Southern Beauty

by Lucia, Julie

  “She made a deal with me,” said David. “I think if you give me more time I can find out all we want to know.”

  “Why do you think this?” asked Jacob.

  “I think I am softening her up,” said David.

  “I think Miss Lee is more cunning than we have given her credit for,” said Jacob.

  “Yes, that is true,” David agreed.

  “I don’t know. How do we know she will tell us? She is a stubborn one,” said Jacob.

  David smiled at Jacob’s observation. “Let’s keep an eye on her,” said David. “We just might get everything we have been hoping for.”

  # # #

  The woman showed up again. Her dark features enhanced her beauty, which made her appear a lot younger then her age. She had a kind but determined look on her face. When she spoke her Creole accent appeared.

  "You have many allies, Johanna Lee. Where does your loyalty lie?" she asked.

  "Who are you?" Johanna asked intrigued.

  "I am just another spider in your web of deceit," explained the woman cryptically.

  Johanna was shocked at the woman’s accusation, "I am not deceiving anyone."

  "Only yourself," she said.

  Johanna felt as if she was speaking in riddles. "Can I help you?"

  The woman laughed. "No Miss Johanna, I think it is I who can help you."

  "I recognize you. You were the one who delivered me into the hands of the pirate,” Johanna realized the woman seemed a lot younger at the hotel. “At least it looked like you."

  She laughed again. "You have something in your possession that many would kill for."

  "What you are talking about, I don't have with me any longer. I should not be in danger now," Johanna lied.

  "I am not talking about any map,” said the woman.

  "You are being very mysterious. What are you speaking of then?" asked Johanna.

  "Your heart," she said.

  "I don't know what kind of voodoo you’re into, but it's not for sale," Johanna began to walk away.

  The woman laughed again. "In my age I know that everything has a price. And your heart will cost you and others plenty."

  Johanna frightened now of her words turned back to the woman. "I am sorry, I don't believe in fortune telling.”

  The woman smiled. "You are taking a very dangerous journey. It can lead to great sadness," she handed Johanna three stones.

  Johanna bit her lip. She did not want to encourage the strange woman but she felt she needed to hear her words for some reason.

  "One smooth, one rough, and one treasure to behold," the woman said cryptically. "Only your heart will tell you the difference," the woman handed her three rocks. Johanna surprised by the gifts placed them in her handbag.

  "Thank you. I will consider your message but I must leave now," Johanna desperately trying to get away.

  "Shall I call Rene to come for you?" asked the woman.

  "You know Rene? I should have guessed. No thanks. I must be meeting someone at the dock. You can relay a message to him. Tell him I said ‘nice try’." Johanna began to walk away. "Oh, I didn't get your name?"

  "I don't think you are going anywhere my dear. How's that fever of yours doing?" asked the woman.

  Just then Johanna felt a cold breeze pass right through her and with it came an eerie wave of nausea. Before Johanna slipped out of consciousnesses she heard the woman say, "My name is Marie, Marie Laveau.”

  # # #

  Johanna awoke to the handsome face of Rene once more. Before he could speak she bolted upright and yelled, "The Voodoo Queen, Rene? You stopped me from leaving with help from New Orleans infamous Voodoo Queen?"

  "Oh Johanna. Don't be so dramatic,” Rene grinned. “She is just a friend. The locals call her that. I just call her Marie. She used to be my Mother's hairdresser.” Rene smiled at Johanna's anger. "You don't seem to be running a fever now," He gently caressed her cheek, "I was worried about you."

  Johanna brushed him off. "Rene what about the pirate at the St. Charles Hotel, was that you too?"

  "Absolutely not, I saved you remember?" he looked longingly toward her. Johanna couldn't help looking into his handsome face and feeling that he was telling the truth. He softly caressed her hand. She wanted to be angry with him but she just couldn't. She suddenly had this strange feeling of wanting to kiss him, so she quickly diverted her eyes from him before he noticed.

  "I only remember the woman in the cloak who looked like your voodoo queen, only younger," said Johanna.

  "It was her daughter, also named Marie. I had nothing to do with it. I think it was all a set up by," he trailed off, "someone from the union."

  Johanna thought of David again but quickly pushed it aside before it became too vivid.

  "Here is some tea. Please drink it, it will make you feel better," he handed her the warm cup. "My sister has left. Please consider staying awhile longer."

  "Are you holding me prisoner, Mr. Beauregard?" asked Johanna with a half smile.

  "If it will keep you here with me, then yes," and he leaned in and kissed her square on the mouth. He left the room before she could protest or throw the teacup at him whichever was coming first.

  Instead Johanna sat in shocked silence. Surprised at what an amazing kiss it really was. She smiled to herself with almost a laugh. She realized how much practice he must have had to perfect his kisses. She put her hand up to her lips feeling the heat from Rene’s kiss. It affected her more than she wanted to admit.

  "No. No. No." she tried to convince herself shaking her head. Things didn't seem to be getting an easier for her.

  Chapter 17

  "I

  thought you were meeting me at the dock? Are you still not feeling well?" Malcolm asked with concern in his voice.

  "I am fine Malcolm,” she patted his arm, “I don't think even a fever will keep me from getting to Virginia," she smiled.

  Rene walked in the room with a tray full of cookies and tea. Johanna tried not to look at him, but her eyes were drawn to his handsome face again. Her face warmed thinking of their kiss. He gave her a big smile. No words were spoken between them but Malcolm felt as he had just interrupted something.

  "Johanna? Did you hear me?" Malcolm asked.

  Johanna feeling more embarrassed she didn't hear what Malcolm said turned to him quickly, "Yes, Mr. Graystone?" she tried to cover.

  Rene softly laughed behind them fully aware of his new effect on Johanna.

  Malcolm turned around and faced Rene. "Should I be concerned with the time you have been spending with Miss Lee?"

  Rene stared at Johanna with longing while he answered Malcolm. A technique he had perfected. "Absolutely," he said smiling.

  "Oh Rene, knock it off." Johanna laughed and then said to Malcolm," Rene has been a wonderful friend, but I am ready to go home." Johanna decided she was not going to be tripped off her course for a silly kiss from a man whose joy was the passion of women, especially those who seemed impossible to get. It was a great kiss. But it was not the kiss. He wasn't him and he could never be.

  Rene actually looked hurt, but he recovered quickly. "I think she needs to rest." he felt her head. "It seems her fever has returned. I will call the doctor right away." Rene left the room.

  Malcolm was silent as he walked towards Johanna and caressed her hand.

  ”The ship is set to sell tomorrow evening. Do you think you will be ready to leave by then? Malcolm asked her.

  “I just need to get rest,” Johanna yawned. “I will be ready.” Johanna closed her eyes. The fever made her feel suddenly sleepy.

  “The doctor is on the way,” Rene walked in.

  “Didn’t you have an epidemic here a few years ago? I hope she has not contracted it,” Malcolm said concerned.

  “Yes, it was yellow fever, wiped out about 5000 residents two years ago,” Rene smiled. “I don’t think this is yellow fever. It should wear off soon enough.”

  “What does that mean?” Malcolm asked not trusting Rene. />
  “I mean she should feel better soon,” said Rene covering his tracks.

  “She is asleep now,” said Malcolm. “I think we need to get one thing straight.”

  “And what is that Malcolm?” Rene smiled knowing what was coming.

  “She is more important to me than you think,” Malcolm announced.

  “Guess what Malcolm, I care for her too,” Rene smiled.

  “Don’t say you love her, than I know you are surely jesting,” Malcolm laughed.

  “It might be dear friend. It just might be,” Rene announced to Malcolm and himself.

  “Well, I won’t stand in your way if she wants you, but I doubt that very much,” Malcolm smirked.

  “And why is that?” Rene asked.

  “Because she is going to marry me on the ship to Virginia, I plan to have the Captain perform the ceremony,” Malcolm said confidently.

  “Well, won’t you be disappointed when she says no.” Rene jabbed, “unless of course you force her, which I wouldn’t put past you.”

  “No need for that. She is falling for me already,” Malcolm announced.

  “Then why did she kiss me?” smirked Rene.

  “Sir,” they were interrupted by the housemaid. “The doctor is here.”

  # # #

  “Are you sure you want to leave?” Rene asked Johanna.

  “I am sure. It is time for me to go.” She smiled at him as he held her hands.

  “If I ask you to marry me, would you stay then?” Rene asked actually surprised by his own words.

  “Oh Rene,” Johanna smiled, “you have been the best part of New Orleans. I will always cherish our time together. I thank you for your hospitality.”

  “But the answer is no,” he answered for her.

  ‘You don’t mean it,” Johanna smiled.

  “But I think I love you,” he kept blurting things out desperately. He really didn’t want her to go.

  “Today you think you do, wait until you meet your next conquest tomorrow,” she laughed. She kissed him on the cheek.

  Rene frowned, “The coach is waiting for you outside to meet Malcolm at the dock.”

  “Thank you,” Johanna said.

  “I would be weary of him,” warned Rene. “There is a lot you don’t know about him.”

  “I will,” Johanna smiled, thinking he was being a bit jealous.

  She walked to the coach and did a small wave goodbye before stepping in. It wasn’t enough for him. He ran to her and kissed her passionately. And this time she let go of her pride and let him.

  Chapter 18

  A

  s they approached a young deckhand Malcolm took her by the hand, “She’s my fiancée, soon to be Mrs. Graystone.”

  Johanna’s face warmed, embarrassed by the lie.

  Malcolm leaned into her and whispered, “I am sorry, I probably should have discussed it with you first.”

  “You just caught me off guard that was all,” Johanna tried to brush it off.

  “Well Miss Johanna,” Malcolm bowed, “I would be honored to have your hand. Then we wouldn’t be living a lie and I could give you a home, a family, my love.”

  Johanna found herself speechless for a moment. How could she have two offers of marriage within an hour of each other? It was mind boggling to her.

  “I did not know you felt this way,” she said.

  “You didn’t?” asked Malcolm. “Surprising as it may seem but I have loved you even before we met. Your uncle has talked about you with such joy. I knew I had to meet the woman ‘who lights up a room and warms every heart’. And when I saw your family portrait and there you were as beautiful as ever, I believed that there was no other woman for me.” He kissed her hand gently.

  It was hard for her to take this all in. It wasn’t everyday she was proposed to, well, actually today it was. She smirked at the thought of it.

  “You haven’t answered me. Will you give me the utmost pleasure in accepting my proposal of marriage?” asked Malcolm.

  “This has happened so quickly. I feel my head spinning. Will you give me a few days to consider your offer?” she asked with a slight smile.

  He smiled back at her, his dimples showing. He was very adorable and she thought at least he didn’t try to kiss her. If one more man kissed her without asking she would have to agree with David, she was a Southern whore.

  “Of course, but not another moment longer,” Malcolm smiled.

  “Agreed,” she smiled back.

  “Let’s go prepare ourselves for dinner with the captain,” said Malcolm. They walked arm and arm toward their quarters.

  A short time later Johanna heard a knock at her cabin door. “Are you ready Mr. Graystone?” she asked.

  “I am sorry I won’t be joining you,” Malcolm said frowning. She looked at him with raised eyebrows. “I’ve received an urgent telegram. I must leave immediately,” said Malcolm.

  “Are you not traveling with me?” asked Johanna.

  “I will be back before your departure,” Malcolm assured her. “My contact doesn’t like to be kept waiting. I will catch up with you before you set sail.” He looked at the disappointment in her face. “I promise I won’t leave you for very long,” Malcolm explained mysteriously.

  “You’ve said that before. I do not feel comfortable being alone. Is it safe here?” Johanna looked around the dirty ship with disgust. To her it seemed more like a fishing vessel than a merchant ship.

  He caressed her cheek and smiled, “I am sorry. I’ll make it up to you. How about I will let you beat me at a game of chess.”

  “All right, but I can beat you on my own,” she smiled back. Johanna was taken in by his handsome smile. It could easily make any girl melt. She hesitated but said anyway, “Don’t smile like that for anyone else lest I fear you won’t return.”

  “You are the only one for me.” His smile widened and he leaned in and kissed her gently on the cheek.

  “Just go. I will see you soon. I will be waiting for you in my cabin.” She pushed him away before she was kissed again. He raised his eyebrows at her words. “You know what I mean.”

  He grinned, “Just stay in your cabin, no one will bother you. The captain has strict orders to keep my precious cargo safe,” said Malcolm.

  “Your precious cargo?” questioned Johanna.

  He smiled again and disappeared into the fog.

  “Well that was mysterious,” Johanna said to herself as she walked towards her cabin and locked the door behind her.

  The ship’s captain shouted orders to pull up the gang plank for the night. His crew eagerly answered his call. Johanna never dreamed she would be a guest on a merchant steamer. This was a new experience for her. She thought about how it had been a lot of new experiences recently for her. She felt the jerk of the ship pulling away from the dock and her heart skipped a beat. Johanna thought how odd that the boat would pull away from the dock over night. She stood to inquire when she knocked over her handbag and the rocks Marie had given her had spilled out onto the floor. She picked them up one by one and studied them. Their texture was similar to Marie's words.

  Johanna caressed them and whispered, "One smooth and one rough." she held them in her hands. It seemed one was smooth and the other two were rough. She then felt the small crack the one had in the middle of it. With her thumb she separated it. To her surprise inside were sparkling gems, "and one a treasure to behold. Okay. What does this mean?" she asked herself.

  # # #

  Johanna stepped out of her room into a glorious display of colors over the horizon. Her eyes fixed on the crimson sunset. She marveled at its beauty.

  “A beautiful sight, isn’t? It doesn’t matter how long I have been out here, I still am awed by God’s splendor.”

  Johanna surprised by the captain’s appearance, smiled. She noticed his uniform was impeccable and he wore it well. His tanned skin was apparently aged by the salted sea air and sun. She figured he looked older than his years.

  “It is lovely,” she a
greed.

  “I take it you are going in uncharted territory?” he asked.

  “You could say that,” Johanna smiled. “I feel like I am on a new adventure, anything is possible.” The cool sea air seemed to give her a new sense of freedom and courage.

  “I am glad to hear that. I am Captain Thomas O’Reilly. Everyone just calls me Reilly. You are Miss Lee?”

  “Yes,” Johanna answered. “Could you tell me why we pulled away from the dock? We aren’t leaving yet are we?”

  “Oh heavens no, it is for our safety. You never know when you could be boarded by pirates. It makes it harder for them to board the ship,” he said.

  “Pirates, I thought it was safe here in the harbor.” She questioned thinking about her ordeal earlier in the week.

  “It’s just a precaution. I have never been boarded by pirates and I hoped to never.” He tried to reassure her.

  “Oh. I see, Mal…Mr. Graystone should be back within the hour. At least that is what he said,” trying to make herself feel better.

  Captain Reilly put his hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry we won’t leave until your betrothed arrives.”

  Johanna slightly embarrassed again by the lie just smiled.

  “May I ask why you are here in New Orleans?” he asked.

  “It’s quite a long story. One I don’t really like to talk about,” she replied.

  “I see. Love is a crazy thing, don’t you think? You never can believe what you’re capable of until you’re faced with heartache,” said Reilly.

  “Pardon me?” Johanna extremely confused by his words.

  “You have a very famous uncle in the Union army. What will he do if Virginia decides to secede? Fight against his family? His friends?” he asked.

  “Why does everyone believe that a conflict will arise?” she asked and then continued, “I am not sure. I haven’t really thought of it.

  “Well, what would you do?” he asked.

  “I guess wherever my family goes I will go,” she answered shrugging her shoulders slightly.