“Leon?” Armand called, turning to where his brother sat in the interior of Armand’s opulent traveling coach. Leon had all of the documents listing the names of the slaves and their prices. Once more, they were making it seem as though they were selling a shipment of slaves. At least, they would do so until they were in the deep north.
I have everything.
Nodding, Armand turned and walked back to the house, where Maud stood. She passed him a partially toothless grin.
“You go and come back now, y’hear,” she said softly. “Got more people you gon’ have to take out this miserable place.”
He nodded. “I’ll be back in a few months. Take care of everything for me.”
“Like I always does,” she sassed.
Grinning, he walked back to the coach, jumping into the seat beside a nervous Julia. She lifted her head and he saw the fear in her eyes.
Without thinking of it, he caught her hand in a comforting grip. “Everything will be fine. You don’t have to speak. Let me do all of the talking.”
She stared at him for long seconds before her lips lifted in a half-smile and she nodded.
At that moment, Leon tapped the top of the coach. There was a slight jerk and they were on their way.
***
The ship was called The Myrtle, and it was traveling along the American costal states to England and France.
Leon and Armand met with captain, an Englishman who seemed more than a little pleased to have two Europeans on his ship. Armand had already paid for their cabins, including Julia’s, whose cost more since she was traveling without a passport, as well as those of the slaves they were transporting, who were housed in the belly of the ship with other slaves. He gave the captain something extra for his discretion concerning other things.
The Englishman gave them knowing looks before saying, in a low voice, “You brought along your colored missus? I ’ave nothing against it, but these Americans….” He broke off and grimaced. The action stated clearly the captain’s feelings. “You bring them up when no one’s around, keep them in your cabins, and no one complains. Day before you dock, you take them back down and no one’s the wiser.”
***
Each time the ship docked in a different state, which was usually every two weeks, Leon tensed. He didn’t doubt people were still looking for his mate, and although she was tucked in the safest place on the ship—his room—he still worried. His worry was doubled, perhaps tripled, by the fact that days after their arrival on the ship, her scent had changed. It was subtle, but as attached to her as he was, Leon recognized it immediately. Honeysuckle and new. That was how he explained it. She smelled of honeysuckle, and the child growing in her belly was the ‘new’. He hovered more, unable to help himself, and although she sighed and glared a lot, he knew she secretly enjoyed the attention.
It took them longer than he expected for them to dock in Pennsylvania but when they did, he breathed a long sigh of relief. So did Penny. He hadn’t allowed her to stretch her legs once in the month and weeks they’d been aboard and she demanded to be allowed out. Satisfied that they were in a liberal state, one that frowned upon slavery, Leon allowed it.
She’d gone out with the rest of the slaves, just a stretch of the legs into the bitter chill of the North. Étienne had been next to her the entire time. He’d all but chuckled when Penny practically ran back to the ship. When she’d come to him at night, Leon had teased her, telling her that if she could not tolerate the Pennsylvania cold, she’d hate Canada.
In typical Penny fashion, she’d proceeded to torture him, and he’d enjoyed every moment of it.
***
“You have the most beautiful eyes. You remind me of my daughter.”
Julia didn’t hear her at first, so taken was she with the bustling of the new state. New York.
They’d arrived. Armand had done it. Brought her north as he’d promised. She wanted to cry, to weep with the knowledge that freedom was at the tip of her finger, but all of her tears would not be in joy. Her sister was still enslaved. Even as she looked into the city below bustling with traveling coaches and noisy voices, Jolie was probably cleaning or washing, as they’d both been taught from a young age.
When Julia finally realized the woman was addressing her, she tried to lower her head, to look anywhere but at her before remembering she was playing another role. Not slave, but lady.
“Is this your first time in New York?” the white woman continued, looking out at the bustling from where she stood on the ship. “It certainly is a different kind of environment. Southerner that I am, I can only vacation here.” She laughed softly. In a soft voice, she mused, “They pretend to want equality for all, but deep down some of the richest New York families profit from our plantations. It’s blatant hypocrisy.” She shook her head. “Still, one must never bring the savages here. They think of this state as a freedom paradise—”
“Julianne?”
Julia almost sighed in relief as Armand placed an arm on hers.
He nodded to the lady, smiled and said, “Excuse me, Mademoiselle. She does not speak much English. She’s recently arrived from France.”
“Ah.” The woman nodded in an understanding fashion. “I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Mrs. Frederick Williamson.” She lifted a delicate brow at Armand, who made introductions, before continuing. “I was telling her she’s quite a beauty. Such delicate and slightly exotic features.” She smiled easily. “You’ll have no trouble finding her a suitable match, especially if you desire to create an alliance with an established Southern family.”
Armand murmured something in French and Julia nodded and smiled as if she understood.
“Good day, Mademoiselle. Enjoy your first visit to New York.”
Julia watched her walk away, unable to keep the shock from overtaking her face. Armand moved before her. “Are you all right?”
“She think I’s a white lady?”
He nodded.
“I look white?”
He hesitated a moment before saying slowly, “You can be either.”
“But I could be white?”
He nodded.
“We not so different then,” she said, almost to herself. She’d seen a looking glass numerous times, but had always recognized the fullness of her features. When Armand had suggested she pass, she’d been nervous someone would find her out. But this lady had stood not a foot from her and had complimented her on her looks. Most times she was on the receiving end of insults due to those very same looks.
The urge to both laugh and cry curled her lips up. “Not so different at all.”
Chapter Nineteen
The ship was scheduled to depart the New York harbor on the third day. However, due to a malfunctioning engine, the captain had confided that until it was fixed, the ship could not move. Another ship was scheduled to arrive in a month’s time. If by that time the problem was not fixed, the captain had sworn to pay for their cabins.
To put it mildly, Leon was not happy. This wasn’t a part of their plan. Canada was their destination, not New York. The state, no matter how liberal, was still a part of America. Slavery, though frowned upon, was accepted. He would not have his pregnant mate spend another month, and perhaps longer, in such a place. Leon didn’t even want her spending a week, but necessity dictated it.
If they were to travel to through the state and into Canada, they would need horses, food, supplies, and contacts, things Armand knew better than him. His brother found them a safe haven for the week, the townhouse of a werewolf who supported their cause. Once there, Armand shared his intentions with the now-free men and women, giving them the choice of staying in New York or traveling to Canada. Either scenario would result in them receiving papers of freedom and earning back wages.
No one had moved when Armand first spoke, but as reality set in they’d begun to cry. Even Ray, the human who’d thought himself in love with Penny, had turned to her with surprise on his face, before promptly breaking into tears. In the en
d, seven decided to stay, including Ray who wanted to make enough money to buy his sisters before permanently leaving America. The other three, two women and an older teenage boy, accompanied them when they set out for Canada.
The trip took weeks, mainly because they stopped each night and sometimes during the days to rest, eat, change horses, and take care of basic necessities. Most of the families they stayed with were Armand’s comrades, werewolves and humans heavily involved in the transporting of slaves. As such, Leon did not have to worry about someone telling him Penny could not stay in the house. He’d lost “polite” the moment he’d found out she’d been kidnapped. Control had all but disappeared when he’d learned she was pregnant.
As he worried over Penny’s health, Armand did the same for Julia. The two women had become fast friends, and could usually be found whispering—plotting was perhaps the better word—together. Leon admitted he was a bit overbearing, but blamed it on Penny’s state. Armand acknowledged no wrong. Étienne laughed at them, carefree and unaffected as he flirted with the unattached women and corrupted the boy.
Finally, after three and a half weeks, they arrived in Canada West, an area that welcomed everyone, regardless of race. Almost a third of its population consisted of escaped slaves. They’d made lives for themselves here, building homes and businesses, creating families, new generations unattached to the stigma they’d escaped.
It was Leon’s first time seeing the place, and as he watched a white Canadian woman laugh at something a colored child said, he felt the surge of a tiny bit of faith in humanity.
***
“What are you doing?”
Penny shook her head at Leon, who was naked and moving about in the dark, checking the windows and doors. They were in a cottage, their own cottage. It had two bedrooms, a kitchen and dining area, and a door leading to an outhouse. It was the first home she could officially call hers and Penny loved it.
“Go back to sleep, ma louve. You need your rest.”
She almost groaned at the response. While Penny loved Leon Arnaud with her entire being, he was really beginning to frustrate her with his overprotectiveness.
“Leon, stop treating me like I’m fragile.” Penny exhaled and rolled onto her back, staring up at the ceiling.
“Ma louve—”
“Don’t!” she interrupted with a growl. “I’m just over two months pregnant and you’re acting as if I’m going to trip over my feet, somehow land awkwardly on my belly, kill the baby, and then die.”
There was no response and Penny sat up, thinking he’d left. He was by the window, staring at her with a stricken expression on his face. Was he actually contemplating the scenario?
She brushed his mind.
“Leon!” she scolded before erupting into laughter. It was funny just how ridiculous he was being. Still, it showed how much he cared about her and their child.
“What is it? Are you in pain?” Leon was suddenly beside her, removing the hand she’d placed over her face to contain her laughter as paranoid green eyes frantically searched hers. She chuckled again and sat up, locking her hands behind his neck. “Are you going to act this way for the remainder of my pregnancy?”
He looked seemed confused at first, before a sheepish look came over his face. He nodded once. Leaning forward, she kissed his lips lightly. “I guess I can learn to tolerate you.”
Her mate chuckled before wrapping his arms around her and moving onto the bed. He pulled the thick furs over them and curled around her body, warming her.
“Do you have a preference?”
She was about to clarify when Leon answered, “No. I don’t care what the gender is. I will love him or her as much as I love you.”
Penny nodded in contentment. Before she drifted off, her mind went to Hyacinth. She missed the older woman and hoped to see her again, even if it wasn’t in this lifetime.
Old Ma had been both right and wrong. A white American man from the South would not marry a colored woman, especially one he’d owned. It was ingrained that they were too different, one meant to be master and the other slave. Leon Arnaud, however, her werewolf mate, had wanted to make it official immediately. They’d been married two days ago by a priest who said nothing but the vows they were to repeat, blessed them, and congratulated them on their new commitment. There was a slip of paper in the chest under the bed that legally bound them together: Leon and Penny Arnaud.
Her arms tightened around him. She’d pledged herself to him, and he to her. They had long lives to look forward to, and she was excited.
***
Six months later
Penny chuckled along with Julia as Jolie stomped off behind a frustrated Étienne. They were arguing again, something they’d done from the moment Étienne had arrived with her.
Months ago, Étienne and Armand had left Canada for Louisiana. They’d returned with the more newly freed slaves, one of which was Jolie. Julia had been ecstatic and for that reason, Penny was happy. She’d grown closer to Julia over the past months and the woman was so kind and lovely that Penny decided if Julia loved Jolie so much, there had to be some redeeming qualities about the younger woman. And there were. Jolie might have been mean, nasty and treacherous to everyone else, but to Julia, she was nothing but fiercely loyal.
In Jolie’s eyes, Julia was the most beautiful, kind, honest, loving person all wrapped into one. If one of the free men or women so much as hinted of speaking badly about Julia, Jolie instantly ripped into them. Just two weeks ago, one of Ray’s sisters had said Julia was acting white because of her looks. Penny had been struggling to her feet to correct her when Jolie said, “My sister don’t got no reason to want to be no white lady. Just cause she born looking one way, don’t mean you get to say whatever you want ’bout her cause you nothin’ but jealous. Jealous that she prettier, smarter, nicer, and got more people love her than you!”
There had been a lot of glaring and mumbling, but after the set-down, Penny had heard nothing more from the woman concerning Julia.
“Are you comfortable?” the woman occupying her thoughts asked slowly, using the proper grammar both Armand and Penny were continuously teaching her. Julia was a fast and eager learner, and quickly caught on to things.
Lowering her voice, Penny mumbled, “I’m never comfortable, but don’t tell Leon that.”
Of late, Penny had been so hot Leon had created a bench in the backyard for her to sit. It was summer in Canada, and although the heat was nowhere near as stifling as Louisiana, Penny still felt like she was slowly boiling.
“You know I will-would—” Julia broke off in askance and Penny nodded, rubbing her belly.
“You can use either. Will is a bit more definite, though.”
“I will not,” Julia concluded, lowering her voice as well. “I think if I breathe a word of it, he’ll never let you leave the house.”
Penny chuckled and rubbed her protruding belly. It was true. She’d been sitting out here with Julia for over an hour already because Leon wasn’t home. He’d gone to Ray’s store for more milk and cheese. As a result of her pregnancy, Penny went through milk like water. Cheese was one of her cravings. Interestingly enough, she liked it a bit moldy.
“What about Armand? Did you speak with him about his…protectiveness?”
Julia was still unaware of Armand’s true nature, though every day it seemed more and more of a challenge for Penny to keep from telling her friend. Armand didn’t think Julia was mentally ready as yet. Penny thought opposite, but Leon had already warned her to keep out of it. She did so, but not without letting Armand know her opinions.
A smile lit her face as Julia replied, “That’s just how he is, like his brother. He don’t mean to make me mad. He just don’t want me hurt.”
“Doesn’t,” Penny automatically corrected. “He doesn’t want you hurt. Don’t is ‘do not’.”
Julia chuckled and nodded. “Right.” The other woman sobered as Penny winced, stroking the spot where a swift kick had landed. “Are you all rig
ht?”
Penny nodded. The baby had been very active lately. He refused to lie still, even while she was resting. Sometimes she would awaken in the night to find Leon braced on an elbow, stroking her belly not for comfort, but to get the little one to relax. Most times, her moans of discomfort had awoken him.
“Yes. Fine. It was just one kick this time.”
As Julia stared at her in confusion, Penny chuckled. “One kick is good. Last night, he kicked me six times in a row.”
Julia’s eyes bulged before she asked softly, “How is it? Being pregnant?”
“Horrible,” Penny replied automatically, hoping to get a laugh out of the woman. When Julia’s eyes only widened and she looked uncomfortable, Penny said in a more serious tone, “It’s uncomfortable at times, but I don’t mind. In a few weeks, it will all be worth it.”
Smiling, Julia nodded. When Julia continued to stare at her belly with an expression that seemed haunted, Penny finally asked, “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head and looked away. For a moment, Penny was certain Julia would avoid the question by changing the topic. She didn’t. Instead, she clasped her hands together and confided, “Armand wants children. I see it in how he talks of your pregnancy.”
Penny gave her enough seconds to follow the statements up before she chuckled and shook her head. “This is a bad thing?”
“No, it’s not bad. It’s just that…” Gray eyes held Penny’s as she rushed out, “I can’t have them.”
***
Penny’s lips moved but no sound emerged. Julia watched her silently, waiting for the criticism yet praying none would be coming. Penny was unlike any other female she’d met. Jolie never ridiculed Julia because they were sisters and they looked out for one another. Every other female she’d encountered had ridiculed her for one thing or another. The master’s brat. The white man’s whore. White-looking nigger. Every insult had somehow stemmed from her paternity.
“What do you mean?” Penny finally asked, and Julia released a breath she hadn’t known she was holding.
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