Plantation Nation (9781621352877) by King Mercedes

Author:King, Mercedes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Smashwords

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After Emma relayed her news to Eleanor later that night, the older woman blinked at Emma in stunned silence.

"You can't be serious," she finally said. "For Heaven's sake how on earth are you supposed to go about something like that? It's not as though you can hide behind every bush and tree without detection."

"Honestly? I was hoping you might have some suggestions." Emma stirred her cup of tea but her stomach felt too twisted to eat or drink. "I need a way to get inside and explore everything. Then I need to make it back here all in one piece."

Eleanor shook her head. "He's asking too much. How can McClellan expect so much from you?"

"If I don't go I'll be discharged, and he'll find someone else." Emma wondered if Trumball would volunteer himself. "McClellan is trying to prove to Lincoln that he's actually doing something besides sitting around, wasting time and combing his hair. He considers this grand idea of his to be a brilliant military move, and he wants control over the mission."

"Rosemary has heard that Lincoln has threatened to replace McClellan, he's so displeased with the general's lack of movement."

"It may be time for Lincoln to give it serious consideration. The encampment almost isn't big enough for McClellan's ego. I'm not sure the men would be pleased to lose McClellan, even though his strategies seem lethargic."

Emma sipped her tea.

"Wait, did you say Rosemary heard this? How?"

"Oh, she picks up a great deal of gossip whenever she's in town. She says none of the officers pay any attention to her and talk as if she wasn't around. I suppose no one sees a colored girl as any kind of threat."

"Hold on there." Emma froze. No stranger to outlandish ideas, she mulled a scheme taking shape in her mind. She stood and paced, aiding her concentration. "We might be on to something here."

"What do you mean?"

"What if…I mean, if we could find a way…"

Eleanor reared back in her chair. "I'm almost afraid at what might be brewing in that head of yours."

"I'm not sure, but it could work. We just have to figure out…"

Eleanor threw up her hands. "What?"

"Is she here?"

"Who?"

"Rosemary."

The young woman joined them in the kitchen after Eleanor called out, but she wasn't prepared for Emma's strange behavior. She touched Rosemary's braided hair, made her turn around, and compared their forearms.

"What on earth are you doing?" Eleanor asked.

"This could be it! I can do this!" Emma knelt in front of Eleanor and took both of her hands. "I can infiltrate the Rebel camp disguised as a colored man. It's perfect! You said so yourself, no one pays attention to them. The same would be true at the Confederates' camp."

She jumped to her feet.

"Now we just have to figure out a way to tint my skin."

Emma began rummaging through Eleanor's spices and bottles while Eleanor and Rosemary traded bewildered, skeptical faces.

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