Through the Storm

by Beverly Jenkins

  Sable couldn’t decide which child seemed most delighted.

  “Strawberry tarts sound fine,” Hazel offered.

  “Then strawberry tarts it shall be.”

  Mrs. Vine sailed off to the kitchen, leaving three very stunned children in her wake.

  The children looked over the expansive room with its beautiful furniture and paintings, and the irrepressible Blythe asked, “Is our new family rich or poor?”

  Sable looked to Raimond in surprise.

  Cullen answered, “Rich, Blythe. Richer than old Master Wheeler.”

  “Is Cullen telling the truth?” Hazel asked Sable.

  Sable struggled a moment, trying to come up with an answer, before finally replying, “If Cullen means we are rich with love and a family who cares, then yes, we are richer than old Master Wheeler ever was.”

  Hazel looked skeptical but didn’t say more.

  Raimond herded the children upstairs to see their new rooms. Cullen would have a room of his own, but the girls wanted to share for now.

  “Cullen, come help me bring in the beds,” Raimond invited.

  And thus began the first day in the newly expanded house of LeVeq.

  In the days leading up to Henri’s ball, Sable spent fewer hours doing charity work and more time with the children. There were clothes to be purchased, Brats to meet, and lessons to begin. None of the children could read, but they took to their studies like ducklings to water. Cullen seemed the most driven, and each night he fell asleep atop his books. He was no more talkative or less watchful than before, but he seemed to be settling in nicely. Grandmere Juliana and the new uncles did their part too: Archer took the girls shopping and then to his restaurant for lunch; Phillipe took them all down to the docks and gave them a tour of his ship. Each brother spent time helping the children adjust to their new lives, and Sable gave them all sisterly hugs in reward for their kindness.

  The night of the ball finally rolled around. After a week of seemingly never-ending childrearing, all Sable really wanted to do was soak in a tub until the next day. She rallied, though, having looked forward to the grand event for weeks. Were all mothers this exhausted? She wondered.

  As the bedroom door opened and Raimond walked in carrying an armful of roses and lilies, her spirits perked up. He presented the bouquet with a sweeping bow. “For you, madame, in honor of your recent motherhood.”

  She took the blooms with a smile and tears of gratitude. She seemed to be crying at the least little thing lately, and had no idea why.

  Raimond saw her tears and gathered her into his arms. “I didn’t know you were going to cry, ma reine…”

  “They’re happy tears, I think.”

  He tightened his embrace, making her feel cherished.

  Looking down, he kissed her sweetly and said, “Being parents has cut deeply into our discussion times.”

  “I know. We haven’t lectured each other in over a week.”

  He grinned. “You’re keeping track?”

  “Aren’t you?”

  In response, his hands began roaming slowly over her curves. Her dressing gown was open and he treated her bared breasts to a soft, warm palming. “Yes,” he said, lowering his mouth so he could touch his lips to her half-parted mouth. “And I miss you…”

  A sharp knock on the door made him raise his head. “What?” he yelled out.

  “Raimond!” Sable chastised. “It’s probably one of the children.”

  Sable adjusted her gown and went to the door. It was Blythe.

  “What’s the matter, sweetheart?”

  “Hazel took my pencil and won’t give it back!”

  Sable chuckled and sighed all in one sound. “Tell Hazel I said to return your pencil or she won’t get to watch the ball tonight.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Blythe stomped off.

  Sable closed the door and turned back to her husband, who stood shaking his head across the room. His eyes were filled with humor.

  He said, “As soon as they can read better, I’m making a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign for that door.”

  “I’ll help,” Sable vowed with a smile.

  The road leading to Juliana’s house was choked with all manner of vehicles, all moving at a snail’s pace. It took Raimond’s carriage a full thirty minutes to reach the property. The house was so filled with people one could hardly move. Sable spotted the beaming man of honor standing next to a beautifully gowned Juliana. The crush around them was so dense, it ensured she and Raimond would not get to offer their congratulations for some time, so they headed for the stairs. The children would be spending the night at their grandmere’s. No one had any idea how long the festivities would last and Sable did not want to have to put three sleepwalking children into a carriage just before dawn. They would watch the goings-on from the top of the stairs for an hour or two, and then it would be off to bed.

  After making certain the children had a good viewing spot, Sable and Raimond left the elegantly attired Cullen in charge of his fancy-gowned sisters, gave the girls kisses and last-minute instructions on minding their manners, and went down to join the ball.

  Sable held Raimond’s hand as he threaded his way through the crush toward his mother’s side. They were stopped often by male and female acquaintances who congratulated them on their new brood. Sable saw many highly regarded members of the free elite community: merchants, bankers, business owners, doctors. She and Raimond paused to say hello to the newspapermen Louis-Charles and Jean-Baptiste Roundanez before moving on.

  They finally reached Juliana’s side, where they received hugs from her and an enthusiastic Henri. Sable and Raimond stayed beside them for a while, helping to receive the guests and murmuring thanks for the many well wishes. One by one the Brats made their appearances. Beau and Phillipe arrived with the young ladies they were courting. Archer and Drake arrived alone.

  This event was the first Juliana had hosted since the war. According to Raimond, his mother’s parties were fabled. The crowd eventually moved to the newly refurbished ballroom, where they were greeted by the melodic stains of the lively, six-piece band.

  One could hardly hear the music for all the happy chatter. The buffet was well stocked with all manner of delicacies—gumbo, seafood cakes, jambalaya, and hopping john, to name a few. For dessert there were fools and cakes and the tarts Little Reba and her new staff had been preparing since dawn yesterday. Raimond filled a plate, then he and his wife slipped out onto the terrace for some fresh air.

  There were quite a few people walking the grounds. Inside, the heat was stifling, but out here where a soft breeze blew Sable sighed at the cooling relief. She told her husband, “This is infinitely better than the crush in there. I seriously thought I would swoon, it was so warm.”

  “You should have said something. We could have escaped earlier.”

  “No, I’m fine now.”

  “Are you certain?”

  She nodded.

  She helped herself to some of the roasted hen on her plate. As she chewed she glanced up to find him watching her intently. Trying to talk politely around the meat in her mouth, she asked, “Is something the matter?”

  “Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?”

  “No, as a matter of fact, you did not.”

  “Then let me remedy that oversight. You are the loveliest woman in all of New Orleans.”

  She set aside her plate and closed the short distance between them, her gauzy off-the-shoulder gown rustling as she moved. “Just in New Orleans?” she asked saucily.

  He chuckled. “Being humble is not your strong suit.”

  Her eyes sparkled with mirth. “You should talk.”

  He grinned and stroked her cheek. “I’m glad you’re in my life, Sable LeVeq.”

  She placed her hand against his bearded jaw. “And I am honored to have you in mine, Raimond LeVeq.”

  He turned her hand over so he could place a tender kiss in the palm. “You know, I’ll bet we can find a nice private spot where we mig
ht discuss a few topics of interest.”

  “Oh really? Then I propose we see the children off to bed at once and search out this discussion spot.”

  They turned to go back inside, waiting for a well-dressed woman to exit the doors before they could reenter. Both Sable and Raimond nodded politely as she passed. A quick glance at her familiar features made Sable widen her eyes in shock. “Bridget!”

  The woman stopped and scanned Sable’s face, then she too stared in shock. “Fontaine!” she screamed.

  The two women hugged happily until Bridget noticed Raimond’s cool stare.

  “Major?”

  Raimond inclined his head in acknowledgment, his eyes hard. “How are you, Bridget?”

  “Fine. I’ve been fine,” Bridget stammered. She stared at Sable again. “What are the two of you doing here?”

  “He’s my husband,” Sable explained.

  “Your husband?” Her voice reflected her surprise.

  Bridget scanned Raimond again, almost in wonder. “We have been out of touch, haven’t we?”

  “Yes, we have,” Raimond answered, “so let’s find a place where we can get reacquainted.”

  Bridget appeared to want no such thing, but considering Raimond’s mood, and the many unanswered questions left from that fateful night at the camp, she had little choice but to cooperate.

  They went to Juliana’s solarium. Raimond used a key on his chain to undo the lock, then ushered them both inside. He found an oil lamp and lit the fuse. The light revealed Juliana’s blooming roses and lilies in all their exotic beauty.

  Bridget began, “So tell me how you two came to be married.”

  “I’ve a better question,” Raimond said. “Did you know Randolph Baker was a Confederate spy?”

  The blunt question seemed to throw her for a moment, but she gathered herself and answered simply, “Yes.”

  Sable felt sick to her stomach. “You did!”

  “Yes.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Would you have left the camp with him, had you known?”

  “Of course not.”

  “That’s why I didn’t tell you. You’d’ve stayed there, and wound up Lord knows where, had Morse taken you back.”

  Sable countered, “I agree my life might have been in jeopardy, but Baker was a spy.”

  “Yes, he was. But he also got us to Boston safely, did he not?”

  “He did, but Bridget, you should have told me.”

  “Why? So you could’ve told someone? I lived with you, Fontaine. You’re too honest. I was afraid you’d give it all away.”

  “So my wife was not privy to Baker’s plans?” Raimond asked.

  “Fontaine? Of course not.”

  “Do you know Baker’s real name?”

  Bridget seemed surprised. “It isn’t Baker?”

  “No, he took the name and identity of a dead soldier.”

  “Now that’s news to me. I guess I didn’t know him as well as I imagined.”

  Sable asked, “Bridget, why would you involve yourself with a man like that?”

  “Fontaine, I would have gone with old Jeff Davis himself if he could’ve found me a way out of that camp.”

  Sable understood Bridget’s reasoning, she just couldn’t condone it. “This whole mess has caused me quite a bit of misery. The major thought I was guilty of treason.”

  “Well, you weren’t.”

  Sable looked at Raimond, whose whole demeanor conveyed his irritation.

  “What are you doing here at the party?” he asked Bridget.

  “My husband and I are here for the Radical Convention. He and Henri Vincent are well acquainted.”

  The convention would be bringing together many of the South’s Black leaders and White radicals for the purpose of throwing their weight behind the Republican Party.

  Bridget asked, “Are the two of you acquainted with Mr. Vincent also?”

  Sable explained, “The ball is being given by Raimond’s mother. This is her home.”

  “Isn’t that something? Your family is well respected in my husband’s circle.”

  “Glad to hear it,” Raimond said.

  “When did you marry?” Sable asked.

  “About six weeks ago.”

  “To whom?”

  “He’s a minister named Clive Day. He has a small church outside Boston.”

  “A minister?” Sable asked skeptically.

  “Yes, and if he finds out about my past, it will kill him. Please, don’t tell him.”

  Sable had never seen Bridget look so serious. Her impassioned plea made Sable think Bridget might actually care for her minister husband. “Do you love him?” she asked.

  “Yes. For the first time in my life, I’m in love, Fontaine, and I don’t want to mess it up. Not when I’m attempting to put my past behind me. I do missionary work now, hold Bible classes for the church ladies. I’m not ashamed of my past, but if it comes to light, he’ll bear the shame, and I couldn’t live with that.”

  Sable could see that Raimond viewed Bridget with a jaundiced eye, but she asked him anyway, “Does anyone have to know? I mean, you said yourself that Baker’s comrade was apprehended before he could cause any harm with Sherman’s plans. Can’t we just let it lie?”

  Raimond knew he would never be able to deny her anything. He’d move the Sphinx into her dressing room if she asked. The fact that he had not believed Sable’s claim of innocence did not sit well with him. “How do I know she’s telling the truth? This minister husband may not even exist.”

  Sable hoped Bridget hadn’t been lying because if she was, Sable planned on boxing her ears right there and then. “If we meet him, will that put your doubts to rest?” she asked. When he didn’t reply, she said, “Bridget, let’s go find this minister of yours and maybe afterward we can all go on with our lives.”

  Back inside, the heat and humidity had gotten worse, and there seemed to be even more people in the thick crowd. It took the three of them several minutes to find Reverend Day. He was much older than Sable had expected, but the warmth in his eyes as Bridget walked up spoke volumes about his feelings for her.

  Bridget said to him, “Darling, I’d like you to meet some old friends of mine, Raimond and Sable LeVeq.”

  He shook Raimond’s hand. “LeVeq, huh? Are you a member of the lovely Juliana’s family?”

  “Yes, sir, she’s my mother.”

  “Ah, I am pleased to meet you.”

  “And I’m pleased to meet you. Bridget tells us you’re a minister up in Boston?”

  “Yes, and Bridget is a perfect minister’s wife. What she sees in an old goat like me, I’ll never know, but I’m glad she does. She’s as faithful to me as my Bible.”

  Sable looked to Raimond as they spoke for a few more moments. Finally Raimond bowed. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

  As she and Raimond waded back through the throng, Sable shouted over the din, “Well, what are you going to do?”

  “You already know the answer to that. If I send Bridget to the authorities and break that old man’s heart, I’ll never sleep peacefully again.”

  His words made Sable love him even more.

  While the ball continued downstairs, Sable and Raimond went upstairs to tuck the children into bed. In Phillipe’s old room, they found them dressed in their night clothes, seated at the feet of Hester and Galeno Vachon, engrossed in listening to an adventure story Galeno was telling.

  At their entrance, Hester looked up. The children turned too and upon seeing their parents began to clamor for attention.

  Galeno said, “I was just telling them the exciting tale of the fabled Black Daniel.”

  “The Black Daniel was the cleverest slave stealer ever,” Hazel pronounced.

  “Oh really?” Raimond drawled. “The way I heard it, the Black Daniel had an even more clever best friend who had to save the Daniel time and time again, because he kept getting into scrapes he couldn’t get out of.”

  Galen
o shook his head. “Nope, I never heard that.”

  Chuckling, Sable headed the children to the beds Juliana’s staff had moved into the room. Cullen had his own bed, but the girls were sharing.

  After good-night kisses were exchanged by everyone but Cullen, who refused to accept such affection, the adults turned down the lights and left the children to their dreams.

  As they walked down the hallway, Galeno said, “Hester and I wanted to say good-bye to them now because we won’t have an opportunity in the morning.”

  At first light, they’d be heading back north to Michigan. It saddened Sable to know they were leaving. She hadn’t gotten to know Hester the way she would have liked, but hoped that lack would be remedied in the future.

  Hester added, “We wanted to say our good-byes to everyone else tonight as well. If I wait for morning, I know I’ll cry all the way home.”

  Galeno eased her against his side. “She cries at the drop of a hat whenever she’s carrying, so we’re hoping by doing it this way, she won’t upset herself so much.”

  Sable had gone absolutely still. Her head was buzzing with a thought so overwhelming she had to force herself to pay attention to what everyone was saying. Of late she’d been crying over the most trivial matters too. Could it be because she was carrying a child? She left the thought for now, but vowed to ask Juliana for the name of a doctor.

  Raimond and Galeno embraced each other tightly. When they parted, neither seemed ashamed of the tears in their eyes.

  Raimond said, “Godspeed, mon frere.”

  “Adieu,” Galeno replied softly.

  He bowed a farewell to Sable and escorted his wife away.

  Sable turned to her silent husband. “The two of you care very much for one another.”

  “He is my brother and I am his.”

  “Well, we must plan to go north and visit them soon.”

  With lingering sadness in his eyes, Raimond said, “How about we escape this madness and I take you home?”

  “If that is what you wish, Raimond, that is what we will do.”

  “Good. Then let’s go find the buggy. We’ll come back for the brood in the morning.”

  They’d journeyed about halfway home when Sable asked, “Are you still saddened by Galen’s leaving?”