No one had any idea where she was or where she had gone. But they were enjoying the breakfast she had prepared for them.
The family had occupied a long table, and I on the other hand occupied a table for couples. Not too far from where they were seated.
The arrangements were breakfast and dinner billed for when I checked in. If I want lunch, I will have to place my order in the morning after breakfast.
Taking my breakfast, I occupy the seat a few feet away. As I listen to them conversating about her and her father. He wants to learn as much as he can about the child.
Unable to see each of their faces as they converse. Train recalls their voices and places their names as he has heard the evening before.
When Julien asks, "Dad, did Shawney say where she was staying all these years?"
Hearing one of the brothers, he seems to be the eldest responding to him.
"Julien! Shawney wrote to Dad two months ago claiming that she is staying with a Pastor and his family in New Orleans."
"I wasn't aware that Shawney communicated with Uncle Daniel. Mom, Dad, did Shawney communicate with you?" Julien quarries.
"No Julien," his Dad replied.
"Sid, Meg, Curtis, did Shawney send any letters to you?" Julien asks.
"I am afraid not Julien," Sid responds.
Julien looked at their faces observing their disappointment, feeling pleased with himself, he said without remorse, "So, what you all are saying is Shawney only communicated with Uncle Daniel" he questioned.
Ken was angry with his son's attitude and his continuous questions, "Julien! What does it matter, and why do you concern yourself about Shawney? When she was home you all took advantage of her kindness.
I once overheard Daniel telling her that the only way for her to be free from this house, was for her to get married and you all know this. If you all recall Daniel got a few suitable matches for her but Shawney was not interested. All Shawney ever wanted to do was to make sure you all had the opportunity to have a good education."
Unable to hold his tongue Julien replies, "That is true Dad, I recalled clearly when you and Mom could not help us, Mom used to ask Shawney to help us with our home lessons."
Ken could not hold back any longer, "You mean she demanded that Shawney teach you two."
Joan becomes angry with Ken's hasty words and for disregarding all the efforts she made to ensure her children's education, "Ken, don't be an idiot," Joan's voice raised angrily. "You always exaggerate and make things look so ugly."
Ken clenched his fist under the table feeling the itch to punch Joan in her mouth, "So, now I am being an idiot, you all had that child working like she was your hired paid servant, slaving after you all day and night. I often saw Daniel brush the tears away and walk out of the room."
"Yesterday, you told the child she was responsible for Daniel's death. The truth is, if you all never took advantage of her Daniel wouldn't have had any reason to send her away."
"When Daniel thought all of you had gotten married and she wouldn't have much work any longer, it was then you all sat with your spouses and ordered her around without thinking that she had a life of her own."
Ken unclenched his fingers feeling relieved and pleased that he had revealed what was in his heart for the last three years.
Meg was not pleased to hear Uncle Ken's words, wanting desperately to defend herself, "That's not true Uncle Ken," Meg said with remorse in her voice.
Ken becomes disgusted when she tries to deny the truth, "Not true Meg, remember that Sunday morning you wanted bacon? Shawney had just completed your Dad breakfast.
When Lance walks into the kitchen ordering Shawney as though he is her husband. After both of you just left, expecting your breakfast on the table. No one seems to care if she had eaten or not, isn't that how the rich people in the city treat the servants."
"I remembered Uncle Ken," Sid replies. "But try to understand Uncle Ken, Shawney was the only one who could fix our meals just the way we liked them. Now, look at this breakfast that is set before us. Who would have thought we would be enjoying such a lavish and delicious breakfast after so many years? I do miss the taste don't you all agree?"
Train notices as he waves his hand and smiles saying proudly, "Uncle, only Shawney could prepare such a lavish meal like this in such a short space of time, don't you think so?"
"Yes Sid, we all know that and there isn't another person to replace her, but no one took the initiative to assist or learn. That's why your father sends her away." Ken snapped.
"Uncle Ken, you are mistaken, Dad didn't send Shawney away," Curtis replies feeling hurt hearing those words from Uncle Ken.
As he reflects on his past and what Uncle Ken was saying about Shawney, there is so much truth. We used to have her doing everything while we got to do our studies then as we married we never allowed our spouse to lift a broom. Shawney took care of everything from cleaning, cooking, and managing the funds.
Without thinking twice Ken says, "He did Curtis, I heard it myself and he blamed himself for the heavy burden that he had laid upon her shoulders. When she left home many times he repeated his mistake saying if only he knew he would miss her so much when you all got married he would have let you all find your place and not burden her."
Joan couldn't hold her rage, and blurted out, "Ken, just shut your mouth, she was the eldest so who did Daniel expect to do the chores, me?"
Ken was furious, thinking what kind of mother figure is she, and how could be so shameless, "I am sure you will like that Joan. Being the Mother figure in the house you were supposed to lift the heavy burden."
Joan could not believe her ears, 'Did he think I signed up for that heavy task?'