Macon Georgia
May of 1855
William glanced at Hess when he called Ellie to his office. He saw the hesitation on Ellie’s face, perhaps even fear. He frowned and sat back down as the church cleared.
Several others in the congregation also noted the exchange, including Miss Betsey. She stage whispered to William, “That fox’s on the hunt, ain’t he? Bet he don’t have no hard chase to catch that hen, no sir.”
Others near enough to hear chuckled agreement.
William nearly said they were in a church where it was their Christian duty to treat everyone with respect and not gossip, but he held his peace.
“You coming, William?” said Betsey, struggling with her walking stick to reach the door.
“I think I’ll linger, Miss Betsey,” he said. “I’m thinking on things.”
“Suit yourself.”
The church fell silent as the last of the congregants left and Will found himself alone, staring at the door to Reverend Hess’s office, listening intently.
He was not sure why he waited. It was probably nothing, and why did he care, anyway? It was not as if he had any responsibility for Ellie, or been encouraged by her to take an interest. If Hess did anything to Ellie, what could he do, anyway? Hess was a white man, and to go against him could well mean his life.
This was nothing to do with him. Hess probably did have a letter concerning the wedding. Why was he waiting?
He rose to go. Betsey was probably right. Even if Hess had an improper interest in Ellie, she might be fine with that. It might advance her status.
William reached the door. He put his hand on the doorknob.
He stopped.
Head bowed, hand still on the knob, he stood frozen. Damn it, he thought, damn it damn it damn it. In his heart, he knew something was amiss. Ellie was in trouble. He was sure of it. Why he cared he did not know but he could not leave.
William swung around and walked across the church to Hess’s office door. He listened closely, hardly breathing.
He heard a chair fall over, followed by sounds of a struggle. Someone was choking.
He flung open the door to find Reverend Hess gripping Ellie by the throat and kissing her. Her arms flailed weakly against him, but it was obvious she was blacking out. Hess’s glassy eyes seemed unaware of William standing in the doorway staring at him.
“You release that woman!” Will shouted.
Hess’s eyes focused on William, outraged. “How dare you enter my office,” he hissed back.
Ellie’s arms fell to her sides. If he did not act now, she would die. If he did act now, he would likely die.
In three quick steps, William reached Hess and pried his hands from Ellie’s throat. She stumbled back, nearly collapsing to the floor, her breathing hoarse and labored.
“How dare you touch me!” Hess screamed. “You’ll hang for this outrage.”
“You were killing her,” said William in a level voice. “How would you explain that to Major Smith?”
“I was doing no such thing you contemptible nigger. You will pay for this, by God. See if you don’t,” said Hess, his red face inches from William’s, his pudgy index finger thrust into Will’s chest.
Will backed up a step.
Behind him, Ellie’s breathing sounded more regular. He turned in time to see her snatch an ink bottle from Hess’s desk and fling it at the man, striking him full on the forehead, spilling blue ink across his face that quickly mixed with blood.
“If you ever touch me again I will kill you,” she snarled at him hoarsely.
“Don’t you threaten me, harlot,” Hess gasped, holding his hand to the wound. “It is the Lord’s will that you submit, you rebellious heathen.”
“You’re an animal,” growled Ellie. She ran from the room.
It was William’s fondest desire to lay this man low with his fists, but he knew he must keep his head. “Don’t breathe of word of this to anyone, and I will hold my peace, Reverend. But if you have me charged for assault, I will go to Major Smith and tell him how I saved his property. He will not be pleased to hear of how you ill treated Miss Smith. And the marks on her neck will speak the truth of what I say.”
“The word of a nigger against the word of a white man?” barked Hess. “I’ll see you hang.”
“And Ellie will tell him. And we have the physical proof of your assault. Best, Reverend, if we forget the whole thing.”
“Get out!” screamed Hess, collapsing into a chair still holding his head. “And never come back!”
William walked out, closing the door behind him. He did not know what Hess would do, but he hoped the threat to inform Major Smith would convince him to say nothing. Ellie was his daughter and his property. He would not be happy to have such valuable property nearly murdered.
Still, thought Will, he now had a dangerous enemy. It would be best to stay away from the church.
Looking around he sighed. He had spent so much time and effort here. It was not fair. Not fair at all.
He walked to the door. There was no sign of Ellie. She had not waited for him, not waited to see if he was even able to leave Hess’s office without being killed himself. Will shook his head. “You’re welcome,” he mumbled to himself, stepping outside.