Hope Reborn by Caryl Mcadoo Read Free Book Online Page B

the basics of getting the written word into print, but found the details interesting as well. No wonder the ladies love reading May’s books. If her stories proved half as interesting as listening to her, then they would be grand.
    He glanced toward the next table. Chester sipped coffee and pretended not to be watching. May’s cousin, but he called her his mistress first; was he her slave?
    Henry hated the thought of any person being owned by someone else, but understood it.
    The Bible even spoke of how a slave and master should act, as though the practice wasn’t frowned upon by the Almighty. But he also hated the way so many slave owners took advantage of what they considered their property.
    If up to him, he’d free them all, but for sure anyone with mixed blood would be counted white, not the other way around.
    Was that how Chester came to be May’s cousin?
    “I could do that. Tell her daddy.”
    Henry focused on his baby girl. “What darling? Tell who what?”
    “Miss May. Tell her how legible my penmanship is.”
    How had that come up? “Yes, ma’am. She writes the final draft of all my letters. Her mother taught her well.”
    “So then can I? I’ll do it for free, too. My pay will be getting to read your next book before everyone else.” She beamed. “I’m so excited.”
    The evening had been so good for Mary Rachel. He loved her being so animated, then looked from his baby to the lady. “What exactly are we talking about?”
    “Oh, I was telling Mary Rachel how once I finish reworking my novel, I’ll need a scribe. I never post the only copy.”
    “Sure, if she wants to, I don’t care. The cotton isn’t ready, and the canning’s all but finished. She has chores, but they don’t take too long of a morning.”
    “Wonderful, then it’s settled. I’ll have Chester fetch you as soon as I’m finished with my revisions.”
    Henry held his hands up. “Whoa now. I’m sorry, ma’am, but my daughter won’t be going with Chester or anyone else. He can bring your book to her, but she stays with me.”
    “Oh, I’m sorry.” She was obviously taken aback; maybe he shouldn’t have been so blunt. “I, uh…. Suffice it to say, as like you with your daughter, I never let a new manuscript out of my sight until it’s in print. I’ve so much invested. You understand.”
    “Oh, Daddy.” She faced the author. “He’s only worried about Indians snatching me. It’s ridiculous.” She turned back to him. “I’m seventeen years old. I could stay a few days in town.”
    “No, Mary Rachel, you cannot.” He hated using the tone he reserved for insubordinate men on his baby, but he couldn’t stand the thought of her being in any danger.
    “Indians?” She glanced around at her man. “Are they still a threat? I was under the assumption –”
    “But Daddy.” Her bottom lip quivered.
    “No, don’t Daddy me.” He faced the lady. “My home is plenty big. You and Chester are welcome to come stay with us.” He smiled. “Your cousin said you came to visit with Levi and Wallace. They should be back any day now.”
    “Oh do! Please, Miss May, say yes. You can have my room. It’s the best, on the corner. There’s almost always a breeze. I’ll bunk with Gwendolyn, or CeCe.”
    “I do understand the need of a breeze.” She smiled and her eyes sparkled. “Your Texas sun is blistering.”
    Mary Rachel touched her lips. “Oh, I don’t care where I sleep. I’d bunk with Houston if it meant you’d come!”
    Couldn’t help but chuckle. He leaned back in this chair. “Now, Miss Meriwether, that is quite a sacrifice.”
    “Please say you’ll come. There’s plenty of room just like Daddy said. I’d love it so much!”
     

     
    May shook her head. How could anyone deny this young lady anything? She faced the girl’s father. “Are you positive we wouldn’t be a burden? I don’t want to put anyone out.”
    “No, not at all. We have plenty of room.” He chuckled. “Please do, or I’ll not