“But–”
“But Ledoque, acting as the agent for Landow Shipping, approved the request to terminate the contracts.”
“Why?” Alana gasped.
DuPont blinked. When he spoke again, he looked away from her. “Because one of his own shipping companies was awarded the new Montpelier contract. Ledoque’s company is now the exclusive shipper for Montpelier, and his import company is their new American agent. Alana, Ledoque has gained a tremendous amount of business, and you have lost all of yours.”
“How is this possible?” Alana asked, her mind spinning with Ledoque’s unexpected and cruel treachery.
“He manipulated me, and he did the same to you. Yesterday I spoke with another man who lost his business to Ledoque. He told me that Ledoque owns Collingsworth’s bank and has since the end of the war. That was why Collingsworth had given me such a glowing report about him. It seems that Charles Ledoque controls almost all the warehouses, docks, and shipping in Charleston and possibly in the entire South. Alana, this means that Ledoque owns the mortgage to Riverbend.”
DuPont’s words were too much for Alana’s already strained mind. She shook her head hopelessly while she tried to concentrate on what was happening. “But why is he doing this to me?”
“Greed, Alana. I have seen it all too often.”
“You’re saying he has purposely set out to destroy me and I have no recourse? I must lose everything?”
DuPont sighed, his kind face held in tight lines. “Legally, you have no recourse. Everything he did was done according to the law.” Then DuPont rose from behind his desk and came to Alana’s side. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, and when she looked up at him, he continued to speak.
“After going over the reports, I spoke with a banker whom I trust, and I asked him for a loan to help you. He refused me, not because he didn’t want to help but because he had already given out too many mortgages to help the old plantations recover. He lost the majority of his money when the plantations failed. He too is in the position of possibly losing his bank.” Although Alana heard the words and understood the enormity of what DuPont was telling her, her own problem would not let her pause to think about the banker.
“How will I get the money?” she asked, willing her voice to be steady.
“I don’t know,” DuPont replied. “I would give it to you myself, but I have not recovered from the losses I suffered in the war. I have only enough money to make ends meet. It’s a hard time, Alana, a desperate time.” He stopped himself, his hand tightening on Alana’s shoulder.
“You will have to fight this devil Ledoque with his own methods. You must find one of the businessmen he has ruined and borrow the money from him. Use the shipping company to do this. Accept a partner who can fight Ledoque, for it’s the only means left to you. Alana, I’m sorry I’ve failed you,” he said as he took his hand from her.
Alana drew in a deep breath and stood. “I shall do whatever is necessary to save Riverbend, Uncle Carlton. But first I intend to face Charles Ledoque.”
“Be careful,” he cautioned.
“Why?” she asked. “What more can he do to me?” With that, Alana turned and walked regally out of the office.
Fifteen minutes later, Alana was ushered into Ledoque’s private office by the same obsequious clerk she had met on her past visits. Once inside, she watched Ledoque rise and walk toward her.
“This is a wonderful surprise, my dear,” he said with a smile.
This time, Alana saw through the false warmth of the smile that had deceived her for so long. When he reached for her hand, she snatched it away.
“Why, Charles?”
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his face showing concern.
Alana saw only the truth that lay beneath his mask. “You avaricious bastard! Why are you trying to destroy me?”
Ledoque noted the fierce set of her face and saw the fire blazing within the depths of her eyes, and her soft lips, stretched into a thin, tight line. “Sooner or later you would have found out. I was hoping it would be later,” he admitted in a calm, easy voice.
His tone, as well as the words themselves, shocked her. “You planned it all?”
“Not all. We have wanted the Montpelier contracts and Landow Shipping since the outset of the war. That was my prime motivation.”
“Why Riverbend?”
This time Ledoque smiled. It was not a pretty sight, and Alana’s breath hissed out in reaction to it. “You’re not a stupid woman, Alana. Don’t you know?”
Alana continued to stare at him, her mind whirling. Slowly she shook her head.
“For you, Alana, for you,” he said truthfully. “Say the word, and Riverbend will be yours again.”
“You’ve ruined my husband’s company and are trying to take Riverbend from me because you want me?” Alana’s words were hollow, filled with disbelief.
Ledoque caught Alana’s shoulders and drew her to him. His eyes were bright. Within them she saw her fate burning darkly. “I have wanted you since I met you. I have watched you waste your life caring for a crippled shell of a man who did not deserve you. Alana, I can teach you what a real man is!” he declared, his voice husky with desire. Then he lowered his mouth to hers. Alana pulled back violently before his lips reached hers. She glared at him, revulsion on her face. His final words were the catalyst that jolted her mind into action, and suddenly her thoughts were crystal clear.
“A real man?” she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You consider yourself a real man?” She moved quickly, surprising Ledoque for only a second, but it was enough time to free herself from his hold. Stepping back, Alana’s eyes riveted him with hatred.
“When my husband returned from the war, he was more a man than you could ever be!” With that, Alana spun and started for the door.
Before she reached it, Ledoque caught up to her, his hand clamping tightly on her arm. Their eyes locked in a silent, deadly duel, and then Ledoque smiled even as his grip tightened.
“I have remained a bachelor too long, Alana. And you will feel differently about me after we are married.”
Refusing to acknowledge the chill that coursed through her body, Alana laughed in his face. “That will never happen!”
“Will it not?” he asked, his voice level against her rage. “Are you so willing to forfeit your home and everything you own?”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“You have six weeks to make your decision. Either you marry me, or I will take Riverbend and Landow Shipping from you. Remember, Alana, I am offering you an honorable alternative. I could make you my mistress instead of my wife. But as my wife, you will provide my membership in Charleston’s society.”
A hatred so intense she thought she would be sick built up within her. She stared at him but could not find the words to convey her wrath.
Ledoque, taking her silence as leave to continue, spoke again. “You are a beautiful woman, Alana, and I shall enjoy instructing you in how to please me.”
“You’re mad,” Alana finally said as she tried to free herself from his hold.
“No, my dear, far from it.” He pulled her roughly to him, his mouth hungrily seeking hers. Alana twisted her head from him; her free arm flashed upward. The strike of her palm against his cheek resounded loudly in the office.
Ledoque’s head snapped back, his face twisting angrily. When he spoke, his voice was so calm it frightened Alana more than any shout could have.
“You have much to learn, my dear, and it will be my pleasure to teach you–for I shall not only have you but make you totally mine!”
“In hell!” Alana declared. She pulled her arm sharply back and felt his hand release her. Turning stiffly, Alana opened the door and marched out of his office. Before she could escape completely, she heard his mocking voice ring out.
“Six weeks, Alana. That is all.”
Outside, Alana breathed in the clean scent of the salt air. Her mind was reeling, but with each step, she became more f
urious and more determined to stop Ledoque completely.
~~~~~
On an unseasonably warm evening in mid-December, inside a brightly lit large house on Tadd Street–once owned by an aristocratic South Carolinian family called Pomeroy–business thrived.
At the war’s end, an agent purchased the Pomeroy house, and three months later, to the shock of Charleston’s high society, the occupants had moved in. The Pomeroy house soon became the most thriving bordello in the city.
The beautiful madam who ran the bordello had become as noteworthy as the Pomeroy house itself. Whenever she walked down the street, heads would turn and whispers floated on the air. Passersby would point to her unusual hair, and behind their hands, they would whisper her name–Crystal Revanche.
On this December night, the infamous madam of the Pomeroy house was entertaining a customer herself. Although this was a rare occurrence, as she had ten women working for her, it was not unheard of. When a man wealthy enough or interesting enough to attract her attention requested her for the night, she could be obliging.
Tonight someone had indeed piqued her interest. He was a northern businessman, rather handsome in his own way, and extremely wealthy. It was not the first time he had sought Crystal’s favors.
Her private apartment was decorated in bold shades of red wall covering, accented by glowing brass oil lamps. A large brass bed dominated the room; its covering matched the heavy red drapes on the windows.
They ate a simple meal at a table of imported teak. The chairs they sat on were of a matching wood, with cushions that matched the draperies.
They finished their meal and, after the made cleared the dishes, she placed two bottles of the finest champagne next to the table, in a silver bucket. Crystal herself opened the first bottle, and after pouring it, raised her glass in a silent gesture to the man. When they’d finished the entire bottle, Crystal, already knowing well what the man expected of her, slowly seduced him out of his clothing and into the bed she’d had built especially for herself.
An hour later, with the man temporarily sated, Crystal opened the second bottle of champagne and filled their glasses. After sipping some of the dry, bubbly drink, Crystal lay back on the bolster, her naked breasts gleaming with moisture.
Looking at the man lying next to her, she smiled and waited for him to talk. This was the fourth time he had availed himself of her favors, and Crystal knew that after he made love, he liked to boast of his business acumen. This was the prime reason why she allowed him to grace her bed and use her body.
Tonight he seemed reticent, so Crystal plied him with her own questions. Soon the man was once again bragging proudly of his latest acquisition. When he finished, he smiled and drew her near.
He kissed her, then caressed her breasts as if he owned her as he did his businesses. Crystal did not object. But, the man did not yet pursue her body again; instead, he laughed aloud.
“Do you find my body amusing?” Crystal asked from beneath half-lowered eyelids, her lips forming a diminutive pout.
The man shook his head slowly. “No, I find you a wonderful and stimulating companion. I was just thinking how smart you are and how well you utilize your gifts in comparison to another woman I know who is trying to play a man’s game.”
“And you think that funny?” Crystal asked in a light voice.
“Women should not try to compete in businesses that they cannot handle,” he said. “They should content themselves with feminine responsibilities.”
“Am I not in business?” Crystal asked, purposely keeping her voice sultry.
“Exactly,” the man declared, draining the champagne and holding the glass out to her.
After she refilled it, he smiled again. Then his eyes roamed her breasts, drinking in their fullness. His breathing deepened, and Crystal knew what would happen in a few moments. Still, there was time to learn more.
“Exactly?” She repeated his last word in an effort to get him to continue.
“Yes, you’re in business, but it’s a business suited to you. It is a woman’s business. This other woman is trying to run her late husband’s shipping company.”
“Oh–but what is wrong with that?” Crystal asked innocently.
“Only one thing. The business is insolvent and riddled with debt. In trying to find a partner to salvage it, she shows how much a fool she is, and how little she knows. Especially,” he added after he took a large drink of champagne, “since other interests are after the company. What she needs is a blind fool to back her, not a man with brains.”
“I don’t understand. Do you mean that there is somebody who is trying to buy her company and she won’t sell it to him?”
“Not just somebody–but yes, that's exactly what I mean. Besides, I’m not stupid enough to waste my money on a doomed business and a virtuous widow.” The moment he stopped speaking, he smiled lewdly at Crystal and spilled several drops of champagne onto her breast.
After putting down his glass, he bent and kissed the bubbling liquid from her skin. Knowing that any more questions would have to wait, Crystal put her glass down and wound her fingers into his hair as his mouth grew more demanding on her breasts.
Then Crystal Revanche blanked out her mind, chased every thought away, and willed her body to respond even as disgust with what she was doing welled up within her.
Two hours later, Crystal sat in the large tub, letting the hot water cleanse her body of the man who had left a half hour ago.
Leaning her head on the edge of the tub, Crystal closed her eyes and replayed a later conversation they had had.
“Who is this woman?” Crystal had asked after the man had satisfied himself again.
“Why are you so interested?”
“I am interested in many things. How else can I learn the likes and dislikes of men so that I may please them?”
The answer, as foolishly simplistic as it had been, seemed to satisfy the businessman, and he’d indulged her questions again. “Her name is Alana Landow,” he’d told her.
Then, using all the skill she had, she learned that the Landow woman had come to him seeking a partner to help her save both her business and her home. As Crystal had already learned, he had refused her.
As the man spoke, Crystal began to feel the old pains and the anger that went with them. She had not let them surface; rather, she had stroked his chest and smiled inanely at him while he told her everything.
He spoke of a powerful man, part of a consortium that wanted to own the Landow Shipping Company. Crystal’s customer had told her that this man had engineered Alana Landow’s financial difficulties so that he could get control of her business.
As she had listened to the story, her mind had turned cold. Too many coincidental references had nagged at her. Finally, when the man seemed talked out, she looked down at him, a seductive smile on her face.
“And who is this man who makes you so afraid?” she’d asked in a calculating tone that she knew would evoke the right response from him.
The man lying next to her had sat up, anger registering on his face. “I am afraid of no one.”
“Yet you did not try to buy the company outright from the woman. I have heard you talk about taking an opportunity when offered. Surely, if she is about to lose her home, you could have made a good deal for yourself.”
The man had shaken his head slowly. “That is why you are in this business and not in mine. Crystal, my dear, no one, unless they are as rich as Methuselah himself, would go against Charles Ledoque and James Allison.”
And with the names of the two men ringing in her ears, Crystal had found out just what she had wanted to know and what she had already half-expected to hear.
From that moment on, until the man had finally left, she had played the innocent, never once mentioning anything more about business.
Crystal opened her eyes and looked at the ceiling. Although the hot water eased some of her tension, it did not help to reduce the knot of hate that had arisen at the mention of Ch
arles Ledoque.
“Poor woman,” Crystal whispered as the memories of her own life paraded across her mind like an evil play that had been haunting her for four long and terrible years.
Hearing about Alana’s troubles had opened up Crystal’s old wounds, bringing back all the terrible times of the past. She remembered having to relinquish her family’s business in order to save her brother’s life. She remembered, too, the leering faces that had laughed at her after she’d signed away everything, telling her that her brother was already dead, hanged as a Federal spy by the Confederate Army.
Shame flooded Crystal. She tried to stop the flow of memories, but she was helpless to do so, and she finally allowed them to go free. As they did, she drew strength from them, reaffirming her resolve and determination.
The day after she had signed the papers and had learned of the duplicity of Caruthers and Murdock and of Rafael’s death, she had gone to Abraham Hampton and told him everything. He’d advised her to stay in the house and keep all the doors locked until he had gone to the authorities and set matters to rights.
Crystal had done as he asked. Bu,t that night four men had broken into her home. They had attacked her, bound her, and then set lire to the house. The caretaker had discovered them leaving. To her horror, they had beat Jamie senseless and dragged his body into the bushes, leaving him for dead.
Then her nightmare had begun for real. The men had spirited her out of San Francisco that very night, and once they were away from civilization, the four had raped her mercilessly.
A week later, her mind on the verge of insanity, her body battered and bruised, her spirit almost broken, Crystal had found herself in a Nevada mining town, a prisoner in a brothel where she had learned there was no escape. Yet Crystal had found a spark within the recesses of her mind and had clung to it desperately, knowing that somehow she had to survive and avenge her brother’s death and everything done to her.
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