“The working class in the city won’t feel the same way. They know they’re never going to be rich. Most of my friends feel the way I do about slavery. I think the key is knowing slaves. My friends and I have worked with slaves our whole lives, just like John. It makes it harder to look down on them.” Sophie spoke her mind with confidence, even though she sat at a table full of men. As a working-class woman, she wasn’t esteemed much higher than a slave in the eyes of the government. Perhaps it would be a wise tactic to court the support of women. As two marginalized groups, they might be able to help each other.
“What are your thoughts on the matter, Demetri?”
“Sir?”
“Come now, you must have some opinion. I’d like to hear it.”
“I think there are men who would like the opportunity to free their slaves, sir. It would solve some problems if there’s affection between a master and slave.”
“Or it would cause some,” Thomas interjected. When it was clear that was all Demetri intended to say, Kale nodded for his brother to continue. “It might not be a good thing if masters started thinking their slaves were behaving a certain way in the hopes of gaining freedom. Could cause a lot of distrust. A paranoid, jealous master is a problem for a slave.”
“From what I know of the men in Perdana, there are plenty who would like the option, who will feel it should have been their right from the beginning.” Martin offered his view. “There’s an awful lot of noble blood flowing through bastard slave children. It’s always been a problem for the aristocracy. There are quite a few nobles who don’t like the idea that their child is a slave. They’d like to be able to recognize them the same as they can their free, illegitimate children. Not to mention quite a few people found it ridiculous that you had to leave the country just so you could live with your freed slave, Jason. It caused quite a stir.”
“Really?” Kale found it hard to believe that anyone even gave it a thought.
“Oh, yes. There was talk at the time among some of the men in Perdana that Jason should have been allowed to do what he wanted with you. When I put feelers out at your request, the sentiment was still the same. It’s not unusual for men to form an attachment to a valet or other slave. That’s why there’s a law against slaves impersonating free people. It wouldn’t be necessary if there weren’t masters who wanted their slaves to behave as if they were free.”
“I never thought of it that way. I always just assumed it was to prevent slaves from thinking about revolting.” It worked. It was hard for a slave to desire freedom when even acting free meant death.
“It is, but it wouldn’t need to be put into law if men weren’t tempted to allow it.”
“Mr. Garrity, my question is: would you support such a law?” Jason turned the conversation back to the attorney.
“I suppose so. From a property law viewpoint, it makes sense for the reason that’s been discussed here. You can’t claim a slave is property if you don’t have the right to do whatever you like with it, including letting it go.”
“Thank you. We’ll count on your help when the time comes.”
“If that’s all, Mr. Wadsworth, I have a few appointments I must attend to.”
“Of course. Let me see you out.” Jason stood. Kale loosened his hand to allow him to leave, but Jason kept his grip firm. Once Kale stood, Jason let go of his hand, and they walked Mr. Garrity to the door together.
“Thank you for all your help, Mr. Garrity.” Jason shook the attorney’s hand.
“My pleasure. Your father was a good man. He’ll be missed.”
After the door shut, Kale took the opportunity to speak with Jason before they rejoined the others. “You don’t have to do this right now.”
“Yes, I do. For one thing, it’s time sensitive. We won’t get another opportunity for quite a while once the treaty is ratified.”
“We have friends who can handle this. I’m just saying that you don’t need to shoulder the responsibility. I know you, and I don’t think you should be taking on an all-consuming project right now.”
“I have to, Kale. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because I need it. I need the purpose. I wish I could find that purpose here, but I don’t know the first thing about running a ranch. I plan on giving John free rein. I can’t continue my father’s legacy here, but I can live up to his name by doing what I know is right.”
Kale grasped Jason’s arm. “I won’t let you follow your father into an early grave by working yourself to death.” If Kale let him, Jason would run so hard and so fast that his grief couldn’t possibly keep up. He’d seen firsthand how destructive Jason could become to himself. It wasn’t going to happen again, not on Kale’s watch, not now when they had everything they had fought so hard for in their hands.
“I know. I’m counting on you for that. I promise I’m not doing this to avoid anything. It’s quite the opposite, actually. I appreciate your concern, Kale, but this is the best thing I can do for myself right now.”
Kale searched Jason’s eyes. The shadow that had clouded them for days was still there, but a bright earnestness shone through. It worried Kale, but he was beginning to think he may always be worried, that it was his new normal. All he could do was trust Jason and be prepared to catch him if he should fall.
Chapter Forty-Four
“I’m sorry I haven’t had much time to spend with you.” Kale was out riding with Thomas. Despite his fears to the contrary, Jason appeared to be doing fine. Kale had hovered for the last two days until Jason had demanded he stop and go spend some one-on-one time with his brother. Kale had been feeling guilty for neglecting him, even though Thomas joined them for meals and occasional conversations in the sitting room.
“Don’t worry about it, Kale. You worry enough as it is. Always have.”
Kale crinkled his brow. “Have not.”
Thomas snorted. “Sure. Between you and Mama, I was more smothered than a free boy with a nanny.”
Kale chuckled. Thomas was right. Kale did have a tendency to take those he loved on as his responsibility. “There are worse things in the world.”
“Yes, there are. I love you for it. It’s nice having a big brother worry over me, but I’m not a kid anymore. I know you care. You don’t have to spend time with me for me to know that.”
“I don’t want you to ever forget how much you mean to me.”
“You left your cushy life in Naiara and risked re-enslavement by coming back here. All to save me. Yeah, it’s not likely that’s going to slip my mind any time soon.”
Kale smiled. “You never know. Anyway, any time you want to talk, you have my ear.”
“Thanks.”
Thomas didn’t appear inclined to say more. Kale wasn’t used to being the one who had to prompt conversation. “So, what do you want to do?”
“I was thinking we could head out to the western grove. You should see it. Some of the most beautiful—”
“No, I mean what do you want to do?” Kale slowed his horse and waited for Thomas to follow suit. “You have options now, Thomas. I told you I plan to free you, but I won’t force anything on you.”
Thomas’s face fell into contemplation. Kale didn’t push. It was a heavy question. “I don’t know. I like it here.”
“Well, that’s good.”
“Sure, but shouldn’t I want to be free?”
“After the scare-tales our mama told us?” Free children got fairy tales and stories of endless possibilities. Slave children got scare-tales of what happened when slaves tried to be free. Kale had told Lisa about them once, and she was horrified at the cruelty of it. She didn’t understand that stories like those kept skin on his back. Slave children were much like free children. They didn’t have an innate desire to obey. Scare-tales were a concerned mother’s way of trying to ensure her children didn’t end up beneath the whip or worse.
“It’s not that. I’m not afraid of wanting freedom. I suppose it’s the unknown that worries me.”
“Tha
t’s reasonable.”
“Really?”
“Sure. Thomas, when I was freed, I already knew I’d be spending the rest of my life with Jason. There were a lot of unknowns, but I was already sure about the fundamentals. I was grounded. You’re not in that same situation. Even with all my advantages, it still took a long time for me to adjust. Even now, there are days when I feel like an impostor.”
“I think that’s how I’d feel. What do I know about being free? It would only be an act. Let’s say I decide to go to Naiara. What then? How’s it all going to work? I just cross the border, and suddenly I’m free?”
“Don’t worry yourself with the details. Jason and I will take care of those. Our home is yours, and I don’t need to tell you that money’s not an issue. There’s not a single thing you have to worry about other than knowing your own mind.”
“Thanks. I feel at home here. I like the work I’m doing. It gives me meaning.”
“Good. That’s the most important thing. Take some time to figure out who you are as a man outside of those who have owned you. Learn about yourself and what you want. When you know what that is, grab onto it. Maybe you’ll decide you want to start your own ranch or expand Wadsworth beef into Naiara. Maybe you’ll realize this is all just a nice safe place for you to heal and that there’s something else you want. Whatever it is, take your time.”
“But aren’t you and Jason going to be leaving for Naiara soon?”
“I suppose so. When Jason is ready. It doesn’t matter though. Whenever you decide you want to come to Naiara, or any other free country for that matter, all you have to do is call.” Kale pulled his horse in front of Thomas’s, blocking his path and forcing eye contact. “I mean it. If you wake up in the middle of the night wanting out of Arine, you pick up the telephone.”
“So I don’t have to decide today?”
“Nope. If you want to come with us, we’d be happy to have you. Roll the idea around in your head some. If you don’t leave with us this time, you’re not closing any doors.”
“I’ll do that.”
They rode on in comfortable silence. Rain the previous day had left the scenery alive with vivid color. Overnight, the ground had dried, making it perfect for a leisurely ride. The air still held the pleasant scent of a refreshing shower.
“When am I going to see some of this art Jason goes on about? I would have never guessed my brother would turn out to be a famous artist.”
Kale shook his head and sidestepped the question. “Have your feelings toward Jason changed at all?”
“Some. When I think about what he did to you, I see red, but it appears as if he’s done a fine job of making up for it. Besides, it’s clear as day you’re besotted with him, so until that wears off, my hands are tied.”
“Besotted?” Kale laughed. “You make me sound like a boy with calf love.”
“It’s what you look like.”
“Well, I hate to disappoint you, but it’s not wearing off.”
“I figured as much. In all seriousness, Kale, I’m happy for you. What you and Jason have is special. I wouldn’t want anything to spoil it. I suppose I have to love a man who makes my brother so damn happy.”
“I’m glad. It’d be a little uncomfortable if you two didn’t like each other.”
“Nah, you’d choose him any day.”
The words stabbed Kale’s heart. “It wasn’t like that. I didn’t choose him over coming back to get you. I know I shouldn’t have waited as long as I did, but I hadn’t forgotten about you—”
“Whoa, Big Brother. I didn’t mean it like that. I know you did your best. No one could have done better or expected different. I only meant that he’s your family now. I’m thrilled. It’s nice to know that you had someone.”
Kale tried to let his brother’s words soothe his guilt. “I want the same for you.” After a moment of silence, Kale sought a little levity. He didn’t want his guilty conscience to ruin this time with Thomas. “Speaking of which, who’s that girl I’ve seen you eyeing in the kitchen?”
Thomas’s face cleared to the innocent, bland expression so common in slaves. “Who?”
“Don’t give me that. What’s her name?”
Thomas’s face broke into a sheepish smile. “Ellen.”
“Ah. So is she the real reason you’re reluctant to leave?”
“No.”
“There’s no shame if she is.”
“Do you think there’s really a chance your idea will become law?” Thomas’s voice strained with yearning.
“Yes, but even if it doesn’t, we wouldn’t make you choose between the woman you love and freedom, should things with Ellen advance that far. Whoever you choose to love will always have a place in our family.”
Thomas nodded, and Kale saw the relief pour onto his face. “It’s admirable what you and Jason are doing. It’s a little hard to believe that my big brother can have an idea here, and then it could be made into law.”
“Thanks, but you’re giving me too much credit. I just happen to know people in positions of influence.”
“Tell me you’re not that daft. You’re the partner of one of the wealthiest men in Naiara. Like it or not, you are one of those influential people.”
Kale had never really thought of it. He supposed Thomas was right. As soon as his mind considered it though, he felt a weight on his chest. No, influence had never been something he’d sought.
“Back to my original question, which you so neatly evaded. When do I get to see some of your art?”
Kale’s horse had slowed, and he nudged him into a trot. “I can show you some sketches when we get back to the house. Would you like some drawing materials?”
“Me? No. Never did have your talent and never much saw the appeal.”
“Would you like to learn how to read?”
Thomas looked over at Kale, his jaw lax in surprise. “I’d love to. I don’t think I’ll need that skill here, but it will give me more options in the future.”
“If you come to Naiara with us, I’ll teach you. If not, I’ll see if John can. Robert had plenty of books you can choose from. I think he favored mysteries.”
“I’d really appreciate that. Mysteries sound good.”
“It’s settled then. So where’s this grove you wanted to show me?” Kale challenged his brother with his eyes. A grin spread across Thomas’s face, and he took off at a gallop. Kale surrendered himself to an all-consuming laugh as he followed, the wind rushing against him as if he were flying. It was wonderful to finally have a brother again.
Chapter Forty-Five
It had been a week since the funeral, and Jason was anxious to be home. There was nothing more to be done. Martin and Sophie had returned to Perdana a few days ago, and life had resumed on the ranch. “I want to book us on tomorrow’s train.” He and Kale were dressing for the day.
“Are you sure you’re ready to leave?”
“Yes. Past ready. There’s nothing more for me here, not right now.”
“We should visit Renee in Timar on our way home.”
There was nothing Kale could have said that would have shocked Jason more. “What?”
“If you want this idea of yours to succeed, it needs to be proposed by an Arinian. If it’s proposed by the Naiarans first, it’ll be dismissed immediately. If it’s proposed in the Arinian government, even by a fringe politician, it has a greater chance. Then the Naiarans come to the table with their demands, and the Arinians can pass it off as something they were planning to do anyway.”
“That’s brilliant, Kale. But we don’t have to see Renee.” Jason recovered from his shock and resumed buttoning his shirt.
“Her support would be invaluable. She’s already proven that she can make things happen. She’s done excellent work with the women’s movement.”
“I agree. However, I can get her support by writing or calling her. We don’t have to visit.”
“I know we don’t have to, but I think we should. She’s your wife. It wouldn�
�t be so horrible to see her once in a while, and it’s on our way.”
Jason’s feelings toward Renee were muddled. He did genuinely love her, albeit in a different manner than he loved Kale. He felt a strong feeling of friendship toward her. There was only a problem when Kale was added to the mix. Renee had caused them such pain. Her offense to himself he could forgive; it was the pain she’d caused Kale that Jason had a hard time reconciling. The only reason he had been able to maintain any sort of relationship with her was because he blamed himself more than he blamed her. However, he was not eager to place Kale in a house with her.
“I’ll be honest. I don’t like the thought of you two together.”
“Why not?”
“Why? How can you even ask that after what she did?”
“It was a long time ago, and she’s apologized.”
“And I accepted her apology, but I don’t want to put you in that position.”
“What position? I have no reason to feel uncomfortable around her. If you’re worried about how she feels, that’s a different matter.”
“Trust me, I am not concerned about her feelings in this situation.”
“Then we should do it. It’s the last bit of our past that we haven’t fully resolved. She’s your wife, and I’m your companion and life partner. Those are the facts. There’s no reason we can’t all be together in a room.”
Jason slipped his hands under Kale’s untucked shirt and held him around the waist. Under his fingertips, he felt the scar tissue that remained from Kale’s time at the labor firm. How a man could live through that and then forgive those who had put him there would forever be a mystery to Jason. It took a deep inner strength that Jason didn’t think anyone other than Kale possessed. “You’re right. If you don’t have a problem with it, there’s no reason for me to. I’ll get us three tickets to Timar.”
“Three?”
“Isn’t Thomas joining us?”
“That’s for him to decide.”
[Measure of Devotion 03.0] Measure of Peace Page 24