“Yessir,” the man said, studying Will in a way that made Will think the man half-recognized him, too. “You moving in?”
Will nodded. “Just bought the place.”
“All right,” the man said. Disappointment showed on his gaunt face. These were hard times, and Will knew they were extra hard on recently freed slaves, who were trying to make their way in a strange, new world that could turn violent at the drop of a hat. “I’ll move along then.”
“You look like you could use a meal,” Will said. “Why don’t climb down, and I’ll get you something to eat. Your horse looks like he could use some grain, too.”
“Thank you, mister. Trouble is, I ain’t got no money.”
“I’m giving, not selling.”
“Well, thank you very much,” the man said. “You need any help? I’d be happy to give you a hand unloading that wagon. It’d make me feel better about eating your grub.”
“That works,” Will said.
The man climbed down, studying him again.
Will stuck out his hand. “Welcome. I’m?—”
“Will Bentley?” the man asked, shaking his hand.
“That’s right. I’m sorry, friend. You look familiar to me, but I can’t remember how I know you.”
“My name’s Rufus Twill,” the man said, and a huge smile spread across his face. “I didn’t recognize you at first because you’re a lot bigger than you were back then.”
“Back when, Mr. Twill?”
“You saved my hide, maybe even saved my life.”
“I did?”
“Oh yeah. Sully would’ve killed me for dropping that dresser and cracking the mirror.”
Now, it was Will’s turn to smile. “Mouse?”
“That’s right. But I go by Rufus now, not Mouse.”
Will laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m not the only one who put on size. You’re a lot bigger than you were.”
“I was just a kid back then, Mr. Bentley. Probably twelve years old. I’m eighteen now.”
“It’s good to see you, Rufus,” Will said, “and call me Will. Take care of your horse. There’s grain just inside the door. Then I’ll introduce you to my family and… my fiancé.”
It was strange—and strangely thrilling—referring to Maggie that way.
Rufus thanked him, but before he could see to the bay, the door opened, and Mama, Rose, and Maggie came outside.
“Rufus,” Will said, “meet my mama, Mrs. Bentley; my sister, Rose; and my fiancé, Maggie Dunne.”
Rufus swept the hat from his head and gave a little bow to each of the women.
“This is Rufus Twill,” Will said.
The women all said it was nice to meet Rufus, who smiled back at them. “It’s nice to meet you ladies.”
“Rufus and I knew each other back before the war. We picked cotton together.”
“And Will saved my hide,” Rufus said.
