In Desiree's Baby, during which month are the slaves picking cotton at L'Abri?

In the story, we learn that the slaves are still picking cotton during the month of October at L'Abri. They work even as the sun is setting.

We only get a short description of L'Abri in the story. The plantation is owned by the young Armand Aubigny. The previous owner, old Monsieur Aubigny, was an indulgent and kind master to his slaves. However, young Armand rules his slaves with an iron hand. Under his rule, the slaves have forgotten how to be happy and how to enjoy life.

In the story, we learn that Madame Valmonde always shudders when she sees L'Abri. It is a sad looking place: tall, intimidating oaks tower over the house and their "thick-leaved, far-reaching branches" eclipse the house like "a pall."