“The bachelor’s quarters it is then,” the colonel said, an amused look in his eye. “I have six men who will rotate in and out as needed over the coming weeks. They’ll see to their own meals, assuming there is a fireplace or stove they can utilize.”
“There is,” Natalie said, secretly wishing he would join his men in the guest house. Even with their disagreements over slavery, his presence brought a calmness that permeated the air around him. His men seemed fond of him, showing him a level of respect she sensed had been earned as opposed to the sort simply given because of his rank. Even Moses, who’d grown decidedly guarded toward strangers once the war had begun, had warmed up to the colonel.
Corporal Banks issued orders to the new men to unload the wagons while Colonel Maish had Carolina take the women and children to the quarter to get settled. Everyone bustled about except Natalie, who felt rather useless in spite of being the mistress of the plantation.
Samuel—drawn by the noise, no doubt—ran to the yard from the creek, the lower portion of his pant legs damp despite her instructions not to go wading. Fearing her son would be in the way and might get hurt, she was about to call to him when Colonel Maish knelt beside the boy. A conversation ensued, although she couldn’t make out their words with all the clattering of boxes and barrels and the calls of the workers. A moment later, the colonel stood, put his hand on Samuel’s shoulder, and walked the boy toward her.
“Mama,” Samuel hollered. He broke free of the colonel and ran the short distance. “So’diers gonna live in the bach’lor house. They got lots of food.”
Natalie smiled at her son. “Yes, they do, but they’ll share it with the new workers.”
“I’m gonna be a so’dier like my papa when I get big.”
Her eyes shot wide at the startling announcement. Samuel had never said such a thing before. She glanced at Colonel Maish, who watched as though waiting for her response. Had he said something to her son to put this idea in his head?
“I’m sure you don’t need to decide just now what to be when you grow up,” she said, forcing a smile. The thought of her son perishing in battle like his father sent a tremor of terror through her. “Being a soldier requires a great deal of hard work. You wouldn’t have time to go fishing or play with your friends. It isn’t much fun being a soldier.”
Samuel seemed to contemplate her pronouncement then looked up to Colonel Maish. “Co’nel, do you think so’diering is fun?”
The colonel glanced to Natalie momentarily, then returned his attention to Samuel.
“I wouldn’t say soldiering is fun.” He knelt on one knee to get eye level with the boy. “But if that is what you want to do, it is a noble occupation.” He reached out to chuck Samuel under the chin. “Your mama is right, though. You have lots of time to decide what you want to be.”
Samuel grinned at the colonel. “I a’ready decided. I’m gonna be a sol’dier, like you and my papa.” With that, he ran off, headed back to the creek where Isaac and another Negro boy played on the bank. Their fishing poles were nowhere in sight.
When Colonel Maish stood, she glared at him. “I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t encourage Samuel with this silly idea of his. I realize he’s far too young to truly consider joining the army someday, but suffice it to say I would rather he didn’t even speak on such things, lest it take root in his mind.”
“Mrs. Ellis.” His words and expression conveyed surprise. “Joining the army is not a silly idea. I was not much older than Samuel when I knew I wanted to be a soldier.” Giving her a thoughtful look, he added, “I would think you’d be proud your son wants to follow in his father’s footsteps. While it is regrettable he fought for the wrong side and lost his life, I’m sure he believed it his duty to serve. There is nothing shameful in that.”
His answer didn’t please her. Not in the least. She didn’t wish her son to ever believe it his duty to put on a uniform and leave his family, never knowing if he would see them again. That was not the life she desired for Samuel, and she would do everything in her power to see that he stayed safe, preferably right here on Rose Hill lands. Clearly, she needed to establish boundaries where her son was concerned while the soldiers were in residence.
“Colonel, once again we find ourselves in disagreement.” Glancing toward the bachelor’s quarters, where several uniformed men stood on the porch, she knew she had to be firm. Returning her attention to the colonel, she squared her shoulders. “While you and your men administer my agreement with the Union Army, I forbid you speak to my son without my permission. Is that understood?”
Levi leveled a stare at the widow. Was she a mite touched in the head? Her ridiculous edict would make it seem so.
The chuckle started deep in his gut. It rumbled in his chest, moved upward to his throat until, finally, his shoulders shook as laughter burst from his lips. When her face mottled with outrage, he laughed all the more.
“I do not see what is so funny, Colonel.” She crossed her arms, a storm gathering behind her blue eyes.
“You are,” he said, chortling. “You forbid me to speak with a four-year-old boy?” She scowled while he continued to chuckle. He had the strongest desire to grab her in a fierce embrace and kiss that pout right off her lovely face. Sobering, he pushed the foolish thought away. Kissing her was as ill-advised as trying to explain a man’s call to soldiering.
“I am perfectly serious about this. I don’t want you or your men speaking to him about the army
