* * * *
Jesse waited for Dulac in the foyer. He had gone upstairs to fetch a few things before taking his new automobile to the candy shop. He’d only owned the thing for a week, but he couldn’t get enough of riding in it.
The clearing of a throat drew Jesse’s attention to the top of the stairs. Her mouth dropped, and she laughed. Dulac was dressed in the best of automobile fashion. He had a brown motorist’s coat with a matching cap. The outfit was complete with gloves and goggles which hung around his neck.
He hurried down the stairs and held his arm out. “Shall we?”
She took his proffered arm, and he escorted her to the automobile. He cranked the engine, and they were soon motoring down Race Street.
A short time later, Dulac pulled the automobile up to a curb on Decatur Street. He quickly jumped out and ran around to help Jesse. As he escorted her into the Evans Candy Factory, the aroma of hot candy attacked their noses.
“We’ll take a dozen pralines,” Dulac instructed the man behind the counter. “Please leave two out, and I believe my mother has a special order for me to pick up...Mrs. Christophé Dulac.”
“Yes, sir.”
They soon escaped with their goodies and took a seat on the bench outside. Dulac held the boxes protectively on his lap and watched Jesse as she took her time eating the praline.
“You make it look like Heaven,” he laughed. “Please, darling, save that face for the bedroom.”
She ignored his playful remark and instead sucked the ends of her fingers. “Mmm, I could eat the whole box.”
Dulac bit into his praline, and the brown sugar melted around his tongue. He closed his eyes and savored the sweet, but Jesse punched him lightly in the arm.
“Save that face for me,” she said and laughed huskily.
He leaned over and gave her a sugary kiss. It lasted longer than it should have, but he didn’t care if all of New Orleans was watching. He loved this woman with every fiber of his being, and he wasn’t afraid to show it.
Minutes later, he released her from his sugary prison and leaned back against the bench. He draped his left arm around her and tried to focus on something besides his beautiful sweetheart. He had to calm a certain part of his anatomy before standing up.
A few minutes later, he glanced at his wristwatch before standing. “We need to go if we’re to make it home for dinner on time.”
Helping her back into the automobile, he handed her the boxes before rushing to crank the engine. Dulac slipped behind the wheel. He looked anxiously at the boxes on her lap and was relieved that they were still closed. Jesse stared absentmindedly out the window, unaware that she held a surprise on her lap.
Dulac pushed the auto to its limits, and in no time, they were home. He let Scotty put the auto up, and he led Jesse inside. They heard his family before they stepped into the dining room. All of his sisters and their husbands were present. Their children were not as the nannies were feeding them in the kitchen.
Dulac held Jesse’s chair out, and once she was seated, he cleared his throat. Everyone stopped talking and gave him their undivided attention.
“Thank you all for coming tonight on such short notice. I have something to ask before we begin dinner.”
He set the box that was supposedly for his mother in front of Jesse. With furrowed brows, she asked, “I thought—”
“Just open it.”
Jesse did as she was asked and pulled out another box made entirely of chocolate. A rose in a heart was etched into the lid. “Oh, how beautiful.”
“You’re not finished,” he said. “Take off the lid.”
She did, and her hands started shaking. A half carat diamond sparkled from inside the chocolate box, and Jesse gingerly took the ring out. The diamond was set in a filigree gold band. Dulac dropped to one knee beside her.
“Jessamine Jameson, will you marry me?”
Unable to keep her smile hidden, she looked down at him and nodded. “I will. Oh, I certainly will.”
Chapter 25
October 11, 1900, Morning
Several blissful weeks had passed, and Jesse was happier than she’d ever been. Dulac’s family had welcomed her with open arms, and while his parents had not been too happy to hear she was pregnant, they didn’t make her feel unwanted in any way. The wedding was going to be a bit rushed, but his parents had insisted they still have a small engagement party. The thought made her nervous.
The only mar in Jesse’s joy was the constant wondering about her father. While everything else in her life slipped into place, there was still an empty feeling that she should be doing something about finding her father. It often made her sad.
She shook the melancholy away for the hundredth time as Dulac led her through the crowd. Moments later, they were standing on the corner of Cafe du Monde. She stopped as an unexpected feeling overcame her. She clung to Dulac’s hand as the childhood memory of being lost claimed her. She swallowed the bitter taste of fear.
“Jess, what’s wrong? You’re as pale as a ghost.”
“It...it was here.” Her mouth suddenly went dry.
“What was here?”
She licked her lips. “This is where I lost father.”
He opened his mouth twice before finally deciding what he wanted to say. He smiled ruefully. “Y’know, I could use some coffee.”
Dulac held open the door, and she led him to the table she had sat at so long ago with her father. In a state of unreality, they stared at each other. She laid her hands flat on the table and let the coolness of it calm her nerves. The fear subsided only to be replaced with a longing for her father.
“I’ll get us some coffee.”
Dulac left her to stare out the window, but she didn’t see the people walking by. She saw her father as she remembered him and wondered how he looked now. Was he bald like her grandfather had been or was he completely white-haired like her grandmother? She couldn’t remember his face clearly but just knew she’d recognize him if she saw him. Jesse wondered if he’d know her, and her heart throbbed with sadness at the loss of time.
“I got us some beignets to go with our coffee. They looked too good to pass up.” Dulac set the goodies on the table and sat across from her.
Jesse curled her fingers around the hot mug and breathed in the fresh aroma. After taking a sip, she unabashedly woofed down three beignets. She started to lick her fingers clean but caught herself from what was certainly unladylike behavior.
Dulac grabbed her sugar-powdered hand as she reached for a napkin, and he lovingly licked her fingers clean. Desire flamed to life inside her, chasing away the bit of shock at his behavior. When he let go, she shakily pulled her hand back.
“Well,” she said breathlessly. “Thanks.”
He smiled seductively. “No, I believe I should say thanks.”
“Excuse me. I was wondering if you would mind changing tables with me and my wife.”
Jesse’s anger sparked, but her words died in her throat as she looked up into the man’s face. He was neither bald nor white-haired but blond as the day she had last seen him. “Father?”
The word slipped out before she could stop herself. She quickly hoped he hadn’t heard but could tell from his strange expression he had. He moved his spectacles down and peered at her over them. His stunned expression turned to hope, and he whispered her name in return. “Jessamine?”
She nodded, and he turned to the woman standing beside him. “I told you that coming here every day was not a waste of time.”
Jesse’s mouth dropped. “You didn’t...”
“Yes, I did. I’ve come here every day since the day I lost you...hoping you would remember.”
Tears sprang to her eyes, and she jumped up and threw her arms around him. The longing could now rest in peace.
“I am never, ever gonna let you go again, father,” she sobbed. “I should have stayed here. I should’ve known you’d come back here. I was so stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid.”
He rubb
ed her back in soothing circles, and she recalled how he had done that in the past to calm her. It worked, and she soon sat down. Dulac pulled up two more chairs for her father and his companion.
“Where did you go?” Her father’s voice sounded strained.
She wiped her tear-stained cheeks with the back of her hand. “Back to the ship.”
He shook his head and slapped the table. “I started to. I knew I should’ve followed my instincts.”
He frowned. “Your mother would have. She was a very instinctual creature and was usually very right, and yes, you do look very much like her. My God, you must be eighteen. I missed your entire childhood.” His voice cracked. “I missed you.”
She patted her father’s hand. Now it was her turn to be the comforter. Then she really took notice of the pretty woman beside him.
Her father jumped guiltily. “My dear, I’m sorry for my rudeness. Jessamine, this is my wife, Priscilla.”
“You re married,” she whispered. “I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised.”
His eyes immediately showed the hurt her words inflicted. “I still love your mother, Jessamine.”
She held up her hand. “It’s all right. I understand.”
Dulac held his hand out to her father. “Hello, sir. Cristienne Dulac at your service.”
“A pleasure,” her father stated as he shook hands. “And you are?”
Dulac glanced at Jesse. “Well, sir, with your permission, I’m her fiancé. Had we known where you were, I would have asked you for her hand first.”
A wealth of emotion played on the older man’s face. It was a moment before he could speak. “Although I don’t know you, son, that statement in itself speaks volumes, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Yes, you have my permission, such as it is.”
Jesse’s eyes clouded over with what she once called womanly-tears. “And you have to come to the small engagement party his parents are giving us.”
Mr. Jameson patted her hand. “Don’t worry, dear. We will be there.”
“Jesse,” Dulac said. “I hate to say it, but we need to go.”
She nodded and stood. She held out her hand to her father, but he pulled her into a hug. His deep voice boomed against her ear. “Let’s exchange addresses, and I shall call on you within the week.”
* * * *
October 20, 1900
Saturday
Jesse soon found out that she had grossly underestimated her soon-to-be mother-in-law. The small engagement party had turned into a large affair. She stood in the kitchen, hiding from the kind curiosity. The door continuously swung back and forth as the servants brought in empty trays and left with full ones. Jesse suddenly felt as if she were in the way and escaped out the back door.
The moon was high, and the night was sultry. She slipped into the maze of flowers, enjoying their perfume. She found a bench in a remote corner and laid back on it. The stars winked at her in welcome, and she relaxed for the first time that evening.
“You are still quite the beauty, even more so in a gown.”
Her view was suddenly blocked as the man loomed over her. She squinted, unable to see his features, but his voice sent fear racing down her spine. She opened her mouth to scream, but LeBlanc clamped his hand over her lips.
“Uh-uh-uh,” he chimed. “I was invited to this soiree. I believe the invitation said LeBlanc family. So don’t get hysterical. I have a right to be here.”
He kissed the tip of her nose, and she grimaced at the lace of liquor on his breath. She struggled to control her fear of him as she wondered how he had escaped the island so quickly.
“I’m going to let you up, but do not scream,” he warned.
He released his hold on her and took one step back. She jumped to her feet, intent on running, but he caught her arm and forced her to sit beside him on the bench.
“None of that, either, love.”
“I’m not your love,” she spat, trying to pry his fingers off her arm. His grip tightened.
“So,” he drawled. “Engagement party, eh?”
“Yes,” she snarled.
“Well, then, let me escort you inside. I’m sure Dulac will be so pleased to see me.”
LeBlanc’s fingers dug into the flesh of her arm, and he pulled her roughly across the backyard. The moment they heard voices, however, he tucked her arm under his as if they were the best of friends. Fortunately, she was spared small talk as he escorted her through the throng of guests. She fought the urge to fight him, as she did not want to make a scene and upset her future mother-in-law.
When they entered the ballroom, LeBlanc paused. Jesse looked frantically for Dulac, and her heart fluttered when she spotted him across the room. His head turned, and he saw them instantly. The corners of his mouth twisted down. He came charging at them like a bull, but the crowd blocked his path.
LeBlanc swung her around and pulled her close. The music was fast, but he made their dance slow, only moving enough to keep out of Dulac’s reach.
“I think your dear fiancé has discovered us,” he whispered in her ear. He pulled her closer, and she thought she’d faint from lack of air.
“Let me go,” she growled.
“In a moment.”
He swung her around several times, making her dizzy and confused. Then he suddenly stopped and dipped her until her head almost touched the floor. His face was inches from her chest, and she could feel his hot breath on her bosom. Before she could struggle, he slowly up-righted her to a standing position. His lips locked onto hers, and as his tongue violated her mouth, visions of eels popped into her mind. He let her go so suddenly that she lost her balance and fell back. Thankfully, strong arms stopped her fall. Her face flushed, and she looked up into Dulac’s eyes.
“Thank God,” she whispered.
She quickly composed herself and turned to slap LeBlanc, but he had moved out of range. He smiled wickedly. “My congratulations on your impending nuptials.”
She took a step toward him, but Dulac held her back. “Let me give him my thanks, Dulac.”
Dulac actually gave a low laugh. “Not tonight, love.”
He laced his fingers through hers and pulled her tightly to his side. His touch comforted her, and yet she couldn’t shake the overwhelming desire to hit LeBlanc.
Dulac’s father appeared at her elbow. “Is there a problem, Cristienne?”
“No, sir.”
LeBlanc stuck out his hand. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Rod LeBlanc. I am Captain LeBlanc’s son and Della’s brother. I’m also Dulac’s best friend.”
Simultaneously, Dulac and Jesse looked sharply at LeBlanc.
“Well, I suppose you’ll be his best man, then,” Mr. Dulac stated.
LeBlanc’s eyes lit up with deviltry. “Why, wouldn’t that be grand. What say you, Dulac? Might I be your bestest man?”
Dulac squeezed her hand to cut off any remarks. “So long as you promise to lay off the spirits until the reception.”
Dulac tilted his head conspiratorially towards his father. “My friend has a bit of a problem holding his drink.”
He let go of Jesse’s hand, threw his arm companionably around LeBlanc’s shoulders, and smiled. “Ah, but that’s why we love you so. Right, Jess?”
She tried not to look at him as if he’d just lost his mind. Instead, she attempted to join his little game. “Yes.”
LeBlanc crossed his arms and smiled cunningly. “Say, do you remember how Dulac thought you were a boy when you first met?”
“Hmpf,” Mr. Dulac snorted. “I find that hard to believe.”
Jesse glared at LeBlanc as she wondered what else his big mouth would tell. No one but Dulac knew she had been a pirate. She wouldn’t allow LeBlanc to ruin her new life. It meant too much to her.
Dulac laughed. “He’s right, but I quickly realized how wrong I was.”
She tugged on his arm. “I’m thirsty. Can we go get a drink?”
They made their excuses and escaped to the other side of the room. She
chewed on her lower lip, worrying as to the reason LeBlanc had shown up.
“Damn it. LeBlanc and Isabella are dancing together.”
Dulac slammed his punch glass on the table. Liquid splashed all over the white cloth, and Jesse felt a small pang of remorse. His fury, however, pushed aside worrisome thoughts of her future mother-in-law. She watched his face as he stared at the dancing couple.
“You’re jealous?” she whispered.
“What?” He glanced at her in annoyance. “No, Jess. Those two together are like a keg of gun powder waiting to explode.”
She looked at LeBlanc and Isabella with a new understanding. “What are you going to do about it?”
He grunted. “There’s nothing that can be done.”
Jesse smirked and leaned closer to him. Her lips brushed the velvetiness of his ear. She fought the urge to kiss it, and instead she whispered, “You could have her abducted and sold to a certain sheik.”
She stepped away from him and gave a saucy grin. “But I know, that wouldn’t be right. However, it would solve the problem.”
Jesse couldn’t read the emotions on his face, but as his smile had faded to a dark frown, she quickly realized he wasn’t in favor of her idea. She took another step back, but he descended on her like a lion on a lamb. His arm slipped around her waist, and he led her out of the ballroom and into the library. He closed the door, and after ensuring they were alone, he proceeded to admonish her.
“Your piracy days are over, Jess. So you had best stop entertaining wild ideas in that pretty head of yours.”
Her anger flared. “Making me your wife won’t erase my past, Dulac. I think you better get that wild idea out of your head, and furthermore, the man who raised me was more than just a pirate. He was the only father I had at the time, and he did the best he could to teach me how to be a lady.”
His mouth twisted cruelly. “Did it occur to you that maybe he was grooming you to sell you, like LeBlanc did?”
She punched him then, and while it hurt her hand, it gave her immense satisfaction. “Groom that, you bastard.”
He rubbed his jaw. “Truth hurts, doesn’t it?”
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