Dinner that night at the Hatfield home was a somber one. Anse Hatfield was reluctant to accept any more connections to the Staton's in their lives more than they were.
It was trying to have to deal with Bill working or lack therefore of. Now he had to have his offspring under his roof some days of the week. which meant he will be here to causing a ruckus
He didn't know much about this girl. Only that his son's like to taunt the poor thing ruthlessly. And she was a mess of a thing, short and chubby wearing old boy clothes.
"Why do you need that girl to help you?" he asked his wife.
"i don't need her. She needs me, the poor dear has been raised by that idiot. who spends his all his money booze. Maria was unfortunate to lose her mama at such a young age. She doesn't know the basics of being a lady and it's time someone helped her."
Will scuffed "mama its goin' be impossible to turn that thing into a lady, it ain't like she'll ever get a man." Both of his parents scolded him. His pop don't look too pleased " Boy you don't speak ill of no lady. Now you keep those snide remarks to yourself. Treat that girl with respect. You're almost a man learn from this. Next time my belt will do the talking. "
the sixteen year shrunk down in his chair a bit. "Yes sir. sorry"
"Now i'm going to need one of you boys get my crate of clothes out of the old barn." changing the subject.
"oh oh i'll go mama" Robert E. pipped up. the look of childhood excitement on his face had the whole table laughing.
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The next morning Maria was dropped off when her father had to get to the land the Hatfield owned and were clearing. It was still very early the sun barely up poking through the trees.
She felt out of place in front of the nicest cabin she ever laid eyes on. Not that her eyes seen many thing. Living in the backwoods of virginia her whole life. Part of the cabin was stones pieced together and their window's were alway clear like there wasn't anything in the pane at all.
She awkwardly sat down on the porch by the beam. Resting her head staring out at the front yard and felt extremely out of place. These people she known all her life had no obligation to her.
was so kind to her the other day. Combing her puffy hair down flat and putting that rose oil on. She could still smell the sweet fragrance. The door swung open behind her, the wind from it making her long hair blow forward into her face.
William walked out but stop short when he saw Maria sitting there playing with her hair. Flicking a strand over her lips. "Why you sitting out here? I'm sure mama would want you inside."
His blue eye's met her green. William never noticed how bright they were. or how pump her red lips were now. Before she could answer his first question will asked another. "How old are you now maria?
"Almost thirteen" she softly said.
came out and told maria she could come inside the cabin and wished her a pleasant day.
The rest of the men filed out of the cabin to make their way to a long day of work.
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Maria was horrified at the prospect of disappointing . Messing up , burning something or just annoying her. She didn't know anything about housekeeping. Maria could make bread and a week stew but that was it. She couldn't write or read which embarrassed her. Knowing all the hatfield children could made the outcast feeling even stronger.
"okay sweetie we are going to make the beds and sweep the rooms. I got a few dresses I want you to have. I can make a few adjustment see as you're so short." Lavicy said in what seemed like one breath.
"You don't have to do that for me " Maria felt somewhat overwhelmed.
" Now you call me Lavicy. We'll be spending a lot of time together and I don't need you to make me feel any older. It's time you start dressing like a lady. With all my boys and their friend running around it would be inappropriate for you to be walking about in next to nothing."
Maria was once again embarrassed and felt the lesson she will learn from Lavicy were going to be bittersweet.
After luncheon was made and cooling, Lavicy took maria to her room to show her the gowns. " now dear i saw this pretty blood red dress that will look good with your hair." Lavicy sad as she open the create.
Maria's eyes widened at the first dress, it was beautiful. Far too beautiful to be wasted on her. She was about to open her mouth to say so but Lavicy was already telling her to strip and it was time to try it on.
"my gosh girl, those boomers are old as sin, they are way to small" scolded Lavicy
"well they feel fine to be" maria said in her defence.
Once the dress was in Lavicy took a step back "Wow you clean up nicely." Maria blushed under the attention and gave a silent small as a thank you.