For Home and Country by Naomi Finley

Author:Naomi Finley [Finley, Naomi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Book Four
Publisher: Huntson Press
Published: 2021-09-14T16:00:00+00:00

“WELL, AIN’T YOU TWO A sight.” Mammy marched into my chamber as Whitney stepped from behind the privacy screen, dressed in men’s apparel.

“I don’t lak et one bit. Not one bit, I tell ya.” She balled her hands on her ample hips. “Dem soldiers git ahold of ya, dey gwine have demselves a grand ol’ time wid two purty gals lak you.”

“Oh, hush, Mammy. Don’t talk like that. I won’t be drowned in your fears today,” I said with a scowl. Nerves had chased me all day, and her grievances wouldn’t help.

“Et ain’t fear but good sense. You two shouldn’t be out dere on dem roads alone.”

“It hasn’t stopped us before.” I fastened the last button on my husband’s shirt before donning his coat.

“And you ain’t bin in de middle of a war ’fore.” The creases in her forehead deepened. “I knowed you put me in my grave ’fore my time. Done knowed et since I laid my eyes on ya.”

“Would you prefer that Kipling stays? You saw what happened today. It’s too dangerous.”

“I know he got to go, but why can’t Jones take him?”

“Because we need Jones here in case the Federals show up.”

She huffed and grumbled under her breath.

Whitney pinned up her auburn locks before setting a floppy hat overtop and pulling it snuggly down. In an extravagant show, she twirled around for us to get a good look at her. “Well, how do I look?” Her grin spread from ear to ear.

“Like Ruby when she showed up here in disguise with Kipling some years back.” The image of Ruby flashed in my mind’s eye.

“Well, it’s been a while since you and I have been on an adventure.”

“Adventure?” Mammy’s voice rose. “Is dat what we are calling et? Dis war has gone to evvyone’s head. I’m sick of dem soldier boys lying all over de house, bleeding all over my floors. De sooner dis war is over, de better. You know I lak a clean—”

“Yes, Miss Rita, we know. You like a clean house,” Whitney said brightly. “Just think, when this war is over, they will be gone, and you will continue to raise hell for years to come.”

Mammy scoffed and narrowed her eyes. “Dat ain’t no fitting way for a lady to talk. Ef I were your mama, I would have—”

“Put the fear of God in me?” Whitney’s eyes glittered with sly merriment.

I held my breath as the bear before us exited her den and unhinged her jaw. “Now you listen here—”

“Oh, Mammy, I wish you wouldn’t fuss so. We will be careful and return by week’s end.” I strode to the looking glass and regarded the young man gazing back at me. I imagined if I had a younger brother, he would resemble this reflection.

“Have et your way. I know you gwine to anyway.” Mammy came to stand beside me and fully inspected my reflection.

“What?” I said when her brow puckered.

“Ef someone git a couple feet from you, dey gwine to know you ain’t men. Ef you fixing to do dis—wait here; I’ll be back.

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