Read Online Chasing Freedom by Gloria Ann Wesley - Free Book Online

most of our possessions taken away in time.”
    â€œIt would have been terrible to have such beautiful things destroyed,” Sarah said.
    Grandmother was beside herself. “Mind your manners, Girlie. You have no right to be asking questions and going around Missy’s things.”
    Sarah, so distracted, did not respond, forgetting about the rules for servants.
    â€œShe’s all right, Lydia. Let her look.”
    Ignoring the old woman, Sarah bent to look at the jar. “I’d give anything to have such a thing.” She wanted to hold the delicate object, study the detailing up close. Without thinking, she reached for the jar.
    Grandmother swallowed and her anger erupted with a shout, “Leave that, Girlie! That is not your concern. Come back and stand here beside me.”
    In an instant, Sarah straightened. In turning to face Grandmother, her hand dusted the jar with a soft sweep, knocking it from the table. Abominable silence. All eyes focused on the jar, forever falling down, down, down. Sarah’s heart pumped fast as she watched the jar land … in one piece … on the thick rug where it rested. The old woman’s eyes rejoined their sockets.
    Sarah, ever so gently, returned the jar to its coveted place. “I’m sorry, Ma’am, for being so careless.” She hung her head and waited for Mrs. Cunningham to haul off and slap her, or say that she would have her charged with some offence.
    A composed Mrs. Cunningham leaned forward and embraced Sarah, saying, “There, there. You meant no harm, Sarah. It was an accident. It’s a reminder to move the jar to a safer place.” Turning to Lydia, she said, “Do not be afraid, Lydia, the jar is fine.”
    Fanny, who had been standing inside the doorway to announce the meal, slowly came to herself and sputtered, “Your lunch is ready, Ma’am.”
    â€œCome along,” Mrs. Cunningham said in a kind voice, extending her hand to the kitchen.
    Sarah was silent. Her eyes twitched with confusion. Why such unusual kindness towards Grandmother, inviting them to her table when the custom was for servants to eat separately? And such mercy and understanding when she nearly broke a precious object as the vase? There were Negroes serving time in jail for the careless handling of property.
    In the kitchen, fresh bread and large bowls of corn chowder made with new potatoes, fresh onions, corn and bits of bacon awaited. Blueberry-gooseberry pie and tea followed. After the meal, Mrs. Cunningham reached into a green jar on the window ledge and placed two shillings in Sarah’s hand, then handed two crowns to Lydia. “You both are a godsend. I’ve never forgotten the promise I made to mother to look after you, Lydia.”
    â€œWe are grateful for your kindness, Ma’am.”
    â€œI never dreamed our lives would come to this, that we would have to leave our southern homes and start over in a foreign place. The war was a wicked display of hatred and unjust for those of us who wanted nothing more than to support the king.”
    â€œOh, Lord, I worried for you when the soldiers came. I saw you looking back from the carriage. It was a terrible time.”
    â€œWe tried to be brave, but with William away at sea and Father’s death, we were defenceless. Then Mother passed away during the trip here … The strain was too much for her.” She reached out with both arms and hugged the old woman. “I was so happy to see old friends after I arrived. It’s a challenging place, this Roseway. These settlers are a quarrelsome lot. Tempers are hot. Everyone is worrying about class and privilege, not fully understanding the hard work and grit needed in a place like this. Now with the laws in the colonies forgiving us and returning Loyalist property, many are giving up and leaving. I believe things will improve.”
    â€œAll of our lives have changed, Ma’am. Nothing will ever be the same no