Anderson finished his breakfast and turned his attention to his blacksmith standing like a statue, against the wall. He walked out, telling Dark Henry to follow him into the yard. Like a dark angel, Henry followed behind his master, solemn and quiet. The sun had already risen and both men headed to the smithy shed.
“What’s on your mind Henry?” Anderson asked, looking around the large cooperage.
“Suh, I got a request ta ask. I want ta marry Mary, Ida’s daughter. I been courtin’ her for some time now.” Henry said, trying to keep the trembling out of his voice. This was a ticklish business. If the master said no, then all his dreams would be crushed and his heart broken. There would be nothing he could do about it.
John Anderson looked at the earnest young man, sizing him up. “Will you take good care of our Mary? Your mistress would be sorely displeased if you didn’t.”
“Yes suh! I’ll take good care of her; I love her powerful much, suh.” Henry said, his heart racing with excitement and joy.
Anderson smiled and clapped the younger man on his broad shoulder.
“Well then, I guess I can’t stand in the way of love. Go ahead and marry your woman. I’ll tell the mistress, I’m sure she’ll want to make plans for a special wedding.”
“Oh yes, yes suh. Thank you, suh.” Henry said, feeling like he could float on air. He watched as Anderson headed back to the house. Henry turned to Gabe, who was grinning and shaking his head.
“Congratulations, Henry. You’re a lucky man.” Gabe said and turned back to hammering a wheel band. Henry wanted to run to Mary at that very moment, but he knew he needed to get back to work. Later this evening he’d tell her. He wanted to weep and laugh at the same time.
As it was, the wedding took several weeks to plan, Victoria was in a dither of happiness. She insisted that Mary should have a glorious wedding dress and wedding day. Ida was thrilled, she and Liza cooked for two days, preparing for the special day. Even Cookie assisted Ida with the food preparation. It was unprecedented, one of their own was going to be married with all the pomp and ceremony reserved only for whites.
On a crisp autumn afternoon, October 15st 1860, Mary Anderson stood before John Anderson, who held a bible. Mary was resplendent in a cream-colored organdy gown, that shimmered and caught the light. Ida had done Mary’s hair, braiding it intricately into a crown on the top of her head. Ida wove small white wildflowers into her daughter’s hair. Mistress Anderson had given them the veil she had worn at her own wedding so many years ago.
Ida smiled at Dark Henry, who was dressed out in one of the hand-me-down suites from Anderson’s middle son, Samuel. Ida and Liza had altered it, making the shoulders wider to fit Henry’s wide frame. Henry looked like a swell, buffed and proud. His bald pate glistened with sweat, his nervousness obvious. Henry wore his work boots, though they had been dusted off and brushed to a dull shine. He sported a rose from the mistress’s flower garden and felt very handsome indeed.
The couple stood before their master; heads bowed in prayer as John Anderson’s voice boomed out over the crowd. Mistress Anderson wept softly into an embroidered handkerchief, joy and sorrow stamped on her lined face. Ida knew that this should have been Megan, her beloved daughter. Ida also knew that the mistress loved Mary and had taken Mary into her heart. Mary looked so beautiful, like a queen, regal and elegant. She was tall and slender, a faint blush to her soft cheeks.
Ida stood watching the mistress and knew the woman thought of her own lost daughter. Mary was stunning. How had she grown into such a beautiful woman? Where was her little girl? Tears anew came flooding down as she smiled and watched. Ida had been feeling poorly, but with all the preparation and this beautiful day, she was feeling better. She knew her days were numbered and she hoped she would be able to see her first grandchild. She looked on with love and pride. The couple elegantly decked out; they were a handsome duo. They would have beautiful babies and she prayed that with the mistress’s love for Mary, they wouldn’t take the babies away from her.
Mary was so happy and she felt so beautiful that she knew she would burst from pure rapture. Henry was so handsome in his suit, though he looked uncomfortable. Her mouth trembled when she smiled, she was so nervous, her mind kept going to what would happen later that evening. Clark hadn’t taken her virginity and she was thankful she would go to her husband chase and pure. Around her, Mary saw happy faces. Her eyes lingered on her mother. Mary knew her mother hadn’t been feeling well, but today, Ida glowed with joy, as though lit from within. The mistress was weeping softly and Mary thought they were happy tears. She was surrounded by her friends and her mother. She was about to marry this wonderful man. Mary didn’t think she would ever be this happy again.
Henry’s heart slammed into his chest; he was afraid all those around would hear it. Mary looked so beautiful and he almost cried when he first saw her, his bottom lip had quivered madly. Henry blink rapidly, to chase the unmanly tears away. He had known Mary all her life, and had always loved her, but he had never realized just how very beautiful she was.
