Daughter of Twin Oaks Read Online Free PDF Page A

I know a requisition was turned in.”
    “Seems, then, there was a break somewhere in the line between requisition and payment. I could surely use the money that officer promised.” She nodded to the black bands circling the white pillars. “As you can see, we are in mournin’ over the death of my father, so if there is nothin’ else?”
    “I’m sorry to hear that.”
    He repeats himself. He must be uncomfortable. My mother would offer them lemonade and cookies. But then my mother is dancing on the clouds of heaven with my father, and I’m the one left here .
    “Would you and your men care for some lemonade?” she said and heard Meshach suck in a breath behind her. “I trust y’all would find these chairs more comfortable than your saddles.” She indicated the rocking chairs and padded lounges grouped so invitingly off to either side of the front door.
    The captain tipped his hat again. “That we would, and we appreciate your hospitality.” He nodded to the officer mounted to his left.
    “Dismount!” The crisp command cut through the settling dusk. Doves cooing in the magnolia trees by the house set up a startled cry, and a flurry of wing flapping spoke of their agitation.
    At the rattle of sabers and jingling harness, a black-and-tan hound came growling around the corner of the pillared white house with teeth bared, the hackles raised on the back of his neck.
    Jesselynn felt like doing the same but kept her best company smile in place. She could barely hear the ratcheting song of the cicadas above the beating of her heart.
    Meshach crossed the porch in silent strides and, murmuring to the dog, took him back behind the house. Within seconds the man was back, always standing to the rear of Jesselynn but an imposing presence nonetheless.
    Jesselynn knew he would do everything in his power to protect her should there be any aggression on the part of the Union soldiers. All five of them, spurs and sabers clanking, strode up the two wide steps and took a seat.
    Her face a mask of resentment, Lucinda passed around a tray of glasses, already sweating from the September heat. Ophelia followed her with a plate of cookies left over from the funeral.
    Neither of the women responded to the polite thank-yous from the blue-coated men.
    “I appreciate your hospitality, ma’am, but I have to ask again. Do you have any horses remaining here at Twin Oaks?”
    Such audacity when this is Confederate country . She glanced toward the horses being held by one of her own slaves. “Those were the last, other than a team of mules we use in the fields and to pull our wagon. Would you take everything that helps to keep us alive?”
    “No, ma’am, I don’t want to do that, but I’m sure you wouldn’t mind if I send a couple of my men to search the stables and barns?”
    Jesselynn smiled sweetly. “Why no, sir, we wouldn’t mind that one little bit. But this time, please leave the hens alone. Took them three weeks to start layin’ again after your last visit.”
    A snort from one of the men made her smile more widely. “Other than that, we have nothin’ left to hide.”
    “You understand, this is not my …” The captain stopped and nodded to three enlisted men. “And don’t disturb anyone or anything not connected to the horses.”
    A considerate Yankee. Now, if that isn’t an oxymoron . In spite of all that had gone on, Jesselynn still enjoyed using a new word when she could. Now was a good opportunity. As the three left the portico, she nodded for Lucinda to pass the tray again. “Please, help yourselves. Not many bl—” She cut off the term “bluebellies” and reframed her sentence. “I reckon not many of those from the North have an opportunity to taste Lucinda’s secret recipe for lemonade.”
    The captain’s eyes twinkled, but he answered gravely. “Then we are all the more grateful that you would share this with us.” He lifted his glass.
    Lucinda harrumphed behind Jesselynn’s chair. Without looking,