Tomorrow Came Early

By Diana Lee Johnson

The War Between the States changed a young Southern gentleman's life forever. He lost his love, he gave up his home, and he changed his name. Though his family searched for him with little success, the unknown family past of Andrew Hamilton caught up with Hamilton Anderson just when he'd started to live and love again.

 

Can family secrets rip wounds in the sons as they did in the fathers? Can a second generation make peace with the twisted sins of the first, or did the sins of the father perpetuate and even escalate in the son? If the Hamiltons thought it was already Too Late for Tomorrow, what would they do if Tomorrow Came Early?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9781590880937

Book preview

Prologue

Richmond, Virginia

March, 1865

Richmond was a desperate city in early 1865. The Union Army had not successfully cut it off from all supplies, but then, that was hardly necessary, as supplies and men were extremely scarce. Many disheartened, or frightened Southern patriots had already fled the city, as the Union patrols and sniping incidents increased.

In the face of this adversity, young Andrew Hamilton, second son of a plantation owner in North Carolina, did everything he could to help those remaining, in particular, to help the young girl with whom he had fallen in love.

Tracy Louise Saunders was the beautiful daughter of a Confederate congressman from Alabama.

Andrew was one of the few able-bodied soldiers left in the heart of the city. His main assignment was to assist officials of the Confederate government in packing up or destroying anything which might be of assistance to the Union Army, and then find escape routes and transportation for the officials to leave Richmond.

Some were fleeing south, some west, some were simply trying to go home and await the inevitable outcome of the war. It was obvious to most the end was near.

In early March, Payton Saunders, Tracy’s widowed father, suffered a heart attack. He could not be moved yet when the Confederate Congress adjourned on March 18. The invasion of Richmond was imminent.

Andrew spent eighteen hours out of every day helping those left in the government, then he made his way to the Saunders home to help Tracy with her father before returning to his billet for three or four hours of sleep. Seven days a week, his routine was the same, leaving little time or energy for courting.

One

M y child, Payton Saunders held his daughter’s hand as he spoke soothingly to her, you must go with young Hamilton. He will make sure you are safely on your way home. I don’t want you here when the Yankees finally break through.

I won’t leave you, Pa. I won’t! I’ve never disobeyed you before, but since I never knew Ma, you’re all I have. I won’t go. ‘Sides just where would I go? Word was Payton Hall burned. Tears streamed down her freckled cheeks until her father could stand it no longer.

All right, child, stop your cryin’. He held her hand tightly between his own. Maybe I’ll be well enough to travel before the enemy gets here, and we’ll go home together. If our house is burned, we’ll just build another. Home is wherever we can be together.

Yes, Pa, that’s right. We’ll wait until you’re better. Andrew will protect us. She forced a smile, kissed his forehead then left the room.

Saunders lay there on his bed, thinking about her welfare. I wish I had married sooner in life. Tracy wouldn’t be in this predicament if she had come to me when I was still in my prime. Now she’s saddled with a helpless old man and a world that is falling down around her just when she should be having fun, being courted. How unfair to her.

THOUGH HIS TIME IN the army had been relatively short, Andrew Hamilton was now a lieutenant, and he wore his uniform proudly. There were very few officers left within Richmond itself. Most were outside the city trying to organize for the repulsion of the Union forces. Andrew was often left to his own devices deciding what or who took precedence.

The general to whom he had been aide was somewhere east of the city, at last report, and Andrew wondered how he was faring as he approached the house where Payton and Tracy Saunders were living.

Andy, I’ve been thinkin’. Tracy grasped his hand and pulled him though the front door before he could even knock. It’s kinda silly for you t’ drag yourself back to wherever it is you’re stayin’, just to get a few hours sleep. You can stay here with us in a guest room. I’m sure that would ease Pa’s mind since only Adam is still with us.

She glanced about the room, an absent expression on her face. Andrew was sure she was allowing her thoughts to wander, clinging to her old life, before the war, spoiled and waited-on living at Payton Hall.

Imagine, Jasmine and Lucius runnin’ off like that—first time they heard Yankee guns... Tracy’s tirade ended abruptly with a disgusted sigh.

Tracy, everybody’s frightened. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. Besides, I can’t say you treated them too kindly. Andrew thought about his Negro friends at home in North Carolina.

Now just what is that supposed to mean? she snapped.

Tracy, I’ve never made it a secret I don’t believe in slavery. Andrew’s exhaustion tempered his voice. Our plantation in North Carolina ran just fine without them, slaves, that is.

Oh, I know, Andy. She threw up her hands in surrender.

Let’s not fight.

Andrew gave an exasperated smile. How’s your father today?

Some better, I think. We haven’t seen a doctor for so long.

They’re real busy, Tracy.

Oh, I know, I know. All those noisy Yankee bullets flyin’ ‘round.

All those noisy Yankee bullets will be here before you know it. Andrew’s fuse was short. He took a breath and tried to calm before continuing. Have you started packin’, like I told you to?

Well, no, not exactly. It’s too hard without Jasmine. I’ll mess up all my pretty things.

Tracy, if you don’t get packed, all your pretty things will be left behind. Now I told you, sweetheart, he tried to be patient, "pack only what you absolutely need. Useful items, and serviceable clothing and wear some sturdy shoes, not dancin’ slippers. It isn’t going to be an easy trip, and we have to start soon. I don’t think our troops can hang on much longer."

Yes, Andrew. Pa says since the Yankees are all over the South, we may as well head home as anywhere else. He thinks Payton Hall is far enough above Mobile and away from anythin’ else, we may not be bothered, now that the war seems lost... Is it lost, Andy? She looked to him with the soulful, questioning eyes of a child.

I’m afraid so. He put his arms around Tracy and she snuggled to his chest. Then she pulled back from him, throwing her chin in the air.

Well, I’m glad it’s almost over. I was tired of this place, servants runnin’ off, noise and smoke, and not havin’ enough food, and...and...well, just all of it. I wanna go home. I want things to be like they were before.

Andrew shook his head, one corner of his mouth lifted in an

attempt to smile. Things will never be like they were, Tracy...never. His voice dropped pensively. Then he ran his hand across her cheek as she drew nearer to him. So much about Tracy reminded him of his younger sister, Denise, whom he adored. She was always demanding and rather material, but she had a heart of gold and proved it by becoming a battlefield nurse.

Never, Andy? Tracy whispered.

Shhhhh. Everything will be all right in time. I promise.

Promise you won’t leave me, Andy. Promise?

I promise. After he kissed her softly, he swallowed and forced his own composure. He had grown into quite a man, and had he not been a gentleman, he would have proved his manhood to Tracy immediately.

Now, he cleared his throat, I have to get back to my map and decide the best route for us to take to get you and your father home. Your father says your home’s about sixty miles north of Mobile on the Alabama River. He unrolled his map.

Yes, that’s right. Tracy looked at the map and pointed. There it is, right there.

ON MARCH TWENTY-THIRD, Andrew returned to the Saunders’ home, extremely weary from the long day. People were leaving Richmond in droves, and horses, mules, carriages and carts were scarce. He had hidden his own horse in the small servants quarters at the rear of the house. The stable was the first place anyone would look for him.

The brougham was still left, and seemed relatively safe for now. It didn’t provide as much protection from weather or storage space as the carriage, which disappeared mysteriously, but it was lighter, and would be easier for one horse to pull with four people.

Andy, Pa seems much better today. Tracy greeted him hopefully at the front door.

I’m glad. Andrew replied half-heartedly as he sighed.

But, Andy, don’t you see? We can go home soon!

Tracy, soon may not be good enough. Our army can’t hold Richmond much longer.

But, Andrew—

Tracy, please, I’m tired. Just let me rest here a few minutes. He headed toward the sofa.

But, Andy, Pa’s been waitin’ all day for you to bring him the latest news. Won’t you go up for a moment first? I’ll fix you somethin’ t’ eat.

Oh, Tracy...all right. You’d be totally exasperatin’ if I didn’t love you so much. He laid his palm against her cheek and forced a smile. He could hardly put one foot in front of the other as he climbed the stairs.

Andrew, my dear boy. What is the latest news? Saunders asked chipperly.

"It isn’t good, sir. We only have, well, probably a few days left before the Union Army takes Richmond.

Saunders’ already pale face took on an ashen hue. Then you must take Tracy and go.

Sir, you know she won’t go without you, and I won’t leave without her. I love her, sir. When this is all over, I plan on asking her to marry me.

And you will have my blessin’s, son.

Do you think you can travel now, sir?

I think I’d best be findin’ out, my boy. Saunders tried to get out of bed, but he was still too weak, even with Andrew’s assistance.

Andrew helped him settle back into the big canopy bed.

Just take it easy, Mr. Saunders. Maybe if Adam and I carry you to the brougham and we move slowly...

The Yankees aren’t gonna move slowly. I’m afraid it’s no good, son. I think my time on this earth is just about up. I’ll just have to convince Tracy to go on ahead with you. The Yankees won’t do anything to an old man like me.

I hope you have more luck with her than I do. She’s a stubborn woman.

I know, he laughed, just like her Ma. Sick the whole time she was carryin’ that child, her Ma just wasn’t gonna give up ‘til she brought her into this world. Died that same night, she did, but not without holdin’ her baby and givin’ her a name, Tracy, that was her family name, and Louise for my grandmother, his face saddened for a moment, then he snapped back. Yup, stubborn clean through, them Tracys.

Andrew smiled at the old man.

Now, you go on and rest, son. I’ll be just fine. And you send Tracy up to me for a talk later on. I’ll convince her to go.

Andrew shook his head in disbelief as he left the room.

Seconds after he sank into the sofa, he was fast asleep. Tracy covered him gently and returned to her father’s bedside.

Pa, you shouldn’t be sittin’ up. Doctor says you gotta rest, so’s we can go home.

Tracy, dear, I won’t be goin’ home. I just don’t have the strength, but you and Andrew need to leave Richmond now. His voice was tremulous as he insisted.

Now, Pa, Tracy cajoled, we been all through that before. I’m not goin’ home or anywhere else without you. Think I’d leave you to those nasty Yankees? She tucked him back into bed. You rest. I’ll be back with your supper, soon as I feed Andy.

Tracy-Lou, I’m tellin’ you I expect you to go with young Hamilton. Marry him, too, soon as you get home, if not sooner.

Tracy didn’t reply. She turned and gave him a winsome smile. As she closed the door behind herself, she could hear her father grumbling and rattling through the drawer of the table at his bedside. Probably can’t find some worthless official document.

There wasn’t much to be had in the kitchen, even here in the home of a congressman. But, what there was, she joyfully prepared for the two men she loved.

Tracy was just about to set a tray on the table in front of the sofa and wake Andrew when a shot rang out from the upstairs. She dropped the tray haphazardly on the table and darted for the stairway.

Andrew awakened abruptly, thinking perhaps a sniper was near the house. Shaking the sleep from his head, he caught a glimpse of Tracy running for the stairs and pursued her. He overtook her near the top.

They entered the bedroom together finding Saunders in bed, pistol in hand, a bullet hole in his temple.

Paaaaaa! Tracy screamed as she struggled to free herself from Andrew’s strong hold. Let me go! Oh, Pa, she sobbed.

Andrew held her close. He did it to save you, my darling—to make you leave the city before it’s too late. And now you must do as your father wished. He buried his face in her hair, planting a kiss on the top of her head as he closed his eyes to the bloody sight.

I won’t, I won’t leave him! she lashed out at Andrew, but he held her fast.

Though only nineteen, Andrew Hamilton had seen enough of this war to cease finding anything glorious about it, making him as worldly wise as a man of thirty. He was not shocked by the bloody sight before him.

At last Tracy ceased struggling, but her body remained stiff in Andrew’s arms as the only servant left in the house came to investigate the noises.

Oh, no masta’, he said quietly, shaking his bowed head.

Adam, get someone to help, I’m taking Miss Tracy to her room. He half dragged, half carried her from the doorway.

Yes, suh, Lieutenant.

Adam found help. He gave two boys the last coins hidden in his shoe. They took care of Payton Saunders’ body. They laid him out in the dining room, because there was no table left in the parlor and no time to improvise.

All that night, Andrew lay on Tracy’s bed with her, holding her, soothing her...wanting her. Each stroke of his fingertips against the smooth skin of her arm, made him desire her more, and he chastised himself for such wanton feelings at such a sorrowful time. It was nearly dawn when she finally fell asleep and he slipped out of her room, hoping that would bring his body some relief.

Adam, I must go and take care of some things. Please let Miss Tracy sleep as long as possible, but be about packing up whatever valuables you think we can carry with us on the brougham. I’ll be back as soon as I can. I have to find someone in authority and let them know what’s happened, and get permission to go. I don’t want to be labeled a deserter, even if the war is lost.

When Andrew returned, he brought a simple coffin for Mr. Saunders and two hired Negroes to help bury him.

I’ve made arrangements for him to be laid in a church yard not too far from here. These two men will help us carry him, Adam. Perhaps when this is all over, we can have his remains sent back to Alabama, but for now, this will have to do.

Lieutenant Hamilton, Miss Tracy, she ain’t stirred yet. I be a little worried ‘bout her.

I’ll see to her, Adam. Thank you.

Andrew hurried up to Tracy’s room. She was indeed still lying on the bed asleep. He gently lowered his body to the bed and sat watching her, brushing a wisp of hair from her forehead without touching her face. God must have seen your sufferin’, darlin’, he whispered, and given you a sound sleep.

Sensing his presence, Tracy stirred. She awakened with a start.

Pa?

It’s me, Andrew. I’ll take care of everything.

Oh, Pa... she sobbed.

Shhhhhh. He touched Tracy’s cheek, and she rose to throw herself into his arms. He’ll be laid to rest properly, in a church yard. The minister is standin’ by. Everything is arranged. Can you dress quickly, darlin’? I’m afraid we must hurry though. The fightin’s much closer.

Tracy said nothing as she rose in a stupor to go through the unfamiliar motions of dressing herself without her personal maid.

PAYTON RANDOLPH SAUNDERS was rather unceremoniously laid to rest at a Presbyterian church in Richmond, Virginia. Ironically, it was the place from which his family migrated to Alabama when his father was a boy.

We must leave within a couple of days, Tracy, Andrew whispered as they left the cemetery.

Tracy nodded, her face expressionless.

I know this is hardly the time or place, but we’ve talked about marriage before, and the day he died, your father gave us his blessing. I’d like to marry you before we leave Richmond. Rev. Williams here has agreed to perform the ceremony, if you are willing.

Tracy still did not change her expression. It was hardly a time to celebrate a marriage. This was not what she had planned all her life, but such are the fortunes of war. She nodded in agreement and they went inside the church.

There, in her black mourning dress, Tracy Louise Saunders became Mrs. Andrew Hamilton.

THERE WAS NO JOY OF anticipation, nor was there any girlish anxiety as Tracy approached their marriage bed. Andrew was warm and gentle, and did no more than hold her that first night.

I cannot let my desire show tonight in the aftermath of her father’s funeral. But his body longed for her and he could not sleep. He dared not even stroke the tender skin of her neck or cheek, or hold her tightly enough to feel her form against himself. Only a cad would move to satisfy earthly desires at a time like this. He rebuked himself.

The following day, Andrew charged Adam with finalizing the packing of valuables and left Tracy to her own devices packing her clothing and personal possessions.

When he returned, he was surprised she brought forth only one case, so small she maneuvered it easily. All the beautiful ball gowns she once prized still hung in the wardrobe.

Darlin’, Andrew said as he looked toward the full wardrobe, I’m sure we can make room for some of your pretty things.

No, Andy, they’re part of the past. They’re from happier times that will never come again. You said things will never be as they were. I don’t want them anymore. Pa only bought them because he liked me to look pretty. I must be practical now. I’m a married woman and these are hard times.

Her face was cold and grey, her eyes still swollen and red from tears. Andrew knew she could not be responsible for her words. He told Adam to pack as many of the pretty gowns as he could find room.

The evening dragged. Dinner went untouched. Andrew wished he could find words to make Tracy feel better, but all he could do was be there for her and hold her. They retired in the silence that dominated the last three days.

Sometime, in the middle of the darkness, there in Andrew’s loving embrace, Tracy whispered, Andy, do you love me?

Of course I do, silly.

Then show me, Andy, I need you to show me.

Andrew was stunned. He tried so to be strong, to not let his passion control him, and now it appeared his restraint was unwelcome. He kissed Tracy and tentatively fondled her. He felt awkward. He was not totally accustomed to this ritual, but his instincts and limited experience seemed sufficient.

He was gentle and patient, stroking and caressing her tenderly. He entered her only after her body seemed sufficiently aroused and moist, and then he was so smooth of motion that Tracy only winced.

Andrew waited, still for a moment until she became accustomed to the invasion of his body into hers. When she finally arched a little to envelope him further, he moved more rapidly. Tracy’s body responded from time to time in slight ways, though she made no sound, nor did she appear to have been pleased by him. It simply was. That’s all. It happened, and then was over. His release came swiftly.

Tracy needed to know their bond was irrevocable. She needed to belong to Andrew. All her girlish fantasies had flown. She was married in every sense of the word now, and her wifely duty was tolerable, perhaps in time, she thought, it might even be pleasurable.

As Andrew lay next to her, exhausted from his pleasure, moonlight lending a slight glow to his face, Tracy stared at him. She did love him, she was sure of that. But nothing was happening the way she had always dreamed. Perhaps this was all just an ugly nightmare. Perhaps tomorrow she would wake up and find no war, and her father alive and well. Perhaps. But, if that were true, there would be no Andrew, for neither of them would have been in Richmond to meet, and she needed him so.

She didn’t want to think about it anymore. She was married. She was in love, at least she thought she was in love, and she was going to go home to Alabama—or was she?

Suddenly her mind reeled. What if Andrew now intended to take her to his home in North Carolina, instead of her home in Alabama? What if she never saw her home again? What if she didn’t see to their land and their slaves and...?

Andy! she screeched.

Huh? What is it? Tracy? He shook his head to awaken.

"Andy, I want to go home."

Yes, darling, I know.

"No, I mean, I want to go to my home. Not yours. I have to see to our home, our people, our land."

Yes, my love, Andrew yawned. I know. We’ll leave as soon as we can.

Do you mean it, Andy? You’ll take me home to Alabama?

Of course, Tracy. I don’t expect you to come to New Kensington with me until you’ve seen to your family’s property. I don’t expect us to go to New Kensington at all until, and unless it is what you want.

Oh, Andy, she gushed, I’m so glad. I’m sorry I doubted you. I do love you so, Andy. She snuggled to his chest.

Can we get some sleep now, Tracy? He yawned again.

Oh, yes, dear, she whispered, trying to sound like a dutiful wife.

I’M AFRAID THE NEWS from Alabama isn’t good, Tracy. Andrew began as he returned home. Mobile is under siege. I think we should leave Richmond and head west until we hear more news. Your father may have been right, your plantation may be far enough away from Mobile, we’d be able to reach it, but we can’t travel in a straight line.

Andrew, I’m frightened. We can’t stay here. We can’t go home. Tracy began to cry.

Now, now, you’re my wife, and we Hamilton’s are a determined lot. I’ll get you home somehow. Now you stop those tears and make sure you’re packed and ready. He wiped her tears away with his thumbs. We’re going to start out tomorrow.

Yes, Andrew.

Oh, uh, Mrs. Hamilton... Andrew smiled.

Tracy looked puzzled for a moment. It was the first time she had been called that.

I managed to get this from a rather unsavory character this morning. He pulled a small gold ring out of his watch pocket.

It looked about your size. We can get a better one later. But for now, I want to make sure everyone knows you’re a married woman.

Tracy smiled as he placed the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit.

And I have something for you, husband. She pulled her right hand from behind her back giving Andrew a small leather pouch.

It’s our emergency money, Pa’s and mine. There’s some greenbacks and some gold. I thought we might need it. I remembered where Pa’s hidin’ place was today, so I fetched it. Andrew smiled and held her. He knew they may indeed need this money.

I’d give you my jewels to hold, too, but they’re already sewn into my petticoat. Pa had Jasmine sew them in—before she ran off.

LEAVING RICHMOND THE next morning was not easy. Nearly every road was patrolled or covered by snipers, but Andrew managed to get them out of the city and beginning their journey west.

Along the way, they heard bits and pieces of news from other travelers, and an occasional Confederate soldier. Richmond had finally fallen. Jefferson Davis fled to North Carolina. The Army of Northern Virginia surrendered. But in other parts of the South, the fighting continued. On April eleventh, somewhere in southern Tennessee or northern Georgia, at this point Andrew was no longer sure because of all the maneuvering to avoid Union troops, Andrew, Adam and Tracy made camp by a stream.

Andrew unhitched his horse from the buggy and mounted him bareback. He left Adam to settle the camp and protect Tracy while he scouted the area a little. He returned to camp to find Adam slumped over a log, stabbed to death and no sign of Tracy. He dared not cry out for her. Occasional gunfire sounded in the distance. Troops from either side could be close.

Silently, Andrew made a frantic search of the campsite for signs. He found scuff marks in the dirt. Someone must have dragged Tracy from the area. He followed the direction of the marks a short distance and found the remains of a corner wall about three feet high, a shack that had been burned. It was the only cover in that direction.

Thinking about the consequences a shot might bring, he slipped from the horse and grabbed a large piece of charred wood. His pulse pounded so hard in his ears it was deafening. He crept slowly to peer over the boards. On the ground, at the apex of the corner wall, Tracy struggled as best she could against a bedraggled Union scout who was ripping away her clothing. Not twenty yards from their camp, she was in danger of being raped.

Once he caught a flash of recognition from Tracy’s eyes, Andrew shushed his bride and crept up to them. He struck the assailant from behind with all his strength, killing him instantly. Andrew gathered Tracy up in his arms, pausing only a moment to kiss the top of her head and hold her tightly to himself. He helped her into her dress. She grabbed her petticoat, with no thought to putting it back on. They rode away with only the things they could carry on the horse leaving most of their belongings, the brougham, and Adam’s body behind with that of the scout.

It bothered Andrew more than Tracy that they could not stop to bury Adam. He could only suppose Tracy was still in a state of shock. They hadn’t time, but that was only part of the reason Andrew left Adam’s body exposed. He hoped any troops in the area would assume the scout and Adam had killed each other. He had dragged Adam’s body into the shack and placed the wooden club in his hand. He hoped no one would analyze the scene and look for survivors.

ARE WE ALMOST THERE, Andy?

I think so, but this is all new country to me. I can’t really be sure, with all the twists and turns we’ve had to make.

What time is it Andy? I want to picture what everyone is doin’ at home.

What a strange request, Andrew thought, but Tracy had not been herself since the attack.

Uhh, I don’t exactly know what time it is, Tracy.

Why, did you let your watch run down?

No, I traded it for your ring.

Oh, Andy, your father’s beautiful watch?

Well, I had to have a ring. He shrugged.

Tracy was touched by his sacrifice, and knew even more surely she did the right thing by marrying this brave young man.

They were only a few miles from Payton Hall when they heard shooting. Andrew let Tracy down from the horse pointing to a thick patch of brush. Then he dismounted and they hid in a nearby clump of trees. The shooting continued for a few minutes. From all Andrew could see, it appeared to be the pitifully ragged remains of a Confederate unit outnumbered by Union forces about five to one.

The skirmish was over quickly and the Union forces moved on.

I think it’s clear now, darlin’, Andrew whispered.

Tracy made no reply. She sat in the thick underbrush where Andrew told her to hide, her back leaning against a small tree.

Come on, Tracy. We have to get out of here before that patrol comes back.

Again, no reply or movement.

Trac— Andrew took her arm to turn her toward him. She slumped—a stray bullet through her chest.

"Oh, God! No!"

Her eyelids fluttered and she managed a slight, ethereal smile.

Take me home now, Andy, she whispered.

By the time Andrew managed to mount his horse with her in his arms, Tracy was dead. He hugged her limp body to himself the rest of the way to Payton Hall, tears flowing down his cheeks, obscuring his vision the rest of the way. He held her so tightly, he would have squeezed the breath from her, if she had not already died.

Andrew gave little explanation to the people at Payton Hall. He took the shovel from a large black man and dug the grave himself. His pace was furious, his strength coming from somewhere unknown. He let no one help. Every shovel of earth flew from the hole in a kind of angry frenzy.

The people of Payton Hall realized it was best to leave him to his work. A couple of the men built a rough coffin for their mistress. One woman bent to fuss with Tracy’s clothing.

Don’t touch her! Andrew shouted. I’ll take care of her. I promised to take care of her. His voice faded to a whisper.

He buried Tracy next to her mother. His face was blank, his eyes vacant as the servants attempted to give their mistress a proper funeral. As he dug the grave, he also covered it. Then Andrew sank to his knees and wept, his cheek against the knoll of dirt that lay over his bride. Children came holding greens and a few dried flowers to place on the mound. He loved her such a short while and his heart was so drained. He knew he would not love again.

THE MAIN HOUSE AT PAYTON Hall had been set afire, but was not a total loss. About two-thirds of the structure remained. The plantation office still stood, a couple of out buildings, and the slave quarters. A number of slaves were still about the place.

Dis all belong to you now, I s’pose, one of the house

servants said.

I don’t have any use for this place, Andrew choked as he wandered through the remains of the house, the servant close on his heels as if he wanted guidance. On the mantle of the fireplace left standing in the partially burned shell of a bedroom, Andrew found a miniature of Tracy painted about the time she left home to join her father in Richmond.

This is all I want, this picture and maybe a suit of clothes, if there’s any around. His words to the servant were hollow, as if he were talking to himself. You, who are left, divide everything up any way you want, including the land. Sell it, settle it, whatever. Tracy said she had no other relatives, and I must trust you to be fair with each other, he finished in a lifeless monotone.

Andrew found some clothing which fit acceptably in a guest chamber above the plantation office, clothing that would have suited a fancy gentleman a decade or so earlier. He looked briefly into an ancient mirror. But the distortion of the mirror did not account for the youthful face so etched with exhaustion and sorrow that it appeared middle-age. His eyes looked like dull marbles surrounded by raw meat, his cheeks sunken and hollow. Even a bath and fine, new clothing could not help him shake his depression as he took a last look around.

I have some money and Tracy’s jewelry; that will give me a start. I don’t want to see this place, or anything else from the past, ever again. I’m gonna forget, if it’s the last thing I do.

He hadn’t buried the wedding ring with Tracy. He figured someone would just dig her up for the little piece of gold. He looked at it once more, and then placed it on the end of his watch fob, having no watch to put there. He tucked it into the watch pocket of his silk vest.

Just promise me something, please. Andrew turned to the house servant who had followed him around.

Yes, suh.

Promise me...here, I’ll write it down. Can you read?

The old man shook his head.

I kin read. A young voice came from the crowd.

Andrew looked around, trying to find the source. He noticed a woman who struggled to shield someone who did not wish to be shielded. A boy pushed his way from behind her and spoke again, but the woman put her hand over his mouth.

He just a boy, mas’er. He cain’t read, honest. She trembled as she spoke, holding the boy’s head tightly between her hands. He jus’ funnin’.

Andrew realized here in Alabama, it would have been a crime to teach a Negro to read. How could he waylay the woman’s fears?

Madame, I’d be pleased if the boy can read. He won’t be in any trouble. Where I grew up, we taught our help to read. It’s all right, really. He touched her arm reassuringly and she let the boy go.

Thank you. Andrew smiled at the woman and took the boy’s hand. He tore his map in half and began writing on the back of one piece with a pencil the boy pulled from its hiding place inside his shirt. I want a proper stone for Tracy...for Tracy Louise Saunders Hamilton. I, I don’t even know when she was born.

I knows, an old woman spoke up her voice choking in her throat. I brung dat chil’ into dis werl’ first day o’ June, in forty-eight. She wept.

It did not escape Andrew, even in his sorrow. Tracy had not lived to see her seventeenth birthday. He took a deep breath, rubbing a hand over his face, and continued his instructions.

Someday, when all the madness is over, I want you to send for her father’s body and put it here next to her. Promise me that, and this place is yours for all time. He glanced around at the gathering.

When I get to wherever I’m going, I’ll have papers drawn up and sent, so no one will be able to question your claim.

Yes, suh, we promise, the old woman sobbed.

Andrew handed the other half of the map to the young boy who claimed to read. Can you write, too?

The boy nodded, Some.

Here, write the names down of all of you who belong here. I’ll give it to a lawyer who’ll make sure you get equal shares.

And we’ll see to Miss Tracy’s grave. It be kept nice, always. You see when y’all comes back to visit, the old house servant spoke up.

I won’t be back...ever! Andrew vented his anger, then he composed himself, speaking softly. I kept my promise. I brought her home where she belongs. If she had never left here, she might still be alive.

Andrew and the boy exchanged the scribbled papers and he rode off, his hand over the watch pocket in his silk vest. His eyes filled with tears, but he never looked back. Nothing in his life had worked out as he planned, growing up on the family plantation in North Carolina. He must make a new future away from everything past and devoid of love. He never wanted to feel this kind of pain again.

Two

Albemarle Plantation, S.C.

July, 1865

Much of Albemarle looked the same as it had before the war. Some looked as it had before Jeremy Hamilton began its restoration in 1854, and yet so much was inescapably different, as if it would never feel the same. Most of the buildings were still standing, except for an old cotton barn that finally fell, and the long-abandoned overseer’s house, which was partially leveled by a live oak felled in a storm.

Then, there were only remains of Kalib’s and Nellie’s house which burned to the ground in a vengeful raid headed by Mark Collins in February. The brick fireplace and its blackened chimney remained as a grim reminder of the violent evening, which resulted in the senseless death of little Kalib, their oldest son, and Jeremy’s godson. His partner had endured much.

All in all, Albemarle had fared better than other large low-country plantations and particularly better than Charleston itself. Most of the plantations were either damaged or destroyed by fires set primarily by ardent Union troops, but also by escaping slaves or even misguided Confederates to keep the Union from taking them.

The City of Charleston was devastated early in the war by an uncontrollable fire in December of 1861. The shells and bombardments had taken their toll too, but that fire, of unknown origin, had done the worst. It cut a path through the City from one river to the other, and the war and blockade made repairs or rebuilding nearly impossible. Now the lack of money kept it a dim prospect.

For weeks after his return, as he struggled with his memories and regained the strength lost in the Union prison in Elmira, New York, Jeremy walked or rode pensively over the property that was once his obsession, his entire world. Often he rode old