Chapter Thirty
Carrie couldn’t help the shiver of excitement that coursed through her body as Moses dragged the massive Christmas tree onto the front porch. She was still like a child when it came to Christmas. She loved every minute of it. And her father and Robert were coming home today!
Moses smiled at the look on her face. “Where you want this thing, Miss Carrie?” He lifted the giant cedar easily to rest on his shoulder. “It’s the best one I could find.”
“It’s beautiful, Moses. I think it may be the tallest we’ve ever had!” She almost danced into the house. “I’ve cleared a space in the living room for it.” She looked over his shoulder and saw Sarah leading an army of women from the quarters, their arms loaded with greenery. She clapped her hands with delight and led Moses into the house.
It didn’t take Moses and Sam long to secure the tree on its wooden stand. Once it was standing, Carrie and the house servants went to work. Rose led the team of women who were arranging the greenery. The entire house was transformed as great boughs of cedar, pine and holly were used to artfully decorate every doorway, mantle, mirror and picture in the house.
Carrie took in deep breaths of the fragrant aroma as she directed the decorating of the massive tree that commanded attention next to the grand fireplace. Great trunks full of decorations had been carried down from the attic. Within a short time, the tree was dressed with cotton balls, gilded nuts and berries, paper garlands, colored pieces of glass and white lace.
“We done finished, Miss Carrie!”
Carrie laughed at the glowing face peeking around the corner. “Bring them in, Jubilee! We’re ready for you.”
The proud little girl, with red ribbons adorning her black pigtails, led her little army into the room. That the children had been hard at work could not be denied. Great armloads of stringed popcorn were laid reverently on the rug in front of the tree.
“Go on, Jubilee. All of you can put them on the tree.”
Jubilee slapped her hand to her mouth, her eyes opening wide. “We ain’t never got to put it on the tree ‘fore, Miss Carrie.”
The little girl was obviously afraid of the repercussions if it wasn’t done to Carrie’s standards. Carrie walked over and tilted Jubilee’s chin until their eyes met. “You did a wonderful job with the stringing. I know I can trust you with the tree. Moses and Sam will hold you up to reach the high branches.”
Jubilee’s face broke into a wide grin and excited giggles broke out from the other children. Moses and Sam walked over with huge grins to match. The whole atmosphere was one of joy and happiness. Never had there been a Christmas like this one.
Carrie watched with a smile, her heart content. When the strings of popcorn adorned even the highest reaches of the tree, the women moved forward once more to add burgundy velvet and pink satin ribbons. Their final contribution to the stunning tree was an assortment of miniature toys, dolls and furniture.
“It’s the prettiest tree I’ve ever seen, Miss Carrie,” Rose said, stepping in from the kitchen. “Your daddy will be proud.”
Carrie turned to Rose with a sudden frown. “Do you really think so, Rose? Mother always took care of the tree in the past.” She hesitated. “Do you think it will remind him too much of her? I want Christmas to be special this year, but I fear it may be too soon for him.”
Rose looked thoughtful. “Life is meant to be lived, Miss Carrie. It doesn’t do any good to run away from those things that bring memories. My mama always says that all you can do is make new memories to replace the painful ones. That’s all you’re trying to do for your father.” She paused for a long moment. “You’ve done the right thing, Miss Carrie. How your father responds is not your responsibility. You have to give him room to find his own way. Just like you have to find your own way.”
Carrie turned to look at her friend. “You speak with great wisdom,” she teased, but her face sobered and her eyes filled with deep admiration. “Thank you, Rose. I’ll try to remember what you said.”
Carrie stood and stared at the tree. She couldn’t help wondering if this was the last Christmas like this that the South would ever know. She was sure her father was bringing bad news, but she was glad there was still room for celebration and joy. Reality had not yet stalked in to rob them of all they held dear.
Carrie was waiting on the porch when the carriage holding her father and Robert rolled up to the house. She rushed down the stairs and was in her father’s arms as soon as his feet hit the ground. “Father! I’ve missed you so much!”
Thomas laughed and held his daughter at arm’s length. “You’re as beautiful as ever, Carrie. I’ve missed you, too.”
Carrie’s throat caught as she looked into his eyes. He looked stronger than when he had left, but there was still that haunted look in his eyes, and she was sure she detected fear when he glanced toward the house. Without another word, Thomas began to climb the steps. Carrie stared after him, unsure of what to do.
“Leave him be, Carrie. He needs some time to adjust to being back here.”
Carrie turned to look into Robert’s eyes. “Is he going to be all right?”
Robert shrugged. “He’s a different man in Richmond. There are no memories assaulting him at every turn. Being there has been good for him. He grew increasingly tense the closer we came to Cromwell.”
“What can I do for him?”
“Everything you’re already doing. Love him. Support him.” Robert’s voice changed and became deep with a different kind of concern. He took her shoulders and turned her to face him. “Hello, Miss Carrie Cromwell. It’s good to see you again. Enough about your father. How are you doing?”
The warm concern in his voice brought a smile to Carrie’s face. She stared into his dark eyes for a moment and then did what she had been dreaming of for weeks. She melted into his embrace and allowed him to hold her for a long moment. Finally, she pulled away. “Hello, Robert Borden. It’s good to see you again, too.”
Robert’s eyes darkened and he pulled her close to him again. Finally, he loosened his grasp and took her hand. “Ready to go in, Miss Cromwell?”
Carrie’s heart pounded. “Yes, Mr. Borden.” What she really wanted to do was beg him to take her away. To make all the misunderstandings disappear between them. To make them of one mind on the issue of slavery. To tear down all the walls that kept them apart. She knew what she believed. She also knew she loved this man.
Once inside, they saw Thomas in the living room staring at the Christmas tree. The colored pieces of glass caught the glow of the fire, casting rainbow images that danced through the air, only to be caught by the great boughs of greenery. Carrie moved forward and slipped her arm through his. She said nothing, and he seemed not to notice her presence. Robert remained where he was standing by the door.
“Abigail loved Christmas,” Thomas whispered. His face sagged for a moment, but he forced a smile to his lips. He turned his head to look down at Carrie. “The house is beautiful,” he said warmly. “Your mother would be very proud of you.”
“Thank you, Father. I’m so very glad you’re home. I’ve missed you so much.”
Thomas smiled again, wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and said, “We have much to talk about. You received my letter saying I could only stay until Christmas Day?”
Carrie nodded. “It’s wonderful to have you home for any length of time.” Secretly, she had been relieved he couldn’t stay longer. She didn’t know how long she could keep the truth about Ike Adams and the missing slaves from him. If he knew there was no overseer, she was sure he would insist on hiring another one. Determined to run the plantation her own way, she could only hope the whirlwind of Christmas would keep him from asking too many questions.
Thomas moved to a deep chair and settled down with a sigh. Robert and Carrie both took chairs nearby. A peaceful quiet that all of them needed fell on the room.
“We’re expecting another guest in a few days,” Thomas suddenly said.
“Oh?” Carrie replied with a lift of her eyebrows. “One of your friends from Richmond?”
Thomas shook his head. “I ran into young Matthew Justin at the train station a few days ago. He is on his way to cover the Secession Convention in South Carolina. He had no plans for Christmas, so I invited him here when he returns.”
“That’s wonderful.” Carrie sincerely liked the straightforward redhead. “I’m glad I’ll have the opportunity to return some of the hospitality he showed me in Philadelphia.” She turned to Robert. “I’m sure you’ll be glad to spend time with your friend.”
Robert nodded. “I will also be glad to hear his perspective on the situation in South Carolina. He seems to have a knack for seeing murky affairs a little more clearly than most.”
Carrie turned to look at her father. “I hate to bring up politics so soon, Father. I know you’ve just gotten home, but I feel so out of touch here. What is going on in South Carolina? Are they really going to secede from the Union?”
Thomas nodded his head and sighed deeply. “I’m afraid so, Carrie. They meet tomorrow, you know. One hundred and seventy of South Carolina’s best men will meet to determine the destiny of the state, and that of the whole country, I fear.” He paused, his brow furrowed. “They say the matter is still under consideration, but those men are meeting to vote for secession. I know they want it done peacefully. In their heart of hearts, they believe it will turn out all right. They are not prepared to compromise, and they seem to have the kind of courage that keeps forlorn hopes alive beyond rational expectations.”
“You don’t agree with them?” Carrie asked.
Thomas shrugged his shoulders. “They are convinced the rest of the South will follow them out of the Union. They believe that, with such a united front, the United States government will make no effort to stop them.”
Robert spoke up then. “I’ve talked to Matthew. He feels their optimism is wildly overstated. He doesn’t believe Lincoln will sit idly by and watch the Union disintegrate.”
“What about Buchanan? He is still our president,” Carrie said.
Thomas grimaced. “Yes, I suppose he is. Buchanan is a good man and a strong Southern supporter, but he has taken no action to reverse the flow of the tide. He seems as bewildered as the rest of the country as to how to stop the course of events sweeping our country into war.”
Carrie frowned. “You still believe we are headed for war?”
Thomas stood and walked closer to the fire. He didn’t answer for a long time. When he spoke, his voice was heavy and old. “I believe South Carolina is right. The cotton states are determined to leave the Union. They will follow South Carolina’s lead. I agree with Matthew that Lincoln will not stand idly by. He is definitely not another Buchanan. The whole country is sitting on a keg of dynamite, and the fuse has already been lit. Each day it grows shorter.” He stared down at the fire. “It’s just a matter of time before the whole thing explodes.”
“Will Virginia secede?” Carrie couldn’t stop her explosion of questions now that she had the chance to voice them.
Thomas returned to his chair. “Right now there are still enough reasonable men to keep it from happening. The voices for secession are growing loud, but our voices are still louder. Only time will tell...” His voice trailed off.
Carrie suddenly noticed how tired he looked. She jumped up from her chair, hurried over, and laid her hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Father. I know you are exhausted. We can talk in the morning. I’m sure you could use a good night’s sleep.”
“I am tired,” Thomas admitted with a small smile. His eyes took on that haunted look as he glanced at the stairs.
“I had the blue guest room prepared for you, Father.”
Thomas turned to gaze down at her. “Thank you,” he said. “I will see you in the morning.”
Carrie watched as he slowly ascended the stairs. She had known intuitively that he would not want to be in the room he had shared with his wife, but she also knew he would have plenty of other ghosts to fight. She breathed a quiet prayer as she noted his heavy steps.
Robert was sitting quietly in his chair when she returned to the living room. Carrie watched him, undetected in the shadows, for a few moments. The light played on the strong angles of his face and glinted off his dark hair. His eyes were closed as he relaxed in the cozy warmth of the room. His face had an almost childlike vulnerability to it. Carrie felt a warm surge of love shoot through her. The suddenness of it startled her and caused a deep flush to rise to her cheeks. She was grateful for the obscurity of the shadows.
“Are you going to stand there all night?” Robert asked with an amused smile. “I’d much rather have you in the room with me.”
Carrie laughed at the impish look in his eyes. She moved quickly across the room and sank down into the chair next to him.
“Tell me how you’re doing,” he invited.
The next hour passed in quiet conversation. Not once did they draw near to dangerous topics. Sam entered the room twice to throw additional logs on the fire, but they barely noticed, so completely were they involved in each other.
Carrie covered her mouth as a giant yawn escaped. She glanced at the clock and her eyes opened wide. “My goodness, it’s getting late!”
Robert nodded. “I think it’s time we call it a night. You need your rest so that you’ll be ready for the Christmas dance day after tomorrow.”
Carrie nodded. “I haven’t danced since our trip down the river on the John Marshall.”
Robert snorted. “That was a mere fling. I understand that the ball at Berkeley Plantation is quite the social event around here.”
Carrie nodded. “I look forward to it every year. People come all the way from Richmond.” She was looking forward to it even more this year because Robert would be her escort.
“Has your father asked about Adams yet?”
Carrie shook her head as Rose twisted her hair into a bun. She had learned how to do it herself, but it was nice to have it done for the dance. “No. He hasn’t asked once about things here on the plantation. He seems content to sit in his library and go through the volumes of papers he brought home with him.” She frowned. “He did say something about how good the place looked, but nothing beyond that.”
“Does that bother you?”
Carrie smiled ruefully. “I guess I’m prideful enough to want him to tell me what a wonderful job I’m doing, but the rational side of me knows that the less interested he is, the easier it will be to keep our secret.”
Rose nodded and kept jabbing pins into Carrie’s unruly hair. Carrie knew her thoughts were back in the quarters with Moses. Rose’s being back in the big house was temporary, just to keep up appearances for Father, but surely she longed for her husband. As soon as the bun was secure, Carrie spun on her seat to look up at Rose. “We won’t be home until very late tonight. No one needs to know you’re not snug in your little room.”
Rose stared at her for a moment and then a wide smile lit her beautiful face. “Thank you, Miss Carrie.”
Carrie shook her head. “There is nothing to thank me for. The three of us are partners in this little charade we are pulling off.” She walked over in front of the mirror and gave a quick twirl, laughing as the red folds of her satin gown swirled around her. She stared into the glinting glass and noticed with satisfaction that the edging of green velvet along the neckline reflected her eyes.
“You look like a woman in love, Miss Carrie.”
Carrie caught her breath, turned away from the mirror, and laughed. “I suppose I do, Rose.” It was the first time she had admitted it out loud.
Rose looked at her closely. “Is Robert Borden the one you want to spend the rest of your life with?” Her eyes were inscrutable.
Carrie turned back to gaze into the mirror. Was he? A deep silence filled the room. When she spoke, it was very hesitantly. “I know I love him more than any man I’ve ever known.” Why wasn’t that enough? What was causing her heart to hold back? She sighed deeply. “There are things that may be impossible to make right between us, however.” Images of their past arguments rose up to taunt her, until an exploding ember flew from the fire and brought her mind back to the present. She shook her head firmly. “It’s Christmas. I’m just going to enjoy it.”
“You look beautiful, Miss Carrie. I hope you have a wonderful time at the ball,” Rose said.
Carrie could easily push away the uneasiness eating at her heart when she thought of the splendor of the Berkeley Ball.
“Does Marse Cromwell know I be back on his plantation, Sarah?”
Sarah shook her head firmly. “You know he would never allow it, John.”
“He be bound to find out sometime.”
Sarah shrugged. “I reckon we cross that bridge when we get to it.” She was not willing to think more about it. She had lived eighteen long years without the man who held her heart. She couldn’t bear to think of them being separated again.
John wasn’t willing to let it lie. “I won’t go back to the Green place, Sarah. They was good to me, but I don’t aim to finish up my years without you. I’ll run away. Miss Carrie said I could go free anytime.” He paused. “Will you go with me if it come to that?”
Sarah stared at him. She knew the question was going to come sometime. She also believed she was going to die here on Cromwell Plantation, but it wouldn’t do any harm to make her man feel better. Slowly she nodded. “I’d go with you,” she whispered. The glad light in his eyes was all she needed to see.
John reached over to take her hand. Together, they watched the flames of the glowing fire, feeling deep peace at being together once again.
Doormen met the guests from Cromwell as they ascended the stairs of Berkeley Plantation. As the door was opened to receive them, a deep voice rang out.
“Thomas and Carrie Cromwell.” After a slight pause, Thomas moved forward with Carrie on his arm. “Mr. Robert Borden.” Carrie looked up to smile into Robert’s dark eyes. She knew her own were alive with excitement. It took only moments for the three of them to greet their hosts.
Thomas took Carrie’s hand from his arm and placed it gently on the suit-clad one Robert extended. “Have fun dancing,” he said with a warm smile. He moved away and was soon surrounded by men eager for the latest word from Richmond.
Carrie watched him for a moment. “He and Mother used to love to dance,” she murmured. “He seems to care for nothing but politics now.”
“Politics is keeping your father alive, Carrie. It has given him something to care about. Something to pour his energy into,” Robert responded.
“And if the country falls apart? What then? What will my father do?”
Robert was quick to answer. “Your father is a Virginian, Carrie. He will fight to the end to save the Union, but he will remain loyal to his state. If Virginia secedes, your father will stand with his state and serve anyway he can.”
Carrie frowned again, and Robert tilted her face up to meet his eyes. “Miss Carrie Cromwell, I refuse to allow any more talk of this kind. It’s Christmas. Virginia has not seceded, and the band is playing wonderful music. May I have the honor of this dance?” His voice was firm.
A brilliant smile flashed over Carrie’s face as she curtsied deeply. “Why, I would be honored, sir.” She let all other thoughts flee her mind as Robert led her to the dance floor and swept her into a waltz. Her whole world was Robert and the feel of his strong arms holding her. Everything else faded into insignificance. It was Christmas. They would celebrate!
Carrie leaned back in Robert’s arms as another song drew to a close. “Isn’t this simply wonderful?” She eyed a clock over his shoulder and gasped. “Why, we’ve been dancing for almost two hours. Is that possible?”
“Indeed it is. My throat is telling me it’s true. Can I get you something to drink?”
Carrie nodded eagerly. “Please.” She realized her throat, too, was parched and dry. Robert led her to a chair on the side of the room and then disappeared. Carrie took the time to absorb her surroundings. Many of her neighbors and friends were at the dance, but she had yet to speak to any of them. She had been dancing from practically the minute she had arrived. She leaned back in her chair and looked around. The entire huge room was dripping with great boughs of greenery. All gas light had been extinguished to give prominence to the hundreds of candles flickering their glowing light on the crowd swaying and talking under their shimmering influence. Stringed music swelled softly in the air, lending its own symphonic magic to the evening.
Carrie looked up with a smile as Robert threaded his way back toward her. She could just see the top of his head as he cut his way through the sea of people. Her smile faded as he emerged from the crowd. Louisa Blackwell, chattering brightly, was smiling up at him. That wasn’t what bothered her, however. Robert’s eyes, when he glanced up at her, had a stormy look in them. What had Louisa said to him?
“Why, Carrie Cromwell. Isn’t it just wonderful to see you again!”
“Good evening, Louisa.” Carrie’s voice was pleasant, though distant.
Louisa seemed not to notice. She dropped down in the chair Carrie had pulled close for Robert and smiled at her neighbor. “Aren’t you one for surprises? Whoever would have thought you would throw that wonderful Ike Adams off your property and insist on running Cromwell Plantation all by your little self.”
Carrie ground her teeth and cast around in her head for what to say. She should have known the story would get out. She had greater worries than Louisa Blackwell however. What if someone said something to her father? Her only hope was that the current state of affairs in the country would keep all conversation focused on politics. She forced herself to smile pleasantly. “You make it sound like quite a tremendous endeavor. I am flattered.” She almost laughed at the look on Louisa’s face. That she had not meant to compliment her was obvious. Louisa opened her mouth to say more, but a sudden commotion at the door stopped her.
Carrie looked up, startled, as the front door, only yards from where she was seated, flew open and a mud-spattered man dressed in a Richmond Militia uniform burst in. He waited for no one’s recognition, but called out his message in a ringing voice that penetrated every corner of the room.
“South Carolina has seceded from the Union!” His cry was at once triumphant and desperate.
The great room grew immediately silent as the entire assembly turned to stare at the young messenger. The music stopped and the candles seemed to dim as the news was absorbed.
Thomas was the first to step forward. “Are you sure? There is no mistake?”
The young man shook his head and extended his hand. “Andrew Cooke, sir.” He looked around the room and raised his voice once more. “South Carolina has seceded from the Union by a unanimous vote. They are now a sovereign nation.”
Carrie closed her eyes as she saw the ruin of all she loved edging closer. That the young messenger was excited about the news was obvious. Soon enough he would realize what it would mean to his life and his dreams.
Band members put down their instruments as knots of people formed all over the room to discuss this dramatic turn of events. Though expected, the reality would have to be absorbed.
Louisa, her mouth still open to speak, apparently forgot all about her attack on Carrie. Now her eyes flashed with a victorious light. “Well, it’s about time someone in the South shows the North we aren’t going to merely lay down while they walk on us. Look at all the worried faces,” she said with a contemptuous toss of her head. “Do people really think the North will try to stop South Carolina? Of course they’re not going to send their soft, cowardly men down here! I can only hope Virginia gets over their own cowardice soon. It is so embarrassing to live in a state that shows such little backbone.”
Thomas walked up as she was speaking. “It sounds as if you have been influenced by our Mr. Ruffin, Louisa.” His voice was pleasant but sad.
Louisa looked up. “Indeed I have, Mr. Cromwell, and I find I agree with him wholeheartedly. I’m sure he is a happy man tonight.”
“Undoubtedly,” Thomas agreed with a small smile. “He is in Charleston now. I’m sure he is celebrating with the city. It was he who sent the young messenger to deliver the news.”
Louisa smiled with delight. “How thoughtful of him. It does make a most wonderful Christmas gift!”
Thomas eyed her sadly. “I know there are many in the room who share your sentiments.” He turned to Carrie and Robert. “I am very tired. Would you mind if we go home?”
Carrie rose immediately. “Of course not.” She knew how devastated her father was by the news. Even though he had expected it, now he would have to deal with all the ramifications of it. Her heart ached for him—for all of them.
It took only minutes to thank their hosts. Great stars shone down on them as Charles urged the team at a rapid trot down the frozen road. No words were spoken.
As her father climbed the stairs, Carrie bid him goodnight and then turned toward Robert. “It was a wonderful evening. Thank you.”
Robert smiled but laid his hand on her arm to detain her. When her father had disappeared into his room, Robert looked down at her. “Could I talk to you for a few minutes?”
Carrie nodded. She had known it was coming. She sighed and turned to lead the way into the living room. “It’s about what Louisa told you,” she said as soon as she sat down.
“I know it’s not really any of my business,” Robert said, “but it did concern me. Are you really running the plantation on your own?”
Carrie hesitated. She knew it would only make matters worse if she were to tell him about the partnership between her, Moses and Rose. “I did fire Adams,” she finally conceded, “but I find the plantation is running quite smoothly.”
“Why did you fire him?”
“He was getting ready to beat one of the slaves.” Carrie made no attempt to hide her anger.
Robert stared at her and seemed to search for words. “Does your father know?”
Carrie shook her head. “No, and I have no intention of telling him. He has enough to deal with right now.” Her tone left no room for discussion. “I am the mistress of Cromwell Plantation. As long as I am the one left to run it, I will run it the way I see fit.”
Robert looked at her with a mixture of admiration and amusement. “I know how strong and independent you are,” he said. “I also know the pressures, so I can’t help being concerned.” He reached for her hand. “If you need help, Carrie, please let me know.”
“I’m fine.” Carrie was grateful for his concern and took the hand he extended to her. “Please don’t worry about me. And thank you for not telling Father,” she added.
Robert flashed a brief grin. “I hope your father never finds out I knew. He’ll probably have me beaten, but I’ll play the game your way.”