Wanton Splendor

by Bobbi Smith

  "I know what you mean. We've been most fortunate." Robert let the subject drop. "I think I'll call it a night, too. Until tomorrow."

  When he had gone, Christopher settled into a comfortable wing chair and drank his bourbon in silence. In the morning, things would seem clearer and he would be able to think more rationally and decide what to do. But for now, he was going to relax with his memories. Memories of a burning sweet surrender that had left him branded by its flaming joy.

  Katie was relaxed and totally content when she awoke the next day. She smiled to herself as she dressed for her morning ride and wondered how she could possibly have slept so well after the excitement of being with Christopher last night. Humming merrily, she left her room and started down for breakfast.

  Usually she ate the early meal alone, but this morning Mark was already at the table.

  "Good morning," she greeted cheerfully as she poured herself a cup of hot coffee at the buffet and sat down across for him.

  "You're certainly feeling better this morning," he observed.

  Katie glanced up at him and was surprised to find that he looked exhausted. "I feel fine, but you look terrible. Didn't you get any sleep last night?"

  "A little."

  "Were you out that late? I'm afraid I was already asleep when you came in."

  "No. I just had trouble falling asleep."

  "There's nothing troubling you, is there? Will talking about it help?" Mark had always confided in Katie and she expected that it would be no different now.

  "No. Nothing's wrong. It was probably just all the excitement."

  "I missed something exciting?"

  "On the ride home, Isaac decided that he and Suzanne would give a ball just for us, a week from next Saturday.,'

  "A ball? For us?"

  Mark nodded, "We're going into New Orleans with Suzanne on Wednesday to do all our shopping."

  "That sounds very nice." Katie sounded unimpressed.

  "Don't worry, we'll have a great time," he told her, assuming that she didn't want to go on a marathon shop ping spree.

  "I know but..." she began.

  "But it won't be as interesting as staying home unchaperoned. Will it, Katie?" Suzanne's autocratic voice cut into their conversation.

  "Good morning, Suzanne." Mark stood as she approached the table.

  "Mark," she acknowledged curtly, the full fury of her emotion directed to Katie. "Isn't that correct, Katie?"

  "I don't know what you mean," Katie said honestly, caught totally unaware by her verbal assault.

  "I mean this, young lady." Standing at the head of the table, her hands on her hips, Suzanne appeared quite formidable. "Last night, you pleaded illness and remained at home even though you were included in an invitation to a respectable party. Then, when you were sure you were alone, you had your lover sneak over here and you cavorted in the darkness with him until all hours, having no consideration for your own reputation or that of your family!" Suzanne charged heatedly.

  Mark was outraged at Suzanne's disclosure. "Katie?"

  "It's true that Christopher did stop by. But it was not planned. He was worried and..."

  "Worried? Worried about what?" Suzanne pried.

  Katie started to answer but thought better of it. "Nothing. If you'll excuse me. It's time for my morning ride."

  Without giving Suzanne a chance to continue the argument, Katie quickly slipped out of the dining room.

  Mark realized that Suzanne was still angry with his sister and he wanted to bridge the gap between them.

  "Suzanne," he came to her, but did not touch her. "You mustn't let Katie upset you so. She's not accustomed to your ways yet. Give her time."

  "Mark, if I give her any more time, her reputation will be a shambles," Suzanne hissed, covering up her real feelings about the situation. "And I'll have been made the laughing-stock of the parish!"

  "Hardly. Katie's actions are her own. They've nothing to do with you."

  "I hope so..." She turned to Mark and rewarded him with a bewitching smile. "You've calmed me already."

  "Sit down." He held her chair. "I'll bring you some coffee."

  Suzanne sat quietly while he served her. She cared little about Mark now one way or the other for she'd set her sights on more challenging game. Christopher Fletcher. Somehow, someway, she was going to have him, but until her plans came to fruition, there was no harm in passing the time with Mark. Turning on her most charming manner, she set out to beguile him completely.

  The Runaways

  The roustabouts were busy loading the luggage on the steamer as Marie, Emil and Andre stood on the landing and took a long last look at their beloved home. Christopher had wisely chosen to stay away from them this morning and only Robert had come to see them off.

  "I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon, Emil," Robert offered as they shook hands.

  "We'll be staying in New Orleans for a few weeks until the house at Fairwinds is ready."

  "Fairwinds is on Bayou Teche, isn't it?"

  "Yes. It's not too far."

  "Good. You'll still be close."

  "Of course." Seeing that their final piece of baggage had been taken aboard, Emil knew it was time to depart. "Robert, take care. Come Marie, Andre. We must go."

  With one final glance toward the white house, they boarded the boat and disappeared inside.

  "To the new owner of Greenwood," Robert lifted his glass in toast to Christopher.

  "Thank you."

  "I'll bet you're relieved that they've finally gone."

  "Relieved isn't the word for it." Christopher gave Robert a half-smile as he sighed deeply. "It didn't go as badly as I thought it would."

  "You were just lucky to get here before Andre moved Dee out."

  "I'm glad we made it for Joel's sake. He's been through a lot this past year."

  Christopher was quiet as he thought of the changes that had occurred in his life during the last twelve months. He had embraced a cause that was altering the entire course of his existence. No longer was he the pleasure-seeking hedonist who travelled the world looking for new thrills. He had grown past that. He had witnessed unnecessary suffering and had decided to use all his energy and all of his considerable funds if necessary to aid the hopeless victims of slavery. He drained his drink and turned to Robert with renewed resolve.

  "What's our first move?"

  "We wait. There's nothing more for us to do," Robert confided. "You'll never know when they're coming."

  Christopher nodded, "But once they arrive, I'm to secrete them away until it's safe to travel."

  "Right. Move them out as quickly as you can. Use what ever means are available..."

  "We've been over this so often, but still, the first time..."

  "Is the worst," Robert grinned. "Unless, of course, you have Dillon show up on your doorstep with a beaten slave in the middle of the night when you have a house full of company."

  Christopher chuckled, "Well, you can bring Hercules back as soon as he's able to travel. He has no reason to fear Greenwood's new master."

  "Are you going to free all the slaves?"

  "I don't know. There's nothing I'd like to do more than give them all their freedom, but I think it would be just a little too obvious."

  "Everyone would be suspicious and no doubt you'd be ostracized from society."

  "I'm not concerned about that," Christopher sneered. "I just don't want to stir up any interest in my business affairs."

  "Take your time then. Probably, it would be best if you lost a few slaves to the Underground Railroad, too."

  "You're right," Christopher agreed solemnly. Then reviewing their procedure one final time. "Once more-I send them from Greenwood to your place and you take-over from there."

  "Yes. You'll probably be dealing mostly with Dillon, but occasionally they come on their own," Robert instructed. "Well, I'd better get ready to head home. Can you have the flag put out for me?"

  "Of course. Do you need any help packing?"

&n
bsp; "No. I didn't bring that much with me." Robert headed upstairs. "I'll be back down in a few minutes."

  Christopher settled in his chair at the desk. The morning had been hectic, giving him little time to think of Katie. Now, in the peace of his first real moment alone at Greenwood, memories of last night stirred his heart and body. How he wished she could be here with him to share this time. It amazed him that she had managed to become so important to him in such a short period of time, and he found the thought oddly warming.

  Suzanne sealed the last invitation and set it apart from the others. She had spent long hours the night before preparing the guest list and, now that the necessary missives had been written, all that remained was to see them delivered as soon as possible.

  Summoning Patsy, she gave her the invitations with explicit instructions as to what to do with them. Then, pocketing the one she'd put aside, Suzanne went up to her room to change clothes. Moments later, she came down, dressed in her riding habit, impatiently awaiting her mount.

  "In case Isaac should ask, I'm going to ride over to Greenwood to deliver Mr. Fletcher's invitation personally, "Suzanne informed Patsy. "I'll be back shortly."

  "Yes ma'am," the servant acknowledged. Patsy couldn't help but wonder, though, why she had to hand deliver his invitation, but she held her tongue. That was none of her business, she had no right to question her mistress's comings or goings.

  As Suzanne rode away from the house she was slightly nervous, but nervousness turned to exhilaration as she neared Greenwood. She loved a challenge. And that's what Fletcher was. Especially since he was attracted to Katie. Suzanne smirked. She'd see how long Katie could keep him once she turned her full attention to seducing him. The thought of winning him for herself made her smile. Unsophisticated Katie Kingsford was no match for her. Confident of her womanly abilities, Suzanne rode up Greenwood's main drive, eager to meet on a one to one basis with Christopher Fletcher.

  After spending the entire morning riding the fields, Christopher and Joel were now closeted in the study reviewing every aspect of the planting schedule. They were deeply involved in trying to arrange a less arduous work day for the field hands when the announcement of Suzanne's arrival interrupted them.

  "We can talk more about this later," Christopher suggested as he and Joel walked into the hall.

  "Yes, massa," Joel played his role to the hilt and left the house by way of the kitchen.

  Christopher was puzzled as he entered the front parlor where Suzanne awaited him. What reason did Suzanne Kingsford have for coming to call?

  "Mrs. Kingsford, how good to see you," he welcomed her.

  "I hope I'm not disturbing you, Mr. Fletcher?"

  "Not at all. It's a pleasure."

  "I've come for a most important reason," she confided.

  "Is something wrong?" He immediately worried about Katie.

  "No. Quite the opposite," she smiled at him seductively. "I've come to invite you to a ball we're giving a week from Saturday. I decided to bring the invitation personally so I could be sure you received it."

  "Thank you for including me." He took the sealed note from her.

  "Then you'll be coming?"

  "I wouldn't miss it."

  "Wonderful. We hardly had a chance to talk at the Fontaine ball," she pouted. "I think it's essential that we get to know each other better, don't you?"

  "Of course, Mrs. Kingsford."

  Christopher was stunned by her blatant suggestiveness. Had he not been in love with Katie he definitely would have taken Suzanne up on her offer. She was a very attractive woman.

  "Please, call me Suzanne."

  "And I'm Christopher, Suzanne," he gave her a knowing smile. "Would you care for some refreshment?"

  "You're very kind, but perhaps another time?" she insinuated. "I must get back to Kingsford House. We're going in to New Orleans tomorrow and there is much that needs to be done."

  Walking gracefully to him, Suzanne touched his arm and gave him a provocative, smoldering look.

  "I'll see you a week from Saturday, Christopher?"

  "Most assuredly. Thank you for coming by, Suzanne." He escorted her onto the gallery.

  Christopher watched Suzanne until she was out of sight on the drive and then he turned to re-enter the house. He was only mildly surprised to find Joel waiting for him in the study.

  "Watch that woman. I have a very bad feeling about her."

  "You're not alone," Christopher concurred. "But I have to admit, what she had to offer was quite tempting. Suzanne Kingsford is a beautiful woman."

  "On the outside, maybe..." Joel let the thought drop there.

  "She's definitely not worth losing Katie over," Christopher grinned. "Somehow, I don't think Katie would stand still for my seeing her uncle's wife."

  Joel gave an exaggerated shudder, "I hate to think what that little lady would do to you this time!"

  "Once was enough. I'm sorry I even gave Suzanne a second thought." Christopher chuckled in vivid remembrance of his injured eye.

  "You're learning, Christopher. You're learning."

  "How's Dee today?" He changed the subject.

  "She's much better."

  "Did you mention to her about moving into some rooms here?"

  "Not yet. I thought I'd let her get her full strength back before I tell her everything."

  "Well, feel free whenever you're ready."

  "I will." Joel rose to leave. "Let me know what Gasell says about our changes..."

  "He wasn't too pleased at our questions today. I may have to fire him." Christopher was solemn on the subject of Greenwood's overseer. "And soon."

  "That might be best. I could do his job or T.C. could take over."

  "Let's see what happens tomorrow when we approach him with these changes. If he gives me any trouble, he's gone."

  Joel nodded his agreement, "He's the nosy type and one thing we don't need is somebody snooping around here..."

  "You're right. Things are going to be complicated enough without having to worry about Gasell finding out. I'll take care of him in the morning."

  "I think I'll stay here and rest." Katie declined Suzanne's invitation to go on another shopping trip.

  Suzanne was exasperated with the girl, but hid it behind a veneer of indifference, "Whatever you wish. We should be back before four."

  Suzanne closed Katie's bedroom door as she left and, shaking her head in annoyance, joined Mark in the foyer of the Kingsford's home in New Orleans.

  "She's decided to stay home this afternoon," she told him.

  "Is she ill?" Mark was concerned.

  "No, just tired."

  "I suppose we'll just have to have a good time without her," Mark smiled warmly at Suzanne.

  Suzanne read his meaning, but wanted to keep him at bay.

  "I'm sure we shall." She took his arm as they left the house.

  "Suzanne, I need to talk with you privately. There are things I have to say..." Mark began earnestly after they'd entered the carriage.

  "No!" She managed to sound shocked. "We must not speak of these things..." She turned her face away from him hoping to give the impression of being embarrassed.

  "But Suzanne... "Mark grew more forceful.

  The desire he felt for her was eating at him... tearing him apart. She had only come to him once, but she had haunted his every moment since. He took her hand and drew it to his lips.

  "What happened between us was so special..." he wanted to explain.

  Withdrawing from his touch, she felt a fleeting sense of panic. Suzanne was snared in a web of her own making. She had not expected this silly young pup to become so smitten with her... and after only one night. Grasping for a way out of her dilemma she forced tears and turned to face him.

  "Oh, Mark!" she spoke in a guilt-strangled whisper. "I'm so ashamed!"

  Hiding her face in her hands she gave a good imitation of great despair.

  "I-I have broken my marriage vows ...I feel so soiled!" she told him tearfully,
gracefully dabbing at her eyes with her lace handkerchief.

  Mark was shocked. He had been so enamored with the memory of her lovemaking that he had totally ignored the moral side of their night together. The weight of his guilt, which he had been successfully ignoring, fell heavily upon him. How could he have taken advantage of Suzanne and Isaac this way? His mood was suddenly morose. Sitting back silently, he stared sightlessly out the window as the carriage rumbled along the city streets.

  Suzanne cast a surreptitious glance at Mark and was pleased to find that she had distracted him from his amorous intent.

  "Mark," she said in a breathless, shaky voice. "Don't feel guilty. It was all my fault ...I was the one who couldn't resist you..."

  Mark's heart swelled at her tremulous confession. What a warm, loving, honest woman Suzanne was. No wonder he cared so much for her.

  "Suzanne," his troubled gaze probed hers. "You mean a lot to me... So does Isaac. I feel I have betrayed you both."

  Suzanne smiled to herself. Her ploy had worked. She wouldn't have to worry about fighting Mark off any longer.

  "We have both betrayed Isaac's trust," she told him, sharing the guilt. "But we can begin anew..."

  "I still find you to be the most desirable woman I've ever met."

  Suzanne had to control her urge to taunt him after he made the statement.

  "I know it will be difficult, but for Isaac's sake-we must."

  Mark smiled sadly at her and then turned his attention to the passing scenery as Suzanne once again thought of Christopher Fletcher and the joy she would find in his arms.

  Christopher leaned back in the desk chair, stretching stiffly. The hours had flown as he had pored over Greenwood's accounts and he was surprised to find that it was past midnight. Shutting the ledger before him, he rose from the desk, rubbing the back of his neck in a weary motion.

  He had no complaints. Things at Greenwood were going smoothly enough. He had discharged the overseer Gasell yesterday and Joel had taken charge, much to the delight of the slaves. Money was not a problem, for Greenwood was debt-free, an unusual occurrence, Christopher was discovering, among Delta plantations. Rich though they might appear, most plantation owners were land and slave poor. All their cash was tied up in fields, crops, and laborers. It seemed they lived totally on credit and gentlemanly goodwill, both of which offended Christopher's Yankee sensibilities.