Lunar Gaze

Chapter 1

The luxuriant green rolling hills of Jamaica were full and covered the entire island. The topaz water surrounded the island, rolling onto the shore calmly. Far into the mountainous terrain of the island sat a fairly large house. It had Dutch influences in the architecture. Upstairs sat Josephine, who looked at herself in the small, cloudy mirror mounted on the wall.

She turned her head to the side as she looked at the reflect, having it face the sun. The light shined on her dark brown skin and caught the earring that hung from her earlobe. It sparkled in the light as she examined it.

"Rudy, fetch my sapphires earrings please. Suppose those will look better." Josephine called. Rudy walked over to her dresser, searching for the jewelry. In the meantime Josephine looked down at herself, smoothing down her large dress that could hardly fit through a doorway if she tried. And while lifting her chin, she adjusted the drapes of her dress that kept her shoulders exposed.

Rudy appeared behind Josephine in the reflection of the mirror, assisting in removing Jospehine's diamond earrings in favor for the sapphires. Josephine took a good look, questioning if it was the right choice.

Accessories were important to her, especially since she wasn't allowed to expose her hair. In those days tignon laws existed, which prohibited black women from allowing their afros to be viewed in public. According to the white ladies of the day, it served as a distraction, especially to their husbands. Conversely, the men didn't seem to have that compliant as often as their wives.

With her hair covered, Josephine was sure to accessorize as much as possible. She pouted, then called to Ruby again. "Nevermind about the sapphires. I'll wear my rubies. The red will match the ribbon of my dress."

"Rubies, yes Miss Scarlett." Said Ruby as she went to get the earrings. One may wonder how a black woman could have such luxury, the truth is Josephine was one of the lucky ones. She was one of the 10,000 free black people of the island, and they enjoyed such leisure.

"I could hardly contain my excitement for the party this afternoon." Josephine gushed as Rudy assisted in helping her put on her earrings. "My fiancé will be in attendance."

"Perode Baptiste has already proposed?" Rudy asked. "I thought he was turning to Haiti."

"Everyone in the village knows he's going to propose to me. He says I'm the most captivating colored girl on the island." Smiled Josephine. "I just can't wait until he finally poses the question."

Perode was a black Haitain man who had a hand in the révolution. After becoming a successful businessman, he hopped from island to island in search for a wife. Josephine was certain that woman was her. Rudy, her Irish indentured servant, wasn't so convinced.

"And suppose he doesn't ask it at all?" Rudy asked, and the smile wiped from Josephine's face faded into a scowl. "All I'm saying is that Perode is known to fancy many women. I wouldn't get my hopes up."

"I believe I have bloomers that need washing. I suppose you get to that." Josephine dismissed Rudy. After a silence, Rudy nodded and took her leave of the room.

Josephine took in a deep breath in (as much as her corset would allow), then heard the sound of her name. Walking out onto her small balcony, she looked outside to find her closest friend, Marie waving her to.

"Josephine!" Marie was Mulatto, sporting green eyes and a mischievous smile. Together, they got into the most trouble. Unbeknownst to the girls, they weren't alone. An onlooker watched their exchange.

"You look as fancy as ever!" Marie complimented from the ground. "Come on down and together we can walk to the party."

"I'll be right down!" Josephine smiled. She ran through her room and to her doorway, but stopped in her tracks. Quickly she fixed herself in the mirror before heading toward the door again, only to stop and turned around for her umbrella. Finally she made her way out the door and downstairs, where she'd meet her friend outside.

Marie wore a dress in similar style to Josephine, except hers being yellow. It more matched the lighter hue of her skin. Because her hair was of a wavy texture, she was allowed to show it in public. She wore it swept up with two curls on each side of her head falling on her collar bones.

They chatted together, especially about the gossip of the day. Miss Reed and Mr. James were going together, Mr. Darcy (a white settler) had an illegimate negro child, Miss Lacy didn't care to wear bloomers under her slip. But the juiciest gossip of all was about Josephine, and their belief that she would be a wedded bride by the end of courting season.

"I can barely breathe I'm so delighted." Josephine gushed to her friend. She delicately waved a lace face in front of her, which helped her keep cool under the warm Caribbean sun.

"How do you know that he will propose today?" Asked Marie out of sheer curiosity, but Josephine took it as an attack.

"Are you to suggest that Mr. Baptiste has no plans of wedding me?" Asked Josephine.

"No, of course not! All I ask is how you know he plans on proposing." Marie questioned. Such questions made Josephine frustrated. The girl reached the market, which was alive with the inhabitants of their village. Vendors called out to sell fresh fruits, goats moseyed around them and chickens clucked.

The ones who clucked the most, however, were people. Josephine looked around and lowered her voice while continuing the conversation.

"Why would he not propose today? He leaves first thing tomorrow." Josephine mentioned. L
"As he has left his courted girl on every other island. He is notorious for doing this." Marie reminded her friend.

"He has already said he has the most interest in me, which can only mean one thing. I find it hard to believe he won't propose tonight." Josephine insisted, then stopped walking entirely. "I've begun already packing for Haiti just in case."

"You are mad!" Marie laughed. "The man has yet to ask for your hand in marriage! Just as he has done to all the girls before."

"And I will make all the difference." Josephine smiled. Together they walked, but something was very unsettling to Josephine. One man in particular was older in age, and had a scar over one eyebrow. His clothes were old and tattered, but he wore plenty of gold. He stared at the two women as he puffed in a pipe. Out of nervousness, Josephine gave him a smile, but one was not returned. Only that curious stare.