Flight of Fancy: Cora's Daughters (25 page)

Upon entering, three young women within, deep in their studying, - stood. One of them so light in skintone, she was close to passing for white. Just as their host was clean and smartly dressed in a white top and black skirt, so were they.

“Ladies, please take your books to the sun room, it appears we have a new boarder.”

The three greeted Asiza simultaneously - smiling with a soft “Welcome...” to her as they walked by. Their eyes going from her to Broc with bright expressions – happy to see a new boarder. The last of them had the door knob in hand, closing it and leaving the room to Della – casting one last lingering glance.

“Have a seat please. How about refreshments, water, tea, cider or coffee?” She asked, before taking her place behind the desk.

“Thank you, I’ll have coffee – my wife, tea…” He looked at Asiza to check if that was okay. She gave a nervous nod to the tea. “…an’ water or milk for lil’man, his name is Asa.” Broc introduced him, placing the saddle bags on the floor.

Della smiled, “Nice to meet you Asa.” And then to Broc, “You know of me… how about an introduction of you and your -
wife?
”

He stood right away, rubbing sweaty palms on his breeches – with his hand out to shake hers, he felt a bit awkward because this would be his first time dealing with a woman in charge. He hoped it was appropriate to shake her hand, if she were a man that was what he’d do.

Smiling at him, she shook it – waiting for introductions, “I’m Broc Wolf, and this is my wife, Asiza Wolf – and, our lil’man, Asa Wolf.”

Releasing his hand, she turned her inviting smile to a wide eyed Asiza, welcoming them, “A pleasure making your acquaintance. Just a moment, I’ll get you all something to wash the dust from your throat.”

She left them alone.

“Oh ain’t she somethin’? Talk nice and proper – just like a lady, manners and etiquette and all. You got some learning to do, ‘Seeza.” He slipped up saying.

“I got manners! An’ etta – well – that ain’t nothin’ but a fancy word for manners no way!” She corrected him.

“Asiza, you know what I mean – she’s refined, gentle, sweet.”

“An I ain’t?”

Broc made a face and decided he would be better off not answering that question – that was just as bad.

“So you sayin’ I ain’t?”

“You can be sweet when you wanna be.”

Asa shook his little head, even he knew that wasn’t enough to patch it up.

“I’m thinkin’ i’s gone be a while fo’ I wanna be again.”

“Long as you over it by the time I get back here t'fetch you.”

Having that reminder, fixed things immediately. She was back to looking doe eyed. “See you can’t wait to be rid’o’us - you can just go if you want.”

“Asiza-…” He started, but the door opened.

Della entered carrying a tray. Setting it down between them,

“There’s cream there and sugar here as well. Fix it the way you like. As for you Asa, a cold – fresh glass of cream.”

She passed it to him and he eagerly took it, he couldn’t believe his eyes and put it directly to his lips. Taking his first few drinks of it, the pleasure that went through him was clear to see.

Pleased, Della took her seat behind the desk, comfortable before them, she looked from Asiza to Broc, “Let’s hear your plans.” She invited.

With his coffee cup in hand, drinking it black, he spoke up, “I got a great deal t’see to, a home t’build. I’m not gonna have my wife and little one exposed to the harsh cold while I get it done. If there’s room, I’d like to pay you in advance, for their board and education. She needs everything, from the skin out. So does he.”

“If you’ah see to their care, their learnin’, all of it while I’m gone, not only will I pay for their needs, I’ah make a nice donation as well.”

“I see, and how long are we talking about?” Della asked.

Broc drew in a deep long breath, then slowly exhaled, glancing at Asiza again. Her face was downcast, sad – but accepting, she wasn’t looking at him now. He turned back to their hostess.

“I – ‘till – spring should give me time enough.”

Asiza gasped, looking sharply up at him. “Spring?” She couldn’t believe her ears. “Asiza, if I get done sooner, I’ll be back for you, I promise. Meanwhile, you’ah get decent schooling, you and Asa. Come on now, you can do this, I know you can.”

She looked away from him, shaking her head. “Wasn’t fo’Asa, I’ah leave you Broc Wolf.” She grumbled.

“Guess that’s why the Lord give’im to us when he did, he know you! An’ you ain’t leavin’ me - you gone stay here, learn – get truly fancy, see about Asa, and wait on me. Now, that’s that!” He turned from Asiza back to Ms. Della, “Sorry you have to see that ma’am, but I got to be that way with ‘Seeza, she one stubborn woman – don’t like to be told what right for her.”

Della only smiled, enjoying the sight of them.

“Yes, well, Mr. Wolf – you’ll be happy to know we do have space. If Asiza is willing to work with us, we’ll make her time here well worth being away from you.” She assured him,

“…and I mean that kindly sir.” and then to Asiza, “Mrs. Wolf-…”

“Asiza jus’ fine.” She grumbled cutting him dirty looks.

“Mrs. Wolf…” Della insisted on calling her, “… give us a chance? He’s right you know – the winters are at times, dangerous. You’ll be safe, warm, with plenty of company and loads to learn. We’ll get you fitted with all the clothes you need, as well your little man. I think you’ll end up enjoying the time spent here.”

“I ain’ got no choice. Was free, a time ago, but on the road, I en’up wit’ this man! An’ he, fo’some reason – marry me, so I ain’t free no more.”

Della sighed, and then looking from one to the other, thought she needed to inform them of some things – just in case they weren’t aware.

“I ah, can’t help but feel I should bring up an important matter, concerning the two of you, and marriage. Ah, are you sir, aware of the miscegenation laws?”

Broc had to pull his eyes away from his wife, to register the question just asked, giving himself a moment to think about it. He’d heard the term before in his travels, and knew it had something to do with black and white folks, but he couldn’t exactly say what it meant.

“I’ve heard it before.”

“Are you aware of its meaning?” She urged him on.

“No ma’am, not sure.”

“It’s a law that prohibits anyone white, from marrying and dwelling with anyone
not
white.”

Broc sat quiet a moment, so did Asiza. Her eyes went from the lady to Broc.

After a few moments of silence, Broc finally spoke his mind, “Ma’am, Ms. Della, I thank you for informing me of that. I’m supposing this is so in the north as well?”

“Yes sir, it is. Although, you aren’t the only one I’ve seen ignoring the law.”

Broc nodded his head and went on to say, “Hmmm, not to be rude ma’am, but - no man made law, gets to override God’s law in my eyes. No man, nor his law, is gone tell me, who I can spend the rest of my life with. It ain’t his business.”

Della smiled once more, nodding her head, “I’m on your side Mr. Wolf, which is the reason I thought you should know. For the sake of safety, might I suggest, you not tell anyone else that Asiza is your wife. Simply avoid the topic, and if you must discuss her place in your life – she is your cook, maid, or servant.”

He turned fiery red with anger - the response was immediate and sure. He looked towards Asiza as she sat quietly beside him with her head bowed, eyes on her hands in her lap.

“Asiza –
is
– my wife!” He bit out.

“I’m aware of that Mr. Wolf, and your secret is safe with me. Your
wife,
is safe with us. But know this sir, no matter how it may pain you, it is a secret that must be kept. Even here, in the north. Now, let us get on with getting her and your little man Asa, situated so you can take care of your business – with peace-of-mind.”

Broc was so angry he was close to getting up and taking Asiza and Asa with him. It took him a few moments to think clearly and settle down. After all, this lady had done him a favor by letting him know, it wasn’t a law that she was responsible for, but men who looked like him – they’d done this. He glanced once more at his wife.

Asiza finally looked up and their eyes met. She reached over and squeezed his forearm, “The Lawd know, tha’s all that matta’. I know, you know, we be all right.” While Asiza would and could fight him tooth and nail concerning other matters, law or not, she loved him. There was no turning back. When he felt hurt, because he thought she was being hurt, all she wanted to do was soothe him, regardless of anything else.

“Mr. Wolf? Shall we carry on?”

He had no choice, he had nowhere else to take them, he nodded his head, reminding her, “She
my
wife, long as you understand that, and treat her right-…”

Della stopped him, “Sir, I assure you, that right here, is the very best place for Mrs. Wolf. After all, she and others like her, are the many reasons we are here. All will be fine. You’ve made the right decision bringing her here.”

“I hope you right, let’s get on with this then – the sooner I get started, the quicker I’ll be coming to fetch them.”

“Very well, let’s get started.”

Chapter Seventeen

Broc had no alternative than to believe that he had done the right thing – bringing them there, time would tell. He bent to reach into the saddle bag and pulled out a small bag of gold coins. Looking up at Ms. Della, he placed the bag before her, “I’m thinking that’ll double cover their stay here. Mr. McNeil referred this place, told me what the costs would be. I got that ready for you. Think you’ll be pleased – there’s plenny extra for your school. You can count it, while I stand if you wish. Eagle tens in gold – count it.”

“The weight of it alone tells me you’re right.”

“Look at it – it’s real. Don’t trust my word for it - see for ya’self.”

“Something tells me, I can trust you Mr. Wolf.”

“Well, suit yourself. I sure hope you don’t do
that
much, this a wicked world. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to see my wife’s room, make sure she’s well set up.”

Della enjoyed him. She loved that he refused to refer to his wife as anything but. She wished there was more time to help him cool down - but she could tell, he was ready to move on. Pulling a key from around her neck, she leaned over and used it to unlock a drawer and placed the bag of gold inside, locking it again.

“Ah, Ms. Della, you shouldn’t do that in front o’strangers.”

“I assure you Mr. Wolf, it’s all by itself, and it won’t be there for long.”

He shook his head, thinking,
‘Lord, this why women should not do business, and not alone…they too trustin’.’
of course he kept his thoughts to himself – but it worried him now to leave Asiza behind. Just because they were north, didn’t mean men were any more honorable than those of the south – that stupid miscegenation law was a perfect example of that.

There was no honor among these men, if they could steal people’s lives and rights - that made them thieves.

Simply put, a thief was just that, and should not be trusted.  

Della stood, inviting them to follow her. Broc put his saddle bag back over his shoulder, and stood back letting the ladies pass him first, and then Asa.

“So aaah, Ms. Della… what do you all do to protect yourselves out here all alone? Is there a man around here anywhere?”

Della smiled, “Yes Mr. Wolf, there are three. One is our driver, another sees to the upkeep of the place, and the third is my father, who is also a physician – his office is towards the back. Most of his patients are the local livestock… and the Negroes in the area.”

“Just checkin’… and, they here all the time?”

“Unless they’re running errands or conveying us about, yes.”

“Just three huh? Well, that’s better than none. Just checking. I’m leaving my family in your care – just need them to be safe.”

They were rounding the top of the stairs, “I find that admirable of you sir. We are as safe as can be expected. Life – in itself is a danger, and doubly so as a Negro and twice more as a Negro woman. Either tomorrow is coming for us, or it is not – no sense in worrying – we must learn to get on with it.”

“Yes, I suppose so.” He answered, yet felt no better for having heard it.

Changing the subject, Della went on to explain, “Once you’re gone Mr. Wolf, I’ll get your wife situated. I’ll take her on a tour so that she knows where everything is. She’ll be shown what’s here for her and your son’s use. Outside, you saw the six side cabins. They are our classrooms, three for the children, three for young adults, ladies that is.” Their stroll was slow as Broc and the governess spoke, “Don’t seem as though there’s enough here to fill’em.” He commented following behind, having noticed a few women here and there – all peeking at them from where they could.

“We school not only the boarders, but those who live in the area, children, young women – any Negro adult woman who wishes to learn. I’m happy to say, the classes are often filled.”