Soon it would be morning, and those left behind would prepare for another day. Soon they’d gather together, readying themselves to begin. With the clang of the bell they’d move through the grounds to take each of their positions. We will say their names now—there’s Tom the butcher as he drains a hog, his hands bloody as he prepares meat for the smokehouse. Patty, as she launders the sheets. The slap, slap, slap her hands make as she grips the battling blocks and sticks and beats them against the fabrics to clean. See Rufus as he tends to the horses in the barn. He brushes their coats to a smooth shine. See Susan as she cares for the garden, her hands clawing into the earth as she pulls vegetables out to be cooked. See Sam as he builds spinning wheels and parts of looms, his hands rugged and worn from the wooden splinters his arthritic fingers can never pick out. See the blacksmith. See the cook. See the younger girls as they churn milk into butter. Despite the soreness in their arms they keep their motions consistent, never stopping or slowing until they see the creamy froth. See the field hands as they toil with the crops, their thin cotton shirts and trousers already sweated through from the early rising heat. They get in a rhythm as they sing their work songs, their voices a building hum. See them as they work. They repeat their motions, ones they’ve done hundreds of times, and on this day, like all those that have been before, they will begin again, performing their roles for all who’ve come to see.

Acknowledgments

TO THOSE WHO knew before I ever could believe—

First and foremost, to my agent, Monika Woods, who has had such an unwavering faith in this book and in me. You told me during our first phone call that I was worth investing in. Thank you for everything you’ve done.

To my editor Amber Oliver, who has been the biggest advocate, who managed to see what I was trying to do and knew how to push me to make the book better.

To my editor Mary Gaule for your support and enthusiasm.

To the entire team at Harper Perennial who have put such care into the production of this book.

To my friends, colleagues, and teachers: Brandi Wells, A. D. Carson, Lance Morosini, A. A. Balaskovits, Michael Nye, Gordy Sauer, Nick Potter, Erin Potter, Joe Aguilar, Kate McIntyre, Stevie Devine, Brandon Hobson, Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, Nick White, Scott Garson, Elissa Gabbert, Hairee Lee, Myfanwy Collins, Megan Giddings, Rion Scott, Matt Salesses, Marc Conquest, Nicole Conquest, Gina Hauskenecht, Melissa Sodeman, Amber Shaw, Kate Aspengren, Margaret LeMay, Rick Reiken, Pamela Painter, Maria Flook, Anand Prahlad, and Trudy Lewis.

Lastly, to my family for all their love.

—This book is for all of you.

About the Author