09.02.06
Posted in Uncategorized at 6:53 am by Linda
The blacks seemed hesitant
until Big Daddy stepped out
behind Agnes.
“I believe my daughter
had asked you to do
something so please
get it done as quickly
as possible. I, myself,
would love for Sam
to be here.”
“Yes, sir, Mr. John,
we would do anything
for Miz Agnes but we
did not want to anger you.”
“Young man, the only thing
that would anger me
is to not take my Agnes’s
wishes seriously so run along
and do as she said.”
“Agnes,I must return
to our guests
inside. I fear you have
confused them with
your actions,
However, it should make
for lively debates.”
You are, indeed, my child.”
Agnes was overwhelmed
 with joy.
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Posted in Uncategorized at 6:49 am by Linda
Miz Agnes had opened the doors
leading out from the big hall.
As the young blacks apologized
for being there,
she stopped them.
“I want you to go
retrieve the cotton baskets
from the shed and bring
them here for seats.
Ezekial, please bring Sam
up to listen to the music
if he is able. Tillie will
bring the food for your
party and you will be
able to share in Big
Daddy’s homecoming.
I’m sure he will be glad
to see all of you.”
Agnes is pleased
That Mr. Proctor is
at a loss for words
as she hears
Big Daddy say,
“That’s my Agnes.”
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Posted in Uncategorized at 6:42 am by Linda
Agnes found Tillie
and asked her to
have Nell and the other
black ladies in the kitchen
to come to the hall.
“Miz, Agnes, are you sure
that it is not too soon
to put the food away?
Even if it is late ,
the party doesn’t
seem ready to end.
Do you wish us
to put more ice around it?”
Agnes laughed.
“Tillie, you always
try to second guess
me. I think that is
why I love you so.”
“I ask,now, for you
to put the leftover food
on platters, if it is not already,
and please make sure
only the silver is used
and bring it to me.”
“Miz Agnes, I have
 checked the banquet table
and it seems to be adequate
for the evening left.”
“Is that right! Then bring
that food also
to the west portico.”
Tillie was confused
but again, she knew
Agnes was up to something.
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Posted in Uncategorized at 6:37 am by Linda
As the evening wanes,
Agnes hopes for a dance
with her father yet
he has been conversing
with Velma’s Father
for the last while.
“Mr. Proctor, if you don’t mind
I would like to steal Big Daddy
away just for a short dance.”
“If you please, Agnes.
We were just discussing
your handling of Ashland
but I believe we are through.”
Â
Agnes sensed there was
more that she needed to know.
“Please do tell. The dance
can wait. I would love to hear
of your talk.”
Mr. Proctor said, ” With
your permission, sir?”
“By all means, I think
Agnes should know
your opinion on the
running of Ashland
in my absence.”
Agnes noticed the grin
on Big Daddy’s face
that meant he found humour
in what she was about to hear.
Mr. Proctor cleared his throat,
as if he were unsure
of how to begin.
“Well, Young Agnes, I was
talking of the leniency to
which you have given
the slaves.
I feel it sets a bad
precedence for the other
plantation owners.
Even though your school
and church have done
quite well, I do
not think it wise to
have a negro in charge.”
“If you speak of
Tomas, sir, I think you will
find that he has done
a most admiral job. Should I
hold his skin colour
against him?”
“My point, Miz Agnes,
 is that you give too
much leeway to their kind.
A prime example is
all the brown faces
now peering in the windowsÂ
as if they were part of your party.
If it were me, I would
 have my foreman
return them to their cabins
and there would be no supper
for them tonight.”
“Thank you, sir, for
your thoughts.
I shall attend to them
this moment if you
would be so kind
as to excuse me.”
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