Flight of Fancy: Cora's Daughters (35 page)

Ticking off his mental to-do list, Broc made his way to hiring on more men. Behind him, talk spread that he must be a man of prestige and wealth – already businessmen were keeping an eye out to sell him something or bring him in on an investment, money drew more money. He would wait – hold himself back from speaking to anyone else. He would maintain his connections with Mr. McNeil and the Websters – after all – they were more like him.

This time, when he departed town, he would have more of the manpower he needed. Five more black men, two Asians and three Indians. He made sure to pick up more supplies for the camp and tents for the new men. He ordered several more lots of lumber and picked up the load coming to him – making sure to purchase weapons. Because of what he’d said to the men at camp, lumber arriving non-stop would show them, he meant every word that he said. Also, with all of the woods on his property, he would soon be in place to have his own Sawmill and lumber yard.

With the clock ever ticking over his head, he kept his focus and left off visiting his wife. His objective was to get their home built so that she could join him come spring. He left his newly hired men with the instructions of loading the wagons with supplies as he made his last stop.

He had himself tailored and fitted for a few suits. He knew that it was also true what Mr. McNeil advised him, at some point, he needed to improve his reading. That would come later.

His reading might not be the best, but he damn sure could count, figure and add - that was more important to him for the moment.

Back at the boarding house, Della gathered all the ladies there together to announce the good news. Once again, all would be sponsored for a fitting of a new gown.

“For some of you, this will be your first Christmas dance. While I’ve seen to budgeting for some, I’m happy to say, our benefactors have once again contributed towards making sure, all have what is needed to enjoy the evening.”

All the women in attendance who had gone thru the previous dances, were excited to have another gown added to the one from the previous year, or two – depending on how many they’d attended while boarders.

“Now… I’ve said this before, I will continue to say it. I want to continue to make you ladies aware.” She paused, gazing each of them in the eyes, “Men will be in attendance. Negro men, looking for wives, as well – other men, looking for companions of another nature.”

There was some excited murmuring that she allowed to subside before going on to say, “Ladies, my purpose here, is to educate you, inform you and help to accommodate you until your life takes the direction that it will. Meaning, wherever you choose to live after leaving here. I cannot nor will not judge any. You must decide for yourselves who and what you will be upon your departure. Should your eye catch a man and his you – be certain of his intentions ladies, be absolutely sure. I am not your mother, nor your father, thus – there is no need to come to me to honor you with their intentions. You – must decide. You must choose. And with that choice – you must live. I tell you this, because once you decide to go, I cannot let you come back. I must have space, for another who has not had the opportunity given you. For this reason, there are those of you who have been here since we opened. Gaining greater knowledge, wisdom and time to learn what it is you really want. Five years is the limit. I wish there were more accommodations. Perhaps, one day there will be.”

Della smiled and then sighed, “Unfortunately, there are those of you who will leave here the first chance you get.”

“You know who you are. By observing some of you, I know who you are. All too quickly, space is opened up – room is available.”

“I’ve had as many as ten come in at one time, and before six months has passed, only two are left.” She gave them time again to think about that, and the sadness showed on her face, proof that it bothered her.

“While… this dance is indeed a good thing, to socialize and meet those from the area. It can also be – a dangerous thing for those who rush into the first way out. So think, observe, listen and wonder, if a man chooses you – why? Ask him why? For what reason? What things does he have to offer you, that is better than – what I offer you here, now that you are … here. What I’m saying ladies, is… don’t lose your way. Sadly, some leave here, and end up lost, with no way – to find it again. Because of
what
we are… we cannot
afford
, to lose – our - way.”

Some looked at others with knowing eyes. Who would still be there days, or weeks after the dance. Who would require a long courtship and who would depart first chance.

“Since time is of the essence, Newt will be taking four of you at a time to be fitted for your new gowns. It is with great hope, that each of you will be at your best. That you will carry yourselves - conduct yourselves with the dignity, honor and etiquette you have been taught.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

“Mrs. Wolf, come in.” Della invited, following the gentle knock.

Asiza entered shaking her head, commenting, “Why do you insist upon calling me, Mrs. Wolf?”

Della, ever pleasant, sat back comfortably, “I’m so proud of you. Listen to you – your manner and speech, so lady like and genteel – well done.” She complimented Asiza as she took a seat before her, “As for calling you Mrs. Wolf, I want the other ladies to realize there is honor in gaining a man’s admiration so, that he is willing to give you his name. Too many have come out of slavery, from the south, willing to accept any treatment and offer they can get, as long as they are not a slave. But if you are not treated well, if you are not happy and honored, what else are you… but a slave?”

Asiza sat listening to her words and nodding, she agreed, saying, “I see, but – if we are alone, can you then, please – call me Asiza?”

“I most certainly will. Now, how can I help you –
Asiza
?”

Right to the point, she stated, “I wish to be like you. I want to do what you do. Help my people learn what it means to be free. I know, first hand, that simply running, is not enough, there is more to it than that. Otherwise, one might as well, remain a slave. I want to do something with my freedom. I wish to share the benefit of what it really means to be free.”

Della sat forward in her seat with a look of gladness and pride. “You really are special Asiza. Why… I’m certain our Heavenly Father is smiling, because I sure am.”

Lowering her head, Asiza humbly shook it, “No. I’ve, I’ve done things. I’m not so certain He approves of.”

Della gazed at Asiza a few moments, thinking, “Asiza, I don’t for a moment, believe – you’ve done anything, that you didn’t
have
to do.-

We will either
survive
in this life we are in, or we will suffer at their hands first, and then - die. That is without knowing such things as accomplishment, happiness, success or joy. As Negro women, no one has the challenges that we do,
no one!
I have one question for you… just one - whatever it is that you did… was there any other way, any way at all – that you could have avoided your actions?”

Asiza sat mulling that night over, giving it serious thought and lifting her head with tears in her eyes, she shook it. “I did what I had to do. I could not
be
, what they wanted me to be. I could not participate in the things that I was purchased for - what they wanted, was wrong, evil and ugly. The thought alone was destroying to my very soul, I-…”

Della put her hand up halting any further words, “Shhh – that is enough. No more need be said. You’re here now. Let us forget all of that, shall we? At this moment, I see you as a shining example of what it means, to fight to be free, and not waste it. Asiza, the Lord God has blessed you. He always blesses those who are willing to fight, to do what is right. Remember that, if your fight is about right – it is never wrong. Something tells me, He most certainly approves of you.”

Asiza sniffed and wiped at a stray tear, smiling. “I hope that is so.”

“Of course it is. Now, as for you doing what I do - you have a husband and a child to see to - what exactly is it that you wish to do?”

“Provide a place such as this, for slaves who run and make it here - a place for women, and maybe for men as well. All I know is that I must do something. Surely we can all, do something? Help me, help more.”

“Tell you what. First, let your husband get you – his family situated. Help him first. Do all that he wishes you to do – I believe he is a good and honorable man. Once that is done, talk to him. If he is in agreement, then together, with others who will assist, we’ll make further provisions. But you must prioritize by seeing to you and yours first. Then, you are in a good position to help others.”

Asiza sighed, nodding her head. “You are right, I have no home yet of my own.” Other matters on her mind came up as well.

“Please know Ms. Della, I treasure you as a friend. I hope that even once I leave here, we will continue to be in constant company of one another.”

“I would like that as well Asiza. When we’re alone, Della is fine. As for the rest, it tells me even more so, that your heart is in the right place. As long as it is, you will come to that day, when you are ready to help someone else.” Enlightened by their discussion, with palms flat, Della slapped her desktop, leaving them there she went on, “That aside, the dance, what will you wear?”

“Attending is not necessary for me, what would I do with Asa?”

“Nonsense, attending is absolutely necessary and children are more than welcome, they always have so much fun.”

“Emmm, I don’t know - Broc won’t be there. Not sure when I will see him again.”

“How about we not worry about that? Let us look forward to it and having an enjoyable evening.”

Asiza nodded in agreement.

In preparation, the boarding house became a beehive of activity. Excitement was high with so many of the new ones anticipating the event, while those who had attended before, fed their eagerness. This was the chance to perhaps meet a husband, all depending on how each one would offer themselves. 

All who were in need, had been fitted for a new gown, including Emma Byrd. While Della often felt tested to her limits by her, she would not leave her out. The only person that was not included in the fitting was Asiza. She’d already received an extensive wardrobe. Day gowns, riding habits and evening wear. All had been completed and delivered, so there was only the matter of making up her mind on which of her four evening gowns she would wear.

As for the rest of the occupants, what dominated discussions – were how each would wear their hair? With all being Negro women, having varying degrees of density and texture from straight hair to extra dry curly, and all that came in between -

Della was often rushing in to calm hurt feelings from some after insensitive comments were made.

Tori, became the star of that event. She had a way with doing any type of hair before her. Not one head that sat at her hands, stood unhappy. By now, Asiza had quite a bit of length returning, large, glossy dark curls that stood wide and out all over her head. With her, Tori worked her magic quickly. Taking the long scarf that matched Asiza’s chosen gown, she tied it tightly as a narrow headband around the very top front portion of her head. Fitting it over her ears, tying it perfectly in the back and working it into a fat bow at her nape.

She pushed the top back ever so slightly, exposing her front hairline and a couple of inches of hair which lay smooth and shiny. To finish it, she carefully pulled kiss curls free to grace her hairline and in the back, at her crown, she pulled those fat curls high, wide and full. Like her sisters, Asiza had a long graceful neck and the hairstyle accentuated it.

Many looking on at the finished results, went on about how positively exquisite she was, enough so that Emma Byrd was fit to be tied. No one was willing to pay her the slightest compliment. In her way of thinking, she figured they were all jealous of her, including Asiza Wolf. 

On a Saturday, before Christmas day - all who wished to do so, attended the local Negro First Christ’s church along with Della, her father and others from the community.

Asiza and Asa were among them. It was her first time being in a church. A place solely for persons wishing to take part in gathering to let the Lord and his Father know… they were worthy of praise. She sat wearing one of her day dresses with Asa by her side, her arm over him, holding him close. They were smartly dressed, clean and spotless - listening to the sermon being given. Asiza felt she could have sat there all day. Tears rolled from her eyes, because she wanted the Lord to know, that she loved Him. She also wanted him to know, that she was aware of being blessed by him. She felt that her presence was a small way of showing her appreciation. Two hours later, they all returned to the boarding house. Everyone changed into their evening gowns. Soon, four wagons rolled up and were boarded by the adults as well as the few children present.

They headed to where the dances were held each year.

Ramsey Manor

The first timers were in awe. The grounds and spread of the mansion was breathtaking. They could not believe that such a place was acquired for them to enjoy the annual dance. There were so many in attendance. Black and white, men and women… all dressed splendidly. Each of the women couldn’t help but feel thankful for the privilege of being there. This was a world that so many still trapped in the south would never attend or experience as guests.