As the boy walked toward his house, a red haired girl ran up to him.

“Hi Henry,” She chirped. “I’m glad you’re back!”

“Hi Maisie!” Henry smiles at her. “Next time you should come with me!”

“I would have gone with you today but mom needed my help in the house today with chores. She had to leave to help at the manor early today. Apparently your father is having some really important guests over today.” Maisie explained.

“Oh, I guess that’s why he wants to see me.” 

“That sounds likely.”

Henry gave Maisie a hug and walked up the steps to the front doors of the manor. His friend said goodbye and turned back down the path toward a collection of small houses. Henry turned and watched her go, thinking about his friend’s situation.

Maisie was the daughter of Irish immigrants who had come to the colonies by a ship several years before. Her parents, along with many other people in the houses on Henry’s family’s plantation were from Ireland and seeking a better life in the colonies. Because of various life circumstances they worked as indentured servants.