Murder At Brick House: Chapter Two - The Letter
The Legend of Amelia
Dear Readers,
Murder At Brick House: The Legend of Amelia is based on a well-known South Carolina Lowcountry ghost story about a young girl, Amelia, who was shot and killed on what was to be her wedding day (August 13) at Brick House Plantation, Edisto Island, SC.
Although there has never been any verification that this story is true, varying accounts have been published over the years. As with most ghost stories, there is, no doubt, some element of truth.
This Serial novel is a work of fiction that explores what Amelia’s life might have been like in the context of the Antebellum South. Some historical places and names are real.
Brick House Plantation is held in a family trust and has been continuously owned by the Jenkins family (of which I am a part) since the early 1800s.
The letter from her friend, Martha Jenkins of Brick House Plantation on Edisto Island, seemed to Amelia to be the Providence of the Almighty.
“Amelia, My Dearest Kindred Spirit,
“My prayers are with you, my sweet friend. I trust you are surviving this oppressive Summer heat.
“I know it’s only been two months, but I have sorely missed the long talks we had at Madam Talvande’s School. It’s lonely here this time of year as almost all the men are either overseeing harvest preparations or traveling to arrange the sale of of the crop production.
“Amelia, it’s about time you experienced real island life. You simply must come for a long visit in September. Fall is such a lovely time where families and friends gather for many post-harvest festivals and balls. The temperatures are cooler and the ocean breezes help keep the mosquitoes away.
“Mama says you may come as soon as you can and stay as long as you like. Who knows, you may never want to leave. And you never know who you may meet, dear girl, if you know what I mean.”
Amelia knew that Martha was referring to reservations about her engagement to Robert Lundgren. Her heart beat a little faster.
Martha closed out her letter,
“I am eagerly awaiting your reply and praying for your parents’ permission.
Hoping to see you soon.
Your faithful friend forever,
Martha
“Papa”, Amelia approached her father that evening, “there is something I would like to talk to you about if you have a moment.”
After a long day overseeing the loading of the Star of the Sea, one of the largest of his fleet of 30 ships, destined for London, the only thing Anthony Prioleau wanted to do was relax in his chair by a warm fire with his pipe and a hot cup of his favorite tea.
But, Amelia was their only child and he doted on her every wish.
“Come in, ‘Melie”, using his pet name for her, “what is going throught that pretty head of yours?”
As their only heir, Amelia had been allowed to do more than most young girls and women of the society in which she lived. From an early age, she spent countless hours shadowing her father in the family owned and operated Palmetto Shipping Company, one of the largest commodities distributors on the East Coast.
PSC, as they were known, shipped Carolina Gold rice, Sea Island cotton, Indigo, and tobacco, to New York, Boston and most of Europe.
“Papa, I am so thankful for the opportunity you have given me to learn the daily operations of our business. But, Honestly, what’s the point? Where is is all going if, in our culture and society, women are either not allowed or frowned upon for venturing outside their roles as dutiful wives and mothers?
“Not that I disagree with those roles, but, God has given women sound minds as well and we have ideas that, contrary to current belief, may actually benefit society and mankind as a whole.
“I guess what I’m trying to say is that I feel stiffled. It’s like my body is a prison for the real me trapped inside. I want to do more, Papa. More to serve God than be part of a ladies missionary circle, prepare endless church suppers, or attend the many dances and social events.
“There are people out there hurting and treated so inhumanely. My heart breaks for them.”
He knew she was referring to the less fortunate of their society and the slave population in particular. Mainly, the children. It was a topic that had been brought up many times. This time, however, she seemed much more intense.
The Prioleaus had never owned slaves and considered it highly immoral and inhumane. On their large James Island estate, Terre Sainte, French for Holy Land, the family leased out farmable acreage and pasture land to farmers who performed their own work or used hired help.
Anthony was not opposed to the idea of Amelia ministering to slave children. His concern was more for her safety.
The whole culture was centered around the system of slavery. Huge fortunes were gained at the expense of these unfortunate people who had no control over their lives.
Powerful figures aligned against anyone daring to change the status quo. There were even laws prohibiting teaching slaves to read.
Amelia’s parents employed tutors, who would live at Terre Sainte, for her early education. When she was twelve, her father enrolled her in the Talvande Finishing School for girls in Charleston. Run by Ann Talvande, whose family fled from Saint-Domingue, a French colony on the Island of Hispanola, during the revolution of 1800, Madam Talvande catered to girls from the wealthy upper class of the city and surrounding area.
Their goal, somewhat against the prevailing trend, was for Amelia to receive as broad an education as possible to prepare her for the inevitable societal changes looming on the horizon.
It was at Madam Talvande’s that Amelia became close friends with Martha Jenkins, whose family owned Brick House Plantation on Edisto Island.
Amelia’s father waited patiently. He loved her tender heart, but he knew that she hadn’t gotten to the point she was trying to make.
“Papa, I received a letter from Martha Jenkins from Edisto, my friend and former classmate at Ms. Talvande’s school.”
“Yes, I know Joseph Jenkins and his family well. They have shipped their cotton harvest with PSC for years.”
“Well”. she continued, “I received a letter in the post this morning inviting me to stay with her at Brick House this Fall for as long as you and Mama would allow.
“Oh Papa, I feel it is an answer to my prayers. I have felt so stiffled here. I know God has more for me. A change of pace may help clear my head.
Anthony was silent for what seemed an eternity to Amelia. He knew, with her tender heart, that if she were to go to Edisto, she would see and learn things that would change her life forever.
Maybe it was her time. He could not argue with God.
Finally, he simply said, “I will talk with your mother”.
But, she knew her father too well. His tone, the slight smile on his face, and the gleam in his eyes all said that she would soon be boarding the steamer for Edisto.
She hugged him tightly. “Thank you, Papa. I love you.”
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Good story so far. Is there more to the story.