Wronged (The Cuvier Widows Book 1)

by Sylvia McDaniel

  “You’re in charge of the business until Marian returns. I’m going home to Belle Fournet. I’m going home to decide my future.”

  ***

  Louis stood outside, leaning against an oak tree older than the states. He had been home for nearly a week and his father acted like he was home to stay. But Louis was still undecided as to what he wanted to do.

  And he missed Marian fiercely.

  He’d thought about her every day, he’d dreamed of her at night and through it all he had come face-to- face with the fact that he had behaved in a despicable manner. No wonder she hated him and probably never wanted to have anything to do with him again. He wanted her back but didn’t feel like he could even ask for her forgiveness. He wasn’t worthy of exoneration after the way he’d lied to her.

  The evening shadows waned, the sun casting its last rays across the tall green stalks of cane. He liked coming outside at this time of day and enjoying the sunset, and the cool breezes off the river. He liked getting away from the family for just a little while to let his mind wander in different directions, seeking the solution that would be his future.

  “Bet you don’t get sunsets like this in New Orleans,” his father said coming up behind him.

  Louis continued to lean against the oak tree, refusing to give up the last rays of daylight.

  “No, we don’t, Papa. That’s one thing the city doesn’t offer.”

  His father took a drag on his cigar and exhaled into the fresh air. “Your mother won’t let me smoke these things in the house, so I have to come outside if I want to enjoy my cigar.”

  “I think I can understand why,” Louis said, thinking the odor was not particularly pleasant

  “So what are you doing home?” his father asked. “If you don’t want to be here, why are you?”

  “Because I have no place else in the world to be right now,” Louis said, his tone angry.

  “Are you moving home to work on the plantation?” his father asked.

  Louis shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m here for an undetermined time. Until I decide what I’m going to do with the rest of my life.”

  His father drew on the cigar and blew the smoke out in the fresh air. “There’s an easy solution to that question. Stay here and work at Belle Fournet We need you,” his father said eagerly.

  Louis turned to face his father, the frustration of his adult years spilling out “Why? Why can’t you understand that I don’t want to work on the plantation?”

  His father raised his voice to match his son’s. “Because this is your home. This is your family and your place is here. There’s plenty for everyone to keep busy.”

  Louis didn’t know why he kept trying to make his father understand. Grown men did not appreciate being treated as if they knew nothing about what they were doing and were still the little boy they ran out of the barns.

  “Edmond was the one that you wanted to run the business. He’s the oldest and I moved on to find my own place in the world.”

  “Then why aren’t you happy? You seem miserable since you’ve been home this time. Your mother is worried about you,” his father said quietly in the darkness.

  Louis shrugged and watched a shooting star fall from the sky. He remembered how when he was a boy he always made a wish when he saw a star fall. Now he wondered if any of them had ever come true. With a skeptic’s mind, he made a quick wish.

  “I’ve done something really foolish. The reason I came home was to reacquaint myself with the man I used to be,” Louis said, not looking at his father.

  “Sometimes a man makes a mistake and has to live with the consequences of his actions. Even when he doesn’t like them,” his father said and drew on his cigar.

  “I tried to sell Cuvier Shipping without Marian’s knowledge,” he blurted out feeling like he was twelve instead of over thirty. He paused to let his father absorb the information. “I wanted so desperately to build a mill and work with you and Edmond milling the sugar crops that I lied.”

  His father didn’t say anything.

  “I made decisions that were selfish and didn’t concern myself with how they affected others. If I hadn’t been so intent on owning my own mill business and more interested in leading the company I co-own, then the woman I love would have become my wife, instead of walking away from me and the business we own,” he said staring off into the darkness at the red-glow from the tip of his father’s cigar. “I can only blame myself and my selfish need to be in control.”

  A cricket sang his song of loneliness in the night air, as Louis seemed to sag even further against the tree.

  His father looked at him and took a puff of his cigar. “Are we ever really in control of our destiny? Even at my age, I can plan for tomorrow, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.” He paused. “The Mississippi may flood. Too much rain could ruin the crops or the price of sugar could plummet tomorrow, but your mother’s love and companionship is what keeps me steady on my course. Pleasing her because of her steadfast love of me is what’s built this plantation.”

  His father dropped the stub of his cigar to the ground and rubbed it out with the toe of his boot. “When I was a young man, I gave up my dream of going West not long after we met, because I couldn’t leave your mother. I haven’t regretted that sacrifice for one moment. Together we can face whatever life offers us and I dread the day that one of us leaves this world before the other one.”

  The sentimental words from his father shocked Louis and made him see his father in a new light. The old man could be gruff at times, but he loved his wife deeply and Louis felt a new sense of respect.

  His father spoke again in the darkness. “It’s been my dream that both of my children find a love as strong as ours. That your families be built on unbreakable bonds. That’s why I continuously ask about the women you’re seeing. I keep hoping you’ve found that special someone to grow old with.”

  “You know Papa, for so many years now I’ve dreamed of owning properties and businesses not understanding that I hadn’t realized what really mattered in life. I’m ashamed of my actions and I’m embarrassed at the man I’ve become.”

  “You’re my son. I’ve always been proud of you. I trust you’ll do better,” his father acknowledged. “So what are you going to do?”

  “I’m going to become the type of man that deserves Marian. I’m going to put her needs before my own.” With startling clarity Louis saw the pathway to his own future and he knew what he had to do. Suddenly he understood what must be done for Marian, for his own sense of pride. There was no guarantee she would give him yet another chance, but for his own self worth he had to show her he was sincere.

  The two men stood there in the darkness, Louis clapped his father on the back and hugged him. “Thanks, Papa, you’ve given me something to think about.”

  Louis released his father and walked back to his room. Night had fallen and in the inky blackness he could barely discern the pathway, just like he could hardly see the road his future lay on. But the insight he’d received while watching the sunset was enough to give him a start. And while the moonlight might not light his way, he knew that the dawn would bring a new day and a new man. A man that would find his own way. A man determined to give up his selfish ways and be the man Marian deserved.

  When he got back to his room, he sat down and wrote a letter to Drew, his attorney, giving him the necessary instructions. Then he wrote to Marian pouring out his heart and soul, praying that his words would show her just how sorry he was for his actions, knowing he had little chance of forgiveness.

  ***

  Marian scurried around the room helping the servants pack the children’s trunks when Edward came upstairs to tell her she had a guest. It had been over a week since she’d walked out of Cuvier Shipping needing to put some distance between her and Louis. Since that time, Henry had come to visit and let her know that Louis had also left town. He’d gone home to the plantation, leaving Henry in charge of the shipping company.

  M
arian trusted the man and knew he would make sure things were done right. In the meantime, she still intended to go home to Virginia, to rest near the pine trees, be comforted by her family, and let her spirit heal. “Who is the visitor, Edward?”

  “A Mr. Drew Soulier.”

  What was her lawyer doing here?

  Maybe it had something to do with the trial or maybe something with the will. She hurried downstairs to meet him.

  “Hello, Drew,” she said coming into the parlor where Edward had left the man. Tall and distinguished looking, his dark hair matched the suit he wore, his green eyes were ever observant.

  He kissed her cheek. “How have you been? You’re looking beautiful.”

  “Thank you. I’m all right. I’m about to take the children home to Virginia for a few weeks and then I’ll return and decide what to do about Cuvier Shipping.” They sat down on the settee in the parlor and he cleared his throat nervously, his brow furrowed.

  “Before you go rushing off, I have some papers for you to look over.” He took a deep breath and gazed at her steadily. “Has Louis been acting odd lately? Or has anything happened between the two of you?”

  Marian glanced away, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. There was no reason for her to reveal everything to Drew. “Our friendship has always been rocky and lately it’s been more strained than usual.”

  Drew frowned. “I must say his latest instructions shocked me.” He shrugged, his large shoulders rising beneath his black coat “He sent me a letter from Belle Fournet with instructions for me to draw up the papers giving you his part of Cuvier Shipping.”

  Marian gasped, her gaze locked on Drew. Had she heard him correctly? “He’s giving me his share of the business? Did he say why?”

  “No, but he did enclose a letter to you,” he said pausing as he gazed at her speculatively. “My instructions were to make sure that you knew it was a gift and that there would be no money exchanged. He said that Cuvier Shipping should belong to you.”

  “I don’t understand.” Marian massaged her forehead with her fingertips, trying to ease the ache that suddenly appeared. Why would he just give her the business? “Why is he doing this?”

  Drew shook his head. “I don’t know, he didn’t explain his actions to me. Why don’t you read his letter and see if there is anything there that tells you?”

  He handed the envelope to Marian and she stared at it, afraid to open the missive from the man she still loved desperately. His handwriting scrawled across the front and she resisted the urge to hold the paper close to her heart. No matter what he’d done, her heart ached at the thought of him, and she missed him more than she thought possible.

  She broke the seal and slowly pulled out the letter, the crisp white paper crinkling in her hand, the noise seeming loud in the silence. Unfolding it slowly, she began to read.

  Dearest Marian,

  What can I say that will make you ever truly believe anything I say ever again ? I am not worthy of your love and forgiveness, and I realize the extent of the hurt and pain my actions have caused you. I would tell you I’m sorry, but I don’t know if you would believe me. I would beg for your forgiveness, but I don’t know if that’s possible.

  I can only tell you that until you came into my life, I led a very selfish existence, thinking of only myself and my dreams. But you’ve shown me just how empty my life is, and how my dreams mean nothing without you by my side.

  I know that words from me mean naught right now, so I want to show you how much I love you, how much your happiness means to me. I’m giving you my part of Cuvier Shipping. It is my gift to you and I hope it will fulfill your dream for you and your children. Along with the business, I give you my heart and my love, though they are only words to tell you of my affection.

  All my love, Louis

  Tears trickled down her face as Marian finished reading his letter. What should she do now?

  ***

  After Drew left, Marian returned to the parlor where she read the letter again. She wanted to believe him so much, but fear held her in its grasp more firmly than ever before. And if she made the wrong decision, she would have to live with the result for the rest of her life. That could be a long time and she’d already made one wrong choice regarding marriage and love. What if she made another?

  She sat there remembering the way he’d been good to her children, the way he’d made love to her that first time, soothing her fears. She remembered how he’d finally begun to teach her the shipping business, the impromptu baseball game with Philip, the picnic in her office, the trip to his family home, and all the little things that made her laugh. From the very first he’d been kind to her, while lying repeatedly regarding the business. The business seemed to be his Achilles’ heel and he’d just given it to her.

  If it were possible, she’d sell the business and they could start something new, but that wouldn’t be fair to Philip and she wanted so much to give the business to her son.

  Claire entered the parlor. “Edward said you had a visitor. Who was it?”

  “Drew Soulier, my attorney,” Marian said staring into space, the weight of everything seeming to pile upon her, immobilizing her.

  “Is everything all right?” Claire asked, concern filling her voice.

  “No,” Marian said, and handed her the letter from Louis.

  Claire sank to the settee beside Marian and read the missive.

  No matter how much Marian tried, she still found it hard to believe that he’d just given her the business.

  “Oh, Marian,” she said, her voice filled with sympathy. “What are you going to do?”

  “He gave me the business, Claire. He outright gave me the business, which means he’s sacrificing everything for me,” she said, her voice filled with all the emotion whirling inside her.

  “Is it legal? Can he just give you a business?”

  “Yes, Drew assured me that everything was in order. That Cuvier Shipping is all mine,” she said feeling so alone. “Louis’s dream of buying the other company is gone. What do I do?” she asked Claire. “Do I just accept his gift or do I go to Louis?”

  Claire sat silent for a few moments, her face contemplative. “I can’t answer that question, Marian. You’re the only one who can. But I will say that not many men would just give away a business they had invested so much in.”

  Marian nodded her head.

  “I know,” she said, her voice wavering. “He wants me back. I love him, but I’m so afraid.”

  “I think your fear is understandable. You’ve been hurt. You’re afraid to gamble on a man who has not always been honest with you. But what does your heart tell you?”

  “It wants to give him another chance. But I don’t think I could take it if he hurt me again.”

  “So are you ready to crawl away and become a dried up widow who never risks her heart?” Claire asked. “What happens in five to ten years from now when the children are all grown up and you’re alone? Will you regret not giving him one last possibility of love again?”

  “Oh, Claire, I don’t know.” She took a deep breath and sighed. “I’m tired of being hurt by the men in my life. I need to believe that he will love me for the rest of our lives. I need to believe he will be honest with me.”

  “Whatever you decide, don’t make the decision based on fear. Make your decision based on love.”

  Marian glanced at her sister suddenly. “Are we talking about me or you here?”

  Claire’s eyes filled with pain. “I don’t want you to make the same mistake I made. Go to him.”

  Marian sat there on the settee, her heart aching with sadness. She loved Louis more than she’d ever thought she could love again, but she was afraid. Yet he wouldn’t have sacrificed his dream of owning a sugar mill, if his love for her wasn’t serious. But could she get over her fear of being hurt and accept his love once again?

  The only way to find out the truth would be to go and speak with him. Drew said he was at Belle Fournet. She would go there
and talk with him and see what her heart said to her.

  “You’re right. I can’t go to Virginia until I’ve spoken with him. Tomorrow, I’m going out to his parents’ plantation. I need to see him and let my heart decide if I can trust him ever again. I need to see if I can give him one more chance to be honest with me,” Marian said, slowly rising from the settee.

  She was so afraid, but she knew her heart would never heal, unless she spoke with him and then she could decide whether to give love another opportunity.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The sun glinted off the water as the steamboat chugged up the mighty Mississippi River to the dock of the Belle Fournet plantation. No one expected her, but she could see a wagon heading up the road that led to the main house. She’d only brought her damaged heart and she didn’t know if this trip would heal the wounded organ or just deepen the injury.

  “I’ll be back in four hours to pick you up,” Captain Paul reminded her.

  “Thank you. I’ll be watching for you,” she replied, thinking that four hours was a long time to spend with a man when she wasn’t sure of the outcome. The time span could be not nearly long enough or it could seem like an eternity, but either way, she was here for the next four hours.

  As she stepped off the boat, the wagon pulled up to the dock and the same servant as before jumped down to greet her. “Hello, Mrs. Cuvier, I don’t think the big house is expecting you.”

  “No, Leon they’re not But I’m here to visit with Mr. Fournet,” she said, as he helped her into the wagon.

  The drive to the big house seemed to take forever, and Marian sat, twisting her gloved hands in her lap, sweat trickling down her back from the hot afternoon sun. Part of her wanted the slow horse to hurry, while another part needed more time.

  She couldn’t help but wonder what she was doing here. Second thoughts seemed to attack her like a plague, though she remained outwardly calm. Her insides twisted nervously and she kept trying to remember the carefully worded speech she had prepared, but somehow the words deserted her.