"Ruin and Redemption"

Changing of the Guard

“I’ve just about got everything ready, Lizzie… You’ll have a husband soon. I hope Mr. Derrick will be good to you and the rest of us,” Patsy said, straightening the chairs around the main dining table.

“Oh, he’ll have to be," Lizzie answered, pulling a chair out for herself. She was tired from wearing the corset all day."You’ve seen the prenuptial we made him sign. And I’ve got it safely locked away in my drawer along with the children’s certificates of freedom. And you’ve got your certificate and the ones for your children. We’re all set. He’ll have to abide by what we’ve already decided for the plantation.”

“I hope so. I just wish my Freedom Certificate was current. You know, I could teach you how to cook meals and raise kids a lot quicker than ten years...I’m grateful, don’t get me wrong, but its still a long time for me and my kids to wait. And they’re still out in the fields, Lizzie,” Patsy reminded her, bringing the candleholders out from the drawers and carefully setting them on the lacy runner.

“I know! I can’t get started on a family without you. I just can’t. I’d fall apart without you here. But by then, I’ll be strong enough. And even if I’m not, you already have the certificate. It’s yours and it will come due. No one can take it away from you. We need to save up. Because when you’re free, you’ll need money to buy things, and the kids will need money for school. You need something to take with you."

“I don’t need a thing but myself and my kids, Lizzie. I’d make it fine on my own.”

“I’m sorry. That’s where we’ll have to leave it.” Lizzie said firmly, but added: “I need you. I can’t help it. I’d fall apart without you! I’ve got to have you with me.”

“I don’t know about that. I think you’re strong enough to do without me! But since I’ve got to be here, I’ll help you as best I can. You do mean a lot to me, and I hope Derrick makes you happy," Patsy walked around the table, inspecting it, and making sure everything was even.

The wedding would take place on the plantation in a few days. The two women had exhausted themselves decorating the plantation inside and out, and were proud of their work. While the other slaves labored in the fields and the children studied their lessons, Lizzie helped Patsy unpack the boxes of fabric and trim from Charleston, made fresh curtains and festooned the balconies, porches and every available wall with colorful garlands and gold brocade.

Lizzie had even purchased a new cookbook from Paris with some of the most exquisite hors d’oeuvres and desserts they had ever seen. Lizzie had been unstinting in allocating funds for the wedding cake, additional desserts and hors d’oeuvres. After her guests had gone home, she wanted the leftovers to go out to the slaves. Lizzie had even helped Patsy make the cakes. She  needed Patsy's constant oversight and guidance, but at least Lizzie had participated.

“Have you tried on the new apron and outfit?” 

“Mmmm, Hmmm. They fit fine, Lizzie. I’ll wear them when I serve you and the other guests.”

“I think I may want a few more people, but that means we’ll need someone else to serve. You can’t do it all. The kids can’t do it. They’re too young! And besides they’re free. They can’t be expected to serve in any case. Is there a field hand who could help you?”