A forbidden love by: shealena

1815, and the war was still in motion. The soldiers were worn out from the bloody battle against the North. Things seem to be unfavorable in Baton Rouge Louisiana since the war. Families were worried sick about their sons, and wondering whether they would return home dead alive became an incessant chore. It was hard on everyone. The weather had taken a turn for the worst. The air was muggy and humid and Sometime towns folk would be lucky enough if the dust storm went in another direction.



         The heat seeping in the kitchen window aroused burning sensations in Gertrude Mae’s body. She was sweating profusely. She flung the worn out soap rag against the marble sink with one hand, wiping her head with the other just as Tom came in. She eyed him suspiciously. “Seem ta me the markets done gon’ bad. “Don’t know where we’s gon’ get our next meal from.” She took her eyes of the master and began kneading the dough with her strong hands.

         Thomas Carrington shoved a cigar in his mouth as his eyebrows shot up in tune with his nonchalant shrug. “Well longs as I got my land, figure markets crash’n don’t mean a thing to man of wealth“. Smiling sheepishly, the smoke from the cigar bellowed out of his mouth as stepped closer to her peering into her eyes. “Just longs as I got my land I reckon you wont have much to be worry’n about”. With that said Tom walked towards the door, but just before he left, he murmured “You’d best be get’ in that food aburnin” and he slammed the door.

         As soon as Thomas disappeared, Gertrude Mae muttered words under her breath. She paced the kitchen floor and wandered why Tom had been so pigheaded about the effects of the war. If only she could talk some sense into the stubborn Tom. He had his ways and were set in them. Gertrude went back to churning and decided that it was sometimes best not to say anything. Being a slave wasn’t easy, yes she had a roof over her head, food and clothing, but here in the Carrington’s house, opinions of a slave didn’t matter much, yet Gertrude made the best of her life she loved cooking in the kitchen, sewing and setting hot plates down on the tables. Most of all she learn to accept and appreciate her job. Gertrude felt as if the kitchen almost belong to her. The owners looked up to her for wisdom and often gave her certain advantages. But, then at other times she felt disserted and almost hated. Master Clarington could bring on some harsh punishment when he was in one of his stupors. She closed her eyes and tried not to remember the harsh beating she had received just two months before the war. She let her mind wander.

Gertrude had been washing clothes in the front of the house one hot afternoon when she noticed Mr. George Dunfort’s black mare galloping into view. George hopped off his horse and started towards her.

         “ Aye darkie I could enjoy a nice cold glass of beer”. He cocked his head, and let out a throaty chuckle. “You mind git ’n that for me."

She could feel her face heat in anger. Shaken up she replied “Sir I’m not sposed to be givin out the massa’s drinks. “ Massa says if’s I think about getting some I’s be whipped good”.

George came staggering closer the smell of whiskey was on his breath as he shouted, “Git it now!” that’s If you don’t want two whipping’s“! Just then the door of the house flung open and Thomas peered out.

         “What’s going on out there George? “Slave’s givin you a problem?

         “All’s I asks for is water Tom N’ she’s refused to git me a little drink”. He looked right at Gertrude for a split second, his eyes cold and harsh he turned to spit. “That’s the honest tru---”.

“Come with me Gerty. “What have I told you about how to treat my guest”? He yanked her chubby arm aside. “You may leave now George aint got no beer for you.”

Gertrude didn’t answer. After a few moments of silence she tried to convince herself that Tom didn’t really want to beat her it, was only because George stood there gaping. It was only courteous to beat a slave in front of the guest of whom the wrong doing was committed. But could she tell from the look in his eyes that he knew she was innocent? A heavy hand hauled Gertrude back to her senses. She flinched at the pain that shot throughout her entire body. The whippings came and George walked off content.

“H-he-he wanted beer massa”, she said stammered.

“ I know what he wanted, he shot back, then he let up on the beatings. “You did the right thing Gerty, but a master’s gotta be a master.” His voice almost seemed to tremble. “I--”

Gertrude lowered her head,“ I understand massa.”

“Go on in now,” he replied after recuperated strength.



         Gertrude saw a tall figure dart across the field through the window, cutting off her thoughts, she peered out. She wandered who could it have been? She saw a tall figure with black hair. “Andrew, she whispered , cupping her mouth. “Oh lord the dinner Andrew and Tom probably starving.”  It was already six o’clock pm and being so occupied in her thoughts, she had forgotten all about the dough from earlier. She made lightening speed as she begin to set the table. She decided that it was probably a good time to call Gloria down for help.

         Gloria was new and she’d barely been there for a week before she was already  loaded with work.  Although she was working hard, she didn’t mind the work when she was working with Gertrude, who she often called Gerty. Gerty was like a mother to her. Gloria’s mother was shipped up North when she was ten and she never seen her  again. Her father had been gone over seas for some time and she never got word about his whereabouts. She enjoyed staying up throughout the night talking to Gerty and they were both company for each other. Sometimes Gerty would tell her bible stories, trying her best to sway her into becoming a Christian, even though she had good morals she never accepted Christ as her personal savior. She wondered why God had taken her parents from her in the first place, causing bitterness anew against God. She couldn’t seem to shake the thoughts. But at least she had Gerty.

         The household seemed to benefit from Gloria and even she had a petite frame, she was a hard worker and an asset to the household. Sometimes to give Gerty a break, she would be up almost half the night preparing for the next meal. She had learned so much before her parents left, unlike the other slaves, she could read and write perfectly, she oftened tried teaching Gerty on her spare time.

Gloria pinned up her soft curls as best she could, slipped on her pale blue dress and hurried down stairs. Sure enough she was working hard Gerty must be exhausted. she thought. “ Let me help Gerty”, she eagerly took the plates from Gerty’s hand.

“You sho can darlin. “The massa will be here any minute now.”

Moments later and they were already eating. “Andrew Clarington took seconds as he eyed Gerty. “ Mmm sure is tasty!” 

Tom must have been enjoying the food as well because his head didn’t come up not one time. Andrew peered at his father and chuckled, “looks like someone else is enjoying it too.”

Tom eyed Gerty, with his head still lowered in his plate. He cleared his throat “Food’s mighty fine Gerty.”

A grin formed along the sides of her face. “Thanks massa I try”. “Now you all help yourselves there’s gracious plenty”.

Andrew looked around, the table was set for four and someone was missing. His gaze shifted toward the kitchen. Immediately he knew it was the new slave. He must not have noticed her before, his schedule had been so busy lately that he’d hardly been home. He’d missed everything that happened during the last week. But how could I have missed her! He thought. He let his focus linger on Gloria a little longer than normal.

Gerty prudently met his gaze. She could see plain admiration in his eyes. She turned “That’s Gloria. She’s making a dessert. Girl come on here and eat while’s I watch that dessert” .

Gloria slowly walk in the dinning room feeling awkward as she felt the eyes upon her. She felt color rising to her cheeks.

Andrew eyed her as she nervously took a seat across from him while placing the pie on the table. Andrew tried to figure out what was so appealing to her entrance, was it the pie or her? Something about her had appealed him. She had an innocence about her. He wanted to get to know her right away, but decided that right now wouldn’t best. He finished the rest of his food.

“So we got us another lil nigger who can cook” Tom whispered. “yippee”. Andrew didn’t find his sardonic humor amusing. He didn’t like the way his father was talking. He butted in “ pie looks delicious.”

“Thank you”, she nervously replied with her eyes lowered.

Andrew noticed that she wasn’t like other slaves. She was different, she talked different and she was timid. For one he liked the color of her skin. It was a light yellow. She was a mulatto. She had a dark pretty mass of curls that fell to her narrow shoulders. And deep dark eyes that held mysteries. He was anxious to talk to her, but for now he decided to just taste the pie and leave. There was no way he was going to get involved with a slave. Mulatto or no Mulatto.

         The evening passed without warning and Gerty was plum tuckered out from the day’s meal. She decided that she was going straight to bed, relying on the renewed strength by morning.

Gloria tossed and turned throughout the night. For some reason sleep did not come easy, the bed felt extra hard and shaky and her muscles ached with pain. She tried to figure out why she had been placed here of all places. I’m not all slave . Why couldn’t I have stayed with father? I don’t even know where he is right now, but where ever he is I hope he’s safe. She remembered how her mother taught her to pray each night no matter what of the circumstances. She had took time to instill the love of Christ in her, and taught her to walk in his steps, but right now she couldn‘t seem to fathom it, at the same time it felt like a joke. What kind of God would take away all that you have? “How can I place my trust in someone that Allowed these things to happen”, she muttered surprisingly loud. The notion was way out of the question.

Gerty entered the room. “Is everything okay in here? Miz Gloria Were you sayin something, or am I just plain tired?”

“No. I just miss my parents a lot and---

“And you’re blamin God for it.” Gerty took Gloria‘s hand in hers. “Listen child even though you cant understand everything right now, God knows what he‘s doin. We may not understand his whole purpose, but I know one thing, all things work together for good to them that all called accordin’ to his purpose. Listen you’ve got to learn to lean on him and trust in his word. Open up your hand and let him lead you.” Her voice was soft and tender. “Gloria God loves you, he knows you more than you know yourself. You have so much to be thankful for. You can read and write, that’s somethin most of us slaves cant do. I believe God’s got a plan for you.”

Moisture started to well up in her eyes and the tears sprang to Gloria’s cheeks as Gerty kept sweet words kept flowing. “We gon’ pray.”

         They both knelt down by the bedside as Gerty offered a prayer for Gloria.

“Thank you Gerty. You get some rest its late”.

“Goodnight”. Gerty whispered and quietly left the room.

         

         Three years seemed to go by quick. The day was stifling hot and Gloria felt almost faint in the kitchen. She decided to rest a spell and go enjoy a bit of air. It been awhile since she enjoyed the fresh air. She pulled the damp curls away from hair face and in her best efforts she attempted to pin the remaining trinkets from her face. She stepped on the veranda, walked slowly to the swing and plopped down just as Andrew came in view. she rose immediately to leave just before he paused her.

He brushed off the sweat as he walked up the steps

“Evening Gloria. I’m starving got anything cooking?”

“Yes sir I’ll get it.” She turned to leave, but not before he caught her arm

“No no I can get it you stay here and rest a minute you look a bit pale.”

“I’m fine massa I can---”

“You‘ll do as I say.”

“Yes sir”

With in minutes Andrew was back with food and took a seat next to her. “I want to know how you’ve learned to read so well. You’ve had lesson’s.”

“I-I-I how did you know I----”

“I heard you earlier this morning you sound as if you been taught. You know if someone heard you they’d mistake you for a white person. Best keep that to yourself. Is your family around these parts?”

“No sir my mother was kidnapped and taken up North ten years ago and I’m not sure of my father’s whereabouts, but I miss them greatly.”

He nodded “Im sure you do.” He studied her for a minute. “You look awfully young…eighteen, nineteen?”

“I’m twenty sir.”

He stared at her admiring her eyes. “I haven’t had the chance to get to know you with my being gone all day.”

“Well I’d better get going Gerty probably needs me.” She rose and walked toward the house.

As he watched Gloria walk off, he couldn’t understand what it was that compelled her to him. How had he come to admire her in the past three years? What is wrong with me she is my father’s slave. I could take advantage of her in so many ways. Yet he couldn’t think of one way to harm her.  She was so innocent He felt trapped in so many ways. Perhaps if I think on it. I’ve got to get her to trust me. I’m a white man and yet I feel almost intimidated by her. Minutes later he seen her brown hair coming out

        “Sir the master, says you’re needed in the drawing room. You must go to him quick.”

“Alright I‘ll be there”. Andrew stepped into drawing room as he eyed his father. “What is it pa?”

“The stock. Marshall Loren McCall just informed today that a large sum of money has been depleted from our savings”.

Andrews face went pale. “You don’t mean we could ----”

“Yes son we could very likely lose the triple T and everything on it if we don’t do something quick.”

Tom and Andrew both looked at each other in dismay and silence.

Tom broke the silence. “The only thing I know is to either sale half the land or either sale one of the slaves. Slaves are going up this time of year.”

Andrew was puzzled beyond despair. “I think we should hold off on all decisions right now pa. Before we make any decisions we should check things out. I’ll go and check things out at the market and we can get some answers to some questions.” Gloria rushed to his mind. If he didn’t do something fast, then everyone could be hurt. He walked away.