by Betty Bolte
"You want me to work with Ethan?" Nathaniel's confusion disturbed his normal complacent expression.
"Aye, and why not?" Peggy's fists rested on each hip as she smiled a challenge at the two beefy men. "We most definitely have plenty to be done."
Nathaniel gained his feet and pinned his gaze on Evelyn. "You desire this as well?"
She looked between the two men's glowering visages. The time spent together may prove worthwhile, if they'd develop an understanding of where they stood with each other. "I do indeed."
He lifted his eyes to stare at the ceiling before lowering his chin again. "As you wish."
Ethan stood, shaking his head with wry mirth in his eyes. "Let's go, man. Daylight's a-wasting."
After they left, Evelyn caught Jemma's grin as Peggy guffawed. "The next few hours will prove interesting indeed."
"Almost makes me want to go out there and help." Peggy moved toward the fireplace. "I'll start pulling together something for our supper."
"I'll sew until Jim awakens." Evelyn examined the partially finished embroidery sampler in her hands. "Then I'll help you, if you need me."
"Jemma can assist me in the event." Peggy glanced at the woman in question. "Isn't that right?"
"I don't mind, if you don't." Jemma smiled, revealing her teeth. "I enjoy making meals."
Evelyn mulled over the exchange between Ethan and Nathaniel while she pulled her floss through the fabric with a sharp needle. In the weeks of the demolition and clearing, Ethan had rarely invited himself into her abode. Why might he have done so on this occasion? The conversation along with their posture suggested one did not trust the other. Ah. Perhaps Ethan sincerely had developed some kind of interest in her and resented Nathaniel's increasing presence. But why? She'd never given her cousin reason to believe she harbored feelings for him.
She recalled the sharp look Nathaniel shot at Ethan upon his entrance. One filled with surprise and a subtle alarm. As though he struggled to stay seated and not leap to challenge an adversary. Much like Frank had dueled with the loyalist officer back in October, and fortunately lived after the smoke cleared. But Nathaniel and Ethan couldn't think she'd permit them to even consider such extreme measures. Still, she chuckled to herself at the image of the two fighting over her attentions. Would they choose pistols or swords if their jealousy progressed?
On the other hand, she did enjoy being with Ethan. He had been part of her life for as long as she could remember. They'd learned to dance together when the tutor had visited either of their homes, and understood each other's senses of humor. Nathaniel remained an outsider, though one readily accepted by her family and friends. She shared no past with him, prior to January and the triple wedding. She knew next to nothing of his past, his ancestry, or even much about what he did before arriving in town. Other than his fighting in the militia and raiding her pantry. And yet she admitted to having feelings for him. With doubt on his side as well, might he be concerned about her possibly developing an attachment to her cousin?
A foolish notion she would dispel from his thoughts at the first opportunity. She rather enjoyed the exploration of another's background, discovering favorite foods and songs, as well as the entire process of becoming better acquainted. She had much to share of her own family and what she hoped to achieve in years to come. Wouldn't it be grand to do so with Nat?
Chapter 21
Nathaniel entered the cozy lodgings, Ethan close behind him. They'd spent the past two hours securing wood moldings around the windows on the back side of the house. Before ten minutes had elapsed, he'd sorted for himself what kind of man worked beside him. They'd formed a good yet grumpy team until the light had faded with the setting sun and they were forced back inside.
The domestic scene which greeted him released the tension from the time spent with Ethan. He counted himself lucky to be included in Evelyn's family. She rocked her son by the cheery blaze in the fireplace. Peggy glanced at him before returning her attention to stirring the steaming kettle suspended over the flames. Jemma carried a stack of bowls to the cloth covered table, setting them out, ready to receive the savory stew. A vase filled with flowers commanded the center of the small surface.
"Something smells delicious." Nathaniel closed the door after Ethan had passed through. "I could eat if it's ready."
"I hope we came in time." Ethan wiped his hands on his trousers and dragged a chair over to the table. Standing behind it, he rested his hands on the back. "If you don't mind, Evelyn?"
She raised a brow but nodded her invitation. "What about Luke and Bill?"
"They'll be in before much longer." Sitting down, Ethan laid his hands on the table. "They needed to clean up first."
Nathaniel counted the chairs and came up short. "We'll need a couple more seats when they arrive."
Ethan pressed his palms onto the cloth covering the table. "They can make do on the floor. It'll test their mettle."
Laughing, Evelyn settled a sleepy Jim on the quilt by her chair, tucking one end over him to encourage him to drift off to his baby dreams. "See if you can locate a bucket or barrel we can employ as a temporary place for them to sit."
Nathaniel contemplated Ethan's apparent intent to remain glued to his seat rather than offering to do as Evelyn requested. If he went outside in search of a makeshift chair, Nathaniel feared Ethan would attempt to woo Evelyn away from him. Then again, maybe he should encourage the relationship to ensure when he left she would have someone and thus wouldn't miss him. His heart rebelled at the concept of any other man, especially Ethan, making love to his woman. Holding her hand, or bussing her lips. Torn between his desire and his decision, he hesitated to act.
Stomping boots on the outside porch preceded the door swinging open. Luke strode in with a rush of cool night air. "Hello. Ethan suggested we should join the party for dinner."
"Welcome, Luke." Evelyn rose from the rocking chair and moved to stand by the table. "Is Bill coming as well?"
"He's right behind me." Luke sauntered in and stopped beside Nathaniel. "Anything I can do to help?"
"Could you locate a couple chairs or something to serve as seats?" Nathaniel couldn't believe his good fortune. Relief flooded his heart at the offer of help. One decision he didn't need make.
"Most certainly. I know exactly where to find them." Luke strode back out the door just as Bill stepped onto the porch.
After Luke disappeared into the twilight, Bill entered the room. His gaze searched out and found Peggy, then he glanced at Evelyn. "Thank you for inviting us to supper this evening."
"You and your brothers are always welcome at my table." She grinned at him before turning to retrieve utensils to place by the bowls.
Nathaniel sank onto a hard seat and rested against the back. He draped his arms across his legs and kept a watchful eye on Evelyn and her interaction with her cousin. Soon a definite choice must be made, but not tonight. Tonight he'd observe Ethan and Evelyn together, poking into whether she'd be better off with him than with Nathaniel. Then he'd weigh the evidence and proceed with whatever the findings suggested as the best course.
Luke returned within a few minutes carrying two large buckets which he flipped to place open end down and positioned by the table. Jemma snared a couple pillows and placed them on the buckets with a shy smile at the robust men. Evelyn indicated where everyone should sit by pointing from one person to a place and then another. Using a fold of her apron to lift the kettle from its hook, Peggy carried it to the table.
"Bill, hold your bowl over here." Peggy dipped the ladle into the bubbling kettle and then poured the stew into his raised bowl.
"Did you make this?" Bill set his bowl at his place and lifted a spoon poised for his first bite.
"I did." Peggy smiled at him, and he grinned in return. "Luke, you're next."
"What are we eating?" He held his bowl as requested and then returned it to sit in front of him.
"Rabbit stew with carrots and potatoes." Peggy stirred the contents and then l
ooked to Evelyn. "Miss?"
Evelyn slid her bowl across the table to receive her portion. "You've spoiled me with your skills in the kitchen, Peggy."
"Wait until I have a proper kitchen. You'll be even more impressed." She grinned at Evelyn as she continued dishing out the servings.
As they ate, Nathaniel detected his rival attempting to steer the conversation to topics which focused on a shared history between the cousins. Clever man. Reminding Evelyn about past antics and family gatherings, as well as the common opinions between them. The similarities indeed proved immense. His hopes for a future with her sank as the evening progressed and he came to realize she wouldn't be alone when he left. She probably wouldn't even miss him.
"Nathaniel, what's the news from town?" Luke spooned up a piece of meat and potato and held it ready to consume. "We've lost touch with the comings and goings."
Dabbing his mouth with a napkin, Nathaniel cleared his throat. "The biggest news is that Benjamin Geurard was elected as the new governor to replace Governor Matthews."
"Isn't he a Huguenot?" Ethan appeared aghast at the news. "We've never had a man with that religious inclination as governor before."
"You speak the truth." Nathaniel regarded Ethan with forced calm. "He's a lawyer as well. Do you take issue with him leading our state?"
"Not as long as he doesn't instill his beliefs onto his official duties and decisions." Ethan dragged the napkin over his mouth and laid it on the table. "What else should we know?"
"There's gossip about the Confederate Congress not making good on their promise of back pay to the soldiers." Nathaniel looked at each of the three muscular men at the table, all soldiers who had reportedly fought with distinction during their enlistment. "Nor to providing the promised half-salary pension for life."
"Dastardly news if proven true." Ethan scowled at Nathaniel as he slammed his fist on the table, making the vase of flowers jump. He shot a worried look to each of his brothers. "We were counting on what is owed us to start the stable. What will we do?"
Bill stretched his back from sitting so long without a proper chair. Pinning his gaze on Ethan, he shook his head. "They owe us for all of our sacrifices on their behalf. They can't get away with not recompensing us for our efforts."
"If they have no funds, then they have no means with which to fulfill their promises." Nathaniel clutched the spoon hovering over the table. Congress owed him a great amount of money, which he probably would never realize. "Their deficiency impacts every man who served, including me."
"What of the present soldiers stationed on James Island and elsewhere in our state? Are they still unpaid?" Evelyn raised her glass of garnet wine to sip as she waited for the response.
"Yes, but I understand the General Assembly is considering other measures to relieve their distress for supplies and food." He regarded Evelyn for several seconds, inspecting her features for how she felt about the political aspect of the discourse. Interest lit her eyes as she smiled at him. "At least they managed to provide adequate clothing for them."
"I'm sure they were pleased to have warm attire over the past winter." Luke reached for the ladle and added stew to his bowl. "Peggy, you're a wonderful cook."
"I'm happy you are enjoying the meal, sir." She inclined her head in acknowledgement of his compliment.
"I thought I heard about some farmers experimenting with cotton." Bill glanced at Ethan and then Luke. "Might we try our hand at it to export? Maybe we could generate enough revenue to proceed with our breeding plans."
Luke lifted his shoulders along with the palms of his hands in a brief gesture. "Why not? Though we'd need land enough to sow in a sufficient crop and field hands to work it. Perhaps Father can assist with slaves?"
"He might be willing." Ethan shook his head and sighed. "But it's really not the direction we'd chosen."
Nathaniel commiserated with the brothers and their dilemma. His own plans had changed many times, and those pesky decisions proved aggravating. Each time he shifted his aim, he'd had to alter the steps necessary to progress down the new course. His present path seemed the best of the ones he'd lit upon, and yet the most difficult choice he'd ever had to make loomed on the horizon.
Ethan tapped a finger on the table, attracting Evelyn's attention. "Would you consider allowing us to try our hand at such an endeavor? What are you planning to use the surrounding acreage for?"
Evelyn raised both brows in response to the suggestion, obviously taken aback by the prospect. "I was not planning to establish a farm from my estate." She laid her spoon in her bowl, and wiped her mouth with a napkin. "I expect my girls will enjoy their studies out of doors whenever the weather permits."
"Of course." Ethan inclined his head though kept his gaze on her. "My apologies. I'd forgotten your intention to start a school."
How could he possibly forget? The man built the house for the purpose. Why would he lie? Perhaps to back out of the proposition he apparently had been about to suggest. That was likely. He'd recognized her reaction for what it was, a denial of permitting any other person to be part of her endeavor without her invitation. She demonstrated a savvy interpretation of the people around her with her nuanced response. Smart lady.
Evelyn pushed back her chair and stood, resting the tips of her fingers on the table. "I believe it is time to disperse for the night."
Nathaniel rose to his feet and glanced at Ethan. "I'll walk out with you and your brothers."
Ethan grinned, understanding bright in his eyes. "Very well."
Bill stood and handed his pillow to Jemma. "Thanks for the thoughtful gesture."
"Yes, Jemma. Thank you." Standing up, Luke also gave the slave girl the pillow. He glanced at Evelyn where she stood beside Nathaniel. "Thank you for supper."
"You're welcome." Evelyn smiled softly at the group of men. "Sleep well."
"I hope you sleep well, sweetheart." Nathaniel gazed down upon her face, memorizing each feature to recall later when he was alone. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Where will you sleep?" She gazed up at him, her lips slightly apart.
The temptation to kiss her, despite the crowd of onlookers, overcame his senses. He should restrain from following through on his desires, but the urge built so fast he could no longer deny it. He pressed his mouth to hers for a quick buss. "Good-night."
"Good-night."
"Let's go, Nathaniel," Ethan grumbled by the door he held open. Luke and Bill stood on the porch, grinning at the scene. "Time to remove ourselves so the ladies may prepare for bed."
"I'm merely wishing our hostess a pleasant night's sleep." He smiled at her, acknowledging silently to her how much more he wanted to do. "I'm coming now."
With a last glance at the bemused expression on Evelyn's face, Nathaniel crossed the threshold and stepped into the ink black night, lit only by the distant twinkling of stars.
Chapter 22
Belle and Rufus started barking before dawn. Evelyn opened her eyes, and flung an arm over her face. Too early. Or she'd gone to sleep too late the night before. Jim squirmed in his swaddling, the first murmurs of his desire for breakfast. Whether or not she longed to stay abed, his needs outweighed her own. Tossing the quilt aside, she scrambled to her feet and picked up her baby as the barking outside continued. The racket roused Jemma and Peggy, who clambered from their beds.
"What's the fuss about?" Peggy ran a hand through her long hair, detangling it with her fingers.
Evelyn retrieved the light blanket from the foot of her bed and crossed to the fireplace. "The men will determine what the dogs are upset over. Would you start a pot of tea, please, Peggy?"
"Right away." Snaring her hair into a loose bun, Peggy began the morning ritual of making breakfast.
"The men will likely join us again." She sat on the rocking chair and prepared to feed Jim, tossing the blanket over one shoulder to ensure her modesty. "Jemma, please assist Peggy with eggs and bacon. Don't forget to add flapjacks as well."
The two women
worked together as if they'd done so for years instead of days. Within minutes, the aroma of frying bacon made Evelyn's mouth water. She stared at the pressed glass window, wishing she could see clearly through it to what was happening outside. At least the dogs had stopped their rumpus.
The door opened and Nathaniel walked inside, followed by Enoch Mercer and Ethan. "Good day, ladies. Lyn, Mr. Mercer wanted to give his regards to you."
"Thank you, sir." Evelyn tucked the blanket more securely in place, uncomfortable with the situation in many ways. "What brings you over so early?"
"My apologies for interrupting your morning, Mrs. Hamilton." He doffed his hat, and held it in both hands. "I'd given my word to your young man that I'd come visit to ensure you were safe."
"As you can see, all is well here." She put the chair into motion to hide her own agitation. It was one thing for Nathaniel, or even her cousins, to witness her nursing her son. But to have the neighbor do so proved disturbing. He needed to be on his way. "Thank you for your concern."
She conveyed with her eyes to Nathaniel her distress, which he acknowledged with a nod.
"Let's step outside and continue our conversation." Nathaniel opened the door and escorted the man onto the porch, the door closing with a soft thud behind them.
"How uncomfortable." She sighed and lifted the blanket to peer at her darling son. "The man can be rather rude, can't he?"
"His manners are sorely lacking for dropping in without warning at such an hour." Pausing in the process of ladling batter onto a griddle, Peggy regarded Evelyn. "You finessed his behavior much better than I could."
"Nathaniel helped."
"He shouldn't have brought the neighbor in." Peggy shook the ladle in the air.
"He didn't know I'd be nursing Jim." Evelyn felt she needed to defend Nathaniel from her servant's ill opinion of his actions. "I'm usually awake and ready to receive visitors by this time in the morning. Today is an exception after staying up so late last night."