“The library hired me to revive their outreach program. I’m a librarian assistant, and I’ll bring the books up in the hills for folk who can’t get into town. Same as Mama did long ago. And it pays $70 more than what she made.”
He rubbed his chin, studying me. “Spreading literacy is quite an important job. Respectable. A big responsibility, too, in these hills.” He tapped the table with his fingers. “It’s too bad the law bars a minor from owning property until they’re of age. I know Miss Adams would’ve wanted you to have hers because she told me.” He frowned. “Passed Leon Payne this morning, and he told me you took care of Miss Adams’s funeral and paid for it. Praised how collected you were despite doing it all by yourself.”
Uncomfortable, I worried my stained-blue hands, rubbing the worn wooden table with a palm. “Yes, sir. Alonzo, well, he was indisposed. I mean to get her a stone marker too. With some coins she left and my pay coming, she’ll be taken care of in her eternal rest.” I thought of Retta up there twirling in her fancy bold dress, dancing with the angels.
“Fine thing, Honey.” He took another sip of coffee, set the china cup down. “Talk in town said Alonzo sold Miss Adams’s home, despite her wishes that you’d always have a place to stay. They say Alonzo came into town inebriated, blabbed it all, and told others how you helped him pack up her personal items so he wouldn’t lose them.”
I picked up Retta’s delicate cup and said quietly, a tremble in my grip, “We didn’t feel it would be right for strangers to have Retta’s personal things. Alonzo and me thought they should go to family and loved ones. I took my quilt and these cups and a few other thing. It’s what Retta would’ve wanted.”
“Back to Carson’s generous offer. Now Kentucky does not object to marrying off its child brides, and I know you don’t take to the idea of marriage, but—”
I set the teacup down, rattling the saucer before dropping my hands into my lap. “No, sir, I do not.”
“Honey, is there anyone who could be your guardian?”
“Maybe Pearl Grant could. She’s the new fire lookout and is very responsible.”
“How old is Pearl?”
“Nineteen.”
“The court would never allow it. Can you think of anyone over twenty-one?”
“Only Devil John, and I suppose there’s Alonzo,” I said, more in a moan.
“As your court-appointed attorney, I have to keep your safety, well-being, and best interest at heart. I couldn’t recommend Alonzo, and the courts wouldn’t grant John guardianship.” He pondered it a few seconds. “Let me see what I can come up with. Maybe we can find you foster care. I’ll speak with a few ministers in the area.”
“What’s foster care?”
“Families who look after children who are orphaned or who’ve lost their parents.”
“Strangers? But my parents ain’t lost, Mr. Morgan. The courts took them from me, is all.” I looked down at his hands, then up to his face.
He followed. “No, Honey, it’s highly unlikely the court would grant a single man guardianship over a young lady.” He raised his ringless finger. “Better head on back to the office. In the meantime, we still have one option. Carson.”
“The law will send me to prison if I don’t marry? Take away my freedom?”
“Something like that, though it’s a bit more tricky. But, yes, that’s the gist of the matter.”
“Freedom.” I turned the word over in my mind. “Here, Mama and Papa’s was stolen for marrying.” I shook my head. “I don’t want to go to prison, or be punished with marriage. I just want my freedom, Mr. Morgan.”