“Are they happy?”
He waited a moment before replying. “Yes. Happier than they’ve ever been.”
“There you are, then,” Andrew said. “Marriage can’t be all bad.”
No. Living with a leg-shackle wouldn’t be bad at all. If he could only get Eugénie to agree to wed him, he’d gladly live under the cat’s paw. Will climbed the stairs to the first floor. Despite the fact that Eugénie was leading him a pretty dance, he wouldn’t have her be other than what she was. Whether she recognized it or not, he had made progress this evening. She wouldn’t have been concerned over how his family would react if she wasn’t already half-way ready to marry him.
As Nathan’s small group of fugitives reached the outskirts of Saint-Pierre, the night sky deepened to a dark sapphire. It would begin to lighten soon. He tried to convince himself they’d succeed in their escape. Throughout their journey he’d listened for any sound that would indicate they were being followed, but there had been nothing. Until just a few moments ago, there was not even a farmer bringing his goods to market. Still, it wouldn’t be long before someone at the plantation discovered they were missing. He prayed that he and the others would be safely ensconced in his friend’s apartment by then.
All night he’d half expected to hear the beat of horses’ hooves bearing down on them. Though, as dark as it was and with the horrible condition of the road, a rider would be risking not only his life but the animal’s as well, traveling that fast. Still, the poor mule was so old, it had taken more than twice the time as a good horse to arrive at Saint-Pierre, and he didn’t want their party to be caught now..
Aside from Miss Marshall and Conrad, they’d been joined by the young man who’d left the message for him about the escape; Sukey; Ben, who was the slaves’ cook’s helper; Mary; and her husband, John. Mary had a small bump showing beneath her gown and Nathan figured her to be about four or five months with child. If their luck held, the baby would be born free.
Under cover of a large tree, Conrad brought the wagon to a halt. He climbed in the back, and Miss Marshall covered him with empty sacks, saying, “He is too large to go unnoticed. When they begin to search, they’ll ask about him first.”
Nathan nodded. “You’re right.” He was still tired from lack of sleep, but getting them to safety was all that was important. He wondered if the donkey could handle the load. “I can walk if need be.”
“No,” Miss Marshall responded quickly, “it would not do, especially going into town. Are you well enough to handle the reins?”
He must be more fatigued than he’d thought. Of course he couldn’t be seen to walk while a colored woman rode. Thank God for Miss Marshall’s quick wits. “I’ll be fine. Give them over to me.”
After he’d threaded the ribbons through his fingers, she climbed down. “It’s only another mile into Saint-Pierre, and the roads will be better soon.”
The closer they got to his friend’s house, the more Nathan’s tension eased. They were so close to freedom.
Despite it still being dark, people were on the streets as they drove into town. A few glared, others studiously looked away, as if the vegetation on the side of the road was more important. Gradually the traffic became heavier as they came closer to the town, and the sky lightened. As with sunset, dawn came quickly, adding to the danger of discovery.
He steered the wagon toward the docks, turning in the alley behind the main shopping street where his friend had his apartment. A bachelor, Vincent lived alone above his business. “Come with me.”
Except for Miss Marshall, who took Nathan’s place in the cart, he herded the others into the small entryway to a staircase hidden from the outside.
“Remain here. I’ll be right back.” He climbed the stairs to the large apartment above, then pounded on the door until the shuffling of feet could be heard on the other side.
“Who is there?” Vincent asked in French.
“It’s Nathan Wivenly.”
There was the sound of locks being drawn back, and a moment later the door flew open. “Nathan!Good God, man. I’d heard you were dead.”
He grinned as his friend drew him into a hug, a thing he’d only allow a Frenchman to do. “I’m extremely hard to kill. I’ve been held captive for the past several months.”
Vincent stepped aside, motioning with his hand. “Come in. Come in. You must tell me everything.”
Nathan hesitated. “Vincent, I brought some people with me.”
“Of course you have.” Vincent gazed steadily at Nathan, but the corners of Vincent’s lips kicked up. “How else would you have escaped? Bring them up. All of you must be bone tired to arrive at this time of day.”
Nathan breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“There is no need. I will rouse Gus, and he can get coffee and breakfast prepared. Then we’ll make places for your friends and you to sleep.”
Nathan summoned his small coterie to the apartment. Conrad led the group and one by one they entered, glancing around, their eyes wide with fear.
Vincent smiled and bowed. “You are safe here, my friends. You were very brave and will be rewarded. Come let us break our fast, then we shall discuss what you will require in the way of assistance.”
“Conrad,” Nathan asked, “where is Miss Marshall?”
“She said there is a livery close by. She’ll return the mule and cart, then come here.”
