Passion's Furies, page 32
“…my hope now rests on the future,” she continued, approaching the final paragraphs of the work. “I am filled with passion to see a new world—a world changed for the better. With this passion, this zeal to see the abolishment of slavery, we must never forget or underestimate its potential to cast negative affects on what we all hope to accomplish. I was disappointed by the inside betrayal and subsequent failure of the rebellion to be led by Denmark Vesey. The hopes and dreams of a great many people were dashed when the great plan was foiled.
“However, there is much we may take from this unfortunate turn in events. We must realize the importance in coming together as a people—a people of many backgrounds—a people of many shades. From the darkest Negro to the lightest skinned mulatto, we must look past it all to see our brother, our sister, our family. If we ever hope to triumph over this evil that has destroyed our lives, our dignity, our humanity…slavery will not be a lasting evil. It will one day be a thing of the past, but we must live beyond that day and we must know when our zeal is pushing us towards negative territory.
“The passion for love and the passion for hate appear equal—as is our passion for freedom. Only as we forge ahead is it revealed whether the arrival of that freedom is a testament to love or hate.”
Solomon went to find his wife when she had been gone from the party a bit too long for his liking. She had retreated to a quiet room at the end of the main corridor and stood before a wide row of windows against the back wall where she enjoyed the sight of snow falling in waves of gleaming silence.
“You have a house full of admirers waiting to shake your hand,” Solomon spoke against her shoulder once he had pulled her back against him.
“I won’t keep them waiting any longer,” Jacinta promised, reluctant to leave the serene security she found within her husband’s embrace.
Solomon’s long lashes shielded his dark gaze from view as he inhaled the peach fragrance rising from Jacinta’s hair and the material of her alluring crimson gown. “Tell me what you’re thinking,” he requested softly.
Jacinta turned to fix him with a dazzling grin that sparkled as brightly as the mischievous glint in her chocolate stare. “I was thinking that it’s time we return to Michigan,” she purred against the line of his jaw as her lips caressed him there. “There are some changes I’d like to make to the house,” she murmured, smoothing her hands across the dark fabric of his tailored three quarter length suit coat.
Solomon’s dimples flashed when he heard the naughtiness in her voice. “Can you be more specific about these changes?”
“Mmm,” Jacinta gestured, with a lazy shrug and lowering of her eyes. “Well, I’d definitely like to get some things done in the bedroom,” she shared, giggling madly when Solomon began to gnaw at her neck. She tilted back her head as his mouth raced her cheek before coming to suckle at her earlobe. “And then there’s the nursery,” she drawled.
Solomon’s head raised quickly, his black eyes widening in disbelief. His legs felt weak and he took refuge in a nearby armchair. “What are you telling me?” he whispered, once he pulled her onto his lap.
Jacinta giggled again enjoying the way his uncertainty made him all the more handsome. “What do you think I’m telling you?” she leaned close to whisper against his ear. “I’m pregnant. I’m going to have your child and I can hardly wait. I love you.”
Solomon nuzzled his face against hers. His heart raced at a frantic speed. “I love you. Forever, I love you,” he swore.
They cuddled on the arm chair, forgetting about the party and, for a time, forgetting about the troubles of the world. They watched the snow fall and they were optimistic. They were optimistic of the future that lay ahead.
SOURCES
1. International Library of Negro Life and History Series: Introduction to Black Literature in America. 1746–Present (1968).
2. Denmark Vesey: The Buried History of America’s Largest Slave Rebellion and the man who led it. Author: David Robertson.
3. Black Charlestonians: A Social History 1822-1885. Author: Bernard E. Powers Jr.
4. Charleston Houses and Gardens. Author: Evangeline Davis.
5. Hilton Head Island: A Perspective.
6. History of American Costume 1607–1870. Author: Elizabeth McClellan.
7. Shepherd’s Historical Atlas 9th Edition. Author: William R. Shepherd.
8. New York facts: A comprehensive look at New York today, county by county. Author: John Clements.
9. The Food Timeline.
10. The History of Steamboats. Authors: John Fitch and Robert Fulton.
11. The Holy Bible.
About the Author
AlTonya Washington is a native of South Carolina and a 1994 graduate of Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. She has received numerous awards and nominations for her work including the Romantic Times Best 1st Multicultural nomination in 2003 and the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Multicultural Romance in 2004. AlTonya resides in North Carolina where she works as a Senior Library Assistant. Passion’s Furies is her second novel for Genesis Press.
AlTonya Washington, Passion's Furies
