Glory Over Everything by Kathleen Grissom Read Free Book Online

important. In fact, I suspected it was his money, and possibly his wife’s influence, that had secured my upcoming ornithological excursion.
    However, in the case of Mr. and Mrs. Cardon, I always remained aware of the treacherous waters in which I swam, for there was a dangerous duality in their views of slavery. The public knew Mr. and Mrs. Cardon as abolitionists. Indeed, they presented a good image, frequently citing their approval of the fact that in this city all of the Negroes were free. But in time I learned that Mr. Cardon had a holding in one of the largest cotton plantations in Louisiana, while Mrs. Cardon received a substantial yearly stipend from a wealthy father who owned a sizable farm in South Carolina worked by his enslaved Africans.
    â€œS O , M R. B URTON? I hear that you are soon to leave us?” the minister addressed me. I nodded, not caring to encourage a conversation. This offended him, which suited me. He drew back his coat and put his thumbs in the pockets of his waistcoat. Thrusting his significant stomach forward, he slowly surveyed the room. “I would suppose that some husbands and fathers will breathe easier while you are away,” he said to no one in particular. His wife had the decency to give a faint gasp.
    I was about to respond when Mrs. Cardon, always the expert hostess, addressed the minister and his wife. “Well, I’m afraid that Mr. Burton and I must leave the two of you to Mr. Cardon. Mr. Burton is, after all, our man of the hour, and we must give others their chance to wish him good fortune.” She leaned in to me as she skillfully led me away. “You must ignore him,” she said, “as I have learned to do.”
    I glanced down at her, but she was not smiling. She was what? Fifty years, give or take five on either side? Her bad teeth were a distraction, but her fair complexion remained, and though she carried extra weight, her corsets and beautifully cut blue silk gown enhanced her full figure. Considered one of the most powerful women in Philadelphia society, she used her quick wit and charm to rule from the throne of her husband’s vast wealth.
    As we moved away from earshot of her husband, she spoke over the music, and her voice held an edge. “Mr. Burton, you must know that it was because of my support that you were given this opportunity?”
    â€œYou know how grateful I have always been for your support,” I said.
    â€œIndeed,” she said, thrusting her chin forward as she propelled us in Caroline’s direction. “I promised my daughter to bring you to her. This is her last evening out, as tomorrow Caroline and I will leave for the country. I am concerned about her health.” Her hand was clenched viselike on my arm, but she responded only with charm when various guests waylaid us to offer congratulations on my good fortune.
    As we grew closer to Caroline, Mrs. Cardon leaned in to me once again. “It is too early in the season for Mr. Cardon and Mr. Preston—Caroline’s husband,” she added pointedly, “to be joining us at Stonehill, so they will be staying here in town. It is quiet in the country, so we shall have privacy. However, Caroline agreed to go to Stonehill only on the condition that I extend an invitation for you to visit. You will find time to do so before you leave?”
    I met her penetrating gaze. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure,” I said. “I shall await your invitation.”
    I could think of little but loosening my damp collar, but I quickly forgot that as we grew closer to Caroline and I saw how thin she had grown. Then I noticed her small waistline. Wouldn’t the tight stays of her corset harm our child?

CHAPTER SIX
1830
Pan
    B Y THE TIME I’m ten years old, I’m old enough to go on my own to see my daddy on Sundays. Because I’m dressed clean and I’m learning to talk like Mr. Burton, when I ask nice, the wagons going out of town