Raised to be a gracious hostess, Janet tried. She discussed the weather, the latest news from the war and their newly hatched plan to stock pile some food.
Jack and Ian made little contribution, so Diamond mentioned she’d stopped by the Gazette and planned to submit articles to them.
“For what purpose?” Ian asked.
“I’ve previously worked as a journalist.”
“Bah, women have no place in the news business. Now that you’re married, you will behave properly.”
“I see nothing improper in writing for the paper. There are other women working there.”
“Only because they can’t hire enough men,” Jack said.
“Perhaps, but women are just as capable of writing as men.”
“You will do nothing to embarrass the family,” Ian said.
“Fine. I’ll write under a pseudonym.”
Her father-in-law’s bushy white eyebrows drew together. “And they will pay you for this?”
“A small fee for every story they accept.”
“Ha. More fool them. Keep our name out of it and I’m not opposed to you earning a little pin money.”
Good, because I’m not asking for your permission. Guessing this would be one of those times Jesse would want her to back down, she bent her head to her food.
“Janet made a good point earlier today. She and Finn may be our only remaining connection to the North. I’ll contact him and ask him to reconsider an upfront dowry.”
“I should be the one to write him,” Janet protested.
“Write him a love letter, but I will handle the business angle.”
“What about me?” Jack asked.
“Sign with a proper regiment and I won’t change my will.”
“I can do far more good for our cause working outside the system.” Jack leaned forward to refill his plate. “Jesse’s done nothing but retreat from one place to another. I’ve picked off Yankee soldiers before they even knew they weren’t alone and settled scores with Union sympathizers.” He met his father’s gaze without flinching. “I’ll not fight for a regular unit again.”
“Then you won’t come home until the war is over. You will continue as one of my heirs, but I won’t support you. If you choose this dangerous course, you will travel it without backup.”
Jack slammed his fist onto the table. “Guerrilla forces rely on local support for survival. It’s rare for us to range this far from the border, but there might come a time when I need to hole up here.”
“I can’t afford to be connected to Quantrill or his like. Some day they may be held accountable for their actions—and you with them.”
“I’m not ashamed of anything I’ve done.”
“Then you’ve made your choice.” Ian pushed back his chair. “I’ve got important business elsewhere. Jack, I expect you to be gone by the time I’m home.”
“You claim to do everything for family and then turn your back on your own son.”
“Just go, Jack,” Janet said.
“Oh, I’m going, but you’re making a mistake, relying on strangers. Real Southerners will never accept Finn and you may never get your hands on Diamond’s dowry.”
“Push me another inch and I’ll cut you off without a penny.”
Ian’s face had grown so red Diamond feared he might have a stroke. Jack looked equally angry as he crumpled his napkin and dropped it on the table. His chair squealed as he pushed it back. “Talk to the other exiled members of the legislature and I’m sure they will agree. Men like Quantrill and the James brothers are the best shot you have of getting back into power. The Confederate Army has abandoned Missouri.”
“A temporary setback,” Ian said.
Jack smirked. “We will see. But don’t worry. Not all doors in Little Rock are closed to me.”
* * *
Jesse regretted the loss of the river when the army moved on. The sweltering heat of summer made long marches torture and sleeping difficult. Cholera had struck some forts but had not yet reached Jesse’s division. He would never have thought he would miss any water-related activity, but he and his men wilted without relief from the heat.
Coming back from patrol duty, he stopped at the supply tent and found he had a letter from Diamond. Cole punched him in the arm.
“Letter from the missus? Guess you’ll want some privacy to read it, but be sure to tell me any news of your sister, my folks, or any of the people back home.”
“Diamond and Janet are still in Little Rock with my father so I don’t think she will know anything about your family. She will probably mention Janet, but as I’ve told you before, don’t get your hopes up. Janet is determined to marry Finn” He didn’t mind Cole teasing him about his “missus,” but hoped Cole was also joking about his feelings for Janet. Even if Janet didn’t end up marrying Finn, he suspected she would never see Cole as anything but her little brother’s annoying friend.
As soon as he reached his tent, he stripped down to his shirt and trousers and unfolded the letter.
Dear Jesse,
Your brother has come for a visit, so I have now met your entire family. My presence surprised him since he hadn’t heard we were married.
A few days ago, conversation at our weekly Ladies Association meeting centered on the recent defeat of some bushwhackers by the Union Army. Opinion was mixed, but most of the women appear to support the outlaws. Janet and I returned the following day to speak to Amy. She had some suspicions which I can’t relate here.
I thought her concerns unwarranted, but she knows your brother far better than I do. Your father is furious.
Ian threatened to disown your brother, but after consideration, has only barred him from any contact with the family. Jack left, but under protest.
Janet then pressured your father to support her marriage to Finn. She suggested part of my dowry be used to finance hers, which I oppose. I told them I have equal control over the funds, but Ian may contact you asking for your support. Please make it clear you will do nothing to jeopardize my security. I don’t want to stand in the way of Janet’s happiness,
