“When Colonel Catesby told us Royal Vale was now Mr. Buchanan’s, he gave us the choice of staying in Virginia, where we might see war, or braving a land we’ve never seen.” Sage took a breath as if worn out by the words, given he was a taciturn man. “We held a meeting, even talked with Reverend Moses, and decided to come together by ship.”
“I never did see such a sight as all that water,” Rilla said with a shake of her head. “I was sick afore I set foot on the boat and all the days in between till I landed. I aim to die right here, as I’m never going to cross back over to Virginia again.”
“I watched those jacks on board and wanted to join them.” Hosea looked proud. “Captain Walker let me take the great wheel a time or two and even explained celestial navigation.”
Lilith and Marion showed her the lacework they’d donewhile Vestal remarked about the dolphins and sighting a whale. They were anxious to know their places in the household, and Juliet sensed their concern about how the other domestics would accept them.
“You understand that by your coming here, the laws of America, especially colonial Virginia, no longer apply.” She marveled that when one simply changed shores, their standing and future changed with it. “British law states that as soon as you set foot on English ground, you became free. Free to leave here and seek employment elsewhere if you choose—something I support you in wholeheartedly—though if you desire to remain in our employ, I’ll do all that I can to see that you’re well rewarded.”
They fell into a thoughtful silence. Such a realization would take time, though she wondered, having been born into slavery like they’d been, if they’d ever feel truly free.
“Miss Jul—Mrs. Buchanan, since you’re the new mistress, will you be managing the household here like at Royal Vale?” Vestal asked.
“I shall, so please come to me with any questions or concerns like before. Father will be arriving shortly, and I know Loveday will be overjoyed to see you again.”
51
What of soul was left, I wonder, when the kissing had to stop?
Robert Browning
“The sublime lime announces spring,” Father said as he and Juliet strolled along Ardraigh Hall’s lime-tree avenue the next day. “Imagine the scent of the summer blossoms.”
As the wind tugged at her hat, Juliet looked up at the rustling branches in their first flush of leaves. Light shot through them in a play of sunshine and shadow, spackling the figures ahead. Leith and Euan flanked Lyrica, while Loveday and Niall were in the front, their talk and laughter floating back like dandelion down in the wind. At the end of the avenue was an iron gate leading down to the Palladian bridge, an arched masterpiece as it spanned the burn beneath. Cole had an enduring fascination for the bridge.
Nurse had put the twins down for a nap after Juliet promised to take them for their daily airing when they woke up. With hundreds of acres to explore, there was no end of adventures at Ardraigh Hall. Her soul sang with the possibilities, at least those involving Bella and Cole.
“So, Daughter,” Father said. “I see that lovely ring on your finger. Are you to be a content mistress here? ’Tis a far grander place than Royal Vale.”
“I’m home wherever the children are.”
“And your husband?” he asked, hands knotted behind his back and head bent in thought. “I had hoped...”
Heat filled her face. “Hope for Loveday, then.”
He looked aggrieved, even pained. Was he regretting the whole debacle with the miniatures? Her marriage canceling his debt?
Her own hopes, so high on the coach ride here, had quickly dwindled when Leith had all but disappeared since their arrival, busy with estate business, meeting with his foresters and farm managers. Though he had joined them for supper last night and this present walk.
Father slowed his steps. “’Twould be good if you and Loveday were neighbors and your future children could be cousins in the very best sense. London is so far, and I’m sorry I’ll be there more than here.”
“You’re welcome to Scotland anytime, and I’m sure we’ll visit you in England too. The Buchanans have a London townhouse, I’ve been told.”
She looked ahead to Leith, who was intent on whatever Lyrica was saying. When he laughed, the sound shook her. She’d never heard him laugh. It was a little grief to realize she’d never seen him so amused, nor had she been the one to amuse him.
“As for myself,” Father said, “’tis rather odd to be selling my plantations and starting anew at my advanced age.”
“You’re hardly ancient, Father. Eight and fifty?”
“Aye, on my next birthday.” He coughed, coming to a halt. “I suppose as absentee Leith has told you what’s to be done with Royal Vale.”
She felt a little start that he had not, and she had just enough pride to refuse to admit it as Father continued on.
“I’m thankful to be done with plantation life. Enslavement and crop failure and ruinous overseers like Riggs are not to be borne.”
“What of Riggs, Father?”
“He left an angry letter on my desk before he sailed for Antigua. It was waiting for me when I returned from my honeymoon. Royal Vale’s house servants told me what happened between you that last night. ’Twas something your aunt Damarus would have done. And frankly, I wanted to take a whip to Riggs long before, insolent and prideful as he was.”
