The Lady of Esterbrooke: Loves Journey Through Time

By Ann W. Phillips

The Lady of Esterbrooke is a novel about a young couple and their journey through life. It begins with her life on Esterbrooke Plantation where she meets the love of her life and takes them through old age. They grow in their faith and love as the years go by, and they learn to cherish each other. They raise their children to respect their faith and to love animals. Marla and Lance are our main characters. He and his family are from Spain, and they own the plantation.

Marlas dad is the caretaker of the plantation. This story carries them through the courtship, the children, and into old age together. Their faith and the fact that they put Christ first in their marriage keeps them strong. They love the horses, cats, and donkeys that are on the plantation. And they love watching their children share their values as they grow into adulthood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543442489

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

S lowly the lazy southern sun climbed up into the sky. As Marla turned over she thought of all the things she had to do for the day. Saturdays were days that she enjoyed working around the house and going for a ride on one of the plantation horses. As she sat up, her shoulder length black hair curled around her face. Sometimes she wished she had straight hair that was a little more controllable than her thick wayward curls. Other than her hair, Marla felt like she had made out alright in the other areas of her appearance. She was five foot seven inches tall and had dark blue eyes set in an oval face. She could stand to gain a few more pounds, but she would worry about that later. Jumping out of bed, she headed for the shower. It was time to start her day.

Marla was just finishing her coffee when she heard her father putting on his shoes in the living room. She knew he was under a strain today since the owners of the plantation were due to arrive Monday for a couple of weeks. The main house would have to be put in order for their arrival. Her father was the manager of the plantation, Esterbrooke, and it was his duty to see that everything was in order for their stay.

He had hired the same staff that the Bridwell’s had used for the last few trips, so he felt relieved to have that area under control. Joseph Johnson was a year round employee at Esterbrooke, but his wife joined him in the position of head cook when the Bridwells came for a stay. Joseph had been the gardener for the previous owners. They had recommended him so highly that he stayed on with the Bridwells as a general handyman when they bought the plantation five years ago. Joseph was tall and lanky but his wife. was a little on the plump side. They were in their mid fifties and they both had ready smiles for everyone. They were also very hard working and efficient.

John McIntire looked at his daughter as she brought his coffee to him and realized just how much he depended on her since the death of his wife. He and Frances had been extremely close during their marriage, and had enjoyed every day they had with their daughter and with each other. John was a tall man, six foot four inches, and his hair was starting to turn gray all over his head at one time. He was still an attractive man for his fifty-nine years.

Marla served her father’s breakfast and poured herself another cup of coffee as she grabbed a piece of toast. Well Dad, I guess today will be a real go getter for you.

I think I can manage with a little help from the crew. John joked. I’m still not ready to climb into that rocking chair you keep mentioning yet.

Well, you know you are not getting any younger, even though Mrs. Lloyd from the next plantation sure seems to take the slump out of your walk when she comes by with one of her pies.

They both laughed at the mention of Mrs. Lloyd. She seemed to have set her sights on John and was trying everything in her power to win him over. She usually stopped by on Saturdays with a token of her abilities in the kitchen department. She usually managed to arrive just when it was time for the crew to knock off insuring that John would be at home. Marla didn’t mind having her visit. Mrs. Lloyd was in her mid fifties with snow white hair that she wore very stylish. She seemed to know what clothes to wear to make her slightly plump frame seem slimmer than it was. She was pleasant to talk to, even though she kept reminding Marla how much they needed someone to look after them since both her and her father had to work such long hours.

As Marla thought of work, she realized the time and mentioned to her dad that she was going for a ride before she started her Saturday chores. She told him that she was going to work around the yard if he didn’t have anything in particular for her to do. It was just to pretty a day to spend indoors.

I guess I’ll be home around one or so for lunch. A sandwich will be fine. John said.

Thanks, Dad. That will give me time to get a few things done around here. Said Marla. Are we going into town tonight for supper, or do you want me to fix something before we go grocery shopping?

We can pick up something in town. While you do the shopping I have to see Mr. Hamlin about some seed I ordered. We will be planting that field down by the old rice fields next week if all goes well. her dad stated before he went out the door.

Marla stacked up the dishes and went to put her hair up before she went outside. Her father had been the manager of this plantation for so long that she would hate to think of living anywhere else. They lived in the house next to the fields and within view of the main house. Their house was an old plantation house with a fireplace in each room. There were three bedrooms, two bathrooms, the smaller of which she laid claims to, a large living room and dining room that were separated by large double doors. The kitchen had been built at the back of the large back porch, but when they moved here her father had closed off part of the porch and made his wife a pantry and a new kitchen. He used the old kitchen as an office and work room. The house was built off the ground and had a wide front porch that went all the way around the front of the house.

Marla had tried to plant flowers to make it attractive, but Joseph had to come to her rescue. A green thumb was not one of her qualities. Mona, Joseph’s wife, made sure that Joseph kept up the work around their yard also, even though this was not part of his job. He was always smiling as he assured Marla that he was pleased to help her out. He took great pride in his flowers and always saw that she had fresh flowers of some kind for their table.

Marla liked Joseph and Mona and turned to them when she was in need. They treated her like she was a daughter instead of friend and always had time for her no matter how simple her problems were.

As she made her way to the stables the horses started nickering. They knew that she always had a treat or two when she came to the barn. Marla decided to take Ebony out for a run. Ebony was a small built black mare that was full of spirit. Today Marla felt like a good workout and knew that Ebony would give her just that.

Hello there Jumper. Marla said to the old bay gelding that pushed his way to the front at the fence. Sorry, but I feel like a good run for my money today. Maybe next time old fella. As she spoke she patted his head and gave him a lump of sugar. As if he understood what she had said, he walked over to the other corner of the stables and started munching hay from the hay rack.

Ebony pushed her way up to Marla and stuck her head out for a handout. Marla gave her a lump of sugar and took hold of her halter. After putting her in her stall, she gave the other two horses their treats. One was a large sorrel named Lady with a blaze down her face and the other was a thoroughbred that had just arrived a few weeks ago. He was owned by the son of the owners, and seemed to be full of spirit even though Marla had never tried to ride him. He had just gotten to the point of asking for his share of her attention. He was a dappled grey with a white star on his forehead.

Marla slipped the bridle onto Ebony and led her out to the fence before giving her another sugar lump. Opting not to use a saddle, Marla jumped up and onto Ebony’s back. Ebony was ready to go and so was Marla. She gave Ebony her head and they started to fly down the road leading to the boathouse. The horse and girl seemed to glide over the ground as one without a care or worry. The one and a half mile of road was eaten up way too soon for either of them. Marla hated to see the boathouse appearing so fast. She and Ebony were not disappointed by the ride. Marla felt exhilarated and ready to catch her breath.

Marla climbed down and dropped the reins so that Ebony could graze while she checked out the boathouse. It seemed strange with the big boat sitting in the water inside the boathouse. She was used to seeing it suspended in the air. Marla gave in to temptation and climbed onto the boat. She could just imagine feeling the wind blowing through her hair as the boat raced through the water. She also knew that the owners were not likely to ask the employees out for a Sunday ride. She tried to imagine what the new owners were like. She had been away at college when they were here to check out the property they had bought and the employee situation, so she had missed meeting them. She knew that they were in their sixties and owned companies all over the world. She worked at the plant here in South Carolina and knew that they paid a good wage and were very fair about promotions and raises. She worked in the accounting department. She had been recommended for the job over several others that were qualified, by her professor. She liked the job because it was only five miles from her home and her boss was a real gem.

Do you mind telling me what you are doing in that boat, little girl? came a deep demanding voice from behind her. After nearly jumping overboard from fright, Marla turned to look up into two of the darkest eyes she had ever seen. I beg your pardon. Marla replied.

I said, what are you doing in my boat? he replied.

I happen to live here and I do not see your name on this boat! Marla shouted. She noticed that he was looking at her with a surprised smile on his face. Marla then realized how she must look. She did not know why her appearance seemed to matter all of a sudden, and her cheeks colored slightly.

Slowly she got up and climbed up the ladder to the boathouse floor and marched past him to the outside. He called after her as she started to walk over to pick up Ebony’s reins.

I’m sorry; I did not mean to startle you. he said with a slight accent. I saw you tearing down the road on your horse and thought that I had better look and see what you were up to. I had no idea you were so old. You looked more like a wild sixteen year old girl rather than a wild woman. he said mockingly.

Marla tried to control her temper as she replied, May I ask what right you have to check on someone on this plantation when my father is the manager here!

You must be Marla McIntire? the stranger asked.

Yes I am. Marla answered, surprised that he knew who she was. May I ask who you are, since you seem to know everything about me?

My name is Lance Bridwell and I do not know half what I would like to know about you. he replied with a devilish grin on his face.

You must be the son of the new owners. Marla thought out loud before she registered what he had just said. She felt her face burning as she recalled what he had said. She quickly turned and slid the reins over Ebony’s head so he could not see the reaction his comment had caused. As she jumped onto Ebony’s back he seemed to realize that she was getting ready to take off. He reached over and grabbed Ebony’s halter before Marla could make her getaway.

I didn’t mean to be rude, but you left me no choice. Shall we try and start over? he asked without letting go of the halter.

I’m sorry I was in your boat, but I was just sitting and meant no harm. she replied with sincerity. Now if you will let go of my horse, I have to get back to the house. I have quite a lot of work to do before lunch.

I seem to have walked further than I had anticipated. I wonder if you would mind giving me a lift. I promise to keep my mouth shut and my eyes open. he added with a little smirk.

Even though Marla hated the idea of having him that close to her, she could think of no reason to refuse him. Climb up and be careful because Ebony is not used to riding double and might put up a fuss at first.

Ebony seemed to be putting forth a special effort to behave for a change. She acted as gentle as a lamb all the way back to the stables. Marla could feel the relaxed way Lance sat with his long legs dangling as he sat and took in the view around them. For some reason she was so tense she feared she would scream if the ride didn’t soon end. As she brought Ebony to a halt at the gate to the stables, Lance leaned forward and grabbed Ebony’s mane and swung to the ground. He took hold of the reins and helped Marla down.

The other horses came forward nickering as soon as they saw Marla. They were waiting for their usual handout when she came around. Marla introduced them to Lance and watched him smile as she gave each one his share of the goodies. Since she did not know the name of the grey, she asked Lance if he knew.

His name is Grey Comet. He was born in Spain on a ranch we have. Lance explained. He has a very famous sire and dam, but he seems to be content to just be a pleasure horse. He seems to have taken a fancy to you I see. I hope you have not spoiled him with your charms, though I cannot blame him for giving in to them. he said with the wicked smile back on his lips.

Marla felt her cheeks go red again and replied with a rather crisp voice, If you will excuse me I will give Ebony her rub down. Please do not let us take up any more of your time.

Lance thanked her for the lift and left her there holding the reins. She took care of the horses then returned to the house. When she looked in the mirror she realized how bad she looked. Her hair was half out of its bonds and was curling uncontrollably around he face. No wonder he thought I was a wild sixteen year old girl. I don’t look like a twenty-three year old woman, that’s for sure. she told her reflection in the mirror. I wonder how old our Mr. Lance Bridwell is. He must be in his thirties don’t you think?

Why am I sitting here wasting time thinking about that egotistical man anyway, she thought as she refastened her hair and went to wash up before going to get on with her chores.

Marla’s day went pretty smooth after her morning encounter with Lance. She was able to pull the weeds from around the flowers in the front yard before lunch. She even managed to rake up the back lawn before time to make out her grocery list and get ready for their trip to town.

Marla heard her father drive up and went to the door to meet him. He looked tired. Hi, Dad. How are your old bones treating you this afternoon? Ready for that rocker on the front porch yet? she teased.

Hi yourself, want to run me a race to see who’s the most able-bodied? he jokingly replied. Did you have a good day? Looks like someone was awfully busy in the yard today. he added.

Well someone has to do some work around this place you know. Besides, it gave me an excuse to be outside instead of shut up inside all day. she remarked.

Her father looked at her and then replied, I heard that you and Ebony met our new boss’s son. What did you think of him? He has offered to help us plant that back field come Monday. Seems like a pretty level headed guy. he finished.

Marla felt her pulse quicken at the mention of her mornings conversation with Mr. Lance Bridwell. I thought he was a little stuck on himself, but other than that I guess he’ll do. He seems to take the fact that he’s the boss as a reason to order people out of their possessions. I guess he told you to keep me out of his darn boat! she retorted.

Whoa! I didn’t mean to bring out the claws in you; I thought he was rather pleasant. I hope you don’t mind, but since the Johnsons are not coming to take over at the main house until Monday I invited him to have dinner with us tomorrow. He seemed very pleased and said he hoped you wouldn’t mind. I assured him that you would be glad to help out. her father said with a thoughtful look on his face.

Well I guess I don’t have much to say in the matter now, do I. she answered with a sigh. I hope you told him that we don’t eat until around two on Sundays. I don’t think I want him standing around all morning while I cook!

Actually he will be coming over in the morning. We have some business to take care of and I thought that while you were at church would be a good time. he replied. I promise to keep the mouse away from your claws. he added jokingly.

Oh, Dad, please overlook my temper. Sure he’s welcome anytime.

Well are you going to shower so we can go to town or are you going to sit there waiting on that rocking chair all night? Marla added with a smile.

As her dad took his shower Marla tried to explain why the idea of having that egotistical man for dinner tomorrow should bother her so. She remembered that he was not that bad to look at with his dark wavy hair and almost black eyes. He most probably could be quite charming if you went for that type. Pulling herself up and getting her list together, she went to make sure her hair and makeup were still in tact.

CHAPTER 2

M arla and her father saved Saturdays for going to town and ‘puttin on the dog’. This usually included supper at the only restaurant. It was run by Louise Grant and her son Larry. They purchased it with the insurance money they received after her husband died. It took a lot of will power and a lot of work, but at the same time, that’s exactly what they needed to ease the sorrow and emptiness after Mr. Grant’s death.

The local people soon found that Frank Grant’s bragging about Louise’s cooking was not at all exaggerated. The restaurant was soon a favorite eating place for everyone in the area.

As Marla and John sat down, they saw how totally packed the place was. Seems like that new plant opening has helped businesses all over town. Who knows, some day this may be a real metropolis. her father said jokingly.

I think that I will miss the advantages of a small town in some ways. Marla replied, But a big city does have it’s advantages—like smog, traffic congestion, crowds of strangers everywhere and such stuff. Marla added with mocked look of concern.

John McIntire looked at his daughter and thought how much she was like her mother. She was very satisfied with the country life. Even though she worked at the plant run by the Bridwell’s and could afford a nice apartment in the city, she chose to stay at the plantation and spend her spare time seeing to his needs rather than joining her friends on the weekends at parties and other forms of entertainment. She went out with the group sometimes, but mostly she was a homebody. He realized that his life would have been next to impossible since his wife’s death without her.

I’ll admit that you might enjoy Mrs. Lloyd’s company rather than mine, but at least you don’t have to drift off on me. Marla teased. How are the arrangements for the Bridwell’s arrival coming? she added.

Everything has been done that can be done. Lance said they would be arriving late Monday afternoon and will be planning a big party for next Saturday. Are you going to help out this year at the main house or do you want Mrs. Johnson to hire the girl that worked while you were away at college? John asked.

Since I’m not working my way through college this year, you can let her hire the other girl. Marla answered. I enjoy my Saturdays off too much now that I am working full time.

I must say, that Mr. Lance Bridwell must have made quite an impression on you for you to be on a first name basis. You usually are very strict about employee relations. Marla smiled. You seem to have found a different person with the same name, because the Lance Bridwell that I met was hardly the type that I thought you would have liked.

Well we shall soon see if we know the same man, John said, because here he comes now.

Marla looked up and saw the tall attractive frame of Lance Bridwell heading towards their table. I guess you told him we would be eating here. she snapped at her father not quite knowing why. Don’t invite him to join us if you can help it, I think he can manage on his own for tonight.

Hello, Lance said as he arrived at their table. I hope I am not disturbing you, but I was looking for a place to sit and everywhere was taken. I wonder if I might join you? he asked.

Why we would be delighted to have you join us, wouldn’t we Marla? John replied.

Throwing her father a rather mean look, Marla replied, Simply thrilled. We wouldn’t think of you sitting anywhere else. She added with a fake smile.

She felt Lance looking at her with amused delight as he said, My what a charming daughter you have, John. I hope she doesn’t bite. he added.

She growls a lot, but she rarely bites. John replied with mocked seriousness.

At this time Louise herself made her way over to their table to take their order. She looked tired already and the supper crowd was just beginning.

Hi, Marla, John, sir. she said. I hope you haven’t been waiting long, but as you can see we need another person. I hired a new girl, but she doesn’t start until Monday. The regular staff is working double time to help us keep up. She took their orders and then left them to go and seat another couple of regulars at a new table that was just being set up.

Poor Louise seems to be beat. I know the crowd will help her financially, but I bet right now she wishes it was back to the old crowd. Though I must admit, she really enjoys meeting new people and helping them meet the right people to get them settled in their new homes and jobs. The town should appoint her the welcome hostess. John said.

Lance said, If the food is as good as you said, I know why everyone is coming out to eat rather than staying home and cooking. Any woman that has to cook every day deserves to be waited on occasionally. I wonder what Louise does for a night away from the stove. he added.

She takes Sundays off and her and her son, Larry, usually spend the day doing things they enjoy. Louise has started dating again so she sometimes goes to the city and joins her friend Alex for the day. John said. As a matter of fact, Larry turns up at the house to see Marla some Sundays.

Marla did not see why this was any of Lance’s business, and did not know why it should concern her that ‘Mr. Bridwell’ should know that she was dating someone. He usually comes by some Sundays and we go for a swim and catch up on the gossip and get some sun, that’s all. Marla flung out. I think Mr. Lance Bridwell would find that pretty boring.

About that time their orders arrived, thereby all Lance and her father did was give her a look that plainly showed shock that the simple statement had so ruffled her feathers. They finished their meals with only John and Lance chatting about the seeds to be picked up and the weather and such. Marla felt like a complete fool and wished she could shrink away and be gone.

As they were getting ready to leave the restaurant, Lance suggested that he take John by the feed store and on home while Marla took her Volkswagen and did the shopping. She was glad to be by herself. She had behaved like a child and was embarrassed that she acted so immature in front of her father. He seemed to like Lance and for that reason and no other she should have made an effort to be pleasant and civil.

When she finished shopping she noticed that she still had an hour before the dress shop next door closed. She decided to go over and see if the new swimsuit she had ordered was in. Mary, the shop owner, met her at the door.

I was just hurrying to the door to call you over. Your new suit arrived yesterday afternoon. You can try it on if you want to. Mary said.

Marla tried on the suit and realized that she would have to lay out tomorrow and adjust her tan. The suit was a little more revealing than she remembered but it showed off her figure to perfection and the color was just right.

As Marla made her turn from the main road onto the lane going up to the house, she stopped. She just marveled at the majestic old oaks with their massive moss covered limbs. A lot of the limbs reached all the way to the ground. The huge oaks reached out to each other to put a canopy over the little lane that ran straight all the way to the big house. It was nice to imagine how the ladies and gentlemen of old would look in their fancy clothes riding up the lane in their horse-drawn carriages and riding their spirited horses for a grand ball at the elegant old main house.

She started the little Volkswagen down the lane and noticed that the azaleas that were planted between the massive oaks were surrounded by an assorted variety of bulbs that were in full bloom. Someone had taken a lot of time and effort to plant the azaleas, camellias and a variety of daffodils and other bulbs among the great oaks. The effect was beautiful. She loved this time of year. It wasn’t to hot and humid yet and everything seemed to take advantage of the cool evenings to bloom and show off their finery. In the fall the azaleas and camellias would show off their beauty. As she came into view of the first of what used to be the slave quarters, her imagination took off again. She could see the slaves, after a hard day working in the fields, coming home to one of the six houses. She could see the women cooking and the children playing. She was glad that slavery had been abolished. She hated to think of a person not being free to decide his or her own fate.

After she passed the six old houses that were used for storing now rather than for slaves, she could see the house that was theirs. They were the only people that lived on the plantation full time. The owners visited from time to time and the other workers owned their own homes elsewhere. Marla loved this place and would hate to move, but she wished that they had a regular home. As her father was getting older, she realized that one day he would retire and they would have to move to make room for the new supervisor. As she had lived here since she was fourteen she could not think of leaving this grand old place without becoming sad.

As Marla was unloading the groceries from the car, she noticed headlights coming down the lane. When the car drew up in the yard she saw that it was her father and Lance. Lance jumped out of the sleek red Ferrari and offered her a hand with the parcels she was taking out of the car. As he reached to take the ones that she had in her arms, she smelled the fragrance of his aftershave. It had a clean woodsy smell. She felt his fingers brush across her waist as he took the parcels from her. She felt an electrical current course through her. She pulled back from him almost causing the bags to go spilling all over the ground.

Thank you for your help. was all she could say.

Her father and Lance took the rest of the things inside while she put on a pot of coffee. After fixing them both a cup, she put away the groceries and then fixed her a cup. She went out on the porch to join them only to find her father gone and Lance sitting there by himself.

I seem to get under your skin, don’t I? Lance asked as he looked over at her.

I would like to be your friend if you will let me. I promise not to bite or ravish you. I may be tempted to nibble occasionally, but only if you were willing to turn the other ear. he finished.

If you would keep from making your cutesy little remarks like that, maybe we could try. My father sure seems to be pleased with you. I promise I will try to be more civil if you promise to keep your remarks to yourself. Agreed?

Agreed. he said Does this mean that we are friends? he asked with a smile.

Yes, I guess it does. she said with a slight hesitation.

Well I guess I will walk out to the stables and give Jumper and the rest of the horses their final treat for the day. she said as she went into the house to get the carrots she had for them. She turned to Lance and told him she would see him tomorrow for supper at around two.

The moon was almost full, so she could see the way to the stables with no problem. The horses were at the far end of the corral, so she had to call them to her. Jumper was always the first to get his treat. The other horses seemed to give the lead to him as a show of respect for his age. Grey Comet was still new to them, so he was not as friendly as the others. Like his owner she suspected that Grey Comet would put up quite a fuss if he did not get his. As if reading her mind and trying to prove just how tough he could be, Grey Comet reached over and gave Lady a bite on the rump. Lady laid back her ears but gave way and let him by. Marla scolded him by saying You big bully, you should wait your turn. As she said this he stuck his head towards her and she gave him a pat and his share of the carrots. Ebony seemed a little jealous as she turned her hind quarters to him and gave him a kick.

It seems like poor Comet is getting the same treatment as his master. Lance replied as he came up behind her. I’m sorry I forgot about our truce. I hope I haven’t broken the treaty. he added with mock seriousness.

Marla laughed in spite of herself. No of course not. I’m sorry that I gave you the wrong impression this morning, but I was day dreaming and seemed to have gotten myself caught doing something I had no right doing. I really am sorry about the boat. I do not know why I jumped in and made myself at home. I guess I have lived here so long I feel like I own the place.

You most probably have more right to be in the boat than me. After all, my father may own the land but this is your home. If not for you and your father staying here, no telling what sort of problems would happen. he said coming around to stand with his back to the fence.

The moonlight made him seem more handsome than she had remembered. He had a way about him that made him seem bigger than he actually was. She wondered how it felt to be held in his arms and to feel his lips on hers. She bet that any woman that got that close to him had better beware. He didn’t seem the type to be turned down. Realizing where her thoughts had taken her, she felt her cheeks start to glow and quickly turned back to the horses.

How is the saying in your country? A Penny for your thoughts. he said with an amused air.

I’m sorry, but I was thinking about something that happened in town after you and dad left me. she lied. I guess Ebony has had a shock knowing she is no longer going to get by with her bossy attitude. Grey Comet seems to want no part of a bossy female. She said as she noticed Ebony standing by herself looking towards Comet. I guess it takes awhile to get used to a new position in life. she added.

She changed the subject by saying Where do you come from? I noticed a slight accent but I don’t seem to be able to pick out the country it is from.

My accent comes from Spain I guess. My mother was of the aristocracy of Spain. When she married my father she had to give up everything for her love for him. After a few years, my father started out in business for himself and it wasn’t long before he had earned a name for himself in many countries. My parents gave it one more try to heal the wound when Mom’s father became ill. He loved his daughter and had missed her greatly, so he gave in and even put my father up as head of his own business. I did not know my grandparents long before they died. They were a gentle people with a real love for the land, but they still believed that the aristocracy should marry within their own kind. I was raised in Spain and attended all the right schools, but when it came time to take over I found that I wanted to start from the bottom and find out about life rather than having it all wrapped up and handed to me on a ‘silver platter’ as they say. he said. I’m sorry I seem to be talking your ear off. I hope I haven’t bored you to tears with my life story.

On the contrary, I found it quite interesting. How long have you been in America? I guess you find the south rather low key in a lot of ways. When people go to new places they always find something of interest that they could not find at home. I guess that’s why they say ‘the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. she chuckled.

I find the south interesting, but I have never found it boring. There are a lot of places I would like to visit. Maybe I could talk you into showing me some of the sights? he asked as he turned to stare into her eyes.

If that is what you want, I would be glad to show you around. Charleston is wrapped up in a lot of history and I think you will be fascinated with her past. According to the old timers, Charleston is the place where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet to form the Atlantic Ocean’. she said with humor. They have tours out in the harbor and over to Fort Sumter. They also have carriage tours through downtown Charleston. Mt. Pleasant also has a few points of interests. I personally think that all of these old plantations and their histories are fantastic. I guess I have always been in love with their historic past even though some of it was not so good. she added dreamily.

As she looked up, she realized that he was staring at her with an amused look in his eyes. Wow! I guess I got carried away with what we have to offer here. she stated. I guess the secret of my love for the south is out. Please kind sir, spare this poe southern girl’s reputation by keepin this to yo’sef. she added with a real heavy southern drawl. My pappy would have lil ’ole me hosswhipped if he heard of it." she continued with mocked shock.

They both burst out laughing at the last bit. She liked the sound of his laughter. Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all. She might enjoy showing him around. Well, I guess I had better be going in. she said. We will be expecting you for dinner around two tomorrow. she added while starting towards the house.

He fell into step by her side and said You have a great laugh, I hope I can continue to see this side of you. The other side seemed to be looking for a place to sharpen it’s claws. I’m glad we decided to be friends instead of enemies. I hate fighting with a southern belle. What would my ancestors think! he added.

As they came to the steps of her house, he said Would you like to try out the boat after supper tomorrow afternoon? Maybe your father would like to join us. he added.

We’ll see how the morning goes. Usually after church and a full tummy, Dad likes to take a nice long nap. You can ask my father in the morning if you would like to.

I will. he said as he reached out and caught her hand in his. As she tried to pull away, he held her fingers to his lips and gave them a brief kiss. Until tomorrow.

CHAPTER 3

M arla glanced at the sky as she came out of church. It looked like it was going to be a clear day. After talking to some of the people standing around she got into the little green Volkswagen and started home. She rather thought of the little car as family. She wondered if her father had been alright when he got up. He had had a bad coughing spell last night. She was scared when she saw how pale he was. He joked it off as too much clean air in his lungs and assured her that it was nothing to worry about. However, for the first time in her life, he had slept in this morning.

As she turned into the drive to the plantation, she didn’t seem to notice the oak trees and their stately beauty for a change. She was concerned about her father. She felt a little better when she saw Lance’s red Ferrari in the drive. Her father must have been tired and needed the extra rest, after all he was getting older now.

She went up the back stairs and stopped at the office door. She heard the two men talking, so she went in to see about getting dinner started. She had decided to have some plain country cooking. She fixed a salad before going to church, so all she had to do was fry the chicken and prepare the vegetables. She was serving sweet potatoes with an orange sauce recipe from her Mom’s cookbook, fresh green beans from her small garden and rice—a staple part of the southern diet. With southern fried chicken and rice, Lance should become a southerner in no time. She thought with a laugh.

As she