On to Richmond by Ginny Dye Page B

Sam show you to the door.”   She struggled to control the angry tremor in her voice.
                  “Oh, sit down!” Louisa said in a sharp voice.  “Do you really think everyone around here doesn’t know what you are doing?  Someone had to come over and try to talk some sense into you.  Don’t you realize what you are doing to all our reputations?  Especially your father’s?”
                  Carrie remained standing where she was, but her face whitened at the mention of her father. 
                  Louisa peered even closer.  “He still has no idea what you’re doing, does he?”
    Carrie didn’t respond, her fists clenching at her side as she considered attacking Louisa as she had once when they were much younger.  She had deserved it then, and she certainly deserved it now. 
    Louisa laughed again, this time in disbelief.  “How in the world have you managed to deceive him for so long?  It must be true.  The poor man is in his own little world.  I almost feel sorry for you, Carrie, being left behind to manage this plantation while your father runs away to Richmond.”
                  Carrie had heard all she intended to listen to.  She walked slowly over to stand directly in front of Louisa.  “That will be all, Louisa.  You have insulted me.  Now you insult my father.  It is time for you to leave.”
                  “Oh, pooh, why let such little things disturb you?”  Louisa made no move to leave, but merely sat back in her chair, and reached for her tea.  “Surely you aren’t afraid of a little truth?”
                  “When the truth becomes a distorted pack of lies, it is indeed disturbing.  I will have Sam show you out.”   Carrie turned sharply and headed for the parlor door.
                  “Don’t you even want to know that Robert asked after you?” 
                  Even when angry, Louisa could be simpering.  Carrie hesitated the merest second and then continued to move toward the door.  “Sam?”  He appeared at her side instantly.  “Miss Blackwell is leaving now.  Would you please show her to the door?”
                  Carrie heard Louisa’s angry gasp from behind her and then heard the rustle of her skirts as Louisa jumped up from the chair where she had been sitting.   Carrie knew she was safe for the moment from that acid tongue.  Louisa would never consider talking about personal things in front of a slave. 
                  Carrie watched her stalk to the door and then stop just long enough to throw an angry glare over her shoulder. 
                  “I’m sorry I ever came all the way over here to see you.  I told them it would do no good,” she said as a parting shot. 
                  “I’m sorry you came all the way over here, too,” Carrie replied quietly.  “I hope you have a good trip home.”  With those words, she turned and walked back into the parlor.  She stood at the window and watched as Louisa flounced down the stairs and settled herself stiffly into the carriage.  A sharp word from her, a raise of the driver’s hands, and the carriage rolled smoothly down the drive.  
                  Carrie watched her for just a moment before she sank into the chair next to the fire and lowered her head into her hands.  Her head pounded and her face burned with anger and embarrassment.  It was bad enough that Louisa had insulted both her and her father.  To know that Louisa had been discussing her with Robert made Carrie feel sick inside.  You don’t know how much of what she said is true , a voice cautioned. 
                  “Can I bring you some food, Miss Carrie?  That might make you feel some better.”
                  Carrie looked up at the sound of Sam’s deep voice and managed a wavering smile.  She didn’t feel like eating, but