Love Story on Canal

by Angela Lee

  Fin ruffled Tom’s hair, “This young man is responsible for your release. He is your true hero.”

  After they had settled in the carriage Pan asked, “What did you mean about Tom? Did he come to find you?”

  Fin barked out a laugh, “No, the boy must not think I have too much clout. He went to someone he thought would really make a difference.”

  “Hebe,” Pan said a smile. “She arranged all this? How?”

  “To be honest, I don’t know. The plan she came to me with had nothing to do with the church. She suggested I blackmail Burns with the story about the cotton. Then Tom arrived with a message for her and she insisted I head to the Customs House right then. She told me just to follow along with whatever was playing out. I was as surprised as you to see the bishop and his league in the commander’s office.”

  “Was the cotton story real?”

  “I don’t know. I had been following Burns and his nephew for a few weeks now after they started confiscating approved cotton shipments. I never made any headway, but Hebe claims they have been auctioning their hauls under the table. I didn’t get the whole story. I don’t even know where she got the information from. Tom showed up and I raced back to the Customs House. Come here.”

  She slid onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his waist, “Should we worry about Burns changing his mind or seeking vengeance?”

  He brought her close and kissed her forehead, “Possibly. The man is capable of doing good, but he is called the Beast for good reason. Really, this is a small concession and you have a lot of influence. If the local doctor isn’t happy, a lot of people will respond in kind.”

  “You mean because I will have married into your family.”

  “Belle, you have a lot of influence on your own. Nuns and orphans love you. Union soldiers respect you. Even Burns respects you in his way. Everywhere we have been in the city, people have known you and sung your praise. The whole city has put you on a pedestal. Even the priest went out of his way to give you the wedding date you wanted. You would make an excellent politician. You’ve already accomplished the hardest part, winning over the people.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Weddings were held on Tuesdays at the cathedral. The day of Pan’s wedding, Hebe arrived to assist her as she dressed. The unexpected gesture brought tears to the bride’s eyes. She had not realized how greatly she would feel the absence of both her sister and her best friend, until another friend arrived in their stead. Hebe brought Pan blue flowers to add to her bouquet in the tradition of something borrowed and something blue.

  “They’re called blue phlox. Mama said that as a physician, you would like them. They have medicinal purposes; they’re used to treat certain maladies.” Hebe waved a hand over her midsection with emphasis. The women in the room giggled.

  With the help of three maids, Pan began to dress for the ceremony. Madam Coustant had sent over a beautiful bridal set to be worn under her dress. Each piece of white silk was stitched with Pan’s favorite rose pattern. Pan was surprised that a wooden cage skirt had not been sent over as well. She frowned at the drawers but donned them anyway.

  Pan’s mother handed her a package that had arrived a few days earlier from Samuel’s kin. Pan’s eyebrows rose in surprise. There was no way that her brother in law could have known already that she was getting married. Pan had written to both Libby and Samuel to tell them of her news. To Libby, she had expressed sorrow that her best friend would not be there at her wedding; to Sam she reminisced of memories of another wedding not so long ago and a wish that both her brother and sister would be there with her in thought and spirit.

  She opened the package slowly. A square jeweler’s box was inside. Pan knew the box immediately. She had seen the box all her life. She closed her eyes to still the wave of emotion that hit her. She felt a comforting hand on her shoulder and opened her eyes to see Hebe standing beside her silently. Her friend may not know the history of the gift, but she still offered the quiet support of her touch.

  Madam Fontenot seemed equally rocked, but with all the grace of a lady, steeled herself and said. “I suspected this day was coming so I wrote to Sam’s mother to see if she could have these sent for you,” her mother swallowed back her tears, “Something old.” Her mother opened the box, to show Pan what she knew would be inside, a beautiful strand of pearls.

  “Mama. I can’t,” her voice broke.

  “Of course, you can. Your Papa gave me these the day you girls were born. Your sister wore these pearls on her wedding day. It is your turn, my love.” Iris hugged her daughter tightly and whispered, “Take her with you on your adventures.”

  A short while later Pan stood at the entrance of the sanctuary holding her bouquet of soft yellow buttercups highlighted by Hebe’s wild blue phlox. Pan’s eyes followed the path of the wine-colored carpet to the center where the priests awaited on the elevated podium. Fin stood at the bottom of the stairs watching her, looking relieved.

  “I think your groom must have been worried that you might not show,” her father leaned in to whisper with a chuckle. His tone changed to a more serious one, “If this is not what you truly want, cher, we can walk away now. Your mother and I only want your happiness in this life.”

  She turned to her father and hugged him. “Papa, he is my happiness.”

  “Well then let’s deliver you to him, cher.”

  As they walked the path, all the worries about people watching, following the steps of the mass, each of the details of the wedding that a bride planned before the wedding swarmed Pan’s brain. She had had no interest, had asked no questions, made no plans. She had been content to allow Iris and Felice to handle everything, she had merely shown up for the fitting of the wedding gown she had not even selected for herself. Now she was in front of Fin’s family and closest friends and they would see what an inept wife she would be.

  “Papa I don’t know what to do,” she whispered in her panic as they neared the pedestal.

  “Just do whatever Father tells you,” he nodded toward the priest before turning to hug her one last time. “Fear not, everyone is too nervous to remember on their wedding day. I love you, cher.”

  “I love you, too Papa,” she answered sincerely though her mind was still overrun with fear. She handed Hebe her flowers as Fin stepped over to guide her to the steps.

  “Belle,” he whispered taking her left hand from the side of her dress where she had sought a piece of fabric. He lifted the hand to his lips. His steady warm eyes locked with hers, “I love you.”

  The drawers closed in her brain, tucking all fears and doubts away in one instant without her even having to sort them. She felt his calm and certainty flow into her, and she smiled, “I love you, Fin.”

  The deep, melodious sounds of the priest’s welcome began the traditional wedding mass. His words were spoken in French, only translating to English the portions to be spoken by Fin and Pan. Alex and Hebe participated in the ceremony by shrouding the couple in Pan’s veil and then wrapping a symbolic rope around them as they kneeled at the altar. The gesture symbolized the strength of the bond of marriage.

  For a moment it seemed that Hebe might silently assert herself by claiming the responsibility of securing the knot, traditionally a man’s role. The feisty woman refrained from her typical defiance and focused on arranging the veil as a surprised Alex stepped in to complete the task.

  At the completion of the wedding Mass, the wedding group, almost entirely consisting of Fin’s family, exited the cathedral to cheer the new couple as they made their way to the Villere mansion for a wedding luncheon. The newly married Mr. and Dr. Weathers stepped into the noon day sun and smiled at their family.

  A ringing bell in the distance was the first hint that something was not right. It was too early for the curfew bell and that bell was to the west. Dull thunder rolled from the east, and the bells rang again. Everyone looked to the skies with mild alarm as if expecting a storm to unleash overhead. The only reason for those bells to sou
nd at this time of day sound was danger.

  A mounted officer galloped up to the cathedral steps hard and fast, stopping just short of the gathering, “I’m looking for Dr. Fontenot.”

  Both Pan and her father moved toward the man in complete seriousness. The man saw Pan’s advance first, and said, “Do you know Dr. Fontenot, ma’am?”

  “I’m Dr. Fontenot as is my father,” she nodded toward Papa. “What is it?”

  Seeing her father, the man directed his attention on Charles Fontenot, now completely ignoring Pan. She remained and listened anyway. The officer was telling her father that there was a large fire underway spreading down a business block. He wasn’t sure of injuries, but all available medics were wanted on site.

  “I’m coming with you. I know families on that block,” Pan said immediately thinking she needed her bag.

  “Daughter, no. It is your wedding day. I’ll handle this,” her father said. Pan turned to her new husband.

  Fin responded before she could ask anything, saying, “I’ll get the carriage. Go back into the bride’s chamber and change. Do you have something else you could wear?” He gave Pan a gentle nudge up the church steps.

  Hebe stepped up at that moment, “My maid will meet you in the chamber, she has already run to fetch clothing from my carriage.” Pan nodded her thanks, only momentarily questioning why Hebe would have extra clothing at all.

  Fin called after her, “Tell me what supplies you’ll need.” Pan looked down the stairs in admiration as Fin took charge of the situation. She called out a list as she hurried up the stairs with her father adding to it intermittently. Fin was arranging for his cousins and uncles to come. If the fire had spread, every pair of hands would be useful.

  Reaching the lady’s chambers, Hebe helped Pan strip her layers as quickly as possible. Anyone entering might have thought the scene comical, Hebe bent over and tugging at Pan’s skirts as Pan fought button after button to remove her top layers. She stepped out of two of the three petticoats she wore beneath her white silk dress. Hebe’s maid entered at a run. She produced a serviceable day dress in dark grey, one so plain that Hebe had probably only worn it in mourning. The maid had the matching jacket and a high-necked blouse. Hebe was significantly shorter than Pan leaving more than an inch of her petticoat exposed. Hebe’s full curvy figure also allowed plenty of extra room in the chest and hips of the ensemble.

  As she made to leave the room, her friend said, “Be careful Pan. Now is not the time to be daring.” Pan hugged her and raced out to Fin.

  Back down the stairs in a too short skirt and loose bodice, she was led to the carriage where Fin was still directing servants and family members. She climbed into the carriage and he followed. “My bag!” she exclaimed.

  “It’s here. Your mother brought it to me. I already had it placed in the carriage.” He truly knew how to take charge in a crisis. Not for the first time, Pan realized what a great leader he was. He explained that he had sent people to round up water troughs from the stables, sent others ahead to assess the situation and get her father there.

  They rode in silence holding hands. Pan worried the entire ride that they would get there too late. That lives would be lost. That the fire would have already reached the Byrne residence and those of other families she had met.

  Getting to the Irish Channel was nearly impossible. People and carriages barred the path. A boom of thunder rocked the carriage as it sat stationary for several minutes. Fin reached up and knocked, then stuck his head out to see what was happening. “Damnit, we’ll probably have to walk the rest of the way. Ready?” Pan nodded and followed her husband out of the carriage. The hot air tasted of smoke. Fin handed her a handkerchief, “It will get worse the closer we get. Cover your mouth and nose.”

  The fire had spread down the block quickly. It was a devastating scene; four buildings burned with black smoke billowing from windows and rooftops. Fin’s cousins were helping to carry bodies to a makeshift triage area set up in a restaurant several buildings away and across the street. She followed them and found her father assessing patient after patient prioritizing their injuries.

  All seemed to be adults, probably tenants who lived above the various businesses along the street. Fin was talking to his cousin. Her father needed her help, but she had to know about the many families she had brought messages to. “Has the fire spread much further?” she hurried over to ask.

  Fin shook his head, “Dante’s not sure. They are moving through each building methodically. The first injured need treatment first.”

  “There are apartments above the grocer, there are families with children there.”

  Fin answered, “I’m sure they got them out. We’ll start making our way down there now. You stay here. Help here. Promise me.”

  Pan wanted to see for herself that Ian’s family and all the others were safe. Fin was looking at her with resolution, he would not leave without her promise.

  “I promise.”

  He kissed her forehead and turned back to his cousin. Pan felt a flood of fear as she saw him set off. She ran to him and wrapped her arms around his chest from behind. He turned around to hug her. She mumbled against the jacket of his wedding suit, “Fin. Take care.” He lifted her chin and kissed her before releasing her and walking way.

  Pan got right to work, the tenants had been caught unaware, though the bells had helped to alert them. Luckily, it had been the middle of the day and most people were away from their homes. The majority of those that were here were elderly. Larger, family apartments were further down the street. There were some burns, but most people were having difficulty breathing from inhaling the smoke. The worst injuries had been caused by glass and debris. Several people described a powerful explosion rocking their homes and causing other injuries. Pan had stitched one person’s arm from a fallen beam that had torn skin. Two people had fallen in their attempt to hurry from the building.

  Pan asked about families that she knew. No one had news. She continued working only to realize that an hour had passed with no news and no sign of Fin. All the Villere men had moved on to assist in other areas. Two other physicians arrived and surprisingly took direction from Pan without resistance.

  The earth seemed to shake as another loud bang exploded further away. Pan was struggling to stay put and keep treating the injured but her fears for the families, the children, and now Fin, were distracting her, “Papa. Will you manage? I need to find Fin.”

  “Cher, you must stay here. Your husband will take care,” Papa had stopped his exam and come over to hold her arms.

  “Papa. I need to know. If something were to happen to him,” sobs began to choke the rest of her words.

  “Cher, if something were to happen to you, I could not bear it. Your mother could not bear the pain. You are all we have left. Stay. I will go,” Papa had never in her life asked her to not do something that she truly wanted.

  “Pan!” The two turned at the deep shout as Fin and Dante carried Alex into the triage.

  “On that table!” Pan pointed to a newly vacated tabletop and raced across the room to meet them. As Alex was laid on the table, other men carried children in. Fin was covered in black ash. He had a huge tear across his chest, and she could see blood and ash matting across his shirtfront, “What happened?”

  Fin stepped closer and answered gruffly, “The fire spread further down. We were getting the families out from the apartments above the grocer’s building when something combustible must have caught fire in the mercantile next door. Half of the building exploded. Alex and I were getting a family out when the window blew apart. The frame caught Alex in the back of the head. We tried to shield the young ones, but there was heat and glass everywhere.”

  Nodding her understanding, Pan began cleaning the side of Alex’s head that had taken the brunt of the timber’s force. She saw a deep gash and some fragments of wood imbedded in his skin. Shards of glass were digging into his flesh everywhere. Alex was not conscious; at least he would not feel the
pain as she removed the glass and wood from his body. She would address his unconsciousness later.

  Fin left her side to speak with his cousins and then her father. They continued working for several hours during which time some local women arrived at Fin’s direction to work as attendants for the makeshift hospital.

  With Pan’s clearance, two of his uncles arranged a stretcher and transported Alex to a carriage to get him home. Fin began making arrangements for temporary shelter for the families and insisted that both Dr. Weathers and Dr. Fontenot needed rest. Neither Pan nor her father would leave the site until they were confident that every injury had been seen to.

  Realizing that the two stubborn doctors would not be swayed, Fin left to locate more medical staff and check how the firefighters were faring. Union soldiers began arriving to offer aid. Military doctors and other medical staff began to fill the tent. Once Pan and her father had filled them in, everyone set to work at their own tasks. By midnight the fire was finally controlled, and no new patients had arrived for over an hour.

  Dr. Fontenot suggested that they begin releasing anyone with mild injuries to stay at the homes of friends or family members. The more serious cases should start being transported one by one to the local hospital or the Union infirmary as more army doctors were now onsite to oversee the transport.

  Feeling calm finally start to settle within the triage, Pan took a breath and looked about the room. A familiar pair of blue eyes looked back at her from the opposite side. She felt a sliver of guilt as she registered the hurt on James’s face; she fought the urge to go and hug her old friend. Instead she nodded and offered a small smile. James gave her a sad smile and a finger salute before turning back to his patient. Seeing that everything was well in hand, she left to find Fin and let him know she was ready.