Rumors

"How was it, Sir? Were the rumors true?” The tall man passed a hand through his dark hair and sighed. “I’m afraid they were, John, but there’s nothing we can do about it. His place was legal, even if he treated his slaves badly. We cannot close his shop down yet. I’ll return next week and get some more girls from him then.”

Autumn was full blown and the cobblestones were slick with rain. Wind was blowing through the thick layer of fabric. “They’ll need new clothes and shoes. Do you think you can talk to Patrick and Madam Smith?” The butler laughed, his joyous laughter the sound of church bells in a summer Sunday. “Yes, I’m sure Margaret wouldn’t mind. She sees every new girl as a child she’s never had.” His words had a bittersweet, mournful tinge to them.