The Widow of Rose Hill (The Women of Rose Hill Book 2)

by Michelle Shocklee

  “I might be, Miz Natalie.” She shrugged, a shy look in her eyes. “My stomach gets all wiggly when he look at me.”

  Ever since Luther Ellis sold Carolina’s mother and sisters, Natalie felt protective of the girl. She wouldn’t want the Union soldier to break Carolina’s heart. “Well, mind you don’t do anything foolish when it comes to Corporal Banks. He and all the other soldiers will eventually leave Texas and go home.”

  Carolina sobered. “I know.”

  After Carolina retreated into the house, Natalie stood on the porch, looking east. The warning she’d given Carolina rang true for herself as well. She had no business mooning over a handsome Yankee colonel, especially one with a family waiting for his return. Oh, that the Union soldiers had continued north the day they stopped by Rose Hill instead of settling on her property nearby. Life hadn’t been easy before their arrival, and most certainly would not have been after they departed, but the days had passed with a sameness she’d found comforting.

  Now, nothing felt familiar.

  Not even her own heart.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Levi stood on the porch of Langford Manor evaluating the thirty former slaves milling about the yard. Corporal Banks and several of his men had gone to the surrounding communities and found hundreds of men willing to work. The settlements, they said, were overwhelmed with free men and women looking for employment. Many towns were already experiencing problems due to the lack of jobs for the newly freed Negroes. Thefts were on the rise, as were the tempers of local residents unsure how to handle the influx of unemployed workers. A solution, however, was slow in coming. There simply weren’t enough jobs to go around nor citizens financially able to hire all the former slaves.

  Studying the group, one man in particular caught Levi’s eye. He was large and well-muscled, but what captured his attention was the man’s face. Raised scars were clearly visible on both cheeks, their lighter color standing out against his ebony skin. When the man looked toward the house, Levi realized the marks were not simply scars from an injury of some sort. They were letters. Letters that had been branded on his face the way one brands an animal.

  Disgust for the slave owner who’d done such a despicable thing rolled through him. Thank God Negroes were no longer in danger of such inhumane treatment by their white masters. Seeing the former slave standing there, ready to earn wages like a man should, brought a sense of pride to Levi. He had played a small role in this man’s freedom.

  “Sir, the men are ready for your instructions before we depart for Rose Hill.”

  He looked down to Corporal Banks, who was approaching the base of the steps. “Thank you, Corporal. They appear to be a good group.”

  “Some of them are former Rose Hill slaves.”

  Levi’s brow lifted. “Really?” He looked over the group again. He’d watched the line of slaves leave the day they were given their freedom. Frankly, he hadn’t expected any to return. At least not so soon. “We can hope their familiarity with the plantation will be beneficial.”

  Levi noticed a small group of women and a few children some distance away gathered near the road. Even from this vantage point, he saw they had packs and bundles with them.

  “What are those women doing here? I specifically asked for men only. Strong men, at that. They’ll be doing the work of twice as many field hands.”

  A look of helplessness came over Banks. “Sir, they followed us here. I told them over and over we couldn’t hire them, but …” He shrugged.

  Levi blew out a breath. What was he supposed to do with women and children? “Bring them over. I’ll have a word with them.”

  Corporal Banks walked to the group, motioned toward Levi, then led them over. When the gathering reached the yard where the freedmen waited, he noticed each of the women went to stand next to a man.

  Ah. Now he understood. These were not women looking for work. They had relationships with some of the men Levi intended to hire. He hadn’t counted on that.

  “I am Colonel Maish, commander of this post. I understand Corporal Banks informed you we are only hiring men at this time. You women will need to go back to town with your children.”

  Fear and uncertainty registered on many of their faces. One man, tall and reedy, put his arm around the waist of a woman holding an infant. A small girl stood next to her, clinging to her homespun dress.

  “Colonel, suh, if I might speak freely,” he said, meeting Levi’s gaze.

  Levi nodded. “You may.”

  The man glanced at the woman at his side before returning his attention to Levi. “My name’s Wash Ingram. This here my wife, Ruth. We come from a plantation south o’ here. We got family up in Missouri we’s hoping to get to, but we ain’t got no money to get there.” He glanced at the men around him. “Heard the Army payin’ ten dollars a month to work cotton, with food and a place to stay. I shore am in need o’ the job, suh, but what my Ruth an’ chillens s’posed to do whilst I’s workin’ if you don’t ’llow them to come on along?”

  Several others in the group murmured agreement.

  Obviously, Levi, as an unmarried man responsible for no one but himself, had not thought this through. That the men he hoped to hire would bring families along had not occurred to him. Had he considered the situation beforehand, he would have stipulated the need for unmarried men only.

  But he hadn’t. And it didn’t seem fair to change the requirements after men like Wash Ingram had already been told they had the job. Splitting up families was something slave owners did, and Levi was loathe to stoop to those levels. He counted the women. Five, plus a half dozen or so youngsters. Surely a group so small wouldn’t put a strain on the rations the Army would provide the workers. The women could earn their share by working in the house or garden or wherever Natalie deemed necessary.

  The silent group continued to stare up at him.

  “Because you men have already been hired by the Union Army, I will allow those with families to bring them to Rose Hill. However, the women who choose to come along will be required to work for food and shelter. No wages in cash will be paid to the women.”

  Whispered discussions took place between husbands and wives. Wash approached several men, speaking in lowered tones, nodding from time to time. Finally, he stepped forward.

  “We ’ppreciate you understanding, Colonel. We that has families here accept yo’ offer.”

  “Very well. Corporal Banks will need the names and ages of each person coming with us before you will be allowed onto a wagon. Those who can sign their names will do so. Anyone who can’t is required to make their mark. Are there any questions?”

  No one spoke up. Banks herded the group in the direction of the line of awaiting wagons, some loaded down with supplies. Earlier, he’d set a small desk and chair nearby in anticipation of recording the freedmen’s names before departing for Rose Hill. Now, women and children of various ages would be added to the register.

  Mounting his horse, Levi wondered what Natalie would say when she saw the group. He didn’t think she would mind the extra help, but he felt he should give her warning before they actually arrived.

  Starting out ahead of the wagons, he viewed the landscape around him. Fallow, overgrown fields filled the Langford property before gradually blending into land that had never seen a plow. Groupings of trees dotted the landscape, along with clumps of low shrubs, cactus, and rocks. Although he hadn’t known what to expect when he arrived in Texas two weeks ago, he had to admit there was a beauty in the land. From the sandy coast with its swampland and marshes to the rich farmland surrounding him now, he could see why settlers chose to come here. Men like Stephen Austin, who was still called the Father of Texas in some circles, saw potential in the wild land and fought hard to attain it. Many lives had been lost securing Texas for the United States. That her citizens voted to secede from the very country they’d embraced only a few short years before still baffled Levi.

  His thoughts strayed to Natalie. A daughter of Texas. A slave
owner until recent events put an end to it. How different her life would have been had her family come from the north. In a way, he

  almost felt sorry for her, growing up in ignorance when it came to people of color. While she could blame her parents and even her husband for purchasing and keeping slaves, those same people had been her responsibility the past five years. Only a few days ago, she’d been the owner of more than eighty Negroes, despite her recognition of their humanity after her sister-in-law helped several escape. He understood her fear for survival, but why couldn’t she have seen the benefit of freeing her slaves and offering to let them stay on the plantation and earn a share of the cotton profits? Why had it taken force to get her to do what any decent person would have done ages ago?

  Rose Hill came into view. The grand house sat on a slight rise, gleaming white in the morning sunshine. Huge oak trees sheltered it from storms while a row of tall poplar trees lined the long entrance. Thin trails of smoke rose from two or three dying cook fires in the quarter, although that area of the plantation was quiet. The few people who had remained after freedom was announced were more than likely already hard at work in the fields.

  Incessant barking greeted him as he neared the whitewashed gate. Ebenezer bounded toward him, tail wagging.

  “Hush, you mangy mutt,” he said, grinning when the dog did just that.

  The barking, however, had done its job. Natalie stepped onto the porch looking fresh and lovely in a lavender gown, the skirt wide and bell-shaped. Her hair was held in a simple braid that lay over her shoulder, yet she appeared as elegant and poised as if she were greeting guests arriving for a gala. For a moment, Levi could only stare at the scene of her standing on the porch, the white of the house as backdrop. No painter could have come up with a more southern yet perfect portrait.

  “Good morning, Colonel.” Her soft voice washed over him like warm sunshine. Former slave owner or not, she was beautiful.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Ellis.”

  She glanced toward the empty road behind him then back. “I understood the workers would arrive today.”

  Grateful for a solid conversation topic, Levi gave himself a mental shake. “They are. We’ve hired thirty strong men, all eager to earn wages.”

  She smiled. “That is wonderful news. Moses believes the crop is ahead of schedule despite the lack of rain the past few weeks. We had good soaking rains shortly after planting, so the crop is well established. He thinks we should be ready for harvest by the end of July.”

  “That is good to hear. It seems some of the men we’ve hired have families. Admittedly, I did not issue instructions that only unmarried men should be offered jobs. I hope you understand that I had to make a decision regarding the women and children without your approval.”

  She frowned. “I hope you didn’t send them away. We certainly have room in the quarter for them.”

  Pleasantly surprised, he smiled. “I did not send them away. They’ll be arriving shortly with the men. I did stipulate that the women are to be put to work to earn their portion of the provisions the Army will supply. You may, at your discretion, assign them to tasks as you see fit.”

  Her brow rose. “Truly?”

  “Yes, truly,” he said with a grin.

  “My goodness, Colonel. You do come bearing good news today. Harriet and Carolina will be pleased. They are exhausted trying to keep up with everything.”

  While Levi dismounted, he couldn’t help but wonder if Natalie were still playing the part of pampered mistress while the two remaining female servants worked themselves to death. The thought caused a frown to take the place of his grin.

  Moses arrived and came toward him. “Morning, Colonel, suh. I take your hoss on into the barn if you like.”

  Although Levi hadn’t intended to stay, it did seem appropriate that he remain and see that the free men and women were settled in their new living quarters as well as given their assignments of work. He didn’t foresee any problems, but one could never tell what might arise. The situation was all very new to everyone involved.

  “Thank you, Moses.” He handed the big man the reins. “Mrs. Ellis tells me you believe the crop will be ready for harvest earlier than expected. I’d like to discuss this with you when you have time to determine a course of action for the next few weeks.”

  The black man seemed hesitant to reply, glancing at Natalie then back to Levi. “I’s glad to speak with you, suh, if that’s what Miz Natalie wants.”

  “Colonel,” Natalie said, crossing the porch to the railing directly above where he and Moses stood. “I trust you remember this is still my plantation and my cotton crop. I would like to be involved in any discussions regarding such matters.”

  For a moment, Levi stiffened. He didn’t appreciate taking orders from a woman, plantation owner or not.

  Her eyes sought Moses then, and her face softened. “However, Moses is my trusted employee. Whatever he believes best in regards to the crop and the harvest, you may rest assured he speaks for me.”

  A look of pride glistened in Moses’ eyes. He gave Natalie a slight nod, which she returned.

  “Very well,” Levi said, glancing between them. “Perhaps the three of us can sit down and discuss how and when certain things need to happen in order to gain the most profit for Rose Hill.”

  “I would like that.” Natalie smiled, seeming quite pleased.

  Moses took the horse to the barn.

  Glancing down the road, Levi saw no sign of the wagons. He guessed they would arrive within the half hour. What could he do to fill the time?

  “Colonel,” Natalie said, gaining his attention. “Since you will be a frequent visitor here at Rose Hill in the coming weeks, perhaps you would like a brief tour of the grounds.”

  He inclined his head. “I would.” Especially, he grinned, with the lovely mistress as tour guide.

  As she descended the steps, Samuel, Isaac, and Ebenezer rounded the corner of the house.

  “Co’nel!” Samuel said upon spying Levi. “I didn’t know you were here.” The boy hurried to him, all smiles and bright eyes. That the child was happy and healthy despite so much uncertainty and sadness in his young life spoke of his mother’s great care. Whatever disagreement Levi had with Natalie over her treatment of the slaves, even he could see she was doing a good job raising her son.

  “Hello, Samuel.” He looked at Isaac, whose eyes held a touch of fear as he hung back. “Who is your friend?”

  Ebenezer meandered over, begging for a scratch on his head, which Levi willingly offered.

  Samuel turned to the other boy. “That’s Isaac. Me an’ him are going fishin’.” He looked up at Levi, squinting in the morning sunshine. “We have to catch us some dinner on account o’ the war bein’ over and the slaves leaving. Mama says we have to help now. But I like fishin’, so I don’t mind helping.”

  Levi held back a grin. “I’m glad to see you boys are doing your part.” He included Isaac in his gaze. The black child gave a shy grin.

  “Samuel, be sure to stay along the creek where I can see you. And no wading.” When Natalie reached to cup his cheek, Levi noticed a strip of cloth wrapped around the middle of her hand. A quick glance at her other hand found one there too.

  “Yes, Mama.”

  With that, the boys and the dog scampered off. It seemed odd to see the two youngsters of different color, raised as master and slave until recently, enjoy such obvious companionship. What would their lives have been like a decade from now had emancipation not come? Would their friendship have stood even after Isaac was sent to the fields and Samuel assumed his role as head of the plantation? Levi shook his head. The paradoxes of slavery never ceased to amaze him.

  Returning his attention to Natalie, he found her blue gaze on him. A slight flush filled her cheeks at being caught, and she turned away. “Are you ready to begin our tour?”

  “I am.” He fell in step beside her. “When was Rose Hill built?” he asked, hoping to alleviate her embarrassment, although he h
ad to admit to being pleased by the attention.

  “My father-in-law came to Texas in eighteen thirty-six with dreams of building the largest cotton plantation this side of the Mississippi.” She glanced at him as they walked the beautiful grounds in front of the manor. Ancient oaks shaded a large expanse of lawn, and views of the extensive cotton fields were visible in all directions. “While it is large compared to others in the state, he never achieved his dream. Several plantations south of us began as land grants from Mexico. One, I heard, was well over sixty thousand acres.”

  “I can only imagine the number of slaves it took to work a property that size.” Disapproval rang loudly, even to his own ears.

  She stopped and faced him. “I understand your aversion to slavery, but not all of us had the benefit of being raised in the north where slavery is not the custom. The changes will take some getting used to. Surely you can empathize with us as we adjust.”

  “Mrs. Ellis,” he said, fighting to keep his tone tempered. “One should not have to be raised in the north to understand keeping men and women in bondage is wrong. The vileness of owning another human being speaks for itself. Where was this empathy you speak of when eighty slaves were under your ownership?”

  “My, my, Colonel.” She glared at him. “I suppose you Yankees have never done anything wrong. Burning homes and leaving women and children to starve is perfectly acceptable behavior in your opinion, I take it?”

  He stiffened. “There are those who believe such activities were justified. That the South brought it on themselves when they chose to leave the Union in order to protect what they like to refer to as the peculiar institution of slavery.”

  “Justified?” She looked at him as though he’d sprouted horns. “How can someone who preaches freedom and equality for all find justification in the ill and often brutal treatment of others for any reason? If you truly believe in that type of justice, sir, you are as contemptible as any slaveholder.”