A Taste of Paradise

by Connie Mason

  “How do you intend to raise the funds to pay him? I’m surprised he’s allowing you to leave, knowing you have no way of getting your hands on that kind of money.”

  Rayford looked away, but not before Sophia noted the guilty look on his face. “Tell me the truth, Ray.”

  “Be careful, Sophia—that’s all I’m going to say. The man never gives up. The Mary Deare arrives in a couple of days, so I doubt I will see you again. I hope I’m gone from this cursed place before violence erupts.” He spun on his heel and strode off.

  “Damn you, Ray, you always were a coward!” Sophia called after him.

  But Sophia didn’t have time to waste on her stepbrother. She had to warn the unsuspecting Maroons before the militia struck. She considered sending for Chris but decided against it. He probably knew what the planters intended and had purposely kept it from her. If he wasn’t going to do anything about it, she would.

  Sophia told no one where she was going as she headed to the stable. The stable lad saddled her mare without asking her destination. It wasn’t his place to question the mistress.

  Though Sophia wasn’t sure she could find Udamma’s hut in the foothills, she had to try if she wanted to prevent a massacre. She rode along the main road until she reached what she guessed was the halfway mark between Sunset Hill and Kingston. Then she turned her mare into the jungle, riding but a short distance until the underbrush grew too dense to continue. She dismounted, tied her mount to a tree branch and set off on foot toward the foothills.

  She walked quite a while before she spied the footpath she’d been looking for. Her face glistened with sweat as she swatted at insects buzzing around her head. She wished she had worn long sleeves but hadn’t thought that far ahead in her rush to leave. Abruptly the footpath disappeared. With a start, Sophia realized she had wandered off the trail and was hopelessly lost. She couldn’t see the mountains for the trees.

  Nevertheless, Sophia trudged on. The shimmering sun rose high in the sky; it filtered through the trees, burning her face and arms. She took a step, heard a rustling sound ahead of her and froze. A man carrying a cudgel stepped out of the brush, blocking her path. Sophia stifled a scream. The man was tall and huskily built, his dusky face covered by a beard.

  “What you doin’ here, lady?”

  Sophia swallowed the lump of fear lodged in her throat. “Can you take me to Udamma? It’s important.”

  The man narrowed his eyes. “Who are you, lady?”

  “Sophia Radcliff.”

  “Captain Radcliff’s woman?”

  “His wife, yes.”

  “Why do you want to see Udamma?”

  “I must speak with her. It’s a matter of life or death.”

  She must have convinced him, for he nodded and said, “Follow me.”

  They trudged through the forest for what seemed like hours before reaching the Maroon campsite. Udamma was carrying water from a nearby stream when she spotted Sophia.

  “Mistress, what are you doing here? Has something happened? Are you in trouble?”

  “No, but you are.”

  “Come inside and rest, mistress. After you have refreshed yourself with a cup of cool water, you can tell me what is troubling you.”

  Sophia entered the hut and was offered the only chair. She took it gladly and accepted a cracked cup filled with cool water. She drained the cup and handed it back to Udamma.

  “I’ve come to warn you, Udamma. You must alert your people immediately.”

  Udamma’s dark brow furrowed. “Warn us about what, mistress?”

  “The planters have formed a militia and are preparing to raid Maroon campsites. They blame Sam Sharp for inciting rebellion among their slaves.”

  “Daddy Sam preaches passive resistance. He would never condone violence.”

  “That’s not what the planters think. The raid will come soon; you and your people must flee into the mountains. I’m sure you have hiding places where no one can find you.”

  “We do, mistress. Are you sure about this?”

  “Very sure. They will bring firearms, Udamma. Do your people have weapons?”

  Udamma shook her head. “We only have cudgels and sharpened sticks.”

  “The militia have guns and pistols that fire bullets. Many people will be killed.”

  “You came all this way to tell us we are in danger?”

  “You saved my life—I could do no less.”

  Udamma grasped Sophia’s hand and squeezed. “Thank you. If you are ready, someone will lead you back to the road.”

  “I left my mare in the forest near the road, but I’m not sure I can find her again.”

  “Lemuel, the man who brought you here, will take you to your horse. Trust him—he won’t hurt you.”

  Sophia took her leave. Lemuel guided her through the jungle, and after a few false starts they found her horse grazing contentedly. When Sophia turned to thank Lemuel, he had disappeared. Sophia led the horse to the road, mounted and prepared to set off toward Sunset Hill. But before she could get started, she had the bad luck of spotting Sir Oscar Rigby, who happened to be on his way to Kingston.

  “What the devil . . .” Rigby blustered as he came abreast of her. “What were you doing in the forest?” A crafty look came over his face. “Never say you were meeting a lover.”

  Sophia kneed her mount, but Rigby grabbed her reins. “Not so fast. You didn’t answer my question. If you were meeting a lover, I want equal time. Caldwell was of no use to me where you are concerned. I regret bringing him to Jamaica. The bastard hasn’t two farthings to rub together; I’ll never get the blunt he owes me.”

  “My stepbrother’s debt has nothing to do with me. Let go of my reins.”

  Rigby lunged at her. Sophia arched away, struggling to regain control of the reins. If she’d had a riding crop she would have used it. Unfortunately, she hadn’t thought to bring one.

  Rigby grabbed for her again. “Hold still, damn you! All I want to do is talk to you. Perhaps we can reach an agreement on terms for payment of Caldwell’s debt. I’m not difficult to please.” His face hardened. “I also have friends in England. Word from me can bring an end to your stepbrother’s worthless life.”

  “Blackmail won’t work. I’m not responsible for Rayford’s debts.”

  Rigby finally managed to catch her skirt. He would have hauled her off her horse if another rider hadn’t come galloping down the road. Sophia heard the rider call her name. It was Chris. Relief shuddered through her. Rigby released her instantly, dug his heels into his mount’s flanks and fled in the opposite direction.

  Sophia waited until Chris caught up with her. “What in God’s sweet name are you doing out here alone? Was that Rigby I saw riding off?”

  “It was.”

  “Are you mad? Or are you deliberately looking for trouble?”

  “Chris, we need to talk.” She wanted to know if he was aware of the militia and if he intended to warn the Maroons.

  “Indeed we do, but not here.” He reined Atlas around, expecting Sophia to follow.

  Chris fumed all the way home. He’d been furious when he learned Sophia had left Sunset Hill without informing him or telling Kateena where she was going. Had he known she intended to ride out alone, he wouldn’t have allowed it. If she’d wanted to go to Kingston or visit neighbors, she should have taken her maid and a guard. By the time they reached Sunset Hill, Chris’s anger had simmered into full-blown rage.

  “Upstairs,” he growled when they entered the house. “Now!”

  He preceded her up the stairs, opened the door and stepped aside so she could enter, then slammed the door behind him.

  “Will you kindly explain why you insist on putting your life in danger? Didn’t I tell you not to leave the plantation without protection? Never have I known a more stubborn, rash or irresponsible woman. You attract trouble like a magnet.”

  Sophia stamped her foot. “Will you stop berating me long enough to listen? I have reasons for what I did.”

>   “Was one of them meeting Rigby?”

  Sophia’s mouth dropped open. “Why ever would you think that?”

  “Chuba told me your stepbrother called on you today. What did he tell you to send you out on your own?”

  “That’s what I’ve been trying to explain. Rayford told me the planters have formed a militia and plan to raid the Maroons. Did you know about it?”

  “No, I did not, and I strongly suspect they deliberately kept me in the dark. They know I would try to stop them.”

  “Thank God. I hoped you weren’t involved.”

  “So where were you? Why didn’t you tell me about this instead of tearing off?”

  “There wasn’t time. Ray didn’t know when the raid would take place, except that it was going to be soon. I had to warn Udamma.”

  “You what? You could have been . . . What if . . . ? You little fool!”

  Grasping her shoulders, he hugged her against him, his arms tightening until the breath whooshed out of her.

  “I’m sorry,” he said, loosening his hold but not letting her go. “You should have let me take care of it. Acting rashly could have brought you to harm.”

  “Would you have ridden out to warn the Maroons?”

  “Of course—did you doubt it?”

  Sophia looked away. “I was afraid that you knew about the raid and weren’t going to do anything about it.”

  “I didn’t know about it. Now tell me what happened. Tell me everything, starting with your meeting with Caldwell.”

  “Rayford is leaving Jamaica on the Mary Deare.” She went on to tell him everything, including Ray’s reason for leaving and the civilian militia Rigby had organized for the raid.

  “How did you and Rigby happen to meet on the road?”

  “It was accidental.”

  “What did he want?”

  Sophia shrugged. “He was being his usual obnoxious self, demanding payment for Ray’s gambling debt.”

  “And you are the payment he’s demanding,” Chris growled. “Will that man never give up?”

  “Not until Rayford pays him, and at this point that doesn’t seem likely.”

  Chris gave her a quick kiss and pushed her away. “I’m going to see Rigby. I want to know more about the raid he’s planning.”

  Sophia clung to his arm. “Don’t go. Rigby is a dangerous man. He’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. He’s made it plain that he wants you, and I intend to set him straight. Then I’m going to call on Chester and ask him why I’m the only planter who wasn’t informed about the raid.”

  “You already know the answer to that.”

  “I want to hear it from his lips. I thought we were friends, but things haven’t been the same between us since I freed my slaves.” He gently extracted his arm from her grasp. “Don’t leave the plantation, Sophia, not for any reason. Understand?”

  “Udamma said the Maroons aren’t inciting a rebellion. She said if there’s trouble, it’s the planters’ fault for mistreating their slaves.”

  “Don’t change the subject. I want your promise, Sophia.”

  “Very well, I promise to remain on the plantation. Besides, I believe the Maroons are seeking shelter in the mountains even as we speak. No one will find them if they don’t want to be found. The raid will be an exercise in futility.”

  Satisfied with Sophia’s answer, Chris left.

  Chris was angry as hell. When he’d come upon Sophia and Rigby on the road he’d wanted to strangle the man, but Rigby had taken off before Chris could confront him. His anger at Sophia for leaving the plantation after he’d specifically forbidden her to travel abroad had been formidable. But when he’d learned the reason for her disobedience, his anger had slowly dissipated.

  Then fear had kicked in. Placing herself in danger was a way of life with Sophia. Was he destined to spend the rest of his days protecting her from her impulsive acts?

  Simmering rage rode Chris’s shoulders all the way to Rigby’s plantation. When he arrived and asked for Sir Oscar, the butler invited him to wait in the foyer while he announced Chris’s presence to his master.

  A short time later, Rigby lumbered out of his study, eyeing Chris with a hint of fear. “I didn’t hurt your wife,” he blustered. “We happened to meet on the road.” His eyes narrowed slyly. “Did you know she had been wandering alone in the jungle? What errand do you suppose sent her there?”

  “My wife’s comings and going are none of your concern. I’m giving you one last warning, Rigby. Stay away from Sophia. She’s not responsible for her stepbrother’s debts.”

  “Perhaps,” Rigby hinted snidely, “she was meeting a lover in the jungle. Reprehensible as it sounds, some women enjoy fornicating with randy bucks.”

  Chris grasped Rigby’s throat, squeezing until the other man’s eyes bulged. “You bastard,” Chris hissed. “I’d squeeze the life out of you if I didn’t need information you’ve been keeping from me.” He released his hold. Rigby slumped, gasping for breath.

  “One day you’ll regret your attacks upon my person.”

  “I doubt it. All I require from you is information.”

  “I’m a veritable font of information. I know a lot about your history with your wife. Rayford wasn’t at all reticent about relating the facts to me. What amazes me is that you married the woman responsible for the death of your best friend. I understand she provoked the duel, and that you took off afterward and left her to the scandalmongers.”

  Chris’s hands clenched into fists. “You’re treading on dangerous ground, Rigby. My private life is none of your affair. Tell me about the raid into Maroon territory you’re planning.”

  Rigby paled. “Who told you about that?”

  “Caldwell called on Sophia today. He told her he’s leaving on the Mary Deare and why.”

  “The coward,” Rigby bit out. “I offered him employment as a means of repaying his debt, and he refused. Seems he doesn’t want to become involved in our problems with the slaves.”

  “Why wasn’t I told about the raid?”

  “We are all aware of your objection to slavery. Your foolish decision to free your slaves has placed us all in grave danger.”

  “I don’t see how my affairs affect you or anyone else.”

  “Don’t you? Our slaves are demanding freedom because of you. We have to act before things get out of hand. Incidents have already occurred. Rebellion is in the air.”

  “Why attack the Maroons?”

  “They are the instigators. Sam Sharp is preaching insurrection. He has to be stopped.”

  “It is my understanding that Sam Sharp preaches passive resistance. Your militia will carry firearms; the Maroons own no lethal weapons. What you’re planning is a massacre.”

  “Slaves don’t know the meaning of passive. You heard what happened at Spanish Town, didn’t you? They didn’t need weapons to destroy property and kill. That could be us if we don’t take steps to prevent it.”

  “I want no part of your raid.”

  Rigby smirked. “That’s why you weren’t told. But don’t think your plantation is safe. Your paid workers are as likely to join the rebellion as my slaves. Sunset Hill is no safer from death and destruction than my plantation or Chester’s, or anyone else’s.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Chris strode toward the door, halted and swung around. “Where is Caldwell now?”

  “In town, waiting for the Mary Deare to arrive. If you were wise, you’d send your wife to England along with Lady Chester and her children.”

  “I’m surprised you’re not leaving with them.”

  Rigby shrugged. “I may, if our raid proves unsuccessful. I don’t care to be around when the Maroons retaliate, and I’m sure they will if we don’t eradicate them.”

  “When will this raid take place?”

  “As if I’d tell you,” Rigby sneered. “Good day, Radcliff.”

  Chris stormed out. If murder weren’t unlawful, he’d gladly
see to Rigby’s early demise.

  Chris’s next stop was Orchid Manor. The place was deserted but for servants. Upon Chris’s inquiry, he was told that Lord Chester had taken his family to Kingston to await the Mary Deare. It seemed that someone had tried to set fire to the house the night before, but the fire had been discovered and doused before substantial damage was done.

  “Where is Amanda?” Chris asked, recalling her vow to remain no matter what.

  “She packed her bags and joined the rest of the family,” Chris was informed. “The attempt to burn down the house frightened her.”

  Chris returned home in an apprehensive mood. The situation was extremely dangerous, thanks to the planters. If they had followed his example, none of this would be happening. Rigby had been right when he’d said no one was safe. Neither his plantation nor his wife would be spared if rebellion swept the island. It was a known fact that rabble-rousers created the kind of chaos that incited men to violence. Random death and destruction would surely follow.

  Sophia was waiting for Chris when he returned. “What did you learn?”

  “It’s just as you said. Rigby wouldn’t tell me when the raid would take place but hinted that it would be soon. I was deliberately kept in the dark because of my objections to slavery.”

  “What can you do?”

  “Nothing; it’s too late, anyway. You’ve already warned the Maroons. We can only hope they are well on their way to safety.”

  “What did Lord Chester have to say?”

  “I didn’t see him. He’s taken his family to Kingston to await the Mary Deare. Lady Amanda decided to leave with them after an attempt was made to burn down their house.”

  Sophia exhaled slowly. “So it’s started.”

  “It may well be the beginning of the end. Considering the situation, I think you should leave the island. Pack your things. I’ll write letters to my brother and my banker. I want you to be able to draw on funds I have deposited in the Bank of England.”

  “Funds? I didn’t know you had funds to draw upon. I assumed the reason you were determined to make your plantation work was because your livelihood depended on it.”

  Chris laughed. “I’m wealthy, Sophia. My ship has carried cargo and plied the trade routes for many years. It has earned me and my crew a good living. Even if the plantation fails, I will still be rich. Though my brother inherited the title and estate from our father, I received a generous bequest upon the death of my grandmother and invested it wisely.”