by S A Ison
Winter struck early, well before Thanksgiving. A bitter blizzard had hit and sent everyone in doors for three days. It was such a rare occurrence, many seeing snow for the first time. The subsequent days and weeks seemed to be endless white. It was bitter cold outside, but inside the cabin was warm and snug. Henry had fixed the chinks in the cabin earlier that fall, putting waddle, mud and straw between the cracks. He also put a bit of lard in the concoction, to waterproof the mixture.
Henry brought numerous skillets, pots, cauldrons, and utensils that he had made. The mistress had given them linens, though they had been patched, the linens were embroidered and very pretty. Henry had also made a pallet for his new mother-in-law, and hung a curtain up between the beds. He placed her pallet near the fire, so she would stay warm during the cold winter.
Mary was already pregnant; she was entering her third month when Christmas came. January was bitter and harsh. Mary went up to the house every morning, while Henry went off to the smithy. Liza came over to spend the long winter day carding cotton and gossiping with Ida. They sewed baby cloths for the new baby coming, speculating on its sex.
Ida was getting weaker, her cough becoming more pronounced. She had been losing weight steadily, and Ida was almost skeletal. Mary hovered over her mother tempting her with soups and teas. Cookie sent down some of her treats, in hopes that Ida would eat more. She didn’t. Ida knew her time on this earth was getting short, she knew it was only a matter of time now. Mistress Victoria had declared that Ida had no more duties, she was to sit and relax and watch over the young children if she chose. Nan brought her boys over from time to time, leaving them with Ida and her mother. Liza loved her grandbabies dearly, and was amazed at their rambunctious behavior. She sat with a switch, and swatted whoever came closest and was the loudest.
The activity during that winter kept Ida’s spirits up, and she laughed at the young ones’ antics. Mary was looking lovely; her cheeks blushed a pretty pink. Pregnancy looked good on her; her small tummy popped out just a bit. Ida lay at night and listened to the young couple’s love making. It seemed her advice was heeded, and the couple was doing well. She had known that Dark Henry had been a virgin, he had been so love sick for Mary all his young life, he couldn’t see any other woman. Turning over, Ida grunted amusement. It would seem that Henry and Mary had been destined for one another.
The gift that the master had given the couple was beyond wonderful, to never sell off her grandchildren, and to never separate Mary and Henry from each other. God had truly blessed them. Though, with all the talk of secession going on, Ida wasn’t sure if their days of slavery would last. Abolitionist up north were calling for President Lincoln to put an end to slavery. The southern folks were raising their voices in anger and Ida knew that change was in the air. It frightened her, and she didn’t know what would happen to them with the changes heading their way. All their information was second hand or worse. Ida didn’t know what was truth and what was rumor.
Would her grandchildren be freed? Would the country go to war? The slave owners wanted things to stay the way it was. They wanted to get rich off the scared backs of their slaves. Slaves whispered about what might happen to them if they were set free. Where would they go? What would they do? How would they live? So many questions, Ida felt overwhelmed by them, and they made her even more restless and tired.
The days melted into each other; the ground frozen in eternal white. It was the coldest winter that many could remember. Many came to Mary’s cabin, through out the cold months, to visit Ida. The women knew Ida’s time was growing short. The women gossiped about the northern abolitionists fighting for the freedom of the slaves, though that gossip was done in whispers. They talked about Mary’s upcoming birth during the early summer. They spoke of budding romances among the couples, especially between Patina and Theo. They gossiped about everyday unimportant things.
Mary fretted for her mother, Ida was growing weaker by the day and there was nothing she could do about it. Henry told Mary that her mother would be free of pain and that soon she would be with Jesus. He advised her to enjoy each moment with her mother, not to dwell on inevitable. Mary knew he was right, but it didn’t stop her heart from hurting. It didn’t ease the constant sorrow.
In the middle of the night in late March, Ida passed away quietly. Mary was up early and found her mother, bundled warm and dead. Her cry brought Henry out of bed and found his pregnant wife cradling her dead mother. Scalding tears cascaded down Mary’s face, as she rocked back and forth, keening with grief. Henry’s heart broke for both his wife and mother-in-law.
Henry gathered Mary and her mother in his massive arms and rocked them, adding his tears with Mary’s. Liza must have heard the crying, for she came over. Henry looked up when Liza came in and saw the sorrow etched on the older woman’s face. Ida was free from all earthly torments and pain; she was free from bondage.
The funeral was short because of the bitter cold wind blowing. John Anderson said a few words, telling Mary how sorry he was for her loss. The mistress was sick again and was bed ridden. There was talk of war and Victoria was afraid Theodore would leave to fight. Todd and Samuel had also been talking of leaving their wives and going off to war as well. John received a long explicit letter from Samuel, ranting about the north. Mary had read it, while the master had been out.
Samuel and his wife, Tory, lived just north Savanna. Samuel had inherited a small, but substantial plantation from John’s brother. They seldom traveled up to down to visit the family, Samuel burden down with his own problems. Tory and Victoria didn’t get along very well, Tory always wishing to be the center of attention. Victoria blamed Tory for her son’s prolonged absence.
Mary has listened to Victoria’s criticisms for years. Mary could only nod and attempt to sooth her mistress. Victoria seemed fractious with both her daughters-in-law. Nothing had changed. Victory was however, looking forward to the new baby coming. Her spirits seemed to buoy when it came to subjects of the new child. It eased Mary’s heart a little, she missed her mother. Liza helped, stopping by for visits. Henry seemed to understand her best. He was comforting and a comfort.
Anderson stood before the mirror, shaving. Hot water steamed up around his face as he drew the razor across his jaw. There had been an increase in the patrols in the area. There had been numerous runaways the past summer from many of the surrounding plantations. The rumors swarmed like crazed bees, stinging here and there. The white owners were enraged and terrified at the thought of losing their precious slave labor. Incensed that the northerners would have the impudence to dictate their lives. It would not be tolerated, by God. The whites were wary of their slaves and mistrustful of strangers, especially from the north.
John had lost none of his slaves, in part due to Tall Tom. John had experienced an increase in crops harvested that fall. All was going well and now all this talk about a war. He shied away from looking inside himself, to really look at whether slavery was right or wrong. To do so would shake the foundations of his life. It would mean that his father was wrong, and his grandfather. It was too much, the thought was unbearable. Anderson knew he was getting old and Theodore was now taking over all the duties. Victoria was sick much of the time, though she would rally for a while. Life was uncertain in his world and Anderson didn’t like it.
Spring was eminent and the slaves had gone out to the fields to break ground. Mary was up at the main house with Victoria, nursing the older woman. Mary’s abdomen was growing rounder by the day. Her tall body carried the pregnancy easily. Mary had a glow about her, skin radiant and her eyes held a sparkle. She and Victoria spent hours speculating about the baby’s gender, temperament and rearing techniques.
Victoria had become a surrogate mother for Mary, their bond growing stronger. Victoria seemed to get better but was still bed ridden. She helped Mary stitch the tiny clothes the baby would need. Victoria instructed Mary on the art of embroidery, stitching beautiful designs on the baby clothes. Their soft laughter floating thr
ough the house.
Theo heard the laughter and popped his head into the room, watching both women, their heads bent over the delicate stitching. He grinned, he liked Mary, she was smart and sweet, and his mother adored her. He had a bit of happy news that he hoped would bring his mother around and out of bed. He had asked Sarah’s father for her hand in marriage. Her father had granted him the honor.
Tapping on the door jam, Theo leaned into the bedroom, which had been converted to a sitting room as well. Victoria looked up, her eyes shining with happiness. She beckoned her youngest son to her. Theo walked across the floor and presented his cheek for her kiss. Mary stood up to leave, wanting to give them privacy. Theo waved her back down to the bed, a wide grin lending a hint of mischief to his face.
“What are you about young man, you look as though you licked the cream from the crock.” Victoria laughed. Theo pulled up a chair, and held his mother’s hand. Christ, she looked so old, he was glad she spent time with Mary. Other slaves had come to the house to help to keep things running, Mary was spending most of her time with his mother. Victoria could barely stand to have Mary out of sight, and so Mary’s duties had been passed off to others.
“Mother, I have grand news. I have asked Sarah’s family for her hand in marriage and they have agreed.” Theo said with a smile in his eyes. He waited expectantly for his mother’s reaction.
Light shined in Victoria’s eyes; her smile grew larger.
“Oh, my darling, that is splendid news! When is the day?” Victoria asked anxiously.
“We are to be married in the fall; Sarah wants to go to Savannah to be married. She wants all her cousins and relatives to attend. Sarah and her mother are planning the wedding of the season.” Theo laughed. He was pleased to see his mother’s interest perk up. With Mary’s coming baby and the upcoming nuptials, perhaps this would bring her to better health.
“Congratulations Master Theo, I’m very happy for you and Miss Sarah. I know you will be very happy.” Mary said softly, her eyes crinkling with a smile.
“Thank you, Mary, I am looking forward to marital bliss.” He said. “Well mother, I have to leave, I haven’t told father and I need to get back out to work.” Standing, he leaned over and kissed his mother once more and left the women to their gossip and stitching.
Victoria was absolutely delighted and wanted to be moved to the veranda, to sit out in the sun. It was a mild day and the sun was shining brightly. The temperature was warming up and soon summer would be there. Mary sat with Victoria and watched the clouds scuttle by. They spoke about the upcoming wedding and hoped that Sarah would come for a visit soon.
Flowers began to blossom in Victoria’s garden, and she sat out amongst the blooms and watched the humming birds flit from flower to flower. Mary sat with her, reading poetry and letters from Samuel. Victoria ranted for a bit about the disgraceful actions of her daughter-in-law and then moved on to the topic of her grandsons. Todd was to bring them for a visit soon, though the boys were now nearly grown men and soon would have wives of their own.
Mary’s stomach was enormous and she felt decidedly uncomfortable. The weather had been mild, but the humidity was high and her clothes were sticking to her. She felt as large as a cow, her body betraying her at every turn. She felt off balance much of the time and her back had been pulling and nagging her the past week. She tried to stretch her back but nothing would alleviate the pain.
Henry held Mary in his arms at night and rub the small of her back. Their tiny cabin was homey with Mary’s touches. He had cut a window for her and had used some panes of discarded glass, putting them together with metal strips. Mary had made curtains with a bit of gingham and lace. Henry kept a fresh supply of wildflowers during the warm months. There was still an air of sadness with Ida’s absence.
The couple lay in bed in the evenings, their low voices shimmering around them. Henry’s large hand was entwined with Mary’s long fingers. They spoke of their hopes and dreams and plans for their children. Henry petted his wife’s ample rear, loving the silky feel of it. She was even more beautiful to him; her pregnancy had filled out her womanly curves. He could no more keep his hands from her than stop breathing.
Since Ida had died, Mary had been melancholy. She had started to feel the baby kick and that had picked up her lagging spirits. Dark Henry was at a loss of how to cheer Mary up, but kept loving her through her low moments. The mistress helped Mary a great deal, he knew the old woman mother-hen’d Mary, and he was pleased that Mary’s chores had been reduced.
Henry sat on a short stool before his wife. They had finished supper some time ago and were talking. Liza was bouncing her grandson, Samuel, on her knee as she watched the strapping young man rub Mary’s feet. Liza rolled her eyes; this poor boy was a goose for his bride. Liza was sure that Ida was rolling her eyes as well. She missed her friend, and knew one day she would see her again. Liza watched as Henry’s large hands engulfed Mary’s foot, rubbing the swollen ankle and toes.
Mary groaned in blissful response, the pain in her back had been competing with the pain in her feet. Liza had fixed an old herbal remedy to take the pain from her back. Liza also sipped the brew, tasting mint among the other flavors. It helped with all kinds of aches and pains and Liza was feeling the aches more and more each day. They had been discussing the young master’s upcoming wedding, it was only a few months away. The mistress had been in rare form, entertaining the Calhoun daughters and mother. It was peaceful in this home.
Liza said something silly and caused Mary to start laughing with abandon. Henry grinned. Liza had to look away, the sweetness of the couple broker her heart with joy. Without warning, Henry fell back, a shocked look on his handsome face, the front of this pants thoroughly soaked.
Dumbly looking down at his clothes and back up to Mary and then Liza, unsure of what had just transpired. Mary was just as stunned, “I…I think I just peed.”
Liza started laughing uproariously at their dumfounded faces. She hooted and stomped her foot. Great tears rolled down Liza’s broad face, she could scarcely breathe with the hilarity that had hit her. She even frightened her grandson, who started up a loud squall. This only provoked Liza to laugh harder and louder, both feet now stomping on the dirt floor.
The look on their faces was priceless, Liza knew they must think her mad. It took great strength and determination for Liza to rein in her laughter and it threatened to spill over again when she looked at Henry’s hurt and befuddled face. Her mouth quivering, she explained.
“Child, your water has broken. That baby is coming. Let’s get you ready.”
Henry shot to his feet, fear and panic clear on his blue-black features. This sent Liza over the edge and she had to hand over her grandson to Mary before she pissed herself. She left the cabin, assuring them that she would return shortly. The hilarious laughter following Liza out into the warm evening, leaving Mary with a crying baby and a panic-stricken husband. Her mouth began to quiver with the absurdity of the situation.
Fearing she would frighten her grandson more with her laughter, Liza bit down and stifled the burbling giggles. Liza was back within a few moments; she carried a small bag of herbs. It was down to serious business now, down to the business of birthing.
Mary was rocking a now quiet Samuel, she looked up when Liza re-entered the cabin. She spotted the bag that Liza had in her hands. Mary had seen her with this when Nan had been in labor. She handed Samuel over to Nan, who had been right behind Liza.
“All right Henry, get you out young man. This here is women’s work.” Liza grunted, as she moved the table back.
“You would just be in the way boy, git you off now.” She ordered, kindness taking the edge off her order.
Henry was torn between wanting to stay and argue and running hell bent for the smithy. He settled for kissing his wife and left her to go and pace outside the cabin. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest and he felt dizzy with fear and excitement. He stood by and watched as several other women went int
o his home. Some were carrying old quilts, while others brought clean rags. Nan left with Samuel.
Word had spread quickly and several more women came to the cabin to lend their help. Bethy was there, she had once been a strapping healthy woman, but had grieved herself into a shell. She cried still to this day for her Ellis. Word had trickled down over the years, they’d heard that Ellis had gone to New York as a printer’s apprentice. Henry thought Bethy would be happy for her son, going up north meant freedom, but Bethy would hear none of it, she wanted her son close by. They had given up trying to reason with her.
Henry moved around the cabin, looking into the door from time to time. He saw that Mary had changed into an old shift, and was sitting in their bed. Liza was speaking with her. He hoped that Mary would be alright, she was a tall sturdy woman, but Henry knew as everyone else did, birth was a chancy business. More than one strong woman had died in childbirth, he knew. Henry remembered the tormented screams of the husband and surviving children. He shivered and moved away from the door.
Patina was also there to lend a hand; she was pregnant as well and everyone knew it was Theo’s baby. Theo had been visiting her like a thirsty man visiting a well. She wasn’t due until the fall, near the time Theo was to be married. That should prove to be very interesting Henry thought. Patina was very light, her skin a few shades lighter than Mary’s. Her chestnut hair had highlights of red in it and her eyes were a beautiful and bewitching hazel.
He thought she was beautiful, but not nearly as beautiful as his Mary. He could only wonder what the baby would look like, perhaps it would be all white. Would it have blue eyes like Theo’s or his mother? It would be curious when Sarah came to live there at the farm and saw the baby. And when the old mistress saw the baby, would she know it to be her grandchild? Henry shook his head.