“I believe it was forty-two, sir. I was eleven years old.” An easy smile lifted the corner of his mouth. “Pa was called to Austin, even though he was no longer a congressman. Wasn’t that when Sam Houston feared a Mexican invasion and had the government documents moved from the capitol?”
Papa laughed. “Ol’ Sam wanted to move them all right, but the folks down in Austin wouldn’t have it. They worried he would declare Houston the capitol if the archives reached that city, so they put up a resistance and eventually won. I tried to stay out of the whole affair, but your father wanted the Austin folks to know he stood with them.”
“I had tagged along to keep him company. We stopped for the night at Rose Hill.” Seth turned his smile to Adella, warming her to her bare toes. “So you see, Miss Ellis, we have indeed had the pleasure of meeting prior to today.” His eyes boldly roamed her face. “I must say, though, you have certainly changed since that long-ago day.”
Rendered speechless, her insides quivered as a sudden thought burst into her consciousness. Had Papa brought Seth Brantley home as a possible suitor? He was dressed more like a cowboy than a gentleman farmer—perhaps he took a more active role in running his plantation than Papa. While the men conversed, a warm flush filled her cheeks at the thought of being courted by the handsome man. Admittedly, she found the idea rather appealing.
“We will keep the new stock in the barn tonight,” Papa was saying to Seth, motioning down the hill from the main house toward several large structures. “Monroe can find room for them in the quarter tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir.” Seth donned his hat, politely nodding to Adella before he made his way back down the steps to confer with Old Joseph.
Confusion swirled through Adella’s mind. “Papa.” She trailed him as he made his way into the house, the crinoline beneath her full skirt swishing against her legs in her haste. One last look toward the yard revealed Seth mounting his horse to follow the wagon to the barn. “Why is your guest tending to the slaves? Shouldn’t we invite him in for refreshments after your long journey?”
Servants who’d gathered to welcome home their master scurried away like mice after the cat awoke from its nap.
“Brantley is not my guest, Adella Rose.” Papa chuckled as though her question was the silliest thing he’d heard all day. He handed his wide-brimmed hat to Anderson, his waiting manservant, and then faced Adella.
“Seth Brantley is the new overseer of Rose Hill.”
To continue reading this book click here.
