Faith smiled. “I thought you agreed with Mr. Berkshire.” She hadn’t meant to speak the words aloud, but now that she had, there was no choice but to endure whatever comments he might offer.
“I agree with much that Berkshire has to share. I do believe that had we been a nation of only white-skinned men and women, we never would have suffered through the War Between the States. Had there been no black—no slave—we would have worked through the issues of state’s rights without the need for war.” He lowered his head slightly. “I lost good friends and family to that war, and for what? To proclaim that a man with brown or black skin is as human as those with white? I never said they weren’t human. That’s Berkshire’s nonsense.”
“But you would have them removed from America in order to cleanse the country of colored skin?”
He looked at her and nodded. “I suppose I would. I further suppose you think me extraordinarily cruel to host such beliefs, but keep this in mind—I heard a lecture by a man who had been torn from his family in Africa and forced to come to America to be bought and sold many times over. He longed for home—for the family he’d been separated from, for the land of his birth. I saw grown men—white men—weep for the pain of that man’s spirit. Surely that man was not alone.”
“But many of the slaves set free were born right here. They have no memory of Africa or Jamaica or any other place from where black men and women were taken. America is their home. To where would you send them?”
“To a land where they could live in the manner that their nature demanded.” The carriage rolled to a stop, and the driver was soon at the door.
“Their nature?” Faith couldn’t help but ask.
Lakewood nodded. “Their nature. We are not all alike. We do not all long for the same things.”
“Like food, shelter, and provision for our families?”
He smiled. “Those are universal needs. All I’m saying is that it’s not their natural state to be educated or civilized.”
It was difficult to keep her temper from getting the best of her when such ignorance was spouted as knowledge. “And such things are the natural state of white men? I have yet to deliver a baby who can speak or walk, much less read and write. We all must learn, Mr. Lakewood. Unfortunately, I believe some of what is being taught is more dangerous and despicable than useful. If we are not careful, we may well find ourselves fighting a bigger war than we’ve ever imagined possible.”
Faith could see that the rain had started to pour in earnest and knew that her opinion wasn’t going to change his mind.
“Thank you for the ride home, Mr. Lakewood. I am sure I will feel fit in time for your gathering of donors. I wonder if you would mind if I bring someone along with me.”
He shook his head. “Of course not. Whom did you have in mind?”
“One of the ladies at the boardinghouse. In fact, there are two. They are teachers and mentioned that they would be interested to hear what I might say.”
He smiled. “Of course. I will send my carriage for you. My man will be here at six forty-five precisely.”
Faith allowed the driver to help her down. “We’ll be ready.”
“And then he drove away.”
“Oh, Faith, what were you thinking, riding home alone withthat man?” Clementine shook her head. “The things I’ve heard him say suggest he’s just as dangerous as Berkshire.”
“I agree.” Nancy stood and put a hand to the small of her back.
Faith noticed that Nancy was showing quite a bit more than she had prior to Christmas. “Look at you. You’re rounding out nicely.”
“Sometimes my lower back aches, and I’m certainly more exhausted at times.” Nancy smiled. “However, I’m so delighted to be in this condition that you will not hear me complain about a single thing.”
Smiling, Faith got to her feet. “I’m spent. After listening to Gerome Berkshire’s nonsense in that overheated hall, and then hearing Samuel Lakewood drone on, I could use a bath.”
“I believe there is plenty of hot water and fresh towels.”
Clementine walked to the window and pulled back the drapes just enough to peer outside. “I wish the rain would stop. I can’t bear the idea of dealing with flooding, even if we aren’t in any real threat here.”
“I agree. The rain has been quite tedious.” Nancy suppressed a yawn. “I hope Seth gets back soon. I know he’ll be soaked to the bone.”
“Where did he go on such a foul evening?” Clementine asked, coming away from the window.
“It was a deacons’ meeting at church. I’m sure it won’t last much longer, and he has the carriage, so hopefully he’ll make the trip quickly when they conclude.”
Faith turned to Clementine. “Oh, I nearly forgot. I asked Mr. Lakewood if it would be all right to bring you and Mimi to his donor meeting. You mentioned wanting to hear me speak, and I thought it might give me some additional protection. Berkshire will no doubt be there.”
“I’d love to come. I’m sure Mimi would—”
