Old Bitsy had lived on the farm for over thirty-five years, she had seen many marriages, births and too many deaths. She had seen the best of white folks and most assuredly the worst. She now lived a life of ease as the eldest slave on the farm. She was well fed and well taken care of by the other slaves.
Old Bitsy stood before Nan and Gabe and intoned the marriage ceremony, as the slaves stood silently by to listen. Gabe first jumped the broom and a great cheer rose, filling the air with joy. Then Nan, who turned around and jumped the broom backwards, almost falling. Everyone cheered and laughed. The ceremony over, everyone brought out food that had been prepared the night before.
Singing was only allowed on special occasions, and when these times came, the slaves raised a joyful noise unto the Lord. Many stood around clapping and humming while others danced wildly about the yard. A slave from the neighboring plantation had been allowed to come and brought a banjo, while several young boys accompanied him on pots and pans. Carl, one of the field hands brought out a fiddle, though it only had three strings. Singing and dancing went on into the night. Nan and Gabe slipped away sometime after dusk, going to Gabe’s cabin.
Mary and Patina danced with the other children, eating molasses and cornbread. It was a real treat. The children chased lightning bugs, their screams and giggles filling the cool evening air. It was rare for the children to let loose like this and so they enjoyed themselves to the fullest. Mary had her hands cupped over two lightning bugs; her eye pressed against the opening. She marveled at the glow and wondered how on earth the bugs made the warm flickering light. They didn’t feel hot to her, she thought it was magic.
Later that evening, Mary fell into bed with her mother. Her stomach full, her legs tired from running and dancing. All of her cares forgotten for the moment, Mary fell fast asleep. Ida held her daughter as she listened to the music and singing outside and the soft snores of her daughter. Ida looked down at her daughter’s lovely face, a gentle smile still there. Her hand smoothed back the hair, plastered to Mary’s forehead. Mary’s creamy skin was still hot from the exertion of tomfoolery. Lifting Mary’s hand, Ida marveled at the strong slender fingers. She brought Mary’s hand to her mouth and gently kissed it. She took the limp hand and held it to her cheek and rubbed it down her face. She loved Mary so much, and each time she looked at her daughter, her heart swelled with love and pride. Ida fell asleep with a soft smile curving on her lips.
Mary lay listening to her mother’s labored breathing, her small hand laying protectively over the fragile chest. Fear welled up inside her, the nights were growing colder, soon winter would be here and her mother would have her cough again. The labored breathing frightened Mary more than she could say and she curled her small body around her mother, sharing her warmth with her mother, willing her strength to help. She sent a prayer up to God, let her mother live longer.
Christmas was very special that year for Mary. Her mother seemed to be doing better. Mary was always warm during the day in the main house and also well fed. Mistress Anderson seemed to be very joyful and was singing Christmas songs as she ambled about the house. The mistress kept Mary in tow, going from room to room putting up garland and candles. This was Mary’s first Christmas inside the main house and her eyes were wide with wonder. The parlor looked like a fairyland, with bows, candles, garland and ornaments.
Cookie had made a batch of ginger cookies, molasses biscuits and cinnamon tarts, letting Mary have her fill. Mary took some of the goodies home for her mother and the younger children. The children stood at her cabin door, like fledglings, their mouths wide open. Mary broke off pieces and fed the children until she had no more. The children then scattered, running and laughing into the chilled night. Mary laughed after them, her warm breath clouding out around her head.
On Christmas day, no one had to work, other than the house slaves, who had to make Christmas dinner for the family. Todd had brought his wife and boys. Victoria was overjoyed. The house slaves had to clean and tidy a bit before they could find their own rest. Mary had gone up to the house before dawn, her feet cold against the frost covered ground. Her feet were wrapped in heavy rags, because Mary didn’t like the rawhide shoes that cut so cruelly into her feet. The shoes were stiff and uncomfortable. Mary preferred going barefoot or wearing rags. However, once she got to the house, she would have to wear house slippers. The mistress didn’t like to see bare feet. Her feet crunched on the frozen ground as she made her way up to the silent house. There was a dusting of white and crystalline on her path to the house. Mary enjoyed it.
The kitchen was warm and welcoming when Mary arrived. Cookie had Mary peeling potatoes for later in the day; she also helped make plum pudding as a special treat. While Mary helped, she ate raisins and currents, her cheeks pushed out like a chipmunk. Cookie shook her head and just laughed, giving Mary a hug and a
