Chapter 23

“Most of your other slaves already hate or fear me.”

“It was Mrs. Lanning who beat you so badly, wasn’t it? Tell me why she beat you.”

“It was a misunderstanding, nothing more.”

He grabbed her wrist. “Stop lying to me.”

She glanced down at his hand and he let go of her. “Both you and your sister will be safe here. I promise. I would not have brought you to my home otherwise.”

She laughed. “You brought me into your home because your seven-year-old child wanted me. If it had not been for Sophia, I would still be back at the slave house.”

“What does it matter?” he said with growing frustration. “You’re here now.”

“And when your children are grown? What will become of Maya and me then?” she asked.

“Marshall is very fond of Maya. I have a feeling I will not have a nanny for much longer,” he said.

She frowned a little. “Perhaps you are right.”

“And there will always be a place in my home for you,” he said.

“As your gardener