Macon Georgia
May of 1855
Ellie carried drinks into the sitting room where her father conversed with the Reverend Zachary Hess, away from the upheaval of the wedding preparations gathering like a summer squall in the rest of the house. She presumed they were discussing the final details of the ceremony to be held next month.
Her father hardly gave her a glance, but the Reverend Hess fixed her with a gaze that sent shudders down her spine. He sported a handlebar moustache waxed so heavily Ellie was sure she could see her reflection in it if she got close enough, which she most certainly did not want to do.
Turning to leave, Reverend Hess called her back. Puzzled, she turned and waited.
“This concerns you, my dear,” said Hess. Addressing the major, he said, “You see, Major Smith, I very much need a hand with the up keep of my home. My wife complains constantly of the want of domestic help. During my visits to your home, I could not but remark on Ellie’s excellent behavior, attention to her duties, and comportment.”
He smiled up at Ellie. “I’d like to buy her from you.”
Ellie’s heart froze. The look on Hess’s face did not speak of the need for domestic help, but of lust. She glanced wide-eyed at her father.
Even he had, of late, begun to show more interest in her than made her comfortable, and she did all she could within a slave’s power to keep from being alone with him. However, although he forced himself on her mother, she did not think, or at least she very much hoped, that even he would not stoop to the rape of his own daughter. But if sold to Hess, then God help her because she was sure no one else would or could.
The major shrugged. “Well, Reverend, I’d be more than pleased to sell you an excellent housekeeper, and at a far lower price than you’d have to pay for Ellie, here. A quadroon like Ellie, well, she is a rare commodity.”
I am your daughter, you heartless swine, Ellie wailed inwardly! You cannot sell me to this man.
“I quite agree, Major,” said Hess. “But my wife is very particular, you see. She fears the natural thieving nature of the pure blooded nigger, and thinks the time spent insuring we are not being robbed blind would hardly make the help worthwhile. Now, a slave such as Ellie, with the upbringing you have provided in this home and the moderating influence of her mixed heritage…”
Hess, obviously realizing he was treading on a subject that might give the major offense, cleared his throat and continued, “I am referring to her mother’s mixed race parentage, of course. This beneficial white influence on her nature makes her the perfect trustworthy assistant and even, dare I say, companion to my dear Misses.
Ellie trembled so violently she dropped the drinks tray. She scooped it back up while striving to keep her legs from giving out from under her. Oh God oh God oh God, she prayed, please do not let him sell me to this creature. It will be my death.
Her father shrugged at her. “Well, I quite understand and agree with your view on the matter, Reverend,” he said. “Ellie is certainly a special case, to be sure.”
He looked at her. “So Ellie, how do you feel about going to the Hess household?”
She wanted to throw herself to his knees. Why didn’t her father love her? Why would he even ask her such a question? Tears formed in her eyes, but she fought them back. She looked down at the floor, her hands trembling. She almost said “father,” but caught herself and said, “Major, this is my family, the only family I have ever known. It would break my heart to leave.”
Did she mean it? She did not know. That her father would one day free her had always been her secret hope, but here he was asking if she wanted to be sold to this disgusting man who so obviously wanted her and not for housecleaning. It broke her heart, and that surprised her. He had taken her into the home when his wife opposed it, and although never treated as a real daughter, at least she was treated with some deference.
“Well,” said Hess, “it is only natural and even speaks well of you that you have such loyalty to the Smiths, but I can assure you, my dear, that you will be treated equally well in the Hess household. I know, after a short period of adjustment, you will fit in beautifully.”
Major Smith smiled. “Well, I’m pleased to hear you say it, Ellie.”
Turning to Reverend Hess, he continued, “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Reverend, but as it happens I’m afraid Ellie is already spoken for.”
Panic raced through Ellie. Spoken for? What did he mean? Had she already been sold to someone else? Where would she be going and who would own her?
“What do you mean?” said Hess.
“I did not mean to announce it at this time, but you press me, sir, and so I must. But I want this to remain our little secret for the time being, since I won’t tell anyone else until the wedding. However, between us…”
He waved Hess closer to him and whispered, “I have decided to make Ellie a wedding gift, and have already determined to give her to Debra on her wedding day.”