Carried Forward By Hope Read Online Free PDF Page A

Carrie because he had such respect for how she escaped the plantation on Granite three years earlier. She didn’t really care why; she was simply glad to know her home remained. Everything in her wanted to be there right now, but it wasn’t time.
    “I’ve been very sick,” Robert murmured.
    Carrie took hope from the awareness in his voice. She settled down on the bed next to him, still stroking his hair. “Yes, you’ve been very sick,” she agreed. “But I believe the worst is behind you now,” she said firmly. “Now you’re just going to get better.”
    Robert gazed at her for a long moment and then looked around the room.
    Carrie’s heart leaped with gladness. Her husband’s eyes were actually looking — they were seeing for the first time. He gave a brief smile to Rose and Moses, recognizing both of them, but his eyes grew confused when they settled on the older woman.
    Carrie stood, took Aunt Abby by the hand, and drew her to the bed. “This is Aunt Abby, Robert,” she said happily.
    Robert’s confusion cleared. “Aunt Abby,” he said. “Carrie’s Aunt Abby.”
    Aunt Abby’s joyful laugh filled the room as she laid her hand on Robert’s arm. “I am so very glad to finally have the chance to meet you. I’ve only heard about you for five years. It’s nice to know you weren’t just a figment of Carrie’s imagination,” she said teasingly.
    Darkness fled the room as the breeze brought in hope and light. The curtains swayed and danced as hope replaced the despair that filled the room just minutes before.
    Robert stared up at Aunt Abby. “You have good eyes,” he said, but then his head slumped back against the pillow. “So tired…” he whispered.
    Aunt Abby stepped back as Carrie placed her hand on his head again, relieved beyond measure to find it cool to the touch. “You’ve had quite a long day,” she said soothingly.
    May entered the room with a bowl of soup.
    Carrie lifted Robert easily until he was sitting partially upright, still stunned that her robust husband was now frail and light enough for her to lift. She kept her voice cheerful, encouraged by his awareness. “Just take a few bites of this soup. Then you can go to sleep.”
    Robert nodded weakly, took the soup obediently, and then closed his eyes, his face going lax.
    Carrie gazed down at him and then smiled at Aunt Abby and Rose. “It’s a healing sleep,” she whispered. “We’ll go down now so that he won’t be disturbed.”
    *******
     
    Carrie looked at the two empty seats as May brought steaming platters out to the table. Robert’s awareness had lifted her spirits more than anything could have, but the conversation she’d had earlier with Aunt Abby and Rose had played through her mind all afternoon.
    “Where are Clifford and Janie?” Matthew asked, reaching for a piece of cornbread. “This is too good of a meal to miss.”
    Carrie pushed back from the table, aware of Aunt Abby and Rose’s gaze on her. “I’ll run up and check on her,” she said casually. “She must have been so tired after helping with Robert. I just want to make sure she’s all right.”
    Moments later she was easing down the hallway of the east wing, wondering why she was walking so quietly, but loath to make noise. She would analyze it later. She padded down the hallway past Jeremy’s room, slowing as she heard angry voices coming from the end room. Frowning and no longer concerned about stealth, she moved more quickly.
    “I tell you those soldiers have no right to be here in Richmond!”
    Carrie heard Clifford’s voice easily through the closed door. She raised her hand to knock but then dropped it and decided to listen.
    Janie didn’t respond, but Clifford continued on. “Those niggers have no right to tell white men what they can and cannot do!” He paused. “I tell you, we just won’t have it! Something has to be done.”
    Janie still said nothing.
    “Don’t you have anything to say?” Clifford asked sharply. “Can you