“You have spunk, my dear. I like that. As to our riches, slaves are only part of the equation. We are traders and international merchants. No, I think you won’t find another.”
“No, that is a given.” Somehow now, he sounded different. She didn’t like it. “And nothing for me? I’d be a wife in name, nothing more?”
He flipped to his side, facing her as he nudged her to her back, his eyes again dark and determined, his face carved in fierceness.
“I want to marry you because I love you. I have stated that repeatedly. I’m willing to throw myself, to beg for your mercy just so I can have the right to do this for the rest of my life.” He held her hands above her head and kissed her like a drowning man.
It was intense, the heat rising again. He pulled back and stared into her eyes, the plea for an answer all over his face.
How did she feel? Could she love him? A southerner, a man who stood for everything she fought against? As she stared into his gaze, her heart answered for her.
“Yes.”
Chapter 41
“The campaign is the severest one ever endured by any army in the world.”
—Officer of the 139th Pennsylvania reported
Battle of the Wilderness 1864
“And look! We are here!”
Ada glanced up from the saddle. She’d spent the better half of the day for the last two trying to find a way to feel comfortable. Inwardly, she wasn’t the least unhappy about it. Ever since she’d agreed to marry him, a huge weight that had hunkered over on her, keeping her confined and miserable, was lifted and she found happiness. Perhaps love. That part scared her, especially since she had thought she loved Richard, only to discover what a scoundrel he was.
But Francois had been playful, seductive and made her feel joyful. And the last two nights, he’d made mad passionate love to her, the type that had sent her to the heavens and back. She sighed softly as warmth, more than the heat of the sun, embraced her. As to her seat, though…Not only was she not used to horseback riding this far, her body was sore all over, and, she finally admitted to herself, the worst was her thighs and seat thanks to Francois.
Traveling like this, though, was killing her neck. Sleeping on the grown was not comfortable. Finally, he had wadded up his uniform jacket and let her use it as a pillow while he’d insisted he was used to the ground as a mattress. He’d fallen asleep so easily and she would’ve too, except for the annoying hard thing that jabbed her ear. Finally, she gave up and wheedled her fingers to find the source, discovering a miniature portrait of a beautiful lady. Her stomach fell. Who was she? Her heart lurched. While he’d pounded how awful Richard was, then made love to her, wanting her to marry him and now this? Who was she???? Needless to say, she didn’t sleep well.
“All I see is a river and land,” she grumbled, again adjusting her seat.
He laughed and steered his horse back to her. “Still sore?”
“Of course not.”
“You, my dear, are a miserable liar. I assure you, it will improve,” he claimed, siding his horse up next to hers and leaning over to give her a kiss. “Think of it as a glorious way to become so unsettled.”
She glared at him but the kiss managed to bury her worry about the portrait and to bring her a feeling she was slowly becoming accustomed to—happiness. It made her spine tingle and her nipples ripple, as if he was licking them. Richard had never had this prolonged an effect on her. Of course, Francois could be lying to her too.
“You, my dear secesh, may be correct, but I’ll be happier tending patients than treating myself,” she stated, searching for a neutral ground.
He leaned closer, to the point his breath warmed her neckline. “I’d be more than happy to take care of you.”
She blushed, she was sure, and sat up straight, the pull on the reins grabbing her mount’s attention. “I’m sure you would. Now, tell me, how do we cross this to get to your home?”
“This way.” He motioned his horse and she followed down the slope to a cabin. With a quick dismount, he grabbed his cane and went to the door, battering on the wooden plank. “Charlie! Charlie Bloom! You best be home, boy!”
The door opened and an older black man peeked out. “Mista Francis?”
“Oui!”
Charlie whooped and hollered along with Francois. Ada watched, her mind spinning. The elder man, a former slave she bet, greeted Francois like they were old friends. It was warm and the smiles appeared genuine, but it was the last thing she expected. Her abolitionist nature had the hairs on her neck bristling.
“You still got that old ferry?” Francois asked, not even paying attention to her.
“Why, now, Mista Francis, you come banging at my door, then not introduce me to the missus?”
Ada blushed, pushing a loose hair back behind her ear. Francois laughed.
“The future missus, old man! Miss Ada, meet Charlie, one of the best ferrymen in the parish!” He gave her a wink. “Charlie, Miss Ada is a doctor, so be mindful.”
Charlie walked up to her, took his hat off his head. “Right nice to meet you, ma’am. Charlie Bloom, at your service.” He bowed.
“Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Bloom.”
He stood, smiling wide. “Now, don’t be letting Mista Francis let you think he’s all in charge. He thinks he’s the man, and he is, but don’t let him badger you none.”
“Charlie!” Francois shouted.
“I won’t. Thank you.” She liked the old man.
“I take it, you be heading home, sir?”
“Oui. Can you get us across without raising no ruckus with them Yankees?”
Charlie shoved his hat on his head and started toward the
