White Pillars

By Dee Gibbens

When Alex Montclair returns to New Orleans from a business trip to Charleston, South Carolina with a bride on his arm, the news spread through the French Quarter like an epidemic of Yellow Fever.  The fact that he had married at all was astounding in itself, but that the handsome Creole had wed and Americain woman was scandalous!

 

Luzette Rospierre was enraged upon hearing the news.  The beautiful Creole woman had always fancied herself as one day being the mistress of White Pillars Plantation, and now she vowed to get revenge.  With the help of Gerod Montclair, Alex's estranged uncle, the two lovers for a plot to get rid of both Alex and Katherine Montclair with White Pillars being the prize.

 

Murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and voodoo all come together in a story of greed and revenge.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dee Gibbens
• Release date: Apr 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201560669

Dee Gibbens

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Born in New Orleans in 1947, adopted at three months of age, and raised in a small rural community in northeast Louisiana, this “Daddy’s Girl” will proudly tell you that she was a “chosen” baby.    Louisiana French (Acadian) by birth, Dee is a country girl at heart. At the age of six, she got her first pony and rode horses all through her high school years. Now in the Seventh Decade of her life, Dee is realizing her dream:  her first published book, For Better Or For Worse.    “Writing has provided both emotional and creative outlets for me for as long as I can remember.   It’s my way of venting when I’m sad or angry…or ecstatically happy.  It’s fun to create word pictures of a fantasy world, the people who occupy it, and then breathe life into them.    It’s addictive!”                                                                                                                       Dee Gibbens              

Book preview

SPECIAL DEDICATION

To Mike Gibbens

My first poem, Ours Is a Silent Love, was published in 1993. My husband celebrated with me and gifted me with a pen carved of wood to endorse my first check as a published author. Between the years 1992 and 1994, my poetry was published in seven anthologies. Again, Mike was happy for me and supported me fully in my endeavors. He was especially proud of me when my first two novels were published: For Better or For Worse in 2017, and To Love and Protect in 2018. He made each occasion special for me and never stopped encouraging me and supporting me.

On June 12, 2018, Mike underwent an extensive, six-hour surgical procedure after having been diagnosed with Stage 2 Pancreatic Cancer the day before. Throughout the fifteen months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments he remained positive; never giving up hope that together we would beat the cancer. My husband took first priority in my life at that point and my writing took the backseat indefinitely. All our time was taken up with doctors’ visits and hospital stays; there was no time for writing. There was only time for Mike.

On September 1, 2019, half my heart and soul soared to Heaven on the wings of an Angel when Mike lost his valiant battle with cancer. We would have been married 48 years on September 11th, and he would have been 73 on October 1st. He knew how much Creole in Charleston and White Pillars mean to me, and he told me before he passed away that he wanted me to realize my dream of having them published. Don’t give up, Dee. You’ve worked too long and too hard on this story and you need to see it through. You can do it.

Thank you, Sweetheart, for always encouraging me to follow my Dream: that of being a published author and to share my lifelong passion of the written word with any who may choose to read my works. Because of you, Mike, I will not give up. You taught me what it truly means to be strong and have faith in the face of adversity during your battle with cancer. As I loved you in Life, I will love you until the Day I join you in Heaven—and beyond.

Still Your Loving Wife, Dee

Above all in this World, I thank God for instilling in me the love of the written word. HE has given me the ability to create stories, characters, and word pictures that draw the reader into a world of romance and adventure.

CONTENTS

SPECIAL DEDICATION

PROLOGUE

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

TWENTY

TWENTY-ONE

TWENTY-TWO

TWENTY-THREE

TWENTY-FOUR

TWENTY-FIVE

TWENTY-SIX

TWENTY-SEVEN

TWENTY-EIGHT

TWENTY-NINE

THIRTY

THIRTY-ONE

THIRTY-TWO

THIRTY-THREE

THIRTY-FOUR

THIRTY-FIVE

THIRTY-SIX

EPILOGUE

LIST OF CHARACTERS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GLOSSARY OF FRENCH AND CAJUN WORDS AND PHRASES

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PROLOGUE

Charleston, South Carolina

February 1855

It was the height of the Mardi Gras Festivities in New Orleans: days and nights of endless celebrations when everyone wore costumes and masks to take on alter egos. Pimps and prostitutes became priests and nuns; gentlemen became pirates, villains, and noblemen and their ladies became their counterparts. It was the time of year that Alex Montclair enjoyed the most. However, this year the wealthy Creole planter found himself on a business venture in Charleston, South Carolina hundreds of miles from his beloved New Orleans—and in the middle of a miserable winter.

Business associate and long time family friend, Benjamin Rowland and his wife Martha were both aware of the fact that Alex would much rather enjoying the events in New Orleans than the meetings required of him at the Planters Convention in Charleston. It was for this reason that the older couple decided to host a Grand Masque Ball at Rowland Manor in his honor and invite the haute ton of Charleston to attend. It was here that Alex met Katherine Layton, the Rowland’s niece—and fell hopelessly in love.

A few days before Alex was scheduled to return to New Orleans, Katherine’s parents drowned in route to France when their ship hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sank. A mere two weeks later, her beloved grandmother died. Alex remained in Charleston give her comfort and solace, and he knew without a doubt that he would not return to New Orleans without Katherine at his side.

The unexpected announcement of their engagement took all of Charleston by surprise: the handsome Creole planter and the Americain beauty, from two entirely different backgrounds and cultures, and from states hundreds of miles apart. It was customary that a betrothed couple wait a year to be married. It was also customary to be in mourning and wear black for at least a year after the deaths of loved ones. However, in the case of Alex Montclair and Katherine Layton neither tradition was to be observed. Alex had already been away from White Pillars for nearly two months; four more weeks wouldn’t make that much difference. His best friend, Jerome Devereaux, had matters at the plantation well in hand in his absence.

Malcolm DeLand, an up and coming attorney in his father’s law firm, had known Katherine Layton since they were children and had courted Katherine during her coming out. The week before Christmas he had offered for her hand in marriage and she had flatly rejected his offer. When Alex Montclair came to Charleston two months later and proposed to Katherine a mere four days after meeting her, Malcolm was livid and vowed that if he couldn’t have Katherine then no one would have her—especially Monsieur Alexander Montclair.

Having left Rowland Manor late one night after an evening with Katherine and her family, Alex was ambushed by an unseen shooter. Shot twice and critically wounded, he managed to turn his horse back in the direction of the Manor to seek help before he bled to death. Earlier that evening he had told Benjamin that DeLand had issued him a verbal threat that morning. In lieu of that statement, Benjamin and Doctor Fred McIntyre suspected that Malcolm was behind the attack on Alex’s life, but since they had no concrete proof they couldn’t tell the authorities what they suspected…and specifically, not without Alex’s consent. Above all else, they wanted to spare the truth from Katherine; at least for the moment.

Alex and Katherine were married April 30, 1855, at Rowland Manor—but not without incident. Malcolm made an unannounced, but not unexpected appearance to oppose the nuptials. Alex remained calm throughout Deland’s verbal attack on him, but when the man aimed a vile comment toward Katherine, the Swamp Beast lying dormant in the Creole was unleashed. Following a brutal, physical encounter, a badly battered Malcolm Deland was carried away by the Charleston police and placed in custody on several criminal charges. With all hope gone of a successful career as an attorney, he succumbed to severe depression and was found dead a week later of a single gunshot wound to the head. A week later, Alex and Katherine Montclair left Charleston on the long journey home to Louisiana with her mammy and two small Negro children in tow.

New Orleans, Louisiana

May 1855

News of Alex Montclair’s arrival back in New Orleans with a bride on his arm, along with her maidservant and two young Negro children spread through the French Quarter like an epidemic of Yellow Fever. The fact that Alex had married was astounding in itself; but that he had married an Americain woman was scandalous! Many a Creole beaute’ shed bitter tears at the loss of such a handsome and wealthy catch—all bar one.

Luzette Rospierre could not remember a time in her life when she had been so enraged. She paced across the carpeted floor of her luxurious French Quarter mansion like a caged swamp panther. I was meant to be the mistress of White Pillars, she ranted at the four walls that opened onto the bricked courtyard. "Alex was betrothed to me! Me! How dare he humiliate me before the French Quarter haute ton like this! An evil sneer marred the otherwise beautiful face of the Creole woman as she began to formulate a plan. It seems that I shall have to pay a house call to the woman and persuade her to pack her bags and run back home to Charleston. If she can’t be persuaded by me, then I suppose I will require the consult of my dear Marie."

Marie Laveau was Luzette’s personal hairdresser, but above all else she was the Queen of Voodoo in New Orleans. Who else better to consult about matters of the heart—or revenge—than Marie?

ONE

New Orleans, Louisiana

May 1855

It had taken nearly three weeks by rail and stagecoach to complete the journey from Charleston to New Orleans. Bad weather had taken its toll on most of the stage roads, and the railways in many states were only partially complete, which made the connections by stagecoach from one to the other especially hard on Stella and the children. Jonah had taken a bad chest cold in Mobile and Anna was running a fever by the time they arrived in New Orleans.

Zeb, Alex ‘s foreman and right arm at the plantation, along with Samson, Zeb’s second in emergencies, were waiting at the depot with a landau to take the weary travelers home. Two buckboards laden with trunks and packages followed close behind as the entourage made its way through town, to the River Road and home to White Pillars.

The first red glow of daybreak filtered through the lace drapes of the balcony window bringing the promise of clear weather for the day ahead. It was late May now, but nights were still cool enough to merit a few logs on the hearth, and the days grew warm toward noon. Katherine lay in the semi-darkness of their bedchamber replaying in her head the chain of events that had led up to this moment. Four months ago she and Alex had met and fallen in love, and now they were married. It had been a rocky four months: first, with the deaths of her parents and grandmother, followed two weeks later the attack on Alex when he had been shot in an ambush and had very nearly died. Even their wedding day had not been without a bit of drama when the ceremony was interrupted by a former suitor of Katherine’s whose offer of marriage had been rejected by her only two months before she met Alex. So much had happened in such a short span of months. A new life had begun for her. She was no longer a young maiden—she was now a married woman and the mistress of her husband’s manor on the outskirts of New Orleans, hundreds of miles from Charleston and her family.

She never dreamed that love would be so beautiful, or that she would be so incredibly happy. She rolled onto her side and gazed at her husband who lay sleeping beside her. Even in sleep, Alex was handsome. His hair was mused from sleep, and a thick, dark curl fell errantly across his forehead. Her gaze followed the lines of his athletic body, to travel slowly from his broad chest and down the lean, muscular lines of his well sculpted and toned torso, to his waist. She closed her eyes, mentally envisioning every detail of his body that was beneath the covers that draped loosely across his taunt belly. A warm glow filled every fiber of her being, stirring her emotions and making her body ache for his touch. She opened her eyes at the slight movement beside her to see him propped on one elbow and smiling down at her.

"Bonjour, Ange."

"Bonjour, ma mi." A sleepy smile touched her face as she gazed up into the handsome face of her Creole husband.

I trust you slept well in your new bed last night.

Mm. Like a baby. And did you enjoy sharing your bed with me, she asked, playfully teasing him.

Silly question, Madame. He reached out and caressed the soft curve of her shoulder with his fingertips. In the dim light of daybreak, her skin took on a soft glow, like a pale moon in the night sky. Her long tresses spread over her pillow behind her head, but he was focused on the azure eyes that smiled back at him. Whatever have I done in life to be worthy of such a treasure, he thought as he gazed down at her. I love you, Katherine Montclair.

And I love you, darling, more than you will ever know. She raised a hand to his face and rubbed it slowly across the dark stubble that had grown overnight. You need a shave.

Later. He took her hand in his and tenderly kissed her fingertips. His lips slowly traced a line up her arm to her long, graceful neck. He lost himself in the silken softness of her skin and the faint scent of night jasmine that he had come to identify only with her. The sound of her quickened breathing and the touch of her hand on his thigh sent a sense of urgency racing through his body. I’m not sure whether I love you more or lust you more.

The bible says it is a sin to lust, she replied in a breathless, husky voice. Her lips brushed his cheek, and she began to tease his ear lobe with tiny flicks of her tongue.

"Well, if that be the case, ma chere, then I fear my soul is forever lost to Eternal Damnation, for at this moment I lust for your touch…your lips…your body,….,"he murmured against her lips between kisses. The covers suddenly became an unwanted barrier between them. He quickly shoved them to one side and pulled her close against him. Her slim, supple body undulated slowly in response to his touch and made him sensitive to the gentle pressure of her supple breasts against his chest. Her hard erect nipples teased his senses beyond endurance. He felt a small, delicate hand slide up one thigh, and blood pounded in his brain with his mounting passion. Katherine moaned softly when his lips found the soft curves of her breasts and flicked playfully at the taunt nipples with his tongue. He stroked the soft skin of her inner thighs to tease her with the sweet promise of more intimate pleasures yet to come while he trailed tender butterfly kisses from her breasts to the gentle slope of her flat belly. The tip of his tongue teased her bellybutton and she moved seductively beneath him as yet another moan escaped her lips.

Alex had known many lovers, but no woman had ever excited him the way Katherine did. For one so young and innocent when they had met, she now loved like a woman of experience. He had used their days and nights at The Planter’s Inn in Charleston after their wedding teaching her the many ways of love, and she had been a fast learner and willing student. The spell she had cast over him was now complete and he knew that he would never be free of her: in life or in death; nor would he ever want to be. Her hands lightly caressed him where only a lover would dare to venture, and his breath caught in his throat when her long, slender fingers coiled, snakelike, around his shaft to bring him to a new height of pleasure. He half moaned, half whispered her name and his blood pulsed hot and deep, fanning the fire in his loins. He moved a hand between them and found the warm source of her womanhood, and her body quivered at his touch. Katherine…I need you…now! His hushed, strangled voice was full of urgency and he could no longer control the raging desire that consumed him.

Oh yes, she whispered with an urgency that matched his. Her arms tightened around his neck and she gave in to the raw passion that only Alex could draw from her. His mouth crashed down over hers, devouring her, slanting hungrily across hers as his tongue darted into the warm cavern of her mouth. Their tongues licked hungrily at each other in a feverish game of love tag as their breath mingled in short, fast bursts. He pulled her tighter against his hard body, rose up slightly, and then lowered himself between her spread thighs. Entry was easy now, and she responded eagerly to his impassioned thrusts, writhing feverishly beneath his weight, wanting to get even closer to him if that was possible. They possessed each other body and soul now. Nothing would ever change that.

Alex absently ran his fingers through the tangled web of golden hair that cascaded across his chest. Katherine stirred in his arms and snuggled closer to his side. He smiled at the thought of how this mere wisp of a girl had captured his heart so completely in a span of four days when no other woman could accomplish it in a lifetime. Her skin was the color of alabaster next to his sun drenched body, and he marveled in the fact that she looked so beautiful lying beside him now: like a goddess: naked and unashamed in the arms of her lover.

Wake up, Sleeping Beauty, he whispered softly beside her ear. His lips brushed her earlobe and her long lashes fluttered open, her eyes smiling back at him.

Mmmm. Was I dreaming, or did a handsome prince just whisk me away and become my lover.

You are very beautiful, my lady.

You are most kind, my lord.

You do know, Kate that sooner or later we are going to have to get out of bed?

Can it be later? She sighed and smiled as she ran her fingers through the dark dusting of hair on his chest.

"I’m afraid not, ma mi. I think maybe sooner. The morning is nearly half spent already. He tilted her face upward and tenderly kissed her. Besides, if I don’t get up from here and leave soon, I am likely to have my way with you again."

Is that a threat or a promise, Monsieur? Her voice was lusty and playful.

He raised an eyebrow and a slow smile spread across his handsome face. That, Madame, is a promise. Time to get up! He pushed the mosquito baire to one side and swung his long legs over the edge of the tall, four-poster canopy bed.

Katherine propped up on one arm and watched him tie back the net, fascinated by the ripple of his muscles while performing such a simple task. He turned and strode casually across the room, comfortable in his naked state, to toss a couple of logs on the fire and then get dressed. She admired his perfectly proportioned body and reveled in the sight of seeing him naked. His body rivaled male nude that Michelangelo had ever sculpted.

Alex glanced up and caught a glimpse of her in the mirror. Are you going to get out of bed, or shall I drag you out?

You wouldn’t dare, she exclaimed, clutching the sheets to her naked breasts.

Ohhh, I wouldn’t would I? He flashed a mischievous grin at her and lunged for the bed.

Katherine dove under the covers and squealed like a little girl. No, Alex! Stop it! Alex, it’s cold! Stop it! She giggled uncontrollably as he wrestled her for the covers. He finally snatched the covers away from her grasp and flung them to the end of the massive bed. Before she had time to roll out of his reach, he fell on top of her, pinned her beneath his body, and continued to tickle her unmercifully. She curled into a tight fetal position, laughing and squealing until she was out of breath.

Now I’ve got you! Out you come! Alex scooped her into his arms and carried her across the room to the warmth of the fireplace. He lowered her to her feet and let his hands slid up over her firm buttocks to her tiny waist. Her breasts touched him where his shirt fell open, making him painfully aware of his growing desire. They stood still for a moment, silent except for the sound of their breathing. The fact that he was clothed while she stood naked in his arms excited him to the point of distraction. It is getting late, he said hoarsely, and I have a plantation to run. He kissed her on her forehead. I should have left hours ago. Zeb is going to wonder what’s happened to me. He picked up the silk robe that had been discarded to the floor the night before and held it while Katherine slipped into it.

I suspect he knows exactly where you are, my darling, she replied. A smug smile tugged at her mouth.

Hm. I’m sure he does. That’s all the more reason to leave you now, my sweet. He’s going to have plenty to say about this as it is. He gave her a quick hug and finished dressing. Now where the deuce are my boots, he mumbled, placing his hands on his hips to sweep the room with his eyes.

I seem to remember you kicking them off beside the bed last night. Lord only knows in which direction. She loved teasing him. If I recall correctly, you were in quite a rush to get undressed at the time.

You, Madame, are a little minx, do you know that? He flashed a broad grin at her and his eyes took on an impish sparkle. He found his boots under the bed and quickly pulled them on. When he turned around, Katherine slipped her arms around his waist and pressed her body close to his. The front of her robe fell open and Alex gently pushed it aside. He placed a tender kiss on the swell of each breast, and then slowly pulled the robe together again. If I don’t leave you right now, Madame, I swear I will have my way with you again. His breath was heavy and hot as he gently nipped at her earlobe.

I promise not to scream, she replied, letting her hands slide slowly up his back.

Katherine…don’t! He gave a short, soft laugh and reluctantly pulled her hands back down to her side. He was pleasantly amused by her playfulness. "I really must go now, cher. Last evening Zeb mentioned a problem at the levee that needs immediate attention. We don’t need to be worried with the threat of a crevasse causing a flood on the plantation during high water on the river."

Aren’t you going to eat breakfast?

"No time. I’ll grab some of Hannah’s biscuits on the way out and tell her you’re awake and she can bring your breakfast up here. You will find that having breakfast on the balcony is quite pleasant this time of morning. I’ll see you at noon, Ange. He leaned down and gave her a long, lingering kiss before leaving her. I love you." He turned and then quietly left her to the privacy of their bedchamber.

Katherine was sitting before her vanity brushing her hair when Hanna knocked on the door. Come in.

The door swung wide and the Negress entered with a large serving tray full of food. Good mawnin, Miss Katherine. Mista Alex say you was ready to eat some breakfas’.

I am rather hungry this morning, Hannah.

Well Ah sho’ cain’t imagine why, the older woman replied with a laugh in her voice. She wasn’t so old that she couldn’t remember being a newlywed herself.

Katherine felt her cheeks redden. I hope my husband left me at least one of your big fluffy biscuits.

Dat boy! Runnin’ off widout no breakfas’! He ain’t gonna be no good fo’ no kin’ o’ loving’ if’n he don’t eat nuthin’ mo’ dan jes a few o’ mah biscuits evah mawnin’. Hee heee!

Han-nah, you’re making me blush!

Jes’ tellin’ de truth like it is, Honey. Yah suh, he one fine boy, doh. His mamma and papa, God res’ day souls, raise dat boy rite fo’ as long as he had ‘em. It lik’ to kill dat chile when dey was kilt in dat accident. Zeb and me jes’ took up where dey lef’ off. We luv’s dat boy like he was our own young’un. Ah be rite by Miss Rose’s side de nite he come inta dis worl’, kickin’ an’a hollerin’ like a banshee! Like to scare’t us all haf’ to def’ bein’ bawn a whole month early! Yah suh, we sho’ nuf’ was scare’t we’s gon’ lose dat li’l babe.

Katherine remained sitting at her dresser, watching and listening as Hannah bustled around the room, talking the whole time she was setting up breakfast. She had to smile at the old woman. It was obvious how much she loved her young master.

Now den, Miss Katherine, yo’ ’ breakfas’ all set up now. Come set yo’sef down in dis nice warm sun dat be a shinin’ on dis balcony whilst Ah fix up dat bed.

Thank you, Hannah. Katherine sat at the table and stared at the amount of food in front of her: eggs, bacon, grits, hash browns, fresh fruit, juice and freshly brewed coffee. Hannah, there’s way too much food here! I’ll never eat all this! Are you trying to fatten me up?

Well, Honey, wouldn’t hurt none to put a li’l meat on dose bones. You ain’t big as a bluebird, she commented, slanting her hands on her wide hips. Lawd, Lawd, what Ah gonna do wid you young’uns! She laughed and shook her head. Ah guess you and Mista Alex jes’ gotta live off luv a while yet. She flashed a wide grin at her new mistress.

Katherine thought how much alike Hannah and Stella were. She thought God broke the mold when He made Stella but He surely saved it to make Hannah, as well.

Lawdy mercy, Ah ain’t nevah see’d no sheets so tangled in all mah bawn days! Look like you two been wrass’lin in dis bed all nite long! Hee heee! She gathered up all the linens and headed for the door. Ah’ll go git some nice fresh bed linens an’ be rite back. You go on and eat some o’ dat breakfas’, Honey.

Thank you, Hannah, Katherine managed to say in a strangled voice, having been totally unprepared for that last comment by the older woman.

Is you awrite, Mistis?

Yes. She cleared her throat again. Yes, I’m fine. I just choked on my juice. I’ll be fine in a moment. She coughed and took a deep breath. Really, Hannah, I’ll be just fine. Go ahead and do what you need to do.

Well if’n you sho. Ah’ll be back jes soon’s Ah fetch fresh linens. She ambled out the door with her load and almost ran headlong into Jonah struggling with Katherine’s bath water. Lawdy, Chile, say sumpin when you be comin’ an’ Ah cain’t see roun’ a co’nah!

Scuse me Miss Hannah, Ah’ll try ta be mo’ ca’ful. He puffed hard as he hurried past her.

Katherine smiled down at the little boy. She was glad she and Alex had brought Jonah and Anna home with them. Good morning, Jonah.

Mawnin’, Miss Katherine. He flashed a wide, toothy grin at her. His eyes sparkled with the excitement of another new day. He missed Mister and Misus Giles, but he was so excited about his new home and so busy with his chores that he hardly had time to be homesick. He had cried the first couple of days after leaving Charleston. That was only natural. He had left dear friends and the only home he had ever known. His mama and his pap were buried there and he knew he would probably never get back there to visit their graves again. Alex had taken him to the church cemetery one last time the morning of their departure to place flowers on each grave. He had said a tearful goodbye, and holding tightly onto Alex’s hand, cast one last look over his shoulder at the twin headstones the Creole had purchased and had placed there. Sarah Giles had promised him that she would keep flowers placed on the graves as often as she could get over there, and on special holidays. It was still hard for him at night when all was quiet and he had time to think about it, but Stella would hold him and sing to him and calm his fears, making everything all right for the moment. Ain’t none o’ mah babes evah too big ta rock when dey’s sad an’ lonely, Honey Lam’, she would tell him. She reminded him a lot of his mama, especially when she sang to him. He also shared a special bond with Alex and Katherine, all three having lost their parents prematurely. No matter what else came between them in life that was a bond that nothing or anyone would sever, but he wouldn’t be treated any differently than any of the other Negro children who worked in and around the big house. He was assigned as many chores as the older boys, and volunteered to do extra work if he was needed. He knew that some of the boys snuck around and hid behind the tool shed out back to get out of doing their chores, but he never complained or snitched on them. Ah’ll be rite back wid some mo’ watah, Mistis. Monique gonna hep me wid dat ‘cause Ah jes’ cain’t carry all dat watah by mysef’!

There’s no rush, Jonah. I haven’t finished my breakfast yet.

The boy charged out the door and nearly collided with Hannah again. Boy! What Ah tell you ‘bout dat runnin’!

Ye’sum! Ah sho’ sorry, Miss Hannah. Ah got ta get Monique to hep me wid Miss Katherine’s baf’ watah! His voice trailed off as he ran down the long, winding staircase.

Hannah muttered something under her breath and continued into the room. Dat young’un gonna break his neck one o’ dese days. He a accident jes waitin’ ta happen, she lamented, shaking her head.

Oh Hannah, he’s just a little boy. Don’t be so hard on him, she said with sympathy in her voice for the child.

Humph! He mite be jes a young’un, but dem stairs don’ make no dif’ence ‘tween young and old; dey jes stairs. An’ if he fall down runnin’ up an’ down like he do, day still gon’ break his skull, don’ matta who he is!

Katherine knew better than to argue with her, especially when the woman had a valid point. She made a mental not to have Alex talk to the boy about being more careful.

TWO

Monique was fourteen and unusually attractive with a perfectly shaped oval face, almond-shaped eyes the color of dark chocolate, and flawless skin the color café au lait. Her hands were delicate and smooth, and showed no sign of ever having worked in the fields, and her straight, black hair was worn in a long braid that hung down her back. She reminded Katherine of Emma, except Emma’s hair was thick, curly, and covered with a tignon most of the time.

Monique’s gonna be yo’ maidservant, Miss Katherine, since Stella be in charge o’ li’l Anna now, Hannah stated. She know what all ta do.

There was only a four year difference in their ages, but Katherine suddenly felt much older. Maybe marriage is supposed to make you feel older, she thought to herself. Hello, Monique.

Madame. The girl gave a quick curtsy and returned a smile to her mistress.

Hannah felt a movement beside her and glanced down to see Jonah staring transfixed at Katherine. Close yo’ mouth, boy, fo’ flies git in it! Git on outta heah now so Miss Katherine can take her baf’. She bent down and popped him on the rear when he made no response to her command. Git, Ah say!

Jonah let out a high pitched yelp. Ye’sum. Mistis, if ya needs sumpin an’ Monique cain’t hep none, you jes call me an’ Ah be up heah likity split!

Thank you, Jonah, I will. She giggled at his exuberance. She made a mental note to write a letter to Thomas and Sarah soon and let them know they were settled at home and that everyone is well. Saying goodbye to Jonah had been hard for Sarah. She had treated the boy as her own since the death of his mother, and Katherine would make sure that Jonah would never forgot her.

The little boy turned and ran from the room, very nearly colliding into a chair on the way out. They could hear him running down the hallway and hop down the stairs like he used to do at The Willows.

Um, um, um, dat boy…. Hannah’s voice trailed off, muttering to herself as the door closed behind her.

Katherine knew there would never be a dull moment with those two around. She turned, and walked across the room to the double armoire that now belonged to her. The ten foot high, six foot wide piece made of solid oak had once belonged to Alex’s grandmother and had been handed down to his father. It had been in one of the guest bedchambers for years, but Alex sent a message from Charleston to have it moved to the master bedchamber before he arrived home with his bride. While Monique set about preparing the bath, Katherine contemplated which dress she should wear this day. Since it was already getting hot, she decided upon the lightweight, yellow morning dress with wide satin ribbons at the waist and white lace at the collar.

She remembered the day she and her mother had picked out the material. The seamstress had been insistent on the lace, stating emphatically that every young woman should wear lace on everything. Men prefer lace and velvet on women, she had told them with a wink and a twinkle in her eye. Both are exotic and feminine, and the truly virile men look for a combination of both in the women they pursue. Alex certainly fit into that category. She had worn lace the night they met and velvet the night he asked her to marry him. Mama and Papa would certainly have approved of him. Her eyes brimmed with tears at the bittersweet memory of her parents. She missed them terribly, but Alex’s love had helped to fill that void and make the pain more bearable.

Madame, are you all right, Monique asked with concern in her voice.

Yes, I’m…I was just thinking about my mother and father. I’ll be fine.

Yes Madame.

Monique, do you think Alex will like this dress?

Oh yes, Madame, but you are so beautiful, Mista Alex won’t see what you’re wearin’ anyway. He’ll only see you.

What a sweet thing to say.

Your bath is ready now, Madame. May I do anything else for you before I leave?

Yes you can: you may call me Miss Katherine from now on, she said with a smile. Madame is appropriate in front of guests, but it’s much too formal otherwise.

Yes Ma’am. The girl gave her a timid smile. I’ll be right outside the door until you finish your bath. Call out if you need anything…Miss Katherine. She turned and quietly left, leaving her mistress to the privacy of the room.

She slipped out of her robe, laid it across the back of the nearby chair, and then stepped into the tub and slid neck deep into the hot comfort of the water. She slowly massaged the inside of her thighs to soothe the dull ache from the night and morning of lovemaking. Her thoughts drifted back to their wedding night at Planter’s Inn. She had heard frightful stories from her friends in Charleston of how some men have their way with their new brides and make the act of consummating the marriage a horrifying experience; but it had not been like that with Alex. She closed her eyes and relived that night as the scent of jasmine rose up from her bath and relaxed her.

She’d felt a rush of both excitement and panic the first night, but Alex calmed her fears when he took her in his arms and kissed her ever so gently…tenderly…with so much love and care for her. His fingers found the tiny hooks at the top of her silk gown and unfastened them with practiced ease. When he released the last one, he let the gown fall to the floor around her feet. With much care and patience, he finished undressing her, and then scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed, kissing her as they went. He lay her down and slipped beneath the covers with her. The feel of his naked body against hers was unlike anything she could have ever imagined. His hands gently explored every part of her body, stirring the fires within them both as his kisses grew more intense with each new discovery. Her breath caught in her throat when he took her hand in his and placed it over his erection so she could feel his growing desire for her. He had warned her that the first time would be painful. All the while, he calmed her fears with sweet words of love, assuring her that it would be easier and less painful from now on. Don’t be afraid, ma mi, he murmured against her lips. My body belongs to you now; only to you. I have waited a lifetime for you, Kate, and I cannot wait any longer. He rolled on top of her, covered her mouth with eager kisses, and their night of passionate lovemaking ensued. He moved slowly at first, entering her inch by inch, letting her become familiar with the size of his cock, and when he reached her maidenhead he stopped for only a moment to warn her. The first hard thrust had been painful, but he silenced her scream with his mouth, making her forget the pain and showing her what a beautiful experience the act of love could be. Afterwards, he stroked her hair as she lay with her head on his chest, and with his arms still wrapped possessively around her, they had drifted into sweet, sated, slumber.

A soft summer breeze wafted across the room from the open balcony door and brought her back to the Present. She wasn’t sure how long she had been lost in thought, but it had been long enough for her bath water to become cool. She shivered and reached for the linen towel that had been left on the chair for her and then carefully stepped from the tub. She called out to the young girl who waited outside her bedchamber door. Monique, I’m ready to dress now.

Now don’ you jes look like a ray of sunshine aftah a summah sto’m! Hanna’s face brightened when her young mistress entered the kitchen. Dis ole house been gloomy fo’ too many yeahs. You gonna briten’ thangs up ‘roun heah fo’ sho’!

Do you think Alex will like this dress, Hannah? Monique thinks he will. She twirled around for inspection.

Chile, if he don’ like it, den he fo’ sho’ teched in de haid! She chuckled and grinned. Ye’sum, dat boy be likin’ ya, Honey, if you was wearin’ a gunny sack!

Monique is going to take me on a quick tour around the grounds until Alex comes home at noon. If you should need us for any reason, send Jonah out to find us. We won’t venture very far.

Ain’t no bother, Miss Katherine. You be de mistress of dis house now. Ya gotta know wheah evehthang is. You jes take yo’ time, Honey. Ain’t nuthin’ hangin’ cain’t wait. With that said, she turned and finished preparing the venison Alex had requested for the noon meal and issued orders to the other two women working under her supervision.

Where shall we go first, Monique?

Mister Alex’s favorite place is the rose garden.

Then that is where we shall begin our excursion.

The two girls left in a flurry of giggles. Hannah smiled, knowing she had made a good choice assigning Monique to the new lady of the manor. Ye’sum, dose two gonna be good comp’ny ta each other. Dey sho’ is.

Zebediah was as black as the Ace of Spades and had the strength of three men. He looked like Goliath compared to most men, and he held the respect of every Negro on the plantation. He was a damn good foreman, and Alex’s right hand man. When Alex rode up on Satan, he found Zeb reprimanding three juvenile boys who had been hiding in the hayshed instead of feeding the chickens and hogs. His deep booming voice could be heard for quite a distance. Don’ let me catch you young’uns hidin’ out again’ ‘sted o’ doin’ what you been told, else Ah gon’ tan yo’ backsides till you wish you didn’ have one! Now git! The terrified boys turned tail and fled in the direction of the chicken yard and hog sty, eager to get out from under the thrashing tongue of their foreman.

Don’t you think you were a bit hard on them, Zeb?

Naw suh! You has ta be strong wid dem young’uns when dey li’l so’s dey be honest when dey gits growed.

Good point, my friend. Alex pulled a cloth pouch out of his saddle bag and took two of Hannah’s large biscuits out. He handed one to Zeb who was grinning at him like a big Cheshire cat.

What are you grinning about? As if he didn’t know. He knew exactly what was coming and braced for it.

Ah was wunderin’ if you was gonna let de whole mawnin’ pass fo’ you showed up. Guess ya was purdy busy up to de big house. He reared back and laughed his big boisterous laugh. Yah Suh! Dat be a rite purdy Missus ya brought home, Mista Alex. Wunda what Miss Luzette gon’ say ‘bout all dis doin’s when de news hit huh eahs. Hoo-wee! Spa’ks gon’ be flyin’ den!

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Alex muttered under his breath. With the attempt on his life in Charleston and the wedding, Luzette had been the last person on his mind. I suppose I’ll need to ride in to the city sometime today and tell her before one of her gossiping friends tells her first.

"Ah ‘spec dat jes be a wasted trip. One of dem squakin’ parrots prob’ly done got to her already. You know how dat kin’ o’ news travels when it’s put in The Bee."

Fuck! I hope that bitch has sense enough not to come around here trying to stir up trouble with Kate, but I wouldn’t put it past her.

Does de Mistis know ‘bout Miss Luzette, or didn’ you tell huh?

I mentioned her in passing but I never mentioned her by name. Katherine never brought it up again, and quite frankly, I never gave it another thought.

Wheww. If you don’ min’ mah sayin’ so, Ah ‘spec you bes’ be thankin’ ‘bout it real soon. Dat woman’s meaner’n a cottonmouth and jes ‘bout as deadly.

Let’s just hope she doesn’t show up unannounced. I’m not sure Kate could handle that Frenchwoman’s temper alone.

Yep, dat Miss Luzette wrote de book on tempeh throwin’.

Well sitting here talking about women isn’t going to get any work done. Show me that problem on the levee you told me about last night.

Let’s go!

They rode off in the direction of the river to survey the recent damage. It was only nine o’clock in the morning, but the day promised to be a scorcher. Zeb talked aimlessly about the crops, and what had been done in his absence, but Alex couldn’t rid himself of the feeling that Luzette might show up sooner rather than later to stir up trouble at White Pillars.

Beau, Alex’s black Labrador retriever, romped playfully along the garden path ahead of Monique and Katherine, darting in and out among the maze of roses, azaleas, iris and other early spring blossoms. The girls laughed at his antics. The large dog would run a short distance up the path and disappear, only to stick his big head out from under a huge shrub and bark at their approach. A small chapel that Jonathan Montclair had built the first year he and Rose were married stood at one end of the garden. It had not always been easy to get into the city on Sundays, especially in winter and after heavy spring rains, and Rose needed a place to worship during those times. Alex had been christened there. Katherine smiled at the thought of their own children being christened in the same chapel.

Did Mista Alex, tell you about the aviary, Miss Katherine?

No, he didn’t. Is it close by?

Ye’sum. You can hear the sounds comin’ from there now. At last count, Mista Alex said there are about a hundred different species of birds in his father’s collection.

Around a turn in the garden path, Katherine saw a large glass building ahead of them. Jonathan Montclair had collected species of birds from all over the world. A friend of his who was captain of a merchant vessel had brought them to him every time he returned from some exotic land. The collection included cockatiels and parrots; there was even a pair of mynah birds. Peacocks strutted round noisily announcing the approach of the two intruders while smaller birds darted about overhead. Katherine had never seen so many species of birds at one time. It was like stepping into a rainforest or an exotic tropical paradise. It was easy to understand why Alex’s father had made provisions for them to be well cared for after his death. Monique pointed out an opening at the top of the atrium that allowed the smaller birds to fly in and out at will. Katherine’s favorites were the tiny, multicolored hummingbirds that flitted and hovered close by, drinking sweet nectar from orchids and other exotic plants that completed the beauty of this miniature jungle.

Closer to the manor, they passed the pigeonnier, and Monique showed Katherine through the two garconnieres for overnight male guests. Most of the grounds were shaded by ancient, giant oaks draped in shrouds of gray Spanish moss and looked as though they had been there since God created Earth. Even in the shade, the heat of the noon sun penetrated the lush canopy, effectively putting an end to the tour of the grounds for the time being.

Alex should be getting home soon, Katherine commented as she glanced at the pearl and diamond cameo watch he gave her before they left Charleston. I hope he won’t be too late. She tried not to sound too excited about her husband’s return, but Monique sensed her anxiety and couldn’t help but smile.

Don’t you worry, Miss Katherine, I’ve never known Mista Alex to be late for a meal yet.

The thunder of hooves echoing up the long ally of oaks caught their attention and they looked up to see Alex riding in on Satan. He waved, and Katherine could see his smile from where she stood. She waved and smiled back.

I’ll run tell Hannah that he’s home. She lifted the hem of her