Wanton Splendor

by Bobbi Smith

  George shook his head, "Cherie took care of him then?"

  "She never left his side..."

  "Cherie Delabarre is one very special woman."

  Katie nodded, "Anyway... the reason I'm here..."

  "Yes?"

  "Do you know the Montards?"

  "Of course," George smiled broadly. "Emil and I grew up together. Why?"

  Katie looked at him skeptically. "Andre Montard was the cause of our problems."

  "Andre?"

  "He said he wanted me, even though I told him time and time again that I didn't care for him."

  "You can't blame him for trying," George commented good-naturedly.

  "But he didn't give up. Not even after I married Christopher."

  George frowned, "What do you mean?"

  "Last week, he found me alone and tried to... Well, when I wouldn't, he threatened to hurt Christopher."

  "Hurt Christopher? How?" George was growing angry.

  "He was going to turn him over to the authorities."

  "For what?"

  Katie looked her father straight in the eye. "Christopher works for the Underground Railroad. He's been helping slaves get out of the South."

  George was stunned by her revelation and then smiled. "I always knew when you picked a husband he would be someone special."

  "Then you're not upset?"

  "No. You've always known how I felt about slavery."

  Katie was relieved.

  "But you're telling me that Andre was blackmailing you to sleep with him by threatening to report Christopher?" George asked, his emotions under tight control.

  "Yes, Papa," she answered. "But I didn't!"

  "Good girl! That boy must be the lowest..."

  "That's not all..."

  "Oh?" he looked at her questioningly.

  "I got away from him and he chased me back to the house. When we tried to make him leave he killed Joel, Christopher's partner. And then he was going to rape me, but Dee shot him."

  "Dee?"

  "Joel's wife."

  "Thank God. She must be a very strong woman."

  "She is. She's the friend I brought with me."

  "I'd like to meet her, to thank her for saving you." George smiled at his daughter fondly. "But where was Christopher all this time?"

  "He had taken a group of runaways into New Orleans. Evidently, Andre knew that he was gone, and that's probably why he took so many chances."

  "Is Andre dead?"

  "Yes," Katie stated. "And I can't say I'm sorry. He was a cruel and vicious man."

  "So you're here for a visit?"

  "No. I-we-needed to get away. Emil came to Greenwood and told me to sign over the plantation plus Dee or he would expose Christopher."

  "Emil?"

  "Emil," Katie confirmed. "That's why Dee and I ran away. I didn't know where Christopher was, so I sent word to Mark in town that we were heading North and then we took the first packet out of there."

  "I understand and I'll take care of you, darling," he assured her. "Do you think Emil would really turn Christopher in?"

  "I think so..."

  "Well, don't worry any more. I'll do some checking on my own and we'll see what we can find out."

  "Thanks."

  "Now, let's go meet Dee."

  Confrontation

  It was mid-afternoon. The sun was hot for September and it almost seemed like a summer's day. Business on the levee was brisk and newly arriving packets were having trouble finding a place to dock.

  Emil, withdrawn and aloof, waited in his cabin as the boat tied up. He had not socialized during the entire trip. Instead, he had remained in the seclusion of his stateroom, trying to figure out the best plan of action. Now his decisions made, he knew exactly what he had to do.

  Leaving the boat, he checked into the Planter's Hotel and decided that after a short rest, he would begin his search.

  Stretching out on the plush bed in his elegant room, Emil relaxed and closed his eyes. As he tried to sleep, the events of the past few months haunted him... losing Greenwood ...Andre's death. Though he mourned his son, Emil was beginning to see that Andre had behaved very foolishly. Had he not lost his head over Katie Kingsford, Greenwood would have been theirs by now.

  As it was, Emil had been forced to play his trump card and, though Fletcher might well be dead, he had gained nothing from it. Instead, he had probably lost the plantation forever.

  Anger at his own inability to right a most complicated situation drove him from his attempted rest and he left the room after freshening up, intent on his search for Katie and Dee.

  Seated in the hotel dining room with her father, Katie laughed lightly at something he said and smiled warmly at him.

  "I am so glad I came here," she told him, wanting him to understand how comforting his presence was to her.

  "I am, too, honey," he patted her hand. "And don't worry too much about Christopher. I'm sure we'll hear something soon."

  Her eyes clouded for a moment, "I know. I'm sure Mark will write as soon as he knows anything."

  Changing the topic, George asked, "How's Jebediah feeling?"

  "He's much better tonight. It was just an upset stomach I think."

  "It's a shame Dee couldn't join us."

  "She wanted to keep him quiet until tomorrow."

  "I can certainly understand that. When you and Mark were little and took sick you gave your mother and me fits. You were very demanding children," he teased.

  "But we turned out so well," she countered.

  "That you did. Now, tell me all about Mark's fiancee... Jacqueline?"

  "Yes, Jacqui La Zear."

  "Good family.. .1 knew of them when I lived there."

  "Yes, they're very nice people and Jacqui is very pretty. She's perfect for Mark and I know he really loves her."

  "And he's decided to take over some of Isaac's business affairs?"

  "Before he died, Uncle Isaac asked Mark to help out. And Mark does like it."

  "So he won't be coming back here?"

  "I really don't think so, Papa. With Jacqui's family there, I imagine he'll stay in Louisiana."

  For a moment, George looked sad. "Well, whatever makes him happy.. .Has he made plans for the wedding yet?"

  "No. I think they're going to wait a while."

  George was glad, for that meant that he would be able to attend. He had missed Katie's wedding and he didn't want to miss Mark's.

  Across the crowded dining room, Emil Montard was shown to a table for one. He ordered a drink to be served right away and sat back to enjoy the potent liquor.

  Pondering his success, Emil was quite pleased with himself. He had located them and with a minimum of effort. He had hardly believed his luck, when checking the registry at this very hotel, he found the names of Katie Fletcher and travelling companion. Now, all he had to do was find Dee and...

  Emil had been idly surveying the room when he was suddenly jolted by the sight of Katie having dinner with her father. He had not seen George Kingsford in years and the sight of his old friend surprised him. What was he doing here? George's presence complicated things. Emil didn't relish the idea of a confrontation with him. George Kingsford was a very influential, powerful man. Trying to figure out a way to avoid such a scene, the thought suddenly struck him ...this would be the perfect opportunity to find Dee while she was alone. Then he could be gone from here with her before anyone ever knew.

  Rising casually, he cancelled his dinner order and strode easily from the room trying not to attract any attention. Out of the Kingsfords' line of sight, he hurried upstairs and located Katie's room with relative ease. laking a deep breath, he steadied himself. Cautiously trying the doorknob, Emil found to his relief, that it was unlocked and in one quick, smooth move, he entered and closed the door behind him.

  Dee, who had been resting with Jebediah, looked up sleepily from her bed. "Katie?"

  Her eyes widened as she saw Emil Montard blocking the door, looking like the devil inca
rnate.

  "Hello, Dee," he said in a soft, dangerous voice. "Weren't you expecting me?"

  Dee was paralyzed with fear and couldn't make a sound. She wanted to scream.. .to run, but terror held her captive.

  "You can make this easy or difficult. The choice is yours, but the outcome will be the same. You are going back to Louisiana and you're going with me!" he told her as he approached her menacingly. "Now, let's go."

  "No-Ah-"

  "Now!" he snarled ferociously.

  Grabbing Dee's arm he dragged her forcefully from the bed, waking Jebediah, who began to cry.

  "My baby-" Dee managed.

  She tried to reach for him but Emil pulled her toward the door. Jerking her around to face him he ordered.

  "Do you want him to stay alive?"

  Dee could only nod.

  "Then walk out this door with me and make it look good. If you give me any resistance..."

  "Ahunderstand... "shequaked.

  "Then let's go." Opening the door, he pushed her ahead of him out into the hall. He shut the door solidly behind them, muffling Jebediah's frightened cries.

  "Don't look so damned scared!" he muttered threateningly.

  "Yes suh," she mumbled, stumbling as she walked.

  Without pause, they moved off down the hall to the staircase and then climbed the steps to the third floor and entered Emil's room. Locking the door behind them, he quickly began to pack. When he'd finished, he gathered his things together and they headed down to the lobby. Emil stopped at the desk to turn in his key and then they exited the hotel.

  Katie and George were almost back to her room when they heard the baby's screams. Katie gave her father a worried look before breaking into a run. She was surprised to find that the door was unlocked and she rushed inside.

  Katie was terrified to find only Jebediah in the room. There was no sign of Dee.

  "Where do you suppose she went?" Katie asked her father as she tried to calm the distraught child.

  "Did she go or was she taken?" he questioned. "Surely she wouldn't have willingly gone off and left him alone."

  "OhGod! Montard!"

  "Let's check at the desk downstairs. Maybe someone saw them."

  George took the baby and they hurried down to the lobby.

  "Did a black woman leave the hotel recently?" he demanded of the startled desk clerk.

  "Let me see...Mr. Montard checked out a few minutes ago and he had his black wench with him the man spoke sneeringly. "Damned attractive for a..."

  "Thank you." George cut him off, not wanting to hear another slur. "He's got her all right and my guess is he's heading for the riverfront. Come on, Katie! Let's go!"

  A hired carriage was parked in front and George called up to the driver, "Did you see the white man leave with his slave woman?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Did you see which way they went?"

  "Better than that," the driver replied. "I heard."

  "There's an extra $10 gold piece for you if you can catch up with them."

  "Yes, sir!"

  After Katie, Jebediah and George were in and seated, he slapped his horses into action, sending them rampaging down the street in the direction of the levee.

  "We'll catch them." George was confident as their conveyance tore along at breakneck speed.

  "But will we be alive when we do?" Katie gasped clasping Jebediah to her.

  Trying to lighten their mood, he gave her an encouraging smile, "Why, Katie, I've never known you to be afraid of a little rough riding!"

  For a moment Katie saw the humor of their riotous chase. "I'm not afraid as long as I'm the one doing the driving!"

  "I see your point," George agreed grasping the side of the vehicle to keep from losing his seat as they rounded a corner without slowing. And Katie couldn't quell the smile that came as she watched her father trying to regain his balance.

  "We're almost to the river. I hope this driver knows what he's about."

  The carriage rolled to a stop near the vehicle that had transported Emil, just as he stepped down dragging Dee with him.

  George was out of the carriage and heading for Emil before he spoke.

  "I believe you have something that belongs to me," he called out loudly, hoping to attract attention.

  Emil froze and then, cursing under his breath, he turned to face George.

  "I have no fight with you," he responded tightening his grip on Dee. "I've got what I came after and now I'm leaving."

  He made to turn away but George's next words stopping him.

  "She's Katie's property and if you take another step, I'll have you arrested for slave-stealing." His words were spoken conversationally but the threat was not to be taken lightly.

  "George," Emil protested. "She shot and killed my son!"

  "While he was trying to ravish my daughter!" he ground out.

  He paled as he realized that there was no getting away.

  "Emil, let's not air our differences publicly. Come, let's go back to the hotel and talk..." He offered him a way to save face before the small crowd that had gathered.

  After hesitating a moment, he released Dee and spoke, "I'll come with you, George."

  George turned to Katie, "You take Dee and the baby in the other carriage. I'll meet you later."

  "Yes, Father." She ran to Dee, handing her her son and hugging them both.

  Emil looked like an old man as he walked toward George, his steps dragged in defeat. They didn't speak, but looked at each other long and hard before climbing into the waiting conveyance and driving away.

  "Mark, if I don't get out of this bed soon, I may never be able to!" Christopher grouched as he halfsat, half-lay on the small confining bunk.

  "Sorry, Cherie's orders!" Mark grinned at his discomfort.

  "Did anybody ever die from bedsores?" He rubbed his backside wearily and tried to shift to his other hip without jarring his slowly healing shoulder.

  "I don't think so, but you could always be the first!" he joked and received a glare for his trouble.

  "I am going to sit on the side of the bunk for a while," he declared.

  "Christopher!" Mark began, but realizing that he was not to be deterred, he quickly moved to help him.

  Christopher's face whitened as he held himself erect and his jaw clenched tightly as he fought against the dizziness and the shooting pain that almost forced him back down. But, as he waited, the agony passed and he turned smiling to Mark.

  "See, I told you I could do it." He sounded just like a little boy bragging about some great feat.

  "If only Katie could see you now," Mark smiled back.

  "I wish she could." His good humor dimmed momentarily.

  "We'll be there in only two and a half more days, and you'll see... She'll be fine. Katie's just like a cat sometimes, she always lands on her feet..."

  "I hope so," he answered.

  "I tell you what.. .just to take your mind off your troubles, I'll let you beat me at poker. What do you say?"

  Christopher grinned fleetingly. "How much money do you have?"

  Mark laughed as he pulled a small table over and brought out a deck of cards. "Not enough to play with you. How about penny-ante?"

  "You're on."

  The bar of the Planter's Hotel was crowded and noisy as George and Emil made their way, drinks in hand, to a secluded table at the rear. Emil sat down stiffly, his back to the room, leaving George the seat against the wall. Swiftly downing his drink, he signalled the barkeep for a refill.

  "Here you are, sir." The bartender came with a fifth of his best bourbon.

  "Leave the bottle."

  "Yes, sir," he replied, surprised for it was a very potent, very expensive brand.

  When he'd gone, Emil poured himself another portion of the amber liquid and looked up at George for the first time.

  "Why did you go against me to protect that damned wench?" he asked disgustedly.

  George looked at his old friend with pity in his eyes. "I know w
hat happened at Greenwood and Dee did the only thing she could to save Katie and herself. Andre had already killed the overseer, for God's sake!"

  "It was only that no-good black buck, Joel, he shot," he dismissed George's contention.

  "He was a free man, on his own property and Andre shot him down in cold blood."

  Emil glared at George, but didn't respond.

  "If he'd been smart, he would have left then ...he wouldn't have pushed his luck. But Emil, he was going to attack Katie."

  Emil snorted derisively. "Women loved Andre. She probably encouraged him!"

  George slammed his glass down on the table and came half-way out of his seat. "You, sir, are talking about my daughter! Your offspring, if you care to refer to him as yours, treated my daughter in such an unchivalrous manner that were he still alive, I, myself, would call him out!" He stormed on, "Andre acted the rogue and the scoundrel and met a suitable end for his dastardly deeds!"

  Emil blanched before George's righteous anger. All along he had thought only in terms of Dee shooting Andre. Katie's involvement, as far as he had been concerned, had been academic. The slave had killed his son...Now he was beginning to understand and he didn't like the picture that was being painted of Andre. Had his son been so intent on pursuing his own pleasures that he'd thrown his honor to the wind? If George Kingsford's word was to be believed, it would seem so. Emil felt sick.

  George realizing that Emil was finally accepting the truth, sat back down, drained his drink and waited.

  "It is very hard for me to accept the fact that the boy I raised to manhood, could have done such an appalling thing," Emil managed.

  "You have been too consumed by your grief and your desire for revenge to realize," George sympathized. "And I can understand that."

  "You have my deepest apologies. I hope Katie suffered no harm at Andre's hands."

  "No. She was just frightened."

  Emil was relieved.

  "Katie told me that you had threatened her the day after the shootings..."

  "I am not proud of what happened, but it was not without provocation. When I discovered that Fletcher was involved with the Underground Railroad and that he was using Greenwood as his base ...I was livid. I wanted revenge on both Dee and Fletcher."