Free The Quaker and the Rebel by Mary Ellis Page A

the journey. Apparently there was a battle with more casualties than the army surgeons can handle. Porter will leave at first light to assist with the wounded. We’ll follow in the carriage as soon Joshua, Matilde, and Lila can get things ready. The Amites have kin at Hunt Farms,” added Mrs. Bennington. She helped herself to a biscuit and spread honey on it.
    “Excuse me?” Emily choked out. Her mouthful of coffee almost sprayed her employer.
    “I said that the Amites have—”
    “Yes, ma’am, that part I heard. What is the name of the place we’re headed?” Emily’s voice was little more than a squeak.
    “Hunt Farms, my brother-in-law’s plantation. It’s near Front Royal. Of course, it’s not likely the fame of a Virginia thoroughbred farm would reach those living in Ohio, but you remember meeting Alexander on the island, don’t you?” Mrs. Bennington covertly studied her young companion as she asked the question.
    “Oh, Hunt Farms. Of course. I thought I had misunderstood you.” Emily cut her fried egg into tiny pieces, her appetite gone.
    Mrs. Bennington bubbled with enthusiasm. “It’s nice living so close to my sister and her family. I can’t wait to see them. Pack your new gowns, my dear. I wish we had time to have special ones made. Everyone within a three-county radius will be at their ball.”
    “I hardly think it appropriate for me to accompany you, Mrs. Bennington. I’m a hired employee, not an invited guest. I’ll spend the evening with Lila.”
    “Nonsense. You’re not a governess while the girls are in Europe. As my personal companion and my friend , you will be welcome at any ball I choose to attend.” Her statement was matter-of-fact. Mrs. Bennington rose regally to her feet and pushed her chair back from the table. When she focused her soft green eyes on her, Emily knew the matter was closed.
    Sweet as she was, Augusta Bennington always got her way.

    Mrs. Bennington couldn’t wait until the carriage came to a halt before craning her neck out the window. “Rebecca! It’s so good to see you.”
    Emily peeked over the woman’s shoulder to study the mansion. It was a rather impressive sight, she had to admit. The house was nothing like Bennington Plantation back on the island. Entirely wood-framed with tall columns and second-floor balconies, it rambled outward from several wings and additions, yet the whole structure had a welcoming elegance. Crepe myrtle, potted bougainvillea, and lattice filled with climbing wisteria gave the home a riotous, overblown feel.
    “Augusta, it’s been far too long.” A woman hurried down the steps to greet Mrs. Bennington, leaving the master of the house to follow behind at a more leisurely pace. Tall and straight backed, Rebecca Hunt had silver-streaked hair and ruddy skin. Bone thin and hawk nosed, she wasn’t beautiful like her sister, yet something appealing radiated from her smile.
    Emily helped Mrs. Bennington down from the carriage, clutching her arm with one hand and her reticule tightly in the other. “Good afternoon, ma’am.”
    “Good afternoon and welcome.” Mrs. Hunt smiled pleasantly in her direction and then hugged her sister.
    The gentleman stepped forward. “I’m James Hunt. You must be Miss Harrison.” He extended a smooth hand that had never engaged in hard labor. “I believe you’ve already met our son, Alexander.”
    She dipped one knee slightly. “Yes, sir. Thank you for your kind hospitality.”
    “Not at all. Let me take that.” He pulled the bag from her fingers, handed it to a servant, and turned to greet his sister-in-law.
    Blessedly, the master’s son was nowhere to be seen. Emily didn’t like the way her gut tightened whenever Alexander looked at her or the way he twisted her words. He made her feel like an unpolished schoolgirl instead of a trained governess.
    “Come, Emily,” said Mrs. Bennington. “Rebecca will give us a tour of the main rooms. She’s made some changes I’m eager to see.” Arm