When she reached her bedroom, Liberty was too weary to think. She dropped down onto a chair and closed her eyes. Tomorrow would be time enough to worry about Sebastian.
19
Liberty awoke when Oralee pulled back the curtains and let the sunshine stream into the bedroom. The maid was smiling cheerfully as she placed a brightly wrapped package on the bed. "Merry Christmas, ma chere."
Liberty rubbed her eyes, trying to come fully awake. "It's Christmas? How can that be? I didn't even know it."
Oralee laughed. "It happens every year on this same day. You have just been too busy to notice anything but that new husband of yours."
"Who is the package from?"
"It was brought to you by a man who called himself Philippe Cease. He said to tell you that this was from his captain."
"Oralee, I have no present to give Judah. For that matter, I have no gift to give anyone."
"That is not quite true, ma chere. The kitchen is filled with enough food to feed an army, and there are brightly colored bolts of material in silks, satins, and linens. Not to mention money." She dropped a leather pouch that tinkled with money into Liberty's lap. "It would seem your husband intends to take very good care of you."
Liberty's heart melted at the thought of Judah's generosity and thoughtfulness. "I wish he had come himself. Did Philippe have any message for me?" she asked hopefully. Wouldn't it be a wonderful Christmas if they could spend it together? she thought.
"Just that M'sieu Slaughter wishes you a Merry Christmas."
Liberty threw the covers aside and moved off the bed. "Is Philippe Cease still below? I would like very much to talk to him."
"No, he said he could not stay. He and another man by the name of Rojo unloaded the packages in the kitchen and then took their leave."
Liberty pushed her disappointment aside. "I wonder what is in this box?"
"The best way to find out is to open it," Oralee suggested.
Liberty tore the brightly colored paper to shreds in her excitement. She scarcely breathed as she lifted the lid of the box, then a gasp escaped her lips as she stared at a lovely, white velvet gown and matching white satin slippers. "This is the loveliest gown I have ever seen," she exclaimed, touching the soft material. "It looks just the right size. How do you suppose Judah got it?"
"How he got it is not important. When a gentleman gives his lady a gift, she should not ask questions."
Liberty's eyes fell on something wrapped in bright blue paper at the bottom of the box. "Look, there is a note, and a smaller box.".
Oralee smiled as she crossed to the door. "You read your note, and I will bring your breakfast." She paused at the door. "I almost forgot. Last night your sister, her husband, and his mother returned."
Liberty dropped down on her bed wondering what had gone wrong. "Are they downstairs yet?"
"It was very late when they returned—your sister is still in bed, but M'sieu Sebastian was up early this morning and walked down to the slave quarters."
"Whatever for?"
"Who can say why he does anything? I have never known him to go to the slave quarters before." Oralee smiled, dismissing Sebastian from her mind. "If we are to have Christmas dinner, I had better go below and supervise. We have Kaki's daughter in the kitchen, and I am not sure she can cook."
Liberty was puzzled by Sebastian's actions, but she was too happy to dwell on him. She waited until Oralee closed the door behind her before she opened the note. She had never seen Judah's handwriting, and she stared at the bold script.
Merry Christmas, little one. I am sorry that we must spend our first holiday apart. I will be thinking of you and hoping that you have a joyous feast. The next time I see you, perhaps you would wear this gown for me. We will call it a belated wedding gown. The jewelry is from my mother. It was given to her by my father, on their first Christmas together. She wanted you to have it. Think of me, and I will keep you in my heart and prayers.
Love, Judah
Liberty's eyes softened, and she fell back against the pillow. What an extraordinary man she had married. There was a war going on, yet he took time to remember her at Christmas.
Liberty opened the satin-covered box and saw a gold chain nestled in a bed of black velvet. She smiled as she lifted the golden chain and found a golden pendant attached to it —a ship. Joy sang in her heart when she read the name engraved upon it: Winged Victory.
Laughing delightedly, she fastened the chain about her neck. She might not have Judah with her today, but she could feel his loving care and that of his family reaching out to her; she finally felt she belonged to a family.
Liberty tested the roasting goose with a fork and pronounced it tender. She smiled at the young cook, and then turned to Oralee and instructed her to see that enough food was delivered to the slave quarters so each family could have a feast. In addition, everyone was to be given enough money to purchase a new pair of shoes.
"Tut-tut, such generosity," Sebastian said, leaning against the door. "Has the hand of plenty touched you, Liberty?"
"Where is my sister?" Liberty asked, brushing past her brother-in-law as she made her way to the salon where the holly wreath had been hung.
Sebastian followed after her. "I suppose my cousin robbed Bend of the River to deliver you a feast," he said sarcastically. "He is only doing this to impress you, Liberty. You don't know his true nature."
She glared at him. "And you do?"
"I know men like him. They want only what they can get from a beautiful woman."
Liberty mumbled under her breath in vexation. By now she was so accustomed to Sebastian's irritating habits that she no longer bothered to get angry with him.
When she entered the salon, her eyes went first to the picture of her Aunt Liberty, her father's sister for whom she had been named. She had sworn, that no matter what she had to sell to keep River Oaks from going under, she would never sell her aunt's portrait.
For a moment she stood in stunned silence. The wall was blank—the picture was gone! "Where is the picture that hung on that wall?" she said in a shaky voice. Wheeling around, she faced Sebastian. "Are you responsible for this, Sebastian?"
He shrugged his shoulders and crammed his hands into his pockets. "I needed money. I found a buyer who was most generous. The Americans seem to want respectability so desperately that they are willing to acquire it through others. I can just hear this man telling his friends the woman in the portrait is a relative of his."
Hot wrath boiled up in Liberty. "You had no right to do that. It was very special to me. That was my aunt. I demand that you go immediately and get it back."
"I fear that will be impossible. You see the money is gone. I used it to settle a gambling debt. A debt of honor must always be paid."
She was so angry she didn't trust herself to speak for a moment. "You have no honor, Sebastian. You would steal from me after I gave you and your mother a home. I want you out of my house today!"
His laughter filled the room. "That will not be possible either, Liberty. You see, I have invited guests here today, and I must be here to receive them when they arrive."
"What are you talking about? What guests?"
For a moment he looked uncomfortable. His eyes shifted away from hers and he spoke in a soft voice. "I have invited the British doctors. They want to use this house to set up a hospital. I could hardly refuse."
"How dare you take it upon yourself to invite the enemy into this house. I will not allow them to set one foot in here. You must go immediately and tell them they are not welcome."
"You are a fool, Liberty." He moved closer to her, his eyes assessing her lovely face. "Do you not see the British are the superior force and they have trained soldiers. The Americans are nothing but rabble who have no idea how a gentleman fights a war. Surely you know it is wise to be on the winning side, Liberty. The English will win."
"You are a traitor, Sebastian. Get out of my house at once!"
Sinister laughter issued from his
lips. "I have always loved the way your eyes sparkle when you are angry." He reached out and grasped her by the shoulders. "I would do anything to please you, Liberty. If you want the British to stay away, I'll arrange it. If you want me to play your fool, you have only to say the word. Tell me what you want, and I'll do it."
"Let go of me!" she said through clenched teeth. "The only thing I want from you is that you walk out that door and never come back. You disgust me, Sebastian."
Before Liberty knew what was happening, Sebastian pulled her to him and ground his mouth against hers. She struggled and clawed at him, but he held her tightly. His lips were wet and hot. Liberty felt her stomach churn, and knew she would be sick if he didn't release her. She twisted and turned, trying to repel him, but he wouldn't release her.
"Your wife has asked for you," Oralee spoke up as she came into the room. She had seen that her mistress was in trouble, and knew of no other way to help her.
Sebastian flung Liberty away from him, and she grasped the mantel to keep from falling. She wiped her hand across her mouth, hoping to rid herself of the taste of him. Her chest was heaving as she tried to catch her breath.
"Do not ever come near me again, Sebastian. If you do Judah will kill you. Get out of this house before I have you thrown out."
"You can't order me out, Liberty." His eyes were burning with a dangerous light. "I have promised the British officers they could use this house for a hospital, and there is nothing you can do about that."
"We will just see about that," Liberty declared angrily, and she stalked out of the room, Oralee at her heels. "Oralee, go and find Delton for me. Tell him to bring several men with him. I want them to throw my brother-in-law off Briar Oaks."
Oralee's face whitened. "I cannot do that, ma chere. I just discovered what M'sieu Sebastian was doing at the slave quarters this morning —he sent all the men to help the British transport their wounded here."
Liberty whirled back to Sebastian. "You will never get away with this."
He laughed. "I already have. One day you will thank me for this."
He strolled leisurely past her and moved down the hallway. "My friends will be here within the hour. I trust you will make them welcome."
Liberty pounded on her sister's bedroom door, but received no answer. In anger, she wrenched it open and stepped over the clutter and disarray to get to the window and let some fresh air into the room.
"Bandera, I want to talk to you, and you had better listen," Liberty commanded as she threw back the curtains and pushed the window open.
Bandera buried her head beneath the pillow. "Go away and let me sleep."
Liberty's eyes sparked with anger. She pulled the pillow off her sister's head and threw it across the room. "I want to talk to you, now, Bandera!" she stated firmly.
Bandera slowly raised her head, trying to focus her eyes in the bright sunlight that streamed into the room. She had never seen Liberty in such a state. "What is the matter with you? Are you crazed to come charging into my bedroom like some madwoman?"
Liberty's chest was heaving with anger. "Do you know what your husband has done?"
Bandera sat up and pushed her tumbled hair out of her face. "Oui, I do. He promised to take me and his mother into New Orleans. But instead we were forced to wait in that drafty boat while he talked with some very suspicious-looking men. Afterward, he brought us back here. I don't mind telling you, I am not happy with Sebastian. I had my heart set on going to New Orleans."
"You don't even know what I'm talking about, do you? Dear lord, Bandera, do you never think of anything save your own wants and pleasures?"
Bandera tossed her sister a scathing glance. "I never claimed to be perfect like you, Liberty. You go around with charity and goodness oozing out of your heart, and you think we will feel obligated to you because you allow us to live off your charity. Sometimes you make me sick."
Bandera's words found their mark, and Liberty realized for the first time what she must look like in her sister's eyes. Bandera was not evil; she was just weak, selfish, and easily used by others. Sebastian had promised her riches and glory, and Bandera had been willing to betray Judah to get them.
"Bandera, listen to me. Sebastian has met with the British, and told them they can use Briar Oaks as their hospital."
The color drained out of Bandera's face, and she slid out of bed, pulling on her robe. "He had no right to do that. This is not his home!"
"I want him out of here now. You go to him and tell him to pack his belongings and get out."
Bandera whirled on Liberty. "Would you throw your own sister out with nowhere to go?"
"No, I am not that cruel. You and Alicia can stay until Sebastian can provide a home for you. But I want him out of here today."
Without another word, Liberty went out the door. She was so distraught that her hands were trembling as she descended the stairs. Something about Sebastian's attitude had frightened her. When she remembered the feel of his wet mouth on hers, she experienced revulsion. She had intended to tell Bandera about Sebastian's advances to her, but had decided against it, knowing that would serve no purpose.
When Liberty reached the landing, she could hear loud voices at the front door. Her blood boiled when she saw several men wearing red uniforms at the entrance. Sebastian was talking to one of them and when he saw Liberty, he smiled.
"What is the meaning of this?" Liberty asked, facing a soldier with sergeant's stripes on his arm. "This is my house, and you are not welcome here."
The sergeant looked shocked for a moment, but quickly recovered. "Madam, we are here at your husband's invitation. He assured my captain that we could use this home for our hospital."
Liberty glared at Sebastian, who had a satisfied expression on his face. "This man is not my husband, but my brother-in-law. This is my house, and he is only a guest here. I do not condone what you are doing to my country, and I will not have you under my roof. My husband fights for the United States."
The sergeant admired the young lady's spirit and he thought she was a pretty little thing; but he had his orders, and he intended to carry them out. Taking Liberty firmly by the shoulders, he moved her aside and waved to the litter bearers, indicating that they should bring in the wounded. "I'm sorry, madam, but I have wounded, and their needs take precedence over everything else. Where would you suggest we set up our hospital?"
Sebastian stepped forward, taking command. "I believe the salon would be the best place."
Liberty froze, horror on her face, when she saw that one of the wounded was a young boy with a bloodstained bandage around his forehead. He was so young and in such pain that her heart went out to him. No matter if he was an enemy, she could not turn a wounded human being away. Was he not one of God's creatures?"
"No, the salon catches the morning sun and you would have to keep the curtains closed. The ballroom would be the best place for your wounded. It is larger." Liberty brushed Sebastian aside. If the British were going to be in her home, she was going to be in charge, not Sebastian.
She walked down the hall to the back of the house, thinking how angry Judah would be when he discovered the enemy was at Briar Oaks. Suddenly, she realized the danger he would be in if he attempted to see her. She had to find a way to warn him not to come!
Liberty threw the double doors open and stepped aside. "You may use this room, Sergeant, but be warned, I do not want your men to interfere in any way with me or my family. The upstairs, and the front of the house are off limits to you. You will always use the back entrance and-"
"Excuse me for interrupting, madam, but you don't seem to understand. We are taking over your house. I would have been willing to be reasonable, but you seem to be hostile toward us. I would advise that you go to your room and stay there until the captain gets here and decides what to do with you."
"I will not!" Liberty replied, defiance flaming in her eyes. "No one tells me what to do in my house."
The sergeant smiled at her spunk as he motioned
for two of his men to come forward. "Escort the lady to her room, and see that she stays there until further notice."
One of the men looked at Liberty with sympathetic eyes. "After you, madam," he told her.
Liberty caught the satisfied smile on Sebastian's face. He had gone too far this time. Something had to be done about him. He was an unfeeling animal who would do anything to get what he wanted. Holding her head high, and setting her eyes straight ahead, Liberty sailed out of the room with the two guards right behind her.
The house seemed unusually quiet. Liberty had opened her bedroom door several times, but the guard stationed beside it had motioned her back into the room. She paced about while anger ate at her mind. Yes, Sebastian has gone too far, she thought. Judah will never allow him to get away with this.
The door was thrust open, and Liberty turned to see her sister carrying a tray of food. "Merry Christmas, Liberty," Bandera said with a smile. "I hope you didn't think that we had forgotten about you. Would I forget my sweet little sister?" Sarcasm threaded her words.
Liberty went to the bed and sat down. "Surely you cannot be happy about what has taken place here today, Bandera."
Placing the tray on a table and shrugging her shoulders, Bandera turned to her sister. "Why should I care who wins in this war?" Laughter bubbled from her lips. "No, that isn't true. You see, if the English win, which Sebastian assures me they will, he believes they will give us Briar Oaks for being loyal to them." Her eyes clouded. "It isn't Bend of the River, but if the British clear the debts, Sebastian thinks we can live very comfortably here."
Liberty stared at her sister in amazement. "I always thought you were featherheaded, Bandera, but I never took you for a fool. How many promises has Sebastian made to you, and then broken? He always has these schemes, and you go along with him. The British are not going to win this war, and even if they did, they could not overturn my father's will. Why don't you use your head for a change and stop letting Sebastian do your thinking for you? Besides, Sebastian would never be able to make Briar Oaks prosper. It would take too much of his time away from gambling."
Moontide Embrace (Historical Romance) Page 31