Friday August 15, 1862 to Saturday August 16, 1862
Daisy and I gallop full speed all the way to Uncle Joseph’s plantation. I hand Daisy’s reins to one of the stable hands and walk toward their orchard, to a spot Henry likes to go to relax. Henry is there, sitting against a tree trunk. His eyes light up when he sees me, and I sit next to him.
I want to try to pretend everything is normal. I’m definitely not going to mention our supposed engagement, but instead I blurt out: “Anna told me that my papa is her father!”
Henry turns to me slowly. I grip his arm, suddenly afraid he’ll laugh at me for believing the lies of a dumb slave. His eyes are dull, and I’m ashamed I’ve interrupted him for some silly nonsense.
“Don’t ever say that again,” Henry says solemnly.
I sigh and release his arm.
