George turned on his heel and marched inside without waiting to see what his brothers would decide.
“He’s got us across a barrel there,” Monty said.
“Yeah,” Hen agreed.
“You can give in to George if you want, but I won’t,” Jeff said.
“I never expected you would,” Monty said, his habitual antagonism toward Jeff back in his voice. “You always were too stubborn to do what’s best for you, even when you weren’t too blind to see it. You coming, Salty?”
“In a minute. I’ve been so enthralled by the eloquence of the Randolph boys I haven’t remembered to wash up.”
Monty laughed heartily. “You must mean George. Hen doesn’t talk enough to be eloquent, and Jeff will tell you I don’t talk much better than an ignorant dirt farmer.”
“You don’t have to stay out here to keep me company,” Jeff said to Salty as Hen and Monty turned to go inside.
“I’m not,” Salty said. “I’m staying to make sure you go in to dinner.”
“I won’t. Not as long as she’s in there.”
“Suit yourself. Just know it’s not Rose you’re standing against now. It’s your brothers.”
“No, it’s not. It’s that damned Yankee woman.”
“Your brothers understand your feelings and respect them. They’ve all agreed to talk about it tonight. But they’ve told you they feel you’re wrong to treat Rose this way. They all agree on that point. If you stay out here, you’ll be slapping them in the face as much as Rose.”
“No, I’m not.”
“If you ignore their opinion in this matter, how do you expect them to respect yours in the other? You can’t have it all your own way.”
“What do you think about Rose?” Jeff asked.
“My opinion doesn’t matter.”
“I want it anyway.”
“Okay, I think she’s one magnificent woman. If I thought she’d have me, I’d propose right now.”
“But her father fought for the union !” Jeff said, unable to believe that no one agreed with him.
“I wouldn’t care if her father was Grant himself. She’s a damned fine woman, and Texas ought to be proud of her.”
“You sound like George.”
“Your brother is a smart man. Now make up your mind. If you wait any longer, it won’t matter what you decide later.”
George was surprised at himself. He was so angry he was shaking. He knew his appreciation for Rose had increased with each passing day, but he had no idea his feelings for her had grown to such proportions. What he felt for her had gone past simple appreciation.
He liked her very much.
Maybe even more than that. If not, how could he account for his reaction to Jeff’s attack?
It had taken a lot of courage to ask Grant for pardons for two Confederate officers. When he thought of the agonizing hours ahead before she would know their decision—of the long hours it would take to process the boar, of having to put on a brave face all during dinner—he got angry all over again.
She didn’t deserve this. After what she’d done, she deserved their thanks, their unstinted approbation, their sincere gratitude.
He entered the bedroom. Zac and Tyler were inside.
“You’re not going to send Rose away, are you?” Zac asked. He had changed his clothes, but he was obviously waiting for George.
“We’re going to discuss it later.”
“Tyler wants her to go back.”
“I never wanted her here,” Tyler said. But after one glance at George’s expression, he decided to leave without saying any more.
“Well, I do,” Zac called after Tyler. “I like her a lot better than you. You like her, don’t you?” he asked George.
“Yes, I like her.”
“Don’t let Jeff make her go away.”
“We will all vote. You too. Now scoot. You know Rose depends on you to pour the milk.”
“She’d rather have you do it.”
“Well, I’m late. She’ll have to depend on you.”
Zac almost ran into Hen.
“Slow down, you little cyclone.”
He didn’t. “I got to help Rose,” he tossed over his shoulder.
“What’s gotten into him? I never saw him so anxious to do any work in his life.”
“He’s afraid we’re going to send Rose away.”
“I didn’t know he liked her that much.”
“We tend to forget he’s still a little boy. No matter how much he likes to think he’s grown up, he needs the kind of attention and tenderness Rose gives him.”
“I never thought about that.”