Richard produced a blank document requiring her to certify that Lydia’s accusations were false and that the cellar had been used only for storage.
Catherine read every line carefully.
“You want me to give your lies my signature,” she said.
Richard leaned forward.
“I want you to remember who kept this house standing.”
Catherine placed the document on the table.
“The people you enslaved kept it standing,” she answered.
“You made them build it and called the result your achievement.” Richard’s face tightened.
He threatened to reveal private details of their marriage and to accuse Catherine of instability.
She said he had already used such accusations against Lydia and she no longer believed silence would keep her safe.
Richard shifted tactics, saying that if she refused he would sell the remaining families before sunrise.
Catherine stood despite the pain.
“If you do, every buyer will know that the title to those people is contested and that your own records expose the fraud.”
Richard reached for the document and tore it in half.
Then he said something that frightened Catherine more than his anger.
“I have men who will follow your sister across every county line.” Catherine realized he did not know Lydia’s exact location.
That was a small advantage she could still protect.
She told him that killing witnesses would not erase copies already sent to people beyond his reach.
Richard looked toward the window, calculating.
“You’ve learned to threaten like a Whitmore,” he said.
Catherine answered, “No.
I’ve learned how much damage your threats have done.”
After he left, Catherine felt the fear she had suppressed during the argument.
Her hands shook so badly that Mrs.
Fenwick had to help her sit.
“I thought standing up to him would make me feel brave,” she admitted.
The housekeeper poured water and said, “Bravery often feels like fear while you’re doing it.” Catherine laughed once, a broken little sound.
Then she asked for paper.
If Richard planned another sale, she would list every person on the estate and send the names to Rebecca and Alden.
Mrs.
Fenwick brought the household roll and began reading names aloud.
Catherine wrote them carefully, refusing to leave anyone as a number.
Chapter 31: The Hearing in Richmond
Alden arranged a preliminary hearing before a court in Richmond with the help of attorneys who had represented free families facing illegal seizure.
He did not call it a final victory.
The people in the ledger had been taken across jurisdictions, and some might be held under papers recognized by officials eager to accept them.
