Saraphine

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

Saraphine had a heavy the next day as she stepped onto the plantation porch. It wasn't the workload that weighed her down. Work would be quite light for all the slaves today because Mr. Levenworth and several foremen would be gone.

They were leaving in less than an hour. Leaving for the auction.

Saraphine had never even seen the list. Daniel had turned it in and, with the events of last night, they had never discussed the list.

Footsteps sounded on the path and Saraphine looked through the mist to see a large group moving toward the waiting wagon. She studied the figures, slowly making each out as they neared.

There was Mr. Levenworth of course, and several of the foremen, and then there was Daniel. His jaw was tight and his face pale and drawn. In his arms he held a babe—a babe he had no doubt been forced to take from its mama's arms.

Saraphine felt her heart ache for him and the pain he must be feeling. She tore her eyes from Daniel and saw the rest of the slaves. As always the oldest were among them—four slaves who had dedicated their lives to serving this plantation and were now being thrown away.

Two more babies, six young men who were considered too small of stature, four pregnant women, two slaves who were known for laziness and.....Silas.

The slave with a hurt ankle. The slave Saraphine had given light workloads to in order to give him time to heal. Saraphine rushed forward. "Mr. Levenworth, may I ask a question?"

"We're in a hurry, so you'll have to make it quick. What is your question?"

Saraphine cleared her throat. "I'm sorry, sir, but there must have been a mistake on that list. Silas is a good, strong worker and a great asset to your plantation."

Mr. Levenworth shook his head. "I added Silas to your list myself. He is clumsy and hot-tempered accorder to the foremen."

Saraphine simply lowered her gaze and took a step back. She could not argue. It would serve no purpose. If Mr. Levenworth's mind was made up, Saraphine wouldn't be able to change it.

Saraphine watched as Daniel placed the babe in Silas' arms. The slaves then climbed into the waiting wagon.

"Daniel, are you certain you won't come with us to the auction?" Mr. Levenworth asked. "Samuel is coming along to see how they work."

"I'm sure," Daniel mumbled tightly. "I'd rather stay here and make sure things run smooth."

Mr. Levenworth nodded before climbing up on the front of the wagon. Saraphine saw Samuel and the foremen load up on another cart. Without a word, they rode away and Saraphine found herself alone with Daniel.

She glanced at his drawn expression. "Do you want to talk?"He nodded. A nearly imperceptible movement, and Saraphine turned toward the house. "Meet me at the oak. I'll come as quickly as I can."

Without waiting for a response, Saraphine stepped back inside. She took her time to ensure Ellen was occupied—the woman was knee deep in fabrics for her new summer dresses and berating the seamstress in the shrillest of tones.

Satisfied that she wouldn't be missed, Saraphine slipped out the back. She lifted up her skirt and ran as quickly as her legs could carry her. Daniel had already arrived at the oak. He was sitting beneath the oak. He was sitting at the base of the tree and his expression was haunted.