Read Online The Bride Price: An African Romance (Chitundu Chronicles) by Suzanne Popp - Free Book Online Page B

scarcity. Bishop heard him out. It would be the first of many harangues about the suitability of a mate for his niece.  The more Uncle Dodge suggested dropping this Joseph prospect and letting Dodge find a suitable husband for the girl, the more Bishop leaned towards letting the girl have the husband she wanted.  Violet’s choice was Joseph.  Bishop had not known this compliant and loving daughter could be so persistent.  Bishop had to admit the boy had presented himself well.  He was cordial to all the family, including Festal. Joseph had won Beatrice over in their first meeting and she was a strong advocate for letting Violet make her choice.  Joseph had made his plans known to them and had not inflated his attainments, but emphasized that he would give Violet a future. What had impressed Beatrice was how he genuinely listened to the girl and consulted her on what her preferences were, and that he was not going to take her from the bosom of her family.  What convinced Beatrice was that Joseph was a provisioner and knew his market.  The family would be protected from sudden famine or need. She also saw he was ready to be a father.
    After a month of nonstop campaigning by his daughter, Bishop gave his consent.  They could marry with the stipulations that the Joseph and Violet would make their home within walking distance of the parents, the family would benefit from the provisioning, and Violet would be secure and provided for. Joseph’s words of love for the girl were openly spoken, and her affection for Joseph was already abundantly clear.
     
    Joseph had shared a brief history of his family, which concerned Bishop and Beatrice less than the proximity of their daughter and her future family.  Neither of the parents had realized how much they would miss Myrna when she moved out of the area, and this was not to be repeated.  With those stipulations, and a great deal hugs and tears, the couple was betrothed. Wedding plans began. Joseph invited Beatrice to come into the store and confer with himself and Valoo what the best choices were for the bridesmaids’ dresses and the wedding linens.  Valoo appreciated sharing his expertise. He admitted that his own daughter was recently engaged, and that he and his wife were missing the initial preparations.
    When it came time to pay for the fabrics and the notions, Valoo stepped up to the counter. “Joseph has been like a son to me.  I want to make this my gift to you and your family. I hope your marriage will be blessed, and that I will be a guest at your wedding.”
    “We will be honored by your presence. We appreciate all you have taught Joseph, and that you will be a friend to our family.”
     
     
     

 
     
     
    CHAPTER 11
LETTERS AND INVITATIONS
     
    The neighbors came early and late to visit Festal’s new wife.  She was on display. No one went away dissatisfied with this woman, about whom the stories had already spread. Lottie, who lived closest to the Phiris, was the first to come.  She wasted no time giving Myrna a big hug and pressing a little jar of honey into her hands.
    “You come over and visit as soon as you get settled in. Our house is the one next to you on this same side of the ridge.  My husband is away most of the day with the cattle and I welcome a visit.”
    The first day more than twenty people came by. She received many gifts; an egg from one, a handful of greens, a bunch of onions, a young goat,  a basket of roasted corn ears, tomatoes, two towels, a whisk, and a fly switch, to name the ones she could recall. To welcome the visitors, Myrna had put on her best muslin dress with small patterns on the sleeves. She tied her hair in a patterned head cloth and on her wrist she wore a simple copper bracelet her sister had given her. Festal watched her.
    “What is that scent of flowers you are wearing?”
    “Do you like it?”
    “Wear it always.”
    As her visitors poured in she wished she had something to give them.  Festal told her there