Surrender

[rvplymates]

Julia's eyes sparkled with mirth at Clayton's little joke, a subtle smile touched her lips but when he acted excited about her two smiles, her smile lit up her face again. He had such a warm way about about him that it took all of her control not to wrap her arms around him and kiss him. She was shocked at her thoughts. How could she want another man like that so soon after losing O'Shien. O'Shien was her love, her only love, what was wrong with her. As Clayton asked how she felt she blushed. She lowered her eyes looking for words that were hard to fine. When she looked at him again, she had a small amount of control over her emotions.

"I-i feel stronger but still not up to full strength. I guess it will take a while before I am back to normal. Clayton would you consider traveling with me, I have plenty of supply as you have probably noticed and gold enough to buy more when that is gone. Problem is I have no destination, never did, I am a aimless traveler. Do you have a place that you wish to go to"

She watched him closely hoping he did not realize what she had almost done.

 

[macmillian]

Ava could not keep her mouth from twisting wryly for a moment. She watched as Jenny went off to follow Luke, a bit of a cynical smile on her lips. She turned then to Cassi, her well bred smile back on her face. "Well Miss Cassi, I would feel just terrible if I did not help you with the evening's meal. If there is anything I can do, please, allow me to help." She smiled again at Cassi, while at the back of her mind she wondered if she had wandered into a group of individuals who still wished the practice of slavery to go on.

She turned to Alex, indicating the direction that Luke had taken off to, and Jenny soon after him. "Is that the direction that I could possibly find a creek or river to wash up in? I am afraid I do not know this area as well as I should..." She thought again of her letters suddenly, wondering if they would ever be sent. At least she no longer had to worry about the bank business, as that would be taken care of when she got to the Territory. "Also Mr. Franks... is there a place in the town we reach next where I might mail some letters? They are of utmost importance...."

Alex....Yes, there is a brook just past that far treeline and the water is running so it is clean, cool and fresh. We leave first thing in the morning and should arrive at the next town somewhere between one and three in the afternoon. I say about six hours if we ride straight through the morning.

I'll set your tent up near the wagon near the large pine. It will keep you in close, yet will afford you some privacy. You go on now and clean up. I'll take care of your things.

I moved Ava's things over to the spot I had indicated and was quickly setting up her tent. "" Ava was a beautiful woman and smart too. She probably had a good education. But what was she doing out here alone in such troubled times. Add another one to my flock, I feel like a traveling preacher, a shepherd. If luke stayed, he would be a great help in many ways.

I made a pallet out of some pine branches and put down some canvas and placed her things inside. As I stood up to admire my work......I watched as Ava returned. Be careful Mr. Franks.........no idle thoughts today.....

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava smiled vaguely at Alex, taking up the bag with her letters in it, as well as a fresh dress and washing up materials.

She wandered off in the same direction as Luke, going to the creek. Once she got there she set her things down, stripping off her dress and corset, leaving just her petticoat and stockings, bare from the waist up. Before stepping into the water, she stops, bending to take out her letter to Finn. Rereading it, she smiled wistfully. It was true, once she had been desperately in love with him, her life brightened by his mere presence. But Finn was more of an idea to her than a person. Thankfully she realized that now than after doing something drastic. Tearing the letter into tiny pieces so that the words were mere smudges, she tossed them into the gently moving waters. A single tear passed over her cheek as she watched the last real vestige of her past wash away.

Ava lifted her face, scanning the horizon, deep in thought. Things had changed. She was never going to teach at Oberlin, nor was she going to keep house in Georgia. She was headed west with a fine group of people who she could depend on for company, comfort, and privacy.

Her resolve strengthened, Ava bent to the water to was her face and torso.

 

[macmillian]

Luke at the brook........

I had taken a walk in the woods on the otherside of the brook, to think on what Alex and M. Jenny had said to me. They were real honest people and they beleived in me. They hadn't cursed of called me names or refered to my missing arm. They treated me like a man and Cassi was nice too, though see be black. All in all a good group. What about Ava??????? A big question.

Last night, Hard and Tough as Nails and today like a woman. A very nice woman......Pretty, no beautiful. Strong, smart, many things and yet she left me with that big question. She stirred me. Did I excite or disgust her.........

Daydreaming, I stepped out of the woods and up onto the bank and there in front of me was Miss Ava with her breasts exposed washing herself in the water. She looked up at that very instant as I was trying to move, but my feet would not obey. I just stood there like a donkey, staring. I couldn't even find my voice to excuse myself. A real jerk. Standing, staring and silent.

We both stood there for what seemed an eternity, looking at each other.

"OHHHHHHHHHH................NOOOOO PLEASE EXCUSE ME!" I shouted and turned and ran back into the woods.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava found it funny that she didn't scream. She just stared as Luke ran off into the woods. She considered chasing him, demanding some sort of explanation, but then she would have to forgo her bath. She sighed, it wasn't as if Mr. Harrold had never seen breasts before. Not that hers weren't just lovely, but it was doubtful that the experience would scar anyone.

She finished bathing quickly, deciding to leave her hair down for a bit, and got dressed. She affixed her corset, making sure all of her clothes were in order and walked back to camp. Just before reaching the little circle of tents, she turned back to the stream. The letter was long gone, and so a piece of her with it. Her eyes filled with tears for a moment then she shook her head and went back to the camp.

 

[macmillian]

I watched as you returned to camp.

Alex...."Hello Ava. Your all set and your things are inside. You look refreshed after your wash. By the way, Have you seen Luke? I haven't seen him since he left camp earlier. I wanted to know where he would like me to set him up."

Well let me go and see if Cassi or Jenny needs anything or was there anything else needed doing. See you later. Bye for now. I returned to the campsite and the fire.

"Hi Cassi, Any coffee?" I asked. "Nice birds, tonight's supper. I'm hungry already. Cassi, Give me a smile. Everything is OK. Not to worry."

I lean in close and whisper in your ear, "I still love you!!!!!". Forgeting my coffee I walk over to the horse's picket line and set about fixing things up.

I look back and I see you looking back, a wink and a smile and I go about my work. It is to late to start anything on the wagon today. It will have to wait untill our next stop.

I still have to go back and see Julia and Clayton. I can't see them roaming about alone either. I go over in a little. Maybe I'll take Cassi along to help convince them to join us. Cassi liked Miss Julia when she realized she wasn't any compitition for me. Alex you are daydreaming again. Ever since that first time with Cassi, you feel that every woman we meet is after your masculine hard body. It may all be true, but boy, that ain't going to happen. No sir, it just isnt ........

 

[macmillian]

Luke comes walking out of the woods and stops by the fire and asks where Miss Ava was and Jenny points over to the tent near the tall pine. Thanks and I walk over to the tent.

I stand nearby shuffling my feet and clearing my throat, hoping you would here me and come out. but you don't, so I call out.

"Miss Ava, It's Me.....Luke. I would like to talk with you, please."

I am standing there a bundle of nerves, my throat dry, the palms of my hands sweaty. It seems like I am standing there for an hour and I am about readyto bolt away like a frightened deer.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava nearly laughed out loud, hearing Luke call to her in such a tone. It was as if he were addressing his teacher after putting a frog in her lunchpail. Ava smiled to herself, putting her hair up would just have to wait. She stood, adopting a haughty stature, and exited her tent to speak with Luke.

"Ah! Mr. Harrold, how nice to see you. Tell me, did you enjoy your walk in the woods? The flora and fauna are quite lovely this season I must say. You said you had something to speak to me about?" She raised a single eyebrow, her eyes teasing.

 

[landiek]

Cassi did appreciate Jenny's help with the birds and once they were completely defeathered she rubbed them with salt and butter. After a quick turn she stuck a rod thru them and make a make-shift roaster. Cassi told a few more long sticks and made the fire larger in order to cook both birds.

With her smaller fire she brewed more coffee and was fixing cornbread in a skillet. Cassi was turning her birds when she thought she head Masser Luke holler but since it wasn't followed by more screaming she guessed that he roused some other game hens.

Cassi noticed that Miz Ava came back to camp and even noticed the damp hair. That was a good thing to have out of the way and Cassi even took note of the bucket of water Miz Jenny left near the fire. That would make a nice bath for her in the silence of night when others were sleeping.

"Hi Cassi, Any coffee?" Alex asked. "Nice birds, tonight's supper. I'm hungry already. Cassi, Give me a smile. Everything is OK. Not to worry."

"It shore won't be much longer, Masser Alex." Cassi replied iwth a heartfelt smile.

"I still love you!!!!!". Echoed in Cassi's ear as a few tears dribbled along her dark cheek. Did Masser Alex see that she needed to know that still.. She still needed his affections. She even returned a broad smile when he winked

Cassi even baked some tubers with the dinner and after an hour she called to all the party. "YA'LL COME AN EAT!"

 

[macmillian]

Ava nearly laughed out loud, hearing Luke call to her in such a tone. It was as if he were addressing his teacher after putting a frog in her lunchpail. Ava smiled to herself, putting her hair up would just have to wait. She stood, adopting a haughty stature, and exited her tent to speak with Luke.

"Ah! Mr. Harrold, how nice to see you. Tell me, did you enjoy your walk in the woods? The flora and fauna are quite lovely this season I must say. You said you had something to speak to me about?" She raised a single eyebrow, her eyes teasing.

"Yes'um.......", pausing to swallow, "I want to say I am sorry for walking in on you while you were bathing. I didn,t know that you were there!!!!!"

I couldn't look her in the eye as I stared down at my feet as I pushed around some dirt with the toes of my boots. I could feel her eyes on me and I was afraid to look up to see if she was smiling or laughing at me. I hoped not. I like this lady and I was ashamed to have interuped her bath........

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava tried not to grin as Luke shuffled his feet. "Mr. Harrold, if the sight of my bosom didn't send you into hysteric shock, I doubt, in the long run, that it will do the same to me. Now, Miss Cassi has been kind enough to call us to dinner. I suggest you escort me like a proper gentleman and forget this silly thing ever happened." Ava takes Luke's arm and walks to the fire to eat the pheasant.

 

[macmillian]

Luke....

I look at Ava and I see she has a smile on her face, but it is not one of making fun of someone, but of one who is happy or in good spirits. I accept her hand and we walk over to the fire and to supper. Even from her it smells good.

"Ava, Thank You, You are quite a woman. Yesum, Quite a woman. That's if you don't mind me sayin that. The cooking sure smells good. I am hungry, how about you Ava?"

*********************************************************

Alex....

I had just brough in the last of the horses and had them tied to the picket line when Cassi Cried out that the food was ready. It was not as late as she thought it was going to be. Like everything Cassi cooks, it smelled mighty good. I washed my hands in the bucket of water by the picket line and headed over to the fire.

I saw Ava amd Luke walking in from her area and I smiled. Looked to me like we had two more companions to travel with us. I reached the fire and remarked to Cassi that something smelled mighty good. As I passed behind her to the coffee pot and Cassi was standing up straight, checking to make sure everyone was on there way in, I ran my hand along her ass and let it linger a second or two longer that I should have and continued on. I knelt by Jenny who was watching the others approach.

"Jenny, pour you a cup of coffee?"

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava lifted a corner of her mouth wryly, her voice taking on a more serious but still good natured tone. "I do what I have to Mr. Harrold. Right now, I have to get west. My southern gentility can wait until I get there as far as I am concerned." She turned to him and smiled. "But you already know enough about me, perhaps some time in the near future you could tell me more about yourself?"

 

[macmillian]

Luke....

"Thank you Ava, since i lost my arm, no one has really showed any interest in me till now. You and Alex and Cassi and even Jenny, but especially you. Again I thank you for that. Maybe tonight over an extra cup of coffee, I might just be persuaded to tell all, well maybe not all."" and I smile back at you.

Just before we reach the fire, I stop and turn to you. "You are a lady and you will always be a lady. Remember that. It is important that we remember who we are and from where we came and in some case, where you ar headed."" Not giving you a chance to answer, I lead you to the fire and a place on one of the logs.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Luke....

"You are a lady and you will always be a lady. Remember that. It is important that we remember who we are and from where we came and in some case, where you ar headed."" Not giving you a chance to answer, I lead you to the fire and a place on one of the logs.

Ava looked after Luke as he walked to the fire, her eyes suddenly very sad. She wanted to tell him he was wrong, but deep down she knew that she could never change who she was. She would be a Beaumont her entire life. It was ingrained on her, the wealth, the privelege. She would never be what she was, but then again she would never be anything else either.

Clearing her mind of these thoughts, she sat down at the fire to enjoy a meal with her new companions.

 

[icu1978]

jenny sat by the fire with an empty cup in her hand. watching the others come to dinner. as she seen the exchange between alex and cassi and then the looks passed between luke and miss ava jenny took a deep breath and looked away from everyone her eyes fell to her infant son sleeping in the swing not far away.

when alex offered her a cup of coffe she shook her head and declined the offer setting her still empty cup next to the others since it was still clean somone else could use it. getting up she lifted the sleeping baby into her arms. looking to cassi and alex witha weak smile on her face.

" im not really all that hungry. i think i will just head to my tent with david." turning she left the fire and the group of people sitting around it. they didn't seem to notice her departure. they where all talking and filling their plates with steaming food and that cassi had worked so hard to prepare for them. walking over to her tent and steping inside she turned one last time and looked at the small group.

with a sigh she entered her small tent. laying the baby down jenny sat cross leged in the center of the small area. it was obvouse that luke and ava had met before and if there was not an attracion there she would eat her boot for supper tomarrow. and cassi and alex well they where in love. and she was happy for them. but being around all these couples and constantly feeling the pressure of pretending to be somthing she wasn't was weighing on her heavely. her mind never seemed to shut off and more often than not all she wanted to do was curl into a ball and cover her head up and never come out of her tent.

pulling her knee's up to her chest and laying her forehead on them she let her mind wonder. she could vaguely here the comotoin of the others outside eating and talking,so lost in her thoughts.

 

[macmillian]

After we ate supper and helped Cassi clean up and added just a little more wood to the fire, I went to Jenny's tent and knocked on the post and she answered.

"Jenny, there is something special happening down by the fire, Bring David and come down, We need you now, and I will wait and help you if you need it.

"With everyone sitting arround the fireand holding a cup of coffee or water and All were set I stood and looked around at the faces turned and looking at me.

ALEX...."I ask that you let me finish speaking and then you can ask questions, add resposes, When the war ended, My captainn rode with me to my place. It was no more,no building, no livestock. all Taken by carpestbaggers and loyalists. All southerns with good farms or business were driven off of cheated at low prices declared by the union courts and their judges. So I rode with him towards his home and not two days into Georgia the captain dies of fever and I burry him where he fell.

Shortly after that, I came upon a group of four or five men who had torn the clothes of a womans back. they had already robed her belongins and now they planned to rape her and most likely to kill her in the end.

I had seen enough killig and dieing and suffering in the war and I didn't mean to see more, I chased away the four men and recovered the black women's things. She took a minute to remove the badly damaged dress and to put on a fresh one. "Please mister, let me ride with you. I can cook and I can sew."

For three week we headed west, the two of us, with two pistols, a Sharps Rifle, knives and some camping equipment. but most of all, two very good saddle horses with bridles and saddles and saddle bags. Saddle boots for rifles,blankets and four "war Bags". The war bags carry the pots and pans, cooking ingredients, spices, eating and cooking utensiles. Dry and smoked fish and meats and oiled brown paper to hold the meat and fish and then wrapped again in leather,

What started out as a companions, which grew into a friendship and then that grew into a more complicated closer relationship. Between the war and Miss Cassi being so understanding and mindful of others and there is only love in her heart. It was lust, then passion and over the past few weeks I have fallen in love with a middle aged black woman. It was not planned that way. It just happened. That speaks to Miss Cassi and I.


Now.....the important thing....Jenny is no kin to me, either by birth or marrage. She is a young widow woman with a youn infant to care for. I have pladged to take car of her and the baby and to get her somewhere safe.

As with Cassi, They can leave when they like. As can anyone who joins us. How ever you decide, I will see you all safley into the next town.

Everyone will vote except me. I am This groups Captain and I remain as long as I have the support of all. So make up your minds......Stay or Go.

One thing more, Around the towns here in the south, Cassi will stay in the background as much as possible and I promise not to push the issue again in the next town.

It is time to vote....We go right around the fire, starting with Cassi...........

 

[andygorn]

Julia's eyes sparkled with mirth at Clayton's little joke, a subtle smile touched her lips but when he acted excited about her two smiles, her smile lit up her face again. He had such a warm way about about him that it took all of her control not to wrap her arms around him and kiss him. She was shocked at her thoughts. How could she want another man like that so soon after losing O'Shien. O'Shien was her love, her only love, what was wrong with her. As Clayton asked how she felt she blushed. She lowered her eyes looking for words that were hard to fine. When she looked at him again, she had a small amount of control over her emotions.

"I-i feel stronger but still not up to full strength. I guess it will take a while before I am back to normal. Clayton would you consider traveling with me, I have plenty of supply as you have probably noticed and gold enough to buy more when that is gone. Problem is I have no destination, never did, I am a aimless traveler. Do you have a place that you wish to go to"

She watched him closely hoping he did not realize what she had almost done.

There it was...that third smile...'Wow! What a beautiful smile.' Clayton thought.
Julia had blushed as she looked away and Clayton thought that he saw the ghost of a different look in her eyes but -intuition not being his strong point- he said wasn't sure what it was and he didn't show that he had seen it.

When Julia asked if she would travel with her, Clayton replied: 'Yes, of course I would" a little too eagerly perhaps, the excitement to be with this lovely brave woman for even just one moment longer showing in his face...
Composing himself and putting on a slightly upper-class accent that he'd heard in high society parties, bowing to her he quickly added: "I'd be honoured to escort you across country ma'am" as he held out his crooked arm, inviting her to take it as if attending what he would call a "ball-gown event".

"I'm afraid that I don't know where to be going, Julia, I thought that maybe you might have a notion. I'd heard about plenty of folks moving to go West for a new life; I ws curious about it, but I'd never had the chance to find out what all the fuss was about until I met you..." then -blushing- he quickly added: "I mean, until I got free..."
"I don't really know what's out there; perhaps we can obtain a map and enjoy seeing many of the sights of our wondrous country?"
The after-word "....together..?" hung unspoken in the air between them, but he hoped she might say yes...

"I have very little money of my own, young lady...I have some skills as a carpenter, but I fear these talents may be in little demand around these parts" he joked.
"But maybe me and Amy could at least get some food for the pot as we travel to help pay our way?" he asked hopefully...he knew it wasn't much of an offer, but he hoped that she would agree.
Amy awoke at the sound of her name and she yawned, got up and walked around a couple of paces and then snuggled back down on the rock between Clayton and Julia's thighs.
Running a couple of fingers through Amy's soft fur, Clayton realised with a start that he had said "we" to term himself, Amy and Julia...
He'd said it without thinking, but he found that -somehow- the phrase seemed okay to use.

 

[icu1978]

jenny followed alex back to camp with david in her arms. when they reached the fire where everyone else sat she took a deep breath and sat the furthest from the group and the closest she could to her own tent.

as alex took his place in the center of their small curcle she listened to his speach. her face pale she listend to the closing of his speach and looked around the group. she did not know why he had brought her back down here she already knew about him and cassi. she was greatful that he was no longer using her and her son as a cover for their affair but since he was outing himself she did not see why it envolved her. even when he asked for a vote she rolled her eyes to the heavens.

as if she could leave their little group. even if she did have a problem with him and cassi being togethor she could not leave the safety the provided for david. with a sigh she stood before cassi could cast her vote.

with that in mind she watched the fire dance in the pit infront of her and waited for the rest to say what was on their minds. not that she thought anyone would have problem with what alex had said. she just did not want to be rude and leave before the voting was done.

 

[landiek]

Cassi was stunned that Masser Alex had confessed their relationship to the group that way and wasn't about to stay as she turned sharply around grabbing her skirt tails and running towards the water.

Her actions totally opposite of what some may have expected and for an ex-slave she was still fast on her feet.

Tears trailing down her cheeks stung as his admission revealed all the dirty secrets. What would Masser Luke think of her for lying to him about Jenny's place in their group? Before she realized how close she was there came a loud splash as she fell face first into the cold water of the river.

Cassi finally climbed out of the water and sat on a fallen tree hanging near the water's edge sobbing. No Negra would be excepted in the towns they came to.. Cassi learned her lesson from that last town they stopped at .. her color was not welcome.. and it would be worse to be a white man's lover...

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava stood as Cassi ran off towards the creek. She looked around at the apprehensive and confused faces. She waited a moment, hearing the splash as Cassi jumped into the water.

"Mr. Franks, if I may be so bold. I do believe that this is a... situation that could best be solved with a woman's touch. Miss Jenny, I ask that you accompany me to aid our dear Cassi in whatever troubles her. I am sure the gentlemen can take care of darling David until we return." The perfect Southern Etiquette surprised her. It was as if she were adressing a group gathered at a debutante ball.

Not waiting to see the reaction of the others, Ava walked off in the direction that Cassi had gone.

"Ah, Miss Cassi.... might I have a word with you for just a moment??" It was clear that Ava was not angry or upset, but wishing to talk to Cassi. She approached the woman with a reassuring smile on her face.

 

[macmillian]

Alex at the camp:

I looked over to Luke, shrugged my shoulders and went and sat next to David. Speaking to the Baby. "Sorry little feller, I guess I just goofed. It's what we call, jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. You know that the lies was hurting your mom and it was also having an affect on Cassi too. I just had to tell the truth. At least to the people we care about and are traveling with. Trust me David. I'll still get your mom and you to someplace safe and secure. I promise....."

Luke....

I walked over to where Alex sat next to the Baby and looked down and listened as he spoke to David, the Baby. It was like he was expecting a reply.

"Alex........." he looked up, "I am not sure, we just fought a war and the blacks were part of that. Many are not accepted here in the southern states. Why here and why now? You are the first man who has accepted me for me and it has nothing to do with or about an arm. I am an angry and unforgiving man right now. Not for what you said or did, but because of what happened in the war. Earlier to day, you were helping me get over that. I thank you and I still will travel with you and try and watch your back. I might not be saying this right, but shake my hand on it. Right or wrong, I 'll stand with you.

Alex.... without saying a word I stand and take Luke's offered hand in mine and I pull him close and also give him a hug and a pat on the back. Luke is now a part of this group. For better or worse, a member for now and always if he wishes.

Alex...."Thanks Pal, I hope I can live up to all you said. This little feller understands or will one day. Untill then or I find a safe place for him and his mother. That was and is my promise. Luke, thank you, I think I am going to need another friend besides David, one that is going to stand next to me. I beleive that's you Luke, and thanks again."

Luke...."Not a problem, your the one with the headaches, not me. I'll stand with you in everything except not against the women folk. What they decide will be the law. They outnumber us and they control everything. so brother watch out. Between Ava, Jennny and Cassi, you are in for one hell of a time and I mean to tell you. Shut up and listen when they come back."

We both sit down to wait the return of the women.

 

[icu1978]

jenny followed behind ava towards cassi. stoping a few feet away jenny watched as ava stoof next to cassi. she seemed unable to move anyfurther. the tears running down cassi's face and the pain she could clearly see there even in the moon light made her heart twist in her chest and her blood boil. for the first time in her life she was angry. hearing ava speaking jenny finally snaped out of her own thoughts and walked over to sit beside cassi on the log.

sitting down next to cassi she turned the older woman slightly to face her.
" cassi , he is just a man, he didn't mean to hurt you. he just did not know what he was doing when he gave that little speach."

wraping her arms around cassi she held the older woman to her chest. huging her tightly. she wiped the tears from cassi's cheeks." why dont you talk to us cassi... im sure that miss ava and myself have had a share of men blundering things... you know they have a knack for doing that." she smiled at cassi trying to brighten her mood. but knew in her heart that it wouldn't work.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava smiled as Jenny tried to calm the woman. "Miss Cassi, if I may... I believe that Mr. Franks was telling us about your relationship because, well, on a journey like this we will have to trust each other, and to know each other. That need for trust and companionship extends far beyond the color of one's skin. We are undertaking an endeavor that has caused many to perish. Without complete trust and openness in our group, we run that same risk. Also, if any one member of our group should have a problem with yours and Alex's love, it is better that they find out now and leave peacefully than doing something drastic later one." Ava smiled, sitting down next to Cassi.

"I know that this is difficult for you, people like me have hurt people like you far too badly for far too long. But there are people out there who understand that when all is said and done, we all go to the same maker and are judged the same way. If and when we encounter those who still harbor more outdated ways of thinking, we will deal with them adequately then. We're family now Miss Cassi, and family, well, family protects each other." She slipped an arm around Cassi's shoulders, a very rare physical sign of affection for Ava. "You are very good to us Miss Cassi, allow us to be equally as good to you."

Ava smiled warmly at Cassi, feeling awkward but nonetheless realizing how important this moment between them is.

 

[landiek]

"Ah, Miss Cassi.... might I have a word with you for just a moment??" It was clear that Ava was not angry or upset, but wishing to talk to Cassi. She approached the woman with a reassuring smile on her face.

"I's don't wants company." Cassi replied softly as she brushed the back of her hand over her face.

Cassi watched as Miz Jenny walked over to sit. Cassi was so torn inside as the white women meant well and she could see that in their faces.

" Cassi , he is just a man, he didn't mean to hurt you. he just did not know what he was doing when he gave that little speech."

Cassi made a snuffly noise as she wiped away more tears. "Tain't no call fer them words."

" why don't you talk to us, Cassi... I'm sure that Miss Ava and myself have had a share of men blundering things... you know they have a knack for doing that." she smiled at Cassi trying to brighten her mood.

"Dem words can gets Him and me hanged.. most folks ain't so rightly bout that sort of thinkin.... I's can't have that says bout me.. No Sir.. We's were nearlee railed out of town.. I's can't have dat on muh head... no sir.. lawdie Masser Alex done plume wents outta his dern head."

Cassi started to rock on her perch as she snuffled some more trying to understand the reasoning behind Masser Alex telling the group about being Cassi's lover. It was just beyond her comprehension as she accepted that she was an old slave woman that was nothing more the worms in the ground who had no business seducing a white man to her arms and that reality made her cry harder.