Chapter 3
In Savannah, Even Hopewell, began his workday at dawn when his valet, Prospero brought a tray bearing tea, bread and butter, and a thick slice of local cheese. Since coming to this southern city, Even accustomed himself a to the lighter fare_a marked contrast to the hearty New England breakfast he used to have in Amoset. Living in his grandfather Therons, house, falling into the routines that the old gentleman had adopted, Eben felt somehow more comfortable he had ever been in his life.
So3, now, he looked back on the desperate young man in the Amoset, so full of rebellion and wild emotions, and wondered at the change that had taken place in himself. True, there were unfamiliar things here, matters that still annoyed him. And it required a kind of enforced rational control of his emotions to reconcile himself from marrying Amanda White, an event that was certain as fate. But in the whole, he was at peace with himself here, he was acquiring businnes kills, he knew and with that ability came a new sense of his own powers as a young man. Others in Savannah regarded him with respect.
There was only one aspect of this life that reminded him the of the past. His grandfather's study with its whorled oak door and fine stone fireplace seemed possessed passing, Eben would stop and listen, half expecting to hear the sounds of angry voices that had shocked him long before. The room seemed empty and bare now that his grandfather was no longer alive to fill it his bold, gentle voice and commanding good cheer. And the stone fireplace, so carefully scrubbed with San by the servants, seemed to carry forever the darkened stain of his grandfather's blood.
Your vest sir?
Prosperos voice roused Eben from his reverieand he turned with an effort at a smile to face the old servant. A black man of slight build, Prospero had served Theron for many years before his death. With the ease of years of his experience. Prospero help Even into his vest and waistcoat. The ritual was so familiar by now that Ebens mind naturally turned to a methodical review of the days upcoming visits and meetings..
Through the servants of the house often compared Eben to Theron in his methods and habits, they all remarked that Ebens appearance was far different from of that his grandfather. Where Theron had been a pleasant, open _faced man with a ready smile and contagious good will,Eben was dark and moody Through his eyes sometimes held a glint o private amusement, he was not generally given to smiles and laughter. His thick brows were often knitted in a scowl, and when he was on the rampage, his face was as dark as an avenging angel. He was known as a just, straightforward man, but also as a man not to be toyed with under any circumstances. It was whispered by some that despite his admirable qualities.
Eben Hopewell carried him within hina terrible secret and the seeds of madness.
Still, he was like the old man in his scruplous honesty and the fairness of his dealings with all Menand women, regardless of their color. And like his grandfather, he had the knack of turning a profit at almost enter3. He had the old man instinctive business acumen coupled with the daring and zest for necessary for success. To such a man, Georgia was an exhilarating boom environment.
Eben splashes a little lavender water on his face and smiled at his reflection, imagining thousands of miles of railroad laid out in the on the Georgia pine lands
Though there were still some Cheorekee in the state they were relatively few and despair had drained them of their will to fight. Now their land, those pleasant hills and fertile valleys to the northwest of Savannah, were opening for settlement to Atlanta and Savannah was guaranteed to be success. There was a fortune to be made in Georgia. A dozen fortunes if he had cared to take the time
"will you be dining in this evening, Sir?, Prospero inquired, holding out Ebens handsomely tailored cutaway coat." No ill be at the Whites. You shouldn't expect me before nine.
The rooms are all prepared for your family. I believe their ships is due tomorrow . Is that right, Sir?
" In the evening
Yes, Sir "
Eben bit back his annoyance. Prospero and all. Other black servants in the house called him" sir " as they had hid grandfather's. The constant obsequiosness irritated Eben, who had been educated in the North and did not in the least admire the Southern system. But ke knew that if they did not call him" sir, "they would call him" master ", and that intolerable.
When Eben went out to the stable yard, a black child wearing nothing but a pair of patched trousers led Gaylight from her stall.
" here she is, sir, "the boy told him, smiling from. Ear to ear." I done brushed her real good, sir. Real fine, "the boy patted the chestnut flank and added wistfully, I sure do wish I know how to ride, sir. Is slave folks allowed to ride, sir?
The timidity of the question," of course you can ride. You're a man aren't you?
You boy ducked his head, uncertain how to react.. Slump _shouldered, his head hung low, he muttered as he response as if he hoped Eben would not notice him
I said, you could Eben repeated as he swung into the saddle. "And show the horse whos boss.
Yes, sir the boy replied.
I mean it. If you want to learn to ride my horse, you may, but you see treat them right and act the nan or you'll spoil the animals for me. Just remember, a horse can't tell who's slave or free unless you tell him. Understand?
The boy nodded, but it was difficult for Eben to know whether or not his message had made the slightest difference. Feeling frustrated and out of sorts with the world, Eben urgedy Gaylight to a sprightly trot as he left the stable yard.
His house was situated near the Eastern end of town on a knoll above the Savannah River. Like the others nearby, it was simply and austerely Georginian in its architecture, with a high stone wall enclosing the gardens and yard. As Eben passed a dozen a similar residences belonging to Savannah premiere citizens, Gaylight hooves rang on the cobbled streets of the waking town. Near the center, the Square that were characteristics of the city design were elegantly landscaped and decorated with ornamental paths and sculptural fountains surrounded by stone benches. Through the sun had scarcisely risen, many people were moving out.
"Good day to you, Eben Hope we'll," called Dem Markham, who was striding along the streets. You're out about this early in the morning.
I could say the same for you, Amerus, "Eben replied, slowing Gaylight to a walk." Since when are you out at dawn.? The doctor was well known for his heavy drinking and his love of the easy life.
"Look at the sky. And if that enough to tell you, my knee has been cracking all night. Damn thing acted up so bad. I couldn't sleep. Sure sign of a storm. Whatever you have to do, you'd best to do it before midday or expect to be blown away.
The sky had a strange and luminous quality. There were no clouds, but the sky was pinkish _white like mother of pearl. Though it was quite early, it was already warm, and the air were perfectly still.
"the weather doesnt seem unusual to me, Amerus its warm through.
The doctor wagged his finger, mark what I told you
There's a big wind coming?
Eben laughed and I thank you for your warning friend. But the weather wil just have to wait till my business up on the river road is done. Waving his hand, he hurried Gaylight along.
West of Savannah, he turned off the dusty River Road and cut through the pine woods till he came to a low, swampy trail that ran along the edge of the river. About twenty minutes, he came to cleared area were a threshing mill was being restored.
Hiram White the brother of Ebens bride to be came out to meet him. Dressed in a coarse workmans clothing, his straw colored hair untidy and smudges of grime on his rustic face, Hiram grasped Ebens hands in his own.
Glad you got here early, "he cried, clearly pleased to see him," I was just telling the boys
Nail everything down.
You expecting a storm too? Eben examined the sky with a frown. The color was unusual, but there wasn't cloud in sight. Your as as Dr. Markham. He say his knee has been telling him the same thing all night. Handling Gaylight reins to a slave, he walked the mill with Hiram.
We've spent the last week just to cleaning up the mess and mending what we could do of the basic equipment. Hiram told him. Yesterday we tried the horses in their harnesses and they pulled fine. I'd say we'll be open for business in another week unless a big wind makes too much of a mess. "they stepped into the cool darkness of the mill. Good fortune for us, the mortars are all in excellent condition. We'll be hulling rice in no time
Eben looked around him in admiration. My God Hiram, this place has changed. You and your gang have done a fine bit of work here.
Hiram, was pleased. Buying the threshing mill had been his idea, his first step into the world of business in which his father and Eben were so successful. Hiram was convinced that rice planters from the sea islands would bring their cops to the upriver mill to be prepared for sale. To encourage, them, Hiram was prepared to run flatboats in and out of the island channels so that the planters would have not to arrange transportation for their own produce.
Eben clapped him on the back of affection. He was truly and fond of both Hiram and Gregory's, Hirams father. Sometimes they were o ly advantage of marrying Amanda White.
When will you go to capital to go to the rail road.? Hiram asked
When my family has gone back to North and before I began to to go up there for Suzannah wedding. Hiram had mentioned Ebens favourite topic. Railroads excited him as no other business venture could. Rubbing his hands together, he began to pace the dirt floor of the old mill. Hiram if we can get the contract to run a line between between Augusta and Atlanta there will be no stopping us, I swear there's going to be a wheat and corn aplenty out of that old Cherokee country. Mining too, maybe even gold.
For an hour or they so talked and made plans go the railroads, but when Hiram plans became to grandiose, Eben cautioned him ti's isn't goi3to happen overnight. It will take time to run a line through that rough country.
"then we'll use slave and the meanest overseer we can find"
"No."
You don't mean we will hire free. That's impossible. Hiram shook his head in disbelief. You aren't in Massachusets, you know. We can get things done down here with a whole lot less fuss and bother. I know plenty of men glad to rent their teams.
To be continued...