My Name Is Mary: A Reincarnation

by S A Ison

  Tobias Freeland was the area’s master craftsman, a carpenter, living just outside of town. He had stopped by the Anderson farm and spoke with Dark Henry about bringing Victor in as an apprentice. Henry called his son into the smithy shop and asked him if he wanted to start working for Mr. Freeland. Victor’s eyes sparkled and excitement filled his young face.

  Arrangements were made for Victor to stay with Mr. Freeland and his family during the week and come home on Sundays. Henry told his son that he would ride over to pick him up on Sunday mornings and bring him back later in the evening. Victor was hesitant to leave his family and live among strangers, especially white strangers. He had heard stories about the abuse shoveled down on black citizens. He had seen his fair share of evil out there.

  Seeing the reticence in the boy’s eyes, Tobias assured Victor that he would be safe in his home, he would share the bed with one of his children. Tobias had six children, five girls and one son. Unfortunately, his son showed neither inclination, nor talent when it came to wood working. He had despaired of his daughters as well, none wanting to dirty their hands with rough work.

  Tobias had seen Victor’s work at the local markets and had been impressed with his detailed work. The boy was a natural, the love he saw in the lines of the creations was similar to his own. He had asked around and was pointed in the direction of the Anderson farm.

  Mary was reluctant to let her son go, but she knew that his future lay with this man. It had been agreed that Victor would start work the following week. Henry would take him over to Mr. Freeland’s home the following Sunday. Mary would accompany them, to meet their family. She hoped this would settle her worries.

  Mary liked Madeleine Freeland immediately, she was a jolly round woman, her cheeks apple red. Her daughters shared her disposition, and their only son, Toby was no different. Toby immediately befriended Victor, longing for a male friend in a house full of women. Toby was the youngest of the six children, he was eleven.

  As Mary and Henry bid the Freeland family farewell, they saw Victor and Toby’s heads together, plotting already, their mischief’s glances aimed at the girls. Mary rolled her eyes, nudging Henry, who saw his progeny and shook his head, a gentle smile on his lips. Victor was just like he had been in his youth. Henry was satisfied that his son would be well taken care of. Though it still twisted his heart to say goodbye, he knew his son would have a future.

  Mary taught Ida how to sew and also showed her the fine art of embroidery. She wanted Ida to settle down with some kind of skill, she didn’t want her daughter out in the fields breaking her back, as her grandmother had done. It had shortened her mother’s life considerable, she wanted better for her daughter. Ida was set to sewing clothes for the children, she also learned how to make dresses for the women. Mary noticed that Ida had a real talent with the needle and her hopes soared that her daughter may have found her forte. Rachel drew out patterns for Ida and Ida stitched them on cloth panels. Theo had been impressed with Ida’s work and craftsmanship, he sent away for floss, colors ranging the colors of the rainbow.

  Mary was proud of her children; they were growing into fine young adults. Lil Theo wanted to go with his name sake and Drake out to the fields. He was growing and thriving out in the field, it seemed as if he, himself were a plant, needing the soil and the sun to grow and blossom. At twelve years old, he now looked his mother in the eye. He would surpass his father and brother in height when he became a man. Lil Theo was broad in the shoulders and back.

  Lil Theo idolized Theo, he hung on his every word. He pestered Drake and Tall Tom to show him every aspect of running a farm. Drake took Lil Theo under his wing, he missed his best friend Victor, only seeing him on Sundays. When Sundays rolled around, more often than not, Victor was mooning over Mary Beth, following her around the house and taking walks.

  Lil Theo was like a mirror image of Drake, walking like him, talking like him. Theo and Henry sat on the porch in the evenings, watching the boys. Their laughter floated across the yard as they spoke about their pride in their children. They had also taken note that when nineteen-year-old Ida walked up to the house, Drake stopped and watch her progress.

  “Drake has an eye for your daughter, Henry.” Theo said, puffing on a pipe.

  “Yeah, he been watchin’ that gal for some time now. She been watchin’ him too.” Dark Henry said, laughing.

  “She’s a fine young woman Henry, you should be proud. She is well read and talented with the needle and just as beautiful as your Mary.” Theo said, watching the children. Henry swelled with pride, he had grown to respect and like Theo over the years, they had become very close. They had known each other all their lives. They had been through hell together.

  “What you thinkin’ bout this here development?” Henry asked, looking over at Theo. He noticed that Theo’s hair was almost all gray and it shocked him. Theo was older by two years, but life had worn him old. Theo’s eyes still held youth, and when he was near his children, his face lost the rough years. Where did the time go? Henry wondered; his heart heavy. Henry knew that Theo was teaching Drake to take over the farm. He was pleased that Lil Theo loved the farm as much as his name sake and Drake. He knew his son had a future on this land. Victor still lived with the Freeland family and was doing well as a carpenter. His cabinets, tables, chairs and bed frames were highly sought after, with their intricate carvings. Victor was making a name for himself.

  “I suspect that Drake will eventually come to you for her hand.” Theo said smiling.

  “You know them white folks ain’t gonna cotton ta that.” Henry said solemnly. Theo’s face clouded for a moment.

  “I loved Patina with all my heart and I would not change a thing, nor would I live my life at other’s dictates. If Drake wants to marry your Ida and should you and Mary approve, I say let them. Life is damned hard and if they can find joy in each other, I say let them. They can jump the broom and we can say a prayer and officiate over their marriage, just as my father did for you and Mary.”

  “Is you sure about that, Theo?” Henry asked hesitantly.

  “I’m sure, life has taught me to live the way I want and say sorry to no man. I saw too much hate and killing during the war. I want our children to live their own lives.” Theo said decisively. Henry nodded his agreement and both men sat back, watching the children.

  Mary walked out onto the porch, going to Henry. She wrapped her arms around Henry’s broad shoulders. His dark hand reached up and held her clasped hands.

  “What you think about Drake and Ida?” Henry asked.

  “I think they make a lovely couple; I’ve watched them. Drake is as silly for Ida as you were for me.” Mary laughed, hugging Henry to her. He sniggered embarrassed, looking over at Theo, who was grinning at him. Mary had heard their discussion earlier and she agreed. Life was too short to live on someone else’s terms.

  “I think in a few years, Drake will be ready for marriage, Ida will wait, she has been waiting for quite a few years now.” Mary continued. Both men agreed. Henry pulled Mary around and drew her onto his lap, rubbing her back as he watched the children play. It was early autumn and the cool breeze felt good. The house was opened up, letting the crisp air wind its way through the rooms.

  “I’ve been thinking long and hard on this, I want to give Lil Theo some land that abuts the fields. It has sat fallow and overgrown for the past twenty-five years. We have no need for it and I would like for Lil Theo to have it for his family, when he grows to manhood. Victor has his cabinetry and will make a good life for himself. Ida, she’ll have Drake and this farm. Rachel, she’ll be going to Europe next spring, to study art, and perhaps to find a husband. Lil Theo loves this land as much as Drake and I and it would please me to pass it on to him.”

  Mary and Henry were stunned, they stared at Theo, speechless for some moments. Mary’s honey brown eyes filled with tears of gratitude. She got up from Henry’s lap and went to Theo, wrapping her arms around him, holding him tightly. Theo flushed with modest pleasur
e, grinning over to Henry. Mary thought that this was one of the best days of her life.

  Dusk descended on the yard, but everyone was reluctant to go inside. It was pleasant and peaceful on the porch so everyone remained. Rachel came out of the house; it had grown too dark for her to draw. She curled up in her father’s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. She had grown into a lovely young woman and at age fourteen, gave hint to the beauty she would one day become. She took after her sire in coloring, but took after her mother in structure.

  Rachel’s hair had darkened to a chestnut brown, her eyes large and deep brown. Her mouth was full and pouty, and Theo knew he would have to guard his daughter. Several of the local swains had paid unofficial visits. Rachel had shown no interest in any of the young men. Her focus solely on her art. Theo wondered how he was ever going to send her away to Europe and said so.

  “How can I send you to Europe? I don’t think I can live without you here. I think I’ll miss you too much.”

  “I don’t want to leave, daddy; I want to stay here with you.” Rachel said, fear curling into her voice. She was terrified of leaving home, she loved the farm and loved the people on it.

  “Theo, why don’t you send for a teacher? Have them come here to teach her?”

  “I’ll think about it. I just think there is so much out there that she could learn from.” He said, nibbling at his lower lip. The cost would be more reasonable and he would have his daughter near. Encouraged by the idea, Rachel hugged her father.

  “That’s a great idea daddy.” She said, hugging his neck, causing Theo to laugh.

  “Alright, let me think on it. Perhaps I’ll send out advertisements for a tutor.”

  Rachel hugged him once more and got up and disappeared into the house. Perhaps he could send her to an artist closer to home? Theo didn’t want to get her hopes up, nor did he want her to go away. He would contact one of his old schoolmates in Pennsylvania, perhaps he knew of someone.

  It was late fall of 1878 when word came from Theo’s old classmate, Miller Dent. Miller had found a teacher willing to tutor Rachel. Rachel was thrilled by the prospects of advanced art lessons as well as remaining home. Theo was surprised when a young man showed up at his farm in early December, his name was Joshua Clement, he had just returned several months earlier from a stint in Paris and Rome, where he had apprenticed under several prominent artists.

  Joshua had come back to the United States in hopes for a position at a prestigious college. However, to his dismay, because he was so young, the stodgy administrations didn’t want to hire him. He was left to earn a living giving lessons. Teaching appointments were difficult to obtain, many wanted lists of references. Joshua was an orphan which also worked against him. At twenty-eight, Joshua was living hand to mouth.

  Joshua arrived at the farm, hat in hand, with little else but art supplies. Theo looked the young man up and down, taking in his shabby clothes and gaunt frame. Joshua was tall, but rail thin with a shock of bright red hair and freckles. Theo thought that should the young man not have the pack on his back, a good gust of wind would have knock him over.

  Joshua was ushered into the study to speak with Theo, Mary closing the doors to give them privacy. Mary shook her head, there’s nothing to the young man, she thought. She had heard the term starving artist, but this went beyond that. The freckles on Mr. Clement’s face were the only color there. His skin was almost transparent, so pale was he. He had large brown eyes, almost too big for his face. That hair was a shock, if anything was. Mary had never seen hair that brilliant red.

  She went to the kitchen to tell Cookie and Mary Beth they had a visitor.

  “He’s a walking scarecrow, I’ll swear.” She said, sitting at the large table.

  “Guess we’ll just have ta feed him up.” Cookie grinned. Mary Beth had taken over the kitchen, Cookie lending a hand and guiding the younger woman. Cookie poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Mary as she sat down beside her to watch Mary Beth fix a tray.

  “Where will you put him?” Cookie asked.

  “In Patina’s old room. He didn’t bring a lot with him.” Mary shrugged, sipping the coffee and nibbling on a cookie. Cookie grunted and drank her coffee. Mary finished her drink and left the women. She then went upstairs to Patina’s old room and made it ready for Mr. Clement. She didn’t know if he would stay long or not, that was up to his talent and Theo. She hoped he was more talented than he appeared.

  Joshua sat nervously before forbidding one armed man. He had given Theo his portfolio with his best works, he had sold all the rest to get himself here. He hadn’t eaten in two days and felt faint with hunger and trepidation. He truly needed this job, for if he didn’t get it, all was lost. His pockets held only dust and lint, he could neither feed nor shelter himself.

  A woman came into the study with a large tray of biscuits, sliced ham, strawberry jam, cool cider and cheese. Joshua’s eyes grew large as saucers, his stomach growled loudly. Joshua felt the heat rise in his face, fused bright and brilliant red, his eyes going to the floor with embarrassment. The old woman laughed good-naturedly, telling Joshua to eat his fill, that she loved seeing a man eat.

  Looking to Theo for permission and receiving a nod, Joshua took up a biscuit with ham and cheese. After the third sandwich, he slowed down to enjoy the taste and sipped the cool apple cider. Its sweet tart flavor was bitingly pleasantly. Joshua stifled a soft belch. Joshua prayed that he’d be hired. His life was lived one meal at a time. Should this man not hire him, Joshua was unsure what he would do. His life and livelihood were in this stranger’s hands.

  TWELVE

  Theo hid the smile behind the sheets of paper and canvas. He began to look at the young man’s works. He was pleasantly surprised, though he was no real judge of art, Theo could see that this young man was gifted. There were several portraits and it was as though he could reach out and caress the faces on the flat canvas. He gazed at a painting that looked to be of Rome, old ruins that were scattered about the city. He could almost smell the dust on the bricks, so crisp was the painting. His face remained impassive as he looked further through the collection. The young man had talent, but his age worked against him. He was young, Miller hadn’t told him how young. If he had, Theo might have said no.

  Noting that the young man had slowed down his consumption of the meal, Theo laid the paintings and drawings down.

  “What’s your background. Tell me about yourself.” Theo said, sitting back in the leather chair, taking a drink of his cider.

  “I was born in New York City. I was orphaned at a young age. I don’t remember my parents. I was educated at the orphanage. I went to a work house when I was ten and after a time, eventually I ran away. I worked where I could and took art lessons. I sold my work to make a living. When I’d saved enough money, I took a ship to Paris. I also worked on the ship to help pay my way. I went to Paris to apprentice with local artists and then onto Rome.” Joshua said, taking a drink of cider to clear his throat. Theo could see the young man was nervous and rightly so. From the look of him, he was about to faint.

  “While I apprenticed with several local artists, I worked odd jobs. One of my patrons funded my trip to Rome. I spent five years studying in France and Italy. I came home to teach art at a university, but sadly, my age is a handicap. I sold my work on the street, to feed and house myself. Mr. Dent was a frequent patron of my work.” Joshua ended.

  Theo grunted. The young man had worked hard, it would seem. Theo was impressed with the young man’s frank assessment, no shame, nor excuses, merely the plain truth. When he told Joshua about Rachel, his eyes penetrated the large brown eyes.

  “My Rachel is of mixed blood. Do you have any problems with her race?”

  “No sir, of course not. Living abroad, I saw many different people. Their origins a mystery. I only see talent, if it is there. I just wish to share my knowledge and love of art.” Joshua said, his hands clasped in his lap. Theo stared into the earnest man’s eyes, unblinking.

 
Satisfied the young man was telling the truth, Theo stood, extending his hand to shake the younger man’s bony hand. Theo was surprised by the strength in that grip, his mouth hid a smile. Theo called Mary, who showed Joshua to his room. Theo told Joshua that he was to meet his daughter at dinner, that she had gone out with her brother to sketch the field hands.

  That evening Joshua stood nervously in the parlor, waiting to meet his new student. He had almost fallen at Mr. Anderson’s feet when the man told him he had the job. He was truly desperate and thanked providence for Mr. Dent’s intervention. Joshua had done several portraits for the Dent family and the families of Dent’s acquaintance. Joshua had walked his way down from Philadelphia, sometimes catching a ride on a wagon heading south. He had drawn for strangers for food and shelter. It had been a grueling trip. Growing up in New York, he had met free blacks. He had also met black people in Europe. But in the south, he’d been shocked by the treatment and circumstances of the newly freed slaves. Ignorance and abuse abound in the south, the whites were taking their wrath out on the freed people.

  Mary moved about the dining room, Drake and Lil Theo were the first to arrive, fresh scrubbed. Then Henry came in the house, nodding to the thin young man. Mary had told him that Theo had hired Mr. Clement to tutor Rachel. Henry whispered to Mary that the young man didn’t look like much. She elbowed her husband. Drake introduced himself and Lil Theo and Henry. Theo came into the room, with Rachel on his arm.

  Mary could see that Joshua was struck by Rachel’s beauty and stumbled when he reached out to shake her hand. His face fused pink, his ears turned red. Mary rolled her eyes, looking at her husband who did the same. Most men reacted the same way to Rachel, though many were put off by rumors of her parentage.

  Everyone adjourned to the table, the conversation lively between Drake and Lil Theo. Ida put in her two cents, rebuffing Drake’s teasing. Joshua was surprised at the jovial atmosphere at the table, that and the fact that the help sat at the same table of the master of the farm. Joshua was under no misconceptions with regard to how whites treated the ex-slaves. It was criminal in many cases. Joshua ate quietly, letting the flow of laugher and chatter wrap around him. His eyes strayed from time to time to the beautiful Rachel. He could not tell that she was of mixed blood, she was fair, though not as fair as he, few people were as pale as himself. Her dark eyes and hair were the only indication, which wasn’t much of an indication. Her mother must have been very fair indeed. Drake was the same, though he had his father’s blue eyes.