The sun barely peaked over the tips of the trees shielding the cabins. A soft breeze gently dispersed the evergreens’ invigorating fragrance. Nearby, a colt bounded about in the crisp air. Rachel, Rueben, and Hagar waited patiently, watching Joseph and Dinah rub the chest of the mongrel border collie sprawled between them. The twins fidgeted with boredom. “Momma, when’s new Massa going to talk?” Simeon whined. “Overseer said no breakfast ’til he speaks. I’m starving.” “Enjoy this, fool,” Levi chided. “Tomorrow this time you’ll be sweating away doing Lord only knows what.” “Stop teasing your brother,” Rachel admonished. “Miss Leah will find decent work for us all.” Ears perked up at the sound of a distant conversation. Before they confirmed that the voices belonged to Massa and his overseer, the dog jumped up, growled, and trotted away from Joseph’s and Dinah’s caresses. Hands preparing for another day in the fields quickened their motions. Seeing only the two men, Rachel hoped that Miss Leah wasn’t ill. Lebeau paused and removed his hat, exposing his unkempt hair. He wiped his brow and cleared his throat. His right boot neatly concealed a trouser leg; the cuff of the other bunched sloppily at the calf. His flabby belly hung over his waist. For the first time, Rachel witnessed the debonair gentleman without a cravat, not to mention a jacket. A lower shirt button remained unfastened, exposing his navel. With a slight slur, he welcomed them to Blue Meadow. “As evidenced by the fine thoroughbreds that arrived yesterday, you must realize that you reside on one of the prime horse farms in the Bluegrass. In addition to our equestrian operation, we harvest 40 acres of hemp, 40 acres of tobacco, and various tracts of wheat, barely, and corn. Our hogs provide ample meat for plantation consumption, with the excess being shipped to Cincinnati. The orchards and garden supplement my diet. Anything you grow in your free time on your plots, you may consume. Realize, except for greens, it is very late in the season to plant. Either beg off the other Negroes, or wait until next year, I suppose.” When Levi scowled, Lebeau screeched, “You got a problem with that, Boy?” Receiving no response, McCray strode over, squeezed Levi behind the neck, and twisted the boy’s face toward the planter. “You answer Master when he asks you a question.” “Massa,” Rachel politely interceded, “these boys only need a little time to adjust, and they’ll be fine.” “Missy!” McCray erupted, “you may have lived a pampered life in Georgia, but you is in Kentucky now. Our people only speak when spoken to! Understand?” “Yes, sir.” Reasserting control, Lebeau said, “Rachel, we sympathize with your readjustment, but you must realize that the dropping commodity prices brought on by President Jackson’s idiotic economic philosophy, dictates that each of you must adapt immediately. In actuality, your presence here results purely from Leah’s and my benevolent natures. As we planned for this year, we certainly had no intentions of adding seven mouths to feed, but we refused to allow your family to be broken apart and sold, something I never advocate, unless traditional discipline fails.” A fleeting smirk crossed McCray’s face. With hands on his hips and a stiffened posture, Lebeau continued, “To function efficiently, a large family maintains discipline. As part of our grand family, you join forty other Negroes coexisting harmoniously. Discontent amongst you shall not be tolerated. If squabbles arise, you shall take your concerns to Mr. McCray. While sensitive to your well-being, the demands upon my time prevent involvement with petty bickering. As you talk with the other Negroes, you shall discover that I am a fair, caring master, who provides ample food, clothing, shelter, and even medical attention as required. In return, I ask for cheerful souls performing the moderate work required. Overseer McCray and I have diligently scrutinized our labor requirements. Utilizing our expertise, we placed you where best suited, which shall provide you the greatest happiness. I am famished and must now adjourn for breakfast. Mr. McCray shall review your assignments.” The overseer pointed to Rueben. “With your size, you belong in the fields. Get that stable nonsense out of your wooly head now.” Rachel subdued her horror when he looked at Hagar and nonchalantly added, “A homely wench, such as you, is fortunate to possess a strong back. You join him.” McCray faced Levi and Simeon. The overseer’s grin exposed gaps in his teeth. “I told Master Lebeau he should sell you two tweeners. Neither of you appears strong enough for a good day’s work. Of course, Miss Leah would have none of that. Either you prove your value in the fields or we lease you to the rope walk in Lexington.” The overseer continued, “Rachel, Master figured his life would be simpler if he allowed you in the house. Course you’re now responsible for some poor house nigger going to the fields.” McCray paused, spit into the dust, scratched his head, and chuckled. “Joseph, a skinny little sack of flesh and bones like you’d be dead before noon out there in the heat. Develop some manners to complement your fair skin, and we just might make you a domestic.” Looking from Dinah to Rachel he concluded, “Keep your whelp out of the way until the girl grows into something of value. Now, you three hustle over to the big house so’s I can begin making Kentucky field hands out of this coddled Georgia stock.
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