Yellow Crocus: A Novel by Laila Ibrahim

debutante year—the year courting began in earnest—the early years on the dance circuit allowed the families of eligible young men plenty of time to observe the girls and make a decision about whom to invite into their families. Of course, in such a small community, they had been speculating for years about which matches might be made among the Tidewater plantations and which families might go beyond.
    Lisbeth felt grateful Mary Ford was present at these lessons. Still as cooperative as she was as a young child, Mary paid close attention, so Lisbeth needed only to follow her cues. Although Mary never disrupted class, she happily joined Lisbeth afterward to complain about the arrogant Camilla Anderson or to laugh at the awkward Edith Framington.
    “Mary, they took Mattie away today,” Lisbeth whispered to her friend.
    “Who took her? Where?”
    “Father took her to the Andersons’. We sold Samuel to them, Mattie’s son, and then he ran. They want her to tell them where he went.”
    “That explains Camilla’s attitude toward you today.”
    “She does not need an excuse to be rude. I wish to know what will happen to Mattie, but I dare not ask. Mother had dinner with us today and pretended it was entirely common.”
    “How long will she be gone?”
    “I do not know. No one will tell me anything. I expect she will be home when I need her tonight.”
    But Mattie was not waiting to dress Lisbeth for supper. Sullen Emily stood ready to assist Lisbeth. With her usually efficiency, Mrs. Gray had ensured all the functions of the household were filled properly, but no one provided answers to a young girl’s unspoken questions.
    No answers came over supper or in the drawing room after supper. That night, as Lisbeth stared out the window, she said an extra-fervent prayer for her nurse. “Dear Lord, please watch over Mattie tonight and bring her home soon. And bless Mother, Father, Jack, and Grandmother. Amen.”
    Over breakfast the next morning, Lisbeth finally asked Mother when to expect Mattie, but Mother only responded, “This is nothing you need be concerned about. We are handling this issue.”
    Lisbeth did not raise the topic again.
    Two days later, Lisbeth heard a wagon draw up to the back door. Lisbeth continued with her embroidery until it was time to get ready for supper. Wearing a calm mask, Lisbeth slowly climbed the wide, front stairs and walked down the hallway to her rooms. Mattie stood by the window waiting for her. A wave of relief rushed over Lisbeth. Mattie looked fine. Mattie was home.
    “Did you find Samuel?” Lisbeth burst out. “I missed you. I worried so much, but no one told me what became of you. Is Samuel home now?” Lisbeth threw her arms around Mattie in an exuberant embrace. Mattie flinched the instant Lisbeth’s arms touched her back. Feeling the jerk of Mattie’s body, Lisbeth pulled away.
    “What is the matter? Are you hurt?”
    “They gave me some lashin’s. It sore.”
    “But why? How could they?” Lisbeth gaped, entirely stunned. She never expected Mattie to return with wounds. Mother bragged that they did not whip slaves at Fair Oaks. She often stated that only cruel or undisciplined households required the lash.
    “We have to tell Mother and Father what they did to you.”
    “Child, they sure didn’ give me these without askin’ your father first. As to why, only God know why some folks think it okay to hurt others to get what they want. I gotta get you ready for supper on time or there gonna be more trouble for me.”
    A lavish spread, made by the hands of slaves, covered the table: veal cutlets with mushroom catsup, beef steak pie, oyster soup, parsnips, young greens, wine, and apple pudding for dessert. Surrounding the table were the five well-dressed members of the Wainwright household and their four guests, Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham and their children, Edward and Emma.
    “Did you get the little darky returned?” asked Mr. Cunningham.
    “No. Turns out his buck ran