As news got out about Sean and Marita's marriage, the family waited with tense anticipation for reactions. Most of the townspeople were shocked but after the initial shock wore off, they were not too surprised. The Logans were an unconventional family and did not employ many of the socially accepted rules of white society.
Most of Lexington had some kind of dealing with the Logans and knew they were decent, honest and fair. Because of this, they had no desire to cause trouble for the family. They also realized that the Logans continued to gain power and wealth and it seemed as if everything they touched turned to gold, so they were willing to accept Sean's 'marriage' to the colored woman.
Those who opposed Sean's marriage to Marita would talk behind their backs but would never confronted them. They would complain to the sheriff, but he refused to do anything unless official charges were brought against Sean and Marita. None were ever filed.
The Logans lost some of their horse customers, but for every one they lost, they seemed to gain 3 more. Many who were appalled and took their horses to other farms soon came back because the quality of breeding done at the Logan farm could not be found anywhere else in Kentucky.
William Winters was too worried about the financial disaster he was orchestrating to be concerned about who Sean Logan married. Georgina was appalled, disgusted, and horrified. Vivian had lost out on all that Logan money to a colored woman.
Vivian had always suspected that there was something going on between Sean and Marita. She could not help but feel jealous of Marita. She had everything Vivian had only dreamed about. She was loved in a way Vivian longed for. She had a man who would give of everything just for her. She was a part of a family that loved her and was loyal to her. Vivian wished she had what Marita had.
**********************
Vivian was going over the accountants when Georgina walked into the study. "If you had acted more lady like" she said to Vivian when she saw what she was doing, "maybe you wouldn't have lost Sean to that servant."
Vivian simply looked at her mother with sadness in her eyes as she got up and left the study. Vivian had never received real love and she began to wonder if it was meant for her. As she dwelled on the love she knew Marita had from Sean and her seemingly loveless life, she became more depressed and distant. The only times she felt even a little bit of happiness was when she was with Clay.
Vivian decided to go see Clay instead of mope around the house. Her spirits were down and she always felt better when she was around him. As she rode to the Logans, she began to wonder if Clay could love her like Sean obviously loved Marita. Oh, if it were so. Over the past year, Vivian had fallen in love with him, but she was not sure if he loved her. He was fond of her, she knew, but now she wanted more. She wanted his love. She had been taught to let the man come to you, so she would never tell Clay how she felt until he told her how he felt.
Vivian knocked on the Logan's door and Marita answered.
"Hello. Is Clay here?" Vivian asked.
"No. He went into town, but he should be back shortly. You're welcome to come in and wait for him" Marita said as she stepped aside to let Vivian in. "Alice isn't here either. Would you like to wait in the great room?"
"Yes, thank you" Vivian said.
"Thank you? Humph" MM
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." MH
"Would you like some tea while you wait" Marita asked as they walked to the great room.
"No, thank you. I'm fine" Vivian smiled.
"OK, but if you chance your mind, I'll be in the study" Marita said.
Vivian nodded and went into the great room. She sat on the couch and started wondering again if Clay loved her. Feelings of sadness and despair welled up in her as thoughts of Clay not loving her consumed her.
Marita had decided to get herself a cup of tea and when she walked back past the great room, she heard faint sobs. Marita walked into the room and sat down next to Vivian.
"Vivian" she said as her put her hand on Vivian's shoulder.
Vivian turned and looked at Marita. Her tears increased because Marita seemed to be everything she wanted to be - a woman who was loved and cherished. All Vivian could do was lay her head on Marita's shoulder and cry.
Marita immediately put her arm around Vivian and just held her.
"I'm sorry" Vivian said as she continued to cry.
"It's OK" Marita said softly as she rubbed her arm. "It's good to cry sometimes."
They sat there for 20 minutes. Vivian crying and Marita comforting.
"Would you like to take a walk" Marita asked after Vivian stopped crying. "The fresh air might make you feel better."
Vivian lifted her head off Marita's shoulder. "I'm sorry for crying all over you".
"It's no problem" Marita said, smiling.
"I think I'd better take a walk. I don't want Clay to see me like this" she said. Her eyes were puffy and red and her nose was running.
Marita pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her. "I like to walk down by the river when I get upset."
"Really? I do too" Vivian was surprised that they had something in common.
"Well, I'll walk with you if you'd like" Marita offered.
"I'd like that" Vivian said. She was still feeling very sad and wanted the company.
The two women walked out of the house and down to the river. When they got to the riverbank, they sat down watched the flow of the river. After minutes of silence, Vivian spoke.
"Were you the reason Sean called off our engagement?" Vivian asked as she continued to watch the river flow.
Marita was caught off guard. She did not know how to answer.
"I know now that you were" Vivian said when Marita did not answer.
After another span of silence, Vivian spoke again.
"You're very lucky Marita" she said and Marita heard the sadness in her voice. "I wish I had what you have. I've never had any real friends. I've felt lonely most of my life. I've never felt any love from my mother and even though I believed my father loved me, he never really showed it" Vivian pour her heart out as silent tears began to fall.
Marita scooted over and sat next to Vivian and rubbed her back.
"The way to get love is to give it. And I'm sure you have plenty to give." Marita said.
"I wondered if I'm meant to have love" Vivian mused.
"We're all meant to have love."
The two sat in silence and an hour had past before they knew it. As they walked silently back to the house, they both knew that seeds of friendship had been sowed.
"Thank you, Marita" Vivian said before they walked into the house.
"You're welcome" Marita smiled as she opened the door.
Clay and Sean were standing in the foyer and looked toward the door when it opened. Both men were surprised to see Marita and Vivian coming in together with smiles on their faces.
The ladies spoke to the men. Marita and Sean walked in to the study and Vivian and Clay walked into the great room.
"You've been out all afternoon with VIVIAN?" Sean asked in amazement. He had come to the house earlier looking for her.
Marita shared everything with Sean. But she knew that this was something that needed to be kept between her and Vivian. "No" she answered. And technically, she had not. She had only spent two hours with Vivian.
**********************
"Hey" Sean said as he came inside the cabin.
"Hey" Marita said as she walked over and gave him a kiss. "I went into town today" she said as she walked back over to the stove. "William has a 'For Sale' up on the warehouse."
"Really?" Sean's interest was peaked.
"Yeah, but we shouldn't buy it until he comes down on the price. He's trying to sell it for $2 a square foot."
"What if someone makes him an offer?" Sean said. He was anxious to get the warehouse. If they got it now, he'd be able to make his own cigars next year and triple his profit.
"I've already prayed about this Sean. We should offer him 50 cents a square foot and not a penny more" Marita said.
"Marita, he's not likely to take that offer and I'm sure someone else will be willing to pay more" Sean said. He REALLY wanted to get the warehouse.
"Sean" Marita turned to him, "please trust me on this. That warehouse is ours and we'll get it. But we'll only pay 50 cents a square foot for it. We also need to start ordering the equipment we'll need for the warehouse".
Sean thought she had lost her mind. They hadn't even got the warehouse. They were offering a fourth of what William was asking. And Marita was telling him to start ordering the equipment.
"Are you sure, Marita?" Sean asked with a frown.
"Honey, please trust me on this" Marita smiled confidently.
Sean thought about it and knew he could trust Marita's judgment, especially since she had prayed about it.
"Alright" he consented. "I'll make him the offer and start ordering the equipment".
"Don't get discouraged if he refuses. He probably will, but eventually he will accept our offer" Marita said. And again she gave him a confident smile.
In the months that follow, Sean made his offer to William four times and each time William laughed in his face. Sean would come home dejected, but Marita would always tell him 'That warehouse is ours'. He was always tempted to give William his asking price, but Marita always convinced him to stick to the original offer.
********************
Marita was in Ned's study looking out of the window when two strong arms circled her waist.
"UUUUMMMM" Sean gave her a wet kiss on the cheek and squeezed her tight.
"Sean" Marita was surprised. "What are you doing home?" It was mid day and she wasn't expecting him until this evening.
"I have a surprise for you" he said as he let her go and she turned to face him.
"What" she smiled because he was smiling.
"Guess who came by the office this morning" Sean said.
"Who?" Marita asked.
"GUESS" Sean insisted.
Marita thought for a moment. Who's visit could make Sean come all the way home just to tell her about it. "WILLIAM?!"
Sean nodded.
"He accepted the offer?!" Marita screamed.
Sean nodded again.
"SEAN!" Marita exclaimed as she jumped into his arms.
"I'm going by the bank this afternoon to pay him and get the deed and keys" he said as he lifted her off the ground.
"OH! And guess what" Marita said when he set her back on the floor. "The equipment is here! I got the telegram this morning."
"This is perfect timing!" Sean could hardly believe it. "I'll get Clay and Jeremy and some of the hands to help me."
"Have you been inside the warehouse yet?"
"Yeah. It's cleaned out and all the repairs have been done! Can you believe that! I guess William isn't a total fool. He fixed it up before he tried to sell it. Marita I can't believe this!" he said as he picked her up and swung her around.
"Everything is coming together" she smiled as she rested her hands on his shoulders.
"Hey Sean" Clay said as he came into the study.
Sean looked from Marita to Clay. "Hey"
"Hey Marita" he said.
"Hi Clay" she said as she let go of Sean.
Clay sat down in a huff. He seemed to be upset about something.
"Something wrong?" Sean asked.
"It's Vivian" Clay said in a weary voice.
"What about her?" Sean said.
"Every since she heard about you and Marita, she's been acting different. I don't know. It seems like, like, maybe she still has feelings for you" he said, sadly.
"Clay, I doubt that. I doubt she ever had feelings for me" Sean said.
"I don't know Sean. I mean every since she found out about you guys, she seems sad all the time. And why should she be sad, unless she still has feelings for you?" Clay reasoned.
"How do you feel about her?" Sean asked.
"I think I love her" Clay admitted.
"Why don't you just tell her how you feel?" Sean said, remembering when he told Marita how he felt about her.
"I don't know...." Clay hesitated. He knew he could not give Vivian the kind of lifestyle she was accustomed to yet, so he was reluctant to offer her marriage. "What do you think Marita?" Clay asked, wanting a woman's opinion.
"I think you should be completely honest with her. Give her a chance to tell you what's bothering her. Don't let your assumptions cause you unnecessary grief" Marita said, remembering how long it took her and Sean to admit to each other how they felt about one another.
Sean was remembering the same thing. "Yeah, Clay. Just tell her how you feel and ask her how she feels. You remember when Henry Langston was here. If I had just told Marita how I felt, I would've saved myself a LOT of grief."
Clay decided that he would take Sean and Marita's advice and just tell Vivian how he felt and go from there.
Sean told Clay about the warehouse and the equipment coming in and Clay said he would help out.
*********************
Over the next few months, Sean and Marita remained busy. Marita was busy with her bookkeeping for Ned and her and Sean's businesses, filling the many orders she and Auntie got for their herbicide, growing and selling her flowers to the florist.
Sean was busy with his assignments for Clancy, the tobacco fields, setting up the warehouse and building his and Marita's house. Sean had used Auntie's fertilizer and his leaves grew faster and healthier. Sean had also talked with Vivian about buying her piece of land that he was working and eventually she agreed to sell.
************************
"Hey" Marita said as she came into the cabin.
"Hey. Guess what" Sean said as he got up from the table and walked over to give Marita a kiss.
"What?" she asked.
"Vivian's gonna sell the land" he smiled.
"Really! Good. We can use our profits from the herbicides" Marita said happily.
"We need to draw of a contract to settle this year's harvest with her" Sean said as he walked back over to the table.
"Ok. We can do that tomorrow if you have time."
"I'm gonna be at the warehouse most of the morning, but I'll try to come home for lunch and we can draw it up then."
"OK. I'm so excited about getting that land. We have more than enough money from our herbicide profits so we don't need a loan."
"Guess what else?" Sean said.
"What?"
"Clay asked Vivian to marry him and she said 'yes'"
"REALLY" Marita was excited.
"Yeah" Sean nodded.
"I'm so happy for them."
Sean and Marita shared the day's events with each other and Sean tried to help Marita cook their dinner. Marita laughed as he did the best he could and she eventually gave him the task of setting the table. They enjoyed their dinner, cleared off the table and washed the dishes.
They spend the remainder of the evening talking and ended the night making love.
To Be Continued.................
Most of Lexington had some kind of dealing with the Logans and knew they were decent, honest and fair. Because of this, they had no desire to cause trouble for the family. They also realized that the Logans continued to gain power and wealth and it seemed as if everything they touched turned to gold, so they were willing to accept Sean's 'marriage' to the colored woman.
Those who opposed Sean's marriage to Marita would talk behind their backs but would never confronted them. They would complain to the sheriff, but he refused to do anything unless official charges were brought against Sean and Marita. None were ever filed.
The Logans lost some of their horse customers, but for every one they lost, they seemed to gain 3 more. Many who were appalled and took their horses to other farms soon came back because the quality of breeding done at the Logan farm could not be found anywhere else in Kentucky.
William Winters was too worried about the financial disaster he was orchestrating to be concerned about who Sean Logan married. Georgina was appalled, disgusted, and horrified. Vivian had lost out on all that Logan money to a colored woman.
Vivian had always suspected that there was something going on between Sean and Marita. She could not help but feel jealous of Marita. She had everything Vivian had only dreamed about. She was loved in a way Vivian longed for. She had a man who would give of everything just for her. She was a part of a family that loved her and was loyal to her. Vivian wished she had what Marita had.
**********************
Vivian was going over the accountants when Georgina walked into the study. "If you had acted more lady like" she said to Vivian when she saw what she was doing, "maybe you wouldn't have lost Sean to that servant."
Vivian simply looked at her mother with sadness in her eyes as she got up and left the study. Vivian had never received real love and she began to wonder if it was meant for her. As she dwelled on the love she knew Marita had from Sean and her seemingly loveless life, she became more depressed and distant. The only times she felt even a little bit of happiness was when she was with Clay.
Vivian decided to go see Clay instead of mope around the house. Her spirits were down and she always felt better when she was around him. As she rode to the Logans, she began to wonder if Clay could love her like Sean obviously loved Marita. Oh, if it were so. Over the past year, Vivian had fallen in love with him, but she was not sure if he loved her. He was fond of her, she knew, but now she wanted more. She wanted his love. She had been taught to let the man come to you, so she would never tell Clay how she felt until he told her how he felt.
Vivian knocked on the Logan's door and Marita answered.
"Hello. Is Clay here?" Vivian asked.
"No. He went into town, but he should be back shortly. You're welcome to come in and wait for him" Marita said as she stepped aside to let Vivian in. "Alice isn't here either. Would you like to wait in the great room?"
"Yes, thank you" Vivian said.
"Thank you? Humph" MM
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." MH
"Would you like some tea while you wait" Marita asked as they walked to the great room.
"No, thank you. I'm fine" Vivian smiled.
"OK, but if you chance your mind, I'll be in the study" Marita said.
Vivian nodded and went into the great room. She sat on the couch and started wondering again if Clay loved her. Feelings of sadness and despair welled up in her as thoughts of Clay not loving her consumed her.
Marita had decided to get herself a cup of tea and when she walked back past the great room, she heard faint sobs. Marita walked into the room and sat down next to Vivian.
"Vivian" she said as her put her hand on Vivian's shoulder.
Vivian turned and looked at Marita. Her tears increased because Marita seemed to be everything she wanted to be - a woman who was loved and cherished. All Vivian could do was lay her head on Marita's shoulder and cry.
Marita immediately put her arm around Vivian and just held her.
"I'm sorry" Vivian said as she continued to cry.
"It's OK" Marita said softly as she rubbed her arm. "It's good to cry sometimes."
They sat there for 20 minutes. Vivian crying and Marita comforting.
"Would you like to take a walk" Marita asked after Vivian stopped crying. "The fresh air might make you feel better."
Vivian lifted her head off Marita's shoulder. "I'm sorry for crying all over you".
"It's no problem" Marita said, smiling.
"I think I'd better take a walk. I don't want Clay to see me like this" she said. Her eyes were puffy and red and her nose was running.
Marita pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her. "I like to walk down by the river when I get upset."
"Really? I do too" Vivian was surprised that they had something in common.
"Well, I'll walk with you if you'd like" Marita offered.
"I'd like that" Vivian said. She was still feeling very sad and wanted the company.
The two women walked out of the house and down to the river. When they got to the riverbank, they sat down watched the flow of the river. After minutes of silence, Vivian spoke.
"Were you the reason Sean called off our engagement?" Vivian asked as she continued to watch the river flow.
Marita was caught off guard. She did not know how to answer.
"I know now that you were" Vivian said when Marita did not answer.
After another span of silence, Vivian spoke again.
"You're very lucky Marita" she said and Marita heard the sadness in her voice. "I wish I had what you have. I've never had any real friends. I've felt lonely most of my life. I've never felt any love from my mother and even though I believed my father loved me, he never really showed it" Vivian pour her heart out as silent tears began to fall.
Marita scooted over and sat next to Vivian and rubbed her back.
"The way to get love is to give it. And I'm sure you have plenty to give." Marita said.
"I wondered if I'm meant to have love" Vivian mused.
"We're all meant to have love."
The two sat in silence and an hour had past before they knew it. As they walked silently back to the house, they both knew that seeds of friendship had been sowed.
"Thank you, Marita" Vivian said before they walked into the house.
"You're welcome" Marita smiled as she opened the door.
Clay and Sean were standing in the foyer and looked toward the door when it opened. Both men were surprised to see Marita and Vivian coming in together with smiles on their faces.
The ladies spoke to the men. Marita and Sean walked in to the study and Vivian and Clay walked into the great room.
"You've been out all afternoon with VIVIAN?" Sean asked in amazement. He had come to the house earlier looking for her.
Marita shared everything with Sean. But she knew that this was something that needed to be kept between her and Vivian. "No" she answered. And technically, she had not. She had only spent two hours with Vivian.
**********************
"Hey" Sean said as he came inside the cabin.
"Hey" Marita said as she walked over and gave him a kiss. "I went into town today" she said as she walked back over to the stove. "William has a 'For Sale' up on the warehouse."
"Really?" Sean's interest was peaked.
"Yeah, but we shouldn't buy it until he comes down on the price. He's trying to sell it for $2 a square foot."
"What if someone makes him an offer?" Sean said. He was anxious to get the warehouse. If they got it now, he'd be able to make his own cigars next year and triple his profit.
"I've already prayed about this Sean. We should offer him 50 cents a square foot and not a penny more" Marita said.
"Marita, he's not likely to take that offer and I'm sure someone else will be willing to pay more" Sean said. He REALLY wanted to get the warehouse.
"Sean" Marita turned to him, "please trust me on this. That warehouse is ours and we'll get it. But we'll only pay 50 cents a square foot for it. We also need to start ordering the equipment we'll need for the warehouse".
Sean thought she had lost her mind. They hadn't even got the warehouse. They were offering a fourth of what William was asking. And Marita was telling him to start ordering the equipment.
"Are you sure, Marita?" Sean asked with a frown.
"Honey, please trust me on this" Marita smiled confidently.
Sean thought about it and knew he could trust Marita's judgment, especially since she had prayed about it.
"Alright" he consented. "I'll make him the offer and start ordering the equipment".
"Don't get discouraged if he refuses. He probably will, but eventually he will accept our offer" Marita said. And again she gave him a confident smile.
In the months that follow, Sean made his offer to William four times and each time William laughed in his face. Sean would come home dejected, but Marita would always tell him 'That warehouse is ours'. He was always tempted to give William his asking price, but Marita always convinced him to stick to the original offer.
********************
Marita was in Ned's study looking out of the window when two strong arms circled her waist.
"UUUUMMMM" Sean gave her a wet kiss on the cheek and squeezed her tight.
"Sean" Marita was surprised. "What are you doing home?" It was mid day and she wasn't expecting him until this evening.
"I have a surprise for you" he said as he let her go and she turned to face him.
"What" she smiled because he was smiling.
"Guess who came by the office this morning" Sean said.
"Who?" Marita asked.
"GUESS" Sean insisted.
Marita thought for a moment. Who's visit could make Sean come all the way home just to tell her about it. "WILLIAM?!"
Sean nodded.
"He accepted the offer?!" Marita screamed.
Sean nodded again.
"SEAN!" Marita exclaimed as she jumped into his arms.
"I'm going by the bank this afternoon to pay him and get the deed and keys" he said as he lifted her off the ground.
"OH! And guess what" Marita said when he set her back on the floor. "The equipment is here! I got the telegram this morning."
"This is perfect timing!" Sean could hardly believe it. "I'll get Clay and Jeremy and some of the hands to help me."
"Have you been inside the warehouse yet?"
"Yeah. It's cleaned out and all the repairs have been done! Can you believe that! I guess William isn't a total fool. He fixed it up before he tried to sell it. Marita I can't believe this!" he said as he picked her up and swung her around.
"Everything is coming together" she smiled as she rested her hands on his shoulders.
"Hey Sean" Clay said as he came into the study.
Sean looked from Marita to Clay. "Hey"
"Hey Marita" he said.
"Hi Clay" she said as she let go of Sean.
Clay sat down in a huff. He seemed to be upset about something.
"Something wrong?" Sean asked.
"It's Vivian" Clay said in a weary voice.
"What about her?" Sean said.
"Every since she heard about you and Marita, she's been acting different. I don't know. It seems like, like, maybe she still has feelings for you" he said, sadly.
"Clay, I doubt that. I doubt she ever had feelings for me" Sean said.
"I don't know Sean. I mean every since she found out about you guys, she seems sad all the time. And why should she be sad, unless she still has feelings for you?" Clay reasoned.
"How do you feel about her?" Sean asked.
"I think I love her" Clay admitted.
"Why don't you just tell her how you feel?" Sean said, remembering when he told Marita how he felt about her.
"I don't know...." Clay hesitated. He knew he could not give Vivian the kind of lifestyle she was accustomed to yet, so he was reluctant to offer her marriage. "What do you think Marita?" Clay asked, wanting a woman's opinion.
"I think you should be completely honest with her. Give her a chance to tell you what's bothering her. Don't let your assumptions cause you unnecessary grief" Marita said, remembering how long it took her and Sean to admit to each other how they felt about one another.
Sean was remembering the same thing. "Yeah, Clay. Just tell her how you feel and ask her how she feels. You remember when Henry Langston was here. If I had just told Marita how I felt, I would've saved myself a LOT of grief."
Clay decided that he would take Sean and Marita's advice and just tell Vivian how he felt and go from there.
Sean told Clay about the warehouse and the equipment coming in and Clay said he would help out.
*********************
Over the next few months, Sean and Marita remained busy. Marita was busy with her bookkeeping for Ned and her and Sean's businesses, filling the many orders she and Auntie got for their herbicide, growing and selling her flowers to the florist.
Sean was busy with his assignments for Clancy, the tobacco fields, setting up the warehouse and building his and Marita's house. Sean had used Auntie's fertilizer and his leaves grew faster and healthier. Sean had also talked with Vivian about buying her piece of land that he was working and eventually she agreed to sell.
************************
"Hey" Marita said as she came into the cabin.
"Hey. Guess what" Sean said as he got up from the table and walked over to give Marita a kiss.
"What?" she asked.
"Vivian's gonna sell the land" he smiled.
"Really! Good. We can use our profits from the herbicides" Marita said happily.
"We need to draw of a contract to settle this year's harvest with her" Sean said as he walked back over to the table.
"Ok. We can do that tomorrow if you have time."
"I'm gonna be at the warehouse most of the morning, but I'll try to come home for lunch and we can draw it up then."
"OK. I'm so excited about getting that land. We have more than enough money from our herbicide profits so we don't need a loan."
"Guess what else?" Sean said.
"What?"
"Clay asked Vivian to marry him and she said 'yes'"
"REALLY" Marita was excited.
"Yeah" Sean nodded.
"I'm so happy for them."
Sean and Marita shared the day's events with each other and Sean tried to help Marita cook their dinner. Marita laughed as he did the best he could and she eventually gave him the task of setting the table. They enjoyed their dinner, cleared off the table and washed the dishes.
They spend the remainder of the evening talking and ended the night making love.
To Be Continued.................
