They both stood a moment with eyes staring combatively at one another. As much as she hated doing it, Lena broke it first looking towards the floor with her heart pounding. Katherine smiled, satisfied, she turned and left the kitchen. Lena’s fists balled tightly at her sides as she bit into her lips shaking with her suppressed anger. Suddenly the door flew back open with Katherine standing there. Lena looked up, unable to disguise her resentment.
Katherine smiled brighter loving the upper hand she held. “I forgot… tea please, right away.”
Thomas entered the kitchen from the side door. Looking from one woman to the other, he spoke up, “Ms Katherine, how are you this evening?”
She glowed brightly at the sight of him.
“Why I am just fine, thank you Thomas. How are you this fine night?”
“Couldn’t be better ma’am, couldn’t be better.” He smiled back, flashing perfect white teeth and twinkling eyes. Lena turned walking across the room to fetch the kettle. “ I was just telling Lena how I thought the two of you would make a glorious couple. Wasn’t I just saying that Lena?”
Looking up at her, Lena’s eyes were wide, resenting that she went on to play this game of match-maker.
With a lift of her brow, Katherine repeated it again, “Wasn’t I – Lena?” She asked, as if demanding an answer.
“Yes, yes you were.”
Smiling brightly, Katherine turned to Thomas, “What do you-…”
Suddenly they heard excited screaming and yelling from outside, the kitchen door flew wide behind Thomas, it was Leon with tears in his eyes, shaking with excitement.
“Manny back!! He back … he ridin’ down the lane now!! Lord he back – he back!!” He shot right back out of sight as quickly as he popped in, screaming the same down the lane.
All three within the kitchen froze where they were. Lena’s face flushed and brightened within seconds as her heart took flight, tears rushing to her eyes. In that quick instant, she forgot the presence of Thomas and Katherine. Thomas saw her expression and felt his heart sink as Katherine cried, “Oh my God. How do I look? How is my hair?” She asked Thomas, ignoring Lena.
“You look devine, Ms Katherine. I’m sure he’ll be pleased!”
Morris was the next to burst into the kitchen, “You hear what they say!! My Manny’s back! My son is home – get out here!!” Morris roared coming up behind Katherine as she spun nervous, grabbing up her skirts to dash for the front door. She spun back once more, trembling, back to the kitchen.
“Lena, as soon as you’re done. You can head on back to your cabin.”
It was clear to Lena, and those who witnessed the instructions why they were given. Morris stood a moment looking from Lena to Thomas, gathering his thoughts, he turned following Katherine to the front door.
“Well, it looks to me like Ms Katherine doesn’t want this Manny to see you. I wonder why?” Lena slammed the kettle on the counter. “Not tonight Thomas! I am not going to get into one of those discussions with you tonight! Leave it alone. Having to contend with her is enough!”
“You mean not tonight, that Manny’s home? You would not have to contend with her, if you would be mine.” He spoke in growing resentment.
“Did you not hear a word that I said, please - not tonight!”
“You can’t wait to see him. You’re dying for just a glimpse…aren’t you? Just one look at him, I saw the look in your eyes when Leon burst in here announcing his return.”
“Thomas, I have a meal to prepare-…”
“Yes, especially now. Manny might be hungry, heaven forbid it be anything but perfect for him.” Thomas went on, feeling the hot stabs of jealously eating at him already.
Lena decided to ignore him. She couldn’t think about him, or what he was feeling when Manny was right outside. There was nothing she could do or say right then to reassure Thomas.
“Well…what do you have to say?” He pushed further.
“What do I have to say?!” She shot, at the end of her patience with him. “You’ve yet to meet your master - why don’t you go do so!”
Anger seared through him like a hot rapier! He felt instant fire within at her words, charging up to her, grabbing her arm to snatch her around to him. “No man - is my master! I am free! I play this game because it is convenient for what I do! He - does not own me! No man owns me! Do not you call him - my master – again - ever!”
He let go of her arm and walked out of the kitchen. He would gather with the others, and within the crowd…he would take a look at his - “master”.
Lena sighed, regretting her words. Thomas was a man of pride, and she lashed out at him unfairly. She wished she could take back her words, but too much was happening in her life. She couldn’t make up her mind one way or the other. What he wanted from her, she could not bring herself to give. Now that Manny was back, she wasn’t sure she ever could.
She closed her eyes hearing everyone cheer his return and call to him. A sob forced its way up. She wanted to be there — she wanted to be a part of his homecoming, the way she used to be. But not this time, everything had changed.
Manny rode up to a very cheerful crowd of friends and family.
Katherine was standing on the porch, and Morris came down grinning from ear to ear, so happy his son was home. Manny felt strange after being gone for so long. He’d forgotten how much these people meant to him, and also realized just how much he missed and needed having them around to joke with. They - all the faces smiling at him now… were his family, where his roots ran the deepest. His smile was bright as he stopped his horse in their midst, all patting him on the legs and practically pulling him off the horse. For the first time in a long time, their cheerfulness made him laugh.
Jordan, Henry and Leon were moist eyed so happy were they to see him. When Manny came face to face with his life long friend they embraced with a bear hug and in turn, lifted each other off the ground. Both laughing and grunting in their masculine bonding. Because of those closest to Manny surrounding him, Morris couldn’t get through and let his displeasure be known.
“Get - the hell - outa my way!” He grumbled wedging himself through.
Manny laughed seeing his father’s expression, and had to admit…that he really missed him.
When Morris finally made it to him, their eyes met, and with a sigh, Manny enfolded his father in his arms and squeezed him tightly. Morris returned it and fought hard to hide his tears.
“I missed you ol’man…I really did.”
“Well…echm, you home now…” Morris replied gruffly, struggling with the embarrassment he felt of his public display, “…- and - well… it’s where you belong!”
“Thank you father; it’s good to be back.” Manny returned, as Morris stared at the scar on his son’s cheek, which disappeared down into his beard parting it where the scar continued to the edge of his jaw line. An inch higher would have placed it right at his left lower eye lid. It ran the length of his left cheek to the bottom of his jaw. Making Morris wonder, what had happened to his son while away from home? He was darker in coloring, deeply tanned and more intensely featured. As if he’d been under some great strain. He noted that he was a different man, still his son…but something about him was tangibly altered. How could a little over two years change a person so? He contemplated this leading the way to the porch, “Come on in the house son-…Oh! Wait, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Morris stood on the porch, turning to look among the many dark faces. The crowd was starting to disperse and return to where they came from. Then he spotted Thomas.
“Thomas, come on over here son - …” Manny’s head turned with a jolt to look at his father, shocked that he would use such an endearment towards one of the slaves. “…-I want you to meet my boy, Manny.”
Thomas sauntered up with a wry smile playing across his face as he stopped before, the famous Maynard Ramsey Webster.
“Manny, this fine young man is Thomas, best thing I ever brought home from a poker game!” Morris boasted proud
ly. Again, Manny turned a stunned look to his father, then slowly back to Thomas…who suppressed a grin tugging at his mouth.
Manny’s eyes narrowed at the crooked grin. There was something about this man that set Manny’s guard up right at the start. For one thing, he was not dressed as the others. He cut quite the figure in his clean white, ruffle front shirt, under the wine colored satin vest and snug fitting black breeches, white stockings and black shoes with their gold buckles. He brought to Manny’s mind the fancy adorned dandy’s of New Orleans. There was also just a tad bit of possessive jealousy that his father so openly declared such a liking for this man, when he had treated the other slaves as less than human in the past.
“Thomas, this is my son… and I just know, the two of you gone get along just fine!”
“Well if he’s anything like his father, it’s a certainty. May - nard …? …pleasure to meet you.” Thomas smiled smugly, taking a shot at his name, while offering his hand for a shake in greeting.
Manny’s right brow rose above narrowed, intensely blue eyes, getting the drift in subtle vibes of where they stood. Something in the air surrounding them both, made him aware, that somehow, this man was his rival — question was, for what?
Manny’s smile in return did not reach his eyes, as he corrected Thomas, “Manny – that is what everyone calls me; Manny.” He repeated to get the point across, ignoring the hand extended.
Thomas shrugged with a grin thinking, ‘Fine with me big guy. It seems to me, you’ve read me…as well as I have you. And so, the battle begins…and may the better man win.’
Morris noticed, not understanding what the problem was, and went on to explain, “Thomas is my official accountant. He’s an educated Negro. Reads, writes, does figures…got all the papers in tip top shape.” He continued now that they were on the porch heading for the front door.
Leon was leading Manny’s horse away after he’d put the kit bag on the porch. “Negro? What happened to nigga?” Manny asked, picking it up. Morris stammered embarrassed by his son’s playful stab at exposing the bigot in him. “Now son, maybe that’s not such a nice word after all.”
“I see. Seems things have changed in my absence. Some for the better, and some…” He glanced towards Thomas. “…we shall see.”
Morris was standing at the door, where Katherine patiently waited to catch his notice, Manny reached the door, and only paused to say, “Hello Katherine.”
“Welcome home Manny. We - …” She stopped, because he passed her entering the house without giving so much as a second thought to her greeting him.
Thomas looked from her to Manny; this was not good. With his own eyes he could see that there was no affection for her from Manny. Not to mention entering the house before her, instead of standing aside to let her in first. Katherine swallowed back her embarrassment as Morris and Thomas let her follow Manny into the foyer.
Kayleen was standing at the opening of the hallway waiting to see him. When his eyes set on her, his first words were, “I’m home.” He wasn’t sure how she would receive him. Kayleen didn’t hesitate, she went straight to him, the look in her eyes spoke volumes. “Boy where you been? Lord look at you? What happen to you? You been playin’ pirate or something?” She fussed hugging him tightly to her.
Manny blushed, knowing that although she was kidding, little did she know…how true those words were.
“I bet you hungry ain’t you?”
“I am. What you cook me?” He asked still holding on to her. “I ain’t cook nothin’. I just hear all the commotion and come to see what’s going on. And now I see. Welcome home darlin’…we sure did miss you.” She added pulling him down for another hug. Manny stood there a moment holding her, missing her; she didn’t seem to treat him as she had before Mike had been sold, something happened between them then. Even now, he could not put his finger on it, there was still something not quite right.
“Here, give me that, I get Leon to take it up to your room.” She offered grabbing his duffel bag. “You go get comf’table. You home now… Ferrus gone fix you your favorite drink.” She stated, ever the missus of the house despite Katherine’s presence. Ferrus led the way to the drawing room as Manny followed him cheerfully, “Ferrus, why so silent, how are things?”
“I been just fine. Place ain’t the same with you gone though. I sure hope you bein’ home…mean you fixin’ta stay.”
“Well travel’s been mighty tiring. I think I may stick around a bit.”
“That’s good, ‘cause right here, where you belong.” Ferrus returned, handing him a drink, then went right into fixing Morris one.
“You tell’im Ferrus, no more of this taking off!” Morris needed to add.
Thomas walked up to the bar fixing himself one smiling at Ferrus, “I’ll take it to him.” Thomas volunteered referring to Morris’ drink. Manny was once again surprised; his drink held in suspension on the way to his mouth to see him so comfortable within the drawing room; sauntering up to the bar for a drink as if at home. To see his father allowing Thomas freedom to socialize with them as equals sent many questions through his mind. Like…who was this man really? And how had he managed to shape Morris into the thoughtful conduct he now witnessed?
Thomas handed the drink to Morris, who asked, “How long is dinner gone be?” Thomas strolled over to lean on the fireplace mantel.
“Ceś alena -…” Thomas said her name, pausing for effect, testing reactions, “…-was half through it when I was in the kitchen with her earlier, before - you- arrived.” He nodded to indicate Manny, who visibly stiffened at the mention of her name.
“Shouldn’t be long then son; you can sit and tell us about where you’ve been, and what’s been happening.” Morris settled in and invited. Manny took a seat, and threw his head back sending the smooth brandy down with one swig.
Noticing, Thomas commented, “Should I fix you another? It is rather smooth, goes down nicely. We do have similar taste I see, both of us enjoying something so warm, smooth and…brown.” Thomas straightened from the mantel, heading for the bar to pour Manny another. “You might want to sip this one. Enjoy it a bit…no rush, I don’t.” The innuendo could not be missed. Manny took the brandy, but his eyes narrowed. Thomas pretended ignorance and returned to the mantel. The tension between the two was building so quickly Morris could feel it.
“Um um…” Morris stammered. “…Thomas, why don’t you check and see if dinner is almost ready.” Something was happening between his son and Thomas - and suddenly he realized - they were like two roosters in a cock fight pen, sizing each other up. Then the next thing occurred to him Ceś alena. It was no secret that Thomas had been pursuing her.
Morris suddenly shifted uncomfortable.
“No problem. Maybe I can help her along or something.” He nodded to Manny, “Excuse my rudeness, this is after all - a family reunion. I’m certain you wish to be alone with your father, and your - wife. I’ll go see about Ceś alena.” He turned to Katherine then, “Ms Katherine.” She smiled up at him and nodded.
Thomas walked away with a strut that flaunted his confidence and arrogance. Manny didn’t like him. Right then and there…he knew a surge so strong that it bordered on raging - violent jealousy. He held his glass of brandy so tightly he had to collect himself not to break it. He licked his teeth beneath his upper lip to loosen his tightly set jaw. He’d been home only twenty minutes and already he was on the verge of blinding rage, all because of her.
He looked down at his drink and thought about Thomas’s comment on the things they liked in common. “Warm, smooth and - brown.” He knew he was referring to Lena. ‘So — now she’s messing with the accountant. What happened to her other lover? How many have you had in my absence? The bitch!’ He couldn’t help shaking his head. ‘What a damn fool you are - a damn fool! Why did you come back here?’
“Son?” Morris call out to him twice to get his attention.
“Yes?”
“I ask you, where you been? I hear you got a pretty ni
ce business now.” Morris asked to break the uncomfortable silence. Manny took a sip of his drink, twisted his head, to the left, and then right to loosen the tension there in an attempt to relax. “Yes - umm, a while back, I asked Charles’s advice concerning the merchant business, and he informed me-…”
He went on to explain to his father as Katherine sat listening, willing to remain silent as long as he stayed in the room.
She’d seen his reaction to Thomas’s taunting, and did all she could not to connect the source of the look that crossed his features. Longingly she gazed at him, so much in love. When she’d stepped out on the porch and got her first look at him, the glory of all she remembered about him came back in startling color.
She couldn’t get over how wonderfully rugged and masculine he looked. Every inch of his sculptured physique screamed out to be touched. The close crop of his hair, bleached startling blonde by the sun, framing a face deeply tanned, and bearded to make him even more splendid — primitive and sexually erotic. Eyes so cool, a bold blue with a hint of green that she felt weak from just a glance from them. The more she stared at him, the wilder her thoughts became. Suddenly, a fantasy of him stretched out upon their bed materialized. Him nude and her astride as she rubbed his rock hard, sinewy torso with fragrant oils. Her slender white hands, caressing and stroking every pulsing inch of his form. Back and forth, from side to side she’d rub him down, across his prominent chest; working slowly down his hard stomach, and further still - to his well endowed manhood; over his thick strong thighs.
She could see him turning over to administer the same, working back up again, the back of his thighs - his taut buttocks, and up to his broad back. Until his body was glistening with it. He’d turn over then, looking up at her. There kneeling beside him, she would peal away her sheer wrap - revealing herself to him. One look at her translucent white skin, full breasts and the thatch of darkness hiding what throbbed with heat for him, would send him over the edge. He would reach up with those big calloused hands, grabbing her to bring her body close to his. Then she would tease him, gliding her body over his. Every luscious curve of her, would tantalize his senses until he was clamoring to take her. As both of them shook with a desire so intense, she would pull her knees up beside him as he pushed her down to impale her.
Princess Ces'alena (Webster Fields) Page 48