The Abolitionist’s Secret by Becky Lower

and found a publisher for her first book. Of course, the publisher doesn’t know he’s dealing with a young girl. He thinks F. P. Elliott is a man.”
    “You are F. P. Elliott? A couple of the men on the base where I was stationed outside of St. Louis were reading one of your books. Unbelievable.”
    As Rosemary preened, Charlotte attempted to bring the conversation back to the more important topic that was floating around the table. The lieutenant and Heather had just announced their engagement.
    “So, Lieutenant, you are going to marry my daughter and take her away to St. Louis. What of your plantation in Georgia?”
    David’s glance skittered over Heather’s face, and then landed on Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s. “My father can continue to run the plantation for a while longer. It was never meant to be mine anyway. My older brother Jacob was being groomed to take over from my father. He loved the land and the plantation life. It was never for me. That’s why I joined the Army.”
    “But, as I understand it, Jacob suffered a tragic death a year or so ago, is that not correct?”
    “Yes, ma’am, it is. And, I suppose when my father eventually passes on, I’ll take over the helm. But Heather and I want to strike out on our own first, and spend some time out west.”
    Charlotte’s hands sliced through the air in excitement. “So, will we have a wedding here by the end of the season? Will your parents come up from Savannah for the ceremony? Tell us your plans. This is so wonderful. You know, I missed out on planning an elaborate wedding for Ginger, since she got married so quickly. She and I only had a few days to pull together a ceremony, which was lovely but rustic. But, Heather, you and I will have so much fun orchestrating this one!”
    Charlotte turned her gaze to David, and her eyes warmed. “You know, Lieutenant, when I met you last fall, I thought you were a fine young man, and would be perfect for one of my girls. You’ll be a delightful addition to the family.”
    David reached over and took Heather’s hand in his. “We’d like to marry soon, certainly within another couple of months. I can send word to the Army that I’m not going to re-enlist, but I must visit my home in person and see my mother and father. I haven’t been back since Jacob’s funeral, and I need to visit with them, so I must return home for a short period of time. I want to tell them in person of our engagement, and give Mother time to get used to the idea.”
    Heather smiled over at him before she turned her gaze to her parents. “I agree you do need to return home to see them. And to break our news gently to Blanche Beaufort.”
    Charlotte gazed over at the happy couple. “Blanche Beaufort? The woman from the neighboring plantation?”
    Heather replied, “And David’s supposed betrothed. It has always been assumed she would marry into the family, and when Jacob died, David was her next choice. She will be devastated, since she’s waited for years to marry Jacob and now, David.”
    George Fitzpatrick gazed at the group from his place at the head of the table. He looked fondly at Heather, and then shifted his attention to her young man. “David, I watched you take command during the railroad disaster last year, and I know the strength of character and courage that you possess. So, I have no fears about handing over my daughter to you. But you must accept the fact that despite where you and Heather decide to locate to begin your married life, you will someday have to deal with the plantation, and your rightful place at its helm. My daughter is extremely anti-slavery, as is our entire family. I never want to have her placed in harm’s way.”
    David straightened in his chair as he listened to George’s words. “Wherever we go, especially in the south, she will have the protection of my name. My family has lived in Georgia since the beginning of civilized time, and we are well known. She needn’t have any fears. If we do end up