* * *
“Here, drink this, it will help you sleep.” Manny offered to an unresponsive Katherine. For days he had been there by her side, administering to her needs; doing all possible within his power to get some reaction from her. He knew the hurt she was feeling was great from the loss of their child. He felt it too, though he had never been in love with her, he would never do anything to harm a child that was his own. He had gone through it before, and now again. So it was not new to him, nor was it as hard for him to accept. He sat beside her out of the guilt he felt. His stress was in knowing he never wanted Katherine to conceive in the first place. Stupid drunkenness and his temper had made that possible. But since she had, he accepted it. Curiosity mixed with fears and misgivings over how he would manage to be a father to the child, when he knew his plans to leave and take Lena with him; as well the children they shared had plagued him. Like when they left, would he have been able to leave it behind? He even contemplated taking it from her, so Lena could raise it. He knew she would have done so willingly; loving it as she did their own; then, he felt it cruel to take a child from its mother.
As Katherine, grew and advanced in her pregnancy, so had the pressures of his responsibilities toward the child. Now he sat trying to console her, when all he felt was relief. When the physician had come out and told him the child was no more, instead of feeling grief for the loss, there had been the lifting of a tremendous burden. He’d prayed for God to forgive him for feeling as he did, lie to others he could, but never to himself. Truth of it was, it wasn’t the child that he felt relief in losing, but that undeniable link or hold that would make him somehow forever more committed to Katherine. He didn’t love her, he could never love her, they were not meant to be. He simply wanted all of this to be over. Sitting back in the chair that sat at her bedside, he placed the warm milk on the small table. His heart ached for the hurt his life had inadvertently caused her; he should have never married her…so much regret.
May, 1810
As the weeks rolled by, Katherine’s self-seclusion remained unchanged. She shut everyone out, even her Aunt and cousin; who tried over and over to visit and bring her out of it for the last two months, but all attempts failed.
Manny had long since given up trying to console her; she made it quite clear that she resented him even trying. All of her meals were brought up to her room and left at the door by Cora or Kayleen. She wouldn’t let them in, even to clean it. Her days were spent staring out the window, and her nights weeping over the loss of her child and the misery of her life.
Depression and pity was her closest companion, since all else left her to wallow alone. Morris and Manny were not speaking since the miscarriage; they had a major fight over his allowing Lena, so Morris felt, get away with murdering his unborn child. According to Morris, she did it to keep and maintain her hold on Manny. He held steadfastly his belief that she practiced the black arts, and they were all doomed. Every time he tried to convince his son of this, it ended pretty much the same as when it started, with Manny threatening to leave the plantation for good; taking Lena, the unborn child and Mike with him. As much as Morris would have loved to call his bluff, there was something valid about Manny’s threats that made him believe he would actually do it, with little choice, he backed off. Nothing frightened him more, than the humiliation of his son deserting him, the plantation and all he’d given him, over the slave. Not to mention the fear of losing his son, as much as they argued, he couldn’t stand the thought of his son leaving him. He was all that he had…he loved him, bewitched or not, he could not run this plantation without him.
* * *
It was a calm Tuesday afternoon, in the month of July; Manny was out of town in the process of purchasing his first brand new ship, freshly built to his specifications. He’d traveled all the way to Boston to speak to whom he’d been referred to as the best when it came to building ships of the magnitude he was looking for. This one was special…it was the one his family would live on. Though there was still so very much to be done before he could take action on his promises to Lena, he was laying the foundation for their lives together.
July in Mississippi meant heat! Heavy, sweltering moist heat; few slaves were found in the fields, because Manny would let no one drop from the intense humidity over crops that were yet to be in full yield. To escape the heat of the kitchen, Kayleen and Lena sat at the back of the mansion in the shade shelling peas. For the first time in weeks, Katherine was forced from her room by the oppressive rising temperatures.
It was unbearable, not a breeze seemed to stir; even with all of her windows open. She dare not step out onto the veranda, it at the moment was bathed in the sun, where vapors rose from the intense baking of every surface it scalded. Finally, defeated she gave up her sanctuary to walk into the cool shade of the trees, leaving from the front door without anyone knowing she’d ever left her room.
Most of Webster Fields young men had taken off for the front pond, which was located not far off Okala road, hidden in a large shroud of weeping willows and maple trees. Mike was among them, this pond being the larger and deeper of the two; providing the much needed relief. Shaded as they were, they had a good time swimming and dunking each other. Their laughter rang out through the wooded area without a care in the world; blissfully content and unaware of the hated gaze that resented their laughter and happiness.
How could it be that everyone else on Webster Fields were so happy, when she was so miserable? How could they dare laugh, when she would never hear the laughter of her dead child? Standing behind a tall oak, her head throbbed with the agonizing memory of waking to severe cramps; so intense she doubled over in pain as her child was forcefully purged from her body. Screaming and begging for the physician to make it stop…there had been nothing he could do to stop it. One hand flew to her mouth to silence the sob that choked her at the thought; the other went to her stomach, which should have been rounded now; swollen with her son or daughter. Yet there stood Lena’s son, poised on a fallen tree trunk, readying himself to take a dive. Again she choked back a sob crying,
“It is not fair, why should her son live while mine lay dead!”
Unable to stand their laughter a moment longer, she took off towards the road. Running through the trees, with the back of her hand wiping at her tears; she plowed on blindly, and fell…crying out at the pain in her tender arm; which was still wrapped as she caught herself on it. She held her arm to her as she stood and ran a little further, stopping at the edge of the road she fell back against a tree, hot and exhausted from her sprint.
“You alright miss? Looks like this heat getting’ to’ya.”
Katherine gasped, sucking in air throwing her hand to her chest at the unexpected presence of the man before her. “Sorry to startle you, missus; but I was just headin’ towards your property with this bucket.” He held it up to show her. He had been further down the road from her, going towards their driveway when she stumbled out.
“Bein’ such a terrible day, it’s hard on my horses and slaves. M’names Chester Sands, ma’am; I sho’ would appreciate it if you was to oblige me by lettin’ me water’em all down, they mighty weak from the heat and thirst.” He introduced himself. Turning he indicated up the road where his buckboard sat…there were a group of chained slaves to his buckboard, with enough length to sit on the ground in the shade of the ditch. His horses tossed their heads, whinnying sensing water near.
Katherine leaned forward with her bottom half still to the tree, looking at his horses, then at the black men and young boys. They were sweating and shiny with oil as they looked back at her through vacant dark eyes. Flies buzzed around them, but they gave no heed, as if too weak to shoo them away.
The darker to black ones sat in the ditch, while in the buckboard, lighter skinned ones sat; little better off…most of them, she noticed, were of lighter skin. She leaned back looking at Mr. Sands…he was a dusty, foul smelling man. His clothing, an indication that he gave little care to his persona
l appearance. It was much too hot for the way he was dressed, a dusty gray jacket over a sweat soaked shirt. The hat on his head looked as if it had been rolled and balled often, long ago losing its original shape. Circling the hat was old and new sweat and dirt.
“What are you doing with those slaves?” She asked, dismissing his un-kept appearance, he was not the first she’d seen in such a state. “I’m a slave trader ma’am. Got to get these to auction…they gone bring me a nice sum, but I got to keep’em alive long enough to make it there… the dead don’t sell ma’am.” He grinned showing rotten teeth, a few missing. “I was hoping to see if I could rest’em a spell, get’em some water.” He repeated.
“Well this is Webster Fields…I’m the missus here, Mrs. Katherine Webster. You may water your stock.”
“You think I might pull into your drive ma’am, maybe speak with the master here, maybe he be interested in purchasing before I head on.”
“My husband is away on … ? … business.” She ended slowly, thinking.
“Oh.” Was his response now, absently he looked back at his coffle. “What a shame, I was so lookin’ forward to maybe selling a few off. There’s a high demand you know for the kind of negras I specialize in. House negras, got a nice little selection of high yellas, they bring a nice price.”
“So I see, well Mr. Sands, do me a favor…water your stock, and then…we can talk. First things first…they look thirsty…take care of them.”
“Can I pull them into your drive ma’am-..”
“No sir…you cannot. But I’m going to make a deal with you after you see to them. There’s a pond not far down that lane, when you’re there…I want you to look at every boy there…every-one…then tell me what you think upon your return.”
Sands gazed at her oddly, but nodded his head and headed off doing as she told him. Katherine stood, no longer bothered by the heat. Her mind was now working…a resolve was taking over. A hardness replaced the face that only moments ago reflected despair. Suddenly her shoulders squared once again. Her head lifted high, and gone were her feelings hopelessness. Eyeing the other slaves, she stood from the tree and sauntered over to get a closer look.
Chester Sands nodded to the boys, who all stood stock still watching as he eyed each one, dipping his bucket in the pond. Their play had immediately ceased with his presence. “Yah’ll don’t mind me now. Just come for water…the missus here give me permission to get water.”
Leon, the oldest of the group climbed from the ponds edge. “Our missus in a bad way sir. How she tell you that?”
Sands eyed him with a mix of interest, as well disdain, that he should take it upon himself to question him, a white man.
“Your missus - boy - Katherine Webster, bad way or no, is strolling the land, she send me here for water. You mind your business for you end up in a hurt over matters that don’t concern you.” All the others looked at Leon, as well each other. Mike then stood walking beside Leon. Catching Sands eye immediately, thinking him the son of the master. “Afternoon young man.” Sands nodded to him. Mike looked up at Leon, then back at Sands, and nodded back. “I’m done now, I’ll be on my way.” Sands informed them after soaking a dirty handkerchief that he used to wash his face, rinsing it — he squeezed it a bit, then slug it across the back of his neck. He stood, grabbed up his filled bucket and headed back off toward his waiting team.
The boys all looked and waited for Leon…he glanced down at Mike, shrugged and smiled; then leapt back in the pond. The others snapped back to enjoying themselves, Sands was dismissed from their minds. Mike also followed Leon’s dismissal and leapt in behind him.
“Ma’am, I must say, that’s one mighty fine group of young bucks you got there. Any one would fetch a good price, I must say. If I wasn’t so loaded down now, I could see purchasing a few from you.” Sands informed Katherine after he returned; taking the bucket to the horses to drink from first, then he carried what was left to the slaves; tossing it on them. “Yah’ll hold tight, I get you some to drink in a spell.”
“I’m glad you think so Mr. Sands. Consider this being such a hot day, let us please get right to the point. I have been looking over your stock. I wish to make a deal with you. A deal you won’t wish to refuse.”
“A deal ma’am? I thought the master of this plantation was gone on business?”
“My husband allows me to stock our labor sir. As you can see, I have quite the eye for it, as those you left, are an example of.”
“Oh…yes ma’am. Okay then, let’s hear it.”
“I will purchase from you, three of your darkies. I will even give you much more than they’re probably worth. And the deal is…you will take one of ours.”
Chester’s eyes grew huge! In an instant those that he saw flashed through his mind. Greedily he saw the advantage of such a deal, eagerly he nodded in anticipation to rid himself of the extras, while earning, and then taking on one of theirs…all were healthy strong stock. Well fed, well cared for, and seemingly, disease free.
“Ma’am, you got yourself a deal. Do I get to pick’em?”
“No Mr. Sands you do not. Seeing as how what I’m buying from you, isn’t in half the condition or worth of mine, you will consider yourself blessed to have come across me and our plantation. What you will do sir, is what I tell you…or the deal is off.”
“Yes ma’am…I’m all ears.”
“How much for …that one, that one…and that one?”
“Hundred-fifty for the three.”
“Very well, you will follow me with them in hand to the pond.”
“There they can get in to wash themselves, drink - whatever their need will be. That’s where you will wait for me, for the time being - as I return to the house and get your pay; as well the papers of the one you will take with you. This is where I need you to pay attention Mr. Sands. This is very important. And I will give you a bit of history so that you understand.”
Again he nodded, giving her his full attention.
“The one you will be given, is the trouble causer of the plantation. Simply put, my husband’s bastard get. Did you look at all the boys at the pond Mr. Sands?” She asked pointedly.
“Yes ma’am I did.”
“Then you would have seen him. He is the one with blonde hair, and blue eyes. He looks like a normal white child. But I assure you, he is not. His name is Michael and he has been a curse in our marriage since my husband’s bed-wench gave birth to him. After discussing the problems that be, my husband and I agreed, the bastard must be sold. I’m going to give him to you sir, for the purchased exchange of the three I have chosen. He is worth ten of them, if not more. I’m sure you agree?”
Chester’s eyes were twice their normal size, as he swallowed nervously. “You mean all them boys at that pond was slaves, including the white boy?”
“Yes Mr. Sands. And if you are truly a business man, then you know the price one such as he will fetch. A young boy of ten years…need I say more?” Chester’s head was spinning.
“Now, together we will return to the pond, you will wait for your payment there. At least that is what they will think. I will return to the house, my overseers will soon arrive and I will deliver the bastard straight into your hands. But I need you to do something for me, this is important. After I’m gone, you will say out loud, I can’t wait here, I have to check on my horses and slaves. Then you will leave and wait there for the boy. Is that understood? It is important you do it that way.”
Chester felt a bit uneasy, not sure what all the maneuvering was about. “Why can’t I just roll in, pick up the boy and-…”
“Because I do not wish to alarm it’s mother. I grow tired of the dramatics when selling off a young one. Besides, my overseers need to be summoned and I do not wish for anything to happen before they arrive. For the business you’re in, I should not have to explain such a thing.” She condescendingly explained.
“Oh…yeah, that’s true…okay.”
“Mr. Sands…when the boy is in your possession�
��you must head out post haste. Do not spare a moment to linger. Do you understand?”
“Understood ma’am.”
“Good, let us do this then. I wish it over as quickly as possible.”
All the boys stood shocked that he had been telling the truth. Katherine was out of her room as she stood there directing them to get out of the pond.
“Just until these new slaves can cool off and wet themselves down. I’m sure they’re much hotter than you all. As you know, I haven’t been feeling well, so I’m going to need your help. Please stay here with Mr. Sands while I go to the house and get him his pay. Mikey…um… child…there are some things I need to say to you. Can you please follow me back, then you can return with Mr. Sands pay when I’m done. I promise I won’t keep you long.” She spoke mildly, as if everything had changed and all the tension and animosity that once was, gone. Mike stood stock still as the three new slaves gladly went into the pond. Darrin, Leon, Johnnypoe, Samuel, and a few others all stood in amazement that she was there. That she was talking to any of them. A few wondered if she had lost her senses?
Mike stood unsure of what to do. He kept looking up at Leon.
“Mikey?” She called again softly.
“Ms Katherine, I can do it for you.” Leon volunteered.
She smiled at him, then sighed. “I understand that you could, but I wish Mikey to do it, because there’s something I wish to speak to him about. He’ll be back…you can wait here with Mr. Sands.” She finished with Leon, maintaining her smile, she turned her eyes to Lena’s son, “Please Mikey? I wish to make certain amends…I know this will make your mother proud of you. That you stood and did me a favor after I’ve been so dreadful to you. Will you give me a chance? Please, I’ve had – a change of heart.”
Princess Ces'alena (Webster Fields) Page 24