Calico Girl by Jerdine Nolen

Author:Jerdine Nolen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

CHAPTER TEN

Leaving

May 27, 1861

Later that day

Callie thought Papa came in like a strong wind to push out the clouds after a heavy rain. Things were moving fast. Callie thought she liked it but she also felt it was too fast to suit her. Papa talked fast too. She especially liked the things he was saying. His plans seemed to have adventure running all the way through them. But they scared her too. She had never left Belle Hill Farm for even a day. And now Papa was saying they were leaving forever. She felt the world was all mixed up and swirling around inside of her even more.

“Ruth,” Papa said, “I want you to start packing the things you want to take. I’m going up to the house to speak with Catherine Warren.” He paused, and suddenly his voice became very heavy.

“No matter what, she deserves our respect and friendship. She has done right by us. She never broke her promise to us.”

Callie became all eyes and ears. This was no dream happening. This was truly real.

“I’ll stay behind here and help with your little boy so your wife can pack,” Lieutenant Jessup said, reaching for Little Charlie. Papa nodded his head in thanks.

“You come along with me, Callie,” he said, taking her hand. “Speak your piece to Suse. I don’t know when you’ll see her again.”

Callie was glad he said that. She guessed she did want to see her and say her farewell, though she didn’t really know what she would say to her. She wasn’t sure she knew the words to say good-bye to Suse.

• • •

Papa knocked at the door.

“Catherine,” Papa called to her in his sweet, soft voice. “It’s Hampton. Catherine, could I please have a word with you?” Callie had hardly ever heard Papa refer to Mistress by her first name. Papa stepped back off the porch and waited patiently with Callie in the yard.

Moments passed. No one came to the door right away. Papa knocked again. Callie wondered why no one came to the door. She was sure Papa’s knock was loud enough. She wondered if Mistress Catherine didn’t come to the door because she was feeling as afraid as she was.

What Papa was saying frightened Callie. What he was talking about, freedom, was only spoken about like a faraway dream—a dream that might never come. But this day freedom was finally here. It was hard to believe.

To Callie it was all so confusing. Her head felt dizzy. Her stomach was churning. She felt jumpy inside, but in her heart she felt that same shining light that shone on Papa’s face. They were changing their lives forever.

The door opened but Miss Catherine did not open it very wide. When Papa went up to the porch, she stepped outside to speak with him. Callie hoped Suse would be with her, but Miss Catherine was alone. Callie stayed in the yard hoping Suse would see her from the window and come downstairs.

The sun was bright and high now.

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