"Ruin and Redemption"

A Proposal for Mindy

It was three months now from the day he had purchased her from the trader, and Josiah and Mindy had been getting along, just as he’d hoped. She had even allowed him to brush and braid her hair for her, just as he’d sometimes done for his younger sisters. She seemed to have no fear of his touch. She didn’t mind when after brushing her hair, he’d placed his hands on her shoulders, and looked into the mirror along with her, telling her she was pretty. They had had to lean over to avoid the crack in the mirror splitting her face in two, but she had been thrilled. She had even thought about turning around to kiss him, and seen him looking down at her fondly.

Mindy’s heart filled with joy in that moment. Josiah was falling in love with her! She was so lucky to have wound up here. No whip, no overseer! Working side by side in the fields with the man she was growing more fond of by the day! God had certainly brought her to a good place!

Tonight, they were all eating Supper. Josiah hoped it was not too soon to ask Mindy for her hand. He was reluctant to continue going to Rebecca for his needs when he was feeling so much for Mindy now. And Rebecca had never reciprocated the passionate feelings he had for her, despite the intimacy they shared. Nevertheless, Josiah was beginning to see that she meant what she’d said seriously when she offered him her friendship without reservation. He was beginning to feel the same way. And now, thankfully, he would have the money to purchase Mindy’s freedom papers; Rebecca was going with him tomorrow to see a lawyer, who was coming in town to see her. Rebecca had asked the lawyer for the papers in exchange for her services. She’d graciously allowed Josiah to meet with her a few times as a client, too, for a small down payment which she trusted him to make good on as soon as he could spare it. And she’d helped him pick out and pay for the ring, too! It was a good feeling to be trusted, especially by a woman. He had had his share of hard times with women, ever since he had led the murder of Michael. Now, finally, he had met someone who could trust him to do the right thing and pay her the money he owed. And his future wife Mindy (or so he liked to hope) seemed to think he was worth trusting as well. Finally, he had gotten his honor back, or at least his reputation!

Mindy hadn’t balked when he’d helped her on the horse the first time and swung up to ride behind her. As their lessons went on, she had grown more and more comfortable with him, often leaning back on him, even turning half way around to look at him, not knowing where the horse might be going. She trusted him with the horse, and she trusted him not to hurt her. Thank God; it was a liberating feeling to be trusted. He had finally earned it, from God, the Universe, Michael. Something or someone had finally seen fit to put women in his life who trusted him! And now, even CiCi was becoming a little less skittish, as she observd the way Mindy acted towards him.

Still, he wished he had more time. But he wanted to at least make his feelings plain.

He gave CiCi an apologetic look before taking the envelope from his pocket. She would have to wait.

“Listen, Mindy, I wanted to tell you front of ev’ryone, I went to the lawyer today with my friend who ken read. And we got this fer you.” He unfurled it with concentration, wishing he could read her every word of it. He slowly handed it over across the table, “It says you’re free, Mindy.”

“I’s free, Master Josiah?” She teased, not believing him.

“Mindy, you’re free. It’s the truth. I had to free you first ‘cause I love you an’ I wanted to ask you a question, but I couldn’t do it if you weren’t free.

“Am I really free, Josiah?” She asked incredulously.

He nodded back seriously.

“Oh, thank you, Josiah, thank you!” She came around to his side and leaned over and hugged him. Then she ran to CiCi and hugged her. CiCi managed to hug her briefly before slumping into her chair, feeling devastated that she had been passed over, especially with Josiah knowing how much she had wanted it.