Seated at the rear of the horse-drawn carriage summoned by his uncle, Henry mulled over his troubles. He understood the pain it caused his parents to send him away, grappling with their concern for his well-being. In bustling New York City, he found his reputation tarnished, labeled a 'ruffian' or 'hoodlum' even by his own teachers. Dismissing their judgments, he remained indifferent to their opinions, yet the mere existence of such perceptions troubled his parents deeply.
Henry looked out the window as the carriage traveled through the lush green countryside dotted with beautiful red flowers. The air smelled fresh and clean here, a far cry from the polluted miasma of his home town. He wondered if living on a plantation would be any better than life in the big city, or if his bad habits would just follow him wherever he went. His thoughts were soon interrupted by the chauffeur, who, in a Southern drawl he wasn't quite used to yet, said, "We're almost there, son."
The young man nodded in acknowledgement. As the carriage came to a halt, Henry stepped out onto the gravel path leading up to an imposing white mansion. It seemed more like a castle than a simple house, and as he walked towards it, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. This place was going to be his new home for God knows how long.
A tall, lanky figure met him at the door, extending a hand in greeting. "I'm Jeremiah, your uncle," he introduced himself with a warm smile. "Welcome to my humble abode."
Henry shook his uncle's hand, feeling a bit awkward. He didn't really know what to say. "Thanks... I guess?"
"It's no problem, Henry," Uncle Jeremiah replied, ushering him inside. "You've had a long journey, so why don't you settle in? Dinner will be ready shortly."
The inside of the mansion was even more impressive than its exterior. Many of the house slave's where cleaning and polishing various items around the room. The floor was made of highly polished dark wood, and the walls were adorned with portraits of Henry ancestors. A large staircase led to the upper floors, and off to one side was a grandiose dining hall that could easily seat twenty people or more.