by carol fears
Joshua played his part to the hilt. In public and also in front of his parents, he was the doting husband and father-to-be. As soon as he and Carina were alone he spoke in terse sentences to her. He spent as little time in her presence as possible. Carina was glad that he avoided her since she still had to mask her intense dislike of him in front of others. He never touched her or came into her bedchamber again. Carina was left to sleep alone in the big bed. She thanked God in her prayers every night for that blessing.
The bliss she felt in her pregnancy seemed to make everything in her life easier for her. Her attention was entirely on the babe and everything else faded into insignificance. Even the agony of not seeing William was eased by the thought of her child's well-being. She ate carefully, taking plenty of fresh vegetables on her plate at dinner. The kitchen garden provided this nutritious fare in spring and summer. Every afternoon she went outside and walked in the gardens. She felt that it was necessary to get fresh air and exercise for her health as well as for the baby's. She and Mother Prewitt spent many pleasant hours chatting about children and their upbringing as they stitched tiny gowns. Carina was making a christening gown for the baby. She chose soft pima cotton for the gown. Then she added delicate lace at the neck, sleeves and hem. Narrow silk ribbon tied the gown in front at the neck and tiny pearl buttons closed the back of the gown. She was also making a bonnet of heavier cotton which was adorned with the same beautiful lace as the gown. The infant would be baptized at the cathedral in Natchez. Mother Prewitt was already planning the christening party. She would invite practically everyone in Natchez. Certainly she would invite everyone she deemed to be respectable.
Carina's mother and father made a trip to Natchez to visit and to hear all the news about their forthcoming grandchild. Carina's mother declared that she would come to stay with the Prewitts after the babe was born in order to help Carina with care of the infant until a suitable nursemaid was found. Carina did not want to have a wet-nurse for her child but the older women tried to persuade her to retain one so that she would be free to attend social gatherings with her husband. The unstated fact that she would be more available to help Mother Prewitt direct the household was on everyone's mind. So far Carina was not committing to the idea. She longed to feel the babe's mouth at her breast. How could she give that delight up to some other woman? Still, Carina was happy that her mother visited. They spent many happy hours together, chatting for the first time as equals, not only as mother and daughter. Mrs. Prewitt arranged a ladies' tea to honor her houseguest. Carina was delighted to assist with entertaining her own mother, as well as jubilant at the prospect of quietly announcing her happy news to some of the ladies of Natchez. Of course, Carina wasn't going out now, her pregnancy far enough along to be noticeable in public. She would be confined to the house and garden until her child was born.
Joshua was kept busy on many days attending to his father's business dealings. He took over the task of observing the off-loading of equipment from the boats in the port of Natchez-Down-Under. Planters needed all sorts of farm implements and equipment. They also had plenty of money to pay for such things. Mr. Prewitt had grown rich over the years supplying their needs. Natchez-Down-Under had a reputation, as most neighborhoods close to riverports did, for unsavory characters. You could obtain just about anything there if you had enough money. There were women to be bought for an hour or for a night, liquor, medicinals from the orient that had strong effects on men; and even young boys who would do a man's bidding for the right price. Joshua took every opportunity to satisfy his lusts in one of the "special" brothels that catered to men of his inclination.
Even though Joshua could find outlets for his sexual desires, his thoughts always returned to Pebo. After William had rebuffed Joshua thoroughly and made it plain that he would not consider that kind of a relationship, Joshua had transferred his affections to the boy. He had only been able to be alone to do his will with Pebo on one occasion, that occasion when Carina had unfortunately been a witness. Joshua tossed about in his mind for some way to get Pebo to Easton Hall. He finally decided that he would send a letter to his father-in-law at Camellia Hill asking whether he might spare Pebo for a week since he had to send his own man-servant on some personal business of his. Joshua had only to pay his man a stipend and send him off somewhere while Pebo was at Easton Hall.
Joshua was furious when he received a letter from his father-in-law informing him that Pebo was no longer a slave at Camellia Hill. Although Pebo was still staying at the farm until word came that they were ready for him at the school, he was free, having received his manumission papers from Mr. Blanchett. His passions inflamed, Joshua threw a book across the room. Now he wanted the boy more than ever. Maybe he should pay a visit to Camellia Hill. All he had to do was get Pebo alone somewhere. Free or not the boy couldn't fight with a white man. The more he thought about this plan, the more it appealed to him. He would plan a visit to Camellia Hill for next week, ostensibly to discuss cattle breeding with his father-in-law. He would tell Mr. Blanchett that he was thinking about obtaining a herd of his own with a foreman to manage it. He could claim that he wanted an investment that would be a hedge against financial reversal.
Mr. Blanchett received the letter from his son-in-law and although he was curious about Joshua's interest in cattle, he took the request at face value. He invited Joshua to come to the farm on May 8. It would be stimulating to have another man to talk to about his beloved cattle. He would be proud to show them off. Although Mr. Blanchett was busy with all the business of running the farm at this time of year he thought his overseer could take some of the burden off of him. That should give him enough time to educate Joshua on the fine art of cattle breeding.
That evening as Mr. Blanchett was getting ready for bed he mentioned Joshua's forthcoming visit to Jared. Since Joshua would not be bringing his own manservant along, Mr. Blanchett suggested that Pebo could attend to his son-in-law while he was visiting Camellia Hill.
The next morning as the house servants were having breakfast, Jared casually mentioned Joshua's visit and told Pebo that the master wanted him to serve Joshua during his time at Camellia Hill. Pebo looked up at his father, startled by the prospect. He was a free man, just awaiting the start of the school session to head north, but nevertheless if he did as Mr. Blanchett wanted, he knew he would be at the mercy of Joshua. He couldn't endure another violation at that man's hands. He would run away if he had to.
When Jared went into the little office he used for paperwork, Pebo followed him in, shutting the door behind him.
"What is it son?" Jared could tell Pebo was upset by the tightness of his mouth and the narrow wrinkles that had appeared in his forehead.
"Daddy, I cain't tend to Mr. Joshua. I just cain't. Please don't ask me why, you just got to believe me on this." Pebo was wringing his hands in desperation.
"I got to know what you're talkin' about boy, before I can help you. The master been too good to you for you to go against him." Jared had a strict code of moral standards that he abided by. He expected all members of his family to do the same.
Knowing that he was not going to escape telling his father the shameful secret he had guarded for so long, Pebo began telling the story of his abuse at the hands of the master's son-in-law. As the tale drew out, Jared's fists drew up in rage as he fought to maintain control of his anger. He wanted to strike out at the man who had so ravaged his son's mind and body.
"Don't you worry, son, that man ain't gonna touch you ever again. I need to talk to your mamma so's we can hatch a plan."
Overcome with relief, Pebo hugged his father. The feeling that an enormous weight had been lifted off of him caused his spirit to soar. Now he was glad that he had told Daddy. He knew that he would be saved from Joshua.
Late that afternoon, Pebo's mother and father called him into the little office. Mary had knowledge of some of the herbs and medicines that were used in the region by healers. Some of them could be used for other purposes.
"That right, son, the master say he got a letter from the headmaster of the school up north and you be leavin' on the train in two weeks. We gonna miss you but it be better for you that you learn a trade, set aside a little money, maybe buy a little place to work in. Maybe you come back here to visit us someday. That be real nice." Jared was saddened by the notion that he wouldn't see his son for years, maybe forever. But he was overjoyed at the life his son might live.
The Whirlwind
ay 7, 1840 began as a bright sunny day without a cloud in the sky. The weather was already humid and hot, which was not unusual for this time of year. Work on the plantations around Natchez was in full swing. The crops had been planted a little late but were growing vigorously due to the wet spring weather. Joshua and his father announced at breakfast that they were both going to Natchez-under-the-Hill to supervise a flat-boat load of equipment that had come down from St. Louis the day before. Mother Prewitt and Carina thought that they would take a walk in the gardens to take advantage of the beautiful weather, and then work on their plans for the nursery which would be on the third floor of the house. The entire top floor would be devoted to all the accouterments a well-to-do family would provide for their child.
The men finished their breakfast and said good-by as they left the house. Carina and Mother Prewitt donned their bonnets against the intense late spring sun before proceeding out to the gardens. Spring was the most perfect time to enjoy the floral display here in Natchez. The moist air caused the perfume of hundreds of flowers to linger in the air, prolonging the women's pleasure. Walking on the paths of river pebble felt pleasant underfoot as they made their leisurely way around the flower beds. Mother Prewitt's roses had begun to bloom and were the star of the garden this morning. She had heavily scented varieties of all shades; red, pink, white and yellow. The blooms were large and lush, every petal perfectly shaped. Mother Prewitt remarked that she would send one of the housemaids out to cut some of the flowers for a bouquet to be placed in the entry hall.
Joshua and Mr. Prewitt rode their horses to the river port. Dismounting, they looped their mounts' reins around a rail placed off the street. They made their way to the berth where their shipment was waiting to be offloaded, stopping to pass the time with planters, foremen and shipping agents who gathered at the bustling riverfront. Natchez proper was situated on a high promontory overlooking the Mississippi River. The geography of the city had made it ideal for settlement early in history because it was perfectly located for defense as well as the observation of river traffic. Natchez-under-the-Hill was at the base of the promontory, directly on the river bank. It was the belly of the city, where trade and river traffic turned the wheels of commerce.
Carina and Mother Prewitt spent an hour in the gardens. Then they re-entered the house to begin work on the nursery plans. When the infant was a new-born, there would be a crib, comfortable chairs for the parents and visitors, wardrobes with drawers for the baby's clothing, and a bed for the nursemaid who would sleep in the infant's room. The wet-nurse would come and go as needed, keeping herself available for the baby's feeding times; that is if Carina let go of the notion of feeding him herself. Mother Prewitt continued to try to dissuade Carina from taking on the task. She was fearful that such a duty would sap Carina's strength and prevent her from carrying out some of her duties as a wife and hostess. Later, as the child grew, there would be tables and chairs for schoolwork as well as a playroom for him and his playmates. Carina wanted a light, airy space with gauzy curtains at the high windows. Freshly painted walls in a soft apple-green were cheerful and reminded her of spring. White wicker chairs and tables would be set about in the room, the chairs piled with soft pillows. The cabinetmaker had made a cherry crib and wardrobe for the room. Both pieces were ready to be moved into the nursery when all the other work was finished. Soft floral carpets were scattered here and there to add comfort and softness to the room.
Carina hugged her growing belly in joy when she anticipated watching her babe grow up in this lovely room. She envisioned herself in the wicker rocker cradling the infant and feeding him at her breast. Even though she had told Mother Prewitt she was considering a wet nurse, she already knew that she would not have one for her son. She would be life and sustenance to this child who was the expression of the love between her and William.
Joshua had continued to play the charade of the expectant father in front of his parents, but assiduously avoided Carina at all other times. When they did have to speak on some matter, he stated his business with her as briefly as possible. He never engaged in lengthy conversation with her. On the other hand, he left her to her own devices most of the time. She had tacit approval to make improvements to the house or to make purchases without consulting him. Carina found this arrangement as satisfactory as it could be, since Joshua had committed to allowing her child to carry his name and good reputation. Her son would also have the material goods that were consistent with Joshua's great wealth. She tried not to think of William too often, fearful that sadness might be harmful to her babe. Carina attempted to keep her thoughts as light as possible. She hadn't seen William since the evening she met him briefly outside the kitchen door. Although she still loved him beyond any other man, she was determined that her baby came first. As a mother Carina would do nothing that could cause him to be named a bastard or denied the comfort and wealth that she wanted for him.
While Carina and Mother Prewitt were discussing plans for the nursery, the weather was taking a turn for the worse. They heard thunder in the offing as the sky grew dark with rolling, boiling clouds. Pleased that the weather had remained pleasant at least long enough for them to complete their constitutional, the women continued to discuss their plans until it was time for luncheon. The men hadn't returned from the river port yet, but it usually took most of the day to unload the flatboats. Carina and Mother Prewitt lunched in the drawing room since it was just the two of them. A tea tray was brought in with a variety of small biscuits, cheeses and sliced cucumber. Carina insisted on drinking fresh milk from one of the dairy cows kept on the property. She had heard that milk would promote strength and vigor to her baby. A small blue cup with the white liquid still warm from the udder was placed before her.
William was working diligently in his law office when he stopped to take lunch at the boarding house across the street. As he crossed the street he couldn't help noticing the threatening sky. The air grew more and more oppressive as the clouds in the sky became blacker and blacker. Hail and rain began falling just as he dashed into the door of the boarding house.
Down on the river the men off-loading the flat-boats began looking nervously up at the sky. Ever-darkening clouds rolled and churned as thunder boomed loudly in their ears. Several of the men noticed that their ears were popping, signifying pressure changes in the air. Hail began battering the men and the boats as the storm became even more violent. Joshua and Mr. Prewitt were on the dock when the hail began to fall. They began running toward a near-by building for shelter. The noise of the storm was so great that they could not hear each other even when they shouted. When they got to the building, Joshua attempted to open the door, but could not budge it. He looked in the glass window where he could just make out men milling around inside the room. He began banging on the door, shouting to the men to open it. For a few seconds they just looked at him, and then finally one of the men unlocked the door. He allowed them just enough time to slide through the opening before slamming the door shut and bolting it. Joshua and Mr. Prewitt saw that there were about 30 others who had taken shelter from the storm in this small space. Crowded in tightly, they found the air heavy and oppres
sive as some of the older men were struggling for breath. Sweat rolled off their faces as the room grew ever hotter. Joshua watched out the windows as the storm reached an even higher intensity. He had just seen the huge black whirling cloud touch down on the river, tossing the boats and men around like toys in a pond when he saw that it was moving straight toward the building where they were sheltered. The thing was so vast that as it approached it filled the entire sky. There were only seconds left for them to attempt to find shelter under some piece of furniture as all thirty men fought for any chance at survival. None of them had found any safe shelter when the monster hit, taking the building up into the air. The storm carried the building for over a mile before dropping what was left of the boards, glass, and men who had been inside onto the ground. No one who had been on the river or at the river port on that black day survived.
The beast continued ravaging its way toward the city of Natchez proper. It had grown even larger, as if fed by the men and materials that it had taken up. A mile wide now, the behemoth tore into the homes and business of Natchez like a scythe mowing down everything in its path. From inside the boarding house, William and the other diners heard the screaming sound approaching like that of an advancing railroad train. Scrambling about in a panic, those who could ducked under tables in an attempt to attain some shelter. William was closest to the front of the room, having just entered. He could see the hideous funnel bearing down on them, tossing homes and equipment about like a child's toys. Preparing himself for death, William shut his eyes and prayed for Carina. "Lord," he prayed, "please keep my beloved Carina safe from this monster. The wrongs that we have done were done out of pure love. Please forgive us both for our transgressions."