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his mother? Hasn’t Mrs. Porter made it quite clear that she finds you and your witch eyes unacceptable? All that man wants is what’s between your legs, and until he takes a wife, you’ll do.” She then warned ominously, “Bring a bastard child into this world, and it and you will be on the street. Do you hear me, girl!”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “Now, get to work, and I don’t want to see him in my shop again.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Mariah hated being so weak, but like Tillman she had no choice but to endure. Her bank funds weren’t nearly enough to allow her to set out on her own. And even if they were, for all her longings for another life in another place, she didn’t know if she had the inner fortitude to just up and leave. Bernice was her mother. The Bible specifically stated she was to honor that bond; so, instead of placing the blame for the visit on Tillman’s head, where it rightly belonged, Mariah did as she was told and went back to hemming his mother’s gown.
    B y the end of June, rumor had it that he’d gotten himself engaged to a young woman from Boston. Because his family traveled in different social circles and attended St. Thomas Episcopal instead of Mother Bethel, Mariah had no real way of knowing the truth. She hadn’t seen him since the ill-fated visit six weeks ago, nor had his mother stopped by the shop to order any new gowns. She supposed she should be happy for him, but found herself angered by the rumor instead.
    Her day was brightened by a visit from her good friend Kathleen Jennings. After sharing an affectionate hug of greeting, they took seats on the shop’s stools and Mariah said eagerly, “So tell me everything about the wedding plans.”
    “We’ve decided to marry in the fall, and I’d like for you to make my gown.”
    Mariah’s heart leapt excitedly. “I’d be honored and the gown’ll be my wedding gift to you.”
    Her mother came out of the back and the two friends sobered instantaneously.
    “Afternoon, Mrs. Cooper.”
    They both stood.
    “Kathleen. You’re aware that I don’t like Mariah visiting when she’s supposed to be working?”
    “I understand but I’m here to ask her to make my wedding gown.”
    “Really? At what price?”
    Mariah spoke up. “I want the gown to be my gift to her, so I won’t be charging her.”
    “And you made that decision all on your own, did you?”
    Sparks of anger flared to life in Mariah’s eyes. “Yes. It’s the least I can do to repay her for her friendship all these years.”
    “Is that friendship going to pay next month’s rent?”
    “Mother, I—”
    “Kathleen,” her mother said coolly. “Mariah’s very busy. I’ll come up with a price and talk to you and your mother about it in a day or so.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Clearly upset, Kaye gave Mariah’s hand a parting squeeze and departed.
    Once they were alone, Bernice stated pointedly, “When your name is on the sign outside you can be charitable, but until then nothing goes out of this shop for free.”
    Mariah was so weary of being walked upon and criticized and verbally flayed, she wanted to scream. Her friendship with Kaye meant everything. They’d known each other since primary school and were the sisters neither had. Growing up, they’d shared dreams and hopes and on those rare occasions Bernice allowed Mariah to visit the Jennings’s home and stay overnight, they’d giggled until dawn.
    Now, her mother was trying to deny Mariah the one way she knew to repay Kaye for her many years of kindness, and for being one of the few bright spots in her life. As she looked into the brittle face, something told her that if she didn’t take a stand there and then, she’d spend the rest of her life with Bernice’s foot on her neck until her spirit withered away. “I am going to make Kaye’s gown, and it will be at no cost to her. I’ll buy the fabric and threads out of my own money.”
    “Are you deaf now, girl?”
    Mariah’s temper flared. “No, but