"Beg your pardon, mademoiselle," the tall stranger said as he steadied her. "I wasn’t looking where I was going. Are you quite all right?"
Arianna was dazed for a moment then she really looked at the man who had nearly knocked her over. He was tall, slender and handsome with dark hair and eyes that bordered on being green-hazel in color. "I'm fine, thank you."
"Then I will bid you, adieu.” The stranger went on his way, though he gave her a second glance.
It took Arianna a few seconds to collect herself before she went inside to greet General Jackson. She knew the commotion had not escaped him.
"Would I be presumptuous to ask who that man was?" Arianna inquired as she turned to look out the window at the man one more time.
"No, not at all. The man is Jean Lafitte."
"The pirate?” Arianna spun around.
Jackson chuckled. "So, you have heard of him. Though, he being a pirate is a matter of opinion. Mr. Lafitte would deny any claim of such a title with his life. He thinks of himself as a… well, shall we say a businessman. Do you know much about him, Mrs. Buchanan? Is he another one of your men of history?" he teased.
"He is. Did he come to offer his services to you?"
Jackson frowned. "The man did indeed, but I sent him on his way."
"You might want to reconsider. Though he is a pirate, he is first a gentleman. His word can be trusted. The British officers by now should have tempted him with a pardon and financial rewards to help them attack New Orleans. You don’t want that to happen. We need him on our side."
"I'm afraid I may have spurned the man. He will not approach me a second time."
"You must find a way to meet with him again. He is vital for your fight against the British."
Jackson rubbed his chin as if contemplating over what she proposed. “To work with a well-known pirate and trust him… this is a lot to ask, but again you seem to know more about this war than I do. I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you."
"Now, Mrs. Buchanan, what do I owe the pleasure of your company?” He walked her back to his makeshift desk and offered her a seat.
"I have a favor to ask of you."
"Oh.” Jackson didn’t hide his surprise. "Go on."
"My husband and I have a dear friend who seems to have gotten himself into a bit of trouble with the law. He is a good man and we would like to see he has a second chance."
"What has this man done?"
"Have you heard of the Highland Pirate?"
"Ah yes. Seems to have frightened many captains into thinking he's a phantom of sorts."
She gave him a wry smile. "Yes, something like that. Would it be possible for you to see if a Letter of Marque could be granted to this pirate?"
“Hmm. This friend has stepped over the bounds. He has attacked a Spanish frigate just recently. Am I not right?”
Arianna nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. If Jackson refused to help, Keldon would always have a price on his head.
Jackson sighed. "I am personally pleased he decided on a Spanish ship to attack, but others will not see it that way. When the Highland Pirate took ships for his own personal gains, it was considered an injustice that was set against the United States of America."
"He’s never attacked American ships and he has always brought the goods he acquired to American soil. So as I see it, the Highland Pirate has worked for his country and his fellow Americans."
She watched his lips twitched as he fought not to smile. He pretended to contemplate over her dilemma, but she had the feeling he already knew what course of action he would take.
"I will send word personally to President Madison in this pirate's behalf. You do know I will have to have his true name.”
“Yes, of course …”
He held up his hand obviously realizing her hesitation. “You don’t need to give it to me now. Let me see what can be done. If the charges are dropped, the letter will state the Highland Pirate had the right from the beginning to be an American privateer."
“Thank you. May I hope when the Highland Pirate is cleared of charges, his men will be also?”
“Well of course.”
“Wonderful.” This meant Vincent Aubrey would also be in the clear and would be free to marry Bernadette.
“Is there another friend you are worried about?” Jackson lifted his eyebrows.
“Yes, and having his name cleared will make it possible for him to marry a woman whom he holds dear.”
“Well then I wish him luck, also.”
Arianna stood, as did the general. "Thank you.” Even though Jackson didn’t say he knew the Highland Pirate’s identity, Arianna suspected he did.
"Again, my dear it has been a pleasure.” Jackson nodded.
"And mine.” Arianna was at the door when the general asked her one more question, confirming her suspicions.
"I hope your husband appreciates you?"
Arianna turned and smiled at him. "Yes, he does and the feeling is quite mutual."
****
Keldon carried in their luggage they had acquired in New Orleans, while Arianna told Maeve about her adventure. They were so thrilled to see each other that they couldn’t stop talking.
Keldon shook his head. If he didn't see it with his own eyes, he would have never believed his wife would befriend one of the slaves, yet there she was as though Maeve was her best friend. “Friends,” he said beneath his breath. The word popped into his head, but it rang true. Arianna thought of Maeve as her friend. He smiled. He knew they were heading outside to the kitchen. He’d let the women have time alone and he would check on other matters.
Sally Mae squealed in delight when she saw her mistress had returned. Arianna opened her arms and Sally Mae immediately ran to her, hugging her waist.
"We missed you somethin' fierce."
"I missed you, too, little one.” Arianna said kissing the top of the little girl’s head before she released her.
Oni's eyes misted with tears and she too hugged Arianna with her large warm arms. "Glad you’s home, Miss Arianna. Weren't de same without you."
"Well, it wasn't the same without you, either. I missed your good cooking, too."
"Well's, I best be fixin' you somethin' then.” She hurried over to her worktable to finish preparing the meal.
Then Sophie came rushing in, carrying Elijah. "They were right. You come back, Miss Arianna.” Her smiled broaden as Arianna returned her greeting.
"How's that baby doing?"
"Most fine."
Arianna held out her index finger for the chubby little infant to grab. "May I hold him?"
"Shor’ thing, Miss Arianna.” Sophie gladly handed over her child.
"He's grown so big. And how is Thaddeus?"
"He's proud as any father kin be."
"I have something I want to share with all of you. I'm going to have a baby, too.” Everyone at once started talking, offering congratulations.
Arianna smiled but when her gaze met Maeve’s it faltered. She needed to speak to Maeve and in private. Arianna handed Elijah back to his mother. “We’ll talk later. I have so much I want to tell you, but I still need to unpack.” She looked over to Maeve. “Would you mind helping?”
“Shor’ thing.”
Arianna breathed a sigh of relief when she found Keldon wasn’t in the bedroom. She shut the door and turned to face Maeve.
“Whuts eatin’ you chile?”
“Maeve, where do I begin?” She paced the room as she spoke. “No matter how I want to run away from my past, it just keeps haunting me.”
“Whut does?”
“I’ll just come right out and say it. I had an affair with Nicholas Sherborn. I don’t remember being with him but I can see no reason why he’d lie to me. We obviously slept together, but I assure you it is over between us. Anyway…” She took a deep breath and faced Maeve. “But here’s the problem. You see, I don’t remember when my last time of the month was, so I have no way of knowing whose child I do carry
."
Maeve shook her head sadly. “You still not comes ter terms with your new life. Dear, dear, Miss Arianna. How hard it must be ter not know. You must open your heart and accept whut wuz freely given ter you."
"I don't understand."
"I will say it as I know it, but I kin see you ain't goin's ter believe me.” Maeve sighed. "You have ter trust yourself. Shor’ly you know whose chile you carry, ef you allows yourself ter believe. Miss Annabelle wud never have a babe grow in her belly, especially ef it wuz Mist' Keldon's. I know dis fer a fact.” Maeve brushed a strand of Arianna’s hair away from her eyes. "Your chile will have Buchanan blood runnin' through its veins."
Arianna knew Maeve harbored the fantasy that she was another person, but how could she be? Even if it were possible and somehow she’d switched places with Annabelle Buchanan, where did Annabelle go? Wouldn't this mean she was now living her life?
Arianna shook her head. No matter how much she wanted to believe Maeve, she couldn't. The idea she suggested was impossible.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
After three weeks of bad weather, horrible food and company, which was less than desirable, Leighton and the others arrived back at Blue Run.
Arianna did her best to stay out of Leighton’s way, since his unpleasant looks made her feel uncomfortable. However, she was thrilled to see Vincent and Bernadette. She immediately invited them to have dinner at the house.
"I have missed your company, Arianna. How do you fair?" Vincent asked. “Pregnancy definitely has agreed with you. You appear to be the picture of good health. I take it your stomach does not ail you nearly as much.”
“The morning sickness happens rarely now," she told him as they walked down the hall.
"Oh, I am so glad to hear this.”
Arianna turned to Bernadette, dressed in her baggy clothing. Some things apparently never changed. "And how are you doing?"
“I... uh... good, thank you," Bernadette answered in English, surprising Arianna.
"You understood me?"
Bernadette nodded. "Vincent teach me the English.” She looked at him and smiled, warmly.
Arianna raised an eyebrow and he sheepishly gave her a shrug. “It was something to pass the time. Where is Keldon keeping himself?" he inquired clearly eager to change the subject.
"He'll be along soon. He was checking on our overseer. He seems to have been mistreating some of our workers, yet again.”
They entered the room and Sally Mae jumped and sprinted away from the harpsichord. "Sorry Miss Arianna. I wuz jest cleanin’.” The little girl stammered her gazing shifting uneasily to Vincent then to Bernadette.
Arianna knew the child was fascinated with the harpsichord. “Sally Mae it's quite all right. I told you already, you may play the harpsichord anytime you wish.” Arianna turned to Vincent and Bernadette. "I’m teaching Sally Mae how to play. She's very talented, too."
"You taught her?” Vincent eyes widened with disbelief. “The girl’s a slave. No?”
"Please don't tell me I have misjudged you. I thought of you as a fair man.”
Vincent put his hands up as if to fend off her verbal assault. "Arianna, please let me explain. I was only surprised, not that I disapproved. Pardon me, but I have never believed in the institution of owning another human, but it seems the South does not hold my opinion."
She felt the heat rise in her cheeks. “I’m finally seeing my own folly. I'm sorry I jumped down your throat."
He chuckled. "Jump down my throat? I have never heard it put quite that way.”
"I meant I apologize and to make up for it, we'll play you a piece that I have been teaching Sally Mae.” She looked at the little girl. "Are you ready to have an audience?” Sally Mae nodded and took her seat and Arianna sat down beside her.
The little girl nervously chewed on her lower lip.
"You can do it,” Arianna encouraged. “We've practiced this a hundred times."
Sally Mae stumbled over the piece at first, but gained confidence as she heard Arianna singing the haunting words.
After dealing with the bothersome Rafferty, Keldon had been in a sour mood, but when he heard Arianna’s lilting voice, the tension seemed to melt away. She sang his favorite song. At first, he wondered how she came to know it, but now it seemed the melody had always been a part of her... a part of them. He stepped in the drawing room and his deep voice joined hers.
No one missed the devotion in their eyes as they sang the unforgettable melody in perfect harmony.
The song ended and Vincent and Bernadette clapped their hands.
"That was superb!” Vincent bowed to Sally Mae. "You my dear are most talented.”
Sally Mae giggled and put her hand over her mouth.
Vincent looked at his two friends. "You two make beautiful music together. It is as though your voices were meant to blend into one.”
Sally Mae stood and excused herself to find out if dinner was almost ready.
Keldon kept his attention on his wife, but he directed his question to Vincent. "Is everything taken care of at Willow Bend?"
“The deliveries went without a hitch. Though, we all had to put up with Leighton’s bad temper."
Keldon nodded. "Aye. He’s been in a sour mood of late. Maybe I should put in a word?”
“Leighton is Leighton. We kept clear of him while he was sober. I tell you, the men were trying to force grog down him every night.” Vincent chuckled.
“And what of the other matter?" Keldon asked.
"The frigate was stripped and being careened as we speak. When we’re finished with her, no one will ever know she belonged to the Spanish.”
"Dinner is served," Maeve announced at the door.
"Thank you, Maeve," Arianna replied.
"Oni made your favorite dish," she added, smiling.
Arianna clasped her hands in girlish delight. "She made the trout fillet coated in milk and fried with butter?"
"Yes'm."
"Did she add the almonds?"
"She did jest dat."
"My mouth is already watering.” Vincent chuckled.
"You'll have to be excusin’ my wife,” Keldon said. “She thinks of nothin’ but the next meal. I doonae ken how she's still so thin."
Arianna nudged Keldon. "Don't tease me.” She looked down at her disappearing waistline.
"I wouldnae think of it. Come on, dear. Let us proceed to the dinning room before ye have Vincent drooling at the mouth.
The dinner Oni prepared was indeed wonderful. Arianna savored every buttery mouthful.
Vincent entertained them with old family stories of what they were in store for when their child was born. He had them laughing so hard that there were tears in their eyes.
"Where do your sisters live?" Arianna asked.
"Four still live in France. I don't see them much, but we do write, or rather they write me. I am terrible about correspondence; however, my family is always in my thoughts. My sister, Chantal and her husband Gerard live near New Orleans. Chantal had her first baby last spring. She’s a beautiful little girl with the rosiest cheeks. Chantal just wrote me saying Gerard’s mother was planning to visit and I should make a special effort to join them, a family reunion of sorts. I’ll have to see what I can do."
"You sound close to your family.” Arianna leaned forward enjoying the stories Vincent told.
"Oui, I am. They mean everything to me."
"Then why is it that you have not settled down yourself?” The minute she said this, she wished she could have bitten her tongue off for being so insensitive. Poor Bernadette looked like she wanted to cry.
"Ah, but it is not so simple.” He tried to make light of her question. “The woman who would meet my every need is already married to my best friend, unless he wishes to part with her.” Vincent looked questionably at Keldon.
"Watch it my friend or ye may verra weel be sorry," he warned good-heartily.
Vincent sighed and looked at Arianna once again. "So you see, I must pine
away for you then."
"Vincent you are incorrigible. Has anyone ever told you this before?"
"Most often, merci.”
Arianna wasn’t immune to Bernadette’s feelings and her heart went out to her when she saw how Vincent’s casual words had wounded her. Obviously, nothing had changed between her two friends. She had hoped that Vincent's attention toward Bernadette meant he had decided to court her. Didn’t the man realize the torture he bestowed on the poor woman?
Bernadette was pretty, with her wavy light brown hair and light golden brown eyes, but she dressed as though she was ready to hoist a long boat into the water and sail away. This had to change. Bernadette needed a makeover. She needed a woman’s wardrobe to show off her slim figure and a hairdo to flatter her petite features.
A slow smile spread across her face. Vincent was attracted to the street urchin, transforming her into a lady would cause him to lose what little self-control he still possessed. They wouldn’t be playing fair, but if this was the only way to make Vincent lower his guard, then so be it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Vincent and Bernadette would be their guests for only another day. They’d have to work fast if they were going to shake Vincent up a bit. Maeve volunteered to help with the process. They ushered Bernadette into Arianna's old room and locked the door behind them.
"I not know this good idea," Bernadette kept saying, but Arianna was determined.
"Trust me. Men are sometimes very slow to realize what is good for them. All we have to do is make Vincent notice you in a different light."
"He sees me. No?"
Maeve led Bernadette to the chair as she spoke. "He sees you as someone he needs ter protect. You need ter let him see you as a woman dat knows whut she wants.” Maeve pointed to her outfit.
Bernadette blushed. "I no have purdy dresses."
"But I do,” Arianna offered. "I want you to feel free to use any of them until we have a chance to have your own gowns made."
Bernadette didn't know what to say. She never had so many people fuss over her. Bernadette wanted Vincent to look upon her with devotion, but doubted the possibility. He cared for her, but he kept his affection restrained, leaving her frustrated and lonely. She had tried everything short of throwing herself at his feet. She looked at Arianna. Could she really make her wish come true. Tears stung her eyes and she brushed them away.
Karen Michelle Nutt Page 20
