The words flowed over them like butterflies, and then the broom was brought out, it had ribbons tied to it. The slaves cheered and laughed when the broom was set before the couple. Shyly, Mary stepped up to the broom, everyone started shouting, “Turn round gal!” The crowd clapped as Mary turned around. Gathering up her long gown, Mary prepared to jump. As graceful as a doe, Mary leaped backwards and Henry followed. A great roar erupted, shouts and laughter followed, the deed was done, they were married. Victoria walked up to Mary, tears coming freely. She enfolded the tall girl within her arms, rocking her back and forth.
“You look like an angel Mary, an angel. I’m so happy for you darling.” Victoria sobbed, moved by the wonderful ceremony. Mary returned her mistress’s hug, touched that the older woman cared so much. She had graciously made this all possible and Mary was honored by her mistress’ benevolence. Smiling down at Victoria, she too had tears of joy in her eyes. She pulled Victoria’s hands up to her mouth and gently kissed them.
“Thank you for giving me this mistress, thank you for everything.” Mary said softly.
Victoria cried all the harder and John came over to escort his wife to the divan on the porch. He came back to the couple and told them, “As a wedding gift, your mistress and I are giving you the sanctuary of our home, neither of you will be sold, nor will your children or grandchildren. You will remain here, together with our family, our children and theirs.” John Anderson told them.
Henry and Mary were stunned, beyond mere words. Unsure of what to say, Mary simply thanked him for his kindness. She would never be sold, nor would she see her children ripped from her, as her friends had been. Dark Henry thanked Anderson profusely, knowing that he always had a home here with his family. Without Clark, life had been better, richer. Work was always hard, but he didn’t have to fear for Mary. Now he didn’t have to fear for her or his future children being taken from them. In an uncertain world, it was an anchor of hope.
Music floated on the cool wind, as the slaves danced and sang. Food was placed out on boards set up on sawhorses. The planks fairly groaned and bent with the weight of the food. There had been a large hog slaughtered, that had been put on a spit, started roasting since the night before. Two boys turned the spit, while one of the older girls basted the large animal. Its crispy brown skin invited many to pick and sample the tender delicious meat.
There were plates of fried chicken, fried deer stake, fried potatoes, fried okra, snap beans, soup beans with ham hocks and plates and bowls filled to over flowing with puddings, fruit, cakes and on and on. The children ran back and forth, snatching bits from the bounty. Their mothers scolding them and then eating some as well.
John and Victoria danced along with the slaves; it had been too long for them. They laughed and enjoyed the food and fellowship. Theo brought out Peach whisky for the adults, along with apple cider and homemade beer. John Anderson was careful to put only a few jugs of each, he didn’t approve of drunkenness and with his overseer’s death, he didn’t want any more untoward accidents happening. A large bonfire was lit as evening turned the skies to lavender.
Ida and Liza sat watching the young people dance and make fools of themselves. The women laughed and held Liza’s grandsons, all five. Nan had delivered her fifth son last week. The small baby boy was held snug within his mother’s arms. They had named him Samuel, after the master’s middle son and he was a joyful baby, happily looking at the world around him. Samuel was handed off to his grandmother and then Ida.
Mary laughed and danced with Henry, both were hot and happy. The sun was setting and the chill was growing, but no one noticed. The large bonfire cast long shadows on the dancers and the dancing continued well into the night. The master and mistress bid them good night and went into the house.
Theo stayed out with the young people, laughing and dancing just as hard. Theodor had a sweetheart, but she had gone to Savannah, on a shopping trip. Her name was Sarah Calhoun, her family had a large plantation close to Savannah. Sarah had six other sisters, she was the oldest, seventeen. Theo had met her last year at a social gathering at the Calhoun house. He had been taken by her beauty and charm. He wished she were here, she so loved to dance.
Theo had started taking over much of the running of the farm, his father wanted him to run it when he was too old. Theo had many new ideas about agriculture and was eager to try them out. He liked getting out and trying new methods. He rode periodically with Clark, but didn’t like the way the man ran things. It was a bit of a relief, he was ashamed to say, that since Clark had died, things had run more smoothly.
He went out with Tall Tom and observed the way the man worked. Tom was a few years older than he and he respected the slave’s opinion. He had discussed several of his ideas and both had traded off on one method of crop rotation over another. Tom was a hard taskmaster, but he was fair, working just as hard as the others, getting down at times and lending a hand.
