Rescued (Flowers of the Bayou)

by Arlene Lam

  "Is that so, you didn't have him in the house did you?"

  "I didn't bring him in the house at all."

  Amelia caught herself before she laughed. "Odd, because there were these little footprints all over that lined the house and a few paw prints that look like they could belong to your friend."

  "It's not my fault." Georgia looked up at Amelia. "On our way home he got all muddy and so did I, and I was going to wash him but the only way to the back is through the front."

  "I see." Reaching out to the girl Amelia wiped a smudge of mud from the child’s cheek. “You need to apologize to Vivian she was beside herself.” Amelia instructed.

  “You’re not mad at me though are you?" She was more concerned over Amelia’s disappointment than Vivian’s.

  "Oh I am mad, but I can't stay mad at you for too long so go on get inside and tell Vivian you’re sorry. Then I want you to change. I’ll clean up this mutt of yours since I assume you plan on trying to keep him. That being said you need to ask your brother what he thinks."

  "His name is Jasmine."

  "Why Jasmine? That's not very fitting for a boy."

  "Well I figure that Georgia's not much of a girl's name either so together we’ll make the perfect pair."

  "Georgia is a perfectly fitting name for a girl. Do you know any men named Georgia?"

  "It's a name of a state and is a fitting name for nothing else."

  "You go on now." Amelia dismissed the young girl as she marveled at her wit. Walking over to the brown mess Amelia started with the task of cleaning the new addition and clearing her mind. Otherwise it was going to get real hard working in the Bradford house.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  It was hot and apparently it planned to stay that way for awhile. Jordan’s room was stagnant and moist. Opening the window, Jordan closed it back feeling the equally warm air filtering in. Pouring himself a glass of water he sunk back into the large bed careful not to disrupt the sleeping form next to him and grateful that at least someone could get some sleep tonight.

  “Aren’t you tired?”

  Looking down at the redhead, Jordan pulled her to him. Apparently she was a victim of the heat as well, contrary to his prior beliefs. “No, not yet at least.”

  “You look tired.”

  “Between Georgia, business and you I think it might be possible, seeing how you and Georgia especially, are all things that can make an old man tired.”

  “Old? Thirty two in my book is ages from old.” Laughing she kissed him on the forehead settling against the satin pillows. “How is Georgia? I’ve only seen that girl once when you were away and I swear she hated me on sight.”

  Jordan moved over to the bed. “She’s smart and rambunctious, she’s really taken to Vivian, and the maid.”

  “Vivian hates me as well. Get rid of her I might visit you more often. I’ve meet your maid a few times, I don’t mind her at all, so her you can keep.”

  Jordan only nodded. He really didn’t want to talk about his sister with Melanie; he just prayed she would catch on to the fact.

  “She’s a sweetheart your maid. We’ve met a few times before and she’s always treated me like a real southern belle instead of a street tramp like everybody else.”

  Chuckling Jordan kissed her deeply. “Aren’t you forgetting someone else? You’ve always been a lady in my eyes.”

  “You may not treat me as a tramp… but you sure as hell don’t treat me like a lady.” Vivian giggled. “But honey I don’t want you to.”

  Furrowing his brows Jordan feigned hurt and ignored her last statement. “You’re smart, you could do anything you wanted if you’d just leave New Orleans.” He told her.

  “Whatever would I do if I left? New Orleans it’s my home. Besides without you I’d never be content.” She purred.

  At this Jordon gave a real frown. “You’d manage as would I.” He despised when Melanie linked him with her future because he could never give her what she wanted.

  Sensing her folly Melanie buried the lump of pain in her chest and gave a laugh. “I was joking; no need to tuck tail and try to send me away, besides it too early to smuggle me out.” Wrapping her arms around him Melanie released a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding when Jordan relaxed into her. “You know I could never belong to just one man.” She fibbed.

  “That’s why I adore you, because we understand one another, because you know I could never belong to just one woman.”

  Melanie smiled despite her irritation, if Jordan was anything it was honest, he was telling the truth.

  Downstairs Amelia cursed the weather along with the rest of the house as she tossed and turned in the small bed. It was in the middle of January but yet and still she could have sworn they had entered summer months. Throwing back the worn sheet and pillow she was determined to get to sleep.

  Closing her eyes Amelia found that far too easily her mind found its way to her employer Jordan. She’d been nervous and jittery ever since he’d come home. She couldn’t count how many glasses and vases she’d broken when he was around. He no doubt thought she was worthless as a maid and cook and would let her go soon enough if she didn’t manage to pull herself together.

  The problem of course was that she just couldn’t function when he was anywhere near. It was as if her whole body shut down and the only thing that was still going was her heart, and even it could do nothing more than pound wildly in her chest.

  Cursing herself she rolled over once again. She would just have to stay away from the man as much as possible. She needed to focus on her own man. Things had been rocky between Morgan and herself. Most of the troubles they had were her fault. Sometimes she just wanted to scream at the man. Others she just refused to let him touch her, not even hold her hand. Of course that only led to yelling on his part and bruises for herself.

  That would have to change, she needed to commit to the idea of being a wife because she was going to marry Morgan and become Mrs. Morgan Hanson sooner rather than later, even if she’d give her left arm if it were later. Frustrated with the heat and her life Amelia pounded her pillow. “Damn it’s burning up.” She swore.

  Rising from her bed and draping an old quilt about her shoulders Amelia crept quietly into the long hall. Only halfway down, the sound of footsteps met her ears. Conflicted between pressing on and turning about to seek better attire for her endeavor the latter won as Amelia turned around not willing to take the risk—what if it was Mr. Bradford, she didn’t want him to see her like this, not when she was wandering his house in her nightdress and a blanket.

  He’d surely let her go. What would he think of her? Upon hearing humming and recognizing the voice Amelia was relieved to find it was no more than Vivian.

  “This balminess must be getting to you too?

  Vivian felt her hand fly over her chest on its own accord. “Goodness sweetheart what are you trying to do, scare me half to death?”

  “Sorry”

  “It’s alright.” Vivian took in a settling breath

  “I was a little scared to; I thought you were Mr. Bradford.”

  “Mr. Bradford is otherwise engaged this evening.” Vivian felt her cheeks warm at her words.

  “At this hour, poor man should really try to rest.” Amelia thought aloud

  “Don’t be dense” Vivian scolded while at the same time smothering a laugh soon after at the realization the younger woman truly didn’t catch her meaning. “Amelia think about it.” She prompted and soon Amelia too was flushed.

  “Oh!” Amelia yelped.

  “I hope your face changes back to its regular color you’ll get quite a few stares if it stays that red.”

  Amelia felt a strange combination of distaste, curiosity, and jealousy all in one at the revelation. She wanted to be rid of them. “Are you going to head back to bed.”

  “I doubt it will be possible in this heat. Are you alright?” Vivian questioned running her hand through her pale tresses.

  “Yes, it’s just I’m not slee
py in the least.” Amelia confessed.

  “Let’s stay up for a spell then. Come on with me.” Vivian stated taking Amelia’s hand in hers and leading her to the large veranda outside. “We’ll be cooler out here than in that oven of a house.” She joked.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Where was her green dress? Turning around in circles Amelia was sure she’d laid it at the foot of her cot, but of course it wasn’t there. Vivian took it a week ago. It had needed to be taken in but had returned it to her just this morning.

  Sitting on the edge of her bed she spotted a white box peeking out from under the bed and hurried over to retrieve it. Pulling the top off she revealed a pale blue dress that had almost been forgotten. She had saved for nearly half of the year to buy it and the dress was the only readymade item she owned.

  It was pretty with small purple flowers embroidered along the bodice. Opening the back she carefully stepped in pulling it over the slew of ruffles that were part of the crinoline Margaret had passed down to her.

  Looking in the mirror she let a small frown cross her features. It was tight but not overly and if she was truthful with herself she’d admit the snug fit was more flattering than anything and she liked the way the layers of the soft silk cascaded down in the back like a waterfall.

  Another weekend was upon her and if she was going to spend it with Morgan she needed to feel good about herself. She might even have a good time since Georgia was coming along. Vivian was visiting her sister Elena in Houma so Mr. Bradford had asked that Amelia look after Georgia. He needn’t have asked. She would have seen after her anyway.

  Grabbing the brush Amelia pulled it through her hair until it was smooth enough to pull back with her blue ribbon and then dashed to the foyer where she had instructed Georgia to wait. “Are you ready?”

  “I’ve been ready for forever.” Jumping off the cushions of the couch Georgia took Amelia’s hand. “Is your aunt like you?”

  “She’s… different.” Looking down at the small child she couldn’t help but wonder if it was a good idea bringing her along but then what choice did she have?

  Their trip down to the other side of the city had been a long one. Georgia seemed to be full of questions, some of them to which she knew the answers and others she hadn’t the faintest idea. Gazing out at the rolling grass valley from the carriage Jordan insisted she use, Amelia found herself nodding mindlessly to words she didn’t even hear.

  “How much longer Amelia?” Scooting next to her Georgia peered out the window too. “What are you looking at?”

  “Not a thing.” Turning her attention back to where it belonged Amelia patted Georgia’s hand. “What are you looking at?”

  “You.” Giggling, Georgia sat back into her seat. “If we have time can we go visit Margaret?”

  “I’m not sure Georgia, perhaps.”

  Feeling the sudden stop Amelia opened the door and stepped down and out of the carriage, helping Georgia out.

  “But we will almost pass it going back. So can we?”

  “What… oh… I said I will think about it Georgia.”

  Lorraine waved from afar to her niece. She didn’t say that she was bringing the child. She hoped at least she was getting paid for watching the girl when off work. Knowing Amelia like she did Lorraine was sure she wasn’t. Watching as the two came closer into view she let out a sigh of disappointment, who did she think was fooling in that made up frock. She looked like a trollop.

  Amelia gave her best smile as she approached noticing the bitter glare directed her way and of course Morgan’s devouring one, but she tried her best to ignore them and stuck the images in the back of her mind for the moment. “Lorraine, Morgan this is Georgia Bradford, Georgia my aunt and friend Morgan.”

  “Nice to make your acquaintance.” Georgia had no intention of sitting around with the adults and she’d noticed the welcoming riverbank from her viewpoint in the carriage and she planned to play. “Amelia can I go down to play.” She asked pointing towards the water. “I won’t get wet or tear my stockings I swear it.” She pleaded.

  “Georgia I can’t really see you down there. I’d like for you to stay here with me.” Amelia knew her pleading look was lost on Georgia.

  “Rubbish, let that child play Amelia.”

  Georgia smiled down at the older woman but still looked up at Amelia for final approval. “Alright but be careful.”

  “I promise I will.” Hugging Amelia about the waist Georgia soon was running down the embankment.

  Lorraine watched as the girl took off and then turned her attention back to her niece. “You look like a tramp. Where did you get that dress, Nina?”

  Amelia knew her face was aflame with anger and embarrassment. Sitting down next to Lorraine she struck back the only way she knew how and removed an envelope from the small purse she carried. “Here Lorraine I know your funds are as stretched as mine but I thought this might help.” Amelia gave her best smile.

  Both Lorraine and she knew that every week when she received her earnings, she would turn more than half over to Lorraine. The elder woman had no means of real income and depended on her niece to survive but that was a secret she’d rather die than have anyone know. The embarrassment she must feel was as apparent as Amelia’s own.

  “All this pretty hair and you barely give it a thought.” Running her fingers through Amelia’s hair Lorraine was through quickly. “We were just wonderin’ what you’d think about coming home for good? No more nights working that way you’d be closer to both of us.”

  “I’m as close as I can possibly be; we live in the same city.” Confusion crossed over her face as she looked from Morgan to Lorraine.

  “Dat’s true but I ain’t hardly ever get da chance ta see ya.” Rising up from his position Morgan sat down closer to Amelia. “It’d be nice ta see ya more often?”

  “No.” Amelia began. “I mean yes and no—Georgia needs me and I don’t know how Mr. Bradford would take to me just leaving.”

  “You ain’t got much choice though do ya.”

  “I do have a choice.” Amelia countered. “I like the way things are now I can’t see any reason to change them.”

  “Look girl you ain’t no spring chicken. Now Morgan and I done told you that you’re to come home every night and that’s what you gon do!” Lorraine lashed out.

  “I’m da only one who eva’ wanted you an I’m doin Lorraine a favor.” Once more rising up with the help of the cane, Morgan waited for her to follow and seeing that she wasn’t, reached down to yank her up. “Come on.”

  It wasn’t like there was a chance for saying no, with Lorraine’s persistent stare and Morgan pulling her behind him. All she could get out was “Please keep an eye out for Georgia.”

  “You gonna quit the job at the Bradford’s as soon as possible.” Morgan informed her as soon as they were out of hearing distance.

  “I won’t.” She hadn’t meant for her voice to be so low and small when she spoke but she couldn’t get it much louder than that. “It’s my only means of support.”

  “You givin me sass? It ova’ dat’s tha end of it. Know how many colored women kill ta be you. Don’ got ta’ slave over some white man’s household you is dumb as dey come.” Morgan slumped down on the bench and pulled her down with him sure that the whole ordeal was done with.

  “I will not quit… I am a grown woman.”

  “You what?” Tightening his grip on her arm he knew that he was probably hurting her but he didn’t care. “Don’ talk back ta me Amelia. You gonna be my wife soon nough and dat ain’t gonna happen!”

  Glancing at the fingers that were now biting down into her skin Amelia looked up at the man and tried to shake it free but was only presented with more pain for her effort. “I won’t do it.”

  His answer was a hard hand to the back of her skull which both jolted her forward and rendered her speechless.

  “You best mind dat tongue of yours.” Morgan set off in the other direction. “Get yo self-home. I’s sick of ya.”


  Amelia’s hands were balled in tight fists as anger, mortification and hurt ran a fast course through her. Making it hard not to cry and not to run after the old man and slap his wrinkled face. In the end she would do neither and instead sought out Georgia whom she prayed didn’t make a fuss about the all too short visit. Thankfully Georgia was wise beyond her years and without saying a word she took Amelia’s hand.

  She held her head high as she marched by both Morgan and Lorraine and refused to give either a second glance. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction. With graceful movements she helped Georgia into the carriage, then herself. It was only once she’d given the command to drive on and felt the carriage lumber forward that the fiery sting of tears became too much to bare.

  She had no clear recollection of when she had arrived at the Bradford house she was far too caught up in her own head for that. Nor was she completely aware of stripping off her shoes and burying herself under the thin covers.

  When Vivian had come and sought her out Amelia tried to act as if nothing was wrong but she soon found out that Georgia, as keen as she was, had told Vivian that she was sure something was wrong with her friend and that she’d cried on the way home.

  Amelia didn’t want to be bothered. She had turned Vivian away the first time she came to see about her. Vivian however came back of course.

  “Are you ready to tell me what the matter is now Amelia?” Vivian softly forced Amelia’s face to hers. Still the younger woman shook her head no emphatically “Alright, well at least I can help you get ready for bed.” Waiting for approval, Vivian helped her friend up and helped her out of the heavy dress leaving her in her shift. Turning down the sheets she let Amelia crawl into bed. “I will be up for a while.” Vivian informed then rose from the foot of the bed.

  Nodding Amelia flipped over and waited for the soft click of the door closing. Amelia felt crushed. She didn’t want to leave her only safe haven, but more than that she didn’t want to leave what was her home. Any fond feelings she had been trying to hold on of Morgan were now long gone. She despised the man. She resented Lorraine.