Yellow Crocus (Freedman/Johnson, #1)

by Laila Ibrahim

Once she opened the door, her life would forever be divided into before and after.

All indentured servants, both European and African, agreed to work off their debt for seven to fifteen years. After that, they were to be released and given five acres of land each, a bushel of seed, and the freedom to pursue their own fortunes in the New World.

In addition, social status for slaves transferred from mother to child rather than from father to child, so regardless of your father’s status, you would be a slave if your mother was enslaved. Those changes in social codes ensured eighteenth-century planters of Virginia a steady supply of workers.

Our forebears were quite clear on the matter: slaves are only three-fifths of a man. They are not entitled to the same rights as Christians.”

When all the wounds were covered, Lisbeth had blood on her hands. As she stood to examine her work, she wiped it into the fabric of her dress.

“Focus on bearing, and beauty will follow. Your looks will not remain with you for life. But your bearing will go with you to the grave, Elizabeth.”

But I know a good man make life more sweet. Someone to hold you and love you, someone to share your dreams with, someone kind and thoughtful. A good man’s a treasure.”

Then Mattie journeyed away from her home toward freedom and her family, leaving behind the bones of generations of her ancestors and their captors.

To be honest, I want a good man more than I want a good husband. I believe you are such a man.”