The Indomitable Lady

17. The Price of decisions

Teresa tried to compose herself in front of the startling air of the two men. Alice and Ruth, who had been waiting on the porch, headed towards them.

ꟷWhat happened, Madam? Why were you in the woods? ꟷasked Paulo

ꟷNothing happened. I am fine! ꟷTeresa replied, wiping her face with her hands

ꟷLet me take you homeꟷ, Paulo said sympathetically.

ꟷNo, it's not necessary

Carlos arrived from behind the house. Of course it arrived. He always managed to show up when it would have been better if he didn't, Teresa thought, trying to appear normal.

The husband was about to get off his horse, but when he saw them, he rode close to them. He quickly realized that everyone present was looking at Teresa.

ꟷ What's going on? ꟷhe asked, dismounting and passing the reins to Raul who took them to the black man who was approaching for that purpose. He immediately approached his wife because he realized that all eyes were focused on her.

Teresa realized she was in trouble again. When he found out that she had left the woods, a place where she shouldn't go alone, Carlos would get angry again. Maybe it would be subject to new punishment

ꟷNothing's wrong, Carlos! ꟷShe tried to say, but Raul soon explained

ꟷYour wife came out of the thicket breathless. I would always like to know what a lady is doing there, alone!

­­ꟷIs everything alright, Teresa? ꟷCarlos inquired, his gaze fixed on her, one eyebrow raised.

ꟷShe seemed terrified, like she'd encountered some wild animal, ꟷPaulo explained.

Alice stepped closer, sensing the gravity of the situation escalating beyond their control.

ꟷTeresa followed Octávio. He headed into the forest...

ꟷAh, he's just patrolling, ꟷRaul interjected ꟷ making sure no one with ill intentions trespasses onto the farm.

ꟷWhy did you go after Octávio? ꟷ asked Carlos, more confused than angry.

Teresa pointed out Ruth, who was behind the group.

Carlos looked at the slave and opened his eyes in amazement to see her face so transfigured. He looked at Teresa again. But it was Alice who explained:

ꟷ She wanted to tell Octávio not to touch Ruth again.

Teresa lowered her gaze. Now he knew Carlos was furious. Once again, she meddled in the affairs of the slaves for whom only Raul was responsible.

ꟷ And what happened in the woods? ꟷ Paulo asked calmly, almost paternally.

Teresa didn't respond, but tears threatened to come out of her eyes.

ꟷ What happened? Respond! ꟷasked Carlos authoritatively.

ꟷ He grabbed me and agreed not to touch Ruth if I slept with him, ꟷ she said in one breath, giving in to crying.

ꟷWhat!!!ꟷ shouted Carlos.

ꟷOctávio wouldn't do that! ꟷexclaimed Raul.

Carlos looked at Paulo and shouted:

ꟷSend someone to get this slave. I want him here! Now!!!

The foreman walked away to give orders to the slaves who were at the entrance gate.

ꟷ Carlos, you won't believe what your lady says! ꟷ exclaimed Raul. ꟷ Your wife is always getting involved where she shouldn't be and now she wants to keep Octávio away from Ruth, that's why she invented this.