Under the Tulip Poplar by Diane Ashley & Aaron McCarver

Author:Diane Ashley & Aaron McCarver
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc
Published: 2013-08-29T04:00:00+00:00

Eleven

“But I don’t want to be a teller.” Asher’s voice had risen in volume as he tried to explain to his pa why he wanted to continue working for the militia. His parents were frustrated with his refusal to change his mind, but he was equally frustrated with their inability to grasp his desire to launch a challenging, interesting career that would keep him in close contact with General Jackson. They wanted him to embrace a boring future with a steady income that offered no chance for fame or fortune. They did not understand the importance of what he was involved in.

“It makes a lot more sense than hanging around that braggart, Colonel Lewis.” His pa took a deep breath and released it with a grunt. “You are letting that man draw you into questionable schemes without a thought to the consequences.”

“It’s not like that, Pa.”

“Then tell me what it is like.” Pa’s eyes narrowed. Asher could almost feel the flashes of lightning coming from them.

He hated arguing with his pa, but this was too important an issue. The way to convince his parents was through calm and rational discussion. He tamped down his anger. “I cannot. I’ve sworn an oath.”

“To whom? The United States Army or to that New Orleans fop?”

“Pa, I’ve never heard you cast such aspersions. Colonel Lewis is a respected officer in General Jackson’s militia.”

“Isn’t he the one you report to? Or do you have another reason for spending so much time at the Lewis home?”

Asher could feel his anger building again. First Rebekah and now his own family. Didn’t anyone trust him anymore? “What kind of son do you think you raised?” He turned away and looked out the window.

After a moment, he felt Pa’s hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry. You’re right. Your ma and I raised you to be an honest, God-fearing man. We have to allow you to make your own decisions.”

Asher wanted to turn around, but he could not. It was time for his family to realize that he was fully grown. Maybe when he and Rebekah got married. . .as soon as he asked Mr. Taylor for permission to propose. And why was he taking so long to do that?

Somewhere along their journey from New Orleans, Rebekah had changed. He hardly knew her anymore. At first he’d thought she was worried about her aunt or maybe overtired from the hardships of traveling, but they’d been back in Nashville for nearly a month and there had been plenty of time for her to recover. Mrs. Quinn seemed to be thriving, so that wasn’t the problem.

He was beginning to think Rebekah didn’t love him anymore. She was distant and cold the one time he called on her. Of course, the reason he hadn’t been by more often was because he was busy preparing for their future. But had she understood that? No. Instead of being glad to see him, she seemed to be waiting for him to make some confession of wrongdoing. Asher never knew what to say anymore to bring a smile to her face.

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