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Early
Panic rippled through Early's chest from both the warmth of his breath on the side of her face and from the quiet warning. For a moment her thoughts were no longer on the snake. Then she felt something cold brush across her hand. Snapping to attention, she backed away from the attractive man and the infernal reptile. She pointed toward the door. Their silent exchange conveyed both fear and a newfound friendship, with potential for something that she could not begin to fathom. He twisted away and took the curling snake with him. She stuffed the dripping laundry into a wicker basket and prepared to make her own exit.
Escaping the man and snake, Early scuttled out of the dim room and into sunlight. Confusion filled her mind as she thought about her warm feelings for George and her growing fear of Sidney, and snakes. Adjusting the heavier than usual load of laundry, she hefted the basket higher in her arms and hauled the soaked pile of clothes across the lawn. The water-filled clothing would require extra wringing once she reached the lines strung between several posts.
The nearby kitchen herb garden showed signs of spring growth, which would soon lend sweet scents to the lye-scented petticoats and underdrawers that weighed down Early's arms. Grabbing one of Missy's lacy chemises, she worked out her tension by twirling the white undergarment into a tight rope. Taking the twisted cloth between two hands and pushing it into itself produced a stream of water that doused the ground beneath the stretched rope lines. She vigorously shook the garment out and then pinned it to the line using hand-carved pegs designed to secure the clothes in place.
Welcome rays of warm sunshine brought slivers of peace and hope to Early as she lifted her heart toward the Lord and begged for protection for both her heart and body. Wandering thoughts soon turned to the man she was beginning to find very interesting, despite snakes and dreams of an unknown future up North. Maybe it would be better to just forget about men in general and dedicate herself to the familiar. Wasn't life with Missy good enough? Why did all these men, two in particular, have to come along and disrupt the good situation that the girls had always known? Why did life have to change? With a deep sigh, she turned back to the job at hand and released her frustration on each piece of clothing.
~~~~~
LATER THAT AFTERNOON, Early placed a heavy pressing iron back onto the trivet near the fireplace. She held the freshly pressed gown up to her shoulders and danced around the room. She stopped to stare at her reflection in the huge gilded mirror on Missy's wall. Laughing, she wondered what it would be like to attend a ball with Missy. Pulling the skirt wide, as she held the bodice with her other hand, Early curtsied and then spun around the room one more time. Heavy steps thumping down the hallway caused Early to stop her dreaming and hide behind Missy's changing screen with the dress. The master's racking cough filtered through Missy's doorway as he began a conversation with another man: a man that Early had come to fear.
"Here, Papa Hollings, take my handkerchief. I know you were thinking of riding out into the fields today, sir, but I would be glad to tend to that chore for you. I do have a way with the workers that will ensure your crops are planted on time. I will gladly take over any duties you feel I can handle."
Early hoped Master Hollings would not fall for the conniving voice that sprang from the sober lips of her adversary. She couldn't help but compare him to the coldblooded snake that had been crawling around the laundry. Could it be true that Sidney might someday take over the plantation? Surely, that would never happen since Missy would be the heir. She crushed the dress to her chest as she wondered what the field workers would endure under the cruel hand of the two-faced young man.
"Thank you, Sidney. I just haven't been myself lately. I'm proud of the way you've adjusted to living here. I feel like you are turning into the son I never had." More coughing ensued as the two men continued down the hall, discussing the planting season.
Rustling skirts let Early know that Missy was returning from her French lesson with her new mother, following another outing into town.
"Bonjour, mon amie. How was your day my friend?"
"Occupée, it was full of work, Missy, just like any other day. I washed your clothes and ironed them as you expected." Early's tone came out a little harsher than she meant it to, and Missy's challenging stare demanded an explanation.
"What is wrong with you? Don't you know that you have one of the choicest positions for this family? You could be doing backbreaking work out in the fields, but instead you work for me. You should know better than that."
Early could hardly believe the words spewing out of her lifelong friend's mouth. Gaping, she tried to shape a reply but could only stare in horror at someone she had once thought would never betray her. Straightening her back, she closed her mouth and bowed her shaking head. "I guess I don't know what to say anymore."
Silence reigned as Early absorbed the gravity of what had just taken place. She quietly mourned the loss of her friend as she placed clean chemises into the inlayed bureau. Trying to deal with what felt like a supreme betrayal, one that could place her into the unknown work of the fields, felt more frightening than anything she had experienced in her life thus far.
Missy shuffled hair combs around on her vanity table. She stopped her restless movement and cleared her throat. "Mon amie?"
Early stopped folding petticoats and turned toward her mistress. Silence filled the room.
"I'm sorry, Early. I don't know what got into me. I'm not sure what to do about my new family." Missy reached out her hand.
"I'm sorry too, Missy. It's been a long day and I've been dealing with too many snakes today." Early wrapped her arms around her mistress. Tears rolled down their cheeks.
"Oh no, what happened?" Missy held out a lacy handkerchief.
Early took the embroidered fabric and dried her tears. "First there was a snake in the laundry house. There I was trying to wring out your unmentionables when the wicked creature came slithering out of nowhere."
"I should think you jumped out of your skin when you saw the serpent."
"We both did. That snake was shedding an old skin and was moving kind of slow. But, I'm afraid I embarrassed myself by shrieking at the top of my voice." Early settled into a cushioned chair.
"So did anyone come to your rescue?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"What do you mean by that?" Missy's raised eyebrows demanded an answer.
"It was George, and of all the snakes that could have crawled into the laundry, it was just a harmless black snake. The man dared to laugh at me."
"Aww honey, that's too bad. I have a feeling that you might be starting to like him a little bit." Missy put a hand over her heart and smiled.
"Not after he laughed at me, besides..." Early caught her words in time so that she didn't say any more about George's dreams of freedom. "Besides, he warned me to be careful around Sidney. It sounds like Sidney said something scary concerning me when he was collecting his horse from the barn today. I think if I even show any interest in George it could cost both of us dearly."
"Don’t go fretting yourself, Early. As long as I'm my father’s daughter, I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
"But what if something happens to Master Hollings? He hasn't sounded the best lately with that awful cough."
"He's had coughing fits before. It’s probably nothing." The worried expression on Missy's face did not match her words.
"What if it is more? What will happen to me if Sidney becomes master of this house? I don’t think you'll be able to hide me in your room forever."
"Don't you worry about my awful stepbrother. I will find my own handsome man to marry. We'll move to another plantation together. I could probably even manage to take your good looking fellow with us. Just think, we could have children, they would grow up together like we did and be best friends."
Both girls blushed at the thought of children. Early took a deep breath and continued the conversation. "Is that what we are, Missy? Friends? Or am I only a slave who happens to feel like a sister to you?"
Missy paused, apparently mulling over Early's question. "Listen, I'm sorry I raised my voice earlier. You and I both know there's nothing we can do about slavery, at least for now... It is what it is, but I'm going to do my best to see that you are always treated well."
"I know, Missy, but I'm starting to wonder about what life would be like if I weren't a slave.” She picked up the dress she'd been dancing with and hung it in the armoire filled with a rainbow of gowns.
"Then we could truly be best friends and you wouldn't have to worry so much. Let's get some of my gowns out to admire. You should try on one of my dresses. I think you would look mighty pretty in that blue one I wore to the dinner at Summer Hall Plantation last month."
Giving each other a sisterly hug, the two young women were soon laughing as they practiced new French phrases and explored the wardrobe full of both practical and frilly garments.
"Look at this hat, Missy. Do you think I should wear it while I clean out your chamber pot?" Early posed with a feathered creation on her head as she held her nose and pointed to the porcelain container peeking out from under the bed.
"No, I think it might look nicer while you're cleaning the ashes from the fireplace."
"Maybe you should wear it, Missy, while you help me chase that snake out of the laundry room next washing day."
Prancing around, Missy's room the two women failed to notice that they had an audience. Sidney stood shadowed near the door and watched the duo as they linked arms and did a swing followed by a swirling curtsy. They realized he was there when he cleared his throat and moved fully into the room with his arms crossed. His mocking gaze moved between Early and Missy as they broke apart.
"Keep dancing, girls. I'm rather enjoying what I'm seeing even if I can't believe what you two are doing." His leering gaze moved up and down the young women.
Early quickly moved behind Missy as fear and anger coursed through her body in flashes of heat and cold in response to Sidney's presence. Grabbing a dress that lay haphazardly across the bed, Early slipped behind the dressing screen with her head bowed and thoughts in turmoil.
"Get out of my room, Sidney," Missy said. "There are some boundaries in this house that you will not cross. My room is off limits to you. Now, remove yourself."
Early peeked around the folds of her shield and watched. Missy drew herself up as tall as her petite stature would permit and glared at her stepbrother.
"Speaking of boundaries, maybe it's time you learned where your boundaries lie when it comes to your slave. For someone who grew up in the South, you should know how to act around the help." Sidney put his hands on his hips and leered at Missy.
Early laid the ridiculous headpiece she had been wearing with the other garments behind the screen. She stepped boldly from her hiding place. Trying to show no fear, she began straightening up yards of lace, ribbons, dresses, and hats that still littered the bed and chairs. Though she feared for herself, she would not leave Missy in the room alone with that man. Averting her eyes and clamping her mouth shut became harder and harder as Sidney ranted on about the relationship she had with her mistress. Ready to move to her friend's rescue, she stopped short when a cough rang out from the doorway.
"Missy. Sidney. Is there an explanation for this? The whole household is hearing the commotion coming from this room."
"We were just having a friendly conversation, Papa Hollings." Sidney's voice moved from condemnation to consolation at lightning speed when Missy's father entered the conversation. "I couldn't help admiring how hard her maid works to keep this room clean. Perhaps she could be spared to straighten up my room, too."
Early felt her face flush in anger and fear. Surely Papa Hollings would not let this happen. As three faces turned her way, she realized that she must have gasped aloud.
Missy stepped across the room and turned to her father. "I can assure you that my maid will be needed here in my room for the rest of the day." Begging eyes pleaded for her father to understand. Missy's flashing hazel eyes met watery ones as the older gentleman slowly agreed and turned to the younger man.
"Sidney, I'm afraid I have to cede to my daughter's wishes. She has always been a delicate creature and I'm afraid that she has grown to depend upon her maid for just about everything."
Early watched Missy stiffen. Her mistress relaxed when Master Hollings gave a subtle wink, letting the girls know he was just trying to lighten the conflict that had ensued.
"Come along, Sidney. Your mother informs me that you were quite the scholar when it came to working with figures. I've been having a little trouble balancing the numbers in my record books and could sure use your assistance." Missy's father escorted Sidney from the room.
"I can't help but wonder what kind of figures he worked on at school. It was probably some hapless female figure instead of a budget tally," Missy complained to Early. They closed the door and carefully locked themselves away from any other prying eyes.
Missy
Missy watched as Early picked up the remaining clothing and scurried behind the screen to hang the gowns in the armoire. She wanted to say something to set her friend free, but that was the issue. She could not. She didn't have that right. Only Papa had that power.
Anger boiled in her cinched waist, bound tightly to conform to fashion and society norms. Those social demands placed the young woman hanging her clothes at her beck and call. It put Early in a position where she must do her mistress's bidding because she had no freedom. Was their friendship a farce? Did Early serve and provide companionship because she had to, because she was a slave? She plopped onto the edge of her high bed. Early came to her side. Her eyes were averted and uncertain. Missy tentatively laid her hand on Early's tense shoulder.
"We will always be like sisters in my mind."
Early lowered her shoulders but worry still crowded her eyes. "But can you stop Sidney from tearing us apart?"
"I don't know, but I will try."
Amanda chose that moment to enter the room. "I hope you will try to act more like a Southern young lady, instead of simpering over your slave girl. Early, go to the kitchen. Make yourself useful by helping Nellie as she prepares for our evening meal." Amanda stepped through the doorway and Early slid out to do her bidding. "Have a seat. It's time we have a little talk."
Missy sank into a chair, dreading the lecture that was sure to come. She closed her eyes as the tirade began.
"Are you listening to me, Melissa?"
Missy squirmed and forced an attentive expression across her face.
"A young lady of your standing needs to behave in a certain way. I see that your father has neglected to teach you proper etiquette for the society you should be keeping. We will start with running a household. You are the superior of any servant. They are to follow your directions without questioning. Slaves are not your friends."
Missy's mind wandered as Amanda droned on. She did rely on the household servants for most, if not all of her needs. The rest of the servants might not be as close as Early, but they'd always felt like family, until now. Her stepmother wanted to change everything. She sighed.
"Sit up, girl. You are ruining your posture. Now where was I? You need to have the skill to run your own home when you marry."
Missy began to feel a knot in her back as she stiffly sat and pretended to listen. Amanda's words sounded like nonsense to her ears, kind of like the nonsense limericks in Lear's book that still sat on a nearby bookshelf. She'd enjoyed those silly stories as a child. She could still hear the pattern of words.
There was a new mistress of Holly,
Who blamed all the slaves for her folly.
They did as she said
With haste and bowed head
And disliked the mistress of Holly.
~~~~~
THE NEXT MORNING, MISSY smiled to herself as she watched Sidney tug at the wine cabinet door. "You won't be able to open any bottles today."
Sidney turned and glared at her. His eyes roamed from her face down to her hands and back to her eyes. "Guess I'll have to get to know my stepsister a little better instead, since Papa has taken away one of my pleasures. Would you care to take a walk with me?" His glare changed to an amorous leer as he pushed closer.
"No thank you. I believe Papa has other plans for you today." Relief filled Missy when she heard her father's raspy voice talking to Moses about something in the entrance hall. She gave her stepbrother a triumphant lift of her chin, then turned and made her way toward the sound. Sidney followed as she greeted her father with a hug.
Sidney interrupted their embrace with a chuckle. "Good morning, Papa Hollings. I was just enjoying a merry conversation with Missy." Sidney's voice sounded as sweet as molasses cookies.
Missy shuddered and shook her head. Papa didn't seem to notice as he patted Sidney on the back.
"That's wonderful, son. I'm happy to see that my children are starting to get along." He stood taller and paused to breathe.
"Why, thank you, sir. Perhaps we can all take a stroll and you can teach me more about how to successfully run this plantation together, as a family." The smile across his face did not match his gloating eyes.
"Excuse me, I have to practice the new embroidery stitch that Mother Amanda taught me." Missy huffed as she made a quick exit. She couldn't believe the transformation in Sidney the snake. One minute he was vile and the next he was kind to her father. If God had wanted to name the serpent in the Garden of Eden, he could have called it 'Sidney.' At least Papa had the sense to lock up the hard drinks, for now. Not that it mattered much; Sidney had a way of finding trouble on his own.