Saraphine

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

April 1841

Life had definitely gotten better since Daniel's return. Not easier—Missus still seemed to enjoy slapping her, Ellen had taken to yanking her hair and Thomas enjoyed making messes in rooms she had just cleaned.

No life wasn't easier, but it was better.

Daniel was back and the two never went more than a week without sneaking off together—if only for several moments—to enjoy their time together away from it all.

His friendship was the greatest gift that Saraphine had ever received. He taught her for the first time what it meant to be truly blessed.

And today Saraphine turned twelve years old. Another birthday had arrived. This year Saraphine had no preconceived hopes that her day would be a good one.

She was a slave—birthdays were unimportant. Saraphine stepped out of the quarters and was stopped almost instantly by Cecil.

Fear swept through her. Where they preparing slaves for auction? Had her time come? She had done her best to give the Levenworth's no reason to want her gone. She didn't want to leave Daniel!

"Don't be afraid of me, girl," Cecil mumbled, appearing truly bothered by her reaction.

Saraphine let out her fear in a rush of breath. "I was supposed to have laundry duty today. Has Missus changed her mind?"

Cecil smiled. "You could say that. You're terribly sick today, Saraphine. Headache and vomiting—it might even be dysentery. You are to stay away from the house and keep your illness to yourself. She said she's feeling generous so you are allowed to have the entire day to rest."

Saraphine frowned. "But I'm not ill. I feel just fine."

"That's not the report I gave her." Cecil winked. "Happy birthday, Saraphine."

Saraphine smiled and felt her fondness for the giant red-haired man grow. "Thank you, Mr. Cecil."

Cecil nodded and began to walk away, turning back after several steps. "The pond in the southeast field is gonna be a quiet spot all day. Might be a good place to rest. I hear fourteen- year old boys like to spend time there."

Saraphine nodded her understanding and didn't waste another moment before racing away, leaving Cecil and several slaves chuckling in her wake. Sarpahine's lungs were burning and her legs weakening when she finally reached the pond.

Daniel was there and waiting on her beside a large wicker basket. He smiled his charming, face splitting smile and rocked back on his bare heels. "Happy birthday, Saraphine!"

Saraphine smiled as she leaned against a boulder and attempted to catch her breath. "Have you been plotting with Cecil?"

Daniel winked before tossing a handful of pebbles into the pond. "I might have been. We may have worked things out together."

"And were exactly does Missus think you are today?"

Daniel snorted. "As long as I'm out of her hair, she doesn't care. Thomas is going to Savannah with Mr. Levenworth while Ellen and my aunt are knee deep in fabric swatches picking out the one they want for Ellen to wear to the spring dance in a couple of weeks." Daniel shrugged. "They don't care one bit where I'm at."