Desperate (Harris Trilogy Book One) (19 page)

“I cut my hair, dressed as a boy, and joined the infantry.” It took a lot of effort on Kate’s part not to laugh. Her grandfather looked as if he would faint.

He sputtered, “I don’t believe a word of it.”

She chuckled, “I swear, Grandfather. It is the truth. David Harris was my captain and discovered my gender. That is why he sent me to his parents’ home. I convinced him not to send me back home.” She refrained from telling how he discovered her gender. There was no reason to shock him further. Some things were meant to keep secret.

“I don’t understand.
Why did you have to leave your home?”  

“M
y neighbor, Bob Lewis, is why. He tried to force me to marry him. I had to leave in a hurry because I detest him. He is a very powerful man with enough money to get anything he wants. He was determined to have me.” Just saying Bob’s name caused her to shudder. Truth be told, she hated him with all her being. “A life with him would be a sorry life indeed.”

“I hate I c
ouldn’t be there for you, Kate. I feel terrible because you had no one else to turn too. Surely, there must have been neighbors to help you?”

“I couldn
’t risk asking anyone for help. Mr. Lewis would have harmed anyone who tried to help me.”

Patting her hand, he
replied, “Kate, I wish you had come to me under other circumstances. The thought of you being forced away from your home by such an evil man is infuriating. You must have been so scared. You’re safe now. No one will ever harm you again. I am so proud of your courage and will to survive. You’ve got some grit.”

“Thank you, Grandfather.”
In that moment, Kate felt safe and loved. With the protection of her grandfather, Bob Lewis could never harm her again.

Maybe she would find happiness
living at her grandfather’s home. The house staff were well organized and kept the rooms immaculate. The house slaves were not as warm and friendly as they were at Harris Plantation, but she felt she might be able to change that. She wanted to feel the warmth she felt at Harris Plantation.

She had been too busy to familiarize herself with the surrounding grounds, but she
hoped to remedy that tomorrow. She couldn’t wait to meet Myra for their ride so she could get a bird’s eye view of the land her mother forsook for love. 

****

Up early the next morning, Kate couldn’t wait for her ride with Myra. She dashed down the oak stairs almost knocking her grandfather over in her haste to get outside. He had to grasp the banister to keep from tumbling down the stairs. “Grandfather, I’m so sorry.” She put her hand on his arm to try to steady him.

He laughed. “No harm done. I’m still standing.
I guess you’re excited about your morning ride with Myra.”

“Yes, Grandfather, I’ll see you later.”

He put a hand up to stop her. His voice firm, he stated, “Wait a minute, young lady. You are not leaving without an escort. I’ll not have something happen to you just when I have found you.” He chuckled, “Or rather you found me.”

She
had wanted to be alone with Myra, but didn’t want to argue with her grandfather their second day together. “Are you coming with us?”

“No dear,
I wouldn’t dream of intruding. I’ve asked Lacy to escort the two of you today. A very trusted employee, he will make sure you get back to me safely. He is in the stables waiting for you.”

With a quick kiss to
his wrinkled cheek she ran down the stairs. Over her shoulder she shouted before she disappeared out the door, “See you at lunch, Grandfather.” 

In her hurry, she
missed the look of happiness on her grandfather’s face as she raced down the stairs. She had no idea how much contentment she brought to his life. 

A variety of
roses grew along the sidewalk leading to the back of the house. She stopped long enough to admire the vibrant colors. A perfect red bud caught her attention. With a snap she broke it off and pressed it against her nose. Nothing smelled better than roses. She stuffed it behind her ear and continued around the house to the stables. The grounds were lush and colorful. She was in awe of the impressive plantation. Obviously, her grandfather was very rich with enough slaves to tend to his every need. 

Transfixed by her surroundings, she jumped when she heard a voice which sounded as
if it came from a deep barrel. “Miss Monroe, are you ready to ride?” 

She
swirled around toward the voice. A stout, tall, ominous, looking man with brown curly hair ambled toward her. He looked to be in his late forties or early fifties. He was leading Betsy and an enormous, beautiful, brown thoroughbred from the stables. She couldn’t take her eyes off the horse. Never had she seen such a magnificent animal. 

“Hi, I’m L
acy. He is something isn’t he? Clyde belongs to your grandfather. He bought him from the Harris’ who raise prize thoroughbreds. Since your grandfather doesn’t ride as much as he use to, I exercise him. Are you ready to go?”

“Clyde is gorgeous.” She stroked her hand over his nose.

Even though Lacy looked dangerous, she felt comfortable with him. Most people were probably intimidated by his size and facial expressions, but she felt at ease with him.

He waited until she
mounted Betsy before he swung into the saddle. Ready to see Myra, she pressed her knees into Betsy’s side and trotted toward Harris Plantation. Odd, Lacy rode a few feet behind her. She pulled back on the reins and halted Betsy. “Why don’t you ride beside me, Lacy so you can explain the workings of grandfather’s plantation?”

“Your grandfather told me to escort you, but not to inter
fere with you and Mrs. Harris. I’ll ride back here, Miss Monroe.”

“I
insist you move to my side, and please call me Kate.”

When he moved to her side, she
could tell by his demeanor he would rather be back at the stables than having to escort her.

“Is something wrong, Lacy?”

At first he said nothing. He kept looking ahead, as if afraid to look into her eyes. After several seconds he replied, “Mr. Talbert said you grew up on a small farm. I guess you don’t know social rules. Most women of your standing wouldn’t speak to me, let alone expect to me ride beside you.”

Smiling, Kate returned, “
I consider us all the same. Yes, I was raised on a small farm and know nothing about social rules. I hope I don’t ever learn them.”

“
You’re different than what I’m accustomed too.”

Curious, she
asked many questions pertaining to the plantation. The silent type, it was hard to get information from Lacy. In the end she gave up and enjoyed her surroundings in silence.

After about thirty minutes
of riding she was excited to see Myra appear over the hill. She had not come alone, Jacob was with her. Lacy reined his horse in and waited a few feet behind her.

“Hi, Kate, I hope you don’
t mind I brought Jacob with me. He arrived at our home early this morning to call on you. I told him you had taken up residence with your grandfather, Roy Talbert, and could ride over with me to see you.”

“Good morning, Kate.
I hope you don’t mind my tagging along.”

Kate ga
ve him her most dazzling smile. “Of course not, Jacob.” 

She
introduced Lacy, who simply tugged the edge of his hat and kept his distance as they spent a few minutes in conversation.

They rode together for almost an hour so Kate could survey the i
mmense Talbert land boundaries. It was difficult to believe her mother left all this grandeur. Green rolling hills, huge forests, and fields of cotton were visible as far as the eye could see.

She must have loved her father with a true passion to give up all this beau
ty for a life on a small farm. Her mother worked from morning until night cooking, canning, gardening, and sewing. If she would not have married her father, she would probably have had a life of leisure.  Not any of that mattered to her mother. She had a very happy life because she had found love.   

“
The fields of cotton look like tiny snow balls.” Kate remembered the time she and Jake once helped one of her neighbors pick their cotton crop. For their kindness they received cuts and gashes to their hands. It would be fall before the cotton would be ready for harvest and she felt pity for the slaves who would have the chore of harvesting.

“It is beautiful. Did your parents grow cotton on their farm?”

Kate looked at Jacob and smiled. “Heavens no. We didn’t have the farm equipment or help to take on such a demanding crop. Mostly we grew vegetables that we sold at the market in Durham. After my parents death grandmother and I just barely got by.”

On the other side of t
he road were fields of tobacco. She stopped to watch the slaves bent over in the morning sun chopping off the top part of the tobacco stalks, which allowed the remaining leaves to become larger and heavier. The leaves were still weeks from being ready to be primed. Even though it looked as if it was back breaking work they sang, “Bringing in the Sheaves”. Men and women with beautiful voices harmonized together to make the chore seem easier. 

I
t must be a hard life, especially when you did not get paid for the work. She had empathy for the slaves knowing they had no choice but to obey their owners. They worked from sun up to sun down on land they would never own.  

As the riders dismounted to walk along the creek, Jacob
finally asked the question she knew he had been dying to ask. “Kate, would you consider a position at Chimborazo Hospital? Hundreds of injured soldiers arrive daily. We are in dire need and I have informed the hospital matron, Lucinda, of your nursing abilities. I was impressed with your knowledge when we were at Chancellorsville, and I promise your services would be greatly appreciated.”

S
he would need something to keep her mind occupied and off David. Work was the most logical solution. “I’ll speak with my grandfather and see if he will give me his consent. I am sure Myra communicated to you that I have been estranged from my grandfather. I was angry with him for denouncing my mother when she fell in love and married his overseer, my father, and they left Virginia. We have reconciled and I don’t want to upset him my second day of residence in his home.”   

He
removed his hat and wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his arm. “I understand, but I do want you to know we need you. You are compassionate as well as resourceful. Just what the wounded men need.” 

“She is a strong
, young woman who we have come to love at Harris Plantation. I know Edward misses her. She kept the books balanced, a job Edward detested. I think he misses Kate more than I do. Everyone misses her, even the staff.”

Hearing Myra speak
of Harris Plantation caused a feeling of sadness. She had so loved it there. She missed the friends she had made, but mostly she missed Myra and Edward. Both of them had made her feel special.

****

It was past lunchtime when Kate arrived home. She hurriedly washed away the dust and changed into a dress. Guilt tickled over her when she stepped into the dining room to find her grandfather had waited on her. “I’m sorry, Grandfather. It was inconsiderate to keep you waiting.” She plopped into her chair and placed her napkin in her lap. “The time got away from me.”

“
Don’t fret.” He patted her hand. “I didn’t mind the delay.” Jenny entered and placed a plate in front of her. “Mmm, that smells great, Jenny.”

“It is
potpie, Miss Monroe.” Kate was so hungry her stomach rumbled as soon as she smelled the food set before her. 

“How was your ride, my dear?” Roy asked.

“It was wonderful. Your plantation is beautiful, Grandfather. I can’t believe how immense it is. I felt I could be swallowed up in all its glory.”

“It will all be yours
someday, so I’m glad you love your new home.”

She stuck her fork into the crust, and scooped up a mouthful of vegetables. “This is delicious.”

“Save some room for dessert. We are having peach cobbler.”

A
little nervous, she placed her fork on her plate. “I have something I need to ask you, Grandfather. Dr. Jacob Greene rode with Myra and me today. He offered me a nursing position at Chimborazo Hospital. He informed me they were in dire need of nurses. More injured and dying troops are being admitted every day. They are overwhelmed with all the injured soldiers and could use my help. I really have a desire to help Grandfather, but I would like your consent.”

He shot her an arched look.
“Kate, I don’t think it is proper for a young lady of your standing to put yourself into such bleak circumstances. I think you are too delicate to face the death, disease, and pain you will see young soldiers endure. Please reconsider and spend your time here with me. I am just getting to know you and am enjoying your company.” 

“Grandfather, Myra communicated to me that you have g
iven thousands to the Southern Cause. I would also like to help. When I helped at the field hospital at Chancellorsville, it was the hardest thing I had ever been involved with, but at the same time it was very rewarding. I learned so much about natural medicines and nursing from Grandma Monroe that I was an asset. I want to make a difference.”