The Visitor 1862

by Barbara Svetlick

  “I don’t believe this is something that would be good for her.”

  “Only time will tell but I do love her.”

  “Do you? Tell me does she love you? Does she even know what she’s doing?”

  Dominic stood and walked over the window before taking out a cigar and lighting it. “I don’t know but she has agreed to marry me.”

  “And does she know anything else about you or your job?”

  “She doesn’t need to know. She’ll be safe at the Plantation and she’ll accept everything else especially once we have children to occupy her days.”

  “You are a fool if you believe that.”

  “Which part?”

  “That she’ll accept everything else.”

  “Will you stand up for me or not?”

  “Only if you understand that I can not approve of this decision.”

  “That’s acceptable.”

  The Judge sat back. “So, this small little girl has both of you smitten with her in less than two weeks? Dominic we would love to attend and even though if I were her father I would shoot you, I must extend my congratulations.”

  “Good. Then I have to finish my errands for I have a dinner date with Mirisa.”

  Dominic walked out of the Tavern to the bank then down to the dressmaker who had designed and made all of Mirisa’s dresses since she had arrived in Natchez. James and Meeks watched him from the dining room and decided that even though they thought she would eventually regret the decision it was probably the best way to protect her for the war would offer no happiness in finding a proper husband nor was there any guarantee that her father would survive. “You know Richard is not going to be a happy father when he receives word of this.”

  “Nope but at least he is reasonable and will only shoot Dominic and not the rest of us.”

  “I understand there are a few new girls down the hill.”

  “Amazing what a buildup of troops does to the number of girls in the saloons.”

  “Yep. Think I’ll go take a nap. Bang on my door if I’m not up by nine.”

  Dominic slid the ring in his pocket as he dressed for dinner. The staff was instructed to set the table then not disturb them for the rest of the evening. He poured a drink before he sat down in front of the fire waiting for her to come downstairs. She walked in dressed in a dark blue gown that fit her body so beautifully and moved with each step. He was surprised that she had her dresses designed to accentuate every part of her body rather than smothered in layers of petticoats. He stood and kissed her hand.

  “You become more beautiful each time you walk through the door.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Would you join me for dinner?”

  She laughed at his formality as he smiled then offered his arm. He pulled out her chair then kissed her cheek. “Must we be so formal?”

  “Only for a little while. I inquired as to your favorite meal but decided that biscuits would not be romantic enough.”

  “Do you consider yourself romantic?”

  “Do you always ask questions? You know that sometimes the surprise is worth the suspense.”

  “Like birthday gifts?”

  He pulled her up out of the chair, swept her into his arms and took her upstairs. It was hours before she let him catch his breath. He reached over and took a cigar out of the humidor as she rolled over and put her chin on his chest.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Dominic I was hungry when I went downstairs. Do you think we can raid the kitchen and not get caught?”

  “You are such a child.” He pulled the sash as she sat up looking at him amazed.

  “Should I hide?”

  There was a short rap on the door and Dominic got out of bed slipping on his pants. He spent a few minutes talking to whoever was on the other side of the door then told her to change into something warm and he would meet her downstairs. She started to question him but he hit her on the fanny and told her to stop talking. She fell over giggling as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He admonished her as he leaned down kissing her. “Go get dressed and meet me downstairs.” She slipped on her camisole, gathered up her clothes and ran up the stairs.

  He took her hand as she stepped out onto the veranda and led her down into the garden where a large bonfire had been lit. The moon had an ice ring around it which made it look magical. He sat her down at a table that was set with the good china and candlelight, poured her a glass of wine and put a blanket around her. The smell of the hot soup made her so hungry that she picked up her spoon and tasted it. It was creamy bean soup with smoked ham. Dominic then buttered a biscuit and put it on her plate as she got up on her knees reached across the table to kiss him. “I love you.”

  He laughed then walked around the table getting down on one knee as she watched him quizzically. “Mirisa, will you be my wife?” She nodded but couldn’t respond as the impact hit her. He slipped the ring on her finger as she started to cry. They both faced the river as they ate and talked. After an hour, he realized that she was drifting off so he carried her into the house.

  “Can I sleep with you?” He slipped her into his bed then removed her clothes as she burrowed between the pillows. As he pulled her up close, he instantly fell asleep but had a fitful night filled with strange dreams of warnings about hurting her.

  WHEN she woke up she was alone in his bed. She slipped out returning to her chambers and ran a hot bath pouring in lavender oils. Mirisa thought about her family who were all in danger of some sort and separated by a horrible war, she thought about how her mother would react at the news and after a year of being independent of other’s control over her every move why she was so ready to give Dominic that control. She was lonelier then she realized and he offered her security. After dressing, she headed downstairs to find out why no one seemed to be about. The house was quiet as she went from room to room. She leaned across the settee in the front parlor to look out the window when the carriage pulled up stopping at the front door. Mrs. Chauvin got out and talked to the footman before heading up the stoop to the front door. Mirisa met her in the foyer as the footman started bringing in box after box.

  “Have you been shopping?”

  “Just a little for the holidays.”

  “This is a lot for just a little.”

  “These are things that Mr. Lanfear ordered last time he was in town. I took advantage of the carriage going into town.”

  Dominic stood at the French doors listening to her as a smile spread across his face. “Good morning Mirisa. I hope you slept well.”

  She turned at his voice and knew he was mocking her. “Thank you, I slept very well.”

  “Mrs. Chauvin have we received any acceptances for Christmas Eve?”

  “Everyone has responded and accepted.”

  “Thank you. I have some work to do. Mirisa, I found a book I think you might enjoy if you would like to join me in the library while I work.”

  She looked from him to Mrs. Chauvin then back to him with a quizzical look.

  “I have informed the staff that we are getting married before I have to leave again. I will need to speak to you regarding your duties in my absence but that can wait until another day.”

  “But I don’t know how to run a plantation.”

  Mrs. Chauvin laughed then headed for her office after telling the footman to put the packages in the parlor.

  “Have you been Christmas shopping?”

  “No, I have been shopping for the wedding.”

  “Are you going to tell me when we are getting married or is that a surprise too?”

  “I thought you liked surprises.”

  “Not that kind. I mean I thought I was going to have a large wedding with hundreds of friends and family and a white dress and beautiful flowing flowers all over the church.”

  “I have handled everything. You just need to look beautiful.”

  “Oh.” She frowned which made her bottom lip stick out like a child who was disappointed.


  He took her in his arms and looked deep in her eyes. “I love you.”

  “You love teasing me.”

  “I believe, my love, that it is you who teases me with your beauty.”

  “Dominic?”

  “Yes Mirisa.”

  “Are the packages for me?”

  “Who else would they be for but you can’t open them right now.”

  “Dominic?” She slid her hands around his waist and kissed him with every ounce of her being. He finally pulled away.

  “I have work to do and you are distracting me. If you can’t sit quietly and read then I will send you away.” She kissed him again then curled up on the couch picking up one of four periodicals on the table. “Great Expectations. Have you read it?”

  “No. I picked them up when I was in New York but haven’t had time for leisurely reading I am afraid.”

  “Dominic?”

  “You’re not going to let me work are you?”

  “Yes. But what is your work?”

  “I own this plantation; I grow mostly cotton and tobacco for the market. The rest of the plantation is used by the sharecroppers who also tend to the orchards. It is a much more successful way to manage the plantation but I also have a large staff that must be managed.”

  “Will the war hurt your business? I heard that my father’s plantation was seized by the President.”

  “Everything near the Capital has been seized by the Union Army but after tomorrow you only need to worry about your home here.”

  “Tomorrow?” She got up on her knees leaning across the couch. “I can’t get married tomorrow. I have nothing to wear.”

  “Then I’ll have all the packages taken up to your room and you can pick out whatever you want to wear but I would recommend the one that looks like a wedding dress.”

  “Dominic, you can’t pick out my clothes.”

  He raised his eyebrows and smiled. “No?”

  “No. It would be silly to think you could.”

  He rang the bell and Jasmine appeared in the door. “Jasmine, would you have all the boxes taken up to Mirisa’s room so that she will leave me to work in peace.”

  “Dominic!”

  “Mirisa, I love you. Take your book with you and I will see you at dinner.”

  The young houseboy came in and picked up all the packages balancing them as he climbed the stairs. Mirisa picked up the pamphlets, kissed him and ran up the stairs so excited about the boxes. She put the books on the table and untied the top box. In it was beautiful silk under garments unlike any she had ever seen. She held them up and blushed before closing the box. She opened the second box to find a soft green silk dress that was so stunning.

  “Jasmine, can you unbutton me?” She quickly slipped out of everything except her camisole and Jasmine helped her slip the dress over her head. Her straps showed so she took it back off and reached for the first box trying to figure out how to put on the garments. Jasmine helped her and when she looked in the mirror she realized that his taste was way beyond her maturity. They put the dress back over her head and as it slid down it flowed across her hips to the floor with such beauty that they were both speechless.

  “Oh my…this cannot be the wedding dress. Oh!”

  Mirisa turned to see herself in the mirror and kept wondering what he could have been thinking to even want her in public looking like this. They removed the dress and then opened the rest of the boxes which were all beautiful gowns with matching capes or silk shawls. The final box had slippers to match each dress and more lingerie then she had ever owned. Slowly she tried each one on and was transfixed with the change in her appearance. She turned back to Jasmine who was fluffing the hem so that it hung perfectly.

  “I think the first one was the wedding dress though it is not white.”

  “Maybe the seamstress did not have the right material in white. I think it compliments you very much. Would you like me to hang them all in the wardrobe?”

  “Yes, thank you.” She ran her fingers along the silk under garments before stepping out of them and putting on her day dress. She curled up in the big chair in front of the fire, picked up the first pamphlet and started to read the story. She was part way through the book when Dominic came in and asked her if she still thought he knew nothing about women’s clothing.

  “I am not sure how to respond to you. The clothing is more beautiful than anything I have ever seen and more beautiful than anything I have worn but I am not sure that they are appropriate for me.”

  “How so?”

  “Well, they just seem very….”

  “They will make every man in the room want to carry you away?”

  She blushed to the point she felt on fire. “Dominic, I don’t want other men to…”

  “To be so taken by your exquisite beauty that they are speechless. I will await tomorrow morning with baited breath.”

  “I’m not comfortable being so exposed.”

  “You will learn to not only be comfortable but enjoy the attention and the bonus is I will be your most attentive admirer.”

  “Then I shall trust you but I don’t want other men looking at me.”

  “Then I shall shoot any who do.”

  “You are making fun of me again. Go away but kiss me first.”

  He bent over and kissed her before heading out to the stable to make sure the coach had been polished for the ride into town then he headed out to the barns to check on the progress of the work on the damage from the hurricane. They had lost two of the stock horses and despite looking had yet to find them as well as several of the swine which they didn’t bother to look for but most of the chickens had returned to roost in the barn waiting for their coop to be rebuilt.

  They had a light dinner then retired to the library where Mirisa curled up in his arms as he finished the second chapter of the book. He had such a beautiful voice and perfect infliction of the characters. She forgot about everything except being in his arms.

  DOMINIC bent over and kissed her on the cheek as she stretched and reached up for him. “Are you planning on sleeping all morning?” She smiled sweetly and pulled him down to her. “No you don’t.” He took her hands from around his neck and pulled her upright from the bed.

  “You said no.”

  “You don’t have much time to get ready so you need to get out of bed.” She looked at him with half closed eyes and then rolled over and slid back under the covers. She didn’t want to ever get out of bed because it smelled just like him.

  “Mirisa.”

  “I love the way you say my name.”

  “Mirisa.”

  She pouted as he stood out of reach. “What?”

  “We’re getting married in two hours. Would you like to get dressed or do you want to go as you are?” She sat straight up in bed then slid out grabbing her dress as she rushed out the door. He watched her before he yelled. “Be on time because I’m not going to wait for you.”

  The only response was the slamming of her door. Dominic was standing at the bottom of the stairs putting on his gloves when he heard her descending. He watched her and when she looked up she had the most angelic smile. The dress was so perfect on her and her hair was pulled back in long curls with ribbons and flowers holding it in place. Her dress was a silk in a soft pale green that was off the shoulders cut with a simple drape of the skirt. He reached into his pocket and took out a small necklace and reached up to latch it when she slipped her arms around him and tried to kiss him. “Mirisa.”

  “Are you giving me diamonds?”

  “Not if you are going to be bad. I am giving you pearls.”

  “Do you not love me when I am bad?” He looked into her eyes then kissed her as he finished fastening the necklace. He took her cape placing it on her shoulders then picked up his hat and opened the door. “You look so handsome.” She loved his dark grey tux as it deepened his eyes and she smiled when she realized his accessories matched her dress. The footman helped her into the carriage before Dominic got in and sat
opposite her.

  “Where are we going?”

  “To get married.”

  “Do you plan on always toying with me?”

  He smiled. “I plan on always loving you. We’re going to the church.”

  “Is it a large church? I was baptized in a large church. Were you baptized in this church?” Her voice was so wistful.

  “It is a very small chapel that was built when the settlement was new. Everyone in my family was baptized there as I believe was your father.”

  “I wish he was here.” She looked down then back up into his eyes.

  The carriage pulled up in front of a small whitewashed church and when it stopped Garnett opened the door as Dominic got out. They spoke briefly and then Dominic turned around extended his hand to Mirisa. She pulled up her dress as she stepped out of the carriage onto the little step and Garnett reached up and took her other arm. Garnett was so taken with her beauty that when their eyes met he was unable to say anything. Dominic watched him and then in an effort to break the spell he moved Mirisa toward the church steps. Garnett realized he was still standing at the carriage with his mouth open so he closed the carriage door and joined them on the steps opening the door to allow her to pass into the church. It was washed in the soft sunlight that filtered through the tall stained glass window above the alter. Candles were lit along the walls and the church was filled with holly and evergreens. She wanted to take in every detail and ingrain them into her memory.

  Everyone in the church turned when they entered and it felt like the first night she met Dominic. She immediately felt so young and the panic began to set in. Dominic came up behind her and bent over whispering in her ear then kissed her softly on the cheek before taking off her cape handing it to Garnett. She blinked, took in her breath and put her arm through his. He could feel her shaking but she wasn’t as nervous as he felt. He walked her down the aisle and when she went to step onto the small alter Garnett took her other hand so that she would not trip on her hem. He thought her panic was so obvious when you looked in her eyes so he kissed her cheek and told her she would be alright. Dominic smiled but said nothing as Garnett moved to stand on his other side.