“Of course, you would side with the actor.” A man stood and came toward her. “Look fellas, it’s one of those runaway slaves. Let’s get her and fetch a reward.”
Before the blackguard or Iagos could get anywhere near her, Bex jumped between them and had a fist ready to do damage. “I can do more than act. Touch her, and you’ll know how much of your life remains.”
The man backed away and eased to his seat. “You’re a big man, Bex, or whatever your name is. Get your maid and leave.”
“Bex, we should leave,” Ester said. “Why cast pearls before swine?”
“That one has a mouth on her.” The drunk made his table of buffoons laugh.
But Arthur had to agree, because he’d kissed those lips and he wanted to again and again. “She does, a beautiful one.” He took her arm and led her to a chair near Wilberforce. “Wait for me until I’m done.”
Another man pounded on the table. “Hey, if she’s up there, let her speak. Maybe she can tell us why we should listen to Bex?”
Before he could stop her, Ester bounced to her feet and faced the men. “Because I know Bex better than I know myself. If there’s a hard path, one that will help others, he’ll take the difficult road. He’ll take on your burdens and make them his own. So, when he tells you abolition is the cause of his heart, it’s true.”
Her clear voice, unwavering in support, made a difference. A few started to clap.
The drunk stood once more. “Why should we believe this woman? She speaks good. Could be another actor.”
She tugged off her glove and exposed her finger, the one showing her wedding ring.
Ester wore it again. His heart beat a little stronger, a little louder, but this could be Ester taking on a role to protect him. Acting would never do for Arthur. He needed her to lovehim, flaws and all. “You don’t—”
Her smile, the light in her eyes, silenced him. “I’m Mrs. Bex. I’m his wife. We’ve been meant for each other going on two years—the niece of an enslaved man and the good nephew of his slaver. If I, who has more grievances than any, can stand here with my knees knocking and tell you of the good in this man, then you should know it’s true.”
The room went silent again.
Arthur took her hand and put it on his arm. “No one can undo the past, gentlemen, but we can do what is right, now. The slave trade beyond our borders, in our colonies, must end.”
“What of America?” The voice was Phineas, and he seemed to be taking notes.
“The Americas aren’t a colony anymore. That little revolution in seventy-six changed things.”
The crowd snickered, and Arthur could feel they were with him again. “They’ll choose their own path, but we can be a beacon of light. They can follow us, and the world can change. We are all brothers and sisters, trying to do what is right. That’s our choice. Let’s do what is right and push for abolition everywhere.”
The applause started as he hoisted Ester in the air and tucked her safely at his side. He tipped his hat to Wilberforce and then to Phineas as he made his way to the back of the room.
“Mr. Croome, may I help you out of here?”
The man nodded. “Yes. Birthday cake, now.”
The man’s slurred command made sense. It was still Ester’s birthday. He took hold of his father-in-law near his mourning armband and let Mr. Croome put his full weight against him as they made it up the stairwell.
On the main level, Mr. Croome grasped Arthur’s lapel. “Son, can’t fight everyone.”
His heart warmed at the sentiment, son-ship. He hadn’t belonged to anyone in a long time, but there was still someone who needed to claim him. Arthur looked over to Ester and drank in her smile. “I won’t fight with your daughter anymore. She might take to the stage against me.”
“Whoa,” Croome said. “Don’t look at her like that.”
Arthur put her hand in his. “Sir, who else should I be looking at with all the love in my heart?”
“Fine. Come. Cake. Mrs. Croome.” Ester’s father was a big man, and if his shaking fist connected, it would have power. “We go now.”
Jonesy popped up at his side. “Mr. Bex, you and Mrs. Bex ready to go?”
“I’m leaving town after I get this young man a position as a groom. He’s loyal and dependable. He’d never lie or betray a trust.”
“Jonesy is a good one, says Mr. Bex.”
