CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Going Back to Carolina
A couple of days after the sheriff’s deputies posted the Eviction Notice on the gate post Malinda sits on the back veranda watching the evening sun drop behind the soft, rolling hills of Brindlee Mountain far off to her west. There were just enough clouds to color the sunset brilliant shades of orange, reds, yellows and whites. ‘What a wonderful picture this would make,’ she thought. Her mind was on the peaceful sunset; she did not hear the hooves of a horse silently, stepping around the corner of the house.
“Good evening señorita,” Labeau greeted Malinda touching his hat with his index finger.
“What are you doing here you scoundrel? And don’t be referring to me as a señorita, you know I am a married woman!”
“Ah yes, that is what I have come this evening to talk to you about. You have not heard a word from your man, what is his name?? Robert, yes, that is right Robert. But he has not posted you a letter since his leaving. Do you not find this strange? You know, I don’t think your Robert is comin’ back, so I thinks for me to call you señorita is correct.”
“I’m telling you Labeau get off my place!”
“Now, now Señorita Malinda do not be so hasty – it will not be as you say ‘your place’ in another month or so, but I have a solution to your problem. You see, I will own this place pretty quick now. I have always thought you to be a handsome woman Malinda – ah, Malinda, such a pretty name too. I see no reason that you cannot stay on when I buy this farm. Of course, some arrangements will have to be made - if you get my understanding.”
Getting up from her chair she moves toward the door, “I’ll tell you what my understanding is Señore Labeau, it’s this 12-gauge shotgun. I’ve got it standing here by my door, and I’m going to show you what my ‘understanding’ is you dirty dog!” Malinda reaches the door, grabs the gun swings it around to face Labeau, but the yard is empty. Labeau has left as silently as he arrived.
MOVING OUT
It is late spring; the sun is getting hot this time of the year in northern Alabama. Removing her bandana to wipe the sweat from her brow, Sary speaks to Malinda, “Lands sake Mizz Malinda is we gonna take everthin’ we’s got back to Caroline?”
“Oh, hush up Sary and keep loading these wagons, you know we will have to live off of everything we take with us.”
“Yes ’em, but I worry ‘bout that poor old hoss and them two mules, they got to haul all of this stuff.”
“I know, you’re right Sary, that’s why I’ve been loading most of our heavy things in the big wagon, those mules can pull that load pretty well. We’ll give them plenty of rest along the way; we won’t be in a hurry. Blaze can take care of this two-wheel cart; she isn’t used to pulling a wagon, but the cart isn’t much different than pulling a plow, she’ll be fine.”
“In a few days it’s gwine to be the 1st of May. I’m thinkin’ that should be ‘bout right for us to get on the road, besides the notice is plumb neer run out, and we’s been lucky Louie Labeau hasn’t been back for yore boys. Yeah, it’s time for us to get going whiles we can.”
‘Wrong,’ though Malinda, ‘he’s been back all right, but you’re right about one thing – he was after something, but it wasn’t the boys!’
In a couple of days Malinda announces tomorrow morning they are to hitch the teams to the wagons, grab the gun, tie the cow to the cart, and they are going to begin the next great chapter in their lives, the journey back to Scarlett in South Carolina.
The sun is barely up and all the Scarburg family, including Sary, are gathered in the front yard. Mattie Ann is sniffling, and a tear can be seen at the edge of Malinda’s eye.
“Mama,” said William. “Let’s burn this place to the ground, the barn too before we go. I’ll drop one of the dead animals down the water well then I’ll pour in a gallon of kerosene. Let’s not leave them nothin.’ It ain’t right them Carpetbaggers should take our farm!”
“Hush up with that kind of talk boy, we’re a Christian family and we’re going to remain a law-abiding Christian family too, do you hear me? I know it doesn’t feel right, and it’s not, but taking out spite is not in our family’s nature, you understand? Besides, we’ll need that kerosene before we reach Scarlett.” William had his head bowed, but he nodded he understood. “All right then, let’s get on these wagons, but before you do bow your heads,
“The fear of man bringeth a snare, but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 20:25”
“That’s what Scripture says. Amen!”. ”
“Mizz Malinda,” said Sary, “can I have my say too?”
“Of course,” Malinda replied.
Sary looks at all those getting ready to get on the wagons and asks them to kneel in a circle. They all join hands as Sary begins,
“Oh, Lords, be our guide and our protector on this here journey we’s about to take.
Watch over us. Protect us from those low-down rascal thieves and them no-account ruffians on the road. Don’t let no harm come to our body and soul. Now Lords what you does with them, now that’s your bizness, I jes prays you learn them the error of their sinful lives.
Dear Lords, prop us up with Your grace when we’s get plumb tuckered out. Helps us to always be patient in any trouble, which may come our way. ‘Cause it will since wes got a long ways to go.
Keep us always mindful of Your presence and love. May God in heaven ride with us on this dangerous journey, and may you sends one of your Heavenly angels to protect us and give us a helping hand, if the need comes.
“That’s what Sary says. Amen!”
After a moment or two of silence Malinda said, “Well, I guess that just about covers it...”
“No,” said Sary walking toward their small family cemetery under the big old oak tree, “I gots to say my goodbyes to Jed, Jefferson, and our sweet little Margaret.”
“Holdup Sary I want to go with you.”
Walking toward the small cemetery to pay their last respects, Malinda asks Sary, “You’re sure we packed Luke’s big family Bible?”
“I’m sure Mizz Malinda. I done put it in its wooden box and placed the box in the wagon myself.”