She stood a moment more, satisfied with events, she turned re-entering the mansion. Slowly, as if in a trance she walked from one room to another, taking her time to admire all she saw, planning in her head all the changes that would be made. Today was just the beginning of her taking charge. Soon, Webster Fields would be changed, and for the better she decided; smiling at some whimsical daydream. Every room she traipsed through represented some new event she imagined. ‘Oh the life we would have.’ She thought, if she and Manny could just mend their differences. So she’d lost their first child…she was still young enough to have another. Slowly she stepped through the hall with all the portraits, looking admirably at each one. Then stopped at Royal Sun. Giggling she dropped into a graceful curtsy; as if bowing before a queen.
“What the hell? What nonsense are you up to?” Morris asked, resenting having to wake and come up from the cool cellar, he’d been drinking, and fell asleep in the cellar where it was most comfortable on a day like that day, he wouldn’t have come up if it were not for the game at Hastings Manor.
Katherine stood posing …all of her genteel upbringing coming to the surface before him, as if standing for a beau at the ball.
“Changes sir…why changes finally coming to this place.”
“Changes? What changes?” He asked absently, just then Ferrus came up behind him, nervously wringing his hands, wanting a word with Morris. Katherine’s expression changed as she stared at the older black man. Morris noted and turned around. “What? Something I can do for you?”
Ferrus looked from Morris to Katherine.
“Ummm, we was looking for you masta’ Morris…earlier.” He started, looking back and forth between the two. Morris turned back to Katherine; noticing her hardened features. With brows drawn, he turned back to Ferrus.
“I was in the cellar. It’s too goddamn hot! And I’m on my way out…what is it?” Ferrus gulped… Katherine strode forward coming between them.
“You - are dismissed! I will inform him of the changes myself.”
Ferrus looked at Morris, swallowing he nodded then turned away - leaving them to stand there. With a snap of her skirt, Katherine turned to Morris, who was staring through squinted eyes waiting. “What’s going on here?”
“As I said…changes. It is as simple as that. I will no longer stand for your slaves telling me…what they will and will not do.”
Morris lifted a brow. “That right, and what change is that?”
“I have put the fear of God in them! In them all! This plantation will now be run, as a plantation should!”
“Damn it woman, you’re babbling! It’s too hot - and I have plans! Get to the point!”
“He’s gone!”
“Who?”
“The — the bastard child! I’ve sold him!”
Morris stood staring at her, he couldn’t have heard her right. Blinking and wiping his bleary eyes, he asked again. “Who?”
“I’ve sold — the boy!”
Morris felt paralyzed…unsure of what to say. Or what to do? As strange as he felt at hearing it…he would be the first to admit, that he didn’t blame her. It was a deed that should have been done long ago. But he could never bring himself to do it and he’d promised Manny. Also, he knew the wrath he would have to face from his son. Yet now, she had done the deed.
“When?”
“A few hours ago; obviously you slept through it all. Things are back under control now.” She finished confidently. Morris stood a moment, then burst with nervous laughter. Nervous energy coursed through his body as he shook his head. ‘She sold the boy.’ His mind announced.
He continued to laugh as he passed her heading for the stairs; with his hand on the banister post, he stopped - sighing out the last of his laughter.
“Back under control, hm?”
"I’ve only done, what you lack the courage to do.” She answered from the distance; slowly approaching to pass him on her way to stand in the front open doorway.
“Maybe so…maybe so. But I can tell you this.”
She looked back at him. He stared at her a moment, though he seemed as if he didn’t care the boy was gone, something inside of him was happening since hearing it. Something in the pit of his stomach was beginning with a gradual gnawing. For ten years, that boy had run rough shod around this place getting on his nerve. All that time he resented him. Resented him, because in him, was the continuation of his history…his blood; clear for all to see. Truth was, he never really tried hard to get rid of the boy…because - he really was…so much like him. But now it was done, he was gone. Manny’s bastard… boy…was gone. Morris’s heart began pounding in fear, taking a deep breath he fought the feeling and said. “All things considered…I think when I leave here for my game…you best come with me. Sooo, you get to packing.”
“I’ve nothing to fear. Why should I leave my home?”
“Look, I don’t know when he’ll be back. But if I’m not here…which tonight I won’t be…you’ll be here alone when he does arrive.”
She harrumphed. “And why should that concern me?”
Shaking his head, he slowly started up the stairs; barely pausing he answered, “Nobody here to stop’em - from killing you.”
Katherine stood as a whole new realization dawned, turning to look outside she wondered. ‘Would he really be so angry? As to-…’ The thought made her reach for her throat. Stiffening her spine, she thought out loud. “I shall hang about at least, until the morning. Then I will leave.” She decided; once again a hardness transformed her features. “But I will see this new child first. And not until then, will I leave.”
THAT NIGHT:
Kayleen sat by Lena’s bed, her eyes were puffed from crying. Everything had happened so fast, she still couldn’t believe it. Her Mikey was gone. Her heart ached for him; she couldn’t help wondering what was happening to him right now? Who would buy him? What horrors would he now face alone? Many spoke of rebelling, but that would bring the law in. Manny was not there to protect them; anything could happen before his return.
They were helpless, and for the first time…reality of the real world intruded upon them at Webster Fields. As horrible as it all was, many were not willing to jeopardize their own lives or family to get back the master’s son. If his authority in absence was not enough to protect a child that he’d claimed…who were they to interfere? Kayleen shook her head thinking about Manny. She dreaded his suffering once he learned that he’d lost his son. Again she jumped at the nerve shattering crack of the whip, and the scream that followed.
Her heart broke every time she heard it…squeezing the new born babe to her breast; she tried to block out the sound of Jordan, Henry and Leon being whipped…they were being used to set an example. When she’d heard…she’d gone looking for Morris a second time to stop it.
But he was no where to be found…Ferrus was locked out of the mansion…Katherine had barred them all from getting back inside. He stood now wringing out the cloth from rewetting it…then laid it back on Lena’s face, trying to bring down the swelling. Again she flinched, as Ferrus looked at her.
The slave’s quarters were deathly quiet save for the sound of the whip…and the scream that followed. It had been going on for the last hour. Tears dropped from Kayleen’s eyes, no matter how she hummed her lullaby, she could not close off the vicious sound of the whip and screams.
{{CRACK!}} - “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!!!”
Still another.
Kayleen shuddered remembering the old superstition that said, a child born in the hearing shot of certain tragedies would one day grow to suffer the like. She shook her head to erase the old slave tale, as a scream cut through the night again. ‘Lord God…when they torture gone end?’ She prayed to herself. “Oh Manny, where you at?”
A small whimpering squeak, and then a wiggle told her she held the child too tightly…too close. She loosened and began humming her lullaby. “Thank God for you.” She hugged Lena’s new born infant close, rocking her in the rocking cha
ir next to the bed, as Lena lay unconscious …completely unaware that she had given birth to a beautiful daughter. The pressure of her body forced her to continuously push as they aided her. The three of them had been afraid she wouldn’t be able to deliver her, and so helped her by applying pressure. The moment the child rushed from her womb, she went still.
They worked quickly removing the after birth and cleaned her up. After all was done, Ferrus came in to assist Kayleen with her through the night. They would wake her, sitting her straight up and force her to speak to them. Ferrus did it regular without being told. In his own quiet determined way…he would make sure that while she slept, she would wake up.
He would not allow her to die. Ruby and Ma’Nicey left over an hour before, after assisting the birth and clean up. As Kayleen gazed down into the sleeping infants face, she was overcome by the child’s beauty. Reminding her once more of Mikey; who would never see his little sister, tears sprang to her eyes again. The child’s coloring was a lot like her brothers, except her hair tended to be more in Lena’s shade; not as dark, but taking on a golden hue.
She had yet to see her eyes; though they opened for a moment…it was in the dark of the shadowy lantern light. She wondered at their color.
She held her close to her breast, so afraid to lay her down…never had Kayleen felt so much pressure in her life. Her biggest fear was that this child too would get taken from Lena. If that happened, it would kill her for certain. Lena was like her very own daughter… she would do whatever it took to protect her; to protect her child. No one would ever hurt them again. Ferrus, Ma’Nicey and Ruby all agreed to the plan they’d discussed…it was time they took their lives into their own hands.
What pained Kayleen, was that this plan - would bring a double blow to Manny. But he was a man, she felt him being a man…and a white man at that, that status alone equipped him with the emotional tools necessary to overcome this pain. Ruby had already returned and nodded to them that the plan was set and ready to go. She and Ma’Nicey had spoken with Mazie…and after some convincing…she was in. They were going through with it.
* * *
“Barkeep…another two rounds for me and my friend please!” Manny shouted over the noisy din of the crowded saloon. It was late in the evening, close to midnight and Percy’s saloon was full for such a warm evening. Several card games were in progress and the piano player tinkled out tunes no one gave a mind to. The barmaids were randomly making their rounds, every now and then one became lucky with a half drunk patron, leading them to their upstairs room where they prayed he’d pass out without having to service him, as they fleeced him for double the price.
Manny and Charles were in a jovial mood, laughing and talking about his success in the purchasing of the new ship, as Charles - all smiles and white teeth suggested, “A toast my old friend and client!”
Chuckling, Manny raised his glass, “Certainly, let us do…what shall we toast to?” He asked with grinning eyes. Charles gave it some thought, then brightened all the more. “I say, we toast to - dreams coming true.” There glasses clinked and they both downed their shot of brandy.
“So now, tell me my friend, what dreams have you - that are coming true?” Charles asked while instinctively, he knew Manny, chances are, they were dreams that would shock others, Charles when it came to Manny, was not so easily shocked anymore.
Manny thought about that with a smile, however, considering it concerned Lena and his children, he would side track the question. “Ah…no no no, it may be as a wish made to the brightest star, tell it…and never see the coming of it. That I will keep to myself. The question tonight my friend is this…what shall I name her?”
Charles nodded agreeably. That confirmed his thoughts, he didn’t need him to tell him, when Manny brushed off a question so cleverly, it meant only one thing, that Ceś alena was the answer or in the midst of it. Thus, he knew it was best he turned his mind to the ship…what to name her? He could play the evasive game too, and pretended ignorance. “What to name who?” He grinned in the asking.
“Name who!? You know damn well who! My ship of course, since I purchased this one brand new, she hasn’t a name. With me being the owner and captain, I get the privilege of christening it!” Manny replied using Charles’s question to avoid the previous one. However, he tripped himself up this time… the drink loosening his wit. He already knew its name, only problem was, he would now have to share that with Charles.
“Ah! True my good man…so true! Let’s see what I can help you come up with? I tell you what, I’ll run through a few names and you choose from the list I give you.” He initiated the game.
Manny looked in the mirror over the liquor rack behind the bar at his reflection, and then over at Charles who was making exaggerated faces as if struggling for names. “Let’s see…are you listening…ah good…first one, the Daisy May…or maybe, the ??? Silver Pearl? Oh…wait…how about the-…”
“My friend, I find as usual, your humor lacking!” Manny swallowed down his drink, turned to Charles cutting him off to say.
“My humor? What is wrong with my humor?” Charles pretended to be offended. Manny sobered and stared at him for a long moment. Charles could see the serious contemplation in his expression. He sobered as well. Manny turned away from him as he downed the last of another drink. They’d taken care of business and enjoyed each others company, as usual. Times like these, made Charles think about when they were teenagers the things they got into together. They were closer than some real brothers. They had their fights and disagreements too. But Manny had always been there for him, no matter what…and he would always be the same.
Charles easily sensed his need to talk and as his friend, he would listen, agree or not, he always tried his hardest to understand. “Very well …let’s hear it.” He grasped Manny by the shoulder, giving it an encouraging squeeze. “What name shall she carry my friend?”
Manny turned and looked at Charles, and said calmly, firmly…though hesitant. “Princess Ceś alena.” With that said, he turned back to playing with his empty glass, swishing the dregs around the bottom. Charles swallowed, even though he always suspected it to be so, it still stung a bit hearing him confirm it. “Are you finally - admitting to me, that you’re in - love with her, Manny?”
Manny took a steadying breath first, then gradually his head bobbed until it was a full yes nod; again he looked at his friend…waiting. Charles drew in a deep breath, with eyes wide and accepting, he blew it out, not yet responding. Noticing, Manny added more. “I love her. I have always loved her – in truth, from the very beginning. And - I always will.” They stood looking at each other, both wanting to be cautious with their next words. “You’re quiet. Well? I’ve finally said it… you have my confession, what do you have to say?”
Charles didn’t know what to say, lost - he shrugged, and then spoke his mind, “What can I say? All this time…I’ve been prodding for this confession, and now that I have it. I’m not sure what to do with it.”
“Why do you feel a need to do something with it? It is simply the way that it is for me. It is something I know will never change. Now, speak your mind.”
Charles took a nervous deep breath, realizing how sensitive this subject they were on; leaning close he whispered afraid someone else might hear. “There is nothing simple may friend, about this disclosure, I mean, my God Manny, she’s…she’s…she’s colored…a - a Negro. Your slave.”
Manny threw his head back, roaring in laughter, he laughed uncontrollably for a solid minute; tears gathered in his eyes, coming down from it, he reached up to catch a lone tear. Charles stood with a smirk on his face feeling ridiculous; waiting for him to get serious again when Manny looked at him and asked, “Ah so she is, you think perhaps I hadn’t noticed? Trust me my friend, I know what she is. Regardless of her packaging, she is – a woman, that I assure you.”
“Alright, alright alright-…”
“Well come on Charles…you can do better than that? And - to address
that particular fact, I want you to know…it is one of the things about her that stirs me. I love the difference in us.” Charles froze a moment with his mouth open. “Close your mouth, there are flies about.” Manny chided.
“Manny!” Charles called his name in frustration. “I’m trying here…I really am. My struggle is to see how…I mean… I couldn’t - but…I guess that is me. You know, we have the most beautiful women in the world to choose from, blonde hair, dark and ginger. Green eyes, blue eyes, hazel or grey…and do not misunderstand me, I can see, she is - I will admit, indeed lovely. But – she is there for your pleasure…to live out fantasies-…”
“Stop! Before you venture too far.” Manny warned with narrowing eyes. “I’m sorry.” Charles threw his hands up in surrender. “I guess it is hard for me to see, because my family has never owned slaves. So I haven’t lived as closely with Negroes as you have. Manny it is just that…-(he whispered this)- …white and colored, they don’t - mix!”
“You are sad Charles, as a man who uses logic and reasoning to win cases that other’s might see differently, you can say that to me? You say we do not mix? Then what of my son? What of the child she now carries? Is that not mixing? You a man tells me, we do not mix, when the Creator, obviously not thinking the same, has made it possible for us to do just that!” He glared at Charles a moment, long enough for his son to blush.
Manny shook his head, looking away from him, deep in thought, “Look Charles, I have grappled with what you say – have done so for years. I have had all of the variety in women you listed, as you well know. There is no way to help you see it, other than to say…none that I’ have known, or will know… compare to Lena. All that a woman, does for a man…she does for me. Aye, every moment, of my every day, I am steeped in anxiety to get to her. Everything she does, when I am around, I cannot resist watching her do. I love the color and softness of her skin; the wild curliness of her hair; her smile, her laughter, her anger and fiery temper; her pride; how she squares her shoulders and says in her walk and talk – to hell with you all! She is fierce, loyal and overflowing with passion. Why me, I cannot explain it – but know this, I am certainly done with denying it. Instead, I will embrace it.”
Princess Ces'alena (Webster Fields) Page 27
