Her heart also went out to Rosa, who was more than just the household slave Zachary had bought for her as a wedding gift so long ago. Through the years, Rosa had become a dear and cherished friend—as much as decorum allowed. Unlike Erin, Arlene had never dared go against Zachary’s decree that there was to be no fraternization with his slaves. “I wish I could say, or do, something to make you feel better,” Arlene offered one morning as Rosa brought in the usual breakfast tray of tea and toast. She was sitting at her desk, going over her list once more, to make sure everyone she knew from church had received a personally handwritten invitation to the wedding that Sunday. Gesturing to a nearby chair, she urged, “Stay awhile and let’s talk. Mr. Tremayne is still away, so that means they haven’t found her.” “And they aren’t goin’ to, either.” Rosa flashed a confident smile as she took the offered seat. “I got a feelin’ that she ain’t nowhere near where they’s lookin’.
