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
