. “Ain’t my place to have an opinion on who Miz Natalie do business with.”

“Business? I thought he was her suitor.”

“I s’ppose he be both now. But when he first come to Rose Hill a year or so ago, he done it strictly to lease her pastures for his cattle.”

Levi stilled, instantly alert. “He has cattle on Rose Hill land? How many head?”

“Don’t rightly know. It ain’t never the same bunch that stays for very long, as far as I can figure. Ain’t even the same kind of critters either. He got all kinds mixed in together. His cowpokes run ’em north after a couple weeks of grazin’. Later, a different bunch o’ them animals is here.” He shrugged. “Don’t make much sense to me. When I asked Mistah Lopez ’bout it one time, he said he didn’t want them animals to overgraze the land, but there be nigh a hun’erd acre out there.” He looked at Levi. “He tol’ me to mind my own biz’ness after that.”

“Where are the pastures?” Levi had to work to keep his voice level. Inside, his mind whirled. Could Lopez be the cattle thief?

“They sit betwixt Rose Hill and the Langford place. Cain’t see ’em from the house nor the road since there be some woods and a low valley. It a real purty place.”

Levi turned to look at the house. He couldn’t see Lopez and had to assume he was inside with Natalie. That the man could be a criminal sent a wave of panic crashing through his gut. “I can’t say more about this just yet, Moses.” He cast a glance at the other man, hoping to convey the seriousness of the situation without alarming him. “I don’t trust Lopez. I need to do some investigating into him and his business before I make any accusations, but suffice it to say I’d like to you keep your eyes open when it comes to him and his cattle.”

“Yessuh, I do it.” The unspoken question in his voice would have to wait.

“And keep watch over Mrs. Ellis, too. Especially when Lopez is around.”

“I done learned my lesson with Jezro, suh. I ain’t gonna let nobody hurt her again.”

Levi nodded then mounted his horse and headed toward the house.

He had a cattle rustler to catch.

“Alexander, this brooch is lovely.” Natalie held up the gift he’d presented to her shortly after his arrival. With small pieces of colored glass cut to look like gems and set in an intricate design surrounded by gold, it was by far the most ornate pin she owned.

“When I saw it, I knew I had to purchase it for you.” He smiled from where he stood near the mantel, seemingly pleased with himself. He glanced at the brooch pinned on the collar of her gown. “Why don’t you put it on? The one you often wear is rather plain.”

She reached up to touch the blue and white cameo brooch Adella Rose had given her. “This is a treasured keepsake. George’s sister gave it to me when she left for Oregon. I will wear yours tomorrow.”

The frown on his face told her what he thought of her suggestion, but he didn’t argue. “After we’re married, I will buy you many jewels and gowns. Anything you want. Perhaps we will travel abroad. I should like to see Europe.”

“Alexander.” Natalie tempered her voice. His assumptions