Storm Clouds Rolling In Read Free

Virginia neighbors. They already shook their heads when they talked of her to one another. “Couldn’t you just see Mother? She would give up all hopes of ever raising a proper daughter.” A feeling of mirth replaced the impatience she felt with her hair.
    “What are you in such a hurry for anyway?” Rose teased, her hands flashing faster.
    Carrie flashed her slave a look of exasperation. “Do you really need to ask? Look outside!” she demanded. “It’s a day as perfect as a newborn baby. Spring is bursting out all over this land. Granite is waiting for me.”
    Rose nodded her head knowingly. “Now I understand.” Her hands continued to flash. “You may not care how you look, but Missus Cromwell would skin me alive if I let you out of here without every hair in place.”
    Rose and Carrie had been friends from the time they were old enough to toddle around. Master Cromwell, the owner of Cromwell Plantation, had encouraged the friendship between his daughter and the slave child born just two weeks earlier. At the time, it had suited both of them just fine. Neither had thought to question the arrangement. It was simply the way things were. The two had spent countless hours wandering the plantation until Rose, at age ten, had become old enough to fill her role as Carrie’s personal maid. At least they could continue to be together. Eight years later, they were both still satisfied, but beginning to question the restless stirrings they felt sometimes.
    Giving a final tug, Rose secured the braid and then quickly twisted it into a bun. “There. Now get out of here. I think you have a horse waiting.”
    “Thanks Rose. You’re wonderful.” As Carrie leaped from her bench in front of the dressing mirror, she stopped long enough to give Rose an impulsive hug              “Carrie!”
    Carrie halted in her flight and turned impatiently. “What now?”
    “Dinner is in two hours. That doesn’t give you much time.”
    Carrie waved her hand. “Dinner is dinner. As long as I get there on time everything will be fine.” She knew that wasn’t really true. Her mother expected her to appear for each meal looking like the wealthy plantation owner’s daughter she was.
    “There is company coming tonight,” Rose reminded her.
    “Oh bother!” Carrie groaned. “You’re right. I had totally forgotten.” Her face clouded for just a moment and then cleared. “I’ll be back in time,” she declared defiantly. “I’ve got to get out of here.” The last words were thrown over her shoulder as she disappeared through the open door.
    Drawing deep breaths of the fragrant spring air, Carrie strode to the stables. She knew her mother would disapprove of her hurried pace, but she couldn’t be bothered with her mother’s opinions right now. She didn’t have much time. Then, just as she reached the stable corridor, she saw Granite being led out.
    “You have him ready!” Carrie’s voice was filled with childish delight as she gazed lovingly at her towering, gray thoroughbred gelding. Granite had been a gift from her father when she turned fourteen. They had been inseparable since then.
    “Of course, Miss Carrie. You expected less?”
    Carrie flashed a smile at the pretend hurt in Miles’ s voice. Miles had been in charge of her father’s stables since before she was born. She had heard her father comment several times that Miles was one of his most valuable slaves. He managed Master Cromwell’s stable of twenty horses with a skill unmatched by any in the area. Carrie knew her father had received several excellent offers to buy him but had turned down each one. “Of course not, Miles, but I know you have a mare in there about to foal. You don’t ever get too far from them. Thank you for having Granite ready for me.” She took hold of the reins and walked to the mounting block where she could gain access to the towering heights. Usually she enjoyed spending time talking with her friend. He had taught her