by Every, Donna
“I’m sure you have plenty of admirers to keep you company while I am away.” Richard was under no illusions that Anise would spend the time pining for him. She was too resourceful for that.
“What will you do in Barbados?”
“Learn how they use African slaves to help produce the sugar on the plantation. I want to accompany my uncle to a slave market to see how he selects slaves, what he looks for, how much he pays for them and how he upkeeps them. Things like that.”
“You will be using Africans on the plantation then?”
“Yes, everyone else is. Apparently the ones from the West are very knowledgeable about cultivating rice.”
“You’re a good business man, Richard. I have no doubt you will be very successful. But I will miss you, chéri,”
Richard absently played with her hair as he replied “I’ll miss you too.”
“Will you be getting married when you come back?”
“Yes. I’ll probably be married by the end of the year if not before.”
“Will you continue to visit me when you’re married?”
“Why would that change?”
“I don’t know, you may fall passionately in love with your wife and become faithful.”
Richard laughed quietly at the thought. “I don’t think I have it in me to fall passionately in love, darling. I’m far too practical. But you certainly arouse the passion in me.” With that he proceeded to show her just how much.
Chapter 4
Richard pulled on his black breeches, buttoned up his soft white linen shirt and sat on the side of his massive bed to put on his stockings and buckle his black shoes which had been polished to a high sheen by one of the servants. He donned a buff colored waistcoat and shrugged into a black jacket before heading downstairs to pick up his warm black coat from the coat hanger by the door.
He was escorting Ann to a party at the Berkeley’s Charles Town house. The Berkeleys were a prominent family who owned a large plantation along the Ashley River but like so many of the elite, including the Carlisles, they kept a second property in town which they resided in during the winter.
In his opinion, the only good thing about this party was that it would give him the chance to talk to some of the planters who had already started to grow rice and find out how they were faring. Based on the quantities that they were shipping out, they seemed to be doing very well.
He met Charles at the bottom of the stairs and they went out to the coach where their servant, Jackson was sitting with the reins in hand.
"How was Anise?" Charles asked sarcastically.
"Happy to see me," replied Richard with a contented smile.
"I don't know how you can bed your mistress at four and take your fiancée to a party at seven without a twinge of conscience," Charles remarked.
"What has one to do with the other?" Richard asked, totally unconcerned.
Charles made a noise of disgust. "Ann deserves better than you.”
"I believe you made that point today already," he agreed, "but our marriage will help the fortunes of both families."
"There's more to life than fortune, you know."
"Oh? Like what?"
"Well... there's love." Charles braced himself for Richard's scornful reply and he was not disappointed.
"Love?" Richard scoffed. "Spoken like a true romantic. Will love help to put food on the table, shelter over your head, clothes on your back? Give you respect among your peers?"
"There's no talking to you." Charles ended the conversation by looking out the window. He fervently hoped that one day Richard would be forced to eat his words.
"Here we are," announced Richard as the carriage drew to a halt in front of the Carlisle's town house. He alighted and disappeared into the house when the door was opened by a servant.
He returned in a few minutes with Ann who, in Charles's opinion, looked magnificent in a turquoise satin gown that matched her eyes and was a perfect foil for her auburn hair, and a long, warm looking cloak over her dress.
She was clinging to Richard's arm, gazing adoringly up at him and chatting away, while he looked slightly bored as he listened to her. Charles was once again angered by his brother's treatment of Ann; he would never treat her so shabbily if she was his.
"Hello Charles," she said and offered her hand for him to assist her into the carriage. She settled herself across from him as Richard got in next to her.
Charles was struck by the daintiness of her hand in his as he helped her up.
"Hello, Ann. You look beautiful tonight."
"Thank you. I just got this dress from France," she added. Richard almost rolled his eyes but caught himself in time.
"I'm looking forward to this party very much. The Berkeleys throw the best parties," she gushed.
"I hope you will save a dance for me," Charles said.
"If Richard consents," she said coyly, eyeing him as he gazed out the window.
"I'm sure Richard will be fine with it, won't you Richard?" Charles challenged.
"Hmm, of course," he said distractedly. He'd been listening to the conversation with one ear since his thoughts were on the trip that he would take to Barbados. He supposed now was as good time as any to break the news to Ann.
"By the way Ann, I’m going to Barbados at the end of the month."
Charles was dumbfounded. He couldn’t believe that Richard would choose to break the news to Ann in this fashion.
"What!" Ann exclaimed in dismay. "Barbados? What are you going there for?"
"I'm going to visit my uncle's plantation to learn from him."
"Why do you need to go to Barbados for that? We have a plantation. How long will you be gone?"
"About three months." He answered her last question.
"Three months?" She whined. Richard was becoming impatient with her questions.
"We can talk about this later, Ann," Richard said abruptly, closing the conversation. Ann hung her head and Charles glimpsed tears on her lashes. He desperately wanted to comfort her and smash Richard's face at the same time.
"Don’t let this ruin the evening," Charles said trying to lighten the atmosphere and was rewarded by a brave but tremulous smile from Ann.
“You’re right Charles. You always cheer me up,” she added pointedly.
“It gives me pleasure to see you happy, Ann.”
“That’s very sweet,” Richard said drily, “but I encourage you to find your own fiancé and make her happy.”
Ann’s smile widened, thinking that Richard was being possessive but Charles knew exactly why Richard was warning him off. His sights were set on running her daddy’s plantation.
Peter and Caroline Berkeley stood in the hallway of their town house, to welcome their guests. It was not as grand as their Ashley River property but was still fairly impressive.
“Good to see you, Richard, Charles,” said Peter shaking their hands. “And Ann you look as beautiful as ever.”
“Thank you Mr. Berkeley. My parents send their apologies that they were unable to come since my mother is feeling poorly.”
“I do hope she feels better soon,” sympathized Caroline as she kissed Ann.
“Thank you.”
“Your parents and sister arrived a little while ago,” she advised the brothers.
“Thank you, ma’am,” they said. They had left in another carriage before them since they would not all have been able to fit into one.
Richard offered his arm to Ann and Charles was left to follow behind.
The room was brightly lit by massive chandeliers bearing scores of candles. Sheer white panels of cloth were draped across the ceiling, a safe distance from the chandeliers, giving the impression of clouds floating overhead.
“This is so beautiful!” exclaimed Ann excitedly.
“Yes, it is,” agreed Charles coming to stand next to them.
Richard surveyed the room from his considerable height and spotted his father speaking to a group of planters close to the bar. The room w
as full of the crème de la crème of the Charles Town society and its environs.
“Ann, so wonderful to see you,” his mother greeted her with a hug. “How are you, dear? You look lovely.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Fairfax,” she responded with a smile. “I am well.”
“Charles, darling we really have to find you a nice girl like Ann, although they are in such short supply,” said his mother to his embarrassment.
“Mother, I can find my own girl. I’m in no hurry to settle down.”
“My dear I know you are only twenty-two, but it doesn’t hurt to keep your eyes open. Look, there’s Charlotte and Albert with Julia Drayton and some other young people. Ann, be a dear and take Charles over there. I’d like to have a word with Richard.”
“I’d be happy to,” said Ann and practically dragged the reluctant Charles to accompany her to visit with the group.
She waited until Ann and Charles were well away before she turned back to Richard and demanded, “What is this I’m hearing about you and a French mistress?”
“Depends on what you’re hearing, mother.”
“Don’t be difficult, Richard.”
“Sorry mother, I wasn’t trying to be difficult. I was simply trying to ascertain what you were referring to specifically.”
“So you don’t deny that you are seeing a French woman?”
“Mother, I don’t think this is something I should be discussing with you. And could we not have discussed this at home?”
“Don’t patronize me Richard; I am not innocent of these things. However since I arrived, more than one of my friends has mentioned that they have seen you leaving the house of a French woman in town, although you are now engaged to Ann and it is of great concern to me.”
Richard sighed. He really wasn’t in the mood to have this discussion with his mother and he would not allow her to dictate his life.
“Anise is merely a diversion, mother, nothing more. Besides I knew her before I became engaged to Ann.”
“Well I hope you plan to put an end to that diversion immediately,” she said. “It is shameful! And as your fiancée, Ann deserves your respect.”
“Yes, mother,” he agreed in a conciliatory tone. “I see father talking to some planters, would you excuse me while I go and join him?”
“Certainly,” his mother said tight-lipped. She knew that Richard had totally disregarded what she said and would do exactly as he pleased.
“Good night gentlemen. Good to see you.” He was greeted warmly by the older men, who liked him and had great respect for his business acumen.
“Your father tells us that you’re planning to visit Barbados,” said one of the planters.
“Yes, I sent a letter to my uncle only today advising him of my visit. I’m going to observe how he runs his plantation.”
“Their plantation system has done the island well and Carolina too. Barbados exports more than twice all the other islands put together.”
“Yes, that Muscovado sugar isn’t called white gold for nothing,” remarked another planter.
“You will surely enjoy Barbados, my boy. I visited the island a few years ago,” reminisced a neighboring planter, “and I found the plantation owners to be very hospitable. So hospitable in fact that I was offered the use of a beautiful mulatto house slave for the duration of my visit.”
“I’m sure my uncle would never do such a thing,” assured Richard. “Besides, I’m an engaged man.”
“Speaking of which, where is your lovely fiancée?” asked his father.
“She is here somewhere. I’m sure that Charles is taking care of her.”
“Well, don’t you think that you should be the one doing that?” his father asked pointedly.
“Most assuredly,” agreed Richard. “Please excuse me gentlemen.” He would have to speak to them about cultivating rice later, after he had done his duty.
Richard looked around the room and saw Ann and Charles speaking with a group of young men and women.
“Good evening,” greeted Richard, “I’ve come to claim my fiancée for a dance. Please excuse us.”
Ann was delighted that Richard had come for a dance. She hoped that it would be a slow dance but when they reached the dance floor, the musicians were playing some lively songs. Richard was a surprisingly good dancer, having been formally taught when he was in England. They danced several rounds until Richard led her off the dance floor, satisfied that he had done his duty.
“Thank you, miss,” he flirted, bringing her hand to his lips. Ann shivered as his lips touched the back of her bare hand
“You’re welcome, sir” she flirted in return.
“Allow me to get you a drink, my dear.” Richard was at his most charming and Ann beamed happily. He escorted her to the table where the drinks were being served and got her some punch and some French brandy for himself.
“May I borrow your fiancée for the next dance?” Charles asked joining them.
“Be my guest, as long as you return her.” Ann smiled at his possessiveness as Charles led her to the dance floor.
“Well, I’m glad to see Ann looking happy,” remarked his mother appearing next to him.
“And why wouldn’t she?” Richard asked rhetorically. “She’s engaged to a very charming fellow.”
His mother rolled her eyes, not at all fooled by his charm. “When he wants to be.”
Charles came back after one dance and returned Ann to her fiancé’s arm.
“You look quite flushed, my dear,” remarked Richard, “would you like to take a turn on the terrace to cool off? I hope it’s not too cold.”
“That sounds lovely,” Ann agreed and Richard excused them and headed for the terrace, leaving his mother smiling approvingly after them while Charles’ eyes followed enviously.
The terrace was refreshing after the heat of the ballroom with a bit of a chill in the air. Ann shivered slightly and rubbed her hands up and down her arms.
“Come closer, so that I can warm you,” invited Richard, drawing her into his arms and deeper into the shadows. Ann snuggled contentedly in his warm embrace. Richard felt her curves pressed against him, or as much as the ball gown would allow anyway and found it quite pleasant.
“Is that better?” he asked pulling back from her slightly.
“Yes, thank you.” Her eyes hungrily watched his mouth as he spoke and she unconsciously licked her lips in invitation.
Richard obligingly bent his head and softly kissed her moist lips. They had exchanged fairly chaste kisses before but this time Richard deepened the kiss to test Ann’s response. She responded with an unexpected display of eagerness causing his body to stir of its own volition.
Perhaps it was the knowledge that he was leaving soon that prompted her response or maybe she had been waiting for him to increase the intimacy of their kisses. He smiled to himself as he realized that though Ann may not stir him to great passion, bedding her might be more interesting than he had anticipated if she showed as much eagerness in the bedroom.
She wound her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his, swept away by the unfamiliar sensations that he was arousing in her. Only the sound of another couple entering the terrace caused her to break the kiss and hide her face against chest, breathing heavily. Richard smiled against her hair, pleasantly surprised by her response.
"Do you really have to go to Barbados?" She asked breathlessly pulling back from him. She was now even more eager to marry him than before.
"Yes. There's much for me to learn there to make your plantation more profitable."
"I will miss you so."
"The time will pass quickly and before you know it I will be back home."
"I’m afraid that you will fall in love with the daughter of some plantation owner and want to stay there," she confessed worriedly.
Richard laughed softly. "Not likely, my dear. There's too much here for me to give up," he added caressing her cheek. Ann leaned into his hand with a sigh, reassured by his words.
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"I would give up everything for love," she declared romantically.
Richard gently kissed her lips and allowed her to believe that he agreed, but he knew that there were some things that he wouldn’t give up, even for love.
Three weeks later
Richard watched as the last of his trunks was loaded onto their ship, the Adventurer. She was a beautiful schooner, long and elegant, freshly painted in blue and white, with bright white sails that had recently been replaced.
The boat was a hive of activity, with the sailors scampering about in response to the captain’s shouted orders. In quick time the sails were unfurled in anticipation of her departure and the captain shouted “All aboard!" although it was only Richard waiting to get on.
The whole family, as well as Ann, had come to see him off. He turned to hug his mother and his sister who were teary eyed as if he were going off to war instead of a trip to Barbados.
"Give my regards to Elizabeth and Thomas. And kiss the girls for me. I hope they like their gifts."
"I'm sure they will, mother. Now look after Ann for me while I'm gone." His mother gave a tearful smile in response.
“I’ll be back in time for your wedding,” he promised his sister Charlotte.
“You better be, because we’re not waiting any longer than we have to.” She and her fiancé Albert, who was his good friend, were very much in love and eager to get married and Richard was happy for them.
"Now Charles, let me hear that you're engaged when I get back," he teased. "And to your own fiancée," he added for his ears only. Charles flushed guiltily.
He shook hands with his father who said, "Now don't worry about things here. I was running this business before you were born. You just enjoy your time in Barbados, learn as much as you can and spend some time with our man there. And give my love to my dear sister."
"I will, sir."
The family moved away to give him and Ann a little privacy, as much as could be had on the busy dock.
The tears she had been holding back now spilled from her eyes.
