08.15.06
Posted in Uncategorized at 7:42 am by Linda
“Agnes, there you are.
Ethan and I were just
enjoying a smoke before dinner
and talking about Ashland.
I trust you had a nice rest.”
“Yes, it was comforting
and I am ready to enjoy dinner
and continue our talk”
Mr. Perry, I look forward
to learning more about you.”
“Ethan, please.”
“Yes, of course, how silly of me.
I hope you will bear
with me for a moment
as there is something
I need to discuss
with Big Daddy before dinner.”
“Of course, child,
 anything you wish.
 Tillie informed me
dinner will be served
at eight so we have time.
Please sit and tell me
your thoughts.”
“Well, there has been much going
on since you left and decisions
that I have been forced to make
on my own. I hope that
you will agree with my latest
as , surely,
it has been too long in coming.
I purpose redoing the cabins
and perhaps relocating them
about 200 yards up by the bend
in the river.This will give the negroes
much better housing
and also locate them closer to
their work and the main house.
This will take some time
but Ezekial and his men
have proven to be worthy
carpenters, as you will see
at the school.
As for the land where they now sit,
I thought tobacco might be a new crop
to try and raise.
Your thoughts, please, sirs.”
Tillie giggled at the door
as, for a moment,the men-folk
were at a loss for words.
Agnes just smiled to herself.Â
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08.14.06
Posted in Uncategorized at 6:44 am by Linda
“Miz Agnes, why don’t you
rest and I will call you for
dinner. I fear this day
has been too emotional
for you.”
Agnes looked at Tillie
and just nodded
This day had gone
horribly wrong
yet Agnes wondered
if she had judged the
newcomer too harshly.
After her rest, Miz Agnes
felt she must attend
to details,
of the welcome party
she was throwing
on the following day,
then she could play
hostess to Big Daddy
and Ethan at dinner
that evening.
‘Miz Agnes, Might Ezekial speak
with you?” Tillie sounds frantic.
“Ezekial, is this important?
I am to be at dinner within
the half-hour.”
“Yes’m, if you would jes
give me a minute.
“I’m sorry, Miz Agnes,
but I heard Big Daddy
and that newcomer talking.”
“Ezekial, You could be punished
for listening to Big Daddy’s talk
with friends.
What is your concern
and why do you think
I can help?”
“Mr. Perry is purposing
to raze the negro’s cabins,
and moving them
to the back forty,
He thinks the land ,
by the river upon
which we dwell,
to be the most suitable
for tobacco farming.”
“I believe our guest to have erred
in his assumption
and he will be corrected
at dinner tonight. I will
see to it.”
Agnes senses problems to come.
Â
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Posted in Uncategorized at 6:38 am by Linda
Tillie had made mint julep’s
for everyone (including herself)
and placed them on the table
between the settee and chairs
at the East end of the veranda
Miz Agnes noticed
that Big Daddy looked tired
and wondered if perhaps
they should postpone talk
until dinner that evening.
“Nonsense, child, I am fine
and looking forward to news
here at Ashland. You must tell me
of changes made and how you
have fared. I will rest after our talk.”
“Oh, Big Daddy,
 how I have missed you
and there is much to tell.
I can’t wait as…..”
“Excuse me, might I join?”
“Of course, Ethan, please sit.
Tillie has made the best julep’s
in this part of the south.
I am sure Agnes would
enjoy the company also.
She was about to tell me
of the workings of Ashland
since I’ve been gone.”
Tillie glanced at Agnes
and saw the look
she had come to know
over the past few years.
“Gentlemen, if you will excuse
me, I fear the mid-day sun
has taken its toll on me and
I need to rest before dinner.
So with due respect, Big Daddy,
I shall retire to my room.
Your forgiveness, Mr. Perry.”
“Ethan, please.”
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Posted in Uncategorized at 6:33 am by Linda
“My Agnes, I would like to introduce Ethan Perry to you. He is a fine
young man
that I met in Charleston. I have invited him to stay at Ashland with us
for awhile.
We will talk of it over dinner tonight.”
Agnes found herself looking into the brightest blue eyes she believed
she had ever seen.
She didn’t think him to be much older than herself, perhaps though he
might be more Tillie’s age..
“My pleasure, Mr. Perry. I look forward to
dinner later.”
Agnes introduced Tillie to Ethan as he said call him. She asked Tillie
if she would be so kind as to show him to his room. Agnes couldn’t
understand why Tillie seemed flustered. It was not as if
he were the first house guest they had
to stay at Ashland.
Even as handsome as Mr. Perry was, Agnes was anxious to have Big Daddy
to herself.
There was much to talk about and so many things she wanted to know.
” If you don’t mind, Miz Agnes , I would like to sit with you and John
Jacob after I put my things away.”
Agnes found herself momentarily
annoyed.
“As you wish, Mr. Perry.”
“Ethan, please.”
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08.12.06
Posted in Uncategorized at 5:42 am by Linda
Ezekial had called all the hands
> together on the lane
> to greet Big Daddy,
> as Agnes and Tillie looked on
> from the veranda.
>
> How magnificent a presence
> Big Daddy seemed.
> Agnes had forgotten
> what a handsome man
> he was and the air
> of nobility that seem to
> surround him.
>
> Yet she wondered.
> Who was the other man
> on horseback that
> accompanied him?
>
> He did not speak in his letter
> of a visitor
> so he must be someone
> Big Daddy befriended
> on his way home.
> Big Daddy could be kind that way,
> especially if folk were down and out
> so Agnes paid no mind.
>
> “Oh, my Agnes, look how you have grown!
> For a fleeting moment, I thought you
> to be Lady Jane.
> You are as beautiful!
> I heard that you were also as kind.
> I am so proud of you
> and have missed you greatly.”
>
> Miz Agnes’ heart was thrilled
>Â at his words
> but seemed to ache
> for the lost time that
> could not be reclaimed.
>
> Yet he was Big Daddy
> and she loved him so.
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08.11.06
Posted in Uncategorized at 7:08 am by Linda
 |
Miz Agnes . 41
Current mood:  content
Category: Writing and Poetry
 Miz Agnes stared at the church.
> It was as if had been transformed
> overnight.
> The smell of freshly sawed lumber
> permeated the air
> and the sound of hammering
> that she heard from the distance
> had ceased.
>
> A magnificent building
> stood before her,
> and on it’s steps, stood Tomas
> with about 25 other blacks.
>
> “Thank you for coming, Miz Agnes.
> We are anxious for your comments
> and to see if it meets your approval.”
>
> Reaching out her hand to Tomas,
> she asked him to show her
> what had been done.
>
> The other negroes were uneasy
> when Tomas took the
> white Lady’s hand in his,
> yet it seemed in some way
> not the wrong thing to do.
>
> ‘I am overwhelmed by what
> has been accomplished
> in so short a time.
> Each of you are to be commended
> for your efforts.
> This is now a place
>Â where your children
> may worship and learn
>Â at the same time.
>
> “I will be eternally grateful
> for what you have done.”
>
> Miz Agnes turned to leave
> only to glance back
> when she heard the negroes
> clapping.
>
> Miz Agnes was proud
> of them and also herself.
> She smiled and nodded. |
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Posted in Uncategorized at 7:06 am by Linda
Miz Agnes . 40
Current mood: busy
Category: Writing and Poetry
Tomas had asked Agnes
> to meet him at the church
> come Monday eve
> but she still had much
> to do for Big Daddy’s
> arrival on Tuesday.
> and told him she could not.
>
> “Miz Agnes, you took it upon
> yourself to oversee that church
> and you must meet with Tomas
> to see what problems there are.”
>
> Agnes sighed, knowing that
> Tillie was right, but she
> was so tired and tomorrow
> would be a very busy day.
>
> “Tillie, please have Ezekial
> bring the carriage around.
> I do not have time for the
> walk down and I am not up
> for a ride today.”
>
> Miz Agnes wondered
> What was so important?
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Posted in Uncategorized at 7:05 am by Linda
|
Miz Agnes . 39
Current mood: content
Category: Writing and Poetry
Agnes was anxious as she tried
> to ready for Big Daddy’s return.
> It was now less than a week
> before he arrived.
> There was much left
> to do.
>
> She had sent word
> to his friends by message
> that a big party would be held
> in the Grand hall at Ashland,
> and hoped that they attended.
>
> Yet she felt torn between
> her duties and the tasks
> she had started, and now
> to have to oversee
> such a regal event
> as the homecoing required.
>
> The addition to the church
> had yet to be completed.
>Â It would be useful as
> several of the other plantations
> owners had asked
> if their young negroes might
> attend the school that
> Tomas taught.
>
> In exchange, their blacks would
> help to build the needed space.
> Perhaps if the weather held
> it would be finishedÂ
> within the week.
>
>
> Agnes is proud that
>Â she had managed
> to bring a harmonious
> chord to the relations
> of the plantation owners
> and the colored folks
> that worked so hard.
>
>
> But she wondered
> What would John Jacob think? |
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Posted in Uncategorized at 7:04 am by Linda
Miz Agnes . 38
Current mood: busy
Category: Writing and Poetry
As Agnes slept, Tillie saw
> the letter on the nightstand.
> Recognizing Big Daddy’s
> penmanship,
> she hesitated before reading,
> but she wondered.
>
> ” My Dear Agnes, “It is
> with much regret
> that I have been too long
> away from you.
> I understand, in my absence,
> you have had to do things
> that should not have been
> thrust upon you but I
> understand that all is well
> at Ashland.
>
> I trust that this burden has
> not been too difficult
> but if so, I shall do
> all in power to make it up to
> you upon my return.
>
> You remain as always,
> my Dear Agnes.”
>
> Tillie understood
> now that Agnes only cried
> from relief,
> as her tasks had been large
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Posted in Uncategorized at 7:01 am by Linda
Miz Agnes . 37
Current mood: 
blank
Category: Writing and Poetry
 Once again, Ashland was abuzzed
> with anticipation of Big Daddy’s
> arrival.
> Agnes tried to parlay her feeling that
> he abandoned her into one of joy
> at the thought he was returning.
>
> Big Daddy was the most important
> person, beside Tillie, in her life.
> Yet she wondered.
>
> She was no longer his young Agnes
> for she had grown up almost overnight,
> or so it seemed.
>
> From out of the dark.
> she heard Tillie say,
> “Child, why are you crying?’
> Agnes couldn’t answer.
>
> Tillie sat with her thru the night
> trying to comfort her.
> Agnes felt safe and warm
> with Tillie by her side
> and wished she could be
> a child again.
>
> “Tillie, is life always this hard?”
>
> “If you only knew,child, if you
> only knew.”
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