“You can see why I purchased Randall,” interrupted Preacher Simmons. “Look and behold.” Together, Randall and the lay preacher raised their hands. A shrill gasp rang throughout the audience. They were identical rings.
“Randall wore the ring of a secret society of men pledged to the abolition of slavery. Whoever gave this to him was in the same society. I felt honor bound to save the wearer, who stands by me today.”
“You can all imagine my surprise to see Preacher Simmons here today!” said an overjoyed Randall. “Like everyone here I did not know what to expect. But when I recognized him on stage I was in shock! Preacher Simmons saved my life. He got me funds and passage back to Nova Scotia. And I would certainly vouch for his word anytime.
“He taught me to read and write. He gave me shelter when there was none to be had. Preacher Simmons saved my life then and will surely do the same for you all if you let your sorry minds hear the truth!”
Utter shock traveled throughout the audience. Here was one of their townsfolk, missing for years, who provided firsthand testimony to Preacher Simmons’s strong character. Randall’s story seemed to put Cora’s cautionary statements in a different light indeed. Sensing his opportunity, Preacher Simmons called the crowd once again to attention.
“Thank you Randall and God bless. Before I continue I want to thank Cora for her wise counsel. I think I speak for many here at how deeply moved I became, hearing those thoughtful words of conscience. Yet here stands a trusted member of your community that has seen me in the past, doing what I have done many times before. Is it any wonder those rumors that preceded my coming were without any mention of wrongdoing?
“Rest assured, I am offering a path that builds upon the promises I am making. Of course, that is not to say this journey will not have an occasional rough pebble strewn in its way. Starting today, I offer salvation in the form of a real destination, where a future can take hold. In short, I’m offering a new homeland for you all.”
This last statement registered an audible shock throughout. If Preacher Simmons were taken at face value, it meant the tangible possibility of a fresh start. But where was this homeland? How could such an idea be stated, and by what means? A gathering momentum of numerous questions weighed on the minds of the excited assemblage.
“Please be at ease!” shouted Preacher Simmons. “You came to hear me speak on your own free will, and can make your decisions in the same manner. My offer comes from a place of atonement. I hope everyone here accepts it as such.” Preacher Simmons continued in an understated tone of urgency.
“Mark these words well as you take stock of your present surroundings. Note well those possessions you have currently. Can you honestly say your treatment is just, that your opportunities are unfettered and your lives as prosperous as they should be? If you can say all this in true spirit, step forward and tell everyone the key to such a bountiful existence for a person of Color.”
Excited eyes darted amongst themselves, looking to see if anyone would take the strange preacher up on his challenge. Though try as they might to find someone, anyone, no one came forward.
To a person, everyone knew the answer to such a loaded question. For even if one like Fortune beat the odds by making a solid living, there were far too many others that survived in a tenuous state. To bear witness against the overwhelming evidence of second class citizenry afforded people of Color would be deemed most traitorous.
“I see my challenge has not been met. There is the proof of what I speak. For Cora and doubtful others, this proposed homeland is not another desolate stretch of life outside the comfortable reaches. It is not the promise of fertile land while receiving discarded ground. And it is certainly not beset with harsh climate and foul weather. People of Color, I offer you a place in your homeland of Africa!”
More than a few surprised faces made shrieks of wonder. Yet with so much involved in an undertaking of this magnitude, one could not possibly take this bold proclamation at face value. This was an incredulous proposition.
“Please let me continue,” yelled out Preacher Simmons, gathering momentum in his pitch. “As I said before, the means to my plan have all been provided.
“Look at this ring again. Our society runs a benevolent organization, committed to helping people of Color return to their ancestral homelands. We feel the right way to atone for kidnapping millions is to return them to where they were abducted. By paying for safe passage and large villages for resettlement, our organization intends to do right.
“There are no strings attached to my offer. No one has to accept it. In fact, if you are skeptical, walk away this instant! I am not here to convince you about my past or my methods. I am simply a messenger, repaying a debt to one that helped my life with unencumbered assistance.
“The name of our new settlement is Hopeville, a name our benevolent society selected. This venture will achieve true freedoms in ways Nova Scotia could never deliver. Hopeville will be the positive reality which has escaped people of Color far too long!”
At that point a large, strong featured man came alongside the pulpit. He cleared his throat before making his views known.
“Hello my friends; many of you know me as Avery, a dockhand whose worked in these parts a long time. Funny thing working with all these ships coming and going is that you see folks from all over, and hear so many ideas. Some sound good, some not, but most are interesting.
“I have no stakes here, no wife, and no child. I rent my lodgings, though have some small savings. I guess what I’m saying is that I can take a chance because I leave nothing behind. But if I were in different shoes, this preacher’s talk would leave me more questions than answers. That’s all I’ve got to say.” Avery then rejoined the emotionally charged audience.
Fortune agreed with the substance of Avery’s comments. At best, the preacher offered a risky chance at new beginnings. There was no way to test the integrity of his proposal. If one lived in contented circumstances, it would be foolhardy to chance an adventure on such scant words.
But the internal rumble of discontent within made Fortune eager to grasp this opportunity. His was an overarching appetite to grow beyond Resting Arms’ narrow confines.
Preacher Simmons cleared his throat before speaking. “Thank you for your thoughts Avery. To each man and woman gathered today I offer nothing but the pure bounty of forgiveness from compassionate benefactors. I witnessed firsthand the indignities afflicted upon you not only here but throughout America. I understand your hesitance at accepting charity from a similar hand to that which burnishes a whip. But don’t let emotion get in the way of opportunity!
“Unfortunately, many of your brothers and sisters will not hear tell of today because of distance, like those communities up Guysborough way. Everyone hearing my words today have no excuse. Without further ado, let me say all willing are hereby summoned to meet at the docks in this very area next Saturday morning, nine o’clock sharp.
“Make sure you come no later; the road to true freedom stops for no one. Pack only your necessities. Food and supplies will be provided on board the ship. Sell your lands and chattel because there will be no further need for them. Be fleet of foot and strong of will to meet your destiny.
“I give you all this in good conscience. It is up to you to take advantage. And remember; by this ring I will wed you to your promised land of Hopeville. Good day my people, and shall God bless us all.”
Immediately after those last words left his lips, Preacher Simmons descended from the stage. Waving farewell to the wondering audience, he soon entered a waiting carriage and departed to his lodgings. If it was a show that people came to see, their appetites were whetted.
As for Fortune, his decision had now been made. He surmised there was one week to sell the family homestead and return to this very spot next Saturday with Dainty and Cody.
Inside the fancy carriage Preacher Simmons entered was a ge
ntleman dressed in a fashion not seen in these parts. After he casually glanced at his ornate pocket watch, his attention turned to the preacher.
“Well, Preacher Simmons,” spoke the stylish man. “We have good news. Our captain and ship have been selected. I heard he is one of us, and wears our ring with great pride.”
The lay preacher cracked a smile of appreciation. “I am glad to hear that. But does this gentleman know we rely completely on his capabilities? So much depends upon a successful relocation of these people in Hopeville.”
“Yes he does Preacher Simmons. Our captain’s been compensated handsomely and knows what we expect in return. You can let me out here. I will arrange all remaining items for your departure next Saturday. Good day Preacher Simmons.”
When their carriage came to a stop, the gentleman tipped his hat and walked into a weekend melee amongst Halifax’s teaming streetscape. Preacher Simmons closed the cab door, signaling his driver onwards to a nearby hotel.
*****
Fortune returned to his cart full of heady optimism. With a merry song in his heart, he drove contentedly back to Resting Arms.
He took a few days before revealing his plans to Dainty. Fortune had used this time for assessing the merits of his proposition. Try as he may, he came to the same conclusion repeatedly. His family’s future would be better sought in a new environment, free of the petty limitations he faced in Nova Scotia. Good weather, fertile land and ambition would hopefully make their familiarity with Resting Arms a distant memory.
On Tuesday morning, Fortune finally prepared to confess the nature of his enterprise. After Dainty had put Cody to rest for an afternoon nap, he came upon her in the kitchen.
“How’s Cody doing?” he asked as she turned around from peeling potatoes. Dainty noticed slight apprehension etched on his face.
“There’s something on your mind Fortune. I’ve seen that look more than once, so let’s hear it out. I have time.”
“Dainty, all those years ago when they stole me from my tribe, I made a solemn vow. Regardless of where my future took me, I would eventually return to my tribe and regain my rightful inheritance.
“From those dark days in the hold of that dirty ship to the beatings at White Rose, it was the only thing that kept me alive! Though suddenly I met you and I was distracted from that promise. Thankfully, we’ve made a good life here in Resting Arms.
“Until recently that was good enough. Though it seems we’ve taken our lives as far as we can here. And now, I’ve found a way to fulfill my vow.
“You know my family is the most important thing in my life. But it is in my heritage not to break a solemn promise. After deep thought, I have decided not to continue to be in this land. It demands I work twice as hard for half a chance. It shreds my ancestors’ honor with constant indignities. So I feel we must go back to Africa as a family. We must achieve the true legacy meant for us!”
Fortune then recounted the events of Saturday past and his resulting deliberations. Gradually, Dainty’s face took on a look of pained recognition. After pausing to collect her thoughts, she told Fortune her feelings on the matter.
“Isn’t it strange how the things that attract someone to another can often be the traits which later breed distress? Believe me; I knew from the moment we first met you had a strong mind. And I know it serves a Colored man well to be of solid constitution if he’s going to make something of himself in this land! So I’ve always tried to support you, nurturing your ambition with every fiber in my body.
“But here again you give me a subtle ultimatum with no leave for a true decision. Do I need to remind you Fortune of the sacrifices I made in my dreams? I had a good career with certain prospects. Now I keep house as opposed to teaching young minds of the future.
“What about my past ambitions of becoming a noted teacher? I promised myself to uplift children by giving them tools for succeeding in a hard life. Did I let that hold me captive when I met you? Yet I see that meant little in light of your self-interest. Three made a family, but one makes alone. Can you see the outcomes of your actions with a clear head?”
Fortune appeared surprisingly unmoved by Dainty’s earnest appeal. “Back in my homeland it was seen as an honor for women to support all of their husband’s decisions. They would invest all their will in his success. To go against this custom was to spoil all treasures of their union. From what I now understand, it’s your intention to spoil all we’ve built together?”
“I never thought I would ever curse at you, but you sound like an arrogant bastard!” hissed Dainty. “If this was the way a family acted back in your homeland, you may be able to relive it again on your own!
“Some shackles are physical Fortune, but there are mental ones that need to be broken as well. I’m an educated woman and can certainly function independently. I was in this marriage as an equal, not a glorified servant!
“But since logic has no sway with you now, I will leave you to dreams of fancy. How can you refuse to think of the effects from such rash judgment? This changes everything we worked so hard to achieve in Resting Arms!”
Fortune refused to sway from his position, angered at this perceived betrayal. Composing himself, he gave an unmoved response.
“As head of this household, I’ve been fighting myself for months on what the future holds for our family. I now know being good enough in a prejudiced society is only half as good as a full chance elsewhere. I want a first class citizenship with the hereditary rights that were stolen from me!
“Look at you. Your knowledge could teach all children for betterment. Yet you are restricted in which children you can teach here. In my opinion, there is only one way to secure the best for our future. And Hopeville is the best chance for those I love most in this world. Though know full well if you leave, there is no coming back. I will not be shamed twice by you in one day!”
Silent heartfelt tears fell across Dainty’s soft cheeks. “I know you too well Fortune. You will not let go of this idea. The decision has already been made in your mind. There is nothing more I can say to change it.
“I have a good friend in Shelburne where I will be leaving to after packing. I will be taking Cody with me, so don’t try to fight me on that! Please do not come around for us; it will do you no good. Seems I have some decisions to make as well. I’m sure you have business to finish up at the blacksmith shop while I prepare to leave.”
“You don’t have to act so bitter! All I want is a place to better our lives, without all these obstructions! I’m tired of the double standards that make the color of my skin half a man while granted half a chance. Can’t you see that?”
Immediately Dainty turned and went off to the bedroom, leaving Fortune in a mix of rage, loss and stubborn resolve. At first he took a few steps in her direction before stopping straight in his tracks. Putting on his overcoat while carrying work gloves firmly in hand, he gave the front door a resounding slam.
Try as he may, Fortune could not take his mind off this sudden upheaval. He felt much aggrieved, though could not find needed solace in his faithful spouse this time. Due to nagging distraction, he decided to close shop a few hours earlier. Then he determined to seek wisdom from one who provided it many times before. Soon he was driving his wagon away to Grady’s comfortable homestead.
Riding up Grady’s laneway a short while later, he found the elder gentleman tending to his expansive property.
“Hello Grady! I hope you can spare a few moments on an important matter.”
He looked up to a deeply concerned Fortune. “You seem in some bother son. Let’s go inside and talk.”
Once settled inside, Fortune began talking. “Grady, I could really use a friend’s opinion right about now. My world has just been torn apart at a time when we should be rejoicing as a family.”
Grady look dumbfounded. “What are you talking about Fortune? Is everything alright at your home?”
“No Grady,” he quietly replied. “I think I may have lost Dainty. Can you please hear me out?”
“Of course I can. Take your time with it and let’s see what can be done.”
“To start at the beginning, you may have heard about the meeting down in Halifax Harbor for Colored folk last Saturday morning. I was there.
“Now let me be straight here. For some time now I’ve been thinking I should be doing more than where I am at. Don’t get me wrong. I know I’ve come a long way from White Rose Plantation. But I feel there is more for my family, and Resting Arms is only the start.”
Grady now looked directly into Fortune’s eyes. “You were there then. Tell me more about this preacher people have been speaking about.”
Fortune proceeded to relate the events of that Saturday morning meeting to Grady. When he finished, his elder friend took a moment before responding.
“Looking at you two and your handsome young boy, I always saw the fruits of a lovely union. You both put your best feet forward to cement a good life here and build a solid future. Also, you earned the goodwill of a strong community.
“So why chance that now for a moment of discontent? Most folk would crave an opportunity to have the life you enjoy! Please don’t take this the wrong way; you know I mean well. But there’s a fine line between opportunity and fancy, don’t you think?
“I don’t know anything about this stranger bearing gifts untold. We live in a time when people say “no” too soon and “sorry” too late. It’s been that way all my life. Yet for this man to come along promising goodness to anybody, let alone Colored people, seems a little funny to me.
“Hell, I’m old in my years and sometimes too doubtful for my own good. So far, my principles have guided me to a good place in life. Why? That’s because time’s lessons have taught me to be this way.”
“You speak with good reason,” Fortune countered. “But I have to live today in a way that shakes off shackles from the past. In a future that writes new customs for all folk to enjoy. I have a little one now that could have a chance to feel no hurt because of petty prejudices! To grow up knowing he is the equal of any man.
The Watchman's Grace Page 18