The Visitor 1862

by Barbara Svetlick

  She felt disconnected as she read the article. Why would anyone pick up arms against their own? She turned to walk back across the street when she saw Charlotte waving from in front of the general store. She waved back then joined her in front of the General Store. James watched from the Tavern as she carefully made her way across the street.

  “That is a woman worth pursuing.”

  Meeks lowered the paper and followed his gaze. “Looks too young even for you.” They both smiled as they went back to their lunch.

  Charlotte hugged her as she stepped up on the boardwalk “My sister is with Suzanna but I thought you might want to get a treat. I have been so sorry that you could not attend any of the luncheons this week. I hope you are feeling much better. Suzanna said you had received terrible news from your family and had taken to your rooms.” She opened the door and pulled her inside.

  “Miss Charlotte, how are you this morning?” Charlotte blushed at the infliction of his voice before he realized Mirisa was standing next to her. He cleared his throat. “What can I do for you today?”

  Charlotte said they would just look a few minutes and he could continue his work. He nodded then turned back to the ledger while watching them from the corner of his eye. Mirisa decided to look through the shelf of books and allow Charlotte time to speak without being overheard. After a few moments, Charlotte slipped her arm through Mirisa’s and handed her a small bag of candy as they walked out the door. Mirisa looked back before stepping out and he quickly looked away.

  “Is he coming to your ball?”

  Charlotte looked at her then realized she knew nothing of Natchez. “No. Do you think he is handsome? Mama would have vapors if she knew I even talked to him but I think he may be sweet on me.” They both knew that daughters always obeyed their parents and that included who they were to marry. For the first time, Mirisa thought about how much one’s parents were involved in their daughter’s decision on a husband. She could not remember her parents having a lot of input in Tom and Charlie getting married but maybe they did and it just wasn’t obvious.

  Mirisa used to think life was so easy when you didn’t know any better and grew up to always be respectful, thankful and obedient. Having five older brothers who always told her what to do or teased her immeasurably was what she missed the most. She looked at Charlotte and wondered if she came from a happy home. She was relieved when Suzanna announced she would be staying at the Ross home for the evening.

  “Mirisa, would you like to join us tonight?”

  “Thank you Charlotte but I have already offered my help in the kitchen making pies.”

  “Oh.” She frowned then smiled again. “Well, some day you must have me over and teach me to make a pie. Momma does not allow us in the kitchen.”

  “Charlotte, my word, you know ladies do not work in a kitchen.”

  “Catherine you are so mean. I hope to be a very good cook by the time I marry. I think it is important for woman to be able to cook.” Charlotte kissed Mirisa on the cheek and whispered to keep her little secret. Mirisa nodded and climbed into the carriage.

  “Isn’t that Dominic’s housekeeper?”

  James looked at the woman standing next to the carriage. “Yep. Wonder if he has gotten home yet.”

  It was nice to have a quiet dinner in the kitchen rather than in the large dining room with Suzanna whose demands were so embarrassing that it was hard to just be in the room with her. After dinner, they started baking the holiday pies and Minnie taught her the secret to good mincemeat where the fruit was dried then soaked in good bourbon as well as the family recipe for bread pudding with whisky sauce. She went to bed happy but tired.

  The sound of Jasmine opening the blinds made Mirisa stir. Simone’ rubbed up against her purring for attention. “Simone’ you are so loud”. She sat up and stretched as he mimicked her making her break out in giggles. “And beautiful.” She reached around his stomach and pulled him up to her face and looked at him nose to nose. “Who are you? I know you are not just a cat so who are you? Did you belong to Sara or are you older than that?” He purred then jumped off the bed sliding through the crack in the door.

  The day was cool and cloudless. Jasmine stoked the embers before adding more firewood. The wonderful earthy smells of the pine cones brought back memories of the stranger in the forest. Mirisa closed her eyes and brought his image to her mind before shaking off the feeling.

  “I think I’ll have breakfast in the kitchen this morning.”

  “I am to bring breakfast to your room this morning because the kitchen is busy with final preparation for dinner.”

  Mirisa looked at her then bit her lip. “Does that mean Mr. Lanfear is home?”

  “I do not know.” Jasmine avoided her as she straightened out the bed linen then excused herself to bring in the tray setting it before the fire. “Do you need anything else?”

  “Thank you, no.”

  Mirisa put on her dust cover and took the tray out onto the balcony and curled up in the overstuffed settee. She wondered about this elusive host. She knew from the journal that he was older then her but she didn’t know if he was old like her father or somewhere in between. She finished her breakfast then dressed simply for the afternoon hoping she would be able to find something to occupy herself until the evening.

  The house was busy but as she went past the closed library door she paused hoping to hear some indication that he was home but it was quiet so she went to the kitchen. The pies were sitting on the cupboard and the counter held dozens of jarred fruit and vegetables. Most of the preparation for dinner was in progress in the large outside kitchen so she stepped out to find Miss Minnie orchestrating the stuffing of a couple of very plump geese. The big ovens were already overstuffed with baking turkeys and fresh caught fish were being turned over the spit. One of the girls was ladling sausage out of the Dutch oven onto a platter and the smell was too tempting. She reached over and picked up a piece to taste.

  “Are you here to help or to eat?”

  “I am here to help but you know I love the sausage.” She licked her fingers then looked for an apron. The afternoon went by fast and when Mrs. Chauvin told her it was time to get ready for dinner she was not only dirty but the curls around her face were wet. She wiped her hands on the apron then put it in the big basket for washing. Dominic watched as she walked from the outdoor kitchen to the house. She spent the rest of the afternoon reading. After a long leisurely bath, she stood in front of the wardrobe unable to make a decision on what to wear. She finally laid a soft brown dress on the bed and then sat in front of the fire to dry her hair.

  AT THE ROSS home, the girls came bounding down the stairs in such a flurry of taffeta that Mr. Ross thought another drink before leaving would probably be quite acceptable. If he could get away with riding his horse to Lanfears, he would do so but Mrs. Ross had insisted that they all arrive in the family carriage since the younger children were staying home. Thankfully she was still upstairs preparing and would probably take another half an hour. He walked over to the sideboard and poured himself another shot of whisky. When talk of war started circulating, he decided to stock up on the things he just shouldn’t live without – good whisky and cigars. Since everyone in the area grew tobacco, he wasn’t as worried about the cigars but the aged ones were by far better than smoking them as they were rolled. When he renovated the house he turned the old medicine cellar into a place that held all his favorite vices.

  His own staff was busy preparing for the ball on Saturday night. He spent the morning out on the river bringing down ten very large geese that were dressed and hanging in the cookhouse waiting to be stuffed. The fowl was plentiful this year but the turkeys had been delivered by Dominic’s stable boy who said they had been around the small corn fields for months eating the fallen grit. Mr. Ross picked up the rope wrapped around them and then tipped him a coin for bringing such good, plump toms. It was going to be a great holiday. He poured another shot and sat back at his desk enjoying the tranquili
ty.

  “Mr. Ross, the least you can do is wait until we arrive before you start celebrating the holiday.”

  “Just a shot for the ride.” He rose and slipped on his coat as they all giggled and helped each other with their capes.

  Mirisa looked at herself in the mirror before putting a little color on her cheeks. Her hair was braided then twisted around with ribbons but as she leaned in she realized that her face had grown thinner. Her hair had turned an almost golden color and her complexion which had once been so white had a warm softness to it. She had been here for almost a year and yet it seemed like only days. She put the rouge away and stood back looking at herself in the mirror.

  Mrs. Chauvin was standing in the doorway to the library talking to someone causing Mirisa to stop on the landing. She turned to go back up to her room when Mrs. Chauvin caught the movement.

  “Mirisa, please.” She held out her hand as a gesture for Mirisa to enter the library. Mirisa looked at her then descended to the foyer before stepping forward and coming face to face with Dominic Lanfear. He extended his hand and she took it without thinking as he led her into the library and Mrs. Chauvin closed the door.

  “I wanted to personally welcome you to my home.” He led her over to a chair in front of the fireplace and asked her to please sit. There was a tray with tea sitting on the table between them though he had a glass of whisky in his hand.

  “Thank you. I am sure my parents have expressed their appreciation of your generosity.”

  “It is the least I could do for your father since I owe him my life.” He paused as he looked her over. “But that is another story. I had the pleasure of visiting your mother in Philadelphia.” He reached into his pocket and handed her a small envelope in her mother’s handwriting. Their fingers brushed as she took it and their eyes met before she looked down.

  “Thank you.” She put the envelope on her lap and looked around the library which had remained locked up until this moment. It was a very large room with big windows that looked out over the river. Most of the walls were covered with bookcases and on the west wall was a large stone fireplace and on the other side of the room was a big desk. No woman had a hand in decorating this room. It smelled like old leather, rich wood and cigars, it smelled like her father’s office and she was overwhelmed with sadness.

  Dominic watched her face with interest. He reached over and poured a cup of tea as she turned back to him. She took a sip and put the cup back down as it clinked against the saucer as the letter slid off her lap. She appeared to be very uncomfortable and he assumed it was her age more than anything. He lit his cigar then sat back.

  “You are more beautiful than your father gave me reason to believe. How old are you now?”

  She blushed and tried to avoid eye contact but when she looked at him a shutter ran down her as she realized that those were his eyes but she knew he wasn’t the man in the woods but the resemblance was striking. “I will be seventeen soon.”

  “I am afraid that I have been away far too long and must make a greater effort to show you Southern hospitality.”

  She looked at him realizing that his interest seemed to be anything but benevolent. Her guard went up and he sensed it. He smiled and asked her how she found her accommodations so far. They talked for a few minutes and she repeatedly reminded herself that being alone with him was something that she needed to avoid though it would probably be very difficult. Her dreams were a lot safer than the reality that was now sitting across from her. He was rugged yet refined, he was very attractive and he had found her at a very vulnerable time and they both knew it.

  “It appears my guests are arriving and I must be a good host and welcome them.” He held out his hand as she stood.

  The Ross family and Suzanna were coming up the steps as Mrs. Chauvin held open the door. Suzanna saw her Uncle coming out of the library with Mirisa on his arm and her entire face dropped for a moment but long enough that Mirisa caught the look. Dominic greeted his neighbors and introduced Mirisa. His reputation was well known and Mrs. Ross raised her eyebrows as Mr. Ross winked at her. She had never been so embarrassed in her entire life and she knew Mr. Lanfear was enjoying every moment of her discomfort. Charlotte swept up Mirisa and took her into the parlor where they talked quietly as more guests arrived. Every time she made eye contact with Mr. Lanfear, he smiled.

  The house became very animated with greetings of holiday wishes and presents of good wine or whiskey. When they went into the dining room for dinner, Mirisa was placed at the far end of the table. She was thankful for the distance until she realized he had intentionally seated her where he could always watch her while conversing with his guests. Dinner was very formal and the wine seemed to be endless. Mirisa tried to sip hers slowly but every time she took a sip the server filled it up again.

  “Mirisa?” Dominic’s voice came down the table and everyone stopped and looked from Dominic to Mirisa. She didn’t respond because she didn’t know what he was going to say. “Do you not find the wine to your liking?”

  Suzanna blustered. “She’s too young to know an exquisite wine when it is served.” Catherine started to snicker under her hand.

  Mirisa blushed but could not respond as everyone waited then started laughing. Tears started to form at the corner of her eyes and Dominic found it made them more beautiful. She asked to be excused and left the room. Dominic sat for a moment then caught Mrs. Chauvin’s attention and nodded for her to follow Mirisa. Everyone turned back to their dinner and conversations but he never took his eyes off the door and Suzanna watched with disgust.

  Jasmine was surprised when Mirisa came bursting through the door in full tears. She jumped up from her sewing and rushed to her. “Stop. Oh please stop, you shall get tears on your dress!” She grabbed a hanky out of the drawer and put it into her hands. “Hush!” She wrapped her arms around her when Mrs. Chauvin came into the room.

  “Jasmine, please leave us alone.” Jasmine curtsied and left the room.

  “Mirisa.” She stood in front of her holding onto her elbows because her face was buried in the kerchief. “Mirisa, please calm down so we can talk.” Mirisa took several large breathes and when she removed her hands her eyes were red and her face splotchy.

  “I’m sorry.”

  Mrs. Chauvin pulled her up and held her for a moment. “I am sure Mr. Lanfear realizes that he made a mistake but he is unused to being around young women. You are carrying a heavy burden of being alone and without your family and friends during these trying times. I am sure he did not mean to upset you.” She looked at her with so much sympathy when Mirisa turned away abruptly. Mrs. Chauvin turned toward the door and Dominic nodded. She closed the door behind her as she left.

  “I came to apologize. It was very inappropriate of me to allow such bad behavior to a guest.” She didn’t respond but she could feel him close to her. “Please forgive me and join us for the rest of the evening.”

  She slowly turned but knew if she tried to talk she would begin crying again. He held out his hand with the little envelope. “You dropped this in the dining room.” She reached for the envelope and he held her hand for a moment and their eyes locked as the electricity filled the room. He could feel her quiver and knew she had been left alone for too long.

  DOMINIC was waiting at the bottom of the stairs watching as she descended. He extended his hand and she placed hers in his as he escorted her into the small ballroom. The music was soft and the serving staff was passing through the crowds with trays of food and wine. Dominic spent the next hour circulating through the room formally introducing Mirisa. Mr. Ross asked her to dance and she was glad to break away from the stares of being on Dominic’s arm. Once she touched the dance floor she was never given the chance to stop as she went from one partner to the next. After several dances, she asked to be excused disappointing a very gangly young man who had worked hard to be next in line. Mirisa walked out onto the veranda for fresh air and saw Suzanna standing on the far end with a handsome man who was o
bviously trying to peddle his good looks and charms not knowing he was way out of his league.

  “Are you enjoying the party?” Mirisa turned to the voice but he was sitting in the shadow.

  “It is wonderful.” The voice was familiar but she didn’t know why. “And you?”

  “I’m not one for large parties.”

  “Have we met?”

  “Yes, but only briefly.”

  “Mirisa?” Charlotte’s voice was projecting above the music and Mirisa turned away from the man as Charlotte pulled her back into the ballroom.

  Conrad lit a cigar and stepped out of the shadow as she disappeared. He knew that she would only surrender if someone captured her heart but when she did she would give it completely. The time was nearing but it wouldn’t come soon enough for death moved faster.

  Dominic didn’t ask her to dance but was aware of her every movement. The men were discussing politics, the war, business and the price of tobacco along with the high cost of shipping due to the embargo problems; the good stock of whiskey that came on the last ship up from New Orleans and who had the best cigars this year but they all noticed that his attention was not on the conversation.

  As the carriages lined up in the driveway, it took over an hour for everyone to say their goodbyes. Mirisa excused herself when Charlotte climbed into the carriage. Dominic saw her ascend the stairs but turned back to his conversation. Mr. Ross bundled up and shook his hand. “Great dinner. Thank you for inviting us again this year. I hope you will be able to come to the ball on Saturday. We have already received Mirisa’s reply that she would be there with Suzanna but we weren’t sure of your plans.”

  He smiled. “I will be escorting the young ladies and thank you for your hospitality to both of them.” They shook hands and Dominic closed the door walking to his library. The lights were low and the fire was a soft glow. He put on another log before pouring a shot and sat down. The house was quiet with just the help going back and forth. He leaned his head back and took the cigar out of his mouth to blow a smoke ring. It had been a long hard year and he missed the company of his friends.