Yellow Wife(71)

“Darling.” My arms were around her.

“Mother, why are you not dressed? You look like the help.” Before I could respond, Isabel and Joan were upon me, throwing their arms and limbs around, jumping into my arms. I nearly toppled over from the weight of them, but Clarence lent a hand to steady my shoulder.

“We have missed you.” The girls tugged on me.

“And I have missed you.”

Sissy exited the carriage with her son, Daniel, in her arms asleep.

“Missus.” She too wore a new dress, I took note, before she hurried off.

“I am glad you have returned,” I addressed the Jailer.

Birdie squirmed in his arms. I approached the carriage. There was no sign of Monroe. I made my lips pleasant, despite the color I knew had darkened my cheeks.

Where was my son?

“Pheby.”

Birdie’s cry escalated, but instead of passing her over, he held her tighter. His cheeks looked even fuller than before.

They must have eaten well on their journey.

“Would you like me to take the baby?”

Birdie’s voice shrilled in my ears.

“Please.” I reached for her.

Clarence leaned over and whispered something I could not hear. Then the Jailer stood, gave her to me, and followed him into the tavern.

I clung to Birdie, patting her back until she settled.

Tommy took the reins and led the horses to the stables.

Where was my son?

Birdie and I found the girls in the drawing room. Isabel and Joan were fighting for space in July’s lap, and Hester rested her head on July’s shoulders.

“We missed you so,” said Hester. “We must never be apart from you again, July.”

“I will always be here for you, sweet girls.” July squeezed all three.

I sat down and Birdie wiggled off my lap and over to July.

“Tell me about your trip.”

“Papa took us to the hot air balloon show. It was magnificent,” said Hester, who ran down their entire three days’ events.

“Did Monty go?”

Joan smacked her lips. “No, we dropped him off at a house on a big land.”

“A plantation,” Isabel explained. “Papa called it a plantation.”

“He is staying to work.”

“I begged Papa to let Monty come but he said no.” Hester cast her eyes down, like she thought I would be disappointed in her effort.

“Well, I am glad you girls are back. How about we have some pie to celebrate?”

“Before supper?”

“Yes, before supper and then after supper.” I made my voice light.

They cheered, and I willed their enthusiasm to quiet the thump in my head.





CHAPTER 35




Beautiful

At first light, Abbie knocked on my door. “Morning, Missus. Marse requestin’ you take breakfast wit’ him.”

“Will you help me dress?”

“?’Course.”

It was rare that we had breakfast together, and I did not take it as a good sign. Abbie pulled tight on my corset, and I had to remind myself to inhale. I slipped into a pair of wooden shoes and followed her down the hall and into the dining room. He sat in a white shirt with blue suspenders. His hair had been brushed away from his face and he looked recently shaved.

“You look nice,” I offered, taking my seat at his elbow.

“You have been busy since I have been gone?”

I placed my napkin on my lap and did not respond. Abbie poured hot water into my teacup.

“Abbie?”

She hobbled toward him with the teapot. “Tea, Marse? More potatoes?”

“Fetch July for me.”

Abbie hobbled out. I sipped the tea, my stomach raw with fear. July glided in with her hair in a long braid. Her blouse clung tight. I made a note to swap in new clothing for her.

“July, prepare a bath for yourself. When you are clean, meet Pheby in the supply shed, where she will dress you.”

“For what?” I blurted.

“I have a buyer who insists on taking her today.” His lips curled.

I fought for air. “What about the children?”

“They will adjust.”

July looked from him to me, her face frantic. “Marse, why you sendin’ me away? I been good to your family.”

“I am not. It is your mistress.”

July’s eyes welled up. I had been her protector since I arrived and now I had failed her.

“Can we talk in private?”

“There is nothing to discuss. That will be all, July.” She ran from the room.

“Please, stop this. I will do anything.”

“What is it about these niggers that make you disobey me? I told you to stop with your mercy. Now you are aiding my prisoner!” His fist slammed against the table, causing the dishes to rattle in place. “You are an embarrassment.”

“July is our family,” I pleaded.

“There is no such thing as family, only business.” He dropped his napkin in his bowl and walked for the door. “Have her ready in an hour.”

I threw my teacup on the floor and stomped it with my foot until it shattered into tiny pieces. I picked up my chair and slammed it back down in place.