My Name Is Mary: A Reincarnation

due to Tall Tom. John had experienced an increase in crops harvested that fall. All was going well and now all this talk about a war. He shied away from looking inside himself, to really look at whether slavery was right or wrong. To do so would shake the foundations of his life. It would mean that his father was wrong, and his grandfather. It was too much, the thought was unbearable. Anderson knew he was getting old and Theodore was now taking over all the duties. Victoria was sick much of the time, though she would rally for a while. Life was uncertain in his world and Anderson didn’t like it.

Spring was eminent and the slaves had gone out to the fields to break ground. Mary was up at the main house with Victoria, nursing the older woman. Mary’s abdomen was growing rounder by the day. Her tall body carried the pregnancy easily. Mary had a glow about her, skin radiant and her eyes held a sparkle. She and Victoria spent hours speculating about the baby’s gender, temperament and rearing techniques.

Victoria had become a surrogate mother for Mary, their bond growing stronger. Victoria seemed to get better but was still bed ridden. She helped Mary stitch the tiny clothes the baby would need. Victoria instructed Mary on the art of embroidery, stitching beautiful designs on the baby clothes. Their soft laughter floating through the house.

Theo heard the laughter and popped his head into the room, watching both women, their heads bent over the delicate stitching. He grinned, he liked Mary, she was smart and sweet, and his mother adored her. He had a bit of happy news that he hoped would bring his mother around and out of bed. He had asked Sarah’s father for her hand in marriage. Her father had granted him the honor.

Tapping on the door jam, Theo leaned into the bedroom, which had been converted to a sitting room as well. Victoria looked up, her eyes shining with happiness. She beckoned her youngest son to her. Theo walked across the floor and presented his cheek for her kiss. Mary stood up to leave, wanting to give them privacy. Theo waved her back down to the bed, a wide grin lending a hint of mischief to his face.

“What are you about young man, you look as though you licked the cream from the crock.” Victoria laughed. Theo pulled up a chair, and held his mother’s hand. Christ, she looked so old, he was glad she spent time with Mary. Other slaves had come to the house to help to keep things running, Mary was spending most of her time with his mother. Victoria could barely stand to have Mary out of sight, and so Mary’s duties had been passed off to others.

“Mother, I have grand news. I have asked Sarah’s family for her hand in marriage and they have agreed.” Theo said with a smile in his eyes. He waited expectantly for his mother’s reaction.

Light shined in Victoria’s eyes; her smile grew larger.

“Oh, my darling, that is splendid news! When is the day?” Victoria asked anxiously.

“We are to be married in the fall; Sarah wants to go to Savannah to be married. She wants all her cousins and relatives to attend. Sarah and her mother are planning the wedding of the season.” Theo laughed. He was pleased to see his mother’s interest perk up. With Mary’s coming baby and the upcoming nuptials, perhaps this would bring her to better health.

“Congratulations Master Theo, I’m very happy for you and Miss Sarah. I know you will be very happy.” Mary said softly, her eyes crinkling with a smile.

“Thank you, Mary, I am looking forward to marital bliss.” He said. “Well mother, I have to leave, I haven’t told father and I need to get back out to work.” Standing, he leaned over and kissed his mother once more and left the women to their gossip and stitching.

Victoria was absolutely delighted and wanted to be moved to the veranda, to sit out in the sun. It was a mild day and the sun was shining brightly. The temperature was warming up and soon summer would be there. Mary sat with Victoria and watched the clouds scuttle by. They spoke about the upcoming wedding and hoped that Sarah would come for a visit soon.

Flowers began to blossom in Victoria’s garden, and she sat out amongst the blooms and watched the humming birds flit from flower to flower. Mary sat with her, reading poetry and letters from Samuel. Victoria ranted for a bit about the disgraceful actions of her daughter-in-law and then moved on to the topic of her grandsons. Todd was to bring them for a visit soon, though the boys were now nearly grown men and soon would have wives of their own.

Mary’s stomach was enormous and she felt decidedly uncomfortable. The weather had been mild, but the humidity was high and her clothes were sticking to her. She felt as large as a cow, her body betraying her at every turn. She felt off balance much of the time and her back had been pulling and nagging her the past week. She tried to stretch her back but nothing would alleviate the pain.

Henry held Mary in his arms at night and rub the small of her back. Their tiny cabin was homey with Mary’s touches. He had cut a window for her and had used some panes of discarded glass, putting them together with metal strips. Mary had made curtains with a bit of gingham and lace. Henry kept a fresh supply of wildflowers during the warm months. There was still an air of sadness with Ida’s absence.

The couple lay in bed in the evenings, their low voices shimmering around them. Henry’s large hand was entwined with Mary’s long fingers. They spoke of their hopes and dreams and plans for their children.