Her father nodded. “We will be there. Thank you.”
The moment turned awkward as everyone struggled for something to say. Nervously, Jesse gulped down her tea without coming up for air. Her cheeks flamed after she realized what she had done and was grateful that no one noticed. Or if they had, they kept their comments to themselves.
“So,” her father drawled. “Jessamine, I was told the ship was overtaken by pirates.”
Her saucer rattled on her knees. “Aye, sir.”
“And when the crew was rescued, you weren’t with them.”
His wife stood abruptly. “Andrew, I thought we agreed to not pursue this now.”
His face darkened. “If you don’t wish to hear this, then take the children and leave us, Priscilla, but I must ask these questions.”
She huffed angrily and ordered the children to go play. Shutting the parlor door, she re-took her seat and waved her hand. “Continue.”
Her father leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. He rubbed his hands together and appeared to be considering his next words. “The captain said you had died, but I could tell by the look on his face that you lived.”
She swallowed over the fish which had jumped into her throat. She gave him a weak smile. “Well, I didn’t die.”
“I see that, and I knew you hadn’t.” His face clouded over with pain and worry. “So what did the pirates do to you?”
For the next ten seconds, all she could hear was the pounding of her heart. He had posed the dreaded question. He would soon think less of her once he knew the truth. He would probably throw her and Dulac out of his house and order her never to set foot on his property again. She closed her eyes fearfully.
“I was their cabin boy.”
Priscilla gasped, but her father seemed relieved. Jesse took it as encouragement and continued. “They thought I was a boy.”
Priscilla gasped again and began fanning herself. Jesse shot her an annoyed look before searching her father’s face. He sat back in his chair and smiled. His fingers played with his goatee.
“You always were a tomboy,” he whispered. “So they took good care of you. They didn’t ravage you.”
“Aye, sir.”
She waited for the order to leave, but it never came. Her heart fluttered with hope as his eyes met hers. Love swam in his, and tears dripped down her cheeks. “So you still love me?”
“Oh, darling,” his voice cracked with emotion, “I’ll always love you. You’re my little girl.”
“And you still want me around?”
“As much as you can be.”
She sniffed, and Dulac handed her a handkerchief. Her stepmother handed her a fresh cup of tea, which was gratefully accepted it. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Priscilla glanced at her father before asking, “Are you by chance with child?”
Jesse’s jaw dropped. “How did you know?”
Her step-mother shrugged. “A woman knows these things. I am pleased you stepped up to your responsibility, young man. However, have you had any trouble finding a church that will marry you?”
Dulac’s gaze narrowed. “Pastor Carmichael has already agreed.”
The woman pursed her lips and nodded. “Good.”
“It’s going to be very small,” Jesse said. “My friend Della is going to be my maid of honor.”
“How about bridesmaids?”
Jesse shook her head. “No, just the maid of honor. Anything else is too much, especially as the wedding is being...well, rushed.”
Her father slapped his hand against his knee. “Enough, Priscilla. I’m sure Cristienne’s mother is handling everything just fine, right, son?”
“Yes, sir. But if you like, Mrs. Jameson, I’m sure she’d be delighted with any help you’d like to offer,” Dulac suggested.
“I just might do that, young man. I just might do that.” She took a sip of tea, making a great show of extending her pinky. “Shall we let the children back in?”
“By all means,” her father agreed.
Her stepmother rose and regally opened the door and called for Jesse’s siblings. Jacob scampered in and onto his father’s knee, while Sara imitated her mother and sat primly in the nearest chair. The rest of the afternoon was spent in idle chatter, as well as listening to Jacob’s vivid and imaginative stories.
Chapter 27
November 17, 1900
Dulac paced the hall while his father watched in amusement. “What is taking so long? All she had to do was put on a dress.”
Mr. Dulac chuckled. “You shouldn’t have sent your mother up to help her.”
Dulac rolled his eyes. “You’re right about that. Were you able to get all the marriage documents procured?”
His father nodded. “Pastor Carmichael has them in his office. I sent Scotty to let him know we’ll be at the church this afternoon.”
“You don’t think he’ll be mad at us for the suddenness of it, do you? Does he know she’s pregnant?” His mouth moved faster than ever before.
His father stood and grabbed his son by the shoulders. “Son, you need to calm down, and I think I know just the thing to take the edge off your nerves.”
A few seconds later, a glass of amber liquid was thrust into his hands. Obediently, Dulac washed his throat with it, and its warmth splash into his stomach. He handed the empty glass back to his father.
“Does she know that Bonny is pregnant with my child?”
“Not from my lips, son.”
Dulac still frowned. “Someone else could have told her. I should tell her before she takes my name.”
“I think that would be wise. A marriage should start off with all the cards on the table,” his father stated.
Dulac stopped pacing and leaned against the wall. “Why aren’t you furious about the pregnancy?”
The older man sighed heavily. “I was infuriated, son, but you’re making it right today. And I don’t want to spoil the mood.”
“Thank you, Father. I sincerely appreciate everything.”
“Oh my dear you are breathtaking,” his father suddenly gushed.
Dulac gave him a strange look but followed his gaze to the stairs. He let out a soft whistle of appreciation. Jesse beamed at him. Her hair was pulled up on the sides and hung elegantly down her back. Her dress was a light brown satin and did a remarkable job of hiding her pregnancy.
“You should have gone on to the church,” his mother admonished. “It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride on her wedding day before the ceremony.”
“Nonsense,” Dulac replied. “Besides, I’ve already seen her today.”
He met them at the foot of the stairs and took Jesse’s arm. He propelled her into the receiving room and politely shut the door on his gaping mother, knowing his father would explain his actions to her. When he indicated for her to sit, she looked at him strangely.
“There’s something you must know before you become my wife,” he began. He stopped as the words jumbled in his head. “Bonny is still here in custody of the Lifesaving Service. She’s been charged with piracy but will not hang as of yet as she is pregnant...with my child.”
His heart lurched as he watched her eyes grow wide. The fact she didn’t start cursing him was a good sign. He cleared his throat from a sudden dryness. The words tumbled out faster than he could think them. He hadn’t meant to throw it all at her at once, and he anxiously watched for her reaction. He fully expected her to explode in anger.
She looked at the floor as his confession sank into her head. Her cheeks flamed pink, but he could not tell if it was from anger or shame. At long last, her eyes met his.
“So Bonny is having your baby. How can you be so sure you’re the father? I personally saw her with Jolly Joe.”
He fell to his knees before her and grabbed her hands in his. He pleaded with her to understand. “Believe me, I asked the same thing. But she swore she was only with me on the island, and she stopped having her flux when we marooned them.”
She searched his eyes, and he prayed she wouldn’t refuse to marry him. He didn’t know what he’d do if she stood up and walked out of his life forever. Her hand absently rubbed his thumb, and he concentrated on her touch. She looked away, and he prayed harder than he’d ever done in his life.
Light fingers touched under his chin, and she encouraged him to look at her. There were tears in her eyes. She took a deep breath before speaking. Her hand touched her own stomach.
“If you’re waiting for forgiveness, you’ll get none of that from me,” she whispered. Pain wrenched his heart. “For there is nothing to forgive. You and I have been but mere pawns in Fate’s cruel game of chess. But perhaps now she has changed her heart and will smile upon us.”
Hope replaced the pain. “So do you still want to marry me?”
A tear escaped and slid down her smooth cheek. She nodded. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
He smiled and drew her to him in a crushing embrace. Her hair smelled of lilacs and was soft against his face. He closed his eyes and reveled in the glory of her acceptance.
“You’re squeezing me too tight,” she gasped.
He instantly let go. “Sorry.”
She cupped his cheek with her hand, and he lost himself in the love in her eyes. She leaned forward and touched her lips to his, kissing him with tender passion. He took charge, and the kiss blossomed into a promise of something more intimate to come. He released her reluctantly, stood and held out his hand.
“If we don’t leave now, that dress will.”
* * * *
Jesse stood with her father before a set of closed doors. They were alone in the foyer of the church, and instead of feeling comfortable in his presence, she felt awkward.
“You’re going to be busy with your new husband,” her father said. “But do you think you could make some time to visit with me?”
“Of course, Father, Dulac and I have already discussed this. He’s fine with it.” She looked into her father’s brown eyes that were so much like her own. “I never, ever thought this day would happen. That I’d be a normal girl, with my father giving me away at my wedding.”
“I may be giving you to him, but you’ll always be my little girl.”
Jesse touched a fingertip to the corner of her eye where a tear had almost slipped out. “Are weddings always this intense?”
Her father smiled and kissed her cheek before pulling the veil over her face. “Trust me, pumpkin, they can be a lot worse.”
Jesse’s view of the world around her was instantly hampered. “What is the purpose of this again?”
“Well,” her father drawled. “Your Aunt Laura might say it’s to conceal you from demons.”
“What?” she replied incongruously. “Nonsense.”
“Only superstitious folk believe that. In fact, your aunt would say that your bridesmaids, if you had any, should be prepared to sacrifice their souls to the demons on your behalf. But that’s all nonsense. The veil is used to conceal your beauty from your groom until you become his wife.”
The bridal march poured from the church, and he tucked her arm under his. “Are you ready? I believe that’s our song.”
He pulled open one door, and the two ushers inside immediately held both doors open for them. The bride’s song burst forth on the piano, and the few attendees rose to their feet. It was mostly Dulac’s family and one or two of their friends.
The bride’s side was only filled with her stepmother, Sara and Jacob. Dulac’s twin sister, Cristi, had chosen to sit on her side as well. The gesture made Jesse smile. She truly liked the woman and hoped they would get to know each other better soon.
Before she knew it, her father had escorted her down the aisle and placed her in Dulac’s care. They faced the pastor, and Jesse tried not to frown. Surely the pastor looked down on her for being with child, although he had never shown it. She shook off the saddening thought. She refused to let anything hamper her wedding day. Never in a million waves did she ever think she’d be married...nor be with child.
The ceremony became a blur, and soon Dulac had lifted her veil and kissed her in front of their family. Thankfully, he made it short but sweet, and he left her wanting more.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” said Pastor Carmichael. “I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Cristienne Robert Dulac.”
After the clapping subsided, the two rushed down the aisle to a waiting automobile. They would meet his family and hers back at his parent’s home for a small reception, and after that, he had arranged for a weeks stay at the Hotel Monteleone.
* * * *
Saturday, November 24, 1900
“I’m surprised you were able to get reservations on such short notice,” Mr. Dulac said as he arranged his napkin over his lap.
Dulac shrugged. “’Twas not that difficult. I simply called in an old favor from Monsieur Jules Alciatore.”
“I know exactly what I want,” his mother gushed. “Have you tasted the Oysters Rockefeller? Monsieur Jules invented it last year, and it is simply heavenly.”
Jesse smiled weakly. “I’m not fond of oysters.”
His mother never missed a beat. “That’s alright, dear. Everything here is outstanding. In your delicate condition, however, I would suggest avoiding anything rich.”
The four of them sat at an oval table in Antoine’s Restaurant located in the French Quarter. The gas chandeliers leant a warm glow, and Dulac knew he had chosen wisely. After the waiter took their orders, Dulac sat back in his chair and took a sip of water.
“Are you going to take a longer honeymoon? Surely you want to go somewhere besides the Hotel Monteleone,” his mother asked.
“Maybe after the baby’s born,” he stated. “I don’t want to risk Jesse’s health. By the way, Father, do you know of any homes that are for sale close to ya’ll?”
He watched Jesse’s face as surprise turned into a happy glow. He took her hand in his. “We’re a family now and need a place of our own.”
“We can go see Mr. Latter on Monday if you like.”
“That would be great.”
The rest of the meal consisted of idle chatter about his sisters and their families. Dulac covertly watched his bride and was mildly surprised that she didn’t eat like a pirate. In fact, her manners were impeccable. He noticed she even used the silver appropriately. He was amazed the pirate captain who raised her had bothered to teach such skills.
A sudden anxiousness to get her back to their hotel coursed through him. Dulac wanted to turn her back into a pirate. He wanted her to steal his treasure, and he was prepared to go down with his ship. Unfortunately for his libido, dinner at Antoine’s was a formal and drawn out occasion. An hour and a half passed before they were safely ensconced in the privacy of their hired carriage. It was their last night at the hotel, and he wanted to make the most of it. He nuzzled her earlobe.
“Hey, pirate lady,” he whispered huskily. “My ship is yours to plunder.”
She hesitated briefly before touching his ship. “Oh, my, it sure is at full mast. Well, I’ll have to change that. Time to furl your sail, cap’n.”
* * * *
December 1, 1900
“Cristienne Dulac, you are out of your mind,” his wife shouted. “That woman is not coming here to have that baby.”
Dulac stood in the doorway of their bedroom and watched Jesse’s face turn red with fury. “The judge decreed it, and besides, that baby is my baby.”
She tossed her suitcase on the bed. “Fine, then I’ll be at my father’s until she leaves.”
Sighing, he crossed the room in three strides. He put his hand on her arm and forced her to face him. “I don’t want to see that woman either. I’ll see if mother can put her up until the baby is born.”
He stroked her arm. “Will you be this reticent to the baby?”
Hurt streaked through her eyes but was instantly replaced with anger. Jesse’s lips drew into a thin line. “Tis nice ye think me so callous as to blame an innocent babe.”
&n
bsp; He regretted his words instantly. “I’m sorry. That was cruel.”
“Aye,” she agreed. “’Twas.”
A light tap on the doorframe interrupted their quibbling. “Mr. Dulac, the lady’s here.”
Jesse snorted. “Lady my arse.”
Dulac covered her mouth and gave her a warning look. “All right, Cynthia. We’ll be down shortly.”
He placed his hands on her round belly before pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly. “Please don’t leave me. I need you. You don’t have to even see her.”
She sighed, and he knew he’d broken down her barriers. “Okay, but I will not let you face her alone.”
He released her and smiled weakly. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, but she will be staying at your mother’s. I’ve already discussed it with her.”
He threw his hands up in the air. “Then why did you threaten to go to your father’s?”
She stuck her nose in the air. “’Twas the only way. Not a clue I could think of to get you to agree to ship that whore to your mother’s.”
He shook his head, grappling with his unreasonable anger. “All you had to do was ask, Jess. Geez, I thought we were closer than that.”
She shrugged and ignored his attack. “Can we get this over with?”
Sighing, he took her hand and led her out of their bedroom and down to the receiving room. At the sight of Bonny, he stopped as old emotions engulfed him. His hands shook, and his skin turned clammy. His pulse quickened, and he swallowed over a sudden lump in his throat. Jesse squeezed his hand tightly, encouraging him to gather himself and present a strong façade. He set his jaw and gritted his teeth in determination.
“Constable Higgins,” he acknowledged.
“Mr. Dulac. I’ve brought the prisoner as the judge ordered to have the baby in your presence.”
“I see that, but we have decided it’d best for my wife if the prisoner was kept at my parents’ home.”
The constable nodded understandingly. “I s’pose that would be permissible. However, she’ll have to stay here until we contact the judge. Can’t go against court orders, you see.”
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