Black Tobacco

Black tobacco

It is the year 1859 in Kentucky. There was a young man named William Anderson. He was a prominent young man of 32 years due to his father’s most productive tobacco plantation. It was one of the best in North Carolina. Alongside him was his beautiful 28-year-old wife, Sarah. Sarah had 3 children next to her: Peter, 7, Paul, 9, and Anne, 4.

Sarah had strong brunette hair that made most women envious. It was no wonder William picked her among the available women at the youth ball. Her eyes radiated a vibrant blue hue that was reminiscent of the blue waters of the Caribbean, where he had spent some of his summers as a child. He spent time there with his dear uncle—the one uncle who moved to America with his father.

Here he was stepping off a carriage in Kentucky to see his aging uncle, Beckford. His uncle was also widely successful. He grew tobacco as well, but also ventured into other produce, such as meat.

William gathered his wife’s hand as they stepped onto the steps of the large house. The children shortly followed suit. There they waited for Uncle Beckford. While they waited, 3 slave girls appeared. Maybe they were young adults. One in particular was fairer skin. She also sported a hair color that was between a blonde and a brunette. It was apparent on her eyebrows and the slivers of hair that peeked through her head wrap. But her eyes were almost serpent green, but in a brown hue. Like her hair, there were sparks of yellow. Very unique. It was early summer, and the sun, being on full display, must have made her skin tan. She, like the other slave girls, grabbed their luggage and escorted them away.

Uncle Beckford finally arrived at his grand foyer. His wife came along to greet his nephew. It has been a little more than a year since they have seen each other. The last visit was during his brother’s, William’s father's, funeral. Least to say, he was happy to be seeing his family once more.

William spoke, “Who was that young lady who grabbed our luggage? The one with the fairer skin. I’ve been to your home many of times, and can’t place ever seeing a house slave like her.”

Elizabeth, Beckford’s wife, rushed to comment. “She is a slave. What else would matter?... Now, why don’t you all get some rest while house staff prepare supper? The children can go play with the nigger children outside. There is also a swing around the bend. I’ll have Mary watch over them. She was the mammy to my boys.”

“Where are my cousins, Michael and Jacob?”

“Oh, sweet William, they will arrive shortly. I know they miss you dearly. Michael is managing the slaves outside. He still has wishes to run this place soon. And Jacob, he is in the city having meetings with buyers on his father’s behalf. Maybe this weekend, you all can go on a hunt like you used to.”

“I’ll have to see to it.- But for now, my wife and I must take our well-deserved rest.” William and Sarah retreated upstairs to one of the guest rooms. Their belongings awaited for them by the double wardrobe.

While Sarah slipped out of her day clothes, she became curious about what she had seen earlier. The conversation about the slave girl piqued her interest. “Darling, I have a question about the slave girl?... The same one you questioned… I’ve been here on numerous occasions, to where this feels like a 2nd home, and I’ve never seen her. What I find interesting is that her features take a liking to your uncle’s. So, do you think it is possible that she is a mulatto by your uncle? That would explain why Aunt Elizabeth was defensive about her. Your uncle didn’t even speak, and this is his house.”

“I was wondering the same.”

“I just find it disgusting, really. It’s one thing to have these perversions against a subhuman class, but to then parade the bastard around your wife’s face – He made vows in front of God, and yet here he is committing bestiality. I am overjoyed to know that you wouldn’t lower yourself to such standards. It is truly embarrassing.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We have no idea of her origins. Can you really hide someone for that many years? She seems to be a young adult. There must be another explanation. But either way, I doubt that this is any of our business. But I know that you will nag me until it is. I will ask tonight.”

Sarah wrapped herself behind William’s tall frame. She kissed him before lying down on the bed. “It’s unfortunate that we’ve been traveling as long as we have. I am feeling up to a session, but I am too tired.”

William gave her a smile while he tucked himself into bed. “I agree. So I must rest till tonight so we may indulge in our activities till the sun pushes the moon out of our frame of reference.”

“I really can’t get this out of my head. What if Peter or Paul fell into something similar? I would be sick. I had my fears about Anne, like my cousin Beth. There is always one, but I always assumed that men… I’ve heard rumors, but to have an encounter face-to-face. Do you believe the rumors about Franklin?”

“You worry too much.”

“What mother doesn’t worry about her kids?”

They both slept until they were called to supper. They all sat in the dining room. At this time, Beckford’s sons arrived. They took their place among the chairs.

Michael spoke, “Bill, it is so nice to see you and your family. Your children are as delightful as they were the last time you visited.”

“Thank you. I know you will have a family of your own, too.”

“I am afraid not. I am too focused on work. But trust I receive my relief as any future plantation owner does.”

Jacob laughed. “Then you end up like father, with a bastard child running around.”

Aunt Elizabeth clapped her hands in the air. “That’s enough! Do any of you have anything pleasant to speak of?”

Jacob snickered. “Sorry, Mother… I met a young lady. She is Catherine’s niece. The spinster from Boston. Her niece is staying with her. I am thinking of soon asking for her hand. Then maybe working for her father in Boston. I would like a faster pace of life.”

“Oh, what does her father do?” Beckford asked.

“He works in the hospitality business. He owns a few hotels. They are saying that his hotel line will host the upper echelon of society. I met him while he was down here visiting.”

“Oh, that is wonderful.” Aunt Elizabeth added, “Oh, look, the main course is out. It is a nice roast for a nice occasion.” The three slave girls came out to serve dinner along with male servants. The male servants cut the meat, while the female servants poured wine.

William could hear Michael whisper to Jacob, “ Speak of the devil.” Then, while the fair-skinned slave was pouring the wine into Michael’s glass, Michael elbowed her, causing the glass to fall over and spill the wine. The red wine stained the slave’s dress. Some also spilled on Michael’s clothes unexpectedly. He stood over her. She held her head down as he berated her. He made her pat dry his soiled clothes, which embarrassingly were near the crotch of his pants. Aunt Elizabeth turned her face and smiled. “A whore like her mother,” Aunt Elizabeth said under her breath.

Beckford chugged his wine. “That’s enough! I have had it with your behavior, Michael,” Beckford bellowed. “Josephine, you may excuse yourself for tonight. Let’s continue on with pleasant conversation. William, have you seen your mother’s side? Are they still residing in Louisiana?”

“Yes. We visited them just before Father’s funeral. They are doing well, but because they still do not speak English, Louisiana will remain their home for now.”

Elizabeth looked over to Sarah. “You remind me so much of myself. How has it been running the plantation? Has your husband devolved himself into plantation extracurriculars?”

“No. Thankfully not. He is a man of faith.”

“Mhmmm. That must be nice.”

Beckford stood from his seat. “Elizabeth, if you want to remain in misery, be my guest, but I will not partake. I have lost my appetite… And since you insist on embarrassing me, I shall have no shame in saying that I will not be resting. Instead, I have found enough energy to partake in extracurricular activities.” Beckford stormed from the dining table and slammed the back door behind him.

William got up from his seat. He excused himself to check on his uncle. When he got outside, he saw his uncle sitting by the river house. He took a seat next to his uncle, who was sunk into his wooden rocking chair.

“Bill, I swear sometimes… If I could go back in time… Shit, I don’t know if I’d do anything different. Just, don’t fall into the trap in-between a slave’s legs.”

“Is she, Josephine, your bastard daughter?”

“Yes. Elizabeth and I were in a dark spot. We never left. I stayed because there isn’t any other options. But I swear if there was a different way….”

“How come I haven’t seen her before?”

“I can’t lie. Josephine is not only my favorite daughter, she is my favorite child. I have guilt that she was born to a nigger mother, but her mother was as sweet as a midsummer honeydew melon. My lustful eye got me into trouble, and now I am forever damned… You’ve never seen her because when she was old enough, she was sent to boarding school in Europe. She lived with our family there. She was able to attain a better education than even my sons. She learned reading and writing, math, and even some French. She was so smart. She finished her studies earlier than the other students. I missed her, along with her mother. This whole time, my wife thought I had given her away or sold her. She eventually found out that Josephine was attending a prestigious school and demanded that I don’t pay another penny. I am hoping to find her a husband in Europe. But we will see how long it’ll be. Until that time, I’m praying the lord watches over her.”

“How about if I take her? I could keep her safe until you found her a husband.”

Beckford laughed. “I am not dense. You must find her attractive. But I will not give her to you to be later billed, or have her beaten by your wife.”

“Uncle, I am happily married.”

“I am a white man, I know what white men see and what they think. But I do need to have some level of trust due to the complexities of the situation. I can’t have her stay here. You saw how Michael acted toward her. He gets so much of his venom from his vile mother. Promise me you keep her pure. If she doesn’t have that, then I can’t ask for much. Then she is doomed to forever live on the plantation.”

“I completely understand. My wife is in need of a seamstress, and I would never want to betray you, Uncle.”

“Let me go to her mother to notify her.” Beckford went to the slave house on one of the corner sections. Sybil lived alone. She never even took up offers from the other slaves on the plantation. He could see from her window that she was still up. She was over a pot of something boiling. He opened the door. She stood back against the wall in fear until she realized it was the Master inside her door.

“What has been going on for you to act like that, Sybil? Do you have niggers coming in at night?!” Beckford said, concerned.

“No. I just wasn’t expecting any company.” She grabbed a clean bowl. She placed it on the counter and poured soup into it. She offered it on the table to the master. The flickering of the light seemed to illuminate the stub of her right arm.

“No, thank you. Love, I am here to discuss our daughter. I thought I should involve you in her planning.”

Sybil took a seat and began to eat the food she placed for Beckford. “I’ve been meaning to discuss that with you. She is 16 now and officially a young woman now. She finished her studies, and it is time for her to take her place. I am wanting a good life for her, and not anyone can marry her.”

“What would you petition? We have played pretend long enough. She is a nigger. Her blonde hair and colored eyes came from my womb. That is where she stands in this world.”

“She doesn’t look like it. She hadn’t a nap on her head. I will not see to it that she marry any of your kind.”

“What is wrong with my kind? We were good enough to fuck?”

“I am still your master. Speak to me like a lady, not like a wench. The truth of the matter is that if she would find herself in the arms of a black man, then she will be raped. I know how white men come and look at her. They won’t give a damn if she is married to a black man. If any of them were to fight, both could be hanged. Would you want her life to be like that?”

“You think any white man would want to marry her, or even be allowed? Look at us.”

“I am finding her a husband outside of this God-forsaken country. Then she will be able to have a life. And then maybe you could follow her because I know you never had feelings for me.”

“You’re the one to talk. I am treated no more than a left hand during a lonely night…. But, even though I loved you, I could never love you. If I loved you, then I would be jealous of her. She gets to lie by your side while I sit here alone.”

“You know if I had it my way, you’d be the wife I come home to… I’m sorry I made you this way because of my selfish lust, but let this not be the reality for Josephine. She deserves more.”

“I’m guessing this has something to do with your nephew. He can’t marry her because he has a wife, but offered to keep her safe?”

“You’re a smart woman.”

“You’d don’t think he wouldn’t perverse our daughter? Like you said, he is a white man.”

“He promised he wouldn’t, and it is the best shot we have at this time. Elizabeth can only tolerate her for so long. I know her anger is brewing, and I can only help but for so much.”

“Okay. But she will be very distraught. Seamus already asked for her hand in marriage with the rumors that the slaves would be free soon, and I said okay.”

“You knew this was already my decision, and while I am alive, she will never be any niggers’ wife. That point, I will not move on.” He grabbed her gently. He held her against his chest. She wept. “You can only see one viewpoint, but I can see the whole board. I love that girl more than anything on this earth. Trust that I have her best interest at heart.”

After a few days of joyous family time, it was time for the family to leave. Through this time, William had yet to bring up their new slave to his wife. As they loaded up in the carriage, Sarah realized that the carriage was bigger. “Oh, I’m sure there is a reason,” William said. The children got in first, then Sarah. Once Sarah was comfortable in her seat, William notified her that he had forgotten something. She huffed but then settled back down. His uncle motioned him over to the cabin. They both stood in front of the cabin. “Are you going to get her?”

“I am a gentleman. I am above physical labor. I tasked the job to the slave driver and Seamus.”

“Who is that?”

“The nigger boy who asked for her hand. She needs the last memory of him being giving her away.” The men arrived. Seamus was then ordered disrespectfully to arrange his love. “DO IT NOW, BOY!” Seamus walked in and grabbed Josephine. At first, she was excited, but then she began to question him. Her heart tore. She was released from his grasp and walked out of the door.

“Fath – Master. How may I service you?”

“You are to go stay with your cousin, Master Anderson.” She nodded her head. She walked toward the carriage without a fight. Her father assisted her in the carriage. She sat in the 3rd row by herself, next to all the luggage.

With complete disregard, Sarah wined. “Bill, what is going on?! Why are we bringing this wench?! She is in the same car as us. Couldn’t she be shipped with the livestock?”

“It is not necessary. It would be good for you to get used to her presence… She is to live in my house, under my roof.”

Sarah rolled her eyes. She then crossed her ankles as she turned to the window.

It was late at night when they arrived at the plantation. Sarah assisted the children to the house, where she instructed one of the house slaves to get them into bed. While Sarah went forward, Josephine stood by the car. William looked back as if he had forgotten that his cousin was a slave.

“My apologies. Follow me to your quarters.” He led her into the house. The 1st floor was traditionally used for entertaining. Then, further in the back, there was a smaller secondary house that housed the house slaves. They didn’t go that far. Josephine assumed she was going to be there with the other slaves. Then, to her surprise, he took her to the 2nd floor. On the west wing, there was an office. The next door past that was to be her bedroom. He opened the door. It was bigger than expected. Half the room contained sewing equipment and supplies. The other half housed a bed with finer linens.

“Oh my. I can’t sleep in here. This is too nice for me.”

“Your father wouldn’t have it any other way… What’s really nice is that we have indoor plumbing that you’ll have access to. It is right down the hall. We were one of the first to get it installed.”

“Where do the other slaves bathe? I have gotten accustomed to a cooler natural environment.”

“I doubt you will be saying that once the snow of winter arrives. But if you desire, there is a pond with a running spring.”

Josephine went to the spring to wash. She gently splashed water on herself. She undid her bonnet. Her hair flowed from her head to her waist. She fingered through her uniquely brassy locks. Her hair started straight but ended in ringlets. She was very unique among slaves in her appearance. When she finished, she tied her hair back up. She then went to her room to find her cousin on her bed. She jumped. “Pardon me. I wasn’t expecting you to still be here when I came back. I would’ve been more decent.”

“I guess I should be giving the apologies. I watched you as you bathed. I wanted to make sure that you were safe. I knew you were coming and should have honored your privacy.” She gave an awkward smile. “Your father mentioned you like to read. I bought some books for you. For your comfort, I put them inside the first drawer on the right.”

“Thank you. I must be finding rest. I am sure I have a lot of work ahead of me.”

“No. This has been a long journey for you. Take a few days to gather yourself. I’ll call you in the morning for breakfast.” He left the room but cracked the door enough to get a glimpse of her taking down her hair. It was marvelous to see her hair blend in with her skin tone. He walked off to his chambers. He found his wife anticipating for a night of romance.

“I am sorry, Love. I can’t muster the soldier tonight. I am extremely exhausted by the long journey.”

“You spent over an hour with the slave girl… This is how it starts. Were you ‘teaching’ her?”

“I have high expectations from my uncle. I promise to give you attention when the morning arrives.”

“What about breakfast? Where is the bastard going to eat?”

“She’ll eat in her room or with the other slaves.”

“The only sensible thing you’ve said thus far.”

The morning came with a knock on Josephine’s door. She covered her hair quickly and answered. It was another slave. The slave woman was just as shocked to see that she was serving another slave. She dropped the tray on top of the dresser. “Yah’ think yah’ ta good ta come get yah’ own plate?”

“No. Not at all. I didn’t know.” Josephine began to stutter.

“Why yah’ up in the massa house to begin with? Don’t no nigga stay in the massa house. Not even da house nigga.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Yah must be real special because he left you a note. You must be able to read. A high yellow bitch…”

“Let me tell you that at my previous plantation, I didn’t get special treatment. So whatever you are accusing me of is wrong.”

“Yah dumb as hell. He treatin’ yah d is nice because he’s gonna fuck yah.”

“Are you out of your mind?! He is my father’s nephew.”

“That don’t mean shit. Enjoy yah breakfast.” The slave left.

Tea, eggs, and a slice of ham. This was better than what she was served at home. She ate her share. Her curiosity was piqued by the handwritten note for her. It was from Master William. She opened it with a heavy heart, not knowing what to expect. She was hopeful that the note wouldn’t be romantic. That would put doubt for the trust that she had for her father. Would he send her off to please his nephew?

“Morning, Josephine,

It was lovely getting to know you a little better. I hope to understand you more. I assume you have questions. Feel free to disturb me anytime. Otherwise, enjoy your books.”

She read most of the day alone in her room. Then she had another knock on her door. She prayed it wasn’t Master. Instead, it was Sarah. She walked into the room and sat at one of the desks.

“I am needing a new dress. Would you mind coming up with a design? There is a wedding coming up. I can check in tomorrow to see what you came up with. I don’t want anything too much. Something subtle that will still draw mystery. It will be a night wedding.”

“I would love to help. I can also come up with matching designs for the children.”

“That would be very nice. Maybe I misjudged you. You seem to have a moral character about you. Do you have any ideas about your wedding?”

“I don’t have a clue. There was a negro boy whom I fancied, but now I am here. My father spoke to me many times about marrying a radical European. That is what I am waiting on. When I went to school there, there were a few men who found interest. I kept distance because I was unsure of their intentions. I would rather wait to be intimate when I am married.”

“That is very Christian of you. Make sure that stays about you. And, like I said, I look forward to seeing your designs. Glad to have you here.” Sarah left, and so did Josephine. Josephine took a walk outside to look at the laboring slaves tilling the ground.

She heard a loud noise coming her way. It was a white man galloping on the horse. He took his whip out, yelling for her to get back to work. He cracked the whip over her head. She tried to talk to him. Without a second thought, he cracked it over her back while she was bracing from his whip. She screamed in pain. She tried running back into the house. She was whipped a few more times across her back. She fell short of the steps. Her head wrap slipped from her head, leaving her hair on display. He got off his horse and yanked her by her hair.

“What type of nigger are you? You must be one of them mulatto kind. And boy, are your eyes beautiful. Now, what plantation did you come from?”

“I live here. I am the new seamstress.”

“Are you freed?”

“No.” He let her go. William got wind of the commotion and ran to his front porch. The slave driver was nervous. He knew that he might have made a mistake that could have cost him his job.

“Sorry, Master William. I thought this was a runaway slave. I did sliced her back up pretty good.”

“Able, that’s alright. Mistakes happen. Josephine, let’s get you washed up. No need for any more commotion.” He escorted her to the bathroom on the 2nd floor. He ran the water and stood there waiting for her to get undressed.

“Thank you, Master, for your care of me – ” She said with her head facing the floor.

“You can look at me when you talk. There is no need to look down. And my name is Bill when it’s just the two of us.”

“I was just going to say that it is unusual for a master to wash his slave in such an intimate setting. I can wash myself. Also, I don’t want to be disrespectful to your wife. She is a very kind lady.”

He laughed. “The whips are on your back. You are not going to be able to reach them. I don’t mind helping you like this. You are family.”

“Maybe another slave can get my back for me, or I can soak in the water. It is just that I have never been naked in front of another man before. I promised my father to be a lady and wait to do anything of the like until I am married.”

“Please, forgive me if I offended you. Before going to sleep at night, visit me in my office. I’ll have your supper in there waiting for you.”

She washed alone, but she was becoming more anxious about William’s behavior. It made her grow this unwanted feeling in her chest. It was as if she swallowed an apple whole. She didn’t trust his kindness, for she felt it was motivated. She decided that she could forgo dinner and explain that she was exhausted. Then she remembered that she would have to stay up to complete the designs for Mrs. Anderson.

She went to her room and put on her night attire, including her head wrap. It was a lot of pain to put up her hair, but she hated the amount of attention her hair drew. She went to the drawing board to come up with designs and pallets. She came up with a few, but to be fashion-forward, she was inspired heavily by French design. She thought that it would captivate Mrs. Anderson’s audience.

While she was organizing her drawings, another knock was on her door. She didn’t have time to open it before William stepped in. “It was getting late, and didn’t want you to skip another meal.”

“Yes. Here I come.” She followed him to his office next door. She found it weird that it required a key to unlock. He opened the door and told her to sit past the small living room behind a half wall that contained his desk. She sat down. In front of her was the food from supper. It was cold at this time, but she was hungry. Again, it looked to be the same food that the master and his family ate.

“Go ahead and take down your hair. Get comfortable.” She did as he said. Her hands were visibly shaken. Her nerves made her breath more rapid. At this point, he was one of the few people she let see her hair. She could see his eyes widen to see it up close. “Have you read my note?”

“Yes. I have.”

“Have you not any questions?”

“I do. I was just reading the books. They were very fascinating. I didn’t want to disturb you. You are a very powerful and busy man.” She remained quiet and reserved. Her body was contained within herself.

“Powerful, I am. But I am never too busy for… What questions do you have?”

“Will I ever see the man that proposed to me?”

“No. Your father would never approve. He has his wishes that you must uphold and respect. You shall never try to escape or court a slave boy. But, I thought you said no man has ever seen you naked before?”

“I didn’t lie. Seamus has never seen me naked. I didn’t even allow him to kiss me. We only talked. And we only talked about the plants or the bugs that we noticed. Sometimes he baked me bread. It’s one of my favorite treats. I was just excited to be married. And he didn’t seem to want to rush me into…”

“What were you looking forward to in marriage?”

“Someone to love and someone to love me like the Lord loved the church. Something sacrificial on both parts. The type of man my father wants me to marry wouldn’t believe in that. He would want someone subservient.”

“Your father cares about your safety. You would be safer with a white man. Your children would look better, too.”

“If that is the case, then why am I not at home with my father? Why have you taken charge of my care?”

“Because your half-siblings hate you. So, does your stepmother. I am to protect you till he finds a suitable husband for you… I wanted to know, since you state you are so pure, once you get married, how do you plan to keep your husband satisfied?” He made eye contact with her. She didn’t think he was talking about something vulgar. He couldn’t. They barely knew each other.

She looked down again. “Do you mean?”

“Look at me!” He growled. He was becoming annoyed by her sheltered behavior. “There is no time for you to be shy about the subject. You are to be married soon. If you don’t satisfy him sexually, he will find interest in other women. Then you will be left alone. How do you expect a woman like yourself to be able to live without a man? Even in Europe. So, how do you respond?”

“I don’t know. I am very ignorant when it comes to this topic. I apologize. I would assume that is – would be something we explore together. I mean, I am sure your wife eventually learned. I can always lean on her understanding. Un – un – unless you have any other suggestions.”

“I will train you how to be a wife. How to please a man. It is very important that you know. No need to learn it from another woman. You are going to be wed to a man. That is why your father brought you here… Why do you have such anxiety? You were fine the other night. You seemed charmed by me.”

“This morning, the slave that served me breakfast stated I was only here because you wanted to be intimate with me.”

“Ms. Okra, she is jealous of you. You must be aware of that. You have everything at your disposal. I am just being friendly to a long-lost relative. I have no desires. I am happily married. To prove that I have no nefarious intentions, we can speak about the books. Which one are you currently reading?”

Josephine smiled. “Oh, you must’ve heard that I love romance books. This one is by Elizabeth Daniels. It’s about long-lost lovers. Ones meant to always be together. The way she writes… It makes me feel something unique. It’s crazy to feel love for a man I’ve never known. But, why would a man like these books to purchase?”

“It is inspirational.”

“If you would like, maybe tomorrow when I finish going over the design, we can read the last chapter.” Josephine got up from her seat.

“I would love that. I can bring some freshly-baked bread and honey as a snack. Then I have a few French books you may enjoy.” Josephine gave him the tightest hug. He hugged her back and grabbed a whiff of her scent. She let go, realizing the inappropriate nature of her hug. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have.” She then scurried off to her room.