As his amusement subsided, he glanced in the direction of the creek. Samuel, Isaac, and the new boy were clustered together, looking into a can that more than likely held worms. They had yet to put their hooks into the water.
Returning his attention to Natalie, he chose his words carefully. “Mrs. Ellis, I understand your concern for your son. Raising the boy without his father can’t be easy. But the truth is, he will grow up one day, probably sooner than you wish. Trust me when I say, you don’t want to raise a boy to become a man who hides behind a woman’s skirt.”
She continued to glare at him, unyielding. But after a long moment, ever so slowly, her rigid posture softened, and her arms fell to her sides.
“Of course I don’t want my son to be that kind of man.” She watched the boys chasing each other, a look of longing in her eyes. “I want Samuel to be strong and confident, but I also want him to have compassion for others.” She turned back to Levi. “I don’t want to lose my son, Colonel. Although Texas was spared the worst of the fighting, the effects of war have changed our lives forever. I pray he never has to experience battle firsthand.”
“That, Mrs. Ellis”—Levi looked into her troubled eyes—“we can agree on.”
She studied him, measuring his words. “Thank you. That means a great deal, coming from a man such as yourself.”
Whether she intended a compliment or criticism, he wasn’t sure. Either way, he understood her fear for her son. He hoped to have children of his own one day when God brought a woman into his life he couldn’t live without. But even though he wasn’t a father yet, he held much the same sentiment as Natalie. After what he’d seen and experienced the past four years, he wouldn’t wish war upon anyone’s children.
He grinned, hoping to lighten the mood. “Am I still forbidden to speak to Samuel without your permission?”
Her pert mouth twitched until she finally lost the battle and smiled. “I suppose my decree was a bit melodramatic.”
“A bit.”
Her eyes held him captive for a time. They were the same color as the summer sky above, bright and full of life, looking up at him with far more vulnerability than he’d seen in her before. If he lost himself in their depths, would he discover a woman vastly different from the one she appeared to be on the surface?
Long lashes fluttered downward under his perusal, and a pink flush filled her pale cheeks. “I’m sure you have many things that need your attention, Colonel. Don’t let me keep you.”
The dismissal served its purpose. He had no intention of discovering the woman’s secrets. Nor did she seem willing to reveal them. At least not to him.
The image of Señor Lopez flashed across his mind’s eye as he strode toward his men. Had the Tejano uncovered the womanly mysteries Levi felt certain were hidden behind those blue eyes?
The unanswered question left him in a foul mood.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“Miz Natalie, you don’t need to tote them buckets to the garden no more. These gals can see to it.”
Natalie had just set her bucket under the nozzle of the pump, dreading the chore ahead, when Harriet approached with two of the new female servants following. Although Corporal Banks had tended her blistered hands, they were still tender. He’d given her a salve for the sores, but still, the flesh beneath the blisters remained red and painful.
Eyeing the three women, Natalie straightened. “I don’t mind helping.”
The two new women glanced at each other, astonished expressions on their faces.
“There be lots’a chores you can he’p with that ain’t so wearing on ya,” Harriet said. “Ruth and Adline here is used to workin’ in them fields. Totin’ water be easy on them.”
Natalie turned to the newcomers. She offered a hesitant smile. “Thank you. I truly appreciate the help.”
The younger woman named Ruth smiled shyly, but Adline’s eyes remained wary.
Leaving her bucket for the women, Natalie followed Harriet to the kitchen wing. Yesterday, after the soldiers had departed, she and Moses and Harriet discussed where to put the women to work. Colonel Maish was adamant that they were not to work in the fields, and she found herself agreeing with him. Slave women may have been forced to labor alongside the men, but free women would be assigned much less strenuous tasks. With Harriet knowing far more about the needs throughout the plantation and house, Natalie put Moses and his wife in charge of the new employees.
Laughter came from the quarter. Natalie glanced in that direction to see Samuel playing with Isaac and several Negro children. One of the new women stood nearby, tending to the youngsters while their parents worked. Natalie recalled how the ancient Mammy cared for the Negro babies up until she passed on to glory a few years ago. “It’s nice to have more children on the plantation again. Things were much too quiet after they all left.”
Harriet nodded. “Ain’t nothing as sweet as the sound of happy chillens.”
Following the woman into the kitchen, Natalie inhaled the aroma of baking bread. She glanced around the neat room. Despite the early hour, everything was in its place. The breakfast dishes were washed and put away, the floor was swept, and errant crumbs had been removed from the table.
Watching the stout woman bustle over to the pantry, Natalie asked, “Is there something I can do to help you in here?” She’d given the idea of learning to cook some serious thought the past few days.
A brief look of alarm swept Harriet’s face before she masked it. “Nothin’ much needs doin’ in here, Miz Natalie.”
Natalie kept her annoyance in check. She could guess why Harriet didn’t want her help. Just that morning, Natalie had accidentally spilled a pot of chicory root coffee when the hot handle burned her blistered hand. She’d reached for a towel
