Shifted By The Winds (14 page)

“So they could push through Johnson’s Reconstruction policies,” Thomas observed.

“Yes.” Matthew gave a slight smile. “It was a dismal failure. Too much of the country has seen the results of President Johnson’s policies.”

“Because of your articles,” Marietta pointed out proudly.

Matthew nodded. “Yes, but my voice was just one of many.”

“But none as powerful as yours,” Abby insisted. “You were one of the few journalists in the thick of things who had the courage to tell the truth. Which is, of course, why you must continue doing so.”

Matthew squeezed her hand with gratitude.

“What happens now?” Marcus asked. “Is there any hope things will change for black folks down here?”

Matthew grimaced. “I believe so, but I don’t believe the answer will come as quickly as we all want it, or need it, to. I am confident President Johnson is going to lose all power, but it won’t be until after the November election. And then it is going to take time for the Congress to enact change.”

A solemn silence fell on the table.

Marcus was the first to break it. “So we’ll just have to take care of things ourselves,” he said grimly.

Matthew met his eyes. “I’m afraid you’re right.”

Jeremy’s gut was churning as he walked Marietta home through the dark neighborhoods. He was grateful for the glimmering light of the street lanterns. It simply wasn’t safe to travel in total darkness in Richmond anymore. He missed the easy days of his youth when he would spend hours roaming the streets of the city, never once feeling any danger. He bit back a sigh as he realized anew that those days were long gone. That realization only made his gut churn harder.

The rain had moved on to the mountains, but a refreshing breeze still made the limbs of the oak and maple trees create a dance of shadows on the road. He wasn’t ready for fall yet, but he was grateful for a break in the heat. It would probably return tomorrow, with worse humidity than before, but he was going to enjoy the respite. He tucked Marietta’s arm more securely through his and smiled down at her.

“You’re just going to smile at me?” Marietta asked.

Jeremy gazed down into her vibrant blue eyes, admiring the sheen of her red hair in the glow from the street lanterns. “You’d rather I not smile?” he teased.

Marietta didn’t return his smile. “I’d
rather
you tell me what is really going on inside of you.”

Jeremy frowned as he searched for words. He was certain he had hidden the true state of his emotions. Evidently he had not succeeded.

Marietta stopped and pulled him to face her. “I know you constantly want to protect me. I realize it may take some time for you to understand I am not a fragile southern belle who longs for a man to take care of her, but I thought we had come further than this, Jeremy.” Her expression was one of frustrated exasperation.

Jeremy felt a surge of remorse, as well as regret that she had sensed his turmoil, but he still didn’t know what to say. He glanced away as a carriage rattled down the street. He watched it until it was out of sight before turning back to her.

Marietta stamped her foot as her eyes flashed. “Out with it, Jeremy! We are getting married in less than four months. I will not have a husband who treats me like a delicate doll.”

Jeremy sucked in his breath, wishing she wasn’t so adorable when she was angry. He knew what he needed to do, but she wasn’t making it any easier. “Perhaps you should reconsider your decision,” he said gravely, every part of him aching as he forced out the words.

Marietta stared at him. “What?”

“Are you sure you want to be my wife, Marietta?” What he really meant to say was that they were making a mistake getting married, but he couldn’t bring himself to utter the words. Feeling a surge of self-contempt for his cowardice, he said, “You heard Miles and Marcus. Things are getting worse. We both know my being mulatto—especially being one who looks completely white—makes me even more of a target. The vigilantes see me as a bigger threat.” His eyes darkened with memories of the beating he had suffered that spring. The scars had faded, but the images had not left his mind. “Women are being attacked too,” he continued, as he tried unsuccessfully to control the desperation he felt. “Your being with me, combined with the fact that you’re a northern teacher, is only going to make you more of a target,” he finished hoarsely.

“We’re still talking about this?” Marietta asked quietly.

Jeremy took a breath, trying to read her expression. He could see danger flashing behind the calm demeanor, but he had to make her understand. “It’s getting worse,” he repeated. “I have let my love for you become more important than your safety…”

“And my love for you?” Marietta broke in. “Is that not to be considered?” She didn’t give him time to answer. “Do you love me so little that you would simply cast me aside when it’s not convenient?”

Jeremy flushed and opened his mouth to answer, but she cut him off.

“Clearly you have decided that you no longer see me as your equal,” she said angrily.

“That’s not true!” Jeremy exclaimed. “You are definitely my equal, but…”

“But nothing,” Marietta said sternly. “I either am, or I am not. There is no middle ground. Have you been lying to me all this time?” she pressed.

Jeremy thought his insides would split open when the anger in her beautiful eyes was replaced by pain. “I’ve never lied to you,” he said.

Just as quickly as the pain had flashed in Marietta’s eyes, it disappeared, and was replaced by triumph. “Exactly.”

Jeremy was lost. “Excuse me?”

Marietta stepped forward. Heedless of whoever might be peering from the windows of the surrounding homes, she planted a warm kiss on his lips. “You’re being ridiculous, Jeremy. I knew the risks when I fell in love with you. I knew the risks when I agreed to marry you. I have certainly not forgotten the risks now that things are becoming more dangerous.” She paused. “I think of them every day,” she admitted.

“Then you know…”

Marietta put a hand on his lips to stop him from talking. “What I
know
is that I love you more today than when I fell in love with you. I know that I love you more today than I did when I agreed to marry you.” She stepped back and straightened her shoulders. “I also know that one or more of us may be injured or killed in the battle that is raging through America,” she said, her eyes gazing into his.

Jeremy’s gut clenched with pain.

“Not loving each other will
not
change that,” Marietta continued. “Refusing to get married will not change that. The choices we have made will have us both on the front lines for as long as there is a battle to be fought.” She took a deep breath. “The only way we will both get through the time ahead is to rely on each other. We must trust the love we share. Don’t you see?” she pleaded. “You can’t protect me, Jeremy, any more than I can protect you. Our only choice is to love each other with every fiber of our being. It is too late to turn back the clock.”

Jeremy stared into her eyes. He wanted to deny his inability to protect her, but he also knew she was speaking the truth.

Marietta’s voice grew gentler. “I love you, Jeremy Anthony. You have made a choice to live as a mulatto because you have also made a choice to fight for what is right. You are fighting for Rose and Moses. You are fighting for your nieces and nephew. You are fighting for Marcus, and Miles, and Spencer…” She gripped his hand tightly. “I have made the same choice. I could run away to the North and teach school where I would be safe. I
choose
not to. I might be able to convince you to come north with me to escape the danger. I
choose
not to try. This is my battle, too.” She took another fortifying breath. “Our only protection is our love,” she said tenderly.

Jeremy gazed at the courageous light burning in her eyes for a long moment, and then crushed her to his chest. As he held her tight, he could feel their hearts beating against each other. He could no more imagine life without Marietta than he could imagine breathing under water. They had both made their choices—now they would both have to live with them.

Marietta pressed herself against him for a long moment. When she pushed back, the street lamp played across her face. “Can we officially be done with this conversation? Forever?”

Jeremy nodded, smiled, and pulled her back to him. “We are getting married in four months,” he said. “Until then we are going to love each other, worry about each other, and support each other in every way we can.” He paused. “I’m also going to hire someone to take you home when you’re done at the school. Spencer will be there every chance he can, but he has already recommended someone else that he trusts completely. I will continue to drive you to school each morning.” He held his breath, not at all sure of her reaction, but knowing this was not something he was willing to compromise on.

Marietta laughed, her eyes glowing with love. “And I’m smart enough not to argue with you about that. Just because I’m determined to stay and make a difference does not mean I will also choose to be foolish. Having someone to accompany me will be most welcome, sir.”

Jeremy sighed with relief. He had expected her to fight him on his plan. Once again he recognized that Marietta was as smart as she was beautiful. “Thank you,” he murmured. His heart swelled with love as he caressed her cheek. “I never want to lose you.”

Marietta sighed with contentment, snuggling closer. “And I never want to lose you, my darling.” She tilted her face up. “Should we scandalize the neighbors a little more?”

Jeremy grinned, lowered his head, and claimed her lips in a passionate kiss. He didn’t care who was watching, or what they would think. He was going to make the most of every moment because he never knew when the joy he felt might be snatched away.

A sudden movement down a side street made him jerk to attention. Holding a finger to his lips in warning, he pulled Marietta back into the shadow of a large tree. She remained silent, peering in the direction he pointed. They stood motionless as a group of ten white men emerged from the darkness. Rifles and pistols reflected the street lanterns. The grim expressions on the men’s faces as they turned and moved in the direction of the black quarters were all Jeremy and Marietta needed to see.

“Quickly,” Marietta whispered. “We can take this side alley to my boarding house.”

Jeremy nodded, breaking into a run as they moved further into the darkness. Neither said another word until they were standing in front of Marietta’s residence, their sides heaving from their dash through the night.

Marietta placed a finger to his lips. “Go!” she said urgently. “Warn who you can. You’ll beat them there because you know the area better.” Her voice tightened with love. “Be safe…”

Jeremy turned and ran.

Marietta watched until he disappeared around a corner, her heart pounding with fear. She had meant every word she had uttered earlier. Both of them had made choices that put them in grave danger. She had no regrets, but that certainly didn’t mean she wouldn’t feel fear. She waited a long moment and then reluctantly entered her building, praying Jeremy would find one of the patrol members quickly. It was going to be a long night.

Marietta climbed the stairs to her second-floor room. She smiled at Mrs. Pettus, her boarding house keeper, when the old lady cracked open her door and peered out at her. In spite of Marietta’s admonitions not to do it, Mrs. Pettus never went to bed until she was safely at home. Marietta hated the worry she caused, but she also relished the knowledge someone was looking out for her.