The Bride Price: An African Romance (Chitundu Chronicles) by Suzanne Popp Page A

kaffir.   Joseph had heard this derogative before, but he had never applied it to himself.  Valoo and his wife had shared meals with Joseph and he had spent much time with Valoo on road trips and in guest houses along their travels, He never thought himself less than this man, except in age, wealth and experience.  Now, he realized he needed to go out on his own and set up his own business.  He did not share this information with Valoo, but was even more polite and deferential to the older man than he had been before.
    Joseph volunteered for more tasks and sought advice as to how things were done.  When Valoo asked Joseph about his plans for future, Joseph would tell him his goal was to learn everything about the business, for Valoo was so knowledgeable.  In this way, Joseph learned the skills from a man who had started out with nothing and made a fortune among the middle class Africans in the community of Blancville. Valoo was respected by members of the community and the governing leaders, giving money conspicuously to well-known causes, such as the resettlement benevolence and the hospital guild.  Privately, Joseph knew what Valoo really thought of the people and their potential.  Joseph resolved that he would be a person with integrity in his business dealings, and his home life.  Joseph joined the Presbyterian Church and began to give some thought to his social connections, as well as the idea of meeting a woman of virtue to help him succeed in his goals of being an independent business owner.
     
     

 
     
     
    CHAPTER 8
JOSEPH VISITS CHITUNDUS
     
    It was the following Monday when Joseph decided to make a call on the Chitundus, parents of Violet, his impala woman.  He left them a note at the church on Sunday, penned by the church secretary who had also helped him write out his history, and they agreed to meet with him on Wednesday following market.
    Joseph ironed his shirt twice to make sure he would make a good impression.  He spritzed his jacket with aftershave, checked his shoes to make sure they were polished, and checked his pants for lint. Then he made his way to their home on the outskirts of Blancville.   He took the bus so he would be fresh on arrival, not realizing their driveway was three hundred feet in length, and a dusty track at that.  On the way, he checked himself a couple of times to make sure he was not sweating and that his hair was not dusty like the powdered beignets at the bakery.  He carried with him a small set of photos of his family.  There were also a few photos of the Brahmin cow at Myrna’s wedding.  Another was a sunrise over the Zambezi with the double rainbow and the cascading water between two nations.  He didn’t know what he was going to say, but put it all in the hands of fate, and Violet.  If she had any interest in him, she would have said something to the parents.
    When he arrived, Bishop Chitundu had gone out for an emergency in the village. He had been called to mediate between the parties.  Mrs. Chitundu apologized and invited Joseph in.  He was glad to talk to her alone.
    “Mrs. Chitundu, I am Joseph Leibitsang.  I am wanting to be the husband of Violet and the father to her children.  I have seen your family, and I want to be a part of it. I work in provisions, that is, I provide.  Here are some pictures of my family. Last week, I attended the wedding of your oldest daughter. I had to come because I am in love with your daughter Violet and I wanted to see you all.”
    Beatrice looked Joseph in the face. “Please, call me Beatrice. As you can see, we are a large family, and growing larger. I am missing my married daughter very much.  I cannot have another leave me so soon.”
    Joseph glanced shyly at Beatrice. “I am a man who values family.  I have several brothers and sisters. I will not take your daughter away. She will be here to assist you whenever you need. Here is the design for the house I will build for my wife. She will have a room