A Lasting Impression

at a table, a set of silver service and oilcloths spread out before her—“she’s Amanda’s and Ive’s and Harriet’s mama. She’s been with the Lady longest of anybody, exceptin’ Eli.”
    “It’s nice to meet all of you,” Claire said, noting the familial relationships and wondering how many servants worked at Belmont. She asked Zeke that as they started up the stairs leading to the mansion.
    “There be eleven of us, I think. Not countin’ the gardeners and workers the Lady hires.”
    The soft pitter-pat of footsteps sounded from above, and Eva met them on the stairs, a bundle of clothing in her arms. She dipped her head politely in Claire’s direction, then turned a glare on Zeke. “Eli’s been askin’ for you, boy! The Lady’s got guests, and their horses need waterin’. You best get yourself upstairs right now, or you’re gonna get what for from Eli— and your mama once I tell her!”
    Zeke bolted, throwing a hasty “Good-bye” over his shoulder as he raced up the stairs.
    “That boy . . .” Eva shook her head, but Claire detected a smile in her voice, as though she enjoyed bossing him around. At least a little.
    Claire eyed the laundry. “Are you the one responsible for cleaning my dress, Eva? The one that was splattered with mud?”
    Question lit the girl’s expression. “Yes, ma’am. Was everything all right?”
    “Oh yes! More than all right. I just wondered who to thank, that’s all.”
    Eva smiled. “I help with the laundry, mostly. But my mama’s Mrs. Acklen’s personal maid. I’m trainin’ to take her place.”
    “Well, you do a very fine job, Eva. Thank you.”
    Eva continued down the stairs, a spring in her step, and Claire continued up, hoping Mrs. Acklen hadn’t been looking for her. She’d been gone longer than she’d planned. Almost to her room, she thought of Zeke again and the way his ears wiggled when he smiled. And something he’d said returned to her.
    “I just like findin’ things, I guess.”
    She paused in the hallway leading to her bedroom. That was it! The idea she’d been searching for! She raced to her room, eager to capture on paper the perfect theme for William’s party, all while beginning to think that maybe, just maybe, God was listening to her after all.

18

    K nowing dinner with the Worthingtons was long over, Sutton reined Truxton in by the stables as the sun made its final descent in a haze of dusky orange. He dismounted, frustrated at being so late but even more so by the summons from the St. Francisville, Louisiana, attorney that had been delivered to the law offices that afternoon.
    For over two years the lawsuit had been dragging on, and he was beginning to wonder whether the whole cotton debacle would ever be resolved. He rued the day they’d ever involved Mr. Alexander Walker. But one thing he knew for certain—Adelicia was not going to be pleased.
    He led Truxton into the stable, welcoming the brief walk to the house in order to gather his thoughts.
    “Evenin’, Mr. Monroe.”
    Sutton looked up. “Good evening, Zeke. How are you tonight?”
    “I’m good, sir. You comin’ in awful late.”
    Sutton sighed. “Later than I’d planned.”
    “Here, let me see to him for ya, sir.” The boy grasped Truxton’s reins in one hand while making a show of holding something out in his other.
    Amused, Sutton squinted in the dim lantern light as if not already knowing what was in the boy’s palm. “You find something in your digging today?”
    “Yes, sir, I did. Somethin’ special.” When Zeke grinned, his whole face took part. “I told you there’s treasure buried round here.”
    Sutton peered closer at the coin he held. “You’re kiddin’ me. You found that out there?”
    “Yes, sir. Sure did. Found these too.” Zeke dug into his pocket again and held out a collection of spent shotgun shells. “I reckon these are from the battle that happened right here.”
    Sutton nodded. “I’m sure they are.” He knew how much the boy enjoyed hearing stories about the war, especially the battles that took place nearby. But talking about those experiences was never easy for him, and he just couldn’t right now. Not tonight.
    “I need to get on up to the house. Mrs. Acklen’s expecting me.” At Zeke’s nod, he gave the boy’s head a playful rub. “Congratulations on finding that coin. And thank you for seeing to Truxton. You always do a good job. And Truxton likes you.”
    The boy grinned. “Thank you, sir.”
    Sutton