THIRTEEN FOR DINNER

Thirty three

THIRTY-THREE

       Emily’s a nervous wreck as we take the stairs two at a time. I’ve never entered the third floor by way of the regular staircase and am amazed at the vastness of this palatial home. If I could afford it, I would buy this place once I got home and turn it into a hotel myself.           

            Emily opens the door and we slip inside. I scan the room for Quillan, an obvious sign of my love for him, according to Mike. He’s standing by the open window, looking outside, and turns to face us at the sound of our arrival. Seeing I am his wife right now, I play the part, joining him. I happen to glance out the open shutters, my stomach drops; from his vantage point he has a perfect view of the garden pond. My stomach drops further and I’m hoping the sounds from the garden do not drift this far.

            James Faulkner stands and slides the bolt in place, locking the door. Emily’s eyes are wide in fear as she takes her place near the bed by Lunar’s side. With as much strength as he is able, Lunar tries to sit up but Mr. Faulkner raises his hand. “Stay where you are Lunar, there’s no need to get up.”

            Mr. Faulkner pulls some papers from his coat and stares at Lunar. “When I became aware of your betrayal to me by becoming involved with my only child, I immediately listed you for sale and attained a buyer up in North Carolina. He has made plans to travel this way after rice harvest, pay my asking price and take you back with him. Things being what they are, I feel the need to expedite your dismissal.”

            “I hear Emily gasp and suddenly I wish I hadn’t tossed the ring so soon. Damn my impulsiveness.

            “Daddy!” Emily interrupts but he raises his hand again.

            “Hear me out Emily; trust me when I say I have your best interest in mind. I sent a telegram cancelling the sale.” He hands the papers to Lunar. “I’m giving you your freedom, and asking you to take one final trip on the Underground.” Mr. Faulkner’s chin quivers and I can hear the anguish in his voice. “Take Emily and head up North. You will have a better life there.”

            Emily covers her mouth as tears stream down her face. My heart is pounding against my chest. We’ve done it! James Faulkner is not going to execute Lunar and now Emily has no reason to hang herself. I want to run across the room and hug Mr. Faulkner myself but Emily beats me to it. “Oh Daddy, Oh Daddy,” she repeats over and over. James gives into his tears and holds her tight.

            “Master Faulkner,” Lunar interrupts the love fest. “As much as I do appreciate your kindness to me in this matter. I cannot be so selfish as to head north for a better life when so many of my family will remain here and suffer; yourself included.” He says handing back the papers. “If you want to take back my freedom, I understand; but I won’t jump off a sinking ship and let everyone else drown just to save myself.”

            I hold my breath cause that’s what you do when you’re going under. My little dinghy of hope just capsized big time.

            Emily tenses up, a new terror sweeping over her face as her eyes dart back and forth between her lover and her father.

            Mr. Faulkner stares hard at Lunar and I’m hoping he’s not offended by his refusal to go along with the plan. He was gracious to say the least and you would think Lunar would jump at the chance but I for one understand his reasoning not to. Given the chance to go back to my time before our mission is completed, I’d do the same.

            “This is the kind of integrity I always hoped my daughter would find in the man she chose to marry.” James says refusing the papers. “I have no intention of taking back your freedom.”

            “Then as a free man, it is my wish to stay here and work the plantation.” Lunar surprises us all.

            “Agreed,” Mr. Faulkner says. “After rice harvest you will take the east side of the property and construct a house fitting for you and Emily.”

            “After I build better housing for the slaves,” he says.

            The silence hangs in the room like a thick blanket and I’m praying Mr. Faulkner doesn’t have a change of heart, wrap a rope around Lunar’s neck and start dragging him to the trees.

            “You have nine months to do both.” James will not be outdone. “My grandchild is going to need a proper home when he arrives.”

            I smile and look at Quillan, they’re talking about him. He slips his hand in mine and I am thrilled because according to Mike’s theory, Quillan must love me too.

            “Thank you Sir,” Lunar agrees this time.

            “Thank you,” James nods to Lunar and then gives me a knowing smile. He turns to all of us before leaving the room. “This is between us, there’s no need to spread the word. Let history tell our story for us.”

            We all nod. I swallow hard and pray it’s better than the last one.