Taking a wagon, Henry, Drake and Victor went to the Freeland’s home to retrieve furniture that Victor had made for Mary Beth. Henry could see that Victor had been planning this for quite some time. The furniture was beautiful, its clean lines accentuated the wood perfectly. Victor had made a small table and chairs and a bed frame, carved with grapes and leaves and small flowers. He had also built a small wardrobe and highboy. The carving on the highboy matched the beautiful bed frame. He had also made her a small hutch, to keep dishes and crock ware.
Mary and Ida sewed linens for the couple and Theo bought them a set of beautiful bone china. The pattern matched the carving Victor had done. Mary had gone with Theo to pick out the china. They had received various stares from other patrons. Many were merely curious, several were hostile. Once again, Mary felt the bigotry that was ever present.
When Christmas arrived, a nervous and jittery Victor was letting his father help him dress for the wedding. Dark Henry grinned at his son, telling him about his wedding. He told his son what to expect and what to do on their wedding night. Victor’s face glowed with morbid embarrassment, his mother laughing at his discomfort. Mary’s eyes brimmed with tears. She couldn’t believe her baby was getting married. He was still so young yet, almost eighteen, but not quite there yet. How and when had he become a man? Victor was as tall as his father yet had his mother’s light coloring. He was delicately boned, with long beautiful hands. He shaved his head like his father and he stood before her tall and proud. Mary almost broke down, her bottom lip quivering madly. He was a beautiful young man, with his life in front of him. Mary Beth would make him a wonderful wife. She was sweet natured, plump and cheery. She was crazy about Victor, always had been.
Theo officiated over the couple, his voice deep and resonating over the families gathered in the study. Henry held his wife, his own throat thick with emotion. His thoughts went back to the little boy who had almost died at the hands of a mad woman. He had grown strong and tall, and his heart was good and pure like his Mary. He felt as though his heart would explode with joy.
Mary looked up at her husband and saw the sheen of tears in his eyes. Her breath caught in her throat, as she watched Carl bring his daughter into the room. Ellen and Sue were already crying, wiping away the flow of tears. Mary Beth looked beautiful, she was wearing a simple frock, edged in white lace. Her hair was braided intricately and bright green holly framed the bun on top.
Victor seemed to sway as he looked at his bride, Drake caught his arm and gave it a squeeze. Victor smiled gratefully to his best friend. Drake looked across the room at Ida, who blushed and looked away. Mary had to bite her lip at the by-play. They were next to wed she was sure. Mary watched all their faces and the emotions and thoughts that played on their features.
The wedding dinner consisted of a large roasted turkey and leg of ham. Cookie had outdone herself with cooking and Joshua enjoyed the wedding feast immensely. He was becoming more comfortable in the household. His lessons with Rachel were going very well. She was a quick study and very talented. He was impressed with her dedication. Laughter and talking floated around him as he watched the people around him.
Carl and Charlie provided the music and the furniture was move back and dancing ensued. Theo watched the young people dance, his eyes misting up. He remembered Mary’s wedding, when he had danced with his beloved Patina. He missed her very much and wished once again that she were here. She would be proud of their children. He laughed when Mary pulled Henry out to the floor, dancing as she went. His brow went up when he noticed Joshua heading for his daughter, and watched as Rachel smiled up at the young man, taking his hand. He saw her earnest young face and knew his daughter had fallen in love with the skinny artist. He would have to watch them, to see where it led. Ida and Drake had disappeared and he suspected they were off walking. Drake would be next to wed he was sure.
Though the world looked down on mixed marriages, Theo would not deny his children their choices of spouses. His own offspring were mixed, though to look at them, you wouldn’t know it. Many whites considered them tainted. He didn’t care, he loved them and he loved their mother. He had formally adopted both, ensuring that his farm and possessions would pass on to them. He had also deeded land to Tall Tom and his family, when he had given Lil Theo land. He knew this land would be their legacy.
Drake asked his father the following spring if he could marry Ida. Theo told his son that it was up to Dark Henry and sent the boy to see the blacksmith. Theo almost laughed at the dread that came over his son’s face. Theo went to find Mary, to tell her Drake’s intent. Mary did laugh when he told her of Drake’s reaction at having to go speak with Henry.
“I’m sure Henry will give the boy a hard time.” She laughed.
Drake hemmed and hawed, Henry knew why he was there and let the
