The Visitor 1862

by Barbara Svetlick

  Mr. Ross was standing behind the doctor looking over his shoulder. “He was bringing out supplies for the party and the Mrs. told him to go into the kitchen and get a bite to eat before he returned to town. No one has bayonets other then the soldiers.”

  Dominic left the house through the veranda doors and followed the blood which led around the to the kitchen entrance. Tom’s horse and buggy were tied up where the blood started and, in fact, there was blood in the buggy so he assumed he was attacked as he was climbing in. He looked around but found nothing to indicate that someone had been there. As he walked back up the steps to the veranda, Colonel Smith was standing against the banister drinking a glass of punch. “Find anything?”

  Dominic wanted to cut his throat right there on the spot. “No, he must have slipped and fallen on something sharp as he tried to get back into his buggy. Hopefully the doctor will be able to patch him up.” He walked past the Colonel into the room where people were talking in small groups. He was told that Mirisa was upstairs with Charlotte so he turned and nodded to Garnett as he walked toward the front door.

  “Find anything?”

  “He was attacked as he was getting into the buggy. We’ll need to take him out of service for a while.” He lit his cigar and stared off into the distance. “I’m going to take the girls home and will see you at the Plantation tomorrow.”

  “This attack was unnecessary and brutal but it was a very specific warning. Be careful tonight.”

  Charlotte recovered to the point of going into absolute hysterics which totally baffled her mother who was doing everything to calm her down but she kept crying and wanting to know if Tom was dead. The doctor finally came upstairs and gave her a sedative and told her that the young man would recover.

  “Heaven on earth, what has gotten into that child?” She pulled up her skirts and descended the stairs to join her husband in helping the guests with their wraps. Suzanna put on her cape and joined Mirisa in the carriage. As they quietly waited for Dominic, Colonel Smith walked up leading his horse and thanked Suzanna for her pleasant company and he hoped he could call on her before she travelled home to New Orleans. She said she would be delighted and he kissed her hand which made her giggle. He nodded his head to Mirisa who turned away from him which only brought a smile to his face for it would not only be easy to break this one but a pleasure as well before he killed her. But first there was Suzanna.

  Colonel Jacob Smith mounted his horse and galloped away from the house where he was joined by three soldiers waiting just past the turnoff. He felt good about tonight now he had to just set the trap.

  Dominic climbed in the carriage and sat back but did not acknowledge either girl. When they reached the house, he helped them down then went into the library and closed the door. They both stood in the foyer looking at the closed door. Suzanna shrugged her shoulders and went up to her room. Mirisa slowly took off her cape and gloves and put them on the foyer table. She went into the kitchen and put the kettle on the fire while she fixed a tea tray. Mirisa loved the kitchen late in the night when everyone was in bed.

  She sat down in front of the big fire and began to rock slowly. You could hear the wood as it creaked on the stones but she was oblivious to it the way you become oblivious to the grandfather clock ticking. She remembered the first time that she had watched the killing and skinning of a hog for roasting. For months they could not get her to even sit at the table if they were serving meat, so her father decided that she could no longer spend time around the working part of the plantation. Seeing that young boy lying on the floor bleeding after the veiled threats by Colonel Smith made her realize that the war would carry a heavy toll for everyone. The tears welled up across her eyes as she shut them tight.

  “Mirisa?” She looked up and Conrad was standing on the other side of the fireplace.

  “I didn’t hear you come in.” She started to get up to fix her tea which had boiled dry. He knelt down in front of her and took both of her hands in his.

  “It’s too late for you to be up alone. You need your rest.” He helped her out of the rocking chair and escorted her up to her room. Mirisa didn’t want to be alone but she changed into her nightdress and curled up in the big bed falling asleep. Conrad put his hand across her eyes putting her into a deep peaceful sleep.

  Dominic heard the stairs creak as she went up. He checked the doors then went to check on Mirisa who was sound asleep. He walked over to the bed and frowned when he saw the tears on her eyelashes. He made sure the room was secure before he let himself out as Simone’ slipped past him jumping up on the bed.

  Conrad was sitting next to the fire when she opened her eyes. The sun was just beginning to break the horizon as she climbed out of bed and sat down putting her head on his knee. They lived for each other despite the fact that they fit in neither his world nor hers. His love for her had always been the center of his life.

  Conrad’s grandfather had a deep rooted hate of the Natchez and had been involved in the slaughter of an entire village when the Lanfear family first settled in the area. The people mourned for a fortnight and upon the rising of the full moon they offered up their dead and asked for a curse to befall the children of their enemy. This curse would haunt the family for a long, long time as one tragedy after another fell upon them but it bound the two worlds in a constant battle.

  They frequently slipped in and out of his world by the river and because of his work living outside of either of their worlds seemed to work best. She spent as much time by his side when he rode as she did in his bed. Her talent in tracking and seeing into the other world provided him with answers he needed and directions in which to travel.

  “I must leave but I want you to stay here this time. Your brother will ride with me.”

  “The moon has come into my dreams and she has told of many moons passing before the family sheds the pain that sings in their souls and passed to their children. There will be no peace until the outside one gathers the past and offers it without fear to the great warrior. This will take courage from within an innocent heart.”

  “How will she know to do this?”

  “She will know by her dream for the grandmother shall show her. She comes from the east waters and the bear will guide her. She will know by her desire to love and you will teach her. There will be many in her lifetime who will come to her and she will refuse none for she is to give when the love is genuine.”

  Conrad left the cottage as she began to chant in her native tongue, taking out several small baskets placing them in front of her. She threw the powders into the fire as the song rose from her memories. It was a very sad song that if you knew the worlds would probably tell of great heartbreak. She lifted her arms above her head changing the tempo of the song to one of fear and danger then finished by putting a mark on her stomach. The red smoke filled the room and washed over her as she rocked.

  Simone’ heard the song and turned to the moonlight that fell across the bed and Mirisa as she slept quietly. Mirisa found herself in the midst of a field with cannons shells exploding to her right and the stench of gunpowder surrounding her. She turned looking for anyone and fearing what she would find. The sound of moaning filled the morning as yells of unknown voices came from all directions. She picked up her skirt and started to walk slowly through the field around the bodies that lay thrown about as though discarded. A cannon ball exploded behind her and screams reached out but she found no one who could help her. She continued to walk until she reached the small gate to the cemetery. The white paint on the iron was peeling and cold to her touch put she pushed it slowly. The smoke moved with the light breeze and when it cleared the lady was standing over the headstone of her grandmother holding a bouquet of daisies. She knew that it was too late in the season but they were so vibrant and the aroma seemed to mask the death on the field. Mirisa walked up and stood next to her waiting.

  “The full moon tells of death.” She placed the flowers up against the headstone. “She seeks restitution and grows
restless.” Mirisa looked up in the sky as the clouds blocked out the moon for just a moment. “Time is near my child, time is near.”

  MIRISA woke with a start as a chill settled over her. She hurriedly dressed and quietly let herself out of her chambers and tip-toed down the stairs with Simone’ at her heels. She walked into the library and stood up on the little stool pulling down the small book on herbs. She flipped through it until she reached the page titled ‘Red Moon’. The recipe was written in an unusual language. She wrote down the roots and herbs then returned the book. She went back up to her room and pulled out a large book of plant drawings. The names of each plant was written under the drawing and then under some in another style was words in the same strange language. She went through until she found all of the plants. Hopefully she would be able to find them all.

  Dominic walked into the library as she crossed the garden catching his attention. She was walking toward the small family cemetery with the cat close behind. He didn’t understand that cat. Even though there were always a lot of cats kept on the Plantation, the only one who ever lived in the house always looked like Simone’. Mrs. Chauvin would just shake her head and tell him that he just didn’t pay enough attention to know the difference but he didn’t think so for he was very astute when it came to details. Maybe the last few months were just getting on his nerves for he was sure this war would wear very thin on a lot no matter whether they took a side or just waited for it to end. It would be an ugly mark on America.

  Mrs. Chauvin knocked softly on the door and he looked at her briefly before turning back to watch Mirisa.

  “How is your sister?”

  “Much better, thank you.” She walked in as she took off her bonnet and followed his gaze.

  “I don’t like her that close to the river.”

  “She’s probably gathering roots.”

  “I don’t want her being taught things…” He trailed off as Mirisa stood and headed along the cemetery. “Please tell her I want to speak to her. Also, please tell Minnie that I am expecting company for lunch.”

  Mirisa continued along the wall with Simone’walking next to her. She picked up her skirt and headed for the veranda to find Dominic standing on the steps watching her.

  “Good morning.”

  “Good morning Mirisa. I would prefer you didn’t venture that close to the river without an escort.” He was extremely upset even though it didn’t seem to bother anyone else in the household. She looked at him closely then climbed the steps until she was standing next to him.

  “Are you doing your duty to protect me or do you truly care?”

  He blinked at her directness but it didn’t damper his true anger. “Does my motive matter when it involves your safety?”

  “I have been living here for a year without your personal protection and have seemed to survive quite well, thank you.” She swept past him and headed for the kitchen. Dominic stood there watching her and wondered exactly what he missed.

  He turned back to the library when Suzanna was coming down the stairs dressed for an outing of some fashion. She wished him good morning then walked into the dining room to see what was for breakfast for she was famished. There was a knock on the door and Mrs. Chauvin answered it to find Cedric Lanfear’s carriage in the driveway. The driver handed her a note which she took to the library and handed to Dominic.

  “Suzanna!”

  She walked into the library knowing that he was in a foul mood just by his tone and the fact that he had yelled for her instead of sending a servant. “Yes, Uncle Dominic.”

  He handed her the note and her face fell. “But I’m not ready to go home.”

  “Your father sent the carriage for you with an escort so I don’t think there’s really a choice.”

  Suzanna stamped her foot. “Can’t you tell him I need to stay?” She knew he would not allow her to disobey her father’s instructions but she had so wanted to spend the day with Jacob. “Can I just stay until after the picnic? Miss Minnie has already packed a basket and Mr. Ross will be here soon to pick me up.”

  “No, you know it is too dangerous to be on the road between here and New Orleans at night and your mother will worry until you are safely home.”

  She stomped her foot again and he looked up at her. “If he’s interested, he will visit you in your family home as is appropriate. I will send word to the tavern that you are returning to New Orleans this morning.” He excused her as completely as if he had shut the door in her face. She went back to her room and began yelling at the young girl who was straightening up the bed. Her temper tantrum continued for several minutes then it was very quiet.

  The footmen were carrying down the last of her trunks when the trio dismounted tying up their horses in front of the house. Suzanna came sweeping out the front door followed by her uncle and virtually commanded the steps as they stood back allowing her to pass.

  “Leaving so soon Ms. Suzanna?”

  “Garnett, you are nothing but a boar!” She climbed into the carriage without saying goodbye to anyone and yelled at the driver to leave.

  “My, my Garnett. You seem to have such a way with women lately.” James slapped him on the back as he climbed the front steps.

  Dominic welcomed them as they retreated to the library closing the door. Shortly after they arrived there was a soft knock behind the bookcase and Dominic swung it open and a young man came out of the dark. He was carrying an envelope which he handed to the Judge who promptly opened it.

  “Where did you get this?”

  “The courier stopped at the Three Hat Tavern last night. It was lifted, copied and returned before he had finished his meal. I believe we need to reward Ms. Chessy for her fine work as a barmaid.”

  “Good work.” The young man slipped back into the opening and the bookcase slid back to the wall. He passed the paper around the room and the reaction was basically the same from all of them.

  “Gentlemen, it appears our Colonel Smith is spending too much time dining at the Tavern picking up town gossip from the womenfolk. I would compliment him on his hearing, but frankly I don’t think Natchez women make much of an effort to be discreet.”

  Dominic folded the paper and dropped it into the fire watching it burn.

  “Dominic it’s not my business what you do in your personal life but he seems to have a little too much confidence that he can use Mirisa to get to you. I thought at first he was focusing on Suzanna but it appears he will use Mirisa if necessary.” He chewed on the end of his cigar and watched his friend closely. “Do you want to share or keep us in the dark?”

  Dominic looked at all of them and knew that they were always willing, as was he, to put their life on the line for each other. Their bond and friendship was the one thing in life he could always rely on. “I can’t explain it. I feel like I have no control when I’m near her and I’m not talking about my normal desires.” He sighed then sat down. “I asked her to marry me, I think.”

  “Marry?” The Judge thought on this a bit. “You haven’t known her long enough to even approach her properly on the subject, she is way too young and it is the likes of you that you are sworn to protect her against. You asked her to marry you?”

  Normally they would rib him but the look on his face made them realize that not only was he serious but it caused a larger problem then it had one moment earlier.

  “Then she’s in real danger. You realize that I assume.” Garnett immediately regretted his words as they were coming out.

  “I realized that last night.”

  “Alright, at least we know what he is thinking, how he’s gathering information and who is in his sites for bait. Now it’s time to come up with a plan to eliminate him without leaving a stain on Natchez and its fine citizens. With Suzanna on her way home, we need to put more protection on Mirisa.”

  Meeks sat forward picking up his glass before he spoke. “Let me get this straight. You think you asked her to marry you? I have spent a lot of time with you in various levels of into
xication but I don’t believe I have ever heard you say you think.”

  “I told her not asked her but in any event I don’t think she thought I was being sincere.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Because I allowed her to drink too much the night before and she’s been very distant.”

  “Perfect. I really don’t want to be around when Dr. Eppes finds out four days after you meet his underage daughter you get her drunk. Is there anything else you did?”

  “Meeks, kiss my ass.”

  “Well I just want to know how far to stand away from you when he finds out.”

  James laughed so hard he coughed on his cigar and the Judge had to hit him on the back to get him to breathe again.

  The men spent most of the morning in the library and when they emerged Dominic instructed that lunch be served on the veranda. Garnett was standing on the end of the steps looking toward the house stables.

  “Is that Mirisa in the horse pen?”

  Dominic turned around and looked at the pen where she was straddling a small mare while the stable boy was talking to her. Dominic just shook his head and lit a cigar. The last thing he needed to complicate his life with the country at war but she pulled on him like no woman ever had.

  When a young boy came running through the house calling for Dominic, they all turned. He came to a halt in the doorway, grabbed hold of the doorframe and struggled to catch his breath. His face was flush and dirty from the road that was kicked up by his horse.

  “There’s been an accident down by boggy pit.” He was breathing so hard that the words came out painfully. “The carriage. The doctor said to get you right away.”

  “What carriage?” The boy was so visibly shaken that Garnett stepped between him and Dominic as they tried to calm the young man down. Mirisa could see the commotion on the porch so she climbed off the horse and ran to the house.

  “What carriage?” The boy shrunk away from Dominic and started to shake.