Mary was reluctant to let her son go, but she knew that his future lay with this man. It had been agreed that Victor would start work the following week. Henry would take him over to Mr. Freeland’s home the following Sunday. Mary would accompany them, to meet their family. She hoped this would settle her worries.
Mary liked Madeleine Freeland immediately, she was a jolly round woman, her cheeks apple red. Her daughters shared her disposition, and their only son, Toby was no different. Toby immediately befriended Victor, longing for a male friend in a house full of women. Toby was the youngest of the six children, he was eleven.
As Mary and Henry bid the Freeland family farewell, they saw Victor and Toby’s heads together, plotting already, their mischief’s glances aimed at the girls. Mary rolled her eyes, nudging Henry, who saw his progeny and shook his head, a gentle smile on his lips. Victor was just like he had been in his youth. Henry was satisfied that his son would be well taken care of. Though it still twisted his heart to say goodbye, he knew his son would have a future.
Mary taught Ida how to sew and also showed her the fine art of embroidery. She wanted Ida to settle down with some kind of skill, she didn’t want her daughter out in the fields breaking her back, as her grandmother had done. It had shortened her mother’s life considerable, she wanted better for her daughter. Ida was set to sewing clothes for the children, she also learned how to make dresses for the women. Mary noticed that Ida had a real talent with the needle and her hopes soared that her daughter may have found her forte. Rachel drew out patterns for Ida and Ida stitched them on cloth panels. Theo had been impressed with Ida’s work and craftsmanship, he sent away for floss, colors ranging the colors of the rainbow.
Mary was proud of her children; they were growing into fine young adults. Lil Theo wanted to go with his name sake and Drake out to the fields. He was growing and thriving out in the field, it seemed as if he, himself were a plant, needing the soil and the sun to grow and blossom. At twelve years old, he now looked his mother in the eye. He would surpass his father and brother in height when he became a man. Lil Theo was broad in the shoulders and back.
Lil Theo idolized Theo, he hung on his every word. He pestered Drake and Tall Tom to show him every aspect of running a farm. Drake took Lil Theo under his wing, he missed his best friend Victor, only seeing him on Sundays. When Sundays rolled around, more often than not, Victor was mooning over Mary Beth, following her around the house and taking walks.
Lil Theo was like a mirror image of Drake, walking like him, talking like him. Theo and Henry sat on the porch in the evenings, watching the boys. Their laughter floated across the yard as they spoke about their pride in their children. They had also taken note that when nineteen-year-old Ida walked up to the house, Drake stopped and watch her progress.
“Drake has an eye for your daughter, Henry.” Theo said, puffing on a pipe.
“Yeah, he been watchin’ that gal for some time now. She been watchin’ him too.” Dark Henry said, laughing.
“She’s a fine young woman Henry, you should be proud. She is well read and talented with the needle and just as beautiful as your Mary.” Theo said, watching the children. Henry swelled with pride, he had grown to respect and like Theo over the years, they had become very close. They had known each other all their lives. They had been through hell together.
“What you thinkin’ bout this here development?” Henry asked, looking over at Theo. He noticed that Theo’s hair was almost all gray and it shocked him. Theo was older by two years, but life had worn him old. Theo’s eyes still held youth, and when he was near his children, his face lost the rough years. Where did the time go? Henry wondered; his heart heavy. Henry knew that Theo was teaching Drake to take over the farm. He was pleased that Lil Theo loved the farm as much as his name sake and Drake. He knew his son had a future on this land. Victor still lived with the Freeland family and was doing well as a carpenter. His cabinets, tables, chairs and bed frames were highly sought after, with their intricate carvings. Victor was making a name for himself.
“I suspect that Drake will eventually come to you for her hand.” Theo said smiling.
“You know them white folks ain’t gonna cotton ta that.” Henry said solemnly. Theo’s face clouded for a moment.
“I loved Patina with all my heart and I would not change a thing, nor would I live my life at other’s dictates. If Drake wants to marry your Ida and should you and Mary approve, I say let them. Life is damned hard and if they can find joy in each other, I say let them. They can jump the broom and we can say a prayer and officiate over their marriage, just as my father did for you and Mary.”
“Is you sure about that, Theo?” Henry asked hesitantly.
“I’m sure, life has taught me to live the way I want and say sorry to no man. I saw too much hate and killing during the war. I want our children to live their own lives.” Theo said decisively. Henry nodded
