“The plantation hasn’t seen a profit in nearly four years, yet we survived.” She forced confidence into her demeanor, though doubts and fears threatened to overtake her. “We will get through this. If I have to, I’ll pick the cotton myself.”
His dark eyes surveyed every inch of her face. “You amaze me, Señora. When I rode into the yard, I thought I would finda helpless widow weak with worry, but instead I find a beautiful woman full of fire and determination. Such a woman is worthy of admiration.”
The intensity of his gaze made Natalie uncomfortable. She looked away. “Thank you, but it isn’t as though I have much choice.”
He moved to the seat next to hers. “Ah, but you do.” When she met his gaze again, he reached to take her hand in his. “I had hoped we would have time to properly court, but it appears I cannot delay in discussing a matter of great importance with you.”
Natalie’s eyes widened. Surely he didn’t mean to propose! She must stop him before they were both embarrassed. Marriage was the last thing on her mind. “Señor Lopez, I—”
Whatever she hoped to convey to him was lost in Ebenezer’s barking. The dog rounded the corner of the house, but instead of charging toward Alexander, he passed in front of them and headed straight for the open gate, which usually meant visitors were coming. Curious, Natalie stood, causing Alexander to release her hand. He rose as well. A moment later, two riders came up the lane, Ebenezer yapping at the horses’ legs.
The men’s blue uniforms were unmistakable.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Disappointment washed over Levi when he spotted Natalie on the front porch of the plantation house with a well-dressed man by her side. Although he reminded himself it wasn’t any of his business whom she entertained, he hadn’t counted on finding her with a man, certainly not one scowling at them like the stranger was right now. Levi brushed his fingers across the holster on his hip, making certain his revolver was at the ready. Southern sympathizers were known to create trouble from time to time.
“Colonel Maish,” Natalie said, her face flushed beneath a wide-brimmed hat. “I hope you come bearing good news.”
She looked slightly disheveled, a first since he’d met her. Was that dirt smudged on her cheek?
“Ma’am.” He nodded a greeting. “I do have a matter to discuss with you.” His glance shifted to the dark-haired man. “In private.” The man’s scowl deepened.
Natalie looked between the two men. “Colonel, may I introduce Señor Alexander Lopez. Señor Lopez, this is Colonel Maish. The colonel and his men brought the proclamation regarding the slaves’ freedom.”
Lopez regarded Levi a long moment before inclining his head ever so slightly. “Colonel.”
Levi returned the gesture, wondering who this man was and what he meant to Natalie.
Barking at his heel drew his attention away. When he looked down, he found the rust-colored dog—Ebenezer, of all names— carrying on like Levi was a squirrel he’d just treed.
“Sit,” he commanded. The dog quieted and plunked his back end on the ground, his tail stirring up a cloud of dust. Levi smiled. “Good boy.” The cloud grew bigger.
When he turned back to Natalie, her face registered surprise while the scowl of Señor Lopez had grown darker. Levi disregarded the man. “As I said, Mrs. Ellis, there is a matter I must discuss with you.”
She glanced at Lopez. “I really must speak with the colonel. He and his men are encamped at Langford Manor”—she shot Levi a little frown—“although I hope it won’t be for much longer.”
A look of pure shock flashed across Lopez’s face. “Union troops are camped nearby?” He looked at Levi, then Banks, his eyes filled with what Levi could only describe as alarm, making Levi all the more wary of the stranger.
“Yes.” Natalie appeared startled by his reaction. “Is something wrong?”
Lopez stared at her. “Why would you allow them to camp on your property?”
His hard tone didn’t sit well with Levi. He may not feel any sympathy for Natalie’s predicament, but she was still a lady and deserved to be spoken to with respect.
Ebenezer let out a low growl. Apparently, the dog agreed.
“Sir,” Levi said, gaining Lopez’s attention. “Mrs. Ellis had no choice in the matter. However, as this is between her and the Union Army, I would ask that you take your leave.”
Lopez obviously did not appreciate the request. “I will not leave her alone with two strange men.” He faced her. “Natalie, I do not believe you should meet with these men without a proper chaperone and someone to protect your interests.”
His use of her given name told Levi more than he wanted to know.
“I appreciate your concern,” she said, her tone kind yet firm. “But I am the mistress of Rose Hill. You will find no one more determined to protect the interests of the plantation than me.”
“What about your safety?” Lopez tossed a scowl at Levi. “You don’t know these men. They were your enemies until recently.”
Levi didn’t like the man’s insinuation. “You may rest assured, sir, the lady is perfectly safe.” When Natalie glanced at him, he added, “If you wish, your servant can attend the meeting.”
“That won’t be necessary.” When Lopez made to protest, she interrupted. “Thank you for coming to see about me. I’m afraid, though, that we will have to continue with our visit another day.”
Frustration flashed across Lopez’s face before the man finally yielded. “As you wish, Señora,” he said, taking her hand in his. “But I must insist on returning soon to see for myself you are well.” He kissed her knuckles.
“I will look forward to it.” She withdrew her hand and stepped away.
Without a glance or word to Levi and Banks, the man descended the steps and strode to his mount tied nearby. Levi noted the horse was one of the finest animals he’d ever seen. The midnight-black beast must possess the bloodline of a Texas thoroughbred. Watching Lopez ride off on
