I didn’t know when I lay with him the first time. I don’t think it would’ve made any difference anyhow. Instead of blaming it on The War, Bessie made sure it was blamed it on me. From the first time he looked at me, I was lost. I would’ve been with Jenks even if I’d know it was going to cost me my life. He was my life. Always had been. The first time I ever saw him he was standing in the dry goods store in town. A little boy, hair as black as soot and eyes that sparkled with mischief. I loved him instantly. After that first day we lay together, he came to the cabin any time he could. When he couldn’t, we met in the woods, on the balds that looked out over the Blue Ridge, or in the sweet grass of the fields. I never knew how Bessie found out about us but she did and she was intent on destroying both of us. She was a prideful woman, petty and small. The first person who got sick was a widow, Kate Dillingham.
What do You think about The Witch Of Roan Mountain?
