"Yes, sir." Rick watched his new house slave walk into the kitchen and couldn't help wondering about this timid, beautiful woman who had so recently come into his possession. Nellie was a belated wedding present to Rick and Victoria (Rick's wife). Rick was unsure why her previous owner had gotten rid of her; he only knew his father-in-law had acquired Nellie. Rick, personally, did not agree with the slave owning philosophy but recognized that, as a rich white man in southern Virginia (and the fact that he had a VERY prominent father-in-law), it was expected of him. Rick gave his slaves time off and had NEVER taken a whip to any of his people. However he knew better than to let anyone know he felt compassion for the Negro people, otherwise, he would lose everything he had worked so hard for.
As Nellie approached the dining room table with dessert, Rick watched her with interest. Obviously of mixed blood, Nellie was about 5'5" with shoulder-length curly auburn hair, green eyes with gray flecks throughout, skin the color of a pecan shell and absolutely beautiful to look at. He guessed her age to be about 22 or 23. He couldn't help but notice how her worn house dress hugged her body as she walked. Rick also knew he didn't appreciate the flustered feeling he got around this girl. "That will be all Nellie." Anything to get her away from him for awhile.
"Actually, Nellie," Victoria said, "I'd like a bath. Go upstairs and draw the water for me."
"Yes ma'am," Nellie whispered as she walked towards the stairs. Rick looked at his wife of six months and wondered, not for the first time, what he had gotten himself into. Victoria was about Nellie's height; the similarities ended there. Rick's wife reminded him of a wolverine: small beady eyes, sharp features, vicious looking. The only reason he had married her was because of what it could do for his auction business. As if reading his thoughts, Victoria glared at her husband before getting up from the table and heading to her room. "Is this really worth it," Rick couldn't help but think to himself as he sighed, then walked into his study.
About 1/2 hour later, Rick heard footsteps. He looked up in time to see Nellie pass by his study door. "Oh, Nellie." Nellie walked back to his door, "Yes, sir?"
"Uh, never mind."
"Goodnight, sir."
"Goodnight, Nellie." Rick sighed. During his six month marriage, Victoria had allowed him to share her bed twice. Rick had thrown himself into his work but now, having Nellie around, he was reminded that he was a man and that men have needs. Rick decided to go upstairs and try to convince his wife to help him out with his need. 10 minutes (and one hellacious argument) later, Rick was slamming Victoria's bedroom door and walking towards the stairs. Rick stormed down the stairs, trying to rid himself of the images of strangling his mean, hateful wife. As he walked towards the study, he noticed the door to the basement and wondered what his beautiful Nubian princess was doing. Rick got a candle from the kitchen then walked down the basement stairs, looking for Nellie. He found her in the corner sitting on her mat, wrapped in a thin blanket, beautiful green eyes wide, tears streaming down her face. "Why, Nellie, what's the matter?"
"I'm scared of the dark," Nellie whispered so quietly that Rick almost didn't hear her. Rick stared at her, not quite believing what he was hearing. "What did you say?"
"I'm scared of the dark," Nellie repeated a little louder. Surprised by what he had just heard, Rick said, "I'm sorry Nellie. I didn't know. I'll leave the candle when I leave, okay?" Now it was Nellie's turn to stare. Rick chuckled. "What's the matter Nellie, not used to someone doing something nice for you?" Nellie wanted to answer him but knew the wrong thing could get her the whip. Rick saw her dilemma and sat beside her as he waited for an answer. While he waited, Rick couldn't help but notice that Nellie's blanket covered a nude and well developed body; very curvy just like he liked them, unlike his damn wife. Being this close to Nellie, Rick knew he would not be leaving this room without having her.