Feeling spent, Mary left the cabin quietly, going to speak with Ginny and Ellen, wanting Liza’s body prepared for burial. She then went up to the main house, getting a bite to eat from the kitchen. She was drained and felt as though Liza had taken part of her spirit with her. Cookie gave her a mug of mulled cider, putting a stick of cinnamon in it, the piquant aroma seeping into Mary’s tired body.
Warming her hands on the hot tankard, Mary could feel the spirit easing back into her body. She nibbled idly on a flaky biscuit, listening to Cookie instruct Mary Beth. She smiled tiredly as she listened, Cookie was in her element, wanting to instruct the twelve-year-old, the proper way to prepare food.
Leaving the kitchen, Mary went in search of her children, whom she had sadly neglected. Thirteen-year-old Ida was up to her usual, bossing eleven-year old’s, Drake and Victor around. The boys were rushing in and out, touching her smock, much to Ida’s chagrin, deviling her. Thoroughly vexed by the boys, Ida stormed off in search of her best friend, Sue. Lil Theo, who had turned eight a few months back, tagged after Ida, knowing the older boys would turn their tormenting on him.
Rachel was nowhere to be seen, this was not unusual, since she was normally in her own world with her sketching. Her talent was becoming more apparent, and her father contemplated sending Rachel abroad. Her mixed race would not be known there, for she was as fair as her grandmother, Victoria. The locals speculated, but didn’t know for sure, who her mother was. Mary knew Theo fretted for his children and he was even thinking about sending Drake along as well, his chances were better in Europe.
For now, Mary had charge of the children. Mary did a splendid job tutoring the children. Theo sent for school books from up north, wanting the children to have the best education he could give them. Mary was quick to learn the subjects and in turn, taught the others. Mary knew that Theo was hard pressed to send his children away just yet, there was time. Mary dreaded that time, when it came.
Ida was growing tall like her parents; she was almost as dark as her father. She had the beautiful delicate bones of her mother, though her temperament was on the bossy side. She reveled in arguments with her brothers and Drake. She tolerated Rachel; who’s abstract personality rarely conflicted with her own. She merely rolled her eyes, leaving the eight-year-old to her own devices.
Mary fretted for Ida. At times the child was wild and almost uncontrollable. Her father had to clamp down on her antics and her verbal sparing from time to time. Only Lil Theo seemed immune from her sharp tongue. She pretended to put up with her younger brother, but if truth were to be told, she loved her little brother and was protective of him.
Mary had noticed gray in her hair lately, where had the time gone to? Her children were growing up, happy and healthy, safely insulated on the farm. Mary knew that when her children grew older and went to live elsewhere, that life might be more difficult. Especially for Ida, she was a strong young lady and was very outspoken when expressing herself. Mary feared that strangers might take great offence with her, especially whites. Still, Mary would never hold her daughter back, Ida would have to make her own way in this world.
Dark Henry had built on to their cabin, expanding to accommodate their family. Victor showed a proclivity to carpentry and Henry noted that he was exceptional when it came to working with wood and carving. Victor sat out on the porch in the with Drake, who was never far from his side. The boys whittled blocks of wood, while they made disparaging comments to the girls. Mary noticed that Victor had taken a shine to Mary Beth, who brought him tidbits from the kitchen.
Mary shook her head, Victor was a bottomless pit, and was always carrying something to eat in his hand. He would only set it down when he was carving a piece of wood or whittling. His carvings became so intricate, they were becoming sought after at the local market. This earned Victor a few pennies and recognition.
Tobias Freeland was the area’s master craftsman, a carpenter, living just outside of town. He had stopped by the Anderson farm and spoke with Dark Henry about bringing Victor in as an apprentice. Henry called his son into the smithy shop and asked him if he wanted to start working for Mr. Freeland. Victor’s eyes sparkled and excitement filled his young face.
Arrangements were made for Victor to stay with Mr. Freeland and his family during the week and come home on Sundays. Henry told his son that he would ride over to pick him up on Sunday mornings and bring him back later in the evening. Victor was hesitant to leave his family and live among strangers, especially white strangers. He had heard stories about the abuse shoveled down on black citizens. He had seen his fair share of evil out there.
Seeing the reticence in the boy’s eyes, Tobias assured Victor that he would be safe in his home, he would share the bed with one of his children. Tobias had six children, five girls and one son. Unfortunately, his son showed neither inclination, nor talent when it came to wood working. He had despaired of his daughters as well, none wanting to dirty their hands with rough work.
Tobias had seen
