The Widow of Rose Hill (The Women of Rose Hill Book 2), стр. 73

“Natalie.” Alexander took her by the arm and led her a short distance away from Levi and Samuel. “I do not believe spending time with this man is wise. Your son is too young to understand, but it is very likely the colonel is responsible for your husband’s death. Is that really the sort of man you want your son to look up to?”

“The war is over, Alexander.” She glanced to where Levi and Samuel knelt, inspecting an insect crawling across the ground. “Colonel Maish and the other Union soldiers are no longer our enemies. We’ll never know what happened on the battlefield where George died. I can’t hold him responsible without knowing for certain, and even then, it was war.”

The muscles in his jaw ticked. “I forbid you to spend time with him. You have consented to my courting you. Surely I should have some say in this.”

She bristled at his authoritative tone. He sounded very much like George. “We are simply taking Samuel fishing, Alexander. You will be with us.”

“I do not have time for such frivolousness. I am a busy man with many responsibilities.” He cast a scornful look in Levi’s direction. “Apparently, a colonel in the Union Army is not so burdened.”

Something akin to relief swept through her. She had not looked forward to spending an awkward afternoon with two men who didn’t like each other. “I’m sorry you won’t be able to join us. If it would make you feel better, I’ll ask Carolina to accompany me, but I don’t want to disappoint Samuel.”

“You spoil that boy, Señora,” he said, unsmiling. “The child needs a firm hand.” Before she could reply—which was probably for the best, considering his comment did not sit well with her— he strode to his horse and mounted. “I’ll return tomorrow. I hope you will receive me as a woman being courted should. One of the servants can attend the boy.”

She watched him ride away, a knot of unease forming in her belly. His testiness was understandable. He’d come bearing a beautiful gift and had surely hoped to spend time with her. But his indifference toward her son and his demands on her left her more than a little concerned.

“Mama?”

Samuel stared up at her. His cherub face and bright blue eyes erased the unpleasantness Alexander’s words left behind. “Let’s go fishing, shall we?”

“Yes!” Samuel bounded back to where Levi waited.

When she met Levi’s gaze, his eyes held questions, but he didn’t voice them. Instead, he took Samuel by the hand and grinned. “Let’s go fishing.”

They walked to the creek behind the quarter. Several large rocks had been placed along the bank and made the perfect spot to cast into the clear, gurgling water.

Natalie settled on the wild grasses, tucking her feet beneath her wide skirt, while Levi and Samuel hunted worms and grasshoppers. Watching them, she could almost believe Levi had come to his senses and realized that remaining in Texas with them was the right thing to do. Surely his kisses meant he had feelings for her that were more than mere attraction. And it was plain to everyone— including Alexander—that Samuel adored Levi.

Yet she had to accept the reality, not allow herself to be distracted by wishes and dreams. Harvest was only a few weeks away. Once it was complete and the cotton sold, her agreement with the Union Army would come to an end. They would leave Langford Manor eventually, and all the soldiers would return to their homes. Including Levi.

She sighed and closed her eyes. Father in heaven, I don’t know what the future holds for Samuel and me. Help me make the right decisions for both of us.

Under a hot afternoon sun, Levi patiently instructed Samuel on the art of fishing. They disappeared down the bank after a while, where they were hidden behind shrubs and thick brush. Natalie was on the verge of going to find them when their voices grew closer. Samuel proudly carried two fish, one in each hand.

“Look, Mama!” He held them up, grinning.

“How wonderful!”

“I caught ’em all by myself.” Samuel glanced up at Levi, who raised his brow. “Well, the co’nel helped.”

“You did well, little man.” Levi rested his hand on the boy’s bony shoulder.

“Can I show Harriet my fish? She said she would cook ’em for supper if I caught some.”

The small fish would not make a meal, but Natalie didn’t mention that to her son. “You may. Don’t forget to wash your hands after you deliver them.”

Her son hurried away, his gait a bit awkward as he balanced the fish. At one point, he dropped one and had to retrace his steps to retrieve it. Natalie wondered what condition the fish would be in when he finally reached the kitchen.

Turning, she found Levi watching her. Her face warmed under his intense gaze.

“Thank you.” She looked away, unable to hold eye contact. “Moses is good to take him along when he and Isaac come down to the creek, but I know Samuel enjoyed today.”

“He’s a fine boy, Natalie. You’ve done a good job, raising him on your own.”

She remembered what Levi had said about Samuel needinga father to help him become a man. “Well.” She sent a nervous glance in his direction. “I’m sure you need to return to the army camp, and I have reading lessons to give.”

She headed toward the house, and he fell in step beside her.

“How’s that coming?”

He truly sounded interested. “Wonderful,” she said, unable to keep from smiling. “The women are quickly learning their letters. I thought to start with teaching them how to write their names, as there may come a time when they need to give a signature for something. After that, we’ll work on learning to read.”

“It’s commendable what you’re doing.” His serious eyes were on her when she glanced at him. “The Freedmen’s Bureau will open schools for Negroes throughout the South, but it’ll take people like you to help the adults learn to read and