by Ginny Dye
Carrie was laughing when she leaped from the wagon to embrace Rose. “I missed you so much!”
“Oh, I missed you too.” Rose smiled up at Robert. “Welcome back,” she said. “Thank you for bringing my best friend home.”
There was a wild flurry of welcome, and then everyone sprang into action to carry things in from the wagon.
Carrie smiled with contentment when she finally settled down in one of the rocking chairs with a cool drink in her hand. She gazed around at all her friends. “I love going away, but I think coming home is always the best.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Carrie smiled when she walked out on the porch to find frost glistening on the pastures, each blade of grass sparkling like a diamond under the early morning sun. The almost bare limbs of the trees created gray sculptures that seemed to be posing, showing off their splendor now that the leaves had drifted to the ground to lay at the base of their trunks. Granite lifted his head and snorted at her before he lowered it again to continue grazing. Carrie sighed with contentment.
Moses stepped out beside her, a hot cup of coffee nestled in his huge hands. “Indian summer has officially ended,” he commented as he took a sip.
“But not before you got the tobacco harvested,” Carrie said gladly. “I do believe I’m ready for some cold weather. I can hardly believe it’s November. Life always seems to slow down when summer is over. I’m ready for a change of pace.”
Moses chuckled. “Don’t tell the men that. I’ve given them a list of work to be done that will keep them busy the entire winter. There is so much to do to be ready for next year. Now that we’re not spending every minute in the fields, we can finally get to all the needed repairs.”
Carrie nodded. “I know the women are busy canning and putting food away. The long fall produced a huge bounty within the gardens, as well. I was down at the cabins yesterday. Everyone seems to be happy.”
“They’re happy,” Moses replied with deep satisfaction. “I can remember all the nights I spent with my men around the fires last winter during the siege at Petersburg. We spent hours talking about what our life would be like in a year.” He chuckled. “”Even in their wildest dreams, the men couldn’t imagine their life now.”
Carrie smiled. “Father said the oat and wheat sold for a good price. He already has a buyer for the tobacco.”
“The profit margin was good,” Moses agreed, his eyes lighting with pleasure. “I wish you could have seen the men’s faces when I gave each of them their share. Just getting paid every month was something they had never experienced. Actually receiving a percentage of what they worked so hard to produce was almost more than they could believe.”
“How do you think they’ll spend it?” Carrie asked.
Moses looked at her. “They’re not,” he said simply. “I’ve been teaching them everything your father has taught me. He sends me books every week.”
“I see you up late in the office every night studying,” Carrie commented.
“I want to learn everything I can. When Thomas said he would mentor me, I didn’t fully realize what that meant. I do now. I realize your father is giving me a tremendous gift. I don’t want to waste it. Sometimes my brain feels like it will explode, but I can’t ever seem to get enough.” He took another sip of coffee. “The men are all saving their money so that someday they can have places of their own,” he said gravely. “All of them have that dream.”
“Of course they do,” Carrie responded. “I think every human being dreams of owning something for themselves.” She gazed up at Moses. “I imagine that includes you,” she said quietly.
“I’m half-owner of Cromwell,” Moses replied, not quite meeting her eyes.
“Yes, but it’s not something you can pass on to John, and you’re not free to sell it. I believe it’s more accurate to say you own half the profits.”
Moses looked at her sharply but saw nothing except understanding. “Have you and Rose been talking?”
“Don’t we always?” Carrie asked calmly. “But, no, Rose and I have not talked about this. I just see the restlessness in your eyes sometimes. Or at least I think I do.” She paused. “Am I right?”
Moses met her eyes. “I reckon you are, but it’s not something I intend to do anything about for a while. I don’t even know that I’m supposed to do anything. I’m happy here. Rose is going to have another child in two months. The plantation is doing well, and I’m learning so much.”
“I know,” Carrie replied, holding his gaze. “I mostly just want you to know that I realize things may not always remain the same. There are going to be changes for all of us. Sometimes I wish all of us could be satisfied to just remain on the plantation, but I don’t think any of us are like that.”
Moses narrowed his eyes. “You’re restless too.”
Carrie smiled slightly. “I know I should say I’m not. The clinic is doing well. We’re seeing more people every day. I treated seven veterans yesterday, but I also saw ten members of the black families. I’m doing what I love to do, but…”
“It’s not enough because you still want to be a doctor.”
Carrie saw no reason to hide the truth from Moses. He could see into her heart almost as well as Rose. “That’s true.” She frowned. “I also feel guilty because I want to go to medical school. Who will take care of these families if I leave? What will happen to them?”
Moses didn’t pretend he had an answer. He just reached down to squeeze her hand. “You’ll know,” was all he said.
Carrie sighed, realizing his simple statement was the truth.
******
Robert was heading out to the barn after finishing up some paperwork in the house when he heard the sound of hoofbeats coming down the drive. His eyes narrowed when he identified the rider. He turned to the barn just in time to see Clint emerge with Eclipse for his morning workout. Without saying a word, he waved Clint back into the barn. He saw Clint peer down the road before quickly turning and disappearing again.
Robert took a deep breath and waited until the rider pulled up to the bottom of the porch.
“Hello, Robert.”
“Clifford,” Robert said evenly.
“You’re looking well,” Clifford said, his eyes shifting nervously as he gazed around the plantation. “I’m glad you’re better.”
Robert just looked at him. “What are you doing here, Clifford?”
A red flush crawled up Clifford’s neck as his eyes sparkled with anger. “I came to get my wife,” he said flatly, no longer making a pretense at civility.
“What makes you think she’s here? I can imagine a lot of places a wife could go when she no longer wanted to be abused and beaten by her husband.”
“I don’t know what that little idiot has been telling you…” Clifford began.
Robert stiffened and held up his hand. “Janie is one of the finest women I know,” he said firmly. “You will not talk about her that way.”
“She’s my wife,” Clifford retorted bitterly. “I’ll talk about her anyway I choose.”
Robert looked at him carefully. “I take it you got the divorce papers.”
Clifford snorted. “Total nonsense. I’ve come to take Janie back to North Carolina.”
Robert remained silent again, just staring at Clifford as he struggled to maintain control.
“Divorce is not an option,” Clifford said angrily. “Our laws protect marriage as a sacred institution.”
This time it was Robert that snorted. “Which seems to be considerably more than how you view it,” he said caustically.
“Janie has been filling your head with nonsense,” Clifford shot back. “I have never beaten her.”
“I suppose the bruises and welts on her face appeared magically,” Robert said, his anger growing as he envisioned Janie’s face the day she had arrived.
Clifford shrugged. “Sometimes it is necessary to remind a woman of her place.”
“And sometimes it is necessary for a marriage to end in
divorce. I believe this is one of those times.”
“There are laws to protect marriage,” Clifford said haughtily, his eyes narrowing with hatred.
“Let’s see,” Robert mused, well versed in the laws since he had gone to Richmond to handle Janie’s divorce two weeks earlier. “Divorce is a much easier process since the end of the war. It seems there are many unhappy couples, so the courts have eased up on their restrictions. If you live in South Carolina you’re out of luck because they refuse to allow divorce under any circumstances. If you marry in North Carolina, and you happen to be the guilty party, you’re forbidden to remarry during the lifetime of the innocent party.” He smiled slightly. “That could make things rather uncomfortable for you.”
“Why you—”
“Of course,” Robert continued calmly, “I suppose it’s good for you that you married in Virginia, and it’s also good that divorces are much easier to obtain now.” He paused. “You being a lawyer, I’m sure you know that.”
“The courts acknowledge the right of a husband to treat their wife any way they want to,” Clifford said, fury shining in his eyes as he struggled to maintain his dignity.
“They certainly used to,” Robert agreed, “and I’m aware there are judges who hold that view in every state. It’s rather pitiful how women are allowed to be treated in some courts.” He gazed at Clifford. “It’s a good thing for Janie that the judge in Richmond actually has a brain. It seems he agreed she didn’t have to continue to be abused.” He relaxed, discovering he was actually enjoying himself as Clifford grew more panicked.
Robert moved onto a lower step to put himself at eye-level with Clifford. “I suggest you sign the papers you have in your pocket and be done with it. No one wants you here, Clifford. Janie doesn’t. I don’t. Carrie doesn’t. In fact, I can’t think of anyone who does.”
Clifford sniffed. “Carrie has told me I’ll always be welcome.”
Robert clenched his fist as he battled the urge to knock the sneer off Clifford’s face. “That was before you abused and beat the woman she loves like a sister. Any welcome you had on any Cromwell property has long disappeared.” He took a deep breath. “It’s time for you to leave, Clifford. You can sign the papers now, or I’ll have my attorney come to Raleigh to take care of it.”
Clifford looked at him carefully and swung from his horse. “I’m not leaving without Janie.”
Robert stepped off the porch. “You’re leaving,” he said quietly.
Clifford snarled and tensed. “I don’t know who you think you are, Borden!”
“I think I’m someone who knows Janie is far too good for the likes of you,” Robert responded, holding himself in check while waiting for the moment he knew was coming. He smiled when Clifford drew his fist back. He was hoping for a chance to dish out some of what Clifford had dished out on Janie. Before Clifford could even throw a punch, Robert’s fist slammed into his face. He quickly followed it with two more blows, the stomach punch doubling Clifford over as he gasped for breath.
Robert stared down at him. “Beating a woman does not make you a fighter,” he said coldly. “Now, I’ve asked you to leave, and I’ve told you to leave. If you don’t want more of the same, you will get on that horse and ride out of here now.”
“You won’t get away with this,” Clifford growled, struggling to catch his breath.
“If you ever step foot on Cromwell Plantation again,” Robert said sternly, “you’ll get much more than I’ve given you today.” For just a moment, pity mixed with the anger, causing him to shake his head. Janie had loved this man at one time. “Why, Clifford? Janie is an amazing woman who would have been a wonderful wife. Were you always like this, or did the war do this to you?”
Clifford glared at him before he stood straight, gathered his reins, and slowly remounted his horse, desperately trying to hold on to any dignity he had left. “What do you know, Borden? You and your nigger loving wife!”
Robert stiffened, his eyes blazing with anger. “Get off this plantation, Clifford. Don’t ever return or you will be sorry.” His heart pounded as he fought to retain control. All he really wanted to do was haul Clifford from the saddle and beat him to a pulp. He took a step forward and reached for the reins.
Clifford’s face whitened as he realized he had gone too far. He snarled before he turned and galloped off.
Robert took several deep breaths and then turned toward the barn. If Clifford went by the school, Janie would be in danger. He started to run, hoping that by cutting through the woods he could reach the school and clinic before Clifford.
Clint rode up just then, skidding to a stop.
Robert gasped with relief. “Give me your horse,” he said sharply.
“It’s okay, Robert,” Clint said easily. “I rode to the clinic. Carrie and Janie are on their way home now. Through the woods,” he added. “I told them to stay off the road.”
Robert sagged with relief. “How did you know?”
Clint shrugged. “I figured that man had to be the one who beat Janie. Did you give it to him good? I wanted to wait around for the show, but I decided you would want me to go get Carrie and Janie so he couldn’t find them.”
Robert grinned and thumped him on the shoulder. “Thank you,” he said fervently. “And yes, I gave it to him good.”
Carrie and Janie emerged from the woods behind the barn, their faces set and anxious. They both looked relieved when they saw Robert talking to Clint.
“Robert!” Carrie cried. “What happened?”
Now that he was sure Carrie and Janie were safe, Robert began to relax. “Clifford was here,” he said sternly.
Janie gasped, looking around fearfully.
“He’s gone,” Robert said firmly. He answered the question in Janie’s eyes. “He got the divorce papers and didn’t take kindly to them. He seemed to think he could convince you to go home with him.”
“Robert gave it to him good!” Clint exclaimed.
Annie was hurrying across the yard to where they were standing. “He certainly did,” she called proudly, her black eyes shining. “I don’t believe that coward of a man will be back here again.” She smiled at Robert. “Where’d you learn how to fight like that, Mr. Robert?”
Robert flushed. “I had boxing classes in college,” he admitted. He smiled as he remembered the look on Clifford’s face. “Let’s just say people will know he was in a fight that he lost.”
Carrie giggled. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to see it,” she said.
“Carrie Borden!” Janie gasped, but she couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped. “You gave it to him good?” she asked hopefully.
Robert nodded. “I’ll send my attorney to Raleigh next week. I’m certain he’ll return with signed papers. If nothing else, Clifford knows you have friends who are going to make sure he never touches you again.” He shook his head. “He fights like a girl,” he said contemptuously.
Laughter erupted from everyone as the tension disappeared.
When the laughter died away, Janie looked at all of them, a bright sheen of tears in her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I felt alone every single moment I was in Raleigh. It’s so wonderful to be with friends who care so much.”
******
Carrie watched Robert as she got ready for bed later that evening. “You’re worried about something,” she finally said, putting her brush down and turning to him.
Robert walked over and lifted the gleaming hair from her shoulders, burying his face in it for a long moment. “So very beautiful,” he said softly before he lifted his eyes and met hers squarely. “I’m worried about Clifford,” he admitted.
“I thought you told us he wouldn’t be back,” Carrie said, her heart quickening.
“I didn’t want to scare Janie,” he admitted. “Clifford is a dangerous man. Alone, he is nothing but a coward, but he’s also a man who thrives off power. Janie leaving him is a threat to his power. I’m concerned about what he will do to retain his reputation. If he has
his eye on a political office it won’t look good that his wife left him.”
“So he would force her to come back for appearance sake?” Carrie demanded angrily. “We won’t let it happen!”
“No, we won’t,” Robert agreed instantly. “It would be helpful if Clifford couldn’t find her at all. I believe he’ll sign the divorce papers, but I want Janie out of his reach.”
“How?” Carrie asked quietly.
Robert put his hands on her shoulders. “I think it’s time for you to go to Philadelphia to check out the medical college,” he said quietly. “Take Janie with you.”
Carrie stared at him. “Go to Philadelphia? Now?” She tried to analyze the feelings tumbling through her heart. Part of her pulsed with excitement, but there was just as big a part that was totally resistant. “Robert, I…” She shook her head slowly. “It’s not time.”
“I hope not,” Robert replied, “because I will admit I don’t want you to go yet, but I think it best if Janie leaves for a while and I can’t think of another way to make it happen.”
“Without her knowing she is in danger.” Carrie finished the words he didn’t say, her throat tightening as she remembered the bruises and welts on Janie’s face and the terror in her eyes when she first arrived.
“Yes,” Robert said heavily. “I’m afraid I wasn’t quite truthful with Clifford. I convinced him the Richmond judge was in favor of Janie’s divorce request, but I don’t know that for certain. Because so many women are requesting divorces now that the war has ended, he agreed to the petition, but I’m not sure what he will do if Clifford presses it.” He sighed. “The truth is that divorce law is left up to every state to interpret. From what I have learned, each judge basically has the freedom to decide how they want. I’ve read cases of judges sending women back who have been more horribly abused than Janie.” He scowled. “I won’t let that happen to her.”
“Of course we won’t!” Carrie cried, fury raging in her heart at Clifford. “Why won’t he just leave her alone?”