by P. J. Dean
“Hello, little one.”
She smiled then lost consciousness.
****
“Foolish, foolish girl! I have a mind to toss you out on the streets. Once is bad enough, but twice? You are the talk again. Why would any one propose marriage to you? Tell me why? Not a one now that it is common knowledge that any man may obtain his purpose with you.” The older woman held her head with both hands. “I shall need twice the amount of sleeping draught I usually have in order to sleep tonight.” Felicity clutched her throat. “Are you carrying Taylor’s bastard?”
“No, Aunt Felicity. Please. I feel bad enough. I do not need ....”
“Be quiet! You need to listen and cease this dreaming. In your quest for all, you have lost all. You have wasted the grace of a second chance. Fortune will not smile on you a third time.”
The heart warming, family scene played itself out in the serene Hepplewhite furnished library. Adeline, head down, sat rigidly on a chair while Felicity circled her.
“I have nothing. I must have my own.”
“There is always your mother’s house.”
“I-I could not live there,” Adeline sputtered. “I-I would never go there. It is a bawdy house.”
Her aunt turned sharply on her heels. “Well ….”
Adeline broke into a loud wail.
“Then be prepared for a future as my maid.” She stooped and put her arm around the girl. “The most you can hope for is Paul’s kindness,” she whispered.
“I am so sorry, Aunt Felicity.” Adeline’s chest hitched as she sobbed. “But you must ....”
“Not now.” Felicity straightened and adjusted her bodice. “Your brother arrives soon with Cassian. One last visit from him. Thank goodness. I’ll be happy to see the back of that curiosity. I have to make sure all is in order.” She withdrew from Adeline. “Now, get out of my sight and go repair yourself.”
****
Paul and Cassian arrived on the afternoon coach. They barely had time to shake the road from their clothes before Felicity served tea. Nothing delayed her tea time. Not wanting to be rushed, Cassian declined. Tea was served in the library as scheduled.
“Doctors Harkness and Penvenen! I see you both excelled in your studies. So you will be seeking positions?” Felicity asked, pouring.
“Cassian is returning to the colonies to help his people and to assist Doctor Twain. He has even asked me to consider coming.”
“Really!?” She handed him a steaming cup. “A war is on, boy. Do you not read the daily sheets? Then again, that would be an adventure. Do you not think so, Adeline?” she asked, placing a cup in the girl’s hand. “Your brother in all that untamed wilderness with all those savages.”
“Please, Aunt Felicity, do not speak like that.”
She laughed, ignored her nephew and spoke louder. “Yes, amongst the savages, striking out on his own. Making his way. His own man.”
Paul sipped his tea. “Yes, Adeline, what do you think? You are unusually quiet.”
Adeline looked at her brother, then her tea. “I cannot go on like this.” She broke into tears and fled the room.
“Adeline?” Paul rose to go after her.
“Stay.” Felicity tugged on his sleeve to make him sit down. “It is over between her and young Taylor.”
“What? I thought an engagement announcement was in the making.” Paul shook his head, then pondered his tea cup. “They seemed content. What happened? Was there a misunderstanding?”
“Of sorts.” Felicity paused and looked at him over the rim of her tea cup.
“Aunt, were her affections not returned?”
“Let us just say the returning of affections was all with which Malcolm was concerned.”
“No. Not again.” Paul shook. “I should thrash him!”
“Paul, calm yourself.” She patted his hand. “Your sister’s predicament is very sad. But it is of her own making. And things have a strange way of resolving themselves. Your sister is very resourceful. Besides, your tea is getting cold.”
Chapter Twenty
The silence at the dinner table was unbearable, but Paul forged ahead.
“The beef is quite good, is it not, Cassian?”
“It is.” He coughed having nearly choked at being called on to contribute to the trite proceedings which had been passing for dinner conversation. “Do you not think so, Adeline?”
He actually felt pity for Adeline. Paul had revealed her history and predicament to him. Sad thing. This society to which she so desperately hungered to belong had shunned her. Again. But the young men with whom she had dallied remained secure in their
positions. Doubly sad. He was glad to be departing this land. He noted Adeline finally raised her head. She stared at him and blinked her eyes as if seeing him for the first time. She did not answer him. Instead after a long minute her mouth curved into a crooked
smile.
“Enough of this mindless chatter about the repast,” Felicity cut in. “The beef is the same as it is every time it is served.” She motioned for a servant standing off to the side to come forward. “Tough and totally without merit. I have convinced myself that I keep requesting cook to prepare it because she may possibly surprise me one day and render it edible. Take it away!”
“Aunt Felicity, let me make this unpleasing day end on a happy note.” Adeline had finally focused and found her voice.
“And how would you achieve that, my dear?”
“Chocolate. Dishes of that rare treat to cap our meal. At least that will give the day a sweet finish.”
“Sounds good to me,” Paul said, pushing his plate of shoe leather and potatoes to the side.
“I second that,” said Cassian.
“Have cook bring it in, girl,” said Aunt Felicity.
“No. I’ll fetch it. It is the least I can do.” The servant girl quickly pulled out the chair as Adeline rose and glided in the direction of the kitchen. She reappeared several minutes later, sterling silver serving tray in hand. She placed the tray containing four dishes of the thick, gooey treat on the table. Adeline proceeded to serve.
“Please everyone. Enjoy. Oh, Aunt Felicity, before I forget.” Adeline pulled a glass vial from a handkerchief. “Your sleeping potion.” She placed a few drops of the liquid in a half-filled water glass and offered it to her aunt.
“Sleep well.”
****
It had come to her literally in a blink of an eye. She had only glanced across the table and for the first time had seen him for the answered prayer he was. Yes, he was very different from the other men who had been in her life, but she could manage that. He was just a man. He came from an untamed land and possessed an unconventional upbringing, but she could manage that. Again, he was just a man. He was educated, intelligent and handsome. Most importantly, he was to be a man of means, and had a stake in a sizeable inheritance.
Adeline was in Cassian’s room. She stood over his deeply slumbering form. She watched and listened to his deep, even breathing. Breathing characteristic of a drugged repose. She had only guessed at how much sleeping potion to mix in their dishes of chocolate. Thank goodness it had been just right. All slept soundly. She pulled down the covers and studied him. Splayed naked on his back, he was awe inspiring. He was that curious cinnamon hue. Everywhere. Virtually hairless and in magnificent condition. She bent to stroke a firm pectoral. He would sleep like this until morning and would be too incapacitated to take her even if he had wanted to. But the serving girl who brought her tea in bed each morning would have no knowledge of that. The girl would go looking and she would find Miss Adeline in that red man’s bed. And heaven knows the girl would run and tell her Mistress Felicity and … Adeline tested his pectoral again.
“Yes, Kindred, you may have his heart, but I will own all else.” Adeline stripped off all her clothes and turned out the lamp. She climbed into bed and entwined her limbs with Lelaheo’s. She smiled into the darkness and closed her eyes.
****
Twai
nhaven was in a tizzy. Lelaheo was returning from Europe with both a degree and Herr Doktor ben Lazar in tow. He had been due a month ago, but had been inexplicably delayed. His return was coming a little more than a year after his departure.
“Please, Joshua. Finish setting the dining room table for me. I must finish nursing Lela and then get dressed.” Tears welled in Kindred’s eyes. “There is so much to do.”
Joshua stood by the open kitchen door listening to Kindred’s request as he drank his coffee. She sat at the kitchen table, cradling Lela with one arm and adjusting her dressing gown with her free hand. She found herself on the verge of tears a lot since Lela’s birth. Rozina had said it was natural. Kindred had accepted it. Much had happened in the space of little more than a year. She and Lelaheo had finally declared and consummated their love. He’d left for school. She had discovered that she was with child and now Lelaheo was returning home. A new life loomed before her and she was both joyous and jittery. Sometimes she cried when she tallied all the bounty around her and how her life was very unusual and blessed.
“You are fortunate I like you, Kinny or you would have to pay me substantially to perform that woman’s task.” He drained his cup, strode over to Kindred and kissed his sister’s pate. “Will you cease this concern about everything before you make yourself sick. The table is as good as set.”
She grabbed his hand. “There is just so much to finish.” She looked around the disordered kitchen, then at her disheveled self. “Thank you, Joshua.” He squeezed her hand then exited the kitchen. Kindred returned her attention to the baby. “Come on, Lela,” she cooed. “Your father is coming home today and your mother has to look her best.” Lela would not cooperate. She kept moving her mouth away from Kindred’s breast. “Arrrgh! Stubborn. Just like him.”
Lela was a healthy and jovial baby. She really only cried because Kindred inspected her so much. She was so in awe of the little life she and Lelaheo had created that she would not let the child be. A definite cross between the two of them, Lela had a coppery brown complexion. She had wavy whorls of jet hair on her head and possessed her father’s inky eyes, the same quick eyes which never missed a thing and that registered moods at mercurial speed. At almost three months of age, she was developing her very own personality.
“Give her here,” Aliquipiso said, coming over to collect Lela. “’Zina and I will tend her while you get ready.” Kindred handed her over and buttoned her gown. Aliquipiso stroked Kindred’s cheek. “Be happy daughter, your husband returns today.” Kindred kissed her hand, bolted from the chair and ran from the kitchen. After a thorough scrubbing and a successful attempt at a new braided coif, Kindred finally was ready to get dressed. Taking a short rest, she sat on the wooden trunk at the end of the bed staring at the gown displayed on the chair across from her. It was the grandest thing she had ever owned. Father had had it made for her for today. It was a sack gown in a delicately patterned lilac, silk damask. Fashioned with a square décolletage, the bodice had whale bone in the lining and laced across the stomacher. The low cut neckline and free-flowing pleats in the back allowed for the increase in her bosom and waist due to Lela’s birth. The snug sleeves ended at the elbow, from which white, deep treble ruffles flowed, terminating almost at the wrist. A natural straw bergère hung from the back of the door. At a soft knock, it opened slowly.
“Gitta moobe on, gal,” said Rozina. After much bustling, Kindred stood resplendent in her frock.
“The coach is coming!” yelled Joshua as he ran down the hall.
“How do I look, Gramma?” Kindred asked as she tied on Lelaheo’s necklace.
“Luk you een lub.”
Kindred laughed and hugged Rozina. “Now remember, keep Lela in the house. Wait until I say bring her out. Understand?”
“Yaas, chil’.” Rozina wagged her head. “Fo’ de hund’ud time!”
Kindred arranged her bergère, out the room, down the stairs, past Joshua, Lela, Aliquipiso and Doctor Twain who lined the hallway.
“Kindred, wait,” said Doctor Twain, catching her by the sleeve as she flew by. “I have something important to tell you.” At that moment the coach turned into the cobble stoned courtyard. Two Hepplewhite chairs were lashed to its roof.
Delirium took over Kindred at the clip-clop of the horses’ hooves. She patted Doctor Twain’s hand without taking her eyes from the bobbing carriage. “Not now, Father. Lelaheo’s come home.”
“Kindred, please. I should have told you this before. It is very important.”
“Nothing is more important than this moment.” She raced out the door to greet the carriage. She danced from foot to foot until it stopped. A footman jumped down to open the door. Lelaheo leapt out immediately and lifted her off her feet. He kissed her so long and hard it took her breath away. When they ceased kissing, Lelaheo grabbed her close again and hugged her tightly.
“I love you, Kindred. I love you. Always remember that,” he whispered urgently in her ear.
“And I, you.” Kindred sensed a sadness emanating from him.
A curious little man, puffing on a pipe, emerged from the coach.
“Herr Doktor ben Lazar!” she said. “How are you? How was your trip?”
“Too long!” He rubbed his rump.
“Come. Partake of the hospitality of our house.” She steered them toward the front door where everyone else waited. She leaned into Lelaheo. “Nothing is so grave that it cannot be resolved, love. I cannot believe you are home.”
“Believe, Kindred. Please believe I love you.”
“Pardon me,” said a voice with a unmistakably upper class, British accent from inside the coach. A striking blond, in navy silk traveling attire, appeared in the vehicle’s doorway. “Cassian, a hand, please.” Kindred turned and followed him back to the coach.
She scrutinized the woman. He offered his hand and assisted the passenger.
“Lelaheo, do you know this woman?” Kindred raised a hand to shield her eyes as the sun was directly behind the visitor. “Is she an acquaintance?”
“Yes, Cassian, do tell her who I am,” the woman commanded, a faint smugness in her tone. She tucked a curl behind her ear as she looked down her nose at the young negress she had heard so much about.
Kindred looked to Lelaheo. “What is this all about? Who is this woman?”
Throwing up his hands, he sighed. “Kindred, this is Adeline Penvenen. My wife.”
Chapter Twenty One
July 1777
Lelaheo had returned home to a valley in absolute turmoil. With the colonists now independent and the Crown still resolute on keeping them dependent, an assault was being planned by the British to take back the Mohawk River Valley. His passage home had been full of diversions and point checks. Colonial troops, regulars, militia, British,
American. All the diverse factions divided, and united, in their just causes. What appalled him most was the split amongst the League of the Haudenosaunee. The tribes were, yet again, in discord because of others. His people, the Oneida, and the Tuscarora had sided with the colonists. The Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga and Seneca had joined in the British effort. A mission had been accomplished. The League was being torn apart. No matter who would be the victor in this coming conflict, a people other than their own would claim the valley. Lelaheo feared for all his family.
****
The homecoming feast for Lelaheo resembled the going away breakfast which had taken place a little over a year before. Again, only the smacking sounds of eating, the scraping of utensils and the occasional bit of awkward conversation filled the cozy dining room.
“So, Nachman, tell me of your journey and of events in your corner of the world.” Dr. Twain wiped his mouth and leaned back in his chair. “I have not left my valley in years.”
“First, Douglas, let me say this. I look around and I see a pupil who has done well. You have used your skills to heal others and to sustain yourself.” Nachman put down his wine glass and threw both hands in the air. “The journey. Tedious.”
As Herr Doktor ben Lazer recounted their passage, Kindred glared across the table at Lelaheo. She also examined his “wife” over the fresh herb and flower arrangement in her line of vision. Kindred was making sad work of an apple. She pared it mercilessly. His wife. How could this be? She assessed the interloper as she chewed. Adeline was stunning. A porcelain complexion. Silky blond hair as opposed to her coal black, untamed mass. Solid lineage. She was a proper wife for a doctor, but did not look accustomed to hard work. Kindred lanced another apple quarter cleanly.
Adeline had been sneaking glances at Kindred too. This freed woman was a paradox she mused. Educated. Articulate. A beauty. A suitable companion for Lelaheo. A formidable rival. “My work is carved out for me,” she muttered under her breath.
“Did you say something, Missus Harkness?” asked Dr. Twain.
“Nothing, Doctor Twain. Or should I say Father?” She looped her arm through Lelaheo’s and smirked at Kindred.
“Ugh!” escaped Kindred’s mouth.
“Kindred?” Douglas asked.
“Just a worm in my apple,” she replied.
Rozina and Aliquipiso had been completely mute through the whole absurd scenario. Previously, Aliquipiso had directed some terse Oneida at Lelaheo, then had helped Rozina dish up the food in total silence. Both women had eyed the newest member and had exchanged glances. They both rose without speaking to begin clearing the table.
“No, ladies. You cooked this meal. I shall perform the clean up,” said Kindred, relieved at having something to do except stare at the happy couple.
“I will assist you,“ Lelaheo said, jumping to the task.
“I can do it myself,” she replied. Kindred just did not want to be anywhere near him presently.
“Nonsense, I have always done this.”
“As you like then.” Kindred went around one side of the table collecting soiled plates, he went around the other. They collided at Adeline’s place setting, where unfortunately Kindred tipped some red-eye gravy onto the girl’s silk skirt.
“Oaf! You’ve ruined my dress!” Adeline bolted up from her chair and dabbed at the stain with her napkin. “I shall have to send to London for a replacement! At your expense.”