Summary

April 14, 1837 – Young slave Mattie is taken from the slave-quarters home she shares with her infant son Samuel and grandfather Poppy to be a wet-nurse to the baby being born in Fair Oaks, the house of her white owners. After the birth, the baby (Elizabeth) is given to Mattie to breast-feed, something that Mattie can’t help wishing she was doing for Samuel. Later, housekeeper Mrs. Gray shows Mattie and the baby to the nursery, gives Mattie instructions on the routine of the house and her care of the baby, and leaves them alone. Mattie explores the nursery and the small side room where she is to sleep. At one point she sees her reflection in a mirror for the first time. She sees resemblances to both her own mother and to Samuel. She also looks out a window, locates the cabin in...