Chains Read Free Page B

truth, I was struggling to think straight. The air in the tavern had grown heavy, and the weight of the day pressed against my head.
    When the men took out their pipes and lit their tobacco,Ruth sneezed, and the company all turned and considered us.
    â€œWell, then,” Lockton said, pushing back from the table to give his belly some room. “The wife is looking for a serving wench.”
    Missus Lockton crooked a finger at us. “Come here, girls.”
    I took Ruth by the hand and stepped within reach. Missus Lockton studied our hands and arms, looked at our feet, and made us take off our kerchiefs to look in our hair for nits.
    â€œCan you cook?” she finally asked me.
    â€œNot much, ma’am,” I admitted.
    â€œJust as well,” she said. “I don’t need another cook. What do you do?”
    I put my arm around Ruth. “We can scrub your house clean, care for cows and pigs, work your garden, and carry just about anything.”
    â€œMy aunt trained them up herself,” Mr. Robert added. “And they come with blankets and shoes.”
    Lockton sighed. “Why not wait, Anne, and procure another indentured girl in New York?”
    His wife sat back as Jenny arrived with coffee. “Indentured servants complain all the time and steal us blind at the first opportunity. I’ll never hire another.”
    Jenny set the tray on the table so hard the cups rattled in their saucers.
    Lockton reached for a plate of apple pie. “Are you sure we need two? These are uncertain times, dear.”
    Missus regarded Ruth. “This one looks simple. Is she addlepated?”
    Ruth gave a shy smile.
    I spoke before Mr. Robert could open his mouth. “She’sa good simple, ma’am. Does what she’s told. In truth, she’s a harder worker than me. Give her a broom and tell her to sweep, and you’ll be able to eat off your floor.”
    Jenny poured a cup of coffee and set it in front of the missus, spilling a little on the table.
    â€œShe’s prettier than you,” Missus said. “And she knows how to hold her tongue.” She turned to her husband. “The little one might be an amusement in the parlor. The big one could help Becky with the firewood and housekeeping.”
    Jenny pressed her lips tight together and poured coffee for Lockton and for Mr. Robert.
    Missus bent close to Ruth’s face. “I do not brook foolishness,” she said.
    Ruth shook her head from side to side. “No foolin’,” she said.
    The missus cocked her head to one side and stared at me. “And you. You are to address me as Madam. I expect obedience at all times. Insolence will not be tolerated, not one bit. And you will curb your tendency to talk.”
    â€œYes, ma’am, M-Madam,” I stuttered.
    â€œWhat say you, Anne?” Lockton said. “We sail with the tide.”
    â€œI want these girls, husband,” Madam said. “It is Providence that put them in our path.”
    â€œHow much do you want for them?” Lockton asked.
    Mr. Robert named his price. Our price. Two for one, us being sold like bolts of faded cloth or chipped porridge bowls.
    â€œWait,” Jenny announced loudly. “I’ll … I’ll take them.”
    The table froze. A person like Jenny did not speak to folks like the Locktons or Mr. Robert, not in that manner.Lockton stared at her as if she had grown a second head. “I beg your pardon.”
    Jenny set the kettle on the table, stood straight, and wiped her palms on her skirt. “I want them two girls. I need the help. We’ll pay cash.”
    â€œKeep to your kitchen, woman.” Madam Lockton’s words came out sharp and loud.
    Did she change her mind? Will she really take us?
    Work in the tavern wouldn’t be bad, maybe, and Jenny would be kind to Ruth. I could ask around about Lawyer Cornell’s papers. When we found Miss Mary’s will, I’d work extra to pay Jenny