“Uncle Dominic?” He looked over finding Suzanna standing in the doorway.
“Yes, dear.”
“It was quite obvious tonight that you have some sort of design on Mirisa and everyone was discussing it behind their hands.” She was standing defiantly the way a woman would if she thought there was another woman in your life.
“She’s a young woman who is placed into my trust and care by a very old friend. I would never impose myself upon such a trust.”
“Oh, I just thought…”
“Goodnight Suzanna.” She turned and ran up the stairs to her room where she slammed the door. He smiled. The women in his family were anything but coy.
MIRISA took off her dress and prepared for bed. She shooed Simone’ off of her pillow, took out the letter from her mother and opened it.
My dearest daughter,
Mother has received word from your brothers who are now with the Calvary. Their regiment has been assigned to the medical unit so they hope to stay close to your father. They say he is well though he has made no effort to ease my worries himself. They cannot provide their own mother with their location for they fear that the information will fall to the wrong eyes. I am unable to rest even for short periods and believe if you could be here with me I would be able to have some measure of comfort. I shall blame your father for not giving his allegiance to the President which would have secured our home. I am just thankful that the dear Lord has taken your grandfather long before this horrible event has occurred. Mr. Lanfear has promised that he will see that you are brought home after the holidays and I will hold him to that promise though I do not believe him to be sincere unless he has received your father’s approval. I am most distressed and shall remain in my bed.
Mother
Mirisa read it over again and then tucked it under her pillow. She blew out the lamp and crawled under the covers exhausted. The night was quiet and the fire burnt very low in the fireplace causing shadows through the room. “Are you there? I know who you are. I know.” She fell asleep mumbling.
Leaning against the mantle, Conrad smiled at how fined tuned her perceptions were becoming. Simone’ rubbed up against him and he leaned down and scratched behind his left ear.
Conrad was squatting on the ground next to his horse. Sequasi stood next to him looking out over the horizon. “About half a day in front of us if that much.”
They both mounted their horses and began the descent down the incline of the ridge until they were on the plains. The land was not particularly flat but seemed to be large rolling hills that went on and one until they hit another valley or plateau. They stopped again and dismounted to look for signs of the travelers. Up to this point they had been travelling at a brisk gallop but now seemed to have slowed down from either exhaustion or believing that they had put enough distance between themselves and Natchez.
It took several minutes to determine their route which led toward the forest line that stretched for as far as they could see. If they were waiting, then it was already too late to hide since they had been in plain view since coming to the top of the slope. They worked their way along the ledge until it reached the trees then they dismounted again. The trail did not follow the path they were on but cut across the open land and entered into the forest about a mile out from the ledge. Conrad and Sequasi slowly walked the horses through the trees trying to avoid the underbrush. They dismounted again, tied up the horses in a clearing and unsheathed their rifles. They cautiously worked their way through the forest until they heard the distant sound of voices. Conrad crept up to the opening avoiding the area where the horses were tied and assessed the men sitting around the fire.
“Hah. Sawyer ‘iffin they catch ya’ they wont wait for the sheriff and ya’ know it.” The young kid couldn’t have been more then 16; half his teeth were missing making it easy to spit the chewin’ tabacca into the fire.
“Stop that damn spitin’ you idiot.” Sawyer threw dirt at him in disgust. “She’s done dead and so is that baby. It’ll teach them not to fire me for takin’ a little sumptin for myself.” He was sitting across the fire with his gun across his lap.
Conrad was so enraged that he didn’t know whether or not he wanted to wait but he had to make sure that they were all accounted for. There were five horses but only four in the clearing. One was bent over the fire fixing grub and the other was shaking out his shirt to hang up.
“Damn blood. Does anyone have an extra shirt?” They all just looked at him uninterested as he hung it on a tree branch. “Damn blood.”
Sequasi had taken up post on the opposite side of the camp about ten feet above the trail. He saw the man come out of the bushes buttoning up his pants and shaking his leg as he mumbled. Sequasi silently slid over the branch slicing open his throat without a sound. He covered him in the underbrush and waited.
“Where’s Tom?”
“He’s huggin his knees.”
“Well go find him.”
“Go yoursef’, I ain’t his momma.”
Sawyer cocked his gun and Charlie struggled to get to his feet and headed in the direction that Tom had taken. When Charlie didn’t come right back, Sawyer started to get fidgety. “Where the hell did they go!” He stood up and when he did a bullet hit him right between the eyes. He stood there for a second and then fell face first in the fire. The other two jumped back confused and within seconds they both lay dead.
Conrad came out of the underbrush and walked up to Sawyer’s body turning it over with his boot to make sure he was dead. They doused the fire then picked up the saddlebags when something fell on the ground. He leaned over and picked up a small gold locket with a broken chain.
Nope, sure didn’t need the Sheriff for this one. They removed the tethers releasing the horses then started for home. Neither said a word – neither had to.
DOMINIC was astride his horse before the sun had the chance to break on the horizon. It took him almost three hours to visit every part of the Plantation and discuss what needed his attention before the next planting season. He loved being on his horse but it was nice to be home.
Suzanna came down for breakfast in a foul mood. She huffed as she slid in her chair. “Where is my uncle?”
“I haven’t seen him this morning.”
“I’m surprised after your outrageous behavior last night.”
“Last night?”
“You know everyone is talking. I mean you are younger than me and I wouldn’t dare become involved in some tawdry….” Dominic came through the door as she was leaning across the table to make her point.
“Good morning Suzanna. Mirisa.” He sat down as the server poured his coffee and then set a plate of eggs and ham in front of him.
The girls just looked at him as though they had been caught doing something wrong.
“Good morning.” Mirisa then asked for another cup of tea so that it would not be obvious that she wasn’t eating.
“Smells good. I will have to give Miss Minnie an extra bonus this year. You can’t find good cooking in the North.” He was in a great mood compared to both Mirisa and Suzanna who were still glaring at each other. “Do either of you have plans today?” He took a bite then looked from one to the other.
“I don’t.” Suzanna said while glaring at Mirisa.
“Mirisa?”
She moved the food on her plate and met his eyes. “No.”
“Good. I am going into town to pick up some paperwork from my attorney and thought the least I could do is treat you both to lunch at the hotel.”
Suzanna was extremely agitated that he chose to take them both and Mirisa was extremely agitated that she didn’t think of an excuse to get out of going. He sipped his coffee while observing them. Mrs. Chauvin came in with a list of things that she needed from town and after discussing it he slid it in his pocket. He was dressed for riding but his white shirt was not buttoned to the top and his hair still looked like he had been riding fast. Mirisa hadn’t been out on a horse in over a week and really wou
ld have preferred to spend the morning riding but couldn’t think of a way to get out of the trip.
“Uncle Dominic, are you coming down for Christmas?”
“I don’t think so. I’m surprised your mother allowed you to come up when she knew I was not at home. The roads are not safe though I am sure you had adequate protection. ”
“She was too busy with the move back to the City to object. I can’t believe it has taken so long for the workers to fix up the damage done by the Army and living at the country plantation was just too boring. I think I should be allowed to travel to Europe until it’s over and I think you could convince them of the necessity of my being allowed to travel.”
Dominic smiled for he knew that she was a very demanding child with no common sense whatsoever. The difference between these two young women was very stark both in appearance and behavior. “I believe the time to travel to Europe would have been before the blockades were set up. I don’t believe it would be easy or comfortable travel at this time.”
“But I don’t want to stay here and I know that our French family would be honored to entertain me.” She leaned toward him. “And you never know but I may find a rich European husband and travel the world.”
“I’ll talk to your father but I won’t make any promises.”
Suzanna jumped up and wrapped her arms around him before running out of the room. Mirisa excused herself and rose from the table going directly to the kitchen and threw herself in the rocking chair in front of the fire.
“Tisk, someun’ has their bloomers in knots.”
“She is so insufferable.”
“Always been that way even as a small babe.”
They both broke out laughing as Miss Minnie handed her a plate with a biscuit and jam. “You need to start eatin’ you have become all skin and bones.”
Dominic was seating his gloves as the footman helped the girls into the carriage then he climbed in and sat down next to Suzanna. The ride into town was quiet while Mirisa looked out the window attempting to avoid any conversations.
“Do you miss your home?” Mirisa turned and looked at Dominic. He was a very self-assured man with the most beautiful alluring voice. He was sitting back against the cushion smoking a cigar. Her heart was beating so fast under his gaze.
“Yes.” She turned away as Suzanna scowled at her.
“Under the circumstances, do you find Natchez to your liking?” She looked at him again. Suzanna was fuming as she knew her uncle well enough to know something was going on right under her nose.
“I have very much enjoyed my stay in your home and appreciate your staff’s hospitality.” She turned away from his stare lacing her fingers together to still her nervousness. She had to believe that her father knew what he was doing when he sent her here but her mother’s warning kept seeping into her thoughts.
“That’s not what I asked.” She looked back at him almost defiantly and she could see him smile just slightly.
“I have had little exposure to the town’s hospitality but I have discovered that my father grew up here.”
“I see. I was under the impression from your father ...”
“My father was adamant about sending me away; however, the war has left me to my own entertainment.” She readjusted her skirt before continuing. “Did you speak to my father before you agreed to my coming to your home? Was he aware that I would be left to my own devices for almost a year?” Suzanna quietly observed this strange conversation.
“I spoke with him before he sent you to Mississippi and I have spoken to him since.”
“You have seen my father?”
“Briefly. He is well as are your brothers.” He saw the sadness fill her eyes as she looked down. “Your mother, I am afraid, is inconsolable but that is to be expected.”
“Can I go home soon?”
“It’s too dangerous and I assured him that I would lay my life down before any harm came to you.” He took a drag on his cigar and his eyes slowly undressed her.
“And how would you do that when you were not around?”
“I understand your anger for the war has imposed on many.” She turned away as he took a drag on his cigar. She probably had a right to be angry and so far it was the only emotion that he felt brought out her natural beauty.
The rest of the ride was quiet as both girls seemed to be mulling over their own problems. The carriage turned onto Wall Street, past the Governor’s home and came to a stop in front of the Texada Tavern. Dominic climbed out of the carriage and then extended his hand to Suzanna helping her out of the carriage.
“Dominic!”
MIRISA looked toward the tavern door where an extremely well dressed man was putting his pocket watch back in his vest pocket. Dominic turned back to the carriage and helped her descend. Mirisa met his eyes as he smiled easily then nodded. Something about his boyishness made her think of her brothers and she smiled back without realizing it.
Dominic stepped away from the carriage and shook hands with James Alcorn as the door of the tavern opened and two other men joined in the greeting. Mirisa turned away from their obvious attention. Suzanna smirked then smiled sweetly as she coyly looked up at Garnett Andrews adjusting her skirts.
“When did you return?”
“A few days ago.”
The girls stood patiently next to the carriage rather than following him up the steps since the men seemed to take up all the space in front of the large glass doors. The Texada was not only the courthouse of Natchez but had the only place in town to get a decent meal or for the gentlewomen to have an afternoon tea
“Is the judge on the bench?”
“He’s in chambers all morning. I don’t think he has anything on the dockets for the holidays.” Garnett, like the other three, was in his mid-twenties and was a well educated lawyer who traveled between his home in Vicksburg and New Orleans. He looked around Dominic at the two young women realizing one was Dominic’s niece. Upon meeting her obvious flirtatious expression, Garnett straightened up and said nothing. Both James and Alexander Meeks watched as Mirisa turned back around and looked up at them.
“Excuse me. Please let me introduce Mirisa Eppes of Virginia and you know my niece.” The men greeted them in a gentlemanly fashion and then moved aside so they could enter the hotel as they climbed the stairs. Dominic laughed knowing exactly what thoughts were going through their heads at that very moment.
Garnett smiled. “I thought the doctor said she was a child.”
“Gentlemen, I assume I will see you tomorrow night but please allow me to extend my hospitality for lunch on Sunday if you are available.” Dominic excused himself and escorted the girls into the tavern where they were promptly seated near the window that overlooked the town. Dominic stopped several times to speak to people in the dining room then spoke to the server before he joined them at the table when a young Clerk walked up and handed him a piece of paper. He read it, excused himself and walked across the lobby and disappeared down a hallway that led to the judge’s chambers.
The server brought out a large teapot and small plate of corn biscuits drizzled with honey. The girls sat without speaking and without touching the teapot. The server looked from one to the other before picking up the teapot and pouring both a cup of tea. Suzanna recognized many of the young ladies dining with their mothers but was too perturbed to be social other then nodding. Mirisa sipped her tea but refused to even acknowledge that Suzanna was at the table.
Suzanna suddenly smiled as Garnett walked up to the table. “Uncle Dominic isn’t here, as you can see.”
“Then I shall join you until he returns. I am sure he will not mind me inviting myself to lunch.” He nodded to Mirisa as he took the seat next to Suzanna and across from Mirisa. He raised his hand to get the server’s attention but didn’t have to say anything since his preferences were well known at the Tavern. The server brought him a cup of coffee.
“Will you be having lunch with us sir?”
“Thank you. I will have wh
atever has been ordered.” The server nodded and Garnett turned back to Mirisa.
“Are you related to Dr. Eppes?” Mirisa bit her lower lip and wondered how he also knew her father.
“He is my father.”
“Wonderful man. I have had the pleasure of speaking to him on numerous occasions while in the State capital as well as trips to Washington. I hope he is well considering the amount of problems that Virginia is now suffering at the hands of our President.” His tone was so normal as though they were discussing the weather but she could tell that if he leaned any way in the debate it would be with his Southern heritage. His voice was so soothing with a deep Southern accent.
She picked up her cup and looked at him over the rim. He smiled making her almost spill the tea then he turned his attention to Suzanna.
“I am surprised your mother allowed you to travel to Natchez...” He apparently knew the family well because she bristled at his inquiry.
“Thank you for taking an interest in my well being. I am here because this ghastly fighting has ruined N’Orleans forcing us to take up residence at the summer home in Baton Rouge.”
“Sorry to hear that it has been such an inconvenience in your life.”
“Garnett, I believe you are being sarcastic.”
“Darling, you know I am never sarcastic.”
Suzanna visibly bristled at what even Mirisa knew was sarcasm. She liked this man a lot and the fact that he was alluring didn’t hurt. She was mesmerized by the beauty of his smile. There was something so commanding in his demeanor that she wanted to reach over and touch him.
Dominic joined them and apologized for having to handle a small business matter regarding the Plantation. The server brought out roast quail in brandy sauce for the girls and catfish with cornbread stuffing for Dominic and Garnett. The talk turned light between the two men but neither Mirisa nor Suzanna spoke except when asked a direct question. Dominic found this extremely irritating but imagined it was over the argument they had at breakfast. Suzanna was not used to someone else being the center of attention which was probably the main reason she couldn’t find an eligible man who wanted to offer his hand in marriage. So much like her mother.
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