She felt at ease; womanly. No one paid them any heed as they strolled up Church in the mellow spring light. "I'd love for you to meet my family," Theo said. "I'd like that, too." "I have eleven brothers and sisters." "Good heavens," she cried. He grinned. "I love them, but it did make for a crowded household, and skimpy portions at the table. Father's wage wasn't big enough to handle so many mouths. He's" a Lutheran minister." "Oh, dear. Not an abolitionist, too?" "Yes, he was." Page 437 "And a Republican?" "I'm afraid so. I'm the second youngest child, so I always had to sleep on the floor. We didn't have enough beds. It's the reason I joined the Army. To have a bed of my own and regular meals. Soldiers grouse about the poor food and bad mattresses. For me, it's the life of a prince." Seeing the Tradd Street intersection but one square away, she said, "Like you, I'm very glad the Army brought you here, Theo." She was shocked by her own boldness. As they walked on, she told him about the loss of her brother off the North Carolina coast, and the harrowing moments in the sea when she feared they'd all drown.
