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Alice harrumphed. “Does he, indeed? Foolish, if you ask me. We’re fine as we are.”
“But then we would get to vote in future presidential elections and have full representation in Congress. Would we not, Miss McEwan?” Henry remarked.
“Yes, that would be a definite advantage to the people living here,” I said.
“Just think of it! Does your family hold to Republican opinions then, Miss McEwan?” Henry eagerly asked. “There’s talk that they want—”
“Now, then, that’s enough political talk at the dinner table,” his mother grumbled. “Henry, if you’re finished, go see to the chicken and pigs, then clean up the barn. And don’t forget to leave your muddy boots at the back door when you come back inside.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he mumbled dejectedly.
“Michael, go downstairs and fetch me some coffee for tomorrow’s breakfast.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Bryant answered, giving Henry a companionable wink. “Be right back.”
Everyone stood and went about their tasks as I awkwardly stood there, not sure what my own proper protocol should be.
“May I help you with the dishes, Mrs. Bautista?” I offered.
Alice shook her head as she cleared the table. “No, I have everything to hand here. You can just turn in for the night. I’m sure you’re all done-in. Goodnight, Miss McEwan.”
A very definite dismissal by her tone and tight expression.
“I will then, thank you,” I said. “Goodnight.”
I headed for my room, but was stopped in the hallway by Bryant.
“It’ll be best if we leave at first light tomorrow,” he said quietly. “Before the town wakes.”
I nodded, catching his meaning. “Okay. Sorry for the slip back there. About the future president and other things.”
“No harm done.” He arched a brow, remarking, “So Harrison then?”
“Just one term. Cleveland will be elected again after that. But not before Harrison makes Washington a formal state next year—November, 1889.”
“And with it, more government interference in our daily lives.”
I hadn’t thought of that, actually, having grown up in a country with fifty official statehoods.
“Not to worry, Callista,” Bryant eased and said, seeing my troubled expression. “If the future is already set, then we’ll take the world as it comes. What else are we to do?”
A very good question.
What could be done with future knowledge after all?
FATED MATES
CHAPTER 8
You Can Do Magic
“Callista, get up and get dressed.”
“Hmm?”
“It’ll be light soon,” Bryant added. “We have to go before we’re seen and recognized by the Arcans still in town. The horses are packed up and waiting out back.”
I cracked my eyes open with a sneer, making him out in the darkness hovering next to me. Never a morning person, I growled my great displeasure at being woken at that ungodly hour, and rolled on my side away from him.
