The Slave Master's Son Read Online Free PDF

He declined to remarry, though many single women climbed at the opportunity to have a well-established, handsome gentlemen with lots of land and a large house. From their perspective, he only had the one child so that made him a catch as well. I do know that your mother and he have an arrangement that they refuse to disclose to anyone. My brothers and sisters are up north,” John said as he looked down at the ground with a sullen expression. “Father and I don’t discuss it. I was prohibited from interacting with them, just as you were. He’s yet to admit to me that they’re my kin. Matter of fact, he blatantly denies it.”
    “My mother tells me I have to stay pure for as long as I can, John. She wants me to be married. I want to be married too,” Hannah blurted as her mind raced with thoughts and fears of her bearing John’s children and his leaving her, ultimately sending their children up north.
    “Where do you get such notions, Hannah? I wouldn’t suggest that you give yourself to me under any other conditions. I wouldn’t ask that you be placed in such debauchery, especially on account of my desires,” John assured sternly. “A kiss is my way of showing you that I’m sincere. Consummation would be done in honor, if you’d have me.”
    “John, I need to ask you a question,” Hannah said as she sat back down in the grass. John joined her.
    “Yes?” he said, looking at her with great interest.
    “Have you ever…have you ever…” Hannah tripped over her modesty, unable to ask the question. “Have you ever been with – a woman – in that way?”
    “Yes,” John answered. “I did so while I was away. Does that concern you? Men have needs, you know?” he said sincerely. “It had nothing to do with love, I assure you. They were working girls sent to take care of our needs.”
    “I think I better go now,” Hannah said as she stood up to walk away. “I was hopin’ and prayin’ tonight would be like old times, but instead you told me things that make me question every thing I know.” John took her hand softly, turning her back towards him.
    “Hannah, I asked you to meet me out here so I could tell you everything. I want no secrets between us. I missed you, too. I wanted you to know these things, but you mustn’t tell a soul.”
    “I won’t. I’ll keep it to myself.”
    “I’ll walk you back, Hannah. Let’s go together.” Hannah picked up her lantern as they headed back towards the house. The night air was thick and ever-watching. John broke the silence.
    “Hannah, I’ll always give you my honesty. I love you not only because I’ve known you so long, but because you’re a beautiful young woman. Your voice is angelic. Your presence is sweet yet powerful. You’re cunning, too. Things happen in lifetimes that many can’t explain or account for, but the enchantment between two people, their love for one another, is real.”
    “I love you too, John. I love with my whole heart – with my whole life,” Hannah said despondently.
    “Sing me a song,” John asked as they continued to take leisurely strides towards Master Stewart’s estate.
     
    “ Swing low, sweet chariot, comin’ for to carry me home…”
     
    * * *

 
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 5
     
    Two months later…
     
    Hannah sat at the sewing machine in the drawing room. She looked at the large spools of golden and purple thread. Her excitement grew as she envisioned the gown she planned to create. Her mother had given her a bounty of quality yarn and thread for her as a birthday gift. Hannah threaded the needle and began her tedious work. Hours passed without her notice. She hummed as she moved the fabric to and fro. The afternoon sun broke through as her mother stepped into the room.
    “You’re doin’ a good job,” Mary said as she looked over her daughter’s shoulder. “I did your chores this mornin’. Master Stewart said you can take dinner shift. You make pretty dresses, my precious baby – well, you ain’t a