Uriah retook his seat and shrugged. "We have not yet decided."

"Good. I feared you might try growing crops. Food is what we need least in the Colonies. What we must have are more horses. Did the Baron not leave you twelve?"

"He did," Caleb answered.

"That settles it then. You will raise horses, the best horses in the land and sell them at a handsome profit. Even Billeting cannot provide the King with enough horses."

The following week passed quickly and too soon, the Carson's stood on their dock bidding farewell to the Hendersons.

Matthew helped Etta and Caroline board the barge and turned to face Uriah. "My business prevents our remaining, you understand."

"We will miss you very much," Elizabeth said, standing between Caleb and Mary. Next to Mary, Uriah stood with one arm around his wife.

Matthew lifted his hat. "Five, I believe. Yes, five will do nicely."

"Five what?" Mary asked.

"Five musicians for your ball."

Mary's mouth fell open, "A ball . . . at Mahala?"

Etta clapped her gloved hands with glee, "Oh yes, my dear, you must."

Caroline added, "A spring ball, with music, dancing and the most handsome men in the Colonies." Noticing Matthew's glare, she stepped behind her mother.

Matthew nodded to the oarsmen, winked at Mary and went on, "In May, yes the twentieth of May next. See that you have ample young ladies for the dancing. I've a few gentlemen friends I hope to bring."