puberty, her angles turned into curves, and the form was determined that would bring her fame. Then her mother began to train her in the profession that had been so beneficial to her, so she had never broken her back as a servant. Violette was a good student, and by the time her mother was murdered she was able to get along on her own, with the help of Loula, who defended her with jealous loyalty. Thanks to the good Loula, Violette had never needed the protection of a pimp and had prospered in an unrewarding profession in which other girls lost their health and sometimes their lives. As soon as the idea of finding a personal maid for the wife of Toulouse Valmorain had come up, she remembered Tété. âWhy are you so interested in that runny-nosed little snipe?â Loula, always suspicious, asked when she learned of Violetteâs intentions. âItâs a feeling I have; I think that our paths will cross some day,â was the only explanation that occurred to Violette. Loula consulted her cowrie shells without getting a satisfactory answer; that method of divination did not lend itself to clarifying essential matters, only those of little importance.
Madame Delphine received Violette in a tiny room in which the clavichord seemed the size of a pachyderm. They sat down on fragile chairs with curved legs to have coffee in tiny flower-painted cups for dwarfs to talk about everything and nothing, as they had done other times. After a little chatter, Violette laid out the reason for her visit. The widow was surprised that anyone had noticed the insignificant Tété, but she was quick, and immediately smelled the possibility of profit.
âI hadnât thought of selling Tété, but since itâs you, such a dear friendââ
âI hope the girl is healthy. Sheâs very thin,â Violette interrupted.
âIt isnât for lack of food!â the widow exclaimed, offended.
She served more coffee, and soon they spoke of a price that to Violette seemed excessive. The more she paid, the greater her commission would be, but she couldnât swindle Valmorain too brazenly; everyone knew the price of slaves, especially the planters, who were always buying. A bone-thin little girl was not a valuable commodity but rather something given to repay a kindness.
âIt is painful for me to let Tété go.â Madame Delphine sighed, drying an invisible tear, after they had agreed on the amount. âSheâs a good child; she doesnât steal, and she speaks French as she should. I have never allowed her to speak to me in the jargon of the Negroes. In my house no one destroys the beautiful tongue of Molière.â
âI donât understand what that is going to help,â Violette commented, amused.
âWhat do you mean what ? A ladyâs maid who speaks French is very elegant. Téte will serve her well, I assure you. However, Mademoiselle, I must confess that it has cost me some thrashings to rid her of the bad habit of running away.â
âThat is serious! They say thereâs no cure for it.â
âYes, that is true of some who were once free, but Tété was born a slave. Free! What pride!â exclaimed the widow, fixing her biddy-sharp eyes on the girl, who was standing by the door. âBut do not worry, Mademoiselle, she will not try again. The last time she wandered lost for several days, and when they brought her to me, she had been bitten by a dog and was burning with fever. You canât know the work it took me to heal herâ¦but she did not escape punishment!â
âWhen was that?â asked Violette, taking note of the slaveâs hostile silence.
âA year ago. Such foolishness would never occur to her now, but keep an eye on her just the same. She has her motherâs cursed blood. Do not be easy with her, she needs a harsh hand.â
âWhat did you say about her mother?â
âShe was a queen. They all
Shauna Rice-Schober[thriller]