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Early
Thankful that the master had sent Sidney out of town, Early allowed herself permission to seek refuge in the fact that at least he would not be present at the wedding. She donned the pretty bonnet Missy purchased on her first ride to town with George. It brought a blush of anticipation that spread throughout her heart and soul.
Maybe George didn't love her as much as he loved the thought of freedom, but that was all right. She'd opened her mind to the idea of him as her protector, and maybe more as time provided. Smoothing down the simple cotton gown she had chosen from Missy's plainer dresses made her feel proud to be dressed properly for the church wedding taking place later in the afternoon. The two young women descended the mahogany stairs together, heads held high. Warm air and chirping birds greeted them as they stepped from the house.
Mistress Amanda sniffed at their appearance, but for once kept her thoughts to herself. Moses helped the master's family into the carriage and then turned to take Early to her place on the seat with George.
Stepping up to the carriage seat had become routine. Moses extended his hand. "Here you go, Miss Early, up to sit with your handsome groom."
"Thank you, Moses." Early timidly smiled up at George as he extended his strong right arm to hoist her through the air. Instead of the warmth she expected, she saw a raging storm sweeping across his face, punctuated by scowling eyebrows. Huffing, she raised her chin and gave her unwelcoming groom a dismissive look of her own. "You could at least pretend you liked me a little on our wedding day." She hadn't been much happier than he, but had opted to have a positive attitude. It wasn't like they had any other choice.
"No need to pretend about that, Miss Early. Maybe I care too much and that's not a good thing." He shook the reins. His eyes focused forward.
"Well, you better make the best of it because I'm glad that we're going to at least get a good heaven blessed wedding." When there was no answer to her comment, she tried again. "Wonder what white folks church will be like this morning? I'm going to miss hearing Moses tell his Bible stories out under the trees today. Did you know he learned most of his tales while he was serving the family during their own devotions?" As she rambled on about Bible stories, the only acknowledgement that her groom listened came from an occasional grunt or nod.
A dip in the road caused the couple to jostle against each other. George wrapped one arm around Early as he heaved a deep sigh. "It's not you I'm upset with, darling. I'm scared. Scared about the future, scared about if we have—well, I'm just scared. Besides that, I don't like being forced to do this when I didn't have a chance to ask you myself." His half-grin sent a message to Early that spoke of the words he refused to say aloud.
Leaning into his side, Early took hope from that one darling word, which slipped out from his lips. "Well, you better not be too scared because I've been told we are doing this for my protection. I'm counting on you being my hero."
"Don't know how much help I'll be unless we can make it to Canaan someday."
Stiffening next to him with her own fears, Early found that her desire to talk had fled. Her mind turned to thoughts of the promised trip with Missy. What dangers might they face on that trip? Fleeing to Canaan would be dangerous, but staying here with Sydney would not be any safer. Her thoughts spun like the spring tornado that had damaged the chicken coop a few years ago. Doubts and fears waged war in her mind for the rest of the trip to church.
George reined the horses to a stop and tied off the brake before leaping down from the high seat. He turned to catch Early as she tumbled into his arms. The fresh smell of laundered clothing mingled with the sweet scent of hair oil as their arms wrapped around each other. The master's rasping cough brought them back to reality. George dropped his hands from her waist. Early placed a hand over her pounding heart as her groom abruptly turned to open the door for the Hollings family.
As George performed his duties, Early took the time to clear her head. She gazed at the various conveyances scattered across the crowded lot near the imposing brick church. An older woman stood near a man who was busy hobbling his master's horses. She waved Early over and grabbed the younger woman's hands.
"Have you been to a white service before, honey?" When Early shook her head, the woman leaned closer and whispered advice. "I'm thinking it's gonna be a little quieter than you're used to. Don't go hallelujahin' out loud or Amenin' when you feel like it."
"Why not?"
"It's jest not done at this kind of church. Now don't you worry 'bout a thing. You and your man can come sit quietly in the balcony with me and mine. We'll think our glory be's to ourselves. It's not as tiresome as it sounds and the preacher man ain't half bad."
Early thought about denying the fact that George wasn't exactly her man yet, but her mind stumbled when the object of her thoughts appeared at her side and possessively threaded his arm through hers. Following the friendly older couple, they entered a side door and climbed a steep flight of stairs to the balcony at the rear of the church. Other families slid over to make room for the new couple. Names were offered and heads nodded in welcome. Early found herself tucked in closely to George as they squeezed in with the other worshippers. Why hadn't she thought to borrow one of Missy's sandalwood fans? She suddenly felt very warm. George must be feeling the heat too, if his quietly hissed breath was any indication. The fact that he had to put his arm behind her on the back of the pew to make more room did not help one bit.
As the service began, the rumbling sound of lengthy pipes reverberated through the building as music, unlike anything Early had ever heard or seen before, rang out with a great formal hymn. Feeling the vibrations coursing through her body, Early felt like the great Almighty had sent His angels to bring the end of the world.
The elderly woman leaned over and patted Early's hand as she whispered, "Ain't that sound something? It's jest an ole pipe organ bellowing out a fine white man's song of worship."
Trying to relax as the service proceeded proved difficult, due to the handsome man sitting next to her, trying hard not to show any emotion, and the music that shook her from head to toe. When a familiar hymn hummed from the great musical beast, Early warbled out a semblance of a tune. In quiet contrast, the minister's prayer time brought a balm to her soul. However, the sermon about the responsibilities of husbands and wives seemed aimed right at her heart. She hoped George understood the man. His squirms indicated he clearly heard the message God sent to their ears.
George
George bounced his leg as he tried ignoring the sermon. That preacher's tongue showed him no mercy. Once the ceremony bound him to this woman, it would be his God-given duty to care for her. He knew in one part of his divided mind that he wanted her with all his heart, but he did not want to deal with both of them tied to slavery for the rest of their lives. There was no way he would bring children into this world—even if it took every bit of his self-control. No child should have to experience the loss he had endured.
When the service finally ended, George gathered Early's hand in his as they carefully descended the staircase. His heart fought with his will, all the while knowing he really had no choice. They would be married. The master had made the decision for them. There was no option, as long as slavery existed in his life. He would protect the woman he had started to care for in more ways than he wanted to admit, but someday he would find a way to make them free.
While the churchgoers cleared the sanctuary, Early and George lingered in the shadows near the side door. Aunt Matilda, Missy and Master Hollings slowly wove their way through the crowd and waited with the couple until the minister completed his parting blessings. Amanda joined a group of women under shady trees. Her back faced the waiting couple, Master Hollings, 'Tilda, and Missy.
Finally, the minister clasped their master's hand and tipped an invisible hat toward Missy as George and Early stood in silence. "So Master Hollings, it seems like you have a fine-looking couple ready to be wed." Early stole a peek at George, then she averted her face. A shy smile spread to her lips and warmed something deep inside of his soul. He reached for her hand and a peaceful acceptance about what would take place flowed from their connection.
"Yes sir, a fine couple at that. This is my daughter's personal girl, and the man is one of my finest groomsmen. I'm sure they'll have some handsome offspring in the future." Master Hollings seemed to regret his words, which made no sense to George. Arthur Hollings would be disappointed if he planned on them giving him a bunch of children to enslave.
George stiffened, but otherwise kept his thoughts contained as the master's words seemed to compare him and Early to the prize horses in the plantation's barn. Though he loved those brood mares, he did not like the way the master compared the two of them to the animals on the plantation. As Early placed her other hand on their joined ones, he took a calming breath and vowed that he would love this woman with his whole heart, but not his body.
"First things first," the minister advised as he led them to a side room where he had the couple place their x's in the church record book. Missy carefully spelled out their names and then signed as one of the witnesses. Her father's scrawling signature served as a second witness. Missy's knowing wink as her father bent over the paper acknowledged that she knew Early understood the printed words as well as she did, but that it had to remain a secret. Once they got up north, George hoped Early would teach her new husband to write his own name, too.
Leading the couple outside under a grove of trees, the ceremony that sealed their lives together took place before God, Matilda, Master Hollings, and Missy. As the closing words pronounced them husband and wife, the minister encouraged the couple to seal their vows with a kiss.
Early lifted her face to George's. He expected to offer a simple peck on the lips with their small wedding party looking on. However, as their lips met, expectations exploded. His mouth met hers with a passion that surprised them both. Early sighed. Missy and Aunt 'Tilda giggled as Papa Hollings cleared his throat. The master's cleared throat grew into a rasping cough. The noise made George straighten and stare at his bride in awe when he finally broke contact from the long kiss.
Fighting for control, George snapped away. He bowed to the master and led the group toward the carriage. The minister's chuckle followed the little entourage as he wished God's blessings upon their life together.
Early
Early clasped her hands together as George closed the cabin door. What would this night bring? Old Nellie had told her what to expect, but she wasn’t real clear on some things. He pointed to a pallet on one side of the small building.
"You can have my bed. I’ll sleep by the door. At least I can protect you tonight. I’ll protect you from myself and from Sidney. There won't be any children between us until we reach freedom. We got to be ready, and we don't need anything holding us back. Do you understand?"
She didn't understand, but sighed in relief at the prospect of not having to participate in the unknown. But then again, was she so unlovely that he couldn't love her? Her thoughts swirled in confusion. She'd given up her warm lodging off the kitchen for a leaky shack and a husband who didn't want to be one.
Ginny Interlude
Ginny admired the holiday wreaths hanging from doors in the historic part of the small Alabama town. The Southern Charm Christmas tour had been a combination present, to both her and Mom. The warm journey south provided a chance to research the area where Missy might have lived, and enjoy a break from cold northern weather. They'd toured several houses already, including one with a high cupola and winding staircase.
She stepped closer when the tour guide stopped in front of the ancient Alabama church and began talking about weddings. When he mentioned marriage records found in the old church for couples in slavery, she waved her hand and got his attention.
"I thought those held in slavery did not have weddings in white churches."
"That is true in many cases, but in this town there were many who brought enslaved couples in for a Christian marriage. It was also common practice at this meeting house for many black people to sit in the balcony and participate in services every Sunday."
Ginny pulled her worn spiral notebook from her deep purse and took notes. She could hardly wait until she got home and compared it with the wedding account in Missy's journal. Her own journey between North and South would be over tomorrow when she and Mom headed home on a jet. A much quicker trip than Missy, Early, George, and Aunt Matilda would have endured in the past, when they had to leave the only home the two young women had ever known.
Missy
Missy sat alone on a bench under the shade of their largest live oak tree and studied the only home she'd ever known. Spanish moss whispered above her head when a small breeze brought some relief from summer heat. She reached for her box of sharpened pencils and added details to the drawing she'd started yesterday. The scent of roses blooming filled the air. A mother she never knew had planted the pink blooms. She mourned that mother and the nanny who had raised her as her own. She missed her lifelong companion, Early.
Another servant had entered her room the last two mornings to help her get ready for the day. The same unhappy looking young woman had helped her change for bed each evening. Guilt had flowed down her spine as she thought of the sadness that emanated from the new maid. She couldn't save everyone, could she? She didn't even know the girl's name. Her stepmother had forbidden her to befriend the servant, who reacted in terror when Missy tried to communicate. Amanda must have given the young woman strict instructions.
Amanda decided that since Early had married, the time had come to implement her changes in the household. Little did the older woman know that things were about to change drastically, but those plans had to be kept secret for now. She hoped Early enjoyed being married to the man she admired. Her newly discovered cousin and former maid had helped in the kitchen before, so being assigned there full-time may not have been too big of an adjustment.
The change had taken an interesting turn when Sidney arrived before yesterday's evening meal. When Papa mentioned Early's marriage, Sidney had clamped his mouth shut and turned toward Missy with a gleam in his eyes. His look had raised chill bumps on her arms, which cooled the hot summer air like a winter snowstorm. She'd stood and retreated to her locked room until the new maid came to help her undress for the night. Then she'd tightly twisted her door key in the lock after the girl left. This morning, she'd dared to enjoy being outside for a while, hoping Sidney would not attempt to do anything in plain view of the house.
"Hello, darling." Sidney's slimy voice made Missy's pulse jump in fear as he stepped from behind the oak tree. She'd been too distracted to notice his approach and a ripple of dread coursed down her back.
She forced composure into her voice when she answered him with a frown. "I am not anyone's darling. You need to leave me alone or you will answer for your unwanted behavior."
"Who would I be answering to, woman? I happen to know that our parents are in town at the moment, and we are all alone. They took your married maid and her husband with them. I sent Moses and the kitchen help on an errand that will keep them busy for a while. No one else will dare to defy me if they know what is good for them."
"What about my aunt? You know she won't let you get away with this." She hugged her journal and pencils to her chest.
"Let's just say she may have had a little sleeping powder slipped into her morning tea." His sneer turned into something more fearsome. He stepped closer and she smelled the liquor on his breath.
Missy moved to the edge of her seat. Aunt 'Tilda had complained about the tea Sidney had served her this morning. They'd both been surprised when he brought over her cup filled to the brim. Aunt had commented about too much sugar and something not tasting right.
She set her drawing aside and pulled out her pen knife. Missy pretended to sharpen one of the Thoreau pencils her father had given her. The side of the pencil was marked with a number one. She rarely used it. The lead was too hard. Sharpening it would take time, if the already pointed pencil had required it. She needed a few moments to think about what she would do if Sidney did try to grab her. Most of the slaves now lived in fear of his whip. She was on her own. The knife might prove valuable.
Sidney wrenched the pen knife from her hand, threw it to the ground, pulled her to her feet and drew her tightly into his embrace, pinching her arms close to her body. Her fingers wrapped around the pencil.
"Let. Me. Go."
"What are you going to do? Whip me with your little pencil? It will crumble to pieces like any other pencil. You're going to be my woman, whether you like it or not." He pushed her back against the oak and grabbed the side of her skirt.
Missy fisted the pencil and plunged it into the nearest part of his body. His scream matched the ripping of cloth with the hole torn through his pants. The pencil in her hand dripped with drops of blood as Sidney rolled on the ground, cursing and crying like a baby.
"Guess this pencil is mightier than any sword. You must not have heard about Mr. Thoreau's advances in making very hard pencils." Her voice sounded strangled at first, but triumph over the enemy filled her as she gathered her journal, pen knife, and the rest of her pencils.
As Sidney struggled to get back to his feet, she trembled and ran as fast as she could for the safety of her room. Once there, she locked the door to her room and the adjoining one where Aunt 'Tilda gently snored. She shoved several pieces of furniture in front of each door and climbed into the bed with her aunt.
"Protect us, Heavenly Father."