Yellow Crocus (Freedman/Johnson, #1)

by Laila Ibrahim

Quickly the landed gentry realized that their plantations would not be profitable if they paid their workforce. Thus Mattie’s African ancestors were not turned free or given the means to farm for themselves, but held in perpetual bondage after the Virginia Assembly passed a law in 1705 clarifying once and for all the status of Africans in the colony. It declared “all servants imported and brought into the Country . . . who were not Christians in their native Country . . . shall be accounted and be slaves. All Negro, mulatto, and Indian slaves within this dominion . . . shall be held to be real estate.”

This country was founded with the understanding that we shall be allowed to hold slaves. It was a condition of the formation.

“I adore Jane Austen.” Matthew nodded. “I find her portrait of British society so accurate, and yet so dreadful.” “I agree. It must be awful to be so bound by what society expects,” Lisbeth answered. “I am so glad to have been born in America, where one has freedom.”

“New York City will be adventure enough for me,” declared Edward. “I see no need to leave the shores of this country. I certainly have no need to listen to people speak French or Italian.” “French is a beautiful language,” Matthew interjected. “It may be beautiful,” Edward replied, “but I have no need of it!”