“I know,” Charlotte said.  “You’re caught in between us and I regret that.  I wouldn’t want to be in your place.  But I’ve told you all I have to tell.”

“Nothing more, you’re sure?”

“Seriously, nothing more.”

Tobias sighed deeply.  “If that’s the way it is then,” he said.  “Just understand that I can’t give up.  You’re aware of that, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I am.  Come by in the morning.”

“I’ll be glad to.”

“I’m grateful to have met up with you again,” she said.

“I’m grateful that you’re alive,” he said.

<>

In the morning, Charlotte gave him breakfast and two loaves of molasses bread, then walked him out to his horse.

“Truthfully, how is it in the desert?” she said.

“It’s peaceful, not near so much commotion as living with the whole Family.”

“Did you ever marry again?”

“You remember about that.”

“I was very young, but yes, I remember, mostly because Father shouted so much over it.”

“He does have his opinions.  But no, I never remarried.  I missed her for a very long time, and then one day I didn’t anymore.  I’m content living by myself.  I don’t mind it.  If you think about it, Samuel’s the same way, though he had you.  You’re a fine young woman.  He did right by you, or you by him, I don’t know which.”

“Thank you.”

“I won’t be saying goodbye,” Tobias said as he mounted his horse.  “Because I’ll likely be back.  As a matter of fact, I think you can count on it.”

“There’s a place at the table and you’re always welcome.  But just know that I’m set in my ways as much as he is and nothing’s going to change.”

“I’ll be seeing you,” he said and gave her his sad smile.

31

“The quartermaster likes your bread,” Brewster said at dinner.  “But you can come and talk to him yourself.  He says he wants all the bread you can give him, part to use for meals and part to sell in the sutler’s store.  You’d buy what you need for it at what it costs them and then you’d get the profits from what they sell and payment for what they use as credit in the store.  That’s the part you’d want to see if you agreed with.  And you’d want an understanding of numbers, how much bread we’re talking about.  And he’s thinking you’d use the cookstove in the mess hall.  It’s yours whenever you want it.”

“Brewster,” Charlotte said.  “I’m not following anything you’re saying.  If I go to the quartermaster, you’re coming with me.”

“But I found out there’s more.  Do you know how many soldiers here can’t read or write?”

“I don’t have any idea at all.”