In His Eyes(66)

“A pity, that.”

Indeed. What would he do if he had to sell Belmont? Then where would Ella and Lee go when he returned to duty? And what about Sibby? Were his mother alive, she would be sorely displeased if Westley did not at least secure new employment for her favorite maid.

“I hear some are offering the work to the former slaves,” Larson continued, interrupting his wandering thoughts. “Promising them a portion of the crops and payments after the harvest.”

Westley scratched his head. It didn’t seem all that different from what they had always done. “If any remain who have not fled North, that could be a possibility, I suppose.”

The other officer snorted. “There are more than enough loitering about. I’m sure you can find plenty of backs willing to bend to the work if you promise them it’s worth their sweat.”

Perhaps the man had a point. “But first, the taxes.”

Colonel Larson came to his feet. “Well, now, let me make a few inquiries, and we will see what can be done for a loyal soldier who served his country well, shall we?”

Westley stood, the ambition in the officer’s eyes troubling. “I would be most grateful, sir, for anything you could do.”

The colonel smiled broadly. “Certainly, Major. I would consider it my pleasure.” He motioned toward the door. “I will send word as soon as I find out if anything can be done.”

“Again, sir, you have my gratitude.”

“If there is anything else you need, let me know.”

Westley grabbed his cap and hesitated in the doorway. “Actually, sir, there is one other thing….”

“Yes?”

“Do you know where I can locate a doctor?”



Ella swept into the nursery in a flurry of dirty skirts. Basil darted around her, hurrying to where Sibby lay on the bed.

“Sibby!” Basil spouted. “She done saw them bringin’ in the wagons, and—”

Sibby darted upright, her eyes so large in her face they looked like white marbles. “Shush girl! Watch what you is sayin’!”

Ella crossed her arms and stood in the doorway, watching the exchange.

“Didn’t you hear what I done said? She saw, Sibby!”

Sibby’s eyes darted to Ella, and a mask of indifference lowered over Sibby’s face. “Saw what?”

Ella lifted her brows. “Come now, Sibby. We aren’t going to play this game, are we?”

“Don’t know what you is talkin’ about. I don’t know what you done think you saw.”

Ella stared at her.

Sibby sputtered. “They was…they was a new family supposed to be acomin’. You probably saw them movin’ they stuff.”

Basil studied her shoes and shifted her weight from foot to foot. Silence settled on the room, thick and heavy like a sodden cloak.

Ella waited a moment to see just how uncomfortable the two might become, then cocked her head. “That so?” She tsked. “Well, my, my, they sure had a lot of possessions….” She tapped her chin. “And quite a few livestock.”

Sibby shrugged too-stiff shoulders. “I reckon. Don’t know nothin’ much about them.”

“Yet they are coming to live at Belmont.” She flicked her gaze to Basil, but the girl remained as still as stone. Ella looked back at Sibby, who stared at her with her chin lifted. “Hmm. Odd, really, seeing as how you seem to know everything about everything that goes on around here.”

Sibby pressed her lips into a line.

Ella shrugged. “Very well. Since no one seems inclined to talk to me about it, I will simply bring up the matter when the major returns.”

Sibby’s mouth fell open. “No, ma’am. That ain’t a good idea.”

“Oh?” Ella crossed her arms. “And why not?”

Sibby rubbed the muscles at the nape of her neck. “He don’t need to be worryin’ with none of that. It be the concern of our people.”

“People who live on his land.”

Sibby’s gaze narrowed, but for some reason Ella simply could not control the words that slipped from her mouth. “Well, I suppose I will tell him what I saw, and let him decide if he wishes to concern himself with it.”

Basil groaned. “Miss Ella, what done got into you?”

Lee began a coughing fit and interrupted her reply. Ella hurried to the crib and scooped him up, bouncing him and trying to ease the spasms. Behind her, the other two shared harsh whispers.

Lee began to choke, and Ella turned him to the side so he could cough up a thick wad of phlegm. “Oh, heavens, wee one.” Ella groaned and stroked his back. Why were the medicines not making the sickness go away, leaving her desperate prayers unanswered? Had she not suffered enough already?

The whispers stopped and Basil came closer, peering at the baby as he finally caught his breath and began to cry. “Is he gonna be all right, Miss Ella?”

Tears sprang to her eyes. “I hope so, Basil.” Ella rocked him until he settled some and his cries turned to pitiful whimpers.

“You wanna give him some more of that elixir?” Sibby asked, her animosity seemingly forgotten.

Lee sniffled, his dark eyes blinking up at Ella. She shook her head. “I don’t think he should have more so soon.” She laid him in the crib and lifted his gown. “But I can rub on the amber oil and see if that gives him some relief.”