Free The Secrets of Silk by Allison Hobbs Page A

out the hard way.”
    â€œSo, you’re a teacher, are you? I heard you’re going to be teaching at a private school.”
    â€œYes ma’am. I am. This will be my first year teaching school.”
    â€œWhere’s the school located? It must be well hidden because I’ve never heard of any Christian School for colored children in Chester,” Sister Beverly continued. The other women who were gathered around the dining room table murmured in agreement.
    Silk’s eyes darted back and forth as she thought up a lie. “It hasn’t opened yet. The trustees are still looking for a building.”
    Sister Beverly raised a brow. “Who are the trustees? I know all the Christian folks in this area.”
    â€œWell, they’re actually white missionaries who were traveling through Louisiana, recruiting teachers for Christian schools they’re opening in different parts of the country. I already had a teaching position lined up in Louisiana, but I loved the idea of doing the Lord’s work, and so I took a chance and traveled all the way here. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to get in touch with those missionaries because all the information was in my suitcase.” Silk shook her head pitifully. “I’ll be heading south with Clara when she leaves after the funeral.” Silk wiped away imaginary tears.
    Clara put a comforting arm around Silk’s shoulder. “Silk’s beauis training to become a doctor, and I’m sure he’ll be pleased to have her back in Louisiana. They’re fixing to get married around Christmastime.”
    â€œOh, you’re going to be a doctor’s wife?” Sister Beverly smiled in approval.
    â€œYes, ma’am. It’s not official, but I’m guessing he’s going to pop the question and give me a ring by Christmas.”
    â€œTell the ladies about your hope chest,” Clara said excitedly.
    â€œOh, it’s nothing.” Silk lowered her eyes, pretending to be modest.
    â€œDon’t be shy; tell them about all those fancy items you got stored in the chest for when you set up housekeeping,” Clara prompted.
    â€œWell, I have a set of silverware, silver candlesticks, bone china, lots of crystal, including a crystal butter dish, a ceramic serving bowl, several sets of beautiful bed linen, embroidered hand towels…oh, and I have all sorts of knickknacks and many other household items. My hope chest is filled to the brim.”
    â€œWhen is that boyfriend of yours going to officially become a doctor?” Sister Beverly inquired.
    â€œHe’s in his last year of medical school, and after that, he has to complete a year of being an intern,” Silk said, repeating what she’d overheard one of Big Mama’s white clients say while speaking about her son, the future doctor.
    â€œHmm. Seems like colored doctors always end up marrying high-yella girls,” Sister Beverly commented. Clara shot Sister Beverly a disapproving look.
    Sensing hostility in Sister Beverly’s voice, Silk said in a timid voice, “I’m gonna go check on the children.”
    â€œThat wasn’t very nice of you to say,” Clara chastised Sister Beverly as Silk left the dining room. “She can’t help her color no more than you or I can help ours.”
    â€œI stated a fact,” Sister Beverly said, holding her ground. “Doany of you know of any colored doctors married to a brown-skinned gal? Those light-bright women tend to snatch up all the prominent colored men—doctors and preachers and such.”
    The flock of women muttered in agreement.
    Clara joined Silk in the living room. “Don’t pay Sister Beverly any mind. She can be rude at times, but that’s just her way; you’ll get used to her.”
    â€œIt’s okay; I know she didn’t mean any harm.”
    â€œYou’re so forgiving; you’re practically a saint, Silk. I’m mighty pleased to